Penn State/Penn State Olympic RTC Fares Well at U20 WTTs and U23 Nationals
The Penn State wrestling program and its Olympic Regional Training Center (RTC) continue to prove they’re among the nation’s elite, delivering strong performances at both the U20 World Team Trials and the U23 National Championships. The events, held over a packed wrestling weekend, featured top young talent from across the country — and Penn State-affiliated athletes made a serious statement.
At the U20 World Team Trials, several Nittany Lion wrestlers and recruits showcased their dominance. Rising stars like PJ Duke, a recent Penn State commit, made headlines with poised and powerful performances. Duke has already been named the nation’s top high school wrestler, and he validated that status with an impressive showing, nearly claiming a spot on the U20 world team.
Meanwhile, at the U23 Nationals, the Penn State Olympic RTC saw standout results from athletes training under Cael Sanderson and his staff. Rocco Welsh, a name to remember, captured a national title, further cementing his trajectory toward stardom. Welsh’s ability to control matches with precision and intensity was on full display throughout the tournament.
Additionally, the RTC’s depth shone through with multiple wrestlers advancing deep into brackets, demonstrating Penn State’s commitment to developing talent beyond the collegiate level. The success not only underscores the program’s recruiting prowess but also its continued investment in Olympic-level development.
This weekend of wrestling success is yet another testament to Penn State’s culture of excellence. As the RTC pipeline remains strong and young wrestlers continue to rise, the Nittany Lions are positioned to maintain their status at the top of both NCAA and international wrestling circuits. With the Paris Olympics on the horizon, don’t be surprised to see Penn Staters in medal contention soon.
