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!

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

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

Burroughs To Compete For Record 7th Gold Medal

2022-09-14

Jordan Burroughs begins his quest to make history at the UWW World Championships

Belgrade, Serbia – Six time World/Olympic Champion Jordan Burroughs will take to the mat on September 15th as he begins his quest to make history while competing at the UWW Senior World Championships. No other US wrestler has ever won seven gold medals at the highest level of the sport. The senior athlete representing Team USA and the Pennsylvania Regional Training Center is the returning World Champion at 79kg.

Burroughs is currently tied with John Smith and Adeline Gray for the most gold medals in US Freestyle history. Gray is the first American to win six World Championship gold medals. Burroughs has won five World and one Olympic gold medals.

Training has gone well for Burroughs who moved to Philadelphia from Nebraska a little over a year ago. “I’m able to train with some great partners while being close to my family and friends,” says Burroughs, who grew up in the Philly area but moved to Nebraska for college. “It’s been amazing in Philadelphia. In just a year, I have made two world teams and now I have the chance to break the all time record.”

Burroughs brought his new teammate, Tyler Berger, with him to Serbia as a training partner. Berger, a fellow Nebraska grad, has been mentored by Burroughs throughout his collegiate and senior level career.

“Tyler’s a great partner,” says PRTC Head Coach Brandon Slay. “We appreciate his full effort and commitment to helping Jordan.” Berger was on his way to Philadelphia when he got the call to become Burroughs’ training partner. He changed travel plans and made his way to the Team USA training camp to help his friend.

With less than twenty four hours until competition begins, Slay had this to say about Burroughs, “He’s ready.”

The World Championships run from September 10-18. Burroughs will begin competition on Thursday, September 15th. All matches will be streamed live on Flowrestling. There is a six hour time difference. The 79kg matches will begin at 4:30am EST. The finals will begin at noon on Friday, September 16th. Click here for the live stream. Stay connected to the PRTC social media accounts for updates.

Photos by Levi Ventura

Story by Kevin McGuigan

Tyler Berger Joins PRTC Senior Level Team

2022-08-10

US National Team Member Tyler Berger is the PRTC's newest resident athlete.

Philadelphia, Pa. – Pennsylvania Regional Training Center Executive Director and Head Coach Brandon Slay has announced the addition of Senior Athlete Tyler Berger as a full time resident athlete. Berger will compete at 70kg while representing the PRTC at domestic and international competitions.

“We are extremely thankful to be adding Tyler Berger to our PRTC family,” said Slay. “He really fits our team culture because he believes and lives out our core values. At 70kg, he is an ideal addition for Joey, Jordan, Dave, and Mark. We look forward to helping Tyler reach his full potential on and off the mat.”

Berger was a NCAA Finalist and 3-time All-American at the University of Nebraska. He placed 5th, 3rd, and 2nd while compiling a career record of 138-39 for the Cornhuskers. Upon graduation in 2019, Berger stayed in Lincoln as a Volunteer Assistant for the team. He is one of the most decorated wrestlers in Nebraska history. With his commitment to the PRTC he will be re-connecting with his mentor and former training partner, Jordan Burroughs.

“I got to watch Tyler grow from a young Husker recruit to one of the best wrestlers in the country,” says Burroughs, a 2011 Nebraska grad who joined the PRTC in 2021. “He lives with an uncompromising standard of excellence and he’s also committed to being not only a great wrestler but a great man. He’s going to undoubtedly help expand upon our strong culture here, and I’m glad to be teammates with him once again!”

Berger is a current member of the USA National Freestyle team. He recently placed third at the World Team Trials Challenge Tournament in Coralville, Iowa this past May. On his way to taking the bronze medal match, he defeated a pair of NCAA National Champions in Anthony Ashnault and Ryan Deakin.

The PRTC’s representative at 65kg, Joey McKenna is certainly looking forward to his new training partner. “Tyler and I have rubbed shoulders and competed against each other since our youth wrestling days at Tulsa Nationals,” said McKenna. “He has proven to be a top competitor at the collegiate and senior levels. He’s always competed with class. He’s going to be a tremendous asset to our team in Philadelphia and I’m excited for the opportunity to sharpen each other on and off the mat.”

Berger is planning to move east upon completion of the upcoming US World Team Training Camp at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO. The camp runs from August 10th-20th and all of Berger’s new teammates will be attending. He and his wife, Sydnee, will settle in Philadelphia after the camp.

“I feel extremely blessed about the opportunity to join the PRTC,” said Berger. “I care about winning wrestling matches but I care even more about surrounding myself with men who are committed to their families, their friends, and their community. The PRTC embodies these values. My wife and I can’t wait to join the team and start this next chapter of our lives.”

Photos by Levi Ventura and Tony Rotundo

Story by Kevin McGuigan