The most recent senior level freestyle move is a big one. Mark Hall, Cadet World Champ, two-time Junior World Champ, and NCAA champ, will be joining Coach Slay and company at the PRTC. Here is the full release from the PRTC:

Three-time World Champion Mark Hall II Joins the Pennsylvania Regional Training Center

The Pennsylvania Regional Training Center (PRTC) is thrilled to announce that Mark Hall II will join the program as a resident athlete to continue his freestyle wrestling career. 

Mark took the time to make a personal statement to express his feelings on his decision to join the PRTC upon his graduation from Penn State University.  

Mark Hall Statement on Joining the PRTC: 

On November 11th, 2015, at only 18 years old, I made the biggest decision of my wrestling career. It was that day that I made a commitment to sign with Pennsylvania State University and become a Nittany Lion. 

Since making that decision, I have not regretted a second at Penn State. Being a part of this Blue & White family has been an absolute dream come true. For four years I pursued my goal of being the best wrestler I could be on the best team in the country. Three Team Titles and an individual NCAA Championship later, I can say I did just that.  

I am and will always be proud to be a Nittany Lion. My last four years wearing that bold white stripe across my waist was nothing short of iconic. As the saying goes, nobody loves Penn State like Penn State loves Penn State.

Throughout my life, I have moved around the country to find the best living and training environment to grow as a competitor, and to be a part of something great. From Apple Valley to Happy Valley, I have always been a “team first” kind of man.

And I know my next stop will be no different.

2020 has been difficult to say the least. Countless seniors watched helplessly as their folkstyle careers came to an abrupt end. My head has been in so many places, but my heart is still in wrestling. I’ve decided to continue my freestyle career, but in a new home. 

I will be joining the Pennsylvania Regional Training Center in Philadelphia in January of 2021.  

I am committed to giving my 100% effort and attitude as the newest member of the PRTC. Their vision for their athletes reaches far beyond wrestling, and I believe the PRTC will put me in position to be the best wrestler in the world, and continue my quest to be a champion on and off the mat.  

Faith Over Fear,

Mark Hall II

Mark’s wrestling honors and accomplishments are numerous. During his career at Penn State, he was a three-time NCAA Finalist, an NCAA Champion in 2017, and helped the Nittany Lions win three NCAA Team Titles. He is also a four-time Big Ten finalist, a three-time Big Ten Champion, and a three-time Southern Scuffle Champion. He finished his collegiate career with 122 wins, 42 pins, and 74 bonus point wins. Mark was favored to win another NCAA Championship his senior season until the NCAA Tournament was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.  

Internationally, Mark is a Cadet and a two-time Junior World Freestyle Champion and he reached the quarterfinals of the 2016 Olympic Team Trials as a high school senior. While in high school, he won six Minnesota State High School Championships and helped guide his team to six straight team titles.

"I first got to know Mark when his father trusted us to train and mentor him during his high school summers at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. I had the privilege to coach Mark as the USAW Development Coach during his 2014 Cadet and 2016 Junior World Titles. As one of the most experienced and savvy wrestlers in the country, Mark expects to be the best, but more importantly, he hungers for wisdom and brings a positive, faith-based attitude to our team. He deeply represents our core values and further enhances our commitment to enrich lives locally and globally through the sport of wrestling,” said Brandon Slay, executive director and head coach of the PRTC.

Mark will train with current PRTC athletes Mauro Correnti, Ben Honis, Ethan Lizak, David McFadden, Joey McKenna, Richard Perry, Dan Vallimont as well as wrestlers from the rapidly rising programs at Penn and Drexel. 

At the PRTC, our mission is to enrich lives locally and globally through the sport of wrestling, and we do this by living out our core values of Faith over fear, Full effort, Struggle well, and Serve others.