David Rivera
-
- Title:
- Head Coach
-
- Phone:
- 909-274-4709
-
- Phone:
- Fax 909-274-2173
-
- Email:
- drivera@mtsac.edu
-
- Previous College:
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
-
- Team:
- Wrestling
-
- Accolades:
- National Wrestling Association Coach of the Year (2023), SCWA Southwest Conference Coach of the Year (2013, 2023), SoCal Regional Coach of the Year (2013), 3C2A State Coach of the Year (2012)
-
- Mt. SAC Starting Year:
- 2010
David Rivera, entering his 14th season as Head Coach of the Mt. SAC Wrestling Program, has established himself as a leading figure in collegiate wrestling. Under his guidance, the Mounties have become a dominant force in the state, with the men winning the state title at the 3C2A Men's Wrestling State Championships in both 2021 and 2023, and coming in second in 2022. The relatively new Women's Wrestling Team began competing in Spring 2023 and have taken second at the 3C2A Women's Wrestling Championships in both seasons. Rivera has also guided 15 student-athletes to individual state championship titles.
Rivera has been honored for his hard work and dedication a number of times including 3C2A State Coach of the Year (2012), SoCal Regional Coach of the Year (2013), SCWA Conference Coach of the Year (2013,2023), and National Wrestling Association Coach of the Year (2023).
His coaching career began in 2005 with roles at Cerritos College (2005) and Rosemead High School (2005-2009), where he served as an assistant coach. By 2006, Rivera joined the Mt. SAC staff and has since transformed the Mountie Wrestling Program into a premier program in the state.
A proud graduate of El Monte High School, Rivera was a standout wrestler. He captured the 1999 CIF Southern Section Division 1 Wrestling Championship and earned a trip to the CIF State Championships during his junior year. As a senior, he was the CIF Division 1 Runner-Up, Masters Meet Runner-Up and placed 5th at the CIF State Championships. He continued his education and wrestling career at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, AZ where he was a four-year letterman, four-time NAIA National Qualifier, two-time NAIA National Finalist, Team Captain (2001-2005) and a two-time NAIA All-American.
Rivera holds a bachelor's degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a master’s degree in physical education from Azusa Pacific University. He is currently a full-time Professor of Kinesiology at Mt. SAC. Rivera resides in Covina with his wife Elizabeth and their two sons, Adrian and Fabian. In his spare time, he enjoys working out and practicing Jiu Jitsu.
Updated 08/14/24