BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Angelo Rini is living out his dream as a member of the Indiana wrestling team this season. Having transferred from Columbia University in New York, Rini is making the most of his final year of NCAA wrestling eligibility. With an enthusiasm for the sport, he looks to challenge himself against some of the top wrestlers in the nation.
So far, Rini has proven his worth on the mat, currently ranked in the top-30 nationally in the 133-pound weight class. His record stands at 11 wins and 6 losses, including one pin, two major decisions, and three technical falls. Notably, he competed fiercely against top-ranked opponents, including losing to number one Ryan Crockham from Lehigh and number two Lucas Byrd from Illinois.
Rini’s season highlights include winning the Navy Classic, where he claimed victory over then number 14 Kurt Phipps of Bucknell, and earning a second-place finish at the Sheridan Tournament in Pennsylvania. His head coach, Angel Escobedo, believes Rini has the potential to make a significant impact at the upcoming NCAA tournament.
Having previously qualified for the NCAA tournament in 2023, Rini’s excitement is palpable. He aims to finish his collegiate career on a high note while pursuing a master’s degree in finance at Indiana’s prestigious Kelley School of Business.
Rini’s decision to transfer was influenced by his great admiration for last year’s Hoosier, Dan Fongaro, who also made the leap from Columbia and found success. Rini saw Fongaro’s achievements and wanted the same opportunities to excel in both wrestling and education.
For Rini, wrestling is more than just a sport; it’s a way of life that fosters determination and resilience. He reflects on the tough practices he endured at Cleveland St. Edward High School, where he learned the foundations of what it means to work hard.
As part of the Indiana wrestling team, which recently entered the national top-25, Rini and his teammates are gearing up for a challenging schedule. They are set to compete against ranked opponents such as Ohio State, Nebraska, and Michigan, along with a match against rival Purdue.
With his sights set on the NCAA tournament and personal improvement, Rini is focusing on enhancing his skills in hand fighting and physical toughness to better prepare for the competition. He believes that these enhancements are crucial for success in the Big Ten Conference.
Off the mat, Rini is preparing for his future. After graduating with a bachelor’s in economics from Columbia, he has secured a job in investment banking in Columbus, Ohio, and plans to enjoy some traveling with his girlfriend before starting work in July.
With the determination to succeed in both wrestling and academics, Angelo Rini is poised to make the most of his time as a Hoosier.
