Senior Isaac Dean was one of the four Broncs to advance to the NCAA tournament. Photo by Maggie Kleiner

Broncs send four wrestlers to NCAA tournament

6 days ago

59 1 minute read

By Dave Green

Rider wrestling delivered a stellar performance at the 2025 Mid-Atlantic Conference Wrestling Championships, with four Broncs claiming individual titles.

Graduate student Sammy Alvarez, junior Enrique Munguia, senior Isaac Dean and sophomore Brock Zurawski battled through tough competition to secure their spots atop the podium.

Alvarez, the one seed at 149 pounds, showcased his technical prowess throughout the tournament. After securing key victories over Buffalo and Edinboro, Alvarez faced Central Michigan University in the final.

Controlling the match from start to finish, he tallied four takedowns en route to a commanding 13-4 major decision, securing his first MAC Championship.

Munguia, also the one seed at 165 pounds, earned a first-round bye before dispatching Buffalo via technical fall in just 3:24.

In the final against Central Michigan, Munguia broke a scoreless deadlock with a reversal and sealed the win with a decisive takedown in the final period. His victory secured the MAC title and guaranteed his spot at the NCAA Championships.

At 184 pounds, Dean made an early statement with a dominant 20-4 technical fall over Northern Illinois University. Dean continued his momentum, reaching the final against Edinborol.

In a dramatic finish, a last-second non-call forced overtime, but Dean responded with an aggressive takedown in the extra period to capture his first MAAC crown.

Zurawski capped off Rider’s championship performances with a gritty showing at 197 pounds.

After shutting out Ohio in the opening round, Zurawski advanced to the final against the top-seed Lock Haven.

A clutch reversal in the closing seconds secured his MAC title and NCAA Championship berth.

Will Betancourt, Branden Palcko and Michael Wilson also advanced to day two of the competition in the consolation bracket, with freshman Collin French bowing out on day one.

Despite the individual success, Rider finished fifth in the team standings with 92.5 points. Lock Haven claimed the team title with 121.5 points. Alvarez, Munguia, Dean and Zurawski each earned All-MAC first team honors.

The Broncs now turn their attention to the NCAA Championships, set for March 20 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.