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 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.

Your browser does not support HTML5 video.

Darian Cruz Dominates Grand Prix of Spain

2025-07-08

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

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

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!

Mckenna And Berger To Compete In Kazakhstan

2022-10-25

Joey McKenna and Tyler Berger are set to travel overseas for the Kunayev D.A.

Philadelphia, Pa – PRTC Senior Athletes Joey McKenna (65kg) and Tyler Berger (70kg) will travel to Taraz City, Kazakhstan with Head Coach Brandon Slay to compete in the Kunayev D.A. Senior Freestyle Tournament. The PRTC contingent will be the only representatives from the United States at the tournament to be contested at the Taraz Arena Sports Complex from November 2-6, 2022.

The two senior athletes are thankful to USA Wrestling for the opportunities they’ve experienced recently. This tournament will be a chance for them both to give a full effort while competing internationally.

Joey McKenna, 65kg

“After being at the World Championships serving Team USA, I couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity to compete again overseas!” said McKenna. “I want to seek out the best competition to continue to challenge myself and make adjustments in my wrestling.” The three time U.S. National Team member last competed at the Poland Open in July, placing third at 65kg while earning a bronze medal.

This will be Berger’s first official competition as a PRTC athlete. He joined the team in August 2022 after earning a spot on the National Team at 70kg earlier in the year.

Tyler Berger, 70kg

“It’s been a seamless transition joining the PRTC,” said Berger. “I’ve felt at home since day one. Kazakhstan will be my first time competing at the senior level overseas and I couldn’t ask for a better crew to be training with while preparing for this event.”

At the World Championships last month in Belgrade, Serbia, McKenna served as the main training partner for 61kg World Team member Seth Gross who placed 5th. Berger served as the main training partner for Jordan Burroughs who won a record 7th World/Olympic gold medal. The US Men’s Freestyle team won the team title while crowning four individual World Champions.

Team USA in Serbia

Seeing the success of their Team USA teammates on an international stage has inspired the two athletes to seek higher levels of competition. The Kunayev D.A. could feature some of the better athletes in the world as cash prizes will be awarded to the top three placewinners in each weight class.

“When I saw the competition in Kazakhstan on the schedule, I wanted to take advantage of another international tour before the end of 2022,” said McKenna. “This is the perfect opportunity to implement what we’ve been working on and to sharpen my sword.”

Competition begins on November 3rd for Berger at 70kg. McKenna will begin competition at 65kg the following day on November 4th. It will be a two day event for each weight class. There is a ten hour time difference between Philadelphia and Taraz City. At this time, it is unclear if matches will be streamed live. Stay tuned to the PRTC social media accounts for updates.

“I’m excited for the challenge and the opportunity,” said Berger. “I love to train but nothing beats the feeling of putting your foot on the line and letting it fly!”

Photos by Levi Ventura

Story by Kevin McGuigan