Jason Nark writes article on the Camden Simbas
Ask RAW Alums Micah Khan and Clinton Hicks what the future of Camden wrestling looks like. The two former NJSIAA State Champions are contributing to the education of youngsters in Camden via the world of wrestling.
When I heard about the Simbas, they had a 10 X 10 wrestling mat, basketball sneakers for wrestling shoes, and old freshman Camden Catholic singlets from many years ago. They hadn't competed in any events or had any camps or clinics outside the city of Camden. I heard about the Simbas through my barber. He told me about this young team not to ask for my assistance, but merely as a means of sparking general conversation. I immediately reached out to Bill, the Simbas President, and began inquiring about their team. Shortly thereafter I asked the RAW parents to help out and contribute things like shoes,singlets,headgear etc...the RAW family stepped up in full force. Thank you parents/wrestlers for your support. I also asked both Micah and Clinton to get involved with the Centerville Simbas. Both former wrestlers jumped in head first to assist in the coaching - no questions asked.
After deciding what we could to help, I reached out to a former student of mine Brett Matter, who eventually went on to become an NCAA Champion at UPENN (one title short of his dad's 2 titles while at PSU) - Brett put in a few calls and got the major moves solidified - including contacting his former teammate while at UPENN, Brandon Slay (Olympic Champion) who supplied the Centerville Simbas with shoes. Another of Brett's connections enabled him to reach more former UPENN family members - the Povalacs...they are the best Wrestling Mat distributor on the Eastern Seaboard (Pov's warehouse) and they provided the mats, brand new mats. A full ensemble (sweatsuits and singlets) were also donated to the team by a former Penn State great.
The Simbas are made up of approximately 20 dedicated youths and Micah and Clinton have been assisting in the coaching of these athletes at their local events.
Thanks to everyone and their contributions, I'm sorry if I left anyone out, it was not intentional in any way. Thanks again.
Jason Nark, of Philly News, recently published the following article on the Simbas. He chronicles the ways in which all of our contributions have positively affected their team. I look forward to seeing the future success of these dedicated athletes. Keep up the good work!!
http://www.philly.com/dailynews/local/20090228_A_welcomed_mat_comes_to_Camden.html
When I heard about the Simbas, they had a 10 X 10 wrestling mat, basketball sneakers for wrestling shoes, and old freshman Camden Catholic singlets from many years ago. They hadn't competed in any events or had any camps or clinics outside the city of Camden. I heard about the Simbas through my barber. He told me about this young team not to ask for my assistance, but merely as a means of sparking general conversation. I immediately reached out to Bill, the Simbas President, and began inquiring about their team. Shortly thereafter I asked the RAW parents to help out and contribute things like shoes,singlets,headgear etc...the RAW family stepped up in full force. Thank you parents/wrestlers for your support. I also asked both Micah and Clinton to get involved with the Centerville Simbas. Both former wrestlers jumped in head first to assist in the coaching - no questions asked.
After deciding what we could to help, I reached out to a former student of mine Brett Matter, who eventually went on to become an NCAA Champion at UPENN (one title short of his dad's 2 titles while at PSU) - Brett put in a few calls and got the major moves solidified - including contacting his former teammate while at UPENN, Brandon Slay (Olympic Champion) who supplied the Centerville Simbas with shoes. Another of Brett's connections enabled him to reach more former UPENN family members - the Povalacs...they are the best Wrestling Mat distributor on the Eastern Seaboard (Pov's warehouse) and they provided the mats, brand new mats. A full ensemble (sweatsuits and singlets) were also donated to the team by a former Penn State great.
The Simbas are made up of approximately 20 dedicated youths and Micah and Clinton have been assisting in the coaching of these athletes at their local events.
Thanks to everyone and their contributions, I'm sorry if I left anyone out, it was not intentional in any way. Thanks again.
Jason Nark, of Philly News, recently published the following article on the Simbas. He chronicles the ways in which all of our contributions have positively affected their team. I look forward to seeing the future success of these dedicated athletes. Keep up the good work!!
http://www.philly.com/dailynews/local/20090228_A_welcomed_mat_comes_to_Camden.html
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