Beat the Streets New York names Lenny Merkin as Programming VISTA

The BTSNY alumnus will support and facilitate the organization's annual program operations.

Beat the Streets New York Executive Director Brendan Buckley and Director of Programming Bob Seidel are pleased to announce the hiring of Lenny Merkin as AmeriCorps Programming VISTA.

"We are elated to have one of our alumni working for us," Buckley said. "Lenny had a fantastic high school career while at Beat the Streets and Poly Prep and before taking his talents to Princeton University. He is also training to make a U.S. World Team in Greco-Roman and we look forward to his impact on our student-athletes."

Merkin, a 2016 BTSNY alumnus, currently competes for the New York Athletic Club at 67 kilograms in Greco-Roman wrestling. He competed at Princeton University, where he earned graduate and bachelor's degrees in civil and environmental engineering. He also represented the United States national team in Greco-Roman at the 2019 U23 World Championships.

Merkin graduated from Brooklyn Poly Prep, where he was a four-time New York prep state champion and earned All-American honors at junior nationals.

“I’m excited to join the Beat the Streets team and learn about the behind-the-scenes work it takes to run such an impactful organization," Merkin said.

Since being founded in 2005, Beat the Streets New York has pioneered a movement that now includes 150 individual wrestling programs, a youth league and the first girls high school league.

BTSNY works to develop the full human and athletic potential of the urban youth and strengthen the NYC wrestling culture. We aim to make a lifelong impact on student-athletes through the lessons learned on the wrestling mat -- discipline, perseverance, self-reliance, humility and a strong work ethic. Discover how you can make a meaningful contribution to our work at btsny.org/donate.