A member of the Wrestling Hall of Fame, Novogratz attributes his business success to the discipline and focus he learned through wrestling. Mr. Novogratz currently serves as President and Director of Fortress Investment Group LLC and helped Beat the Streets raise more than $2 million, the largest contribution to any school sport in the history of New York City's public schools.
"Beat the Streets' work to expand wrestling opportunities and teach young boys and girls valuable life lessons is extremely vital in New York City and the country," said Dan Gable. "The sport of wrestling teaches independence. One learns to master disciplines of stamina, strength, and agility as well as focusing on technical and tactical skills. The importance of learning to ‘stand alone' while actually being part of a team develops the total individual."
Founded in 2004, Beat the Streets' mission is to expand wrestling in the New York City Metropolitan area from beginner to the Olympic level. Approximately 3,500 boys and girls from the New York City Public, Private and Catholic School systems currently participate in Beat The Streets after-school programs. The organization works closely with a wide range of partners including coaches, school administrators and current and former professional athletes to provide opportunities for children of diverse backgrounds to participate in opportunities beyond its own programs such as wrestling clinics, tournaments and summer camps.
2008 Beat the Streets Award Winners Overview
Man of the Year: Eric Goldstein, Chief Executive, Public School Athletic League Goldstein is being honored for his work to vastly expand the opportunities for students to participate in wrestling. He has worked tirelessly to coordinate the involvement of the Department of Education and the Public School Athletic League administration to help facilitate a large number of wrestling programs in New York City schools.
College Coach of the Year: Bruce Haberli, Wrestling Coach, New York University, New York, NY Haberli has had an outstanding year, winning the University Athletic Association Championships and finishing 8th in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III with a 13-1 team dual meet record. He has also recruited two middle school programs for Beat the Streets.
High School Coach of the Year: Michael Blythe, Coach, Michael J. Petrides School, Staten Island, NY Blythe won the Public School Athletic League City Championship and has built the largest program in the PSAL, with two assistant coaches, an active Booster and Parents Club. He has also hosted several events for Beat the Streets throughout the year.
High School Developmental Coach of the Year: Keith Conrade, Coach, Canarsie High School, Brooklyn, NY Conrade was recruited to help take over an existing but floundering high school wrestling program. Under his leadership he helped rally the principal, faculty and student body to support the program and rejuvenate it to resounding success.
Middle School Coach of the Year: Corey Luce, Coach, Roosevelt Island Middle School, Roosevelt Island, NY Luce has helped set the standard for Beat the Streets' middle school program with a successful and engaging model. He is currently Assistant Coach at New York University after spending several years as Assistant Coach at Hunter College.
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