Philly Wrestling

Matt McConnell is the Head Wrestling Coach for the club team at Temple University. His enthusiasm for the sport and all things Philly shines through in all he does for young people. As an Academic Advisor at the university, he guides students throughout their careers specifically at the Fox School of Business.

In this episode, we're joined by Kelly Dunnigan, a recent graduate of the University of Pennsylvania. Kelly is preparing for a new challenge as he continues his wrestling journey at Rutgers next season.

In our conversation, we discuss his path through the sport, the experiences that shaped him as a student-athlete, the lessons learned competing in the Ivy League, and what went into the decision to continue his career at Rutgers.

Lauren is an accomplished journalist, leader, entrepreneur, mother to five children, and wife of 7-time Olympic and World Gold medalist Jordan Burroughs.

In this episode, we talk with 2x NCAA All-American Chad Walsh who is in his sixth year as a Division 1 assistant coach. Chad's a local athlete having grown up in the Philadelphia area while competing for the storied Camden Catholic wrestling program.

Kelly and Ryne McQueen entered a raffle for a chance to win two tickets to the Paris Olympics. The raffle was hosted by the Pennsylvania RTC. They won. This is their story about a trip of a lifetime.

Barry Lynch and Brandon Bingham are from Amarillo, Texas. They are supporters of the PRTC and all that the organization stands for. This is the story of how they came to support an organization that's in a different city and in a different time zone.

Doug Zapf is currently a professional athlete representing the Pennsylvania Regional Training Center and Titan Mercury Wrestling Club. He is a graduate of Downingtown West High School and the University of Pennsylvania. A high school state champion, 3x NCAA National Qualifier, and U23 Freestyle National Champion, Doug shares his journey through the sport of wrestling and his leadership development.

CJ Composto is a student-athlete at the University of Pennsylvania. A native of New Jersey, he is a two time state place winner and a 2022 NCAA All-American. Currently on a gap year from school, CJ shares his thoughts about the Philly Wrestling ecosystem including his training with the PRTC and his experience with Beat the Streets.

Bryan Pearsall is the Associate Head Coach for Penn Wrestling. He shares his story of getting involved with wrestling at an early age, competing on three NCAA Championship teams at Penn State, and his thoughts about the current status and future of Penn Wrestling.

CJ LaFragola grew up in South Jersey excelling as a multi-sport athlete. He chose to pursue wrestling at the NCAA Division 1 level leading him to Brown University.  CJ was a 3x NCAA National qualifier for the Bears. Upon graduation, he moved on to Sacred Heart University and played football and baseball.  Currently an amateur MMA fighter, CJ is an assistant coach at Drexel University where he is, arguably, the best dressed coach on staff.