Farrell Battles Way to 5th Straight NYC Mayor's Cup Wrestling Title

Farrell Battles Way to 5th Straight NYC Mayor's Cup Wrestling Title - Press Release PDF
Photos and Video (With more to come)

Farrell Battles Way to 5^th Straight NYC Mayor's Cup Wrestling Title
Public, private, and Catholic schools compete together in prestigious all-city competition

NEW YORK, New York (February 2^nd, 2011) –The 8^th Annual NYC Mayor's Cup tournament saw the best high school wrestlers in New York City clash on the mats at the 369^th Harlem Armory this past Saturday and Sunday. Fifteen boys and 10 girls won titles in the Varsity and Girls Divisions with Monsignor Farrell winning the overall team title ahead of runner-up Brooklyn Tech. This year's event was hosted by the Harlem Children's Zone and sponsored by the Metropolitan Wrestling Association, NYC & Company, and Beat the Streets Wrestling. Full results are available at www.beat-the-streets.org.

Beat The Streets (BTS) Chairman of the Board Mike Novogratz said, "It is extremely exciting to see true city champions crowned.  With almost 75 schools and one champ per weight class, the winners really accomplished something impressive. Congratulations to them."

This year's tournament set records for participation in both overall numbers and in the Girls Division. More than 400 boys competed in the Varsity Division with nearly 50 grapplers in the Girls. When adding the number of participants from the Middle School Dual Meet Tournament and last week's Novice and Varsity 'B' Divisions, over 1,000 student-athletes took part in the various Mayor's Cup wrestling competitions.

 "With the help and guidance of Beat the Streets, NYC public school wrestling has achieved impressive results in growing both the number of student-athletes wrestling and the quality of that wrestling," said Eric Goldstein, CEO of School Support Services for the NYC Department of Education. "The DOE recognizes that wrestling brings discipline, focus, and determination to our student-athletes and that these important skills carry over into the classroom, further preparing them for success beyond high school."

The Harlem Armory played host to the tournament for the fourth time, extending a valuable partnership for NYC wrestling. "Having it all in one location, under one roof makes it a legitimate city-wide tournament," said Volunteer of the Year Award namesake, John Welch.

BTS Chief Operating Officer Bill Crum agreed, saying, "It's very important for us, the tournament, and the kids to be able to utilize such a large facility with such an accommodating staff. They were absolutely great and we look forward to working with them again next year and beyond." Crum also wanted to give thanks to the Catholic and Independent schools for their participation and assistance. "Without them and their support, this kind of operation is not possible. We are very fortunate to have such good relationships with our friends in the NYC wrestling community."

BTS has been making strides in expanding participation amongst girls, and this year's Girls Division showed the fruits of that labor. Head girls coach Cheryl Wong said, "The fact that 50 girls wrestled today gives me hope that more and more girls are learning to walk confidently and stand up for themselves, facing and overcoming their fears on a daily basis. It's a big step in the right direction."

The following awards were given:

·         Setrak Agonian Award given to the highest-scoring team overall – Monsignor Farrell

·         Larry Cantor Award given to the highest-placing PSAL team – Brooklyn Tech

·         Bob McLaughlin Award given to the highest-placing Catholic School team – Monsignor Farrell

·         Jim Regan Award given to the highest-placing private school team – Horace Mann

·         John Welch Volunteer of the Year Award – Mark Miller

·         John Zulous Team Sportsmanship Award as chosen by the referees – Horace Mann

Individual Champions

Varsity Division

·         96 lbs – Josh Antoine, Grand Street Campus

·         103 lbs – Kevin Ramkishun, Brooklyn Tech

·         112 lbs – Keanu Thompson, Grand Street Campus

·         119 lbs – Abubakarr Sow, Brooklyn International

·         125 lbs – Tim McCann, Monsignor Farrell

·         130 lbs – Allen Cornelius, Hostos

·         135 lbs – Vincent Fischetti, Monsignor Farrell

·         140 lbs – Joe Francolino, Monsignor Farrell

·         145 lbs – Jorje Jimenez, Herbert H. Lehman

·         152 lbs – Mujeeb Ghafari, Curtis

·         160 lbs – Erik Derecktor, Horace Mann

·         171 lbs – Rrok Ndokaj, Monsignor Farrell

·         189 lbs – McZiggy Richards, Wingate

·         215 lbs – Patryk Kopczynski, Brooklyn Tech

·         285 lbs – Ryan Pearce, Poly Prep

Girls Division

·         96 lbs – Lissette Ruiz, Curtis

·         103 lbs – Nyasa Bakker, Wingate

·         112 lbs – Rosemary Flores, Curtis

·         119 lbs – Natalie Cortez, Wingate

·         125 lbs – Winnie Shen, Hunter College

·         130 lbs – Jennifer Saquipulla, Flushing

·         135 lbs – Madelyn Carranza, High School of Applied Communications

·         140 lbs – Lia Heintjes, Hunter College

·         152 lbs – Gabrielle Martucci, New Dorp

·         171 lbs – Tatiana Belances, High School of Applied Communications

About the Harlem Armory

Located in the heart of the community at 142nd and Fifth Avenue, the Harlem Armory was built in 1933 for the 369th Regiment because of their outstanding military valor. Known as the "Harlem Hellfighters," the unit owns a special place in American history. During World War I, the 369th Regiment was the first Black Regiment to fight World War I, although under French command due to American segregation policies.

About the Harlem Children's Zone

The Harlem Children's Zone is a community-based organization serving over 17,000 children living in a 100-city-block area in Harlem, NYC. HCZ has pioneered a new way to end the cycle of generational poverty. Their programs support each child from before birth all the way through college – bringing educated young adults back into their community to enrich it.

About the Metropolitan Wrestling Association

The Metropolitan Wrestling Association, founded in 1986, supports amateur wrestling causes in the New York City metropolitan area.  The MWA served as the competition management organization for the highly successful 2003 World Championships of Freestyle Wrestling, held at Madison Square Garden.  Under the current leadership of President John Welch, the MWA focuses on providing logistical and human resources for a number of events held each year in and around New York City.

About NYC & Company

NYC & Company is New York City's official marketing, tourism, and partnership organization. Our mission is to maximize travel and tourism opportunities throughout the five boroughs, build economic prosperity, and spread the dynamic image of New York City around the world. With the launch of major interactive initiatives—including nycgo.com and the Official NYC Information Center—NYC & Company becomes the ultimate resource for visitors and residents to find everything they need about what to do and see in New York City.

About Beat the Streets

Beat the Streets Wrestling, Inc. works directly with the New York City Department of Education in a public-private partnership to help New York City's student-athletes achieve their athletic and personal goals.  Through the operation of wrestling programs in middle and high schools in the five boroughs, BTS and the DOE provide a safe, positive atmosphere in which disadvantaged and at-risk youth can learn the essential life lessons of personal responsibility, physical fitness, education, and teamwork. The goal of fostering strong, dedicated, and optimistic kids is delivered through tutoring, after-school programs, mentoring, and coaching. More information can be found at www.beat-the-streets.org.

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