The Pennsylvania Regional Training Center (PRTC) has announced the signing of three standout freestyle wrestlers to its program, adding B.J. Futrell (61kg), Chase Pami (70kg) and Dan Vallimont (74kg) to its lineup. The trio will join Richard Perry and Canaan Bethea – who both compete at 86kg – as representatives of the PRTC.

“It’s an honor to welcome BJ, Chase, & Dan to our PRTC family,” said Brandon Slay, Executive Director and Head Coach of the PRTC. “As we were recruiting senior level athletes to add to our team, we were seeking men with Olympic dreams, stellar attitudes, and a very high level of character. We were seeking men who would be great role models to the youth, high school, and collegiate wrestlers in the area. Thankfully, we secured three more wrestlers who exemplify all these virtues, and I am excited to begin coaching them to reach their full potential.”

B.J. Futrell recently competed in the 2016 Olympic Team Trials at 65kg, and was third at the 2014 Dave Schultz Memorial at 61kg. In 2013, Futrell was second at the NYAC Invitational at 60kg, and won the Minnesota Storm tournament. A two-time All-American in college for Illinois, Futrell holds the Illinois record for career falls with 38.

“I have high expectations and lofty goals that I’ve set for myself, and I am determined to live a life of purpose. I believe in the coaching staff and that the PRTC will provide everything necessary for me to be able to pursue and accomplish them,” said Futrell. “I am excited about this opportunity to continue to train in a new environment, new city and reach new heights in pursuit of my destiny.”

Chase Pami comes to Philadelphia after a year training at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs while serving as an assistant at Air Force. In 2012, Pami had a run of success which included a title at the NYAC International, a second place finish at the Dave Schultz Memorial, a third place result in the Korkin Cup and a fourth place finish at the Olympic Team Trials. He has been a part of two World Cup teams, helping the United States to third place finishes in 2012 and 2013.

“I am looking forward to being a part of the PRTC and continuing my wrestling career,” said Pami. “Everyone involved with this program are helping to provide a great situation for senior level athletes to train, live, and achieve their goals. With the addition of Brandon Slay and several other high-level athletes this is quickly becoming one of the premier training centers in the country. Thank you to the PRTC and all those involved for this incredible opportunity.”

Dan-Vallimont

Dan Vallimont joins the PRTC with a wealth of freestyle experience. A two-time placewinner at the US Open, Vallimont was runner-up at the 2014 Dave Schultz Memorial and at the 2015 Bill Farrell International. He has twice qualified for the U.S. World Team Trials, and competed at the 2016 Olympic Team Trials. In 2014, Vallimont competed on the U.S. World Cup team, and was third at the Bill Farrell International. In 2013, he was champion at the Northeast Regional.

Vallimont was a two-time All-American during his collegiate career at Penn State, finishing second at 165 pounds in 2010 and third at 157 in 2008.

“I am extremely excited to take this next step in my competitive wrestling career,” said Vallimont. “I strongly believe that the PRTC provides a recipe for success both on the mat as well as in life after wrestling. Being able to fully commit myself to becoming the best athlete and person possible is something that I am thrilled to be able to do. I want to thank the PRTC for giving me this opportunity and I look forward to beginning this exciting journey.”

These three additions to the PRTC lineup will join Richard Perry – who went 3-2 at the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – and Canaan Bethea – who recently finished sixth at University Nationals – in a growing stable of elite athletes calling Philadelphia home to their training.

“On behalf of the Pennsylvania Regional Training Center Board of Directors, we are very pleased to announce the commitments of Chase Pami, BJ Futrell, and Dan Vallimont,” said Roger Reina, President and Chairman of the Board at the PRTC. “We believe each of these individuals reflect the vision, aspirations, and character qualities of the Pennsylvania RTC, and will serve to build our community at every level. The PRTC is committed to establishing a pathway to success both nationally and internationally, for scholastic, collegiate, and Olympic level wrestlers. The Philadelphia ‘wrestling ecosystem’ is rich with opportunity, given the unique collaboration of Penn and Drexel college programs plus Beat the Streets Philly, all within the strongest RTC wrestling hotbed in the United States.”