PRTC Wrestling

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 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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Darian Cruz Dominates Grand Prix of Spain

2025-07-08

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

PRTC Heading to Las Vegas for US Open

2025-04-22

PRTC heading to Las Vegas to compete at Senior Nationals and U20 Nationals at the US Open.

Max Gallagher Earns Spot on U23 World Team!

2024-06-30

Max Gallagher, took the U23 Nationals by storm as he secured the 57kg championship winning a best of three series over Charlie Farmer. The University of Pennsylvania true freshman was unstoppable on his way to the finals. Max beat top seeded Stevo Poulin of Northern Colorado in the semi-finals before taking on Farmer in the finals.

Gallagher's performance secured his spot on the U23 World Team at 57kg. He'll compete in Tirana, Albania later this year and is headed to the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs for an Olympic Team training camp.

Maximus Hale, a rising senior at Penn finished 5th at 86kg for the PRTC. Hale defeated Oklahoma State's Brayden Thompson, the number 2 seed, twice on the day to secure his All-American status. Thompson was the top recruit in the nation at 182lbs in 2023.

Drexel's Ethan Wilson battled back after an early round loss in the Greco-Roman division to place 7th at 82kg and attain All-American status. The Dragon 184lber has been a part of the PRTC since he first qualified in high school to train with the Developmental program.

PRTC Developmental Training Prepares Juniors for Fargo!

2024-06-30

The PRTC Developmental Training program continues to grow. For all USA Wrestling athletes who qualify to participate at the PRTC, training has gone well this spring!

New Penn Assistant Coach and U23 National Champion Doug Zapf has led the way as we have helped prepare developmental athletes for the upcoming Junior Nationals in Fargo, North Dakota. Doug knows firsthand how valuable this program is. He is the first person to work his way through the Developmental and U23 levels before joining the PRTC as a professional athlete.

The PRTC Developmental Training program is free to all who qualify. To train with the PRTC, all athletes must meet USA Wrestling RTC criteria. Click here for more information.

Penn Wins PRTC Keystone Classic, Drexel Places 3rd

2023-12-10

On Sunday November 19th, the Palestra was filled with NCAA Division 1 Wrestling fans to cheer on their favorite teams from several different conferences around the country. The 27th annual PRTC Keystone Classic was held in the famous venue on the campus of The University of Pennsylvania.

Penn took top honors in the team race edging out a top ten ranked team in Virginia Tech. The Quakers outscored the Hokies 178.5 - 167 to take the team championship. Drexel finished in third place with 88.5 points.

Both Drexel and Penn had multiple place winners at this prestigious early season event. Penn had 18 of their 28 competitors finish with a medal in the Top 8. Drexel had 9 of 21 come home with medals.

PRTC Senior Athletes Jordan Burroughs, Joey McKenna, and Doug Zapf joined Coaches Brandon Slay and Richard Perry for an autograph signing during a break in the competition. This was a great chance for fans and supporters to meet a few of their favorite professional athletes and coaches in person!

Penn's Alex Almeyda, the champion at 133lbs, was awarded the tournament's Most Outstanding Wrestler Award. Alex defeated several nationally ranked opponents en-route to winning Gold. PRTC Intern Eleni Glynos presented each championship winner with their awards while doing her best to help behind the scenes to make sure the tournament ran smoothly.

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, Hunter Roberts Construction Group and The McKenna Family. Also thank you to The Perry Family for their generous support as our Tournament Sponsor. Thank you to our ticket sponsors Mike's BBQ, The Philadelphia Chapter of the Wrestlers in Business Network, Beat The Streets Philly, Beat The Streets National, and Royer, Cooper, Cohen, and Braunfeld, LLC.

Our weight class sponsors this year included Friends of Matt Eveleth, Canna-Milne Financial, FCA Wrestling, Wrestling Mindset, Serafenas Training Systems, Pat DiCerbo Financial, Trenton Youth Wrestling, Chain Wrestling, Overcomer Training Center, and Allman, Kelly, & Willner, Attorneys at Law.

Thank you to all who support the PRTC!

Drexel and Penn Prtc Athletes Compete at U20 Nationals

2023-05-01

Philadelphia, Pa – Taking the opportunity to compete against some of the best athletes in the nation, wrestlers from Drexel University and the University of Pennsylvania participated in the U20 Freestyle Division at the US Open last weekend. The tournament was held at South Point Hotel and Conference Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Seven student-athletes from Drexel and five from Penn made the trip west.

Evan Mougalian, a freshman at Penn and competing at 61kg, finished in the top 12 narrowly missing All-American status. He was 6-2 on the weekend defeating several high level opponents.

Jordan Soriano, a freshman at Drexel had an inspirational run at 65kg. After losing his first match, Soriano battled back through the consolation rounds also finishing with a 6-2 record.

Gabe Giampietro, another freshman at Drexel, had an impressive 3-2 record for the weekend. Giampietro, a 125lber for the Dragons, competed at 57kg in Las Vegas.

All the athletes who competed from the two Philadelphia collegiate teams represented the Pennsylvania Regional Training Center.

Here are the full results:

57kg Desmond Pleasant, 2-2

LOSS Hunt (Georgia), 17-14

WIN Hernandez (Vail), 12-1

WIN Davis (Arizona), 10-9

LOSS Houpt (Quest), 19-15

57kg Gabe Giampietro, 4-2

WIN Richards (Utah), 10-0

LOSS Spalding (Compound), 16-15

WIN Higa (Hawaii), 14-3

WIN Concepcion (Cool), 10-8

WIN Tapia (BTS), 10-0

Loss Farmer (West Point), 10-0

61kg John Hildebrandt, 1-2

LOSS Avelar (Grindhouse), FALL

WIN Landroth (Baynard), FALL

LOSS Moore (Tar Heel), 20-9

61kg Evan Mougalian, 6-2

WIN Cox (Wisconsin), FALL

WIN Qureshi (New York), 14-13

LOSS Peterson (Sebolt), 10-0

WIN Kernan (Young Guns), 14-3

WIN Exford (All In), 12-1

WIN Guanajuato (Armona), 14-3

WIN Basile (West Point), 10-0

LOSS Barreto (Pounder), 4-0

65kg Jordan Soriano, 6-2

LOSS Priest (Pitt), 11-0

WIN Hernandez (Team Thor), 10-0

WIN Termini (Charleston), 13-2

WIN Brower (Young Guns), 12-2

WIN Buesgens (Pinnacle), INJ

WIN Jerore (Michigan), 15-5

WIN Hinrichsen (Central), 12-0

LOSS Miller (DMV), 16-6

70kg Aboubakare Diaby, 1-2

WIN Mazur (Cornerstone), 12-2

LOSS Arrington (Wolfpack), 10-0

LOSS Wonser (North Dakota), 5-4

70kg Hunter Gandy, 2-2

WIN Messner (Minnesota), 11-0

LOSS McDaniel (West Point), FALL

WIN Lang (Utah), FALL

LOSS Price (Boone), 10-0

70kg Jude Swisher, 1-2

LOSS Shapiro, 13-2

WIN Swenson, 10-0

LOSS Skellenger (Idaho), 9-7

74kg Tate Nichter, 2-2

LOSS Munro (Regional), 11-0

WIN Ugalde (California), FALL

WIN McGeough (Iowa), 10-0

LOSS Hanau (West Point), 7-4

74kg Dom D’Agostino, 3-2

LOSS LaCour (Rise RTC), 10-2

WIN Licht (Askren), 13-2

WIN Lindsey (Derby), 7-4

WIN Koch (CLT), FALL

LOSS Henckel (Blairstown), 10-0

125kg Matt Cruise, 3-2

WIN Acciardi (New Jersey), 12-2

LOSS Rasmussen (Jackrabbit), 10-0

WIN Becker (Minnesota), 10-0

WIN Carillo (Brawley), 10-0

LOSS Barket (Indiana), 10-0

Pictures by Levi Ventura

Story by Kevin McGuigan