PRTC Wrestling

Brandon Slay Moving On from Executive Director of the PRTC

2025-04-22

After more than eight years of transformative leadership, Olympic Gold Medalist Brandon Slay will step down as Executive Director and Head Coach of the Pennsylvania Regional Training Center (PRTC). Slay and his family will relocate to Springdale, Arkansas this July, where he will take on a dual role as Executive Director of SportsLife Wrestling, a Christian-based leadership development organization, and Head Coach of the G1 Training Center, a new training facility focused on the development of youth, elite high school, and senior level wrestlers. Slay will immediately move on to the PRTC Board of Directors, continuing his service to the organization.

Tyler Berger Wins Us Open!

2023-05-01

Las Vegas, NV – In a come-from-behind victory, Tyler Berger won the 70kg US National Championship last Friday evening at the prestigious and highly competitive US Open. This is the first National title for Berger as he has qualified to battle for the World Team spot at 70kg. He’ll compete against world medalist Zain Retherford at Final X in Newark, New Jersey on June 10th in the Prudential Center. If he wins the best of three series, Berger will represent Team USA at the World Championships in Belgrade, Serbia this Fall.

In the final match, Berger defeated Sammy Sasso of the Ohio Regional Training Center with just eight seconds left on the clock. He was down by one point and utilized some recently learned skills to score a takedown as time ran out.

“We train this. We literally train this!” said Berger of the drill his coach, Olympic Gold Medalist Brandon Slay, instituted into the team’s training plan. “Seven second goes, you’re down by one, go figure it out.” The crowd at South Point Hotel and Conference Center went wild as the Oregon native and current resident of Philadelphia scored the deciding points.

The PRTC was well represented at this year’s US Open. In addition to Berger, senior resident athletes Joey McKenna (65kg), David McFadden (79kg), and Mark Hall (86kg) all competed in Las Vegas. McKenna won a silver medal while McFadden and Hall each won a bronze medal. All three will be competing at Final X for a spot on the national team.

The top three competitors at each weight make the US National Team. The final spots are determined by a wrestle-off to find the true placings at each weight if the competitors did not wrestle each other at the US Open. McKenna will wrestle Matt Kolodzik, McFadden will wrestle Alex Dieringer, and Hall will wrestle Zahid Valencia.

World Champion Jordan Burroughs will look to secure his spot on the World Team at Final X as well. He will wrestle US Open Champion Chance Marstellar at 79kg. This will be a rematch of last year’s Final X where Burroughs won two matches to one and went on to win a record breaking 7th World/Olympic medal in Serbia.

Also competing at the Senior level in Las Vegas for the PRTC were four University of Pennsylvania underclassmen. Ryan Miller (57kg), Michael Colaiocco (65kg), CJ Composto (65kg), and Maximus Hale (86kg) all stepped up to take on the challenge of competing at the national level against some of the best athletes in the country. Hale finished in the top eight gaining All-American Status.

Drexel Assistant Coach CJ LaFragola competed as well. He battled to an impressive 3-2 record for the weekend just missing the medal round. LaFragola, a three time NCAA qualifier, is undefeated as an MMA fighter yet he continues to enter high level wrestling tournaments to hone his skills.

Michael Boykin, a graduate of NC State, has been training with the PRTC. He made the trip west with the team and competed at 92kg. Boykin, who has been a welcome addition to the room, routinely works out with the Penn and Drexel upper-weights as well as training with Mark Hall.

Here are the full US Open results for the PRTC Senior Level athletes:

57kg Ryan Miller, 1-2

WIN Fischer (Wolves), 12-0

LOSS Glory (NJRTC), 10-0

LOSS McGowant (Blairstown), (7-5)

61kg Michael Colaiocco, 1-2

LOSS Shriever (Iowa), 11-5

WIN Kuketz (SERTC), 10-0

LOSS Valencia (CART), 14-4

65kg CJ Composto, 2-2

WIN Cooley (Missouri), 10-0

WIN Gold (New York), 10-0

LOSS Henderson (LVWC), 16-6

LOSS Madrigal (Oklahoma) 13-3

65kg Joey McKenna, Silver Medalist 4-2

WIN Koderhandt (Navy), 10-0

WIN Pfanz (Mustang), 10-0

WIN Aschnault (NYCRTC), 10-0

WIN Lovett (SKWC), 8-3

LOSS Lee (NLWC), 10-5

70kg Tyler Berger, Champion 5-0

WIN Monseratt (NERTC), 12-2

WIN Flores (TMWC), 10-0

WIN Verkleeren (Cavalier), 12-1

WIN Hidlay (Wolfpack), 11-0

WIN Sasso (ORTC), 10-9

79kg David McFadden, Bronze Medalist 5-1

WIN Torres (Arizona), 10-0

WIN White (Indiana), 7-2

WIN Marinelli (HWC), 10-6

LOSS Marstellar (NYCRTC), 6-1

WIN Kemerer (Spartan RTC), 11-9

WIN Marinelli (HWC), 10-0

86kg Mark Hall, Bronze Medalist 5-1

WIN Tarantino (NERTC), FALL

WIN Verhaege (Kansas), 10-0

WIN Marcelli (Cavalier), 10-0

LOSS Brooks (NLWC), 6-1

WIN Morgan (Spartan RTC), 8-2

WIN Hidlay (Wolfpack), 13-2

86kg Maximus Hale, 8th Place 3-3

WIN Lords (Viking), 10-0

WIN Harman (Tiger), 5-5 criteria

LOSS Valencia (SKWC), 7-2

WIN Jessen (Wildcat), 11-0

LOSS Morgan (Spartan RTC), 11-7

LOSS Webster (Gopher), 4-0

86kg CJ LaFragola, 3-2

LOSS Verhaeghe (Kansas), 7-3

WIN Danals (Cavalier), 14-4

WIN Morgan (Gopher WC), 10-0

WIN Squires (New Jersey), 13-7

LOSS Stewart (Cavalier), 7-2

92kg Michael Boykin, 1-2

LOSS Stemmet (Illinois), 10-6

WIN Filsaime (SERTC), 11-0

LOSS Haas (CRTC), 12-2

Pictures by Tony Rotundo and Eleni Glynos

Story by Kevin McGuigan

Happy Holidays From the Prtc!

2022-12-26

As 2022 comes to an end and we enjoy the holiday season, we want to take a moment to thank our supporters for helping us with another year of successful accomplishments. There is so much to be thankful for this past year. All of which would not be possible without you.

If you have not yet taken the opportunity to support the PRTC, please consider a year end donation to help us continue to do all the wonderful things shared below.

Donate Now

Our Year in Review…

We began the year hosting Summit 3. Several international events were canceled around this time. So, we made the effort to provide some competition at the senior level. Coaches and athletes from around the country and internationally traveled to South Jersey to participate in this live streamed event. Mark and David represented the PRTC at Summit 3 while coming away with two wins each and going undefeated for the day. We’re grateful to have the opportunity to serve others while competing.

Mark and David would go on to win US Open Championships in Las Vegas in April. This was Mark’s second National Championship in a row and David’s first major tournament win at the senior level. Doug Zapf, a senior at the University of Pennsylvania, won a bronze medal as well.

In May, Joey and Jordan each won Pan Am Championships in Acapulco, Mexico. This was Joey’s second time and Jordan’s fifth time winning Pan Am Gold. Jordan outscored his opponents 40-1 during the tournament.

Also in May, Joey and Mark each placed third in the World Team Trials establishing themselves on the US National Team. This is the first time Mark made the Senior National Team. Joey is now a three time National Team member.

Our partners at both Drexel and Penn traveled to Ohio in June for the U23/U20 Freestyle/Greco National Championships. A combined group of 32 athletes and several coaches made the trip to Geneva for this high level competition. With every athlete representing the PRTC, we came home with 7 All-Americans.

Also in June, Jordan competed in Final X in New York City. In an exciting match-up with Chance Marstellar at 79kg, Jordan won to make his 11th World Team.

In July, Joey and David traveled to Warsaw, Poland with Mark to compete in the Poland Open. Mark served as coach helping Joey and David each win silver medals in this prestigious international competition.

Tyler Berger joined the PRTC in August. In an effort to build our team and provide higher level training partners, we are grateful to have Tyler in Philly.

Competing at 70kg for the US National Team, Tyler is a perfect addition to our team and our culture. He and his wife, Sydnee, have comfortably settled in the city and now call Philadelphia their home.

In September, Jordan won his 7th World/Olympic gold medal at the World Championships in Belgrade, Serbia. With this win, Jordan has more championship gold medals than any US wrestler in history. This is his second World Championship while training at the PRTC.

Also in September, the PRTC became the host of the prestigious Keystone Classic. Created by Coach Roger Reina over 26 years ago, the Keystone Classic is a premier early season NCAA tournament held on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania in the Palestra. As host, the PRTC has added valuable revenue generating opportunities.

In October, Tyler and Joey traveled to Kazakhstan for the Kunayev DA international tournament. Both senior athletes won silver medals and cash prizes for their efforts. This was Tyler’s first international competition ever.

At the Keystone Classic in November, Jordan held a wrestling clinic between sessions. Hundreds of young wrestlers and fans of all ages showed up to support and learn from one of America’s greatest athletes. It was a great experience for all involved.

The final event of the year was the World Cup which was held in Coralville, Iowa this December. Jordan and Tyler represented the United States in the competition. Their efforts helped Team USA win the men’s freestyle team championship.

As we continue into 2023, our mission of enriching lives locally and globally through the sport of wrestling stays our main priority. We continue to do this by adhering to our core values of faith over fear, full effort, struggle well, and serve others. Click on the link below to listen as our senior athletes discuss our four core values.

PRTC Core Values

We thank you, again, for your continued support of the PRTC!

Jordan Burroughs Wins 7th Gold To Make History

2022-09-21

Community and legacy are on his mind after record setting performance.

Philadelphia, Pa. – Last weekend, the PRTC’s Jordan Burroughs became the first American wrestler to win seven gold medals at the World/Olympic level. Surpassing Six Time Gold Medalists Adeline Gray and John Smith, Burroughs has become, arguably, the greatest of all time in USA wrestling history.

For the second year in a row, Burroughs defeated Mohammad Nokhodilarimi of Iran. Behind 1-0 after the first period, Burroughs quickly scored a push out to tie it up. A shot to finish secured a takedown giving him a 3-1 lead. Nokhodilarimi pushed back with a late step out score to close the gap but Burroughs would hold off for the 4-2 victory.

This is the second World Championship title for Burroughs since moving to Philadelphia in the Summer of 2021 to train with the PRTC.

“Philly is everything I could have ever imagined as a training location,” said Burroughs. “Great partners, amazing leadership, and a community that truly loves the sport. There has been so much encouragement from the Drexel and Penn family to help prepare me to take on the world, and to celebrate my success after victories.”

Three of Burroughs’ teammates were also in Belgrade, Serbia for the World Championships. New PRTC senior athlete Tyler Berger was Burroughs’ main training partner leading up to the event. Joey McKenna helped prepare USA 61kg Seth Gross. David McFadden traveled with the team from San Marino as 86kg Myles Amine’s training partner.

“As a team, we were all focused on maximizing Jordan and Team USA’s performance,” said PRTC Executive Director and Head Coach Brandon Slay. “Joey, Tyler, and David also benefited from being training partners and servant leaders.”

PRTC senior athletes Mark Hall and Richard Perry stayed in Philly to coach U23 and Developmental practices while the team traveled. Hall is also the volunteer assistant coach at Penn. Serving others, a core value of the PRTC, is deeply rooted in the local wrestling ecosystem.

“Jordan’s record setting performance breathes life into the entire wrestling community and way beyond,“ said Slay. “His faith, full effort, and fortitude will continue to blaze a path for wrestlers from the PRTC, Penn, Drexel, Beat the Streets Philly, and a myriad of age group wrestlers all around the greater Philadelphia area.”

The PRTC practices at both the Drexel University and University of Pennsylvania training facilities in West Philadelphia. The Beat the Streets Mentoring Center is located between the two. Burroughs lives in the city and often brings his family with him to practice. He frequently volunteers his time with the underserved youth of Beat the Streets.

“I desire the legacy of this World Championship to be tied to representation,” he said. “In a sport with many heroes, but few of color, I get to be the standard now for which all young brown men and women hope to achieve someday. It’s an honor.”

Burroughs will next compete with Team USA at the 2022 World Cup to be held in Coralville, Iowa on December 10th and 11th.

Photos by Levi Ventura

Story by Kevin McGuigan

PRTC Launches World Championships Silent Auction

2022-09-14

Autographed photos and fan packs up for bid and raffle as Jordan Burroughs and Team USA compete in Serbia.

Philadelphia, Pa – In an effort to raise awareness of their mission to enrich lives locally and globally through the sport of wrestling, the Pennsylvania Regional Training Center has launched a silent auction during the UWW World Championships this week. Autographed photos of the Senior Athletes and fan gift packs will be offered for bid and raffle until Sunday, September 19th at 9pm.

Gina Perry, wife of PRTC Senior Athlete Richard Perry, has organized the fundraising event through Click Bid, an online auction site. “Obviously, I’m a big fan of the PRTC!” says Perry. “I know there are a lot of other PRTC fans out there who would want an autographed photo of their favorite wrestler. Plus, the fan packs are pretty awesome as well!”

The online auction aligns with the PRTC’s Ambassador Campaign which started in 2021 as a means to raise funds for the 501c3 non-profit organization.

The Ambassador Campaign is a fundraising effort to help further expand the PRTC’s impact. The goal is to raise an additional $1,000,000 over the next 5 years for the PRTC. The campaign committee chose the title “Ambassador Campaign” as a tribute to Benjamin Franklin and what he represented as a treasured American icon.

The additional income from the Ambassador Campaign will help the PRTC continue to support the senior athletes with training, housing, sustainable income, injury prevention care, and healthcare insurance coverage. With increased funding, the PRTC will be able to expand its reach in helping to develop future leaders through developmental training, community outreach, and coaching initiatives.

The World Championships will be held from September 10-18. PRTC Senior Athlete Jordan Burroughs is competing for Team USA at 79kg and is on pace to break the US record of six World/Olympic Gold Medals. Winning in Serbia will put Burroughs on top with seven. He is currently tied with US legends John Smith and Adeline Gray.

The link for the PRTC World Championship Silent Auction can be found here.

Story by Kevin McGuigan

McKenna and McFadden Win Bronze in Poland with Teammate Mark Hall in the Corner.

2022-07-21

Warsaw, Poland – When the opportunity to coach his teammates in an international tournament presented itself, Senior Athlete Mark Hall jumped at the chance be in the corner for his friends. The volunteer assistant coach for the University of Pennsylvania already has a full season of folkstyle coaching on his resume. Hall is part of a staff that produced 9 NCAA National Qualifiers and an All-American in 2022. This would be Hall’s first time coaching at a senior level international event.

PRTC Executive Director Brandon Slay offered Hall the responsibility to coach his teammates, Joey McKenna and David McFadden, as they recently competed in the Poland Open. The tournament, held in Warsaw, Poland, features several top ranked international competitors. The three senior athletes made the 14 hour trip together and are coming home with two bronze medals.

“I had a lot of fun taking a leadership role on this trip,” says Hall. “I really tried to deepen my friendship with Dave and Joey and truly learn what they believe will make them better wrestlers.”

Joey McKenna earns Bronze at 65kg.

McKenna, competing at 65kg, went 3-1 on his way to winning third place. After dropping a close semi-final match to a talented Tsogbadrakh Tseveensuren of Mongolia, McKenna bounced back with a gritty 3-1 win over Krzysztoff Bienkowski in the bronze medal match. This is McKenna’s third international medal of the year. He placed third at the prestigious Yasar Dogu International in February and won the Pan American Championships in May.

David McFadden earns Bronze at 79kg.

At 79kg, McFadden went 3-1 outscoring his opponents 30-6 on the day. After defeating fellow American Alex Marinelli 10-0 in the quarterfinals, he lost to Vasyl Mykhaylov of Ukraine in the semi-finals. A quick 10-0 tech against Csaba Vida of Hungary in the third place match secured the bronze for McFadden who, like Hall, is also a collegiate coach. He is the volunteer assistant coach at Drexel University.

“We had a great trip!” Hall exclaimed. “I can’t wait to get back to competing alongside my teammates again.”

PRTC teammates David McFadden, Mark Hall, and Joey McKenna.

The full Poland Open PRTC Results…

65kg Joey McKenna, Bronze Medal

WIN Vasyl Shuptar, Ukraine, 10-0

WIN Nino Leutert, Switzerland, 9-2

LOSS Tsogbadrakh Tseveensuren, 1-2

WIN Krzysztof Bienkowski, Poland 3-1

79kg David McFadden, Bronze Medal

WIN Jose O’Neil, Angola, 10-0

WIN Alex Marinelli, USA, 10-0

LOSS Vasyl Mykhaylov, Ukraine, 6-0

WIN Csaba Vida, Hungary, 10-0

Story by Kevin McGuigan

PRTC Travels to Colorado Springs for USA Wrestling World Team Camp

2022-07-06

Colorado Springs, Co – The PRTC has traveled to the US Olympic Training Center this week to practice with Team USA. It is the first of two training camps to be held this summer at the OTC.

“It’s exciting to spend time with USA’s best,” said the PRTC’s Mark Hall. “Everybody has their own way of navigating the sport of wrestling and things are always interesting when we get the chance to bounce ideas off of one another.”

Mark Hall, 86kg

The week-long camp is Hall’s first as a Senior National Team member. He placed second at 86kg in the recent World Team Trials Challenge tournament attaining the third spot on USA’s ranking ladder behind David Taylor and Zahid Valencia. The top 3 at each weight class qualify for the National Team. Taylor will be the USA Team representative at 86kg in the World Championships later this year.

All four active PRTC Senior Athletes made the trip to Colorado. Joey McKenna(65kg), a three time National Team member, and David McFadden(79kg) along with Jordan Burroughs(79kg) have joined Hall. Burroughs is the returning World Champion at 79kg and will represent Team USA for the 11th time as a Senior World Team member.

“I’m excited to be heading into my first training camp alongside my 2022 World Team teammates,” said Burroughs. “We’ve got an outstanding squad this year!”

Jordan Burroughs, 79kg

It’s been a while since Team USA has been together as a group for a training camp. Most of the World and National Team will be at the OTC this week. “Due to Covid, it’s been almost three years since I’ve been to the training camp,” Burroughs recalls. “This place has been a second home for me, and I’ve always felt that I make my biggest gains in my wrestling while spending the summer here with my team. It’s good to be back and I’m looking forward to spending this week getting better!”

The World Team training camp runs through July 10th with a second camp scheduled for mid-August. Following this first camp, Joey McKenna and David McFadden will travel to Warsaw, Poland to compete in the Poland Open from July 16-20.

The World Championships are in Belgrade, Serbia this coming September where Burroughs will compete for a record 7th World/Olympic Gold medal.

Pictures by Levi Ventura and Tony Rotundo

Joey McKenna and Mark Hall Qualify For National Team at 2022 World Team Trials

2022-05-23

Coralville, Iowa – The 2022 USA World Team Trials Challenge Tournament concluded on Sunday with the PRTC placing in three of the four weight classes where they had entered athletes. As a team, the PRTC placed sixth overall against some of the top RTCs in the country. The tournament, held in Extreme Arena, is the precursor to Final X, the last competition to decide the 2022 USA World Team scheduled to compete at the World Championships in Belgrade, Serbia later this year.

Doug Zapf, a junior at the University of Pennsylvania, represented the PRTC in his first ever senior level World Team Trials tournament. He went 1-2 on the weekend at 70kg against a tough field of former NCAA All-Americans, National Champions, and seasoned senior level competitors.

PRTC senior resident athletes Joey McKenna, David McFadden, and Mark Hall each battled their way through tough competition to gain placing. The top three finishers in each weight class qualify for National Team status. McKenna placed third while Hall placed second. McFadden fell short of qualifying with a fourth place finish.

Hall, competing at 86kg, lost in the best of three final match series to Zahid Valencia of Sunkist Kids Wrestling Club. Valencia will move on to Final X to compete against David Taylor (NLWC) for the World Team spot. This puts Hall at 3rd on the competitor ladder but still qualifies him for National Team status.

After losing his opening round match, McKenna battled back in dominating fashion to place third at 65kg. He went 4-1 on the weekend while out scoring his opponents 52-8. His placing puts McKenna on his third US National Team. He was a member of the 2018-19 team and is on the current 2021-22 team.

McFadden went 2-2 at 79kg. He started the tournament with a tech fall before losing to eventual champion Chance Marstellar (TMWC) 5-2 in the semi-finals. McFadden started his comeback with a dominating win over two time NCAA Champion Isaiah Martinez (BDRTC) before losing the third place match to Carter Starocci(NLWC). Marstellar will move on to Final X and compete against the PRTC’s Jordan Burroughs for the world team spot. Burroughs is the current World Champion at 79kg.

Below are the full results for the PRTC.

65kg Joey McKenna, 4-1, 3rd Place

LOSS Ian Parker (Cyclone RTC) 5-8

WIN Joshua Saunders (Spartan RTC) 10-0

WIN Patricio Lugo (Hawkeye WC) 10-0

WIN Nick Lee (NLWC) 13-3

WIN Ian Parker (Cyclone RTC) 11-0

70kg Doug Zapf, 1-2

LOSS Zain Retherford (NLWC) 1-4

WIN Jarod Verkleeren (Cavalier WC) 5-0

LOSS Tyler Berger (CAL/TMWC) 0-7

79kg David McFadden, 2-2, 4th Place

WIN Braden Thompson (Illinois) 10-0

LOSS Chance Marstellar (TMWC) 2-5

WIN Isaiah Martinez (BDRT) 14-7

LOSS Carter Starocci (NLWC) 2-10

86kg Mark Hall, 2-2, 2nd Place

WIN Caleb Hopkins (BCWC) 10-0

WIN Drew Foster (Panther WC) FALL

LOSS Zahid Valencia (Sunkist Kids WC) 0-6

LOSS Zahid Valencia (Sunkist Kids WC) 0-10

Prtc Ready to Compete at Wtt Challenge Tournament

2022-05-18

McKenna, Zapf, McFadden, and Hall will wrestle for a spot in Final X.

Philadelphia, PA – The seeds are set as the PRTC heads west for the 2022 US World Team Trials Challenge Tournament. Executive Director and Head Coach Brandon Slay is optimistic about his team’s chances in Coralville, Iowa.

Joey McKenna, 65kg Senior Athlete

“With our four guys competing, two are the automatic #1 seeds,” says Slay of David McFadden(79kg) and Mark Hall(86kg) who each recently became Senior National Champions securing the top spots in their respective brackets. At 65kg, Joey McKenna is the #3 seed while Doug Zapf has secured the #5 seed at 70kg. McKenna is a recent Olympic Trials finalist. Zapf, an undergraduate student-athlete at the University of Pennsylvania, won bronze at the Senior Nationals a few weeks ago.

Doug Zapf, 70kg Senior Athlete

“I feel like we are precisely where we want to be,” Slay added. “However, seeds don’t make the World Team…Full Effort wrestling makes the World Team.” Winners of the Challenge Tournament will compete at Final X for the chance to make the 2022 USA World Team. The World Championships will be held this fall in Belgrade, Serbia.

David McFadden, 79kg Senior Athlete

The current training cycle has been a productive one for the PRTC. Over the last several weeks, athletes from both domestic and international clubs have made their way to Philadelphia for the opportunity to train with the team. French Team Leader Pais Didier recently brought several of his athletes to the city for a two week training camp. “We are thankful that the PRTC welcomed us into the room,” says Didier. “We wish the team much success in upcoming competitions!”

Mark Hall, 86kg Senior Athlete

PRTC Senior Athlete, and current World Champion at 79kg, Jordan Burroughs will be awaiting the results of this weekend’s competition. Burroughs, in lieu of his current World Champion status, has a spot in Final X. He will face the winner of the Challenge Tournament in a best 2 of 3 series on June 8th in New York City.

Since becoming the leader of the PRTC in 2016, Slay is keenly aware of what the program has become in his time. “Humbly, the PRTC is on an upward trajectory because of our Board, our generous donors, and, most importantly, our wrestlers who have fully committed to our mission and core values,” he said. “Here’s the deal…our guys can wrestle. They can scrap. Their skills continue to impress me…but more importantly, they are genuine dudes. They are servants who seek to treat others the way they want to be treated, which continues to inspire me to be the best leader I can be.”

Competition at the Challenge Tournament begins on Saturday May 21st for all competitors and continues through Sunday May 22nd. Matches on both days will begin at 11am EST and will be streamed live on FloWrestling. For the complete schedule, go to USA Wrestling.

Here are the current seeds for the PRTC weight classes:

65 kg

1 Kendric Maple Sunkist Kids Wrestling Club

2 Yianni Diakomihalis Spartan Combat RTC/TMWC

3 Joseph McKenna Pennsylvania RTC/TMWC

4 Nick Lee Nittany Lion WC/TMWC

5 Matthew Kolodzik New York Athletic Club

6 Ian Parker Cyclone Regional Training Center C-RTC

7 Luke Pletcher Pittsburgh WC/TMWC

8 Evan Henderson Ohio RTC/TMWC

9 Patricio Lugo Hawkeye WC/TMWC

10 Dean Heil Oklahoma RTC/TMWC

11 Beau Bartlett Nittany Lion WC/TMWC

12 Carter Young Cowboy RTC/TMWC

13 Joshua Saunders Spartan Combat RTC/TMWC

70 kg

1 Alec Pantaleo Cliff Keen WC/TMWC

2 Ryan Deakin Wildcat WC/TMWC

3 Jordan Oliver Sunkist Kids Wrestling Club

4 Zain Retherford Nittany Lion WC/TMWC

5 Doug Zapf Pennsylvania RTC/TMWC

6 Michael Blockhus Gopher Wrestling Club – RTC

7 Sam Sasso Ohio RTC/TMWC

8 Tyler Berger California RTC/TMWC

9 Anthony Ashnault New York Athletic Club

10 Dayne Morton Wolves Wrestling Club

11 Jarod Verkleeren Cavalier Wrestling Club

79 kg

1 David McFadden Pennsylvania RTC/TMWC

2 Vincenzo Joseph California RTC/TMWC

3 Alex Dieringer Cliff Keen WC/TMWC

4 Carter Starocci Nittany Lion WC/TMWC

5 Chance Marsteller Titan Mercury Wrestling Club (TMWC)

6 Isaiah Martinez Beaver Dam Wrestling RTC/TMWC

7 Taylor Lujan Panther Wrestling Club RTC/TMWC

8 Nick Reenan Wolfpack WC/TMWC

9 Brayden Thompson Illinois

86 kg

1 Mark Hall Pennsylvania RTC/TMWC

2 Zahid Valencia Sunkist Kids Wrestling Club

3 Pat Downey Florida

4 Trent Hidlay Wolfpack WC/TMWC

5 Drew Foster Panther Wrestling Club RTC

6 Marcus Coleman Cyclone Regional Training Center C-RTC

7 Owen Webster Gopher Wrestling Club – RTC

8 Caden Steffen Mustang Wrestling Club

9 Caleb Hopkins Buies Creek Wrestling Club

10 Julien Broderson Cyclone Regional Training Center C-RTC

11 Andrew Morgan Spartan Combat RTC/TMWC

Pictures by J. Mangan and T. Rotundo

Mckenna And Burroughs Win Pan American Gold

2022-05-09

Acapulco, Mexico – The PRTC earned two more gold medals this past weekend helping Team USA dominate the competition at the Pan American Championships. Joey McKenna (65kg) won his second Pan Am title while Jordan Burroughs (79kg) won his fifth.

Coach Brandon Slay, having coached Mark Hall and David McFadden to US Open titles a week earlier, made the trip south to corner Burroughs and McKenna while they represented the United States. “I’m very happy with the way our guys are wrestling right now,” said Slay. “Our par terre offense is getting better every day!”

McKenna won in the finals with a dominating 10-0 performance over Sebastian Rivera(Scarlet Knight Wrestling Club) from Puerto Rico. He used a leg lace from transition with several rolls to seal the match and the technical superiority win.

In the semi-finals, McKenna was also dominant in defeating 2020 Tokyo Olympian Agustin Destribats of Argentina. After several intense scramble situations, McKenna came away with the 13-5 victory.

Burroughs surrendered just one point while winning at 79kg. With just five competitors in the weight class, a round robin format was used. He outscored his opponents 40-1 with three technical superiority wins and one fall.

Following the US Women’s Freestyle Team’s Championship title on Saturday, the men’s team added a first place trophy of their own. Outscoring Canada by 91 points, Team USA won the Men’s Freestyle title.

The PRTC and Team USA results:

65kg: Joey McKenna – Gold Medal

Quarterfinal: VSU Andre Renato QUISPE FAJARDO (CHI)

Semifinal: VPO1 Agustin Alejandro DESTRIBATS (ARG)

Final: VSU Sebastian RIVERA (PUR), 10-0

79 kg: Jordan Burroughs – Gold Medal

Round Robin 1: VSU Samuel Jacob BARMISH (CAN), 12-1

Round Robin 2: VFA Victor J SANTOS ACOSTA (PUR), 8-0

Round Robin 3: VSU Juan Sebastian RIVERA GARCIA (COL), 10-0

Round Robin 4: VSU Miguel Angel ORNELAS REYNOSO (MEX), 10-0

Team Results

United States, 229
Canada, 138
Puerto Rico, 120
Mexico, 101
Cuba, 76
Argentina, 56
Brazil, 55
Colombia, 54
Dominican Republic, 38
Venezuela, 37

Pictures courtesy of Levi Ventura