Rider University Wrestling History
The Rider University wrestling program has a rich history and tradition that spans 50+ years. Our program has tradition of producing All Americans, nationally ranked teams, and top competition! The primary mission of the Rider Wrestling Booster Club is to continue to generate interest in the program, support the wrestlers and coaching staff, and to maintain a connection between our current wrestlers, the wrestling program, and our alumni. Here a few memories from the Rider University wrestling program.
Rider University Wrestling Team Photo (1968)
Rider University Wrestling Team Photo (1971)
Team photo immediately after winning the 1972 – 73 MAC Championship
Rider University Wrestling Team Photo (1975)
RIDER WRESTLING MEMORIES (1972-73)
50 YEAR FLASHBACK…
I was a freshman in 1971 along with Tank, George (Lurch) Chandler, and Larry Eastburn. Coach had brought in several other freshmen, but most of them washed out within the first weeks of practice. Additionally, several of the upperclassman from the 70/71 team decided that their wrestling days were over…… and Mario and Rick Swanger were out in 71/72 due to academics. We didn’t have any one at the 118 lb. class and by January 1972, we were down to a team roster of 11.
Barry didn’t want to forfeit any weight classes in fear of losing teams for subsequent year’s schedules, so the entire team scoured the campus looking for small guys to fill in at 118. I’m not sure how Barry convinced the guys to wrestle the 118 class, but I think we put a full team out for all but 1 or 2 matches.
I remember coming into the wrestling room one day with signs on the wall “IT’S TOO LATE TO QUIT”…..my guess put up by Barry’s wife Judy. And, we didn’t quit! I don’t recall our actual team record for 71/72 but the eleven of us put up one hell of an effort. If you look at the faces in attached photo, 6 of the team of 11 were a part of the 72/73 and or 73/74 roster. We stuck together!
In addition to keeping the 71/72 team together, Barry recruited heavily. Barry would bring the recruits to the campus and Joe, Jack, Tank, Smitty and I assisted in giving campus tours. I had no idea that Jed Mock, Brian Cassidy, John Carvalla and, Pete Ackerman would turn our team around. The attached photo of the 72/73 shows the results of Barry’s efforts, 20 of us and on our way to MAC Title and undefeated the next year.
Michael (Dez) Dezelon (1971-1975)
COACH GARY TAYLOR (1949 – 2022)
Gary W. Taylor of Newtown, Pa. passed away on Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. He was 73. Born in Greenville, PA, Gary was the son of the late Nelson and Ann Long Taylor. Gary is survived by his wife, Nancy Tuttle Taylor and his beloved daughter…
John Hangey Reflects On The Life Of The Late Gary Taylor
Click Here to view video.
RIDER WRESTLING BOOSTER EVENTS
MATCH EVENT – Alumni & Family Tailgate
Current families, friends, fans and alumni may start gathering in the BLC parking lot behind Alumni Gym as early as 5:00 p.m. On a Thursday night we don’t have the means to do a full assault tailgate, but Mr. Palko will be there with some chairs, tables and games so BYO-anything else and hang out with friends before our 7pm match against the Mountaineers. Let’s see how high we can climb!
RIDER UNIVERSITY vs. WEST VIRGINIA
Thursday – November 14, 2024
7:00 p.m.
STAY CONNECTED
