About

THE DIRECTOR

Ben Hatta

Ben Hatta is an Emmy nominated, non-scripted television and documentary producer who has been in the alternative series and specials business since the late 90s. He has developed, produced, and show-run hundreds of hours of network and cable reality content including; Emmy Award winning THE AMAZING RACE, THE BACHELOR, HELL’S KITCHEN, FOOD NETWORK STAR, GENE SIMMONS FAMILY JEWELS, and more.

He has helped produce and sell several feature-length documentaries including the Emmy nominated TEAM FOXCATCHER for Netflix and Peacock’s WWE biography on Kurt Angle, both with 100% ratings on Rotten Tomatoes.

He spent his early years working in reality television development for CAA, ABC, Telepictures Productions, and Next Entertainment where he helped develop and sell shows like, “The Bachelor” and “High School Reunion.”

This series is also personal to Ben, as he was a member of the St. Edward wrestling team during this time period and also appears in the film. He went on to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania where he earned a Bachelor’s degree and was also an NCAA Division I wrestler.

OVERVIEW

Clash Of Dynasties: St. Edward vs Walsh Jesuit

“Clash of Dynasties: St. Edward vs. Walsh Jesuit” is a compelling 4-part docuseries produced and directed by Emmy-nominated filmmaker Ben Hatta, known for acclaimed wrestling documentaries “Team Foxcatcher” and “Angle.” This series delves into the fierce rivalry between two of Ohio’s wrestling powerhouses in the 1990s: the St. Edward Eagles and the Walsh Jesuit Warriors.

Led by Coaches Greg Urbas and Bill Barger, these teams became the epicenter of American wrestling, each with a unique style and culture. Through intense dual meets, packed arenas, and national recognition, the series highlights the contrasting approaches and relentless drive of these programs. Marked by both dramatic victories and poignant tragedies, “Clash of Dynasties” transcends sports, offering an emotional, in-depth look at one of the greatest high school rivalries ever.

Viewers will hear from those who lived through these epic battles, gaining insight into the dedication, passion, and amazing stories that fueled both teams to become legends.

Episode 1: Building a Dynasty (The Beginning to 1991)

In the premiere episode, the bitter rivalry between St. Edward and Walsh Jesuit begins to unfold. The episode explores St. Ed’s rise from its early wrestling struggles to a decade of dominance during the 1980s under legendary Coach Howard Ferguson. Meanwhile, 40 minutes away, Walsh Jesuit’s Coach, Bill Barger begins building a fierce team of his own with one goal in mind- take down St. Eds! As St. Edward struggles to rebuild after a tragic loss, the stage is set for an epic showdown between these two dynasties.

Episode 2: Takedown (1992-1993)

In Episode 2, the heated rivalry between the St. Edward Eagles and Walsh Warriors intensifies. Adding more star power to their lineup, the Eagles make a triumphant comeback, bolstered by returning coaches and a season dedicated to a late teammate. However, the Warriors step up to the challenge by adding more coaches of their own and a new crop of North Akron wrestlers, putting St. Ed’s 14-year streak of dual meet wins on the line. Another state and national title are up for grabs, though controversy and tragedy strike both teams unexpectedly.

Episode 3: On Top (1994-1995)

Episode 3 of "Clash of Dynasties” features one of the wildest and closest dual meets of the entire rivalry which was held at Walsh for the first time and broadcast by ESPN. The 1994 State Tournament would also end up coming down to the wire. Despite personal losses in 1995, Walsh Jesuit would cement their legacy in Ohio history, setting multiple state records along the way. That season would also include the creation of the famous Ironman Tournament, the first national wrestling mega-tournament of its kind, held at Walsh and still going to this day.

Episode 4: Reversal (1996 to The End)

In the final episode, the Walsh dynasty starts to show signs of fatigue just as St. Edward is starting to reload with young, talented wrestlers. The 1996 season kicks off with the most dramatic dual meet ever and again, the epic battle for the state and national title would be another nail-biter. After some shocking news to both Walsh Jesuit and Coach Barger in 1997, the rivalry would never be the same and with a new contender on the scene both teams would struggle to assert their dominance. As the decade would come to an close, the rivalry would begin to cool and only one team would end up on top.

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