PHILADELPHIA, PA — April 22, 2025 — 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.

Founded under the jurisdiction of USA Wrestling, the PRTC exists to enrich lives locally and globally through the sport of wrestling. As a Regional Olympic Training Center, it supports Senior-level athletes on their Olympic journeys, UWW Juniors and U23 age divisions, and top high school wrestlers within a 250 mile radius, while also giving back to the Philadelphia community through mentorship and youth development.

Slay’s leadership since 2016 has guided the PRTC to unprecedented success, both on and off the mat. During his tenure, PRTC athletes have earned National and World medals, while the organization’s values—faith over fear, full effort, struggle well, and serve others—have shaped a culture that prioritizes character development alongside elite athletic performance.

“In the spring of 1993, I made a life-changing decision to leave my hometown of Amarillo, Texas, and head to the University of Pennsylvania,” said Slay. “Wrestling for the Quakers, making lifelong friends, and earning an education from UPenn and Wharton shaped me in ways in which I’ll be forever grateful. After graduating, I packed up my black Dodge Ram, slid in a Waylon Jennings tape, and headed back to Texas — certain I’d never live in Philly again. But life has a way of surprising us.”

Slay’s return to Philadelphia in 2016 marked a turning point for the PRTC. Over the next 8.5 years, he built a nationally respected training center that became home to many of the country’s best wrestlers.

“After years of chasing dreams — training for the 2000 Sydney Olympics, selling real estate in Dallas, and coaching for USA Wrestling in Colorado — an opportunity called me back to Philadelphia,” he said. “These last 8.5 years have been life-altering for me. Together, we built a culture rooted in faith and service to others. We won multiple World Championships and US Open Titles, made National Teams, and created something greater than wrestling. Philadelphia has become a part of me — it’s now been home for almost a third of my life.”

Slay’s impact is visible in the personal best achievements of numerous PRTC Senior-level athletes:

• Richard Perry – Made the US National Team

• BJ Futrell – Made the US National Team

• Dan Vallimont – Placed 2nd at the US Open

• Chase Pami – Placed 3rd at the US Open

• Joey McKenna – Olympic Alternate, 5-time National Team Member

• Tyler Berger – National Champion, National Team Member

• David McFadden – National Champion, U23 National Champion

• Doug Zapf – U23 National Champion, 5th at U23 Worlds, 3rd at US Open

• Jordan Burroughs – 2x World Champion, 3x World Team Member

• Mark Hall – 2x National Champion, 3x National Team Member

• Jay Aiello – Kunyaev Champion, with a win over the 2023 World Champion

“This July, we’re moving to Springdale, Arkansas, where I’ll serve as Executive Director of SportsLife Wrestling, a new organization focused on infusing life into the world of wrestling one leader at a time,” Slay added. “I’ll also help launch the G1 Training Center, a wrestling facility devoted to building champions in life by pursuing excellence, serving others, and putting God 1st. After 17 years coaching mostly senior-level athletes, I’m excited to pour everything I’ve learned into the next generation. This isn’t goodbye — it’s the next step in my journey.”

Slay’s departure marks the end of a chapter, but his legacy will continue to shape the PRTC for years to come.

“Brandon coached our PRTC athletes to win championships, and under his guidance, our athletes did that at every level of competition,” said PRTC President Nick Matteo. “But even more importantly, Brandon helped mentor our athletes to become the best version of themselves, helping to develop character traits including self-belief, integrity, and resilience. That will be his true and lasting legacy as the PRTC coach and we are thrilled that Brandon will become a PRTC Board member on July 1, 2025.”

University of Pennsylvania Head Wrestling Coach Matt Valenti echoed that sentiment:

“The PRTC is recognized regionally, nationally, and globally as a top-tier Olympic Training Center. That would not be possible without Brandon Slay’s dedication to this organization. I extend my personal gratitude to Brandon for his time and effort with the PRTC. On behalf of Penn Wrestling, we wish Brandon and his family all the best on this new journey.”

PRTC founder and Penn Wrestling legend Roger Reina also expressed deep appreciation:

“We are incredibly grateful for everything Brandon has done for the PRTC. His leadership has helped our organization thrive locally and globally for the last eight years and his impact will carry on into the organization’s future. We wish Brandon and his family all the best in Arkansas.”

As the PRTC continues its mission of developing world-class athletes and leaders through the sport of wrestling, the organization remains committed to the values and vision that Slay helped instill. His next chapter is a testament to the life-changing power of sport—and the enduring strength of a purpose-driven life.

Information regarding a national search for Slay’s successor will be shared at a later date. All inquiries should be directed to PRTC Director of Operations Kevin McGuigan by sending an email to kevin@pennsylvaniartc.org.