The New York City Wrestling Coaches from Youth to World Level were on hand at the 3rd Annual Beat the Streets Wrestling Awards Dinner at the New York Athletic Club listening to two of America's greatest leaders in their fields of endeavors. Mike Novogratz, Fortress Investment Group, Chairman of the Beat the Streets Wrestling Inc. and J. Robinson, Head Coach, University of Minnesota. Both men shared their life experiences and the role that wrestling played impacting their journeys to the top of their professions. The theme of both speeches was directed to the coaches who provide the passion inspiring young men and women to aspire doing great things in their lives.
Mike Novogratz
J. especially talked of his career and all the success he has had as a wrestler and a coach. When asked by a reporter, after winning the 2007 NCAA National Team Championships in Detroit, if this was going to be his legacy. J responded by stating "he thought his legacy to wrestling is what he does in the summer at his Intensive Wrestling Camps. For the past 30 years , J spends 60 days living in college dorm rooms during hot summer days with hundreds of kids from throughout the country teaching them the values of sacrifice, dedication and discipline by providing a roadmap for a successful life. He receives and treasures hundreds of letters, e-mails and correspondences from the wrestlers and parents thanking him for helping their sons learning life skills. His message to the Coaches was " Kids need to learn discipline, dedication , sacrifice and hard work developing a skill set that allows them to pursue success and persevere through challenge."
J. Robinson being JRob
The Dinner ended by honoring the Beat the Streets coaches for achievements with their respective teams. Chris Poli, Baruch MS , Lou DeStefano, Monsignor Farrell HS and Bob Gaudenzi, Hunter College as 2007 Coaches of the Year.
Bob Gaudenzi, Mike Novogratz, Lou DeStefano, J. Robinson
The season will close on Saturday with the final Wrestling Day with 12 new middle school teams participating in their first competitive event in the traditional Round Robin Takedown Tournament at IS 291, 239 Palmetto Street, Brooklyn, NY from 10am-1pm.
For more information regarding the tournament contact Mike Cigala at mcigalabts@yahoo.com.
Photos from the awards dinner are posted at http://www.beat-the-streets.com/gallery/btsawards07
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