Monday, Feb 26, 2024
Secures perfect conference record with 23-12 win at Cleveland State
by Rider Sports Information
The Rider University wrestling team defeated Cleveland State 23-12 on Feb. 23, capturing their second consecutive Mid-American Championship (MAC) East Division title and securing a perfect 8-0 conference record.
"It was a complete team effort, plus we had some very good individual performances as well,” says Head Coach John Hangey. “I'm very proud of this team for their perseverance throughout the season. They earned the title of MAC East Champs."
The Broncs started off the dual with wins in both the 125-pound class and 133-pound class. Senior Tyler Klinsky and graduate student Richie Koehler both went scoreless in the first and traded escapes in the second and third, leading the bout into sudden victory. In the extra period, Klinsky scored the takedown to move to 6-2 in the MAC and 14-11 on the year. Koehler won 7-2 following the Klinsky win to cap off his perfect in-conference season at 7-0 in MAC duals.
Rider also scored victories in the 149 and 157 classes by senior Quinn Kinner and junior Colton Washleski to get Rider back-to-back victories. Kinner dominated his match, scoring Rider's first bonus point win of the afternoon with a 15-3 major decision win. With a 6-5 win, Washleski wraps up his MAC dual season at 7-1 and moves to a team-best 26-6.
Rider clinched the victory and their second straight MAC East Division title thanks to victories at 174, 184 and heavyweight as graduate student Michael Wilson, and juniors Isaac Dean and David Szuba. Wilson's win secured a perfect 8-0 record in MAC duals. Szuba rounded out the dual with the second major of the afternoon with a 16-2 win.