Beat the Streets Detroit

10/14/2026

10/13/2026

In Loving Memory of Mike Rodriguez ❤️

We mourn the loss of our beloved co-founder, Mike Rodriguez, while celebrating a life dedicated to wrestling, mentorship, and making a difference in the lives of others.

Mike was more than a coach. He was a mentor, a leader, a role model, and a man who understood that wrestling was about so much more than winning matches. It was about building character, teaching discipline, overcoming adversity, and helping young people become the best versions of themselves.

Through his work with Beat the Streets Detroit and Detroit Catholic Central, Mike made a lasting impact on the wrestling community and countless young athletes. His dedication to the sport, his commitment to developing young men, and his passion for giving back reflected the very best of what wrestling represents.

As a co-founder of Beat the Streets Detroit, Mike helped build a mission bigger than himself, one rooted in opportunity, mentorship, and the belief that every young person deserves the chance to succeed. His work at Detroit Catholic Central further reflected his commitment to wrestling, education, and the values that shape young men for life.

The true measure of Mike's legacy will never be found solely in victories, championships, or accolades. It will be found in the lives he touched, the athletes he mentored, the friendships he built, and the lessons that will continue to guide those fortunate enough to have known him.

Coach, thank you for your vision, your friendship, your leadership, and your unwavering dedication to the wrestling community. We are forever grateful for the foundation you helped build and the example you set. Though you may no longer be with us, your influence will continue to live on through Beat the Streets Detroit, Detroit Catholic Central, and generations of wrestlers who will carry forward the values you helped instill.

Our heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to Mike's family, friends, colleagues, former wrestlers, and everyone whose life he touched.

Rest in peace, Coach. Thank you for everything you gave to this sport, our community, and the young people whose lives you helped shape. You will never be forgotten.

Your legacy lives on, on the mat, in our community, and in the hearts of all those you inspired. 🖤❤️

09/30/2026

A New Chapter for Detroit Wrestling 🤼‍♂️🤼‍♀️

Beat the Streets Detroit & Metro Detroit Wrestling Association is excited to recognize several coaching transitions as Detroit wrestling continues to grow.

At Cass Tech, Owen Westbrook will take over as Head Boys Wrestling Coach, after serving as an assistant for the first 4 seasons of the program.

At Detroit Cristo Rey, Mike Futrell will take over as Head Wrestling Coach, succeeding Jose Ramirez and continuing the work of building wrestling opportunities for students in Southwest Detroit.

After serving as Head Coach of both the boys and girls programs at Cass Tech, Joe Russo - Casarez will transition into two roles this season:

Head Wrestling Coach @ University of Detroit Jesuit High School & Academy
And...
Head Girls Wrestling Coach @ Cass Technical High School

These transitions represent something bigger than individual programs. Detroit wrestling is growing, new leaders are stepping up, and programs across the city are becoming increasingly connected.

Different schools. Different teams. We compete when it's time to compete, but we can still work together to grow the sport and create opportunities for kids.

Congratulations to Coaches, Westbrook, Futrell & Russo – Casarez.

Read the full story linked below to learn more about these coaches, their programs, and the continued growth of wrestling across Detroit

One city. One wrestling community. Kids first.

Owen Westbrook, Mike “DMike” Futrell and Joe Russo-Casarez step into new leadership roles as Detroit wrestling continues to grow. By MDWA Staff DETROIT — Coaching [Read More]

09/21/2026

Check the first article in the three part series celebrating the rise of girls & women in the worlds greatest and oldest sport!

Part One — The Surge: The Growth Wrestling Was Waiting For Girls did not simply find a place in wrestling. They became the strongest source [Read More]

09/19/2026

A HUGE THANK YOU TO FRANCESCA’S BRICK OVEN PIZZERIA! 🤼‍♀️🍕

Beat the Streets Detroit would like to give a special THANK YOU to Francesca’s Brick Oven Pizza for their generous donation and sponsorship of the Ohio/Michigan Girls Wrestling Exchange!**

The event was a great experience for our athletes, and we were grateful to have the support of a local business that knows how to bring people together, with great food and an even greater commitment to the community!🍕🔥

The food from Francesca’s was absolutely delicious and helped make the experience even more special for our wrestlers, coaches, and families. Your generosity helped create an opportunity for girls from Ohio and Michigan to compete, connect, and continue growing the sport of girls wrestling.

Thank you, Francesca’s, for your incredible food, your generosity, and for investing in the next generation of women wrestlers! ❤️🤼‍♀️🍕

We appreciate you being part of the wrestling family!

09/19/2026

Wrestling has never lacked talent, passion, or compelling stories. It has lacked the platform to present them to the world.

The sport is evolving and there is room for more than one vision. There is room for the entertainment-driven spectacle and for a true professional team league built for wrestlers beyond college.

The athletes are ready. The fans are ready. The sport is ready.

Real wrestling is ready for the main stage.

Read the full article below. 👇

Two Visions One Opportunity By: J.R. Casarez RAF and CLAW are building different models for professional wrestling and creating new pathways for the next generation [Read More]

09/15/2026

Unidos, Somos Más—Together, We Are More!

As Hispanic Heritage Month begins today, Beat the Streets Detroit is proud to celebrate the rich culture, history, and incredible contributions of the Hispanic and Latino communities.

This celebration hits close to home for us. We want to take this opportunity to recognize our co-founder, Hall of Fame Coach Mike Rodriguez. Mike’s vision, dedication, and leadership laid the foundation for everything we do. Through his deep commitment to youth development and the sport of wrestling, we continue to show our student-athletes that with a strong community behind them, there are no limits to what they can achieve.

In wrestling and in life, our strength comes from our diverse community. We remain dedicated to building an inclusive environment where every youth athlete in Detroit can thrive, find their voice, and reach their full potential.

💪🏽 Head to www.btsdetroit.org
to read more about our mission and see how you can support Detroit youth today!

09/07/2026

💪🏽💪🏽

08/29/2026

Another great match! Emma Bruntil and Claire DiCugno are two of the top wrestlers in the nation with tons of national and international success. Both are making their CLAW debut at the CLAW-STAR CLASSIC on October 4. More info at:
https://www.wrestleclaw.com/claw-star-classic.html