Celebrating Milestones and Teamwork in the Evergreen School District!

“Getting Fit Through Wrestling”

OB Whaley’s “Getting Fit through Wrestling” 2024 Class

As we move further into the Spring, we are thrilled to share the amazing achievements and collaborations currently unfolding in the Evergreen School District in San Jose.

Sergio Hernandez, coordinator, coach and founder of EESD Youth Wrestling program and head coach and teacher at Holly Oak Elementary School, recently spearheaded a 5 week-program "Getting Fit Through Wrestling" at O.B. Whaley Elementary School for grades 4-6th. With the support of OB Whaley teacher, assistant coach and ambassador, Ramon Bonilla, this program engaged 32 students weekly, providing them with essential knowledge and practices for leading a healthy lifestyle through wrestling. Notably, this initiative marks one of the first programs of its kind at O.B. Whaley Elementary School in San Jose.

O.B Whaley’s New FlexiMat!

Recognizing the potential for expanding wrestling in EESD, Coach Hernandez collaborated closely with O.B. Whaley’s principal, Gina Ornellas, to encourage the growth of a new wrestling team, expanding our BTSBA South Bay Elementary School League for the Fall 2024.

However, the high costs that occur with wrestling mats became a concern for O.B. Whaley, needing their own mat to consider creating a new wrestling team in the fall. That didn’t bar Coach Hernandez from reaching out to EESD administrators to find funds for an O.B. Whaley mat.

After contacting assistant superintendent Deborah Ashmore, Coach Hernandez emphasized the importance of BTSBA’s partnership with EESD as vital support and a driving force behind the expansion of wrestling, given our focus on enhancing self-confidence, motivation, and physical well-being among our youth.

Superintendent Ashmore assisted Coach Hernandez in successfully securing funding for a brand-new wrestling mat for O.B. Whaley, paving the way for their future participation in the upcoming Beat the Streets Bay Area fall season in the South Bay.

During the ordering process, David Torres, at Dollamur Sport Surfaces, was kind to show support for this initiative and growth and provided a discount for the O.B. Whaley mat, while facilitating the process of securing and ordering the mat. Thanks to the teamwork of Coach Hernandez, Principal Ornellas, Superintendent Ashmore, and Torres at Dollamur O.B Whaley officially has a brand new FlexiMat ordered!

OB Whaley’s New Mat Design

This is the submitted design for a brand new FlexiMat, featuring O.B. Whaley’s whale mascot to represent the school and the future students who will partake in wrestling.

O.B. Whaley’s Assembly with Coach Sergio and BTSBA

Last Thursday (3/28/24), O.B. Whaley held a special assembly to express gratitude to the Superintendent Ashmore, Principal Ornellas, Coach Hernandez, Assistant Coach Bonilla, and Beat the Streets Bay Area for their invaluable support and collaboration in promoting wrestling in Evergreen School District. Our Executive Director, John Lange, conveyed words of appreciation, encouragement, and excitement, reaffirming our commitment to supporting the growth of wrestling within EESD elementary schools.

None of these remarkable achievements would have been possible without the dedication of exceptional coaches and administrators. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Coach Hernandez and Bonilla, O.B. Whaley staff, and the Evergreen School District for providing us with the opportunity to continue nurturing and expanding the sport of wrestling in the South Bay, one school at a time.

Video Recap of “Getting Fit Through Wrestling”

As Coach Hernandez continues to offer “Getting Fit through Wrestling” this month for grades 1-3 at Holly Oak and Katherine Smith, with OB Whaley scheduled for next year, we are eagerly anticipating the growth and success of O.B. Whaley as a new team in our upcoming fall season.

Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication to empowering youth through wrestling.

Executive Director’s Note 3/18

Dear Supporters of Beat The Streets Bay Area,

We're gearing up for an exciting time as we kick off our 2024 Spring Season in collaboration with the Oakland Athletic League. As champions of our mission to support underserved youth in the Bay Area, our focus shifts to middle school wrestling in Oakland. This year, we're thrilled to be working with seven schools within the Oakland Unified School District. Starting this week, dedicated coaches will be guiding students from Madison Park Academy, Edna Brewer, Bret Harte, Westlake, Elmhurst, and Roosevelt Middle Schools. The program will run until May 18th, culminating in the OAL Championship tournament. Throughout the season, students will engage in two to three practices a week, emphasizing wrestling skills and character development. Four separate match nights will lead up to the championship Saturday. If you're interested in supporting our mission or simply want to watch the action, reach out to us at info@btsba.org.

As I complete my two-month mark as Executive Director, we've identified areas for improvement to better serve our participants. The BTS Bay Area team is diligently working to enhance all facets of the organization and advance our mission. There's a contagious energy within our ranks, and we're eager to spread the word. I encourage you to join us in supporting the development of Bay Area youth. Whether through monetary donations, volunteering, or advocacy, there are countless ways to get involved. For more information, please visit our website at www.btsbayarea.org.

Save the date for June 7, 2024, as we host our annual celebration in San Francisco featuring a night of comedy with Greg Warren. Stay tuned for further details in the coming weeks. I look forward to seeing many of you there for a night of laughter and camaraderie.

Stay updated on our Spring Programming through our social media platforms. If you're not already following us, please do so. Should you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out and say hello.

Leading through service,

John Lange

Executive Director

Beat The Streets Bay Area