Resume Building and Elite Training with Morris Bird and John Azevedo

Sunday, May 3rd, the Tomorrow’s Leaders program continued with two impactful sessions featuring former Beat the Streets LA Program Director, legal professional, teacher, and coach Morris Bird alongside wrestling legend John Azevedo. Both sessions gave athletes valuable insight while reinforcing the program’s mission of developing future leaders through wrestling, education, and mentorship.

The first session welcomed back Morris Bird, who returned to Tomorrow’s Leaders after making a lasting impact during last year’s session, where his resume workshop helped athletes secure summer jobs and new opportunities. Many athletes found his workshop especially helpful, using the resume templates and career strategies he shared to build professional resumes that led to new opportunities.

Morris shared his journey from youth wrestling to higher education and professional success. After earning his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona, he went on to complete his law degree at Southwestern Law School before building a career in both the legal and entertainment industries. Throughout the session, he explained how wrestling helped shape his work ethic, discipline, and ability to succeed in competitive environments.

He also spoke about the importance of connecting education, athletics, leadership experience, and personal achievements when building a strong resume. Morris encouraged athletes to recognize the value of the skills they develop through sports and showed them how to present those experiences in a professional and meaningful way.

The second session featured John Azevedo, who worked directly with athletes during a technical training session focused on gut wrenches and leg laces. Wrestlers had the opportunity to learn from one of the most accomplished competitors in collegiate wrestling history while gaining a deeper understanding of positioning, pressure, and execution in par terre situations.

Azevedo competed for Cal State Bakersfield, where he became a three-time NCAA Division II National Champion and won the NCAA Division I National Championship at 126 pounds in 1980. He was also a three-time NCAA Division I finalist and earned NCAA Division II Most Outstanding Wrestler honors in 1978. During his collegiate career, he compiled an extraordinary 125–4 overall record, including an undefeated 53–0 senior season in 1980.

His success continued internationally as a member of the 1980 United States Olympic Team, and he later finished fourth at the 1982 World Championships. In addition to his accomplishments as an athlete, Azevedo also spent years coaching at the Division I level, sharing his knowledge and experience with future generations of wrestlers.

Athletes responded enthusiastically to the opportunity to learn directly from Azevedo. His hands-on instruction, technical detail, and competitive mindset created an energetic and engaging session that left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.

Together, both sessions highlighted what makes the Tomorrow’s Leaders program unique. Athletes are not only improving as wrestlers but are also gaining valuable lessons about leadership, preparation, education, and life beyond competition.