Oumar Tounkara has quickly made a name for himself in the wrestling world, showcasing his talent and determination across various competitions. His journey, marked by significant achievements and a strong support system, highlights his potential as a top wrestler.
Early Beginnings and Transition to New Jersey
Tounkara started wrestling in the Beat the Streets Junior League at M.S. 129 Academy in The Bronx. He is currently an active member of the BTS Academy. Reflecting on his move from New York City to New Jersey, Oumar Tounkara notes a significant difference. "In New York City, everything is closer," Tounkara said. "Everything in Jersey is so far apart. You need a ride everywhere you go."
This is Tounkara's first season at Teaneck after transferring from St. Benedict's and coming over the Hudson River. His impact on the mat and across a growing wrestling room has led a renaissance at a school more known for hoops. Coach Jim Nonas dubbed him the most-talented wrestler to come through the program in his 23 seasons.
Impact on Teaneck Wrestling
"He’s like a little firecracker in there," Nonas said earlier this season. "The whole room picks up. They see him and they are excited to watch him wrestle and he's a good-spirited kid. He helps our kids in the room." With Tounkara on board, things seem to be pointing in the right direction for Teaneck. The Highwaymen went from 18 to 30 wrestlers this year and have nearly matched last year's seven wins with a 6-7 record.
This weekend was another sign of tangible progress as Teaneck wound up with three county medalists. Albert Ortiz placed fourth at 215 and Joshua Moore took sixth at heavyweight.
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Bergen County Champion
Tounkara became his school's first county champion in 19 years by downing Charlie Esposito (St. Joseph), 10-5, in the finals at 106 pounds. Tounkara was the only public-school champion at this year's tournament and later won the award for Most Outstanding Lowerweight. His championship came over a quality opponent in Esposito, who finished eighth at the Beast of the East back in December.
Tounkara took a 6-4 lead into the third period, then pulled away with a pair of takedowns. Some wrestlers can feel pressure from being the top seed, but Tounkara didn't mind. "I know I'm the top seed for a reason and I have to go out there and perform," Tounkara said.
He may be a newcomer on the local scene, but he's already seen enough to call New Jersey the toughest wrestling state. The talent and popularity here was one of the draws of coming to Teaneck. The sport was not as accessible to him before moving over a couple of months ago. "I traveled alone by myself in the city, so I would travel like an hour on the train to go practice," Tounkara said.
The bout between Tounkara and Esposito could have happened in a wrestle-off if things transpired a little differently. Nonas said Tounkara was "close to going to Joe's" before changing course and repping the blue and white. "I was getting texts from people, from his godparents that he's going to be coming here," Nonas said. "I'm like, OK, good. I wasn't getting excited because anything can happen. Then I happened to have him in my homeroom class in the high school, so I got to meet him there."
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National Preps All-American
Oumar Tounkara is a two-time National Preps All-American after earning third place at 120 pounds Saturday at Stabler Arena in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Tounkara, the No. 4 seed in the bracket, scored three wins then fell in the semifinals to Leo DeLuca, the top seed and eventual champion.
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Tounkara bounced back with two wins to claim third place. He previously took seventh place at 106 pounds in 2023.
NHSCA National Champion
April 5-7th wrestling fans gathered to watch the most talented high-school wrestlers travel from states across the country as they competed at the NHSCA High School Nationals tournament for a chance to be crowned a National Champion! This year, 44 middle school and high school student-athletes and 17 coaches from BTS, represented Baltimore, Cleveland, D.C. New York City, and New England, traveled to Virginia Beach to compete for the National title. Oumar Tounkara, a BTS athlete was crowned a National Champion in their respective division (106lbs, Junior Division). Tounkara, from BTS NYC, won 5 matches, including 3 pins on his way to earning the ultimate crown.
National Champion Oumar Tounkara had the following to say about his experience at NHSCAs and with BTS, “Becoming a champion at the NHSCA was a milestone enriched by the strong family bond at Beat the Streets. Winning NHSCA wasn’t just a personal achievement; it was a journey made possible by the BTS staff. From the grueling practices to the expensive travel across states, the BTS community was there every step of the way, providing guidance and support. The unwavering belief and encouragement from the BTS family played a pivotal role in fostering a champion’s mindset, highlighting the power of community in the world of wrestling.
Other Achievements at NHSCA
Four other athletes earned All-American status this year including Baltimore’s Ugochi Anunobi (3rd Place, 152lbs, Girls Division, Record 5-1, 5 pins) and Rasheed “RJ” Duncan (8th Place, Heavyweight, Senior Division, Record 4-3, 4 pins), New York City’s Isabella Lorenzana (7th Place, 235lbs, Girls Division, Record 3-2, 3 pins) and Evin Gursoy (3rd Place, 113lbs, Junior Division, Record 6-1, 1 pin). Both Baltimore’s Ugochi Anunobi and NYC’s Evin Gursoy have earned All-American status at this tournament for the second time in their careers! We also want to congratulate Kevin Olavarria, a former BTS Lancaster student-wrestler who moved from Lancaster to Florida this past year. This weekend, Kevin placed 3rd in his respective division at NHSCAs (170lb Senior Division).
Beat the Streets and Community Support
Since being founded in 2005, Beat the Streets has pioneered a movement that now includes 150 individual wrestling programs, a youth league and the first girls high school league. BTS works to develop the full human and athletic potential of New York City urban youth and strengthen the city's wrestling culture.
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BTS aims 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. BTS athletes also had the opportunity to meet ASICS athletes and decorated wrestlers Mike Macchiavello and Trent Hidlay over the weekend. ASICS serves as Beat the Streets National’s official and exclusive Apparel Partner heavily supporting the BTS Annual GearUp!
Since 2017, the NHSCA has partnered with Beat the Streets National to support the wrestling journeys of BTS student-athletes by providing excelling BTS student-wrestlers and coaches opportunities to test themselves and compete against high-level competition from across the country. In last year’s NHSCAs High School Nationals tournament, more than 40 high school and middle school BTS boys and girls, along with 12 coaches, represented 6 BTS Chapters.
Beat the Streets is thankful to the National High School Coaches Association for supporting the development of Beat the Streets student-wrestlers by making these opportunities to compete against the best in the country available to BTS youth. Through wrestling and off-the-mat programming and support, BTS looks to help BTS scholars become champions in life.
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| Bergen County Champion | Defeated Charlie Esposito (St. Joseph), 10-5, in the finals at 106 pounds |
| National Preps All-American | Two-time honoree; 3rd place at 120 pounds in 2024, 7th place at 106 pounds in 2023 |
| NHSCA National Champion | Champion in the Junior Division (106lbs) |