Rider Athletics Mourns Passing of Barry Burtnett
Barry Burtnett Obituary
Barry L. Burtnett, 86, of Rome, GA died on 12/25/25. Barry was born in Windber, PA but spent his formative years in Bedford, PA.
Barry was a strong advocate for education. He was a 1957 graduate of Bedford HS, earned his B.S. from Lock Haven University, his M.S. in Education from Shippensburg University, and his Principal’s Certification from Rider University. Barry was an accomplished athlete, coach, clinician, officiator, and administrator.
He coached wrestling for more than 40 years at the middle, high school, and college levels and developed successful youth and collegiate wrestling programs. In 1968, he started Rider University’s Division I wrestling program and within 4 years, lead the team to a MAC team championship. His 1973-74 team finished 15-0-1, the first team to achieve an undefeated season. He was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, the Rider University Athletic Hall of Fame, the Bedford County Sports Hall of Fame, and the Nottingham High School Hall of Fame. In 2013, he received the Dan Gable Award from the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) to recognize his hard work and excellence in promoting the sport of wrestling.
He also worked concurrently for 35 years developing and directing athletic training programs including the Rider University Sports Medicine Program, and the Steinert and Nottingham High School AT programs. He impacted the career paths of many young adults, encouraging them to pursue athletic training as a vocation. He was recently nominated for induction into the National Athletic Trainers’ Assoc. Hall of Fame for shaping the profession through his leadership, service, and mentorship.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, the former Judy Livengood, his brother Alfred Burtnett (Sarasota, FL) his sister Gail McGill (Chestnut Ridge, PA), his three children: Kerri (Ellijay, GA), Kory (Burlington, NJ), and Kelly (Florence, NJ) and his six grandchildren: Ryan, Kaitlynn, Rachel, Emily, Kenny, and Sean.
Henderson & Sons in Rome, GA will handle the funeral arrangements. A memorial service will be held on 1/17 in Rome, GA and on 2/28 at Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rider University Wrestling Program at https://gobroncs.com/sports/wrestling.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by The Times of Trenton from Dec. 29 to Dec. 31, 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.
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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.
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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 vs. PURDUE
Date: Friday – January 2, 2026
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Location: Alumni Gymnasium at Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ
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