Champions aren’t born—they’re built through discipline and hard work!
USA OLYMPIAN

HEAD COACH KEN CHERTOW

Ken Chertow is an Olympian and NCAA All-American dedicated to helping wrestlers unlock their full potential. With decades of coaching experience, he has trained thousands of athletes, building champions through proven techniques, discipline, and hands-on mentorship. 

✔️ Olympian & 3x NCAA All-American
✔️ Founder of Gold Medal Training Camps
✔️ Trained Thousands of Wrestlers Nationwide
✔️ Dedicated to Developing Future Champions

Head coach Ken Chertow wearing his USA Olympic jacket.
Zain Retherford is a US Olympian and an alumni of the Gold Medal Training Camp System.
USA OLYMPIAN

Zain Retherford

Zain Retherford is a U.S. Olympic wrestler and one of the most respected names in American wrestling. He began training with Coach Ken Chertow in 2004 at just 9 years old. Over the years, he attended various Gold Medal Training Camps and they provided a high-level training environment that matched his dedication and potential.

Now, as an Olympian, 3x NCAA champion, and world-class athlete, Zain continues to give back to the sport by working with young wrestlers to help them build the skills and mindset of a champion. 

 

Sanshiro Abe is a Japanese Olympian and was coached by Ken Chertow while wrestling for Penn State.
JAPANESE OLYMPIAN

Sanshiro Abe

Sanshiro “Sunny” Abe is one of the most accomplished Japanese wrestlers to compete in the U.S. collegiate system. At Penn State, he was coached by Ken Chertow and his dedication and talent led to him becoming a 4x NCAA All-American and 1996 NCAA Champion. He went undefeated with 29-0 his senior year.

Following his college success, Sanshiro represented Japan in freestyle wrestling at the 1996 Summer Olympics and won gold at the 1995 Asian Games. Today, he continues to give back to the sport by helping young wrestlers refine their skills and grow their love for wrestling.

 

Wade Schalles is known for having the most career pins and wins in wrestling.
America's Greatest Pinner

Wade Schalles

Wade Schalles is a 2x NCAA Champion and one of the best, most innovative wrestlers the sport has ever seen. Competing for Clarion University, he finished his career with an astonishing 153–5–1 record, including 106 pins, and was named Outstanding Wrestler at both the NCAA Division I and II Championships in 1972.

Known for inventing the legendary “spladle” and other new pinning techniques, Wade still holds the Guinness World Record for most career pins (530) and victories (821). His relentless dedication and unmatched creativity have influenced generations of wrestlers, and his legacy as a pioneer of aggressive, pin-focused wrestling continues to grow. 

Learn from the Best

2025 All-Star Coaches

Train under Ken Chertow and an elite team of NCAA champions, Olympians, and other expert coaches dedicated to your success.
Matt Kocher is an NCAA All-American who coaches at the Gold Medal Training Camps.
Matt Kocher
NCAA All-American from University of Pittsburgh
Jason Kiessling is an ACC Champion who coaches at the Gold Medal Training Camps.
Jason Kiessling
ACC Champion from University of Maryland 
Clint Musser is a two time NCAA All-American who coaches at the Gold Medal Training Camps.
Clint Musser
2x NCAA All-American from Penn State University 
Doyle Trout is the Midland University Head Coach and also coaches at the Gold Medal Training Camps.
Doyle Trout

4x State Champion & Midland University Head Coach

Pat Glory is an NCAA Champion who coaches at Ken's wrestling camps.
Pat Glory
NCAA Champion from Princeton
Coach Nino Bonaccorsi in his Pitt singlet during the NCAA Championship.
Nino Bonaccorsi
NCAA Champion from University of Pittsburgh
Ashley Illif-Gocklin is an all-star women's wrestler and coach at Ken Chertow's camps.
Ashley Illif-Gocklin
4x NCAA All-American from Kings University 
Coach Brad Pataky wearing his Penn State Wrestling jacket.
Brad Pataky

Olympic Trials Qualifier from Penn State University 

Ty Morgan is a fantastic coach at the Gold Medal Training Camps.
Ty Morgan
3x NCAA qualifier at Central Michigan and Ohio State Championship Coach
SQUARE - KEN (15)
John Fritz
Ken's Penn State Coach & NCAA Champion
SQUARE - KEN (16)
Bekzod Abdurakhmonov
Winner of the Bronze Medal at the 2020 Tokyo Games
SQUARE - KEN (17)
James Yonushonis
NCAA All-American from Penn State University
Peyton Robb is a three time NCAA All-American who coaches at the Gold Medal Training Camps.
Peyton Robb
3x NCAA All-American from University of Nebraska
Rocky Bonomo is a famous, fan-favorite wrestler from Bloomsburg University..
Rocky Bonomo
2x NCAA All-American from Bloomsburg Unversity 
Ricky Bonomo is a famous wrestler who has been inducted into the wrestling hall of fame.
Ricky Bonomo
3x NCAA Champion from Bloomsburg University
Mike Schyck is an amazing former wrestler for Ohio State University and now coaches at Ken's camps.
Mike Schyck

2x NCAA All-American from Ohio State University

AJ Schopp is a former all-star college wrestler who now is a college coach and during summers coaches at Ken's camps.
AJ Schopp
3x NCAA All-American from Edinboro University 
Mitchell Port grew up going to Gold Medal Training Camps and now is a coach for Ken and WVU.
Mitchell Port
3x NCAA All-American from Edinboro University 
Chad Redd is a talented wrestler that wrestled for Nebraska and now coaches wrestling summer camps.
Chad Red
4x NCAA All-American from University of Nebraska
John Stutzman is the Team USA National Freestyle Coach and also coaches at Ken's camps.
John Stutzman

Team USA National Freestyle Coach

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Ron Pifer
3x NCAA All-American from Penn State University
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Roger Stewart
2005 & 2021 Deaflympian, 5x Sr. Deaflympian Team Trial Champion 
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Chelsea Dionosio
Midland University Women's Wrestling Head Coach

Meet The Administrators

If you have questions before or during camp, these are some of the best people to assist you - they help keep camp running smoothly!
Beth is the camp administrator for the Gold Medal Training Camp System.
Beth Gross
Camp Administrator
Jimmy Matas is a dean of wrestlers for the Gold Medal Wrestling Camps.
Jimmy Matas
Dean of Wreslters
Gary Kinzer is a dean of wrestlers for the Gold Medal Summer Wrestling Camps.
Gary Kinzer
Dean of Wrestlers 
TRAIN. COMPETE. WIN.

Gold Medal Moments – Image Gallery

Experience the intensity, passion, and success of Gold Medal Training Camp. Browse moments from training sessions, competitions, and behind-the-scenes action.

Champions are made when no one is watching. Train hard, stay focused, and the results will follow.

SQUARE - KEN (1)-1 Ken Chertow Olympian & Founder of the Gold Medal Training Camps
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