Philly Wrestling

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.

Roger Reina coached two athletes who competed against each other for an Olympic Team spot. His assistant coach, Brian Dolph went up against his prized recruit and All-American student-athlete, Brandon Slay in the 2000 USA Olympic Team trials.  Coach Reina shares his thoughts about creating a team through wrestle-offs and his experience having coached two athletes competing for American wrestling's ultimate goal.

Gina Perry, a mother of four children with PRTC Senior Athlete Richard Perry, is a writer and influential force in social media who has endless amounts of positive energy.

Gina shares her behind the scenes story of what the Philadelphia wrestling community means to her. From her relationship with Rich and the PRTC to her involvement with Beat the Streets and the Overcomer Trainer Center, Gina provides a unique perspective of the sport that means so much to her family.

Ben Reiter is a University of Pennsylvania graduate who went on to have a successful MMA career in South America. His life mission has been to serve others through non-profit initiatives at home and abroad. Ben has held roles of Director of Mentoring and Director of Strategic Partnerships at Beat The Streets Philly. He is now the National Director of the organization that has helped change the trajectory of so many young lives.

Max and Caleb Livingston grew up in Upper Darby and competed under Bob Martin at Upper Darby High School. Caleb became an NCAA Division 1 walk-on at Penn State University. Max wrestled for Drexel University. Both athletes have competed professionally in MMA. Their stories are unique and inspiring.

#UpperDarby #DrexelUniversity #PennStateUniversity #MMA #BJJ #Wrestling

Michael Gadsby is a graduate of LaSalle College High School and the University of Pennsylvania. Mike is involved in many different entities within the Philadelphia Wrestling Community. From Beat the Streets and PAL to UPenn and Drexel, Mike can be seen and heard helping, mentoring, and coaching future leaders.

#O3World #Wrestling #UPenn #WIBN #BeatTheStreets #PAL #Drexel #LaSalleCollegeHighSchool