“A TRADITION OF ALL-AMERICANS, NATIONALLY RANKED TEAMS, AND TOP COMPETITION”
Four wrestlers crowned MAC champion
Munguia and Zurawski secure NCAA championship berth
by Rider Sports Information
Rider’s wrestling team dominated the 2025 MAC Wrestling Championships on March 8, with four Broncs claiming titles in their respective weight classes. Graduate student Sammy Alvarez (149 lbs), junior Enrique Munguia (165 lbs), senior Isaac Dean (184 lbs), and sophomore Brock Zurawski (197 lbs) all reach the top of the podium.
Alvarez faced Mason Shrader from Central Michigan in the 149-lb final, where he displayed complete control throughout the match. Alvarez secured four takedowns, finishing with a 13-4 major decision to claim his first MAC championship.
In the 165-lbs final, Munguia squared off against Central Michigan’s Chandler Amaker. After a scoreless first period, Munguia took the lead with a reversal and extended it with a takedown in the final period, clinching his first NCAA championship berth.
Dean met Jared McGill in the 184-lbs final, where a controversial non-call on a takedown in the final seconds sent the match into overtime. Dean dug deep and earned a takedown in the extra period to win his first MAC title.
Zurawski continued his strong tournament performance in the 197-lbs final against top-seeded Tucker Hogan from Lock Haven. Zurawski’s reversal in the final moments made the difference, securing his MAC championship and a spot in the NCAA championships.
Alvarez, Munguia, Dean and Zurawski each earned All-MAC First Team honors. The Broncs return to action on March 20 for the 2025 NCAA Championships at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.
“What a long strange trip it’s been.” Sammy Alvarez found his home and his way to the podium!
“What a long strange trip it’s been” Sammy Alvarez found his home and his way to the podium! #RiderStrong l #GoBroncs l #MACtion l #NCAAWrestling pic.twitter.com/XgKoamrXtX
— Rider Wrestling (@RiderWrestling) March 22, 2025
Rider Wrestling Booster Club (RWB Club) Mission and Purpose
Our mission is to support the Rider University wrestlers and coaches and to continuously enhance the enjoyment for the alumni wrestlers and students as well as other fans of the program.
Support by way of wrestler’s personal career counseling, sports psychology, spiritual growth, strength programs, and social programs such as an annual banquet and a family picnic. We will raise funds for strong sustainability and long-term growth for the wrestling center and programs. Thanks to the generosity of Tim Morrison ’08, the Rider wrestling program saw its largest physical growth in its history – the creation of a new 6,000 square foot wrestling center with a new team room.
Enjoyment by way of attending dual meets, conference championships, and NCAA championships together in person or in “Virtual Wrestling Room” groups, and the social programs.
Through this site, we will provide continuous communications about Rider University Wrestling support and enjoyment activities and in close coordination with the Rider Athletics site. Funds are directed to Rider University designated for use by the wrestling team.
To join the RWB Club or to donate, please click here.
Click here to reach our contacts and their purpose served.
Rider University’s wrestling program is a strong Division I team competing in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). In 2024, they had notable successes, including winning their second consecutive MAC East Division title with an 8-0 conference record. They secured victory in their final match against Cleveland State with a 23-12 score, highlighting the team’s consistent performance.
Five Rider wrestlers advanced to the 2024 NCAA Championships: Tyler Klinsky, Quinn Kinner, Colton Washleski, Michael Wilson, and David Szuba. At the 2024 MAC Championships, Rider placed 2nd among 13 teams, with several athletes achieving podium finishes, including titles by Kinner and Szuba.
CLICK HERE to view the latest episodes of “STRAIGHT FROM THE BRONCS MOUTH.”
Career advice, internships, and mentors – matching up wrestlers and alumni (The better alternative to NIL)
College sports has been significantly affected by NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) funds given to athletes from donors and the like. The Rider Wrestling Booster Club believes that providing career support, and in coordination with the Rider career placement center, is more valuable to the wrestlers long-term by supporting their acclimating to career life after collegiate sports.
Accordingly, a strategic objective of the RWB Club is to facilitate career mentoring, co-op, part-time employment and full time employment opportunities for the current Rider wrestlers from alumni connections.
Many of Rider wrestling alumni flourish in their professional careers as doctors, attorneys, educators, CPA’s, business executives, owners and investors in various industries. They spring boarded their education at Rider to become accomplished leaders across many career paths. RWBC greatly encourages alumni supporting wrestlers career development by mentoring and other possible career opportunities.
2024 Rider University Wrestling
Golf Outing
The 33nd Annual Rider University Wrestling Golf Outing took place at the Mountain View Golf Course in Ewing, NJ on Friday, September 13th. This annual event was well attended and all proceeds will directly support the Rider University Wrestling Team.
Mario Ianni Outstanding Teammate Award
2024 Mario Ianni Award winners Hayden Horsey and Richie Kohler with Rider Coaches.
RIDER WRESTLING ALL AMERICANS
Rider Broncs Wrestling has gained national recognition by longtime head coach Gary Taylor, who retired after the 2016-17 season. Former Rider All-American John Hangey was named his replacement. The Broncs have had 19 individual All-American wrestlers, including four in Taylor’s last three seasons. Jesse Dellavecchia finished runner-up at 157 in the 2021 NCAA Championships.
RIDER WRESTLING BOOSTER EVENTS
RIDER UNIVERSITY @ NCAA Championships
Wells Fargo Center
Philadelphia, PA
March 20 – 22, 2025
STAY CONNECTED
Contributions on this site count for the Raise Your Game Challenge.
