Against the Odds: Coach John Hangey's Unwavering Positivity Amidst Rider Wrestling Scholarship Cuts

Imagine receiving news that would, for many, feel like a major setback, a real gut punch to years of hard work and dedication. But for Rider wrestling's head coach, John Hangey, the response to significant scholarship reductions was, well, remarkably positive. It’s an attitude that speaks volumes about his character and his deep, deep commitment to the program.

Let's be clear, these aren't minor adjustments we're talking about here. The university, as part of a broader, and frankly, necessary, effort to align with Title IX regulations, has made some tough decisions. For men's wrestling, that means scholarship allotments shrinking from 9.9 to 6.0. Baseball saw similar cuts, going from 11.7 to 8.0. On the flip side, women's programs like soccer and track & field saw deserved increases, which is certainly a positive step for gender equity in athletics.

But back to Coach Hangey. He isn't just a coach; he's a Rider man through and through, an alum who poured his heart and soul into the institution long before he led its wrestling team. So, when he talks about maintaining a positive outlook, it truly comes from a place of deep-seated belief, a sense of determination that goes beyond just the immediate numbers. He sees it not as a wall, but as another kind of challenge, an opportunity to demonstrate resilience and innovative thinking.

Of course, fewer scholarships definitely change the game, especially when it comes to recruiting top-tier talent. And with the ever-present churn of the transfer portal, managing a roster effectively becomes even more intricate. But Hangey's already strategizing, looking to build from within, fostering what he describes as a "walk-on heavy" program. It's about finding those hidden gems, those hungry athletes who are willing to earn their spot and embody the Rider spirit. And frankly, rallying the community for private funding is going to be more crucial than ever, tapping into the loyal alumni base and local support.

Despite these looming changes, the program isn't exactly floundering, you know? Just recently, they snagged a solid third-place finish at the MAAC tournament, and even sent an athlete to the NCAA championships. These aren't small achievements. For Hangey, this isn't just wishful thinking; it's rooted in the team's history, their work ethic, and a coaching philosophy that champions development and grit above all else. He genuinely believes in their capacity to continue succeeding, even with a tighter scholarship budget.

Ultimately, this story isn't just about numbers or regulations. It's about the kind of leadership that refuses to be defined by constraints, that looks adversity in the eye and chooses optimism. It's about a coach who embodies the very spirit of perseverance. And if anyone can guide the Rider wrestling program through this latest twist and still come out smiling, still find a way to compete at a high level, it's probably John Hangey.