Our Board

“I’ve seen the powerful impact that sports – and wrestling in particular – can have on someone’s life and personal confidence. And not just on the mat – the lessons learned by ‘betting on oneself’ bring perspective to our confidence, grit and determination to achieve success in life. This merger will enable BTSNE to bring those valuable teachings and the organization’s proven impact to at-risk youth across a much broader footprint of the Northeast; starting with Boston. At this time, these critical lessons have never been more important, so we could not be more excited to see this extended reach manifest itself in several incredible ways as these young wrestlers, boys and girls, learn and grow.”

“I [along with Billy Watterson] have envisioned this merger for so many years, that I can’t contain my excitement that it’s finally here. We knew back then what we know now – that we are stronger together than when we are divided. I am excited about the greater impact that we can have to serve young people in cities across New England to become their better selves through the sport of wrestling.” In 10 years, I hope we’re everywhere. There’s lots of potential for where this will go. I can also imagine that BTS alumni are driving this: board members, executive staff, coaches etc. I want them to show the community the example of what this program can provide. Where they can say, “‘just look at me. I’m an example of what’s possible.’”

“After years of close collaboration and partnership, I couldn’t be more excited for our two organizations to merge. We are stronger together and there is a bright future for wrestling in New England and for our kids.”

“With the creation of Beat the Streets New England, two proven organizations will pool their talents and resources to expand their outreach and further its shared mission – to improve the lives of at-risk youth through the discipline of wrestling.”

“Wrestling builds character like nothing else. In the years to come, BTSNE will offer this enriching experience to thousands of young people who otherwise would not have had it available to them. Incredible!”

“Dan Gable, one of the greatest wrestlers and coaches of all-time, said it best “Once you’ve wrestled, everything in life is easy.” The life skills that I learned on the wrestling mat are directly applicable to the business environment. I owe a great debt to the sport of wrestling and working with Beat the Streets New England is my way of paying it forward positively impacting youth across New England.”

“The merger between Boston and Providence will positively impact many more students’ lives for the better – pure and simple. With this collaboration, the depth and strength of our programs will grow exponentially throughout New England. United we are much greater than the sum of our parts, and, as a result, countless kids will benefit through the sport of wrestling on the mat, in the classroom, and in life.”

“Dan Gable, one of the greatest wrestlers and coaches of all-time, said it best “Once you’ve wrestled, everything in life is easy.” The life skills that I learned on the wrestling mat are directly applicable to the business environment. I owe a great debt to the sport of wrestling and working with Beat the Streets New England is my way of paying it forward positively impacting youth across New England.”

“I’m honored to take on a bigger role in BTSNE because I have witnessed, and lived, the impact the sport of wrestling can and will have on individuals. I feel I’ve been involved with Boston Youth Wrestling and Beat the Streets for quite some time as it is a driving force in my beliefs: to impact children through sport and get them to build self-confidence to be great. There is nothing greater than providing tools for our boys and girls to use in bigger and better ways as find their own way through life. This is an amazing group of leaders who will truly make a difference. Wrestling has impacted all our lives and now it’s time to give back.”