Rider University Wrestling Tickets

Wrestling has been a beloved sport for generations, with its roots tracing back to ancient Greece. Today, it still draws in both young and old enthusiasts who appreciate the physical and mental challenges that come with the sport.

One program that has consistently demonstrated excellence in wrestling is Rider University. Founded in 1865, the private university located in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, has a long-standing tradition in athletics, including wrestling.

Over the years, Rider University Wrestling has produced many notable athletes, boasted impressive records, and earned a reputation for being one of the top sports programs in the country. Here, we'll take a closer look at the history of Rider University wrestling and its continued success.

History

Rider wrestling dates back to 1948, where the school first fielded a team, and since then, they have consistently performed impressively in various competitions.

At the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the wrestling program has had several performances worthy of note. At the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships, Riders' best performance was during the 2013-14 season when they finished 16th as a team with Jim Vallade as the head coach.

Aside from NCAA competitions, Rider wrestling's achievements extend to other competitive events. For example, the Rider Broncs participated in the Eastern College Athletic Conference championship five times under Coach John DeMarco in the early 2000s.

Notable Alumni

The Rider program has nurtured countless wrestlers over the years who have gone on to become elite-level wrestlers, coaches, and analysts.

Among them include Chris Birchler, whose 102 career victories earned him recognition as one of the top wrestlers in Rider history. During his time at Rider, he served as a two-time captain whilst boasting 37 pins in his career.

Another notable alumnus is Greg Jones, a four-time NCAA Champion who set a record by becoming the first person who did not attend Penn State to win four national titles.

Current Head Coach

As of this writing, John Hangey is the head coach of Rider University wrestling. A former wrestler himself, he first joined the coaching staff in 2012 as an assistant coach before rising through the ranks and taking over as head coach in 2021.

Under his tutelage, the program has shown impressive performances. For example, at the 2021 Eastern Wrestling League Championship, they managed to place third overall while setting a school record for most points scored in the tournament.

Conclusion

Rider University wrestling continues to be one of the best programs in the country's history thanks to its rich tradition and numerous accolades. While the wrestlers' outstanding performances have contributed to the program's success, we can also credit the coaches and their unwavering commitment in nurturing athletes who go the extra mile.

Despite the pandemic causing some disruption in sports, including college wrestling, it's evident that Rider University wrestling remains steadfast and ready to bounce back in future competitions. With a supportive alumni base and a community that rallies around them, there's no doubt that Rider wrestling will continue to be a force to be reckoned with.