TRENTON, NJ – Sammy Alvarez and Isaac Dean secured their places at the 2025 NCAA Championships in Philadelphia after qualifying at the 2025 MAC Wrestling Championships on Friday evening at the CURE Insurance Center.

No. 13 Sammy Alvarez opened his tournament with a 9-5 decision over Buffalo's Sam Ewing. In the quarterfinals, he faced Ryan Michaels (Edinboro) in a dramatic bout. Trailing 5-4 in the final seconds, Alvarez escaped to tie the match, forcing an Edinboro coaches' challenge. After review, the call stood, and headed into overtime. Alvarez sealed the victory in the final seconds of overtime to secure to 8-5 decision. In the semifinals, the Oklahoma State transfer wasted no time, pinning Lucas Kapusta (Lock Haven) in the first period to secure his place at the NCAA Championships.

At 165 lbs No. 27 Enrique Munguia started strong with a pin over Hunter Shaut (Buffalo) in the quarterfinals. In the semis, he faced Maxwell Kirby (Edinboro) and overcame a 4-3 deficit in the first period with a reversal to take a 5-4 lead. He added another takedown in the third to claim a 9-4 victory and advance to the finals, where he will compete for his first-ever NCAA Championships berth.

Michael Wilson avenged an earlier loss to Avery Bassett (Lock Haven), whom he had fallen to 15-6 in their dual meet. Trailing 7-0, Wilson battled back, locking up a cradle and putting Bassett on his back, closing the first period at 9-8. He then secured a late takedown to secure a 12-11 victory. However, he fell in the semifinals to Garrett Thompson (Ohio) and will wrestle in the consolation bracket tomorrow.

No. 15 Isaac Dean (184 lbs) dominated his opening match with a 20-4 tech fall over Austin Stewart (Northern Illinois). He followed up with a gritty 4-2 quarterfinal victory over Deron Pulliam (SIUE), securing the only takedown of the match. In the semifinals, Dean faced Marcus Petite (Buffalo), who struck first with an early takedown. Dean responded with two takedowns in the third period to seal an 8-6 victory, clinching his first-ever NCAA Championships appearance.

At 197 lbs, Brock Zurawski had an impressive day, starting the tournament with an 8-0 major decision over Austin Starr (Ohio). He continued his dominance in the quarterfinals with a 12-1 victory over Luke Cochran (SIUE). In the semifinals, he secured a win over second-seeded Luke Cochran (Central Michigan) to advance to the finals. Zurawski must win the 197-pound title tomorrow to secure his NCAA Championships berth.

Quotes and Notes 
"We had an ok Day 1, with putting 4 in the finals and 3 others still alive.  Sammy and Isaac have already qualified for the NCAA's but tomorrow is a bigger day for us to add more guys to that list." — Rider Head Coach John Hangey

- Rider stands in third place with 73.5 points. 
- Dean, Alvarez, Munguia, and Zurawski reach their first MAC Championships finals appearance.
- Will Betancourt, Branden Palcko and Michael Wilson also advanced to day two of the competition in consolation bracket. 

Up Next 
The Broncs return to action tomorrow for day two of the 2025 MAC Wrestling Championships. 
Actions begins at 11:30 a.m.