Monday, Mar 24, 2025
Alvarez finishes 7th in the 149-lb weight class at the 2025 NCAA Championships
by Rider Sports Information
Graduate student Sammy Alvarez made Rider history on Feb. 21, becoming the Broncs’ 21st All-American in program history. He is the 10th Rider All-American in the last 11 seasons.
Alvarez finished seventh in the 149-lb weight class at the 2025 NCAA Championships at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. His first time earning All-American status, Alvarez won three consecutive matches in the consolation bracket on day two of the championships.
Facing No. 21 Willie McDougald of the University of Oklahoma, the match extended into extra time. Alvarez executed a low single to secure a takedown and stay alive in the tournament.
In the following round, he faced No. 4 Pinaro Johnson of Iowa State. 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 of 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.
He 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.
Alvarez faced a familiar opponent in No. 22 Gavin Drexler of North Dakota State University, whom he previously wrestled in the opening round of the championships on Feb. 20. This rematch determined who would claim seventh place. As in their first encounter, the bout was a back-and-forth battle. After seven minutes of intense competition, the score was tied at one. Alvarez maintained relentless pressure until he secured a takedown, earning him a seventh-place finish in the nation at 149 lbs.