ATLANTIC CITY — In a powerful move to empower local youth and offer healthy alternatives to street life, the Atlantic City Police Athletic League (PAL), in partnership with the Atlantic City Police Department and Police Foundation, unveiled a brand-new 40-by-42-foot wrestling mat on Friday, launching the city’s first youth wrestling team—the Atlantic City Lions.

The mat, adorned with logos from the PAL, ACPD, and the Lions team, will be the centerpiece of the newly formed coed team expected to host over 50 young wrestlers of all ages. “It feels good to bring kids from the community together to have a team,” said Marcus Holmes, a city firefighter and the team’s coach, who credits wrestling with helping him overcome personal challenges and pursue higher education.

The initiative is deeply personal for Lt. Will Santiago, PAL’s executive director and Atlantic City native. “As a police officer, I want to make sure I find something for them to do—educational or with sports,” Santiago said. He emphasized the need to offer youth more than just basketball and football, noting wrestling’s ability to teach discipline, patience, and self-control.

The program already has enthusiastic participants. “Wrestling taught me perseverance,” said 16-year-old Edward Balderas Cruz. Another student, Giovanny Jimenez, shared how wrestling helped him stay in shape and enjoy fitness in a fun and structured way.

Atlantic City Police Chief James Sarkos, a former high school wrestler himself, helped assemble the mat and has been a strong advocate for the program. “It’s really cool to see them embrace it, and they love it,” Sarkos said. He views wrestling not only as a sport but as a tool for confidence, resilience, and even college scholarships.

City Councilman Kaleem Shabazz praised the initiative as a major win for the community. “This is a tremendous addition to PAL, which is already an icon in this area,” he said, calling the youth turnout “a very good thing” for their future.

Beyond wrestling, PAL offers a wide range of programs including boxing, flag football, basketball, and academic support through computer labs—making it a hub for both physical and intellectual growth.

In the words of Coach Holmes: “Just keep working hard and trying to achieve better things in life.” The Atlantic City Lions are poised to help many young residents do just that.

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