Recap courtesy of Rider's Athletic Communications Department

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ – The Rider wrestling team pulled off an upset against No. 24 Maryland on Friday afternoon at the Rider Quad Meet in Alumni Gym. Facing three nationally ranked opponents throughout the day, the Broncs secured one victory while falling short against No. 14 South Dakota State and No. 18 Pittsburgh.

The Broncs got on the board first with Kaden Naame having a gritty overtime performance over Tyler Garvin (Maryland) at 125 lbs. A pair of escapes made the match knotted at one to head into extra time. Naame was able to get the clutch takedown to secure the 4-1 decision. 

McKenzie Bell returned the momentum to the Broncs bench after a tough 2-1 decision over Dario Lemus (Maryland) at 141 lbs. 

No 31. Colton Washleski took on No. 8 Ethen Miller (Maryland) in the 157 lbs bout. A pair of escapes would make the score 1-1 in the final 90 seconds of the match. Both wrestlers pushed the pace each trying to secure a takedown but Miller ultimately found the takedown to secure the 4-1 victory. 

The momentum favored the Broncs when Enrique Munguia secured a pivotal fall in the second period over Ryan Money (Maryland) at 165 lbs to give the Broncs six team points to bring the match score to 15-8 in favor of the Broncs. 

Isaac Dean (184 lbs) secured his second win over a top-ten opponent this season when he defeated No. 9 Jaxon Smith. The match was deadlocked at one in the final period when Smith gave up his second stall warning to award Dean one point to give him the gritty 2-1 victory. 

The Broncs lost the final two bouts of the match but avoided conceding bonus points, holding on to secure an 18-17 upset victory.

Quotes and Notes
"It's always good when you're able to beat a Top 25 Big Ten team. Sammy, Isaac and McKenzie had good days individually.  We also learned a lot about everyone on the team, where they are and where they need to get to." – Rider Head Coach John Hangey

- No. 24 Isaac Dean now has wins over both No. 6 Bennet Berge (South Dakota St), No. 9 Jaxon Smith (Maryland), and No. 11 Reece Hall (Pittsburgh) so far in the 2024 season. 
- Enrique Munguia earned two falls on the day.
- South Dakota State went 3-0 on the day
- No. 19 Sammy Alvarez was the lone Bronc to win all three matches during the day.
- The Broncs are now 2-0 against BIG opponents.

Up Next
The Broncs return to action after Christmas when they travel to Northwestern University for the prestigious Ken Kraft Midlands Championships on Dec. 29-30.