FAIRFAX, VA – For the first time in his illustrious career in Lawrenceville #6 Ethan Laird has become the Mid-American Conference Champion at 197 pounds. As a team Rider finished 5th overall of 13 teams with 86 points at the MAC Championships hosted by George Mason. Rider also had six total reach the podium with Richie Koehler in 2nd, #22 Quinn Kinner in 3rd, Michael Wilson in 5th, David Szuba in 5th, and Tyler Klinsky in 7th.
Laird was able to keep rolling through the MAC as he defeated Carston Brewer of Ohio 8-4 in the championships to qualify for his fourth NCAA Tournament and his third at 197. Laird now sits at 24-1 entering his fourth NCAA Championship after picking up the lone auto bid at 197 at the MAC Championships.
Rider was also able to clinch a bid to Tulsa as Quinn Kinner picked up his second straight NCAA birth after finishing 3rd in Virginia. Kinner was able to bounce back from a tough day one which saw Kinner fall to Nate Higley of George Mason. Kinner would work through the consolations to eventually beat Ryan Burgos of Edinboro to send himself to Oklahoma.
Quotes and Notes
"We had a better day today but we still did not finish where we had expected. Ethan and Quinn will be moving on to the NCAA's in two weeks and we're hoping to get one or two more guys to join them as At-Large bids." - Rider Wrestling Head Coach John Hangey
- At the conclusion of the MAC Tournament, Rider finished in 5th place out of 13 teams with 86 points.
- Laird and Kinner have both punched their tickets to the NCAA tournament.
- Laird is the fifth Bronc to capture a MAC title after Kinner and Koehler did it at last year's tournament.
- The Broncs return to action on March 16th, when Laird and Kinner travel to Tulsa, OK to compete in the NCAA Tournament.
