Support the Trenton Youth Wrestling Documentary

Trenton Youth Wrestling: Beyond the Mat

DIRECTOR, DP Luke Owen

DIRECTOR, EDITOR Malachi Abbott

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER Tanner McGrath

WHAT IS THE FILM ABOUT?

The story of the Trenton Youth Wrestling (TYW) program captivated us, especially as we continued learning more about the founders, the student-athletes, and the impact it has had on over 1,000 youth.

Founded in 2017, the program’s success has been shaped by the hard work and dedication of individuals like Mark R. McLaughlin, MD, a Board-Certified neurosurgeon and youth wrestling coach of over two decades, and Ray Bethea, a Trenton-born-and-raised wrestler whose journey reflects the impact of TYW’s mission, allowing him the opportunity to attend an Ivy League institution and now work as the Director of Operations at Trenton Youth Wrestling Learning Center. Their stories are just the beginning.

The film will explore the lives of the people who make the Trenton Youth Wrestling Program extraordinary.

Through candid interviews, day-in-the-life segments, and exciting tournaments, viewers will see how this program has profoundly shaped each person, not only as wrestlers but as individuals. One standout is Princess Storm Woody, a current high school athlete who has achieved remarkable success both within and beyond the TYW program. Princess dreams of continuing her wrestling journey in college, with aspirations of competing in the Olympics and to one day become a surgeon, following in Dr. McLaughlin's footsteps.

Through this documentary, audiences will gain an intimate view of the lives of these individuals, uncovering their hopes, fears, and the obstacles they face. Wrestlers will push their limits as they train and compete in tournaments, while their mentors navigate the demands of managing the program and prepare for the monumental task of building a dedicated facility. Each person in the documentary confronts unique challenges—both in life and in wrestling—but at its core, this story highlights how the sport and the program unite them, equipping them with the tools and opportunities to thrive.

This film is about more than wrestling. It's about growth and resilience; told through the eyes of the student-athletes, alumni, and founders who’ve poured their hearts into it.

We hope their stories, their struggles, their triumphs, and their love for the sport, will inspire and resonate with everyone who watches. We want to spark curiosity and share this incredible journey with more people, showing how Trenton Youth Wrestling empowers, opens doors, and truly changes lives.

WHO ARE WE?

Luke Owen has developed experience as both a director and cinematographer through the numerous projects he has worked on, including documentary and commercial projects for Pollen Productions, a video production company he founded in 2023.

Malachi Abbott has a proven track record for film writing and directing, with several awards for his work. Malachi has years of professional editing experience and has previously consulted on documentary film projects.

Tanner McGrath has worked on several notable TV shows and films, securing his role in the industry. His experience as a producer has led him to his role on this project.

HOW DOES MY CONTRIBUTION HELP?

All funds from this initial campaign will cover production costs, post-production editing, and distribution efforts of our feature-length documentary, Trenton Youth Wrestling: Beyond the Mat. With your help, we will ensure that this story reaches as wide an audience as possible.

Your contribution will help us greatly in making this film from start to finish!

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