PRTC Wrestling

PRTC Sends 10 Athletes to 2026 US Open

2026-04-27

Philadelphia, PA - The Pennsylvania Regional Training Center (PRTC) was well represented on the national stage this past week as 10 athletes traveled to Las Vegas, Nevada to compete at the 2026 US Open, one of the premier freestyle wrestling events in the United States.

Held annually in Las Vegas, the US Open serves as a major benchmark on the domestic wrestling calendar, featuring many of the nation's top Senior-level athletes while also showcasing the next generation of talent in the U20 division. Strong performances at the event can open doors to future international opportunities, national team contention, and age-group World Team pathways.

The PRTC entered seven athletes in the U20 Nationals and three athletes in the Senior US Open, combining for 48 total matches and 295 match points over the course of the tournament.

Leading the way was Elliott Humphries, who earned U20 All-American honors with a 7th-place finish at 79 kg. Humphries put together an impressive run with six victories, including multiple technical falls, demonstrating the offensive pace and grit that define PRTC athletes.

At 74 kg, Caden Bellis delivered one of the most active performances of the week, battling through the backside with six victories in eight matches. Bellis showcased resilience and scoring ability, highlighted by several impressive wins.

At 125 kg, John Pardo showed determination bouncing back after an opening loss with a dominant technical fall victory. At 97kg, Greyson Meak responded similarly, earning two commanding wins in consolation action.

At 86 kg, Xander Kuokkanen recorded three victories, including a fall and a technical superiority win, while Deven Casey picked up two dominant technical falls at 61 kg. Donny Almeyda also gained valuable experience competing in a deep 70 kg bracket.

In the Senior division, the PRTC athletes competed against some of the best wrestlers in the country. Sean Seefeldt earned three wins at 74 kg. Martin Cosgrove posted three victories at 97 kg, while Max Gallagher battled to two wins at 57 kg in a loaded weight class.

The Pennsylvania Regional Training Center continues to provide elite training, mentorship, and competitive opportunities for wrestlers pursuing success at the collegiate, national, and international levels. Based in Philadelphia, the PRTC is committed to developing world-class athletes while supporting growth of wrestling in the region.

With another strong showing in Las Vegas, the future remains bright for the PRTC as its athletes continue to progress on the national scene.

Full Results

U20 Nationals

Deven Casey (61 kg)

WIN - Shirk 10-0

Loss - Rodriguez 5-1

WIN - Kastner 12-0

LOSS - Saldate 5-2

Donny Almeyda (70 kg)

LOSS - Lew 12-9

WIN - Gomez 9-3

WIN - Williams 12-1

WIN - Gosz 10-8

LOSS - Russell Injury Default

Caden Bellis (74 kg)

WIN - Baldwin 11-0

WIN - Burkett 4-2

LOSS - Denny 11-0

WIN - Campagna 13-2

WIN - Garcia 14-7

WIN - Diaz 5-2

WIN - Torres 5-0

LOSS - Routledge 4-1

Elliott Humphries (79 kg)

WIN - Placencia 10-0

WIN - Rios 10-0

WIN - Ibarra 12-1

WIN - Dhabolt 13-8

LOSS - Cunningham 14-5

WIN - Norman 14-2

LOSS - Heiser 10-0

WIN - Miller 7-4

Xander Kuokkanen (86 kg)

WIN - Trotter 4-1

LOSS - Robinson 9-0

WIN - Hancock FALL

WIN - Oizerowitz 10-0

LOSS - Bienus 10-0

Greyson Meak (97 kg)

LOSS - Brown FALL

WIN - Lohmeyer 10-0

WIN - Raines 12-2

LOSS - Cooley 10-0

John Pardo (125 kg)

LOSS - Schunke 15-9

WIN - Royce 10-0

LOSS - Weidman FALL

Senior US Open

Max Gallagher (57 kg)

LOSS - Assad 7-6

WIN - Martir 10-0

WIN - Oliver 10-1

LOSS - Witt FALL

Sean Seefeldt (74 kg)

WIN - DeSena 11-0

WIN - Thomas 5-2

LOSS - Amine 8-1

WIN - Peterson 4-2

LOSS - Downey 10-6

Martin Cosgrove (97 kg)

WIN - Henry 8-3

LOSS - Buchanan 12-1

WIN - Manning 13-2

WIN - Knop 3-0

LOSS - Mirasola 7-1

PRTC Set for 2026 US Open in Las Vegas

2026-04-22

Philadelphia, PA - The Pennsylvania Regional Training Center (PRTC) is set to compete at the 2026 US Open, held April 22-26 at The Expo at World Market Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The US Open serves as one of the premier events on the domestic competition calendar, with Senior champions earning qualification to the US World Team Trials, Final X, and a chance to represent Team USA at the World Championships.

The PRTC will be represented across both the Senior Men's Freestyle division and the U20 Nationals, continuing to showcase the depth of the program from developing athletes to Senior-level contenders.

Senior Level Competitors

Max Gallagher, 57kg

Gallagher enters the US Open as the 7th seed. He's had a strong collegiate career at the University of Pennsylvania as a two-time NCAA Championship Qualifier. Gallagher represented Team USA at the U23 World Championships in 2024. Known for his pace and ability to create offense from neutral, Gallagher has transitioned effectively into freestyle competition within the PRTC system.

Sean Seefeldt, 74kg

Seefeldt recently competed at the 2026 NCAA Championships representing Penn on the national stage. A tough and reliable competitor, he has been a key contributor in the Quakers' lineup and brings valuable high-level experience into the Senior freestyle division.

Martin Cosgrove, 97kg

Cosgrove competes at 97kg and brings size, strength, and solid positional control to the upper weights in this tournament. He was a U20 All-American having made it to the finals in 2022. Cosgrove's experience has helped him build momentum as he competes at the Senior level for the first time.

U20 Nationals Competitors

Deven Casey, 61kg

Casey has built a reputation as one of the top young talents in the Penn room. An Illinois native, he has earned success at major age-group events and continues to develop his freestyle skill set within the PRTC room.

Donny Almeyda, 70kg

Almeyda is a dynamic offensive wrestler with experience competing at national-level tournaments. His ability to generate points from multiple positions makes him a dangerous opponent in the U20 field.

Caden Bellis, 74kg

Bellis is completing his freshman year at Penn. He secured his spot as the 174lb starter early in the season and never looked back. Bellis represented the Quakers at the Ivy Championships this spring narrowly missing a national qualifying spot. His freestyle acumen is high and he'll definitely turn some heads in Vegas.

Elliott Humphries, 79kg

Humphries has consistently placed at competitive national events and is know to be a fierce opponent. His continued development has positioned him to compete deep into brackets at the U20 level.

Xander Kuokkanen, 86kg

Kuokkanen brings a physical, hard nosed style and has competed in high-level folkstyle and freestyle events. His progression within the Penn wrestling room over the past year will help him be a strong contender at 86kg.

Greyson Meak, 97kg

Meak's combination of size and athleticism has led to success at the regional and national levels. He continues to evolve technically and will look to make an impact in a competitive 97kg bracket.

John Pardo, 125kg

Pardo anchors the group at heavyweight. A consistent performer at the national level, he uses his athleticism and mat awareness to control matches and create scoring opportunities.

According to PRTC leadership, the US Open is one of the most important benchmarks in the sport when it comes to freestyle. To have athletes competing across both the Senior level and U20 divisions reflects the direction of the PRTC from where they've been to where they're headed. Competition for Senior Men's Freestyle is set for April 24-25, with U20 Nationals taking place on April 25-26 as part of the overall US Open schedule.

The Pennsylvania Regional Training Center remains committed to developing world-class athletes while building a sustainable pipeline of talent from the developmental and collegiate levels to the international stage. For updates and results throughout the tournament, follow the PRTC on social media. All matches will be streamed live on FloWrestling.

Darian Cruz Competes at RAF Event in Philadelphia

2026-04-20

Philadelphia, PA - The Pennsylvania Regional Training Center (PRTC) proudly recognizes Senior Resident Athlete Darian Cruz for his recent performance at Real American Freestyle 08 held April 18th at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia.

Cruz faced off against NCAA Champion Lucas Byrd in a highly anticipated matchup between two of the most accomplished competitors of their generations. In a tightly contested bout, Byrd earned a victory on criteria following a 2-2 score, showcasing the razor-thin margins at the elite level of the sport.

The match was emblematic of the high-level competition featured by Real American Freestyle, a professional freestyle wrestling platform that brings together top collegiate, international, and Olympic talent in a unique, fan-focused format.

Cruz, a 2017 NCAA Champion, Olympian, and multiple-time Pan American medalist, continues to represent the PRTC on the senior level while maintaining a significant role within the University of Pennsylvania wrestling program. As a leader and mentor in the room, he contributes to the development of current student-athletes while simultaneously pursuing excellence on the international stage.

From the PRTC leadership perspective, Cruz continues to compete against the very best in the world while giving back to the next generation. His presence in Philadelphia, both as an athlete and as a mentor, reflects what the PRTC stands for.

The PRTC remains committed to supporting athletes like Cruz as they compete at the highest levels of the sport while making a lasting impact within the wrestling community. For more information on the Pennsylvania Regional Training Center, follow along on the PRTC social media platforms.

PRTC Welcomes CJ Composto as Senior Resident Athlete

2026-04-15

Philadelphia, PA - The Pennsylvania Regional Training Center (PRTC) is proud to announce that CJ Composto will join the organization as a Senior Resident Athlete following his graduation from the University of Pennsylvania in May 2026.

Composto leaves Penn as one of the most accomplished wrestlers in program history, earning NCAA Division 1 All-American honors three times for the Quakers. Known for his consistency, toughness, and high-level performance on the national stage, he has been a cornerstone of Penn Wrestling throughout his collegiate career.

"I'm very excited to join the PRTC as a full time senior level athlete," says Composto. "The community of people involved with the Philly Wrestling Ecosystem, from coaches to athletes to fans, is something I want to be a part of. I dreamed of becoming a professional athlete from the moment I committed to the University of Pennsylvania when Coach Reina first showed me the vision for Penn Wrestling and the PRTC. The opportunity to live out that dream is now a reality."

On the international level, Composto has already demonstrated his ability to compete among the best in the world. In 2025, he captured a gold medal while representing Team USA at the U23 Pan American Championships. Later that year, he was selected to represent the United States in a high-profile dual meet against Russia in Budapest, Hungary as part of the the Professional Wrestling League, further solidifying his standing as a rising force in international freestyle wrestling.

At the PRTC, Composto will compete at 65kg and continue his development with the goal of representing the United States at the highest levels of international competition.

"CJ is an amazing athlete and an incredible person," says PRTC President Nick Matteo. "Throughout his time at Penn, CJ consistently rose to the occasion when the lights were the brightest and the pressure was the highest. We are ecstatic to announce CJ will be continuing his competitive career as a senior level athlete at the PRTC and believe the sky's the limit for CJ."

Composto's addition strengthens an already competitive PRTC roster and reflects the organization's continued commitment to developing world-class athletes both on and off the mat.

"This is an opportunity I do not take lightly," Composto says. "I'm looking forward to getting to work every day with my brothers to become the best version of myself."

PRTC Welcomes Uzbek Standout Bobur Berdiyorov

2026-03-28

Philadelphia, PA - The Pennsylvania Regional Training Center (PRTC) is proud to announce the addition of Bobur Berdiyorov as a Senior Resident Athlete, further strengthening the RTC's commitment to developing world-class talent in the heart of Philadelphia.

A native of Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Berdiyorov brings a strong international background and a proven track record of success across both freestyle and collegiate wrestling. He has competed at a high level for New England College qualifying for the NCAA Championships and earning All-Region honors during his career.

Internationally, Berdiyorov has been part of Uzbekistan's highly competitive wrestling pipeline, one of the top emerging programs in the world. Uzbek wrestlers have consistently medaled at major continental events such as the Asian Wrestling Championships, highlighting the depth and caliber of the system Berdiyorov comes from.

According to PRTC leadership, Berdiyorov is a great addition to the room. He brings international experience, toughness, and a unique perspective that will elevate everyone around him. A past champion at 65kg at the prestigious Bill Farrell Memorial in New York City, he'll certainly continue to develop on the Senior Level.

Known for his pace, technical versatility, and competitive edge, Berdiyorov has shown the ability to succeed against high level opposition both domestically and internationally. His transition into the PRTC environment provides an opportunity to continue his progression on the Senior freestyle circuit while training alongside some of the top athletes in the United States.

The PRTC continues to build a dynamic and diverse training environment, attracting elite talent from across the country and around the world. Berdiyorov's addition reflects the organization's mission to develop athletes capable of competing, and winning, on the global stage.

For more information on the PRTC follow us on social media.

PRTC Athletes Gain Global Experience on Training Trip to Japan

2025-09-17

The Pennsylvania Regional Training Center (PRTC) recently returned from an international training trip to Japan, where its athletes immersed themselves in both elite-level wrestling and Japanese culture. Over the course of a week, the team trained under the guidance of Olympic Champion Mitsuru Sato at two of Japan’s most prestigious wrestling institutions: Senshu University and Nippon Sports Science University.

The trip brought together top wrestling talent from both the United States and Japan, creating a rare opportunity to exchange techniques, share training philosophies, and build lasting friendships across cultures. For the PRTC athletes, the experience was both demanding and inspiring.

Each day featured three-hour practices that tested both body and mind. Workouts began with international warm-up drills before shifting into highly specific technical instruction, and each session included five to six full live matches per athlete. The intensity mirrored the standard of excellence long associated with Japanese wrestling.

PRTC Senior Athlete Darian Cruz, who is preparing for the 2025 Senior World Championships, reflected on the trip:

“From training with some of the best athletes in the sport of wrestling—in the entire world for that matter—to submerging in a culture of honor, discipline, and respect, I can speak for the group when I say we pushed our limits mentally, physically, and culturally. Not a single student-athlete on this trip had truly left the country. This experience will give the Quakers the kick start to a season that will ultimately result in the collection of our hardware come March! Again, thank you to all those who supported and continue to support the dreams and goals of these incredibly ambitious young men. This is just the beginning of what your support can provide.”

Beyond the mats, the athletes explored Japanese culture. They wandered through historic temples, tasted authentic ramen in tucked-away restaurants, and marveled at the energy of modern shopping districts. For many, it was their first time abroad, adding an invaluable layer of personal growth to the athletic experience.

Two-time NCAA All-American CJ Composto also shared his perspective:

“When I started wrestling at five years old, I never would've thought eighteen years later I’d go on a training trip to Japan with my best friends. All the opportunities I’ve received through wrestling with the PRTC have been a blessing.”

PRTC Chief Operating Officer Kevin McGuigan emphasized the importance of the trip:

“Training in Japan with Olympic Champion Mitsuru Sato and some of the world’s best athletes provides invaluable experience for our wrestlers. Opportunities like this accelerate their growth on and off the mat, and we’re grateful to our supporters who make them possible.”

The week in Japan was more than just training; it was an experience that blended wrestling, culture, and camaraderie—an international journey that will shape the PRTC athletes both as competitors and as individuals for years to come.

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Shane Jones Joins PRTC

2025-07-17

World Championship Competitor Shane Jones Joins PRTC

Darian Cruz Dominates Grand Prix of Spain

2025-07-08

Darian Cruz dominates in Madrid. Wins Gold at 57kg at Grand Prix of Spain.

Kevin McGuigan Promoted to Chief Operating Officer

2025-05-06

The Board of the Pennsylvania Regional Training Center (PRTC) is proud to announce the promotion of Kevin McGuigan to Chief Operating Officer. After serving with distinction as the Director of Operations, McGuigan’s elevation to COO represents a commitment to continuity and operational excellence within the PRTC.

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.