Williamsburg, KY - The Patriots men's wrestling team works just as hard in the off-season as they do in championship season. Signing Justan Rivera was the highlight of the summer for Jordan Countryman and his program. A red-shirt senior transfer from Notre Dame College (OH), Rivera comes to Cumberlands with an illustrious and well-decorated history making appearances at three NCAA DII National Tournaments.
 
Although initially unaware of the elite program, Rivera soon found it to be the perfect place to spend his final season. "As soon as I met the team and the coaches, I fell in love with the program. They are one of the most connected teams I have ever been a part of and the coaching staff is immensely talented."
 
As a collegiate athlete, Rivera continued his success making several appearances at the NCAA DII Super Regionals and National Championships. Starting his career during the 2015-16 season, Rivera made his first trip to the DII Super Regional where he finished in third. Qualifying for the NCAA National Championship, he won a pair of matches to finish eighth overall at 174lbs. His performance earned him All-American honors as a freshman.
 
Picking up where he left off his freshman year, Rivera completed another impressive season, qualifying for NCAA post-season for the second-consecutive year. Rivera placed second at Super Regionals, setting a career record for his best finish at a post-season tournament. Making it to the national tournament as an alternate, he helped his team win the 2017 DII National Championship; only the second title in program their history.
 
During his final year wrestling at Notre Dame, Rivera had a fantastic showing at the DII Super Regionals, finishing in fifth place. Competing in the 2018 National Duals he went 4-1 at 174 to help his team finish in the top five.
 
Ahead of his debut as a Patriot, Countryman speaks highly of the team's newest member and is already impressed by his natural ability to lead; "He may be quiet and reserved, but when he speaks, people listen." Countryman also believes Rivera will have a huge impact on the program's success, "There's no doubt that he is a huge asset and going to play a big role in helping the team succeed."
 
"I want to make a statement in the NAIA," Rivera expresses, "I want people to know and respect the Cumberlands name around the nation."
 
Cumberlands kick off their season opener with a tournament at home. The Patriot Open will take place in Corbin, KY on November 7^th starting at 9am.

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