MSU wrestler John Rizqallah concluded his career over the weekend while competing at the NCAA championships.
The senior and team captain, 184-pounder Rizqallah lost in his first match to third-seeded Arizona State’s Blake Stauffer 4-1.
Later that day, Rizqallah defeated California Polytechnic’s Nick Fiegener 8-3 in the first consolation round.
In the second consolation round, Rizqallah lost Friday after battling fourth-seeded Jack Dechow of Old Dominion. He lost 4-2 in the second sudden victory period.
He had a difficult draw in the championships this year, but remained competitive until the end.
Rizqallah finishes his career with a 75-45 record.
Rizqallah succeeded in several matchups this season. In his last duel against Michigan, he took down eventual Big Ten champion Domenic Abounader in January.
He qualified and competed in the NCAA wrestling championships the last 3 years, but fell short of accomplishing his goal of becoming an All-American at the championships this year.
“You learn a lot more from losing than you do from winning. If I didn’t get to go to the NCAA championships, I would have lost out on that opportunity of being able to learn,” Rizqallah said.
Family brought Rizqallah to MSU when he chose to attend and compete on the same team as his brother, Joe, who is also a Spartan wrestler.
Rizqallah was one of the best not only this season, but throughout his career on the Spartan bench.
He lead the Spartans as captain and was a four-year letter winner.
“John has been a very hard-working, committed young man,” MSU wrestling head coach Tom Minkel said.
Minkel coached Rizqallah through all of his career and is now entering into his 25th season as head coach.
“There’s no doubt at all that he’ll be missed, but I fully expect him to stay connected to the program and stay connected to wrestling because it has been such a big part of his life,” Minkel said.
Rizqallah’s next chapter will be in Chico, California, where he will attend law school at California State University, Chico.
“Now, it’s the second phase; where you start giving back to the sport instead of taking from it,” Rizqallah said. “It’s an amazing sport and I want to give back.”
