FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 4, 2005

Mike Riley Receives
Rhode Island College’s
John E. Hetherman Award

Providence, RI—Rhode Island College senior Mike Riley (Lowell, MA) received Rhode Island College’s John E. Hetherman award at the College’s annual Cap and Gown ceremony on Wednesday, May 4. The award is based not only on athletic prowess, but also values community and campus involvement. The student who receives the Hetherman Award must be a male student-athlete who participates in intercollegiate athletics, a good student and has demonstrated interest and participation in campus activities.

Riley, who hails from Lowell, Massachusetts, wrestled for the Anchormen from 2000-03. Riley had an outstanding senior season in 2002-03, becoming the New England Champion at 133 lbs. at the NECCWA Championships. It was Riley’s first New England title and his third consecutive season earning All-New England honors. By winning the N.E. title, Riley earned the chance to compete at the NCAA Div. III National Championships.

For his career, he posted a 79-16 record with 332 points, 294 takedowns, 20 reversals, 106 escapes, 51 near-falls and six pins.

In 2002-03, the team captain was 31-5 at 133 lbs. with 129 points, 134 takedowns, six reversals, 36 escapes, 24 near-falls and two pins on the season. During the regular season, he placed first at 133 lbs. at the Roger Williams Invitational and second at the Doug Parker Invitational.

As a junior in 2001-02, he earned All-New England honors at 133 lbs., placing third at the 2002 NECCWA Championships. Riley had a 28-match winning streak stopped at the championships. The co-captain was 37-6 with 163 points, 128 takedowns, ten reversals, 48 escapes, 21 near-falls and four wins by fall on the year. He placed first at the Citrus Invitational, second at the Scranton Invitational, third at the Roger Williams Invitational and fourth at the Doug Parker Invitational.

            As a sophomore in 2000-01, he qualified for the Div. III NCAA National Championships as a wild-card selection at 133 lbs. Riley earned All-New England honors, placing second at 133 lbs. at the 2001 NECCWA Championships. Riley was 11-5 with 40 points, 32 takedowns, four reversals, 22 escapes and six near-falls on the season.

The Rhode Island House of Representatives named him a Scholar-Athlete in 2003.

Prior to coming to RIC, Riley competed for the University of Lowell for one season. He is a marketing major and a 1997 graduate of Greater Lowell Technical High School.

ABOUT THE JOHN E. HETHERMAN AWARD

The Hetherman Award was established in 1958 and sponsored by the RIC class of 1940 to honor its classmate, Jay Hetherman. Mr. Hetherman, while a student, played varsity basketball and baseball for two years. He was also active in the drama club and took part in all “stunt night” activities and major productions. During World War II, Hetherman became a naval aviator, receiving his wings in Jacksonville, Florida in 1942. Approximately one year later, while returning from flying a rescue mission in the South Pacific, Lt. John E. Hetherman crashed and lost his life, leaving an enviable college and service career behind him.

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