New Program at Central Elementary in Allentown competes at Grace Hall

On Sunday February 8th, Beat the Streets Philadelphia sponsored programs from the PAL Wrestling Club and Central Elementary(Allentown) had a chance to compete in an exhibition at Lehigh University. Prior to the Mountain Hawks’ pair of afternoon Duals against Harvard University and Brown University, wrestlers of both PAL and Central experienced college wrestling in its’ finest form. Both programs were well-represented and showed great levels of support for their respective teams. Matches proved to be competitive throughout the event, with much support coming from teammates and parents alike. When asked about an event like this benefits PAL Wrestling Club, Head Coach Jim Mangan had this to say: "Central Elementary, Coached by 3x NCAA All-American, Jon Trenge, helped create a perfect environment for everyone involved. The sportsmanship and camaraderie between a club that has just started (Central Elementary), and a club with 33 years of history (PAL Wrestling CLUB) was outstanding. Both teams had the additional opportunity to stay in Grace Hall to watch Lehigh compete against Harvard and Brown. These prestigious Ivy League schools helped to connect the BTS mission statement and commitment to the Student Athlete dynamic. Parents, Coaches and Wrestlers proved that this sport is about much more than just wrestling!" In addition to competing in the famed Grace Hall, the kids were also encouraged to stay and root on the Lehigh as they competed against their Ivy League opponents. In addition to watching some of the most competitive college wrestling in the nation, the match between these programs also served as an opportunity to show the kids what it means to be a ‘student-athlete.’ By exposing these kids to such well-rounded individuals and introducing them to programs that truly value providing education in tandem with competition, this was an experience that truly embodies the mission of Beat the Streets Philadelphia.