Pin Cancer Nationals returns for first time since 2019

By Tristan Warner

After a six-year COVID-pandemic related hiatus, the Pin Cancer Nationals tournament is making a triumphant return on August 9 in Wilmington, Del. at St. Marks High School.

Dan Tramontozzi, the mastermind behind Pin Cancer and Wrestle for a Cure since 2012, is excited to bring back the event that provides wrestlers with an opportunity for competition but, even more far-reaching, an opportunity to give back to a cause that is bigger than them.

The event, which is open to youth, high school and open-division athletes, brings together the wrestling community to compete for a cause and raise support for families affected by cancer. The fundraising goal is $100,000.

“After COVID hit, we weren’t able to get it back off the ground, but we are excited bring this back to life,” Tramontozzi said.

“Our messaging is around not just focusing on the wrestling tournament but also on how good of an opportunity this will be for kids to give back. Others out there are going through this stuff or have family or friends who are, and this gives them the chance to be a part of a bigger impact.”

The last event, held in 2019 in Easton, Pa., raised over $170,000 for cancer research, Tramontozzi revealed.

Since then, the Bloomsburg grad has partnered with the National Wrestling Coaches Association, Beat the Streets, and clubs like Tyrant Wrestling, a Delaware club that played a major role in securing the location for this summer’s Pin Cancer Nationals.

Some big names in wrestling, such as Northern Iowa’s five-time All-American and 2024 NCAA champion Parker Keckeisen and Ohio State’s Nic Bouzakis, have come on board as brand ambassadors. Further, former US Open champ and 2025 Final X competitor Skylar Grote, who is highly decorated on the Senior circuit, joined the Pin Cancer team as a marketing specialist.

“Skylar is handling our marketing. She has played a pivotal role in doubling our funds and has been a really big help in terms of getting us in contact with the right people and making moves.”

Grote and former Penn State three-time NCAA champion Jason Nolf will even conduct a clinic just before weigh-ins at this year’s Pin Cancer Nationals.

“We are trying to build the best experience possible out of this wrestling tournament,” Tramontozzi stated. “We also want to highlight kids who raise the most money.

“So many people are affected firsthand by cancer, and at an event like this, they are more motivated to network and share stories with people.”

What also differentiates this tournament from others, Tramontozzi posits, is the fundraising aspect and the opportunity for wrestlers to use their platform to collect donations for such a great cause.

“Once they sign up, they get their own fundraising page,” he explained. “Parents can share it with family and friends. They start collecting donations on their page, and as they hit certain milestones, they get prizes and gear.

“Athletes who raise $250 can get their entry fee refunded, while wrestlers who hit higher milestones can earn up to $700 in prizes, gear and merchandise. The fundraising platform is really good about communicating with the people. They get notified when somebody donates and when they earn a prize.

“Some kids have already raised $2,000, but even if you just raise 50 bucks, that is fine,” he added.

Registration for the 2025 Pin Cancer Nationals is available here, with a final registration deadline currently set for August 5. Wrestlers and coaches can contact Skylar Grote at skylar@pincancer.org for a club discount code.