Wrestling with Purpose: The Rise of SEWC
One year after a major revitalization, the Screaming Eagle Wrestling Club (SEWC) has rapidly emerged as one of Tennessee’s most promising and dynamic youth wrestling programs. Under the leadership of Head Coach T.J. Santiago and Assistant Coach Kyle Sheahan, this AAU and USA Wrestling affiliate of Renzo Gracie Clarksville has grown from modest beginnings into a competitive force across the state.
Founded in the late spring of 2022, Screaming Eagles Wrestling Club was envisioned as the competitive arm of Renzo Gracie Clarksville’s youth wrestling initiative. At the time, the program existed more as a training opportunity than a tournament-ready team. Though early enthusiasm was high, the competitive division failed to take flight until the summer of 2024 brought a new vision and renewed momentum.
When the previous wrestling staff unexpectedly stepped away from the academy in Spring 2024, it marked a turning point for the program. Coach TJ Santiago, who had initially joined Renzo Gracie Clarksville as a student of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, stepped into the leadership role with a bold and energetic coaching philosophy that reignited interest in competition and elevated the club’s standards. Under his guidance, enrollment in the youth wrestling program nearly doubled, surging from 41 athletes in early Summer 2024 to 81 by Summer 2025.
The Leadership Behind the Charge
Coach T.J. Santiago brings a warrior’s mentality and a lifetime of experience to the Screaming Eagles. Hailing from Ellenville, New York, Coach TJ began his martial arts journey in Taekwondo, earning his black belt in 2008 and later competing as an amateur boxer. A dedicated student of wrestling since 2003, he competed at both regional and state levels, while his military service in the U.S. Army and Army Reserves further shaped his leadership and combatives skills.
His coaching resume is equally impressive, having guided youth wrestling teams to regional and state success. TJ’s motivating, hands-on style makes him not just a coach, but a mentor and role model to his students. His presence at Renzo Gracie Clarksville has become the foundation for the program’s rapid ascent.
In December 2024, the coaching staff welcomed a powerful addition: Assistant Coach SFC (Ret.) Kyle Sheahan. Coach Kyle brings over two decades of military service, including time in elite Psychological Operations roles, along with a deep background in combatives, boxing, and judo. A former youth football coach and a lifelong wrestler himself, Kyle is known for his resilient mindset and his mantra: “Knees are no place for a champion—not on the mat or in life.” Together, Coach TJ and Coach Kyle have built a coaching duo with the technical depth, leadership experience, and emotional intelligence to elevate athletes on and off the mat.
Competition Begins: SEWC Hits the Mat
The Screaming Eagles made their competitive debut on November 17, 2024, at the Smyrna Developmental Tournament. The club brought 8 athletes, most of whom were first-time competitors. The results spoke volumes:
- Miyon Alkubechy – 1st Place 🥇
- Israel Walker – 1st Place 🥇
- Shiloh Walker – 3rd Place 🥉
- Gaige Rutherfurd – 6th
- Grayson Snyder – 6th
- Carter Black – 4th
- Tucker Melanson – 4th
- Caleb Melanson – 5th
The team placed 25th out of 30 teams, an impressive result given their inexperience and the caliber of the competition.
From Newcomers to All-Americans
Since their first tournament, the Screaming Eagles have gone on to compete in seven additional events across Tennessee and beyond, often fielding teams of 10–15 traveling athletes. Their breakout moment came at the June 2025 Gatlinburg Bootleggers Tournament, where the team racked up 13 All-American designations and a stunning medal count:
- 4 Gold 🥇
- 5 Silver 🥈
- 3 Bronze 🥉
A Bright Future for the Screaming Eagles
In just one year, the Screaming Eagle Wrestling Club has grown from a dormant division into a competitive and respected youth wrestling program. What was once a room of beginners is now a battalion of hungry, disciplined, and passionate student-athletes, with coaches who embody resilience, grit, and excellence.
The growth in athlete participation and results speaks to the program’s strong culture, but it’s the energy in the room—on the mats, in the stands, and among families—that signals something even greater is unfolding. The club has become a hub for young athletes looking to push beyond limits, cultivate self-discipline, and strive for greatness in a team environment that feels like home.
As the Screaming Eagles continue to train, compete, and rise in the ranks, the future is undeniably bright. The next chapter of Tennessee wrestling is being written here in Clarksville—one takedown, one medal, and one champion at a time.
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Learn more about the Screaming Eagles Wrestling Club, the academy staff, and the class schedule at renzogracieclarksville.com/programs/wrestling or call (931) 241-2159.
