THE MISSION
To provide accessible, high-level wrestling instruction and academic mentorship to the youth of Long Beach, specifically targeting underserved communities where financial barriers prevent participation in organized sports.
Academic Accountability: Implementing our "Desk Time before Mat Time" policy, which mandates academic progress and supervised study halls as a prerequisite for athletic participation.
Barrier-Free Excellence: Removing all financial hurdles—including registration fees and equipment costs —to ensure high-level wrestling instruction is accessible to every student-athlete in Long Beach.
Our year-round wrestling program is the heart of what we do. We offer high-standard technical instruction for youth athletes in Long Beach, focusing on the fundamentals of the sport and development of a strong work ethic.
To ensure we build a strong foundation for our athletes and coaching staff, we are utilizing a phased launch:
Phase 1 (May 12, 2026): One practice per week.
Phase 2 (June 2026): Transition to our full year-round schedule of two practices per week.
The Cost: We do not charge families for coaching or equipment. However, all participants must possess a valid USA Wrestling card for insurance and competition eligibility.
At LB Hammerheads, we believe "Student" comes before "Athlete." Starting with the 2026 school year, we will implement our signature "Desk Time before Mat Time" policy. We are committed to ensuring our wrestlers remain college-ready and academically eligible.
The 3.0 Standard: Any athlete with a GPA below 3.0 will be required to participate in mandatory supervised study halls or tutoring sessions before they are cleared for wrestling practice.
Support System: We provide the environment and resources necessary for our athletes to meet these standards, fostering a culture where academic success is celebrated as much as a win on the mat.
The Initiative is governed by our Board of Directors and supported by professional staff leadership dedicated to our academic and athletic mission
A CIF Coastal Champion for Arroyo High School, Shawn returned to the sport following the passing of his mentor, 2018 California Wrestling Hall of Fame Coach Victor Vorobieff. Inspired by Coach Victor’s mantra—‘Do what you love and love what you do’—Shawn founded the Long Beach Wrestling Initiative to preserve that spirit for the next generation. Currently the Energy and Utility Manager at CSU Long Beach, Shawn combines his background in large-scale operational leadership with a personal mission to ensure every Long Beach athlete has the mentorship and resources he was fortunate to receive. A Wrigley resident and father, he is dedicated to building a community where academic excellence and athletic passion go hand-in-hand.
A pillar of the Long Beach athletic community, Kenneth Lee serves as the Vice President of the Long Beach Wrestling Initiative. Currently the Head Wrestling Coach and a Social Science educator at Long Beach Polytechnic High School, Kenneth has spent years cultivating a culture of discipline, resilience, and academic focus within one of the city's most storied athletic programs. Under his leadership, the Poly program has become a powerhouse of local talent and high-character athletes. As both a teacher and a coach, Kenneth is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between elite mat performance and classroom excellence, ensuring the Hammerhead model remains the gold standard for youth development in Long Beach.
Harry Chung leads athletic development for the Long Beach Wrestling Initiative. A standout collegiate wrestler for San Francisco State University, Harry transitioned to elite submission grappling where he is a multi-time NABJJF World Champion in both Gi and No-Gi divisions. A Black Belt under Professor Renan Vital, his competitive resume includes numerous gold medals at the NABJJF All Americas and the Los Angeles International Open. As the Owner and Lead Instructor of All American Jiu Jitsu (AAJJ) and a former coach at Gahr High School, Harry combines high-level collegiate wrestling experience with world-class technical expertise to mentor the next generation of Long Beach champions
Lisa Bauer brings over a decade of high-level fiscal oversight and budgetary expertise to the Long Beach Wrestling Initiative. Currently serving as the Senior Fiscal Manager for Beach Building Services at CSU Long Beach, Lisa manages complex financial operations for one of the city's largest institutions. A graduate of Cal Poly Pomona, she applies a rigorous, detail-oriented approach to the organization’s financial health. As CFO, Lisa ensures total transparency and fiscal integrity, guaranteeing that every dollar donated to the Hammerheads is maximized to support our athletes and academic programs.
Alexis Cun serves as the Director of Grants, focusing on institutional funding and resource acquisition for the initiative. Holding a Master of Arts from Cal State LA, she previously served as an English Professor within the LACCD and Mt. San Antonio College systems. Currently an administrative professional at CSU Long Beach, her background in academic governance—including roles as Academic Senate Secretary and on the Curriculum Committee—provides the expertise needed to secure the grants that sustain our 'Desk Time before Mat Time' model and 100% barrier-free mission.
Esther Roa serves as the Secretary of the Board, bringing a data-driven approach to the Initiative’s organizational structure. Currently serving as the BBS Facilities Operations Lead Analyst for Beach Building Services at CSU Long Beach, Esther holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA). Her expertise in operational analysis and public policy ensures the Hammerheads operate with maximum administrative efficiency and institutional transparency. As Secretary, Esther manages the governance frameworks and compliance records that allow the organization to scale as a premier resource for the Long Beach community.
LB Hammerheads Wrestling is a premier youth program of the Long Beach Wrestling Initiative, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our board is 100% volunteer-based, ensuring all resources—including scholarships for mandatory USA Wrestling memberships and gear—go directly to our athletes. LBWI is an independent organization and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or an agent of the Long Beach Unified School District or LB Poly Athletics; our programs are open to all student-athletes regardless of school enrollment.
Long Beach Wrestling Initiative
3553 Atlantic Ave, Suite 1622B
Long Beach, CA 90807
EIN: 41-4009907 | info@lbhammerheads.org | Privacy Policy
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