Building champions in wrestling and in life
Building Champions
In Wrestling and In Life.
Rising Above Wrestling (RAW Rochester) is an independent nonprofit youth wrestling program founded in August 2025, modeled after the national "Beat the Streets" concept.
RAW serves City of Rochester residents in grades 4–12, and underserved youth across Monroe County, using wrestling as a platform to build discipline, confidence, accountability, and opportunity — completely free of charge.
"[Rising Above Wrestling] is not your ordinary wrestling club... This is a pipeline to success. It takes a village. Be apart of the village."
— Frank Gissendanner, Head CoachThe Foundation of a Champion
Wrestling teaches accountability, work ethic, and mental toughness. Every practice reinforces respect, perseverance, and personal responsibility.
Our coaches are more than trainers — they are mentors committed to helping each athlete reach their potential, regardless of experience level.
RAW reinforces that success in the classroom and on the mat go hand in hand — supporting each young athlete's full development.
A safe, structured space where youth build routine, show up consistently, and learn what it means to be part of a team.
Wrestling creates deep bonds. RAW gives Rochester's youth a community to belong to and a reason to show up every single day.
From their first takedown to their first tournament, RAW athletes learn that growth happens through challenge — not despite it.
Your Participation Changes Lives
Every golfer, every sponsor, every dollar raised on August 17th goes directly back into Rochester's youth. Here's what that means in practice.
RAW covers the cost of tournaments, travel, shoes, and equipment, so every child has the chance to develop, compete, and succeed — completely free of charge.
Funding supports experienced coaches and mentors who dedicate their time to developing young athletes on and off the mat.
From local meets to regional tournaments, RAW athletes get the chance to test their skills, grow as competitors, and represent Rochester with pride.
Structured programming gives at-risk youth a positive outlet, a sense of purpose, and a community that holds them accountable.
Join Us on August 17th at Locust Hill
Whether you're swinging a club or sponsoring a hole, your participation on the course translates directly into opportunity for Rochester's youth. RAW is working to acquire a standalone facility for a true five-to-six-day-a-week after-school program — every round played helps bring that space, with its wrestling instruction, tutoring, and mentorship, closer to reality.
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