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NYC public school program becomes first to sponsor freestyle & Greco

DATE: 6/5/2008 2:55:00 PM
New York City
Beat The Streets

Mike Novogratz, Chairman of the Board, announced at the Annual Beat the Streets Celebration in May that the PSAL would next year begin the organization of both a freestyle and Greco-Roman season for high school wrestling in addition to the existing winter folkstyle season.

PSAL Wrestling Commissioner Larry Cantor and Sports Coordinator Lance Hermus stated they would support that effort, which would make New York the first city in the nation, at the high school or collegiate level, to offer competitive seasons of both freestyle and Greco-Roman disciplines.

Mike Novogratz, who is also the President and Director of Fortress Investment Group LLC, was instrumental in raising more than $2 million, which went toward the purchase of wrestling equipment and the establishment of more than 40 new programs in the PSAL and 62 Middle School Programs.

"We can throw a lot of money at the thing," Novogratz said, "but our real genius will be finding, helping to place and then inspiring coaches. We really are a support group for coaches."

Al Bevilacqua, President stated "The year round program will help New York City “catch up” to its neighbors in New Jersey and Long Island. The "sleeping giant" is awakening through the efforts and leadership of USA Wrestling in the training and development of coaches in its Bronze and Silver Level Certification Programs. We have already registered over 90 USA Wrestling Clubs and all 1500 Middle School wrestlers are USA Wrestling League members."

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