2025 Beat the Streets National Camp & Duals: Three Days of Heart, Community, and Celebration

 

Philadelphia, PA — June 2025

The 2025 Beat the Streets (BTS) National Camp & Duals was more than just a wrestling event — it was a powerful reminder of the resilience, unity, and dreams that define our youth. Over three unforgettable days in Philadelphia, more than 350 student-athletes from across the nation came together with their coaches and teams to push their limits, build lifelong friendships, and celebrate the community Beat the Streets aims to foster.  

The week kicked off with pure excitement as every athlete and coach received brand-new gear from our presenting sponsor ASICS and BTS partner, Gear2Compete. Wrestling shoes, t-shirts, backpacks, and BTS National swag were handed out by an ASICS team, Gear2Compete owner, Chris Lenzi and wrestling all star, Joey McKenna; transforming the Palestra into a sea of smiles and gratitude. For many, this gear wasn’t just equipment, it was a symbol of belonging to a special tight knit community. Standing back watching as they opened their shoe boxes, and dug through their backpacks with huge smiles on their faces James Mangan, BTS National Executive director had this to say “The gratitude and appreciation from our student-athletes is genuinely inspiring. Receiving gear custom-designed and just for them is special, which is only possible with great partners like Gear2Compete and Asics.”

Day two had an early start with record high temps, but that did not stop the resilient and dedicated athletes and coaches from lacing up their running shoes and setting out for a 2.5-mile run from the Palestra to the iconic Rocky Balboa statue. Despite the weather, the athletes, led by Joey McKenna and Macey Kilty, powered through, encouraging each other every step of the way. In the summer heat, the youth persevered together, raced up the stairs, arms raised in triumph, cheering like Rocky and taking in the breathtaking view of the city.

Back at the Palestra, athletes refueled with a nutritious breakfast provided by BTS National, thanks to Performance Meal Prep.

The morning continued with the BTS National Futures Fair, where students explored different pathways in higher education, trades, and service. The Futures Fair offered a glimpse into a world of possibilities beyond the mat, sparking new dreams and hopes for the future. “I didn’t even know Temple had a wrestling team,” one youth remarked, “I definitely want to go there after I graduate!”

There was a buzz in the hallways of the Palestra, especially surrounding the U.S. Air Force table where the youth competed in push up and strength contests. Our student athletes were also excited to see a special guest, a sheriff’s K9, from the Philadelphia Police Department. Other student athletes enjoyed learning about opportunities presented by our event sponsors: Silvi Materials, ASICS, and Southeast Exhibits and many more.

After the Future’s Fair all of the female athletes attended an exclusive luncheon and panel created by ASICS as part of their Mind Her Mind campaign. The beautifully decorated space complete with floral arrangements and candles, surprised and delighted the girls as they entered the room. The panel featured World Champion and Olympian Macey Kilty and women’s wrestling advocate Lauren Burroughs, whose warmth and wisdom left a lasting impact as they explored topics such as mental health, overcoming adversity, the growth of women’s wrestling and the concept of identity in the sport. 

In the afternoon, athletes returned to the Palestra for a coaches panel featuring head wrestling coaches from the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel, Alvernia, Delaware State, Ursinus, Temple, Bloomsburg, Delaware Valley, East Stroudsburg, and New Jersey City University (NJCU), where head women’s coach Barry Hart, is proud BTS NY alum. 

Following Q&A, the youth dove into a high-energy technique clinic led by ASICS athlete and BTS Social Ambassador Joey McKenna and Macey Kilty, ending with an epic dance battle; All this while 50+ BTS coaches participated in a special coaches training and leadership event just on the other side of the hallway. Both athletes and coaches left the Palestra confident and ready to compete after dinner.

As evening fell, athletes could be seen warming up around the Palestra; Competition began with the sound of the first whistle at 6:30 p.m., marking the start of electrifying rounds filled with dominant performances, contagious cheers and smiles. But beyond the wins and losses, and even more inspiring than the wrestling taking place on the mats, the evening showcased the true spirit of Beat the Streets: camaraderie, sportsmanship, and community. Athletes could be seen cheering for teammates  and even opponents–uplifting each other after every match.

With the Palestra filled with fans and supporters, sponsors, volunteers and even special guests like 7x World Champ and Olympian Jordan Burroughs who signed many autographs or the beloved Phillies Phanatic who danced and even tried to wrestle BTS National Executive Director, James Mangan, the final day delivered thrilling matchups and incredible performances by all which were further amplified by the electrifying energy of announcer, Bryan Hazard. 

The final teams ran through a massive ASICS tunnel with their theme song playing, the crowd was on their feet and going wild cheering and roaring with excitement. On the boys’ side, BTS Chicago secured an astonishing fourth consecutive BTS National Dual Championship, with BTS Philadelphia showing so much heart in their performance taking second place. In the girls’ competition, BTS Chicago claimed the top spot as the BTS Girls National Duals Champions, while BTS Los Angeles, returning champions, finished second despite their intensity and spirit throughout the tournament.

 

 

 

With the trophies claimed and many memories made, Beat the Streets would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our sponsors and volunteers, coaches and student-athletes. This unforgettable week would not have been possible without our incredible sponsors and partners. Thank you to ASICS, Gear2Compete, Resilite, Dusty Rhodes Foundation, The Harris Foundation, The McKenna Family, Hunter Roberts Construction Group, Philadelphia Insurance Companies, The U.S. Airforce, Silvi Materials, PAUSA Wrestling, SouthEast Exhibits, The Hamlet Family, Silvi Materials, Vita CoCo,The McMenamin Family ShopRite, The PA National Guard, Steve Traendly and all of our supporters for believing in the power of wrestling to transform lives.

Together, we continue to inspire, empower, and build a stronger community one match at a time.

Future’s Fair Participants Included: