NEWS

John Lange John Lange

2024 South Bay Elementary League Recap

On Friday, November 15, 2024, Beat The Streets Bay Area hosted an unforgettable capstone event for our Evergreen Elementary School District programming — and what an incredible celebration it was! The gym at LeyVa Middle School buzzed with excitement as 93 young wrestlers stepped onto the mat to showcase everything they’ve learned through weeks of dedication, determination, and hard work.

The energy in the room was electric, with cheers echoing from every corner as over 102 thrilling matches unfolded before an enthusiastic crowd. From impressive takedowns to awe-inspiring displays of sportsmanship, the level of wrestling on display was truly outstanding.

Students from Evergreen, Holly Oak, Katherine Smith, and OB Whaley elementary schools brought their A-game, proving that they’ve not only embraced the fundamentals of wrestling but also the grit and passion that define the sport. Our amazing coaches went above and beyond to instill the values of perseverance, discipline, and teamwork, ensuring that every participant left the mat a champion in their own right.

While not every hand was raised in victory, the lessons these students learned go far beyond the final score. They’ve gained resilience, confidence, and the drive to keep pushing forward — both on and off the mat.

We at Beat The Streets Bay Area couldn’t be prouder of these incredible young athletes and the South Bay program. This event was a true testament to the power of community and sport. We can’t wait to do it all again next year!

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John Lange John Lange

November Update

Seasons Are Changing

Two Competitions Down, Two to Go!

November 1st marked our second competition night for the Evergreen Elementary League.  It featured mat wrestling only and was filled with exciting action.  

The competition was done in Dual Meet style and featured the following match-ups:

  • Evergreen Elementary / Katherine Smith Elementary (Pictured together)

  • O.B. Whaley Elementary (Navy shirts) / Holly Oak Elementary (Yellow shirts)

There are two competitions left in the season.  This Friday, 11/8, will feature full matches in Dual Meet style.  Next Friday, 11/15, we will hold our capstone event at Leyva Middle School.  The capstone, League Championship, will be a tournament style event on three mats.  Please consider joining us, action starts at 3:00pm.  If you are unable to make it, be sure to follow our social media for updates.

Message from the desk of the Executive Director

Hello Friends and Supporters,

As we wrap up our Fall Programming season at The Evergreen Elementary Schools, we're excited to set our sights on the seasons ahead!

The first is the season of giving—a time that holds special importance for an organization like Beat The Streets Bay Area. Your generous support empowers the young people we work with, making a profound difference in their lives. This season, we invite you to give in a way that feels meaningful to you. Whether through coaching, volunteering, spreading our message, or offering financial support, every contribution directly impacts the youth we serve in the Bay Area.

The second season is our upcoming Winter Programming in Oakland. We’re thrilled to be launching our pilot community center program in partnership with The Oakland Housing Authority. This program, based at The Campbell Village Community Center, will allow us to connect with more youth right in their neighborhood. This exciting step brings us closer to fulfilling our mission of empowering youth through the sport of wrestling.

To make these initiatives a success, we need your continued support. Here’s how you can help:

  1. Visit our website to learn more about our programs and upcoming initiatives.

  2. Follow us on social media to stay updated and share our story with your networks.

  3. Reach out directly by emailing me at jlange@btsba.org – I’d love to connect and discuss how you can get involved!

Thank you for being an essential part of our community and for helping us build brighter futures for students in Beat The Streets Bay Area programs.

With heartfelt gratitude,

John

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