CLEVELAND, OH – The Mid-American Conference (MAC) announced its annual wrestling specialty awards on Monday morning, naming Sammy Alvarez as the MAC Wrestler of the Year following an outstanding season.

Alvarez earned the honor after an impressive postseason debut with Rider at the 2025 MAC Wrestling Championships, where he went 4-0 to claim the 149-pound title and secure an automatic bid to the 2025 NCAA Championships in Philadelphia, PA.

Entering the NCAA Championships as the No. 11 seed, Alvarez suffered a 4-2 decision loss to sixth-seeded Lachlan McNeil (UNC), sending him to the consolation bracket. He responded with three consecutive victories, including a decisive 5-0 win over former Oklahoma State teammate Jordan Williams in the blood round, to secure All-American status.

The All-American finished the tournament with a 5-2 record, taking home a seventh place finish at the National Championships, closing out the season at 25-7 with the Broncs.

Alvarez becomes the second Rider wrestler to earn MAC Wrestler of the Year honors, joining 2021 NCAA finalist Jesse Dellavecchia.