From LA to LV: Tomorrow’s Leaders head for Vegas
They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, but our Tomorrow’s Leaders came home with stories worth sharing! From touring UNLV to cheering on world-class wrestlers, this trip was packed with exciting moments and new experiences.
Early on the morning of October 18, more than 78 athletes, coaches, and staff boarded a bus for a four-hour ride to Las Vegas. BTSLA’s programs in the Greater Los Angeles area were represented, including San Pedro, Oxnard, Downtown Academy, Tomorrow’s Leaders, and Antelope Valley. For many students, travel opportunities are limited, making this trip especially significant, whether it was their first time leaving the state or their first visit to Las Vegas.
The first stop was the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). UNLV Women's Wrestling Head Coach Kevin Pine led athletes and several students on a campus tour. Athletes explored the campus, saw the buildings, and learned about student life directly from UNLV students. “The university itself was really nice. I also think a lot of the wrestlers enjoyed the campus. I had a chance to speak to some wrestlers about college, and that was actually the first time that some [of the athletes] were on a college campus,” recalls Joseph Islas, head coach of the Roosevelt program and chaperone on the trip.
Before heading to the U23 Championships, the group stopped at the Hazel M. Common Dining Hall. Wrestlers filled their plates with the various food options available to college students, including ice cream from the machine. With wrestling season yet to begin, many students enjoyed the chance to indulge without the pressure of making weight for competition.
After lunch, students headed to UNLV’s Thomas and Mack Center to watch the U23 World Wrestling Men’s Freestyle Championship Finals. BTSLA athletes watched several international wrestling matches, recording, cheering, and chatting with teammates. Students were happy to root for USA wrestler Justin Rademacher as he competed against Russian wrestler Mukhamed-Takhir Khaniev. Sadly, Rademacher came up short, earning silver with a 9-7 score. Students even took pictures with Chander Mohan, the bronze medalist in the men’s 79 kg freestyle category, and with Luke Lillendahl, who placed fifth in the men’s freestyle category.
After a full day exploring UNLV and watching the U23 World Wrestling Finals, the four-hour bus ride back to Los Angeles began. The ride home was full of energy and excitement, with singing, specifically “California Gurls” by Katy Perry, which seemed fitting as they headed back to Los Angeles. At pickup, parents thanked coaches and staff for the opportunity for their child to experience both UNLV and the U23 World Championship, which they found very meaningful.
Michele, a Tomorrow’s Leaders student from Fremont High School, expressed, “I would say that it was a really long field trip because we spent a lot of time on the bus, but it was definitely worth it. We got to see professional wrestlers compete for a medal, which was a really exciting experience. It was also my first time visiting UNLV, so I was excited to explore a new place and experience something different. I had a lot of fun on this field trip, and I’m happy that I got the opportunity to go.”
Our Tomorrow’s Leaders returned from Las Vegas with more than just memories. They brought home stronger friendships, new perspectives, and lessons to carry into their communities, academic institutions, and future competitions. These experiences remind us that growth happens throughout the journey and that some of the most meaningful moments and wins occur outside the wrestling room.
“This trip to Las Vegas was special for me, as I really enjoy this sport [wrestling], and I loved seeing all these Olympic wrestlers. I was already familiar with the UWW [United World Wrestling], but seeing it in person was like a dream come true. I always wanted to go see one of the events they do, but I didn't think it would be possible. Thanks to Tomorrow's Leaders Beat the Streets LA, [this] was achieved. I had a lot of fun with my friends on this trip, and this is a core memory for me and for sure for the rest of us,” comments Marilanda, a Tomorrow’s Leaders athlete from Fremont High School.
Thank you to USA Wrestling for donating the over 75 U23 World tickets and providing our athletes with the opportunity to watch professional wrestling, and to Coach Kevin Pine and his athletes for guiding us around campus.
