The first thing you need to know about Underground Wrestling and Massage is that it’s NOT a secret.
When we first spoke with Ashley Uccellini and learned that she and her husband had opened a new business in downtown Troy, we were reminded of that famous line from the movie Fight Club, but this place is no figment of the imagination. It’s the real deal.
Ashley and her husband Joe Uccellini both have their passions. Hers is therapeutic massage and his is wrestling. Together, they’ve taken over the space at 251 River Street. It’s actually a basement space, hence Underground, and we’d bet you’ve walked past it plenty of times. There is nothing basement-like about Underground Athletics and Massage. Downstairs it’s flooded with light from the windows along the river, and the atrium-like stairwell brings in the River Street sunshine.
Once underground, the place is all business: the floor is mostly wrestling mats, enough to accommodate athletes of all ages who come for Joe’s coaching and teaching of Greco-Roman wrestling. (We asked: that’s the kind they do in the Olympics.) On the other side are the rooms dedicated to Ashley’s therapeutic massage space. She’s managed to create an oasis of calm and we can’t wait to book a massage.
Wanting to give back, the couple reached out about hosting a Holiday Food and Toy Drive for Unity House. Each year, Unity House’s Adopt a Child program provides gifts for 1,300 children across Unity House programs and beyond. The couple was inspired by neighboring business owner Jamie Magur of the Troy Grooming Company to collect toys and food for holiday needs. Both businesses have decorated bins for folks to drop in pantry staples, toys, books, or winter coats & boots for children.
Perhaps you read in the Troy Record about this Troy barber’s efforts to support local response to food insecurity. Writer Lauren Halligan wrote about Jaime’s annual Food and Toy drive, inspired by his late grandmother who was long a champion of feeding people in need. Jaime has continued the family tradition at his barber shop, the Troy Grooming Company. He’s designated his shop, which is a real gem of a place, as a collection point for needed food and toys during the holiday season. To incent folks to participate, he’s offering a discount on haircuts.
There are so many good things happening in Troy. Where else can you get a haircut, wrestle and enjoy a massage? But really, it’s the people that make Troy such a wonderful place to live and work. We are grateful for the support of the many local businesses, people and groups who help Unity House now and throughout the year.
How to Get Involved:
This holiday season there are plenty of ways to help:
- Adopt a Child– drop off a new toy, book or winter coat or make a donation to support the Unity House Adopt a Child Program.
- Food Pantry– donated a non-perishable food item or make a donation to help stock the shelves.
On behalf of those we serve, Thank You.