CJ Composto

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.

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.

CJ Composto - NCAA All-American at the University of Pennsylvania

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.

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.

Bryan Pearsall - Associate Head Wrestling Coach at the University of Pennsylvania

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.

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.

CJ LaFragola - Drexel University Assistant Coach

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.

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.

Coach Reina - "The ultimate wrestle-off"

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.

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.

Gina Perry - Writer

Ben Reiter

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.

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.

Ben Reiter - Director of Beat The Streets National

Caleb Livingston

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

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

Max and Caleb Livingston - From Upper Darby to NCAA Division 1 and Professional MMA

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

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

Michael Gadsby - Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer at O3 World

Two time NCAA All-American B.J. Futrell is the first PRTC Senior Athlete to qualify for a US National Team. After successful decade of competing at the senior level, Futrell is now the assistant coach at the University of Pennsylvania. Honing his skills as a mentor for Beat The Streets Philly, Futrell is looking forward to helping the Quakers work towards capturing EIWA and Ivy League titles

Two time NCAA All-American B.J. Futrell is the first PRTC Senior Athlete to qualify for a US National Team. After successful decade of competing at the senior level, Futrell is now the assistant coach at the University of Pennsylvania. Honing his skills as a mentor for Beat The Streets Philly, Futrell is looking forward to helping the Quakers work towards capturing EIWA and Ivy League titles

B.J. Futrell - Assistant Coach University of Pennsylvania

Scotty Parker

Scotty Parker grew up in the Philadelphia area. He attended Pennridge High School where he was a three time Pennsylvania state medalist. He went on to compete at Lehigh University becoming a two time NCAA All-American. Upon graduation, Scotty took a job on Wall Street. Realizing the corporate life was not for him, he moved back to Philly and connected with Drexel head coach Matt Azevedo.  Now the top assistant for the Dragons, Coach Parker has big goals for the team and is looking forward to a successful 2021-22 season.  #ScottyParker #NCAAWrestling #DrexelUniversity #PennridgeHighSchool #LehighUniversity #DrexelAthletics #wrestling

Scotty Parker grew up in the Philadelphia area. He attended Pennridge High School where he was a three time Pennsylvania state medalist. He went on to compete at Lehigh University becoming a two time NCAA All-American. Upon graduation, Scotty took a job on Wall Street. Realizing the corporate life was not for him, he moved back to Philly and connected with Drexel head coach Matt Azevedo.  Now the top assistant for the Dragons, Coach Parker has big goals for the team and is looking forward to a successful 2021-22 season. #ScottyParker #NCAAWrestling #DrexelUniversity #PennridgeHighSchool #LehighUniversity #DrexelAthletics #wrestling

Scotty Parker - Drexel University Assistant Coach

News, information, and stories about the wrestling community in and around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. With an Olympic Level Regional Training Center and two NCAA Division 1 wrestling programs, Philly has become a hot spot for training at the collegiate and senior levels. Beyond the tip of the iceberg is a thriving wrestling community encompassing youth through high school, NCAA Division 3 programs, and outreach programs throughout the region. This is Philly Wrestling!

Richard Perry

Richard Perry first started wrestling at his high school in Connecticut. He learned quickly how to succeed on the mat. The 2x State Champion went on to Bloomsburg University where he had over 100 wins and was a 3x NCAA Division 1 Championship Qualifier. He began his international career and took a quick trajectory towards freestyle success. After qualifying to be on the 2018 USA Wrestling National Team, Richard suffered a traumatic brain injury during a training exercise at Camp Pendleton, California. As he continues his rehabilitation from that tragic accident, Richard shares his story of being an overcomer and what it means to be a part of the Pennsylvania Regional Training Center.  #RichardPerry #OlympicWrestling #USAWrestling #Overcomer #PRTC #PhillyWrestling

Richard Perry first started wrestling at his high school in Connecticut. He learned quickly how to succeed on the mat. The 2x State Champion went on to Bloomsburg University where he had over 100 wins and was a 3x NCAA Division 1 Championship Qualifier. He began his international career and took a quick trajectory towards freestyle success. After qualifying to be on the 2018 USA Wrestling National Team, Richard suffered a traumatic brain injury during a training exercise at Camp Pendleton, California. As he continues his rehabilitation from that tragic accident, Richard shares his story of being an overcomer and what it means to be a part of the Pennsylvania Regional Training Center. #RichardPerry #OlympicWrestling #USAWrestling #Overcomer #PRTC #PhillyWrestling

Richard Perry - PRTC Senior Athlete

Will Schwartz

Will Schwartz had a less than 35% chance of survival after having been born three months premature. He weighed less than 900 grams and was about 12". The ventilator machine that helped him breathe was dialed to the highest setting. According to Will, his only chance was to adapt and survive. He has taken that approach his whole life including the time he spends on the mat. Will wrestles for the NCAA Division 3 Ursinus College Bears at 125lbs.

Will Schwartz had a less than 35% chance of survival after having been born three months premature. He weighed less than 900 grams and was about 12". The ventilator machine that helped him breathe was dialed to the highest setting. According to Will, his only chance was to adapt and survive. He has taken that approach his whole life including the time he spends on the mat. Will wrestles for the NCAA Division 3 Ursinus College Bears at 125lbs.

Will Schwartz - Ursinus College Wrestling student-athlete

Evan Botwin was born and raised in Philly. He spent his youth wrestling for the local Police Athletic League program. He went on to compete for Wyoming Seminary and Duke University.  Evan is an account manager for Red Hat and the Co-Chairman of the Membership Committee for the Philadelphia Chapter of the Wrestlers in Business Network.

Evan Botwin was born and raised in Philly. He spent his youth wrestling for the local Police Athletic League program. He went on to compete for Wyoming Seminary and Duke University.  Evan is an account manager for Red Hat and the Co-Chairman of the Membership Committee for the Philadelphia Chapter of the Wrestlers in Business Network.

Evan Botwin - Co-Chairman of WIBN-Philly Membership Committee

Michael Vespa

Mike Vespa produced the WIBN/PRTC Summit events in January and February of 2021. His world class productions brought a lot of energy to Philadelphia and the local wrestling community. He has teamed up with local real estate entrepreneur Zac Pierce to host a wrestling clinic this July featuring Olympic Gold Medalist and 2x UFC World Champion Henry Cejudo. Other clinicians will be NCAA Champions AJ Ferrari and Mark Hall, and Pan Champion Joey McKenna. Mike has been in the sport for twenty years and is passionate about providing quality content to wrestling fans.

Mike Vespa produced the WIBN/PRTC Summit events in January and February of 2021. His world class productions brought a lot of energy to Philadelphia and the local wrestling community. He has teamed up with local real estate entrepreneur Zac Pierce to host a wrestling clinic this July featuring Olympic Gold Medalist and 2x UFC World Champion Henry Cejudo. Other clinicians will be NCAA Champions AJ Ferrari and Mark Hall, and Pan Champion Joey McKenna. Mike has been in the sport for twenty years and is passionate about providing quality content to wrestling fans.

Michael Vespa - Owner of Vespa Productions

Michael Crowley was born and raised in South Jersey just a short distance from Center City Philadelphia. He's a three time high school state qualifier and a two time regional champion.  With Michael's help, Underground Wrestling was able to provide training facilities for the Senior Level athletes at the PRTC during the COVID pandemic.  Michael has a passion for the sport and is in the wrestling room almost every day.

Michael Crowley was born and raised in South Jersey just a short distance from Center City Philadelphia. He's a three time high school state qualifier and a two time regional champion.  With Michael's help, Underground Wrestling was able to provide training facilities for the Senior Level athletes at the PRTC during the COVID pandemic.  Michael has a passion for the sport and is in the wrestling room almost every day.

Michael Crowley - Head Coach and General Manager at Underground Wrestling

James Mangan

James Mangan was born and raised in Philadelphia. He began wrestling at the age of eight at the local Police Athletic League. It was there that he learned leadership skills and the importance of community. James has brought those skills and values with him as he leads one of the city's most effective sports based social impact organizations.

James Mangan was born and raised in Philadelphia. He began wrestling at the age of eight at the local Police Athletic League. It was there that he learned leadership skills and the importance of community. James has brought those skills and values with him as he leads one of the city's most effective sports based social impact organizations.

James Mangan - Executive Director of Beat The Streets Philadelphia

Roger Reina

Roger Reina is an icon of the wrestling community in and around Philadelphia. At 24yrs old, he became a head coach for his alma mater. For several decades he has built a successful program with a lasting legacy. Coach Reina shares his thoughts about his program and the future of wrestling in Philadelphia.

Roger Reina is an icon of the wrestling community in and around Philadelphia. At 24yrs old, he became a head coach for his alma mater. For several decades he has built a successful program with a lasting legacy. Coach Reina shares his thoughts about his program and the future of wrestling in Philadelphia.

Roger Reina - Head Wrestling Coach at University of Pennsylvania

Zac Pierce

In this episode, I talk with successful entrepreneur, Zac Pierce. Zac wrestled at Upper Darby High School where he was a Pennsylvania State Qualifier. Prominent in the local multi-family real estate sector, he has recently closed a transaction in Philadelphia worth $160 million which was the largest of its type in the history of the city. Zac mentors young people who have a passion for learning and gaining valuable life experience. 

In this episode, I talk with successful entrepreneur, Zac Pierce. Zac wrestled at Upper Darby High School where he was a Pennsylvania State Qualifier. Prominent in the local multi-family real estate sector, he has recently closed a transaction in Philadelphia worth $160 million which was the largest of its type in the history of the city. Zac mentors young people who have a passion for learning and gaining valuable life experience.

Zac Pierce - PA State Qualifier and Successful Entrepreneur

David McFadden

David McFadden is a Senior Level Athlete competing for the Pennsylvania Regional Training Center. On this episode, David shares his journey towards becoming a professional athlete and what it means for him to be a part of the Philadelphia wrestling community.

David McFadden - PRTC Senior Level Athlete

Matt Azevedo

In this episode we talk with Drexel University Head Wrestling Coach Matt Azevedo. Coach Azevedo is in his tenth year at the helm for the Dragons.

Matt Azevedo - Head Wrestling Coach at Drexel University

Philly Wrestling

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