The Mario Ianni Outstanding Teammate award is presented to a Rider Wrestler present and past who possesses ultra high leadership skills both inside and outside the wrestling room.

The recipient must always be focused on Rider Wrestling team objectives, supportive and caring to all team members, provide leadership and a positive attitude about Rider Wrestling and University events.

Ultimately, the award winner will become a future leader or is a leader of men, confident and humble in all their endeavors; a person of high integrity and moral compass, an individual that will make a positive impact on our society.

Background of Mario Ianni:

Mario was the first major recruit of Barry Burtnett in the early start-up of Rider’s wrestling program coming out of Edison High School where he won the NJ State Wrestling Championship.  Mario was a four time Bronc MAC wrestling champion at 126 and 134 weight classes, Captain and leader of Rider Wrestling in the early years of 1970, 1972-1975, held numerous dual meet and take down records for first 10 plus years of Rider Wrestling, Captain and Leader of MAC championship team in 1973 and undefeated Rider Wrestling team of 1973-74 (17-0-1) that remains Rider’s Top Wrestling Achievement!  Mario’s leadership and wrestling skills quickly placed the Rider Wrestling Team at the top of the MAC conference in these early years of the Wrestling program.  Mario was also inducted into Rider’s Athletic Hall of Fame.