Coming out of Child’s Middle School, going to South Philly High, I was looking forward to the all new opportunities I would have. As a freshman I wanted to play a sport that all of my friends could do together. We all decided on wrestling. Preseason was a challenge for my friends. They all quit, but I stuck with it it. Every practice I grew to love wrestling more and more. This was my sport.
Regular season was the toughest thing I’ve ever done. I had some pretty memorable matches. As the season came to an end, I ended up losing my last match. Although I was disappointed, it was still a fun ride. I had so much support from my coaches. They pushed me both mentally and physically to be the best I could. I even got help academically from Beat the Streets mentoring program. There is a wrestler on my team named, Miles Lee. He is a role model to me because of where he is a wrestler and how hard he works. Where he is, I want to be. Next season I’m going to give it my all and make everyone remember my name, Dawud Faruqui. Whatever happens, I’m going to leave it all on the mat.
Author: BTSPhilly
Edwin Morales and Miles Lee make PPL history on the road Hershey
Edwin Morales of Mariana Bracetti Academy and Miles Lee of South Philadelphia High School made history by becoming the 3rd and 4th wrestlers from the public league to advance to the PIAA AAA State Wrestling Championships.
Edwin and Miles, competing at 170lbs and 195lbs, respectively, were both 1st in the D12 PPL Sectional Championship, 1st in the D12 District Championship, and finalists in the PIAA AAA NE Regional Tournament. This finish earned them both a trip to the State Tournament in Hershey.
In his first and second matches at the regional tournament, Edwin pinned his opponents in 1:52 and 3:23, respectively. In the semis, he won via a strong decision 8-2 to reach the finals, where he lost 23-11 to a wrestler from Bethlehem Catholic.
Miles received a bye to the quarterfinals, where he won via major decision of 13-5. In his second match, he won by another major decision of 17-9. He lost in the finals to the 2015 state runner up from Stroudsburg 15-0. This was Miles first loss of the season and it was the first time someone took the first year wrestler down all year!
Both wrestlers hold impressive 2016 records going into the state tournament. Edwin now holds a record of 36-4, and Miles’ record is 26-1. These wrestlers are two of the hardest working individuals in Philadelphia, and it shows that all of the hard work has given them the opportunity to compete for a state title.
BTSP Hosts Philadelphia Youth Wrestling Day
Beat the Streets Philadelphia recently hosted our 4th Annual Philadelphia Youth Wrestling Day at South Philadelphia HS. This event includes wrestlers from all of our youth programs and involved a record number of participants. There were over 400 total participants from 13 programs that competed in a novice, advanced or girls division. The event is structured to both highlight the effort of our participants and to challenge more experienced wrestlers as they become more involved with our programs.
The competition has improved each year as more participants gain experience and the advanced division features many wrestlers that have been with our programs for up to 6 years. For our novice competitors the event provides a way to be exposed to competition without feeling overwhelmed and in a manner that each participant is recognized for their performance with a medal. Overall it provides a great opportunity for their families and the community to witness their improvement and skill.
The Girls Division, in it’s second year, featured girls from all of our programs and specifically from 4 sites that feature girls only training opportunities. This year the event and training throughout the year focused on Freestyle, the Olympic Style of completion and the format that girls currently use while competing in college. This change is focused in creating an environment where girls gain the skills and confidence that will make consideration of participation on the collegiate level possible.
The event was a huge success again this year and although it marks the end of the wrestling season for some of our participants, many will continue to wrestle through our off-season training locations. Many thanks to the wonderful staff at South Philadelphia High School for being a tremendous host and for the competitors that showed both skill and sportsmanship throughout the day.
Philadelphia Wrestlers Earn Postseason Success
High School student-athletes throughout the city have been training hard all season in preparation for the postseason. Many have put in countless hours throughout the year with their coaches and that time has resulted in new levels of success for teams and individuals sponsored by Beat the Streets Philadelphia (BTSP). Although wins and losses are clearly not the priority of our staff and coaches, they are a by-product of the mentality that our coaches promote on a consistent basis. Each year since BTSP was founded our student-athletes have achieved more success against more established and historically successful schools and communities. In our first year of existence we had very few students that qualified for the regional tournament and this year alone 33 wrestlers from the Philadelphia Public League will be moving onto the regional tournament. This success on the mat runs parallel with the increase in graduation and college admittance rates of the students we sponsor and provides a small yet tangible indication of the collective progress that has been made.
The Philadelphia Inquirer recently had an article regarding this success and you can view that with this link. –
Philadelphia Inquirer Article on Postseason Success
Tatyana Ortiz Becomes 1st Ever Female District XII Qualfier
Tatyana Ortiz, a freshman wrestler at Mariana Bracetti Academy, recently became the first ever female wrestler to qualify for the PIAA District XII tournament while competing against boys. It was no surprise to her coaches because she consistently has demonstrated the willingness to work extremely hard both on and off the mat. She has also recently joined our mentoring program and our staff along with her mentor are working hard to ensure she is able to transfer this approach into the classroom. We are extremely proud of Tatyana’s accomplishment and are excited to watch her realize her full potential both on and off the mat.
You can check out local coverage of her story through the following links:
Philadelphia Inquirer Artcile
Fox29 Good Day Video
Martin Luther King hosts third annual Cougar Duals
Beat the Streets Philadelphia was proud to be a part of the third annual Cougar Duals. Martin Luther King High School hosted 16 teams from 8 different districts, including some of the best wrestling in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Each team was guaranteed 4 matches on the day. Malvern Prep walked away with the championship by defeating Camden, Twin Valley, Marple Newtown, and West Chester Henderson. Rival district 12 St. Joseph’s Prep finished 3rd beating Marple Newtown in the consolation finals 41-15. Host Martin Luther King finished 8th out of 16 teams, beating Springside Chestnut Hill Academy in the first round 36-35 before being edged by Marple Newtown 41-37. MLK finished the tournament by falling to Twin Valley and Daniel Boone. Craig Duren (170 lbs) went undefeated on the day while DeAndre Maxwell (182/195 lbs) and Isaiah Webb (120 lbs) both went 3-1.
Martin Luther King wrestlers have had ups and downs all season but they continue to make significant progress on and off the mat. By hosting tournaments and events like the Cougar Duals they are continuing to build support and a fan base for wrestling in the city. Beat the Streets would like to thank coach Dom Castelli and Martin Luther King High School for hosting this event!
My story- Safee
My name is Safee and wrestling has helped me be successful in all areas of life. Wrestling has helped me become a harder worker. Before I used to act up in class and not do my work. Because of wrestling I work hard and I have become a role model by completing all of my work. I started to pick up my grades and improve my behavior because I knew it was necessary for me to wrestle. For example, if I had a D or below then I am not allowed to wrestle. Wrestling has shown me the benefits of good grades because when you apply for high school they will look for students with good grades.
Beat The Streets Philadelphia helps my school, Belmont Charter School, by giving us wrestling gear. I like wrestling because it can take me far in life and can helps me gain a lot of friends. During the wrestling meets I like to see other people wrestle. Wrestling was not really my favorite sport until I tried harder in my training and in my matches, but then I started to love it. I am going to keep wrestling until I have to retire.
Thank you Beat The Streets Coaches and Teachers!
BTS Philadelphia Hosts Most Successful Annual Benefit to Date
On Thursday January 28th, Beat the Streets Philadelphia (BTSP) hosted its’ 5th Annual Benefit in the heart of New York City’s meatpacking district. Hundreds of supporters gathered at STK-Downtown to bid on items at our silent auction, participate in card games and to help raise meaningful support aimed at altering the life trajectory of young student-athletes in our programs.
Throughout the evening, BTSP donors bid on a number of highly-coveted sports memorabilia items and experiences that were generously provided by many of our donors. With close to 60 prizes won, attendees outbid each other throughout the evening in hopes of securing the items. The guests were also entertained with live music on the new rooftop lounge by Bryen O’Boyle adding to the overall excitement of the event. As a former wrestler and teacher, Bryen’s involvement plays a big role in making the event so enjoyable for our guests.
In addition to participation in the silent auction, guests also had an opportunity to compete in the poker tournament taking place on the third floor. This year, close to 175 guests competed in the 2016 BTSP Poker Tournament and many of the guests brought a ton of energy to the game. Our special guest, FOX Sports field reporter and former NFL defensive tackle Tony Siragusa, battled throughout the evening and ultimately came away with the grand prize which included an official Beat the Streets Championship Belt and a beautiful Breitling watch donated by Govberg Jewelers.
BTS Chairman Clinton Matter took time during the tournament to directly thank the guests for their support and to highlight some of the accomplishments achieved over the previous year and some of the individuals that have made those possible. Mr. Matter was clear in his message that every decision made by the BTSP leadership is intended to Alter the Life Trajectory of our participants and everything we do is made possible by the generous support of our donors.
Following his remarks, Mr. Matter introduced the aforementioned Tony Siragusa, who was gracious enough to again rally support for BTSP and our effort to use wrestling and mentoring to alter the life trajectory of our participants. He promoted several items included in our Silent Auction and helped raise meaningful support as a result of this effort.
This was our most successful Annual Benefit to date and we are thankful for everyone that supported the event in a variety of ways. The support of our donors has been nothing short of amazing and ultimately has a direct impact on all of the youth in our programs. Through the continued expansion of our mentoring center and access to the sport of wrestling throughout the Philadelphia region, Beat the Streets Philadelphia will continue to strive to fulfill our mission of “Altering the Life Trajectory” of youth in our programs.
About Beat the Streets
Beat the Streets Philly is a good group of people because they help you raise your grades. For example, if you got a low grade they will help you bring it up. Good grades are important to me because it shows how much effort I put into my work.
Also, Beat the Streets helps you get into a good school. My friend Keith got into one of the best high schools in Philadelphia, Central Philadelphia High School with the help of Beat the Streets. One day I’m going to be in one of the best high schools in Philadelphia.
The reason I got into wrestling is because my coach, Mr. McCabe told me to try out wrestling so I tried and I liked it. They pay for every thing like gear, shoes, and traveling. In my first year I was a good wrestler and the more I wrestled the better I got. I made it to state tournament because my coaches helped me get there. And this year I am going to try to get there again. A goal I have is winning a state championship. To get there I need to work hard everyday.
THANK YOU TO ALL MY COACHES AND TEACHERS
LOVE,
YASIRE BROOKS
The College Search
Since the summer, I have been applying to colleges. It has definitely been difficult trying to figure out; where I want to go, what I want to do, and how to do it. I was even a bit confused on how to search, apply, and even what to turn in. Beat the Streets has been there the entire way to guide me where I needed the most guidance. They showed me the Common Application which apply to different colleges. From the essays to the deadlines, my mentors were there.
When I was applying to Drexel University on early decision, I had been so unorganized. I was half heartedly on the case. Canaan Bethea helped me prepare for the SATs and even helped with my essay. Also, Chris Chambers pushed me to get the application done. He took me on a visit to see the University to meet with a counselor to discuss my application. I had been lagging and he pushed me again and again to get the application completed. Without those two and the team at BTS, I do not know where I would be in the college application process.
Now I have been accepted to three college and plan on having more acceptances before I finalize my decision.
I am proud of this and am very thankful for BTS!