History of the PRTC

Founding and Early Years

In the summer of 2014, as USA Wrestling’s Regional Training Center model gained momentum nationwide, leaders in Philadelphia took action to ensure the city would be part of the movement. Clinton Matter, Dave Pottruck, Brett Matter, Brandon Slay, and Roger Reina, working in partnership with USA Wrestling, established a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to youth, collegiate, and Olympic-level wrestling.

The new training center would provide world-class opportunities for wrestlers at every stage of development, while also serving the greater Philadelphia community.

Former NCAA champion Brian Dolph became the PRTC’s first Executive Director and Head Coach. Under his guidance, the program began to take shape, with Richard Perry and Danny Mitcheff among its first senior-level athletes.

Brandon Slay Era (2016–2025)

In 2016, Olympic gold medalist and longtime USA Wrestling National Coach Brandon Slay returned to Philadelphia to assume the role of Executive Director and Head Coach. His arrival marked a turning point in the organization’s growth and competitive results.

That same year, Richard Perry established himself as a top competitor, placing at the Olympic Trials and serving as Olympic champion Kyle Snyder’s primary training partner leading into the 2016 Rio Games. Perry became a cornerstone of the program and was known for his fierce battles with the best in the world, including an unforgettable match against Kyle Dake.

During Slay’s tenure, the PRTC roster grew with accomplished athletes such as Chase Pami, BJ Futrell, Dan Valimont, Mauro Correnti, Ethan Lizak, Ben Honis, Jay Aiello, Joey McKenna, David McFadden, Mark Hall, Jordan Burroughs, and Tyler Berger, many of whom achieved career-defining results while training in Philadelphia.

Slay’s leadership built an environment where world-class competitors trained alongside rising stars, accelerating development and establishing the PRTC as one of the country’s top RTC programs.

The Summit and a New Wave of Talent (2021–2022)

Following the successful Summit wrestling events of 2021, which showcased college, developmental, and senior-level talent, the PRTC entered a new phase of national prominence.

The team’s standout additions included:

Joey McKenna – Six-time U.S. National Team member, World Team member, and multiple-time NCAA finalist.

David McFadden – Four-time NCAA All-American and U.S. Open Champion.

Mark Hall – NCAA Champion, age-group World Champion, and two-time U.S. Open Champion.

Jordan Burroughs – One of the greatest wrestlers in American history, who won two World Championships (2021, 2022) while representing the PRTC.

Tyler Berger – NCAA finalist and U.S. Open Champion.

These athletes elevated the PRTC’s competitive presence on the world stage while inspiring the next generation through mentorship and community engagement.

Recent Additions: The 2025 Senior Class

In 2025, the PRTC welcomed a new wave of senior-level athletes, all representing Puerto Rico internationally:

Darian Cruz – Olympian, NCAA Champion, and known for his speed and creativity on the mat.

Shane Jones – A rising star in freestyle wrestling, with top finishes at U.S. National-level events and a reputation for tireless work ethic.

Edwin Morales – A national-level competitor recognized for his grit and ability to perform against top domestic opponents.

Together, this group reflects the PRTC’s continued commitment to combining proven champions with emerging talent, ensuring a balance of experience and potential in the training room.

Developmental Success

The PRTC has remained committed to its mission of serving both elite athletes and the broader community. Its developmental program provides access to world-class training for young wrestlers in the region, emphasizing mentorship and exposure to senior-level athletes.

Several standout athletes have achieved national success through this pipeline:

Doug Zapf – Won a U23 National Championship before joining the PRTC senior team.

Max Gallagher – Captured a U23 National Championship while training with the PRTC.

To date, the PRTC has produced 41 freestyle and Greco-Roman All-Americans, including 15 top-3 finishes, while ensuring that “every athlete achieves a personal best” during their time in the program.

Honoring Brandon Slay’s Legacy

After nearly a decade of leadership, Brandon Slay stepped away from the PRTC in 2025. His impact on the program was transformative: under his guidance, the PRTC rose from a new Regional Training Center to one of the nation’s premier hubs for international freestyle wrestling.

Slay cultivated an environment rooted in faith, service, and excellence, helping athletes achieve personal bests while building a community that extended beyond the wrestling mat. His vision and leadership laid the foundation for the PRTC’s continued success and remain embedded in its culture today.

Leadership Today: Matt Valenti (2025–Present)

In 2025, Matt Valenti was named Head Coach of the PRTC while also serving as the Head Coach of the University of Pennsylvania wrestling program. A New Jersey native with deep ties to the Philadelphia region, Valenti brought a new chapter of leadership to the PRTC, succeeding Brandon Slay.

Valenti’s accomplishments include:

Two-time NCAA Champion (2006, 2007) at 133 pounds for the University of Pennsylvania.

Three-time NCAA All-American.

Three-time World Team Trials Bronze Medalist.

Olympic Trials place-winner.

Pan-American Championships Bronze Medalist.

Inducted into the EIWA Hall of Fame.

Former U.S. National Team member.

A Culture of Community and Growth

Beyond the medals, the PRTC has built a culture grounded in community, mentorship, and service. Athletes regularly engage with Beat the Streets Philadelphia, providing inspiration and training to the next generation of wrestlers. Donors and supporters are invited to travel internationally with the team, helping forge unique connections between the program and its global network.

International athletes have also come to Philadelphia to train with the PRTC, contributing to a world-class training environment that embodies the values of honor, humility, and hard work.

Mission

The mission of the PRTC is enriching lives locally and globally through the sport of wrestling. By combining Olympic aspirations with grassroots development, the PRTC creates a unique model where senior-level athletes, collegiate wrestlers, and youth athletes all learn and grow together—lifting one another toward excellence on and off the mat.