Monday, Mar 20, 2017
Chad Walsh and Ryan Wolfe each won their 7th place matches at the NCAA Championships
by Rider Sports Information
Rider University All-American wrestlers Chad Walsh and Ryan Wolfe each won their 7th place matches at 165 and 197, respectively, to wrap up competition at the NCAA Championships Saturday, March 18, at the Scottrade Center. As a team, the Broncs finished tied for 21st place with 20 points.
“I’m very proud that Chad and Ryan were able to become All-Americans. I feel really, really good about this one,” said Rider Head Coach Gary Taylor. “Obviously, this is the second time in our history that we’ve had a two-time All-American [Walsh]. I feel extremely excited that Ryan Wolfe has worked extremely hard and he is an All-American.”
Walsh defeated Cornell’s Brandon Womack by an 8-5 decision to claim his 7th place finish. On Friday, Walsh became Rider’s second two-time All-American with a win in the blood round, joining John Carvalheira as the only Broncs to claim the prestigious honor twice. He finishes his season at 33-4 on the year.
Wolfe held on for a 2-1 decision over the No. 10 seed, Kevin Beazley, to finish off his 7th place performance. The senior became Rider’s 15th different wrestler to earn All-American status with a win in the blood round on Friday night. He wraps up his collegiate career with his arm raised for the 23rd time in 2016-17.
“That was very important to me - winning the last match, because that’s the match that you’ll always remember,” said Wolfe. “So I’m glad I could get the win there.”
With Walsh and Wolfe earning All-American status, it marked just the second time the Broncs have had multiple All-Americans in a single season since three Rider wrestlers – Carvalheira, Francis Dunn and Jason Nase – all completed the feat in 1997. Retiring after 39 seasons and 442 dual victories (3rd all-time at Division I) at the helm, Taylor guided a Bronc to All-American status for the 17th time.
“I don’t get that emotional about myself. I do get emotional about the kids,” said Taylor. “That’s where it’s hard to hold it together. I’ve had a good run. 39 years, I ran the race as hard and as long as I could. And I feel good about that. I feel good about the body of work and that Rider has been able to receive both regional and national recognition through those years.”
A redshirt senior, Wolfe felt an extra measure of pride in picking up his final victory for the longtime coach.
“It’s amazing what he’s done in his whole career and I get to say I’m his last All-American,” said Wolfe. “Coach Taylor has done a lot for this program and I’m glad that we could have two All-Americans to finish out his resume.”
Rider University All-American wrestlers Chad Walsh and Ryan Wolfe each won their 7th place matches at 165 and 197, respectively, to wrap up competition at the NCAA Championships Saturday, March 18, at the Scottrade Center. As a team, the Broncs finished tied for 21st place with 20 points.
“I’m very proud that Chad and Ryan were able to become All-Americans. I feel really, really good about this one,” said Rider Head Coach Gary Taylor. “Obviously, this is the second time in our history that we’ve had a two-time All-American [Walsh]. I feel extremely excited that Ryan Wolfe has worked extremely hard and he is an All-American.”
Walsh defeated Cornell’s Brandon Womack by an 8-5 decision to claim his 7th place finish. On Friday, Walsh became Rider’s second two-time All-American with a win in the blood round, joining John Carvalheira as the only Broncs to claim the prestigious honor twice. He finishes his season at 33-4 on the year.
Wolfe held on for a 2-1 decision over the No. 10 seed, Kevin Beazley, to finish off his 7th place performance. The senior became Rider’s 15th different wrestler to earn All-American status with a win in the blood round on Friday night. He wraps up his collegiate career with his arm raised for the 23rd time in 2016-17.
“That was very important to me - winning the last match, because that’s the match that you’ll always remember,” said Wolfe. “So I’m glad I could get the win there.”
With Walsh and Wolfe earning All-American status, it marked just the second time the Broncs have had multiple All-Americans in a single season since three Rider wrestlers – Carvalheira, Francis Dunn and Jason Nase – all completed the feat in 1997. Retiring after 39 seasons and 442 dual victories (3rd all-time at Division I) at the helm, Taylor guided a Bronc to All-American status for the 17th time.
“I don’t get that emotional about myself. I do get emotional about the kids,” said Taylor. “That’s where it’s hard to hold it together. I’ve had a good run. 39 years, I ran the race as hard and as long as I could. And I feel good about that. I feel good about the body of work and that Rider has been able to receive both regional and national recognition through those years.”
A redshirt senior, Wolfe felt an extra measure of pride in picking up his final victory for the longtime coach.
“It’s amazing what he’s done in his whole career and I get to say I’m his last All-American,” said Wolfe. “Coach Taylor has done a lot for this program and I’m glad that we could have two All-Americans to finish out his resume.