PHILADELPHIA, PA – Sammy Alvarez achieved a career milestone on Friday night, earning All-American status for the first time after winning three consecutive matches in the consolation bracket to lead the Rider wrestling team on day two of the 2025 NCAA Championships at the Wells Fargo Center.
(11) Sammy Alvarez - 149 lbs
Alvarez's day began in the second round of the consolation bracket against No. 21 Willie McDougald (Oklahoma). With seven minutes of regulation not enough, the match extended into extra time. The graduate student dug deep, executing a low single to secure a takedown and stay alive in the tournament.
In the following round, Alvarez faced No. 4 Pinaro Johnson of Iowa State, a familiar opponent who had defeated him 2-1 earlier in the season at the Virginia Duals. This time, Alvarez rose to the occasion on the national stage. After earning an escape from the bottom position in the second period, Johnson chose bottom for the final period, but Alvarez rode out the Cyclone for the entire two minutes. With the added riding time point, Alvarez claimed a hard-fought 2-0 decision to advance to the blood round, just one victory away from All-American honors.
The blood round pitted Alvarez against his former Oklahoma State teammate, No. 10 Jordan Williams (Little Rock). Alvarez wasted no time, scoring a takedown to establish a 3-0 lead. That early advantage proved to be the difference as Alvarez continued to control the match, ultimately securing a dominant 5-0 decision to earn his first All-American status.
Alvarez then moved on to face No. 12 Ethan Stiles of Oregon State. Stiles opened strong with a takedown to take a 3-0 lead. Alvarez responded with a quick escape, narrowing the gap to 3-1 by the end of the first period. Another escape by Alvarez in the second period made it 3-2, but Stiles maintained control and earned a riding time point, resulting in a 4-2 victory over Alvarez. The Rider standout will now compete in the seventh-place match tomorrow morning.
NCAA History
- Alvarez becomes Rider wrestling's 21 All-American in program history
- Alvarez also became the tenth Rider All-American in the last 11 seasons.
Session V - Saturday, March 22 at 11:00 AM
7th Place Match: (11)
Sammy Alvarez vs No. 22 Gavin Drexler
