More than 100 NYC student-athletes attend Beat the Streets clinic with Shayne van Ness

The Penn State wrestler taught wrestling techniques for five days across New York City.

More than 100 New York City high school student-athletes participated in Beat the Streets New York's five-day clinic series with Pennsylvania State University All-American Shayne van Ness as part of the Public Schools Athletic League High School Summer Sports and Fitness program this past week.

The clinic series took place in PSAL schools in Brooklyn (Origins High School), The Bronx (Eagle Academy for Young Men), Queens (Francis Lewis High School, Queens Preparatory Academy) and Staten Island (Curtis High School). Each day, the clinic featured a wrestling technique session and a Q&A with van Ness.

Van Ness is a rising redshirt sophomore at Penn State, where he earned All-American honors with a third-place finish at the 2023 NCAA Division I Championships. His performance helped the Nittany Lions win their 11th-team title in program history. Prior to Penn State, the Somerville, New Jersey native was a two-time National Prep champion at Blair Academy.

"I have learned a lot the past few years at Penn State, so it was great to have the opportunity to be able to share that knowledge with New York City high school wrestlers," van Ness said. "I had a great time getting to know the city and its great wrestling culture. I want to thank Beat the Streets for providing me the opportunity to coach and teach the best wrestlers in the city!"

Since being founded in 2005, Beat the Streets New York has pioneered a movement that now includes 150 individual wrestling programs, a youth league and the first girls high school league.

BTSNY works to develop the full human and athletic potential of the urban youth and strengthen the New York City wrestling culture. We aim to make a lifelong impact on student-athletes through the lessons learned on the wrestling mat -- discipline, perseverance, self-reliance, humility and a strong work ethic. Discover how you can make a meaningful contribution to our work at btsny.org/donate.