NEWS
Beat the Streets Bay Area Kicks Off “From the Bay to the Mat” Clinic Series at Stanford University
This past Saturday, October 4, Beat the Streets Bay Area kicked off its Free Clinic Series: From the Bay to the Mat with a memorable Beyond the Mat Clinic at Stanford University. The event brought together more than 45 young wrestlers from South Bay to Oakland, for a day of learning, reflection, and community.
The afternoon started with a tour of Stanford’s Home of Champions, where kids and families explored the facility and learned about the university’s great athletic history. For many South Bay participants, it was their first time stepping onto a college campus which is such an inspiring experience that set the tone for what followed.
Yero Washington, Executive Director of Beat the Streets LA and Bay Area, opened the day by sharing the mission behind Beyond the Mat: using wrestling to build confidence, character, and community. Stanford’s Jaden Abas, a Division I All-American and BTSBA leader, led the clinic, guiding participants through a series of drills and techniques focused on improving fundamentals, movement, and teamwork. Stanford wrestlers and several members of the Cardinal Wrestling Club volunteered throughout the session, demonstrating the strong and growing partnership between Stanford Wrestling and BTSBA.
In between drills, athletes took part in the Beyond the Mat Activity, reflecting on what wrestling and “beyond the mat” means to them. Their thoughtful responses centered around friendship, perseverance, and opportunity. It also gave participants the opportunity to connect and build community with the other wrestlers.
One participant earned the Beyond the Mat Award for a moving reflection on how wrestling introduced them to a community of mentors and friends, receiving new wrestling shoes, a gift card, and BTSBA apparel. Five other wrestlers were also recognized for their motivation, effort, and growth.
The clinic closed with a team huddle, an ending to a day that celebrated not only athletic skill, but also the connection and belonging that define the Beat the Streets Bay Area community.
Evergreen Students Bring the Energy: 2025 South Bay Elementary League Kicks Off!
Evergreen Elementary
Last week, Beat the Streets Bay Area partnered with the Evergreen School District to host four high-energy assemblies that brought wrestling to life for students across the community. Filled with laughter, movement, and lessons on focus, resilience, and confidence. These events kicked off the launch of the 2025 South Bay Elementary Wrestling League, signaling a new chapter for BTSBA and Evergreen.
To the Mat with Evergreen
Over 400 Students from Katherine Smith, Holly Oak, Evergreen, and OB Whaley Elementary Schools filled the gyms with excitement as BTSBA’s newest team member Jaden Abas led fun, interactive demonstrations. From Simon Says stance focus challenges to confidently shaking hands and even rhythm-inspired warm-ups, kids learned that wrestling isn’t just about competition—it’s about balance, community, and growth.
Building Life-Skills
The assemblies highlighted what wrestling can do for kids:
Focus: Encouraging students to pay attention to their homework or chores and stay locked in to the present moment
Resilience: Adopting a growth mindset and learning to get back up when life slams/suplexes you.
Confidence: Promoting courage to step on the mat by themselves and seek to adopt complex skill development, sparking increased pride and self-esteem.
Community: A chance to belong, grow, and support each other with friends.
Health: Emphasis on positive eating/hygiene habits taught in wrestling.
Announcing the 2025 South Bay Elementary Wrestling League
Beat the Streets Bay Area is proud to launch the 2025 South Bay Elementary Wrestling League in partnership with Evergreen School District.
Who: Grades 4–6 (ages 9–11)
Where: Katherine Smith, Holly Oak, Evergreen, and OB Whaley
Coaches: Tien Mai, Fabiola Gonzalez, Eleni Fakaosi, Sergio Hernandez
Practice Days: Monday, Tuesday, Friday
First Practice: Monday, September 22, 2025
Note: Each program is hosted at its respective school and is only open to students enrolled at that school.
A Movement Begins
The Evergreen assemblies were just the spark. As we launch the South Bay League, we’re building more than wrestling programs. Together, we’re building confidence, creating community, and shaping a Bay Area where young people flourish.
Congratulations to the 120+ students stepping onto the mat this fall.— see you on the mats!
“Young people will find their path if given the chance to walk it.”
Stay Connected
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Visit our website: btsbayarea.org
Want to get involved? Click here to see how! Or email info@btsba.org for more information.