BTSP Wrestlers to Compete in United in the Square Showcase

Beat the Streets Philadelphia is taking some of its top wrestlers to New York this Thursday to wrestle exhibition matches in the Beat the Streets New York, United in the Square showcase. The main event highlights members of the US National and Jr. National teams wrestling against members of the Iranian National teams. The BTS Philly wrestlers will be going head to head on the undercard against members from the New York and Baltimore chapters of Beat the Streets. Representing BTS Philly will be, 7^th grader Tiarra Andrews, a first year wrestler and honors student who is improving rapidly, 8^th grader and 2 time PJW state champ Angel Garcia, Jr. state qualifier Miles Lee, Sr. 2-time district champion Ronald Palmer, and Sr. state qualifier Edwin Morales. Their matches will be held in the middle of Times Square in front of thousands of spectators, wrestling fans and tourists alike. Edwin Morales, who is finishing up his Sr. Year at Mariana Bracetti Academy, can’t wait to wrestle on such a large stage. In particular, he’s looking forward to opening for Jordan Burroughs, the returning World and Olympic champion. “It’s an honor to compete on the same mat Burroughs is wrestling on. He’s a legend” Morales says. Edwin is also excited for the opportunity to wrestle outside; an experience he’s never had before. The match will take place under freestyle rules, which is slightly disappointing for Edwin whose preferred style is folk due to his ability to control a match with his top wrestling skills. Never the less, he is experienced and talented at freestyle as well, qualifying for freestyle states last weekend at the South Philadelphia High School regional qualifier. He will be taking on Simon Chee, a public school athletic league champion from the BTS NY program. The match will take place at 185, 15 pounds heavier than Edwin was wrestling during the school year. Edwin isn’t nervous though, he’s confident that he’s big enough to solidly fill into the weight class. At the end of the day, Edwin is thankful, and looking forward to having fun wrestling at an iconic venue in front of such a large crowd.  Edwin Hitting a 4 Point Throw. Photo By James Mangan. The event will be live streamed by Flowrestling, and will be available to watch with a paid subscription. The BTS exhibition matches begin at 3:45 eastern standard time, while the main event will start at 6:00. A gala will be held after the event for those who have made donations to the event.