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David Rivera

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, now entering his 15th season as Head Coach of the Mt. SAC Wrestling Program, has firmly established himself as one of the premier figures in collegiate wrestling. Under his leadership, the Mounties have become a dominant force in the state. The Men’s Wrestling Team captured 3C2A State Championships in 2021, 2023 and 2024, while finishing as state runner-up in 2022. The relatively new Women's Wrestling Team began competing in Spring 2023 and has taken second at the 3C2A Women's Wrestling Championships in all three seasons. 

Rivera has coached 24 student-athletes to individual state titles and has been recognized widely for his impact and success. His accolades include 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).

Rivera began his coaching journey in 2005 with assistant coaching roles at Cerritos College and Rosemead High School. He joined Mt. SAC’s coaching staff in 2006 and, since then, has transformed the Mountie Wrestling Program into one of the most respected and competitive in California.

A proud graduate of El Monte High School, Rivera was a standout high school wrestler. He won the 1999 CIF Southern Section Division I Championship and qualified for the CIF State Championships as a junior. In his senior year, he was the CIF Division I Runner-Up, Masters Meet Runner-Up, and placed fifth at the CIF State Championships. Rivera continued his academic and athletic career at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona, where he was a four-year letterman, two-time NAIA National Finalist, four-time NAIA National Qualifier, two-time All-American, and team captain from 2001–2005.

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 a full-time professor of kinesiology at Mt. SAC. He lives in Covina with his wife, Elizabeth, and their two sons, Adrian and Fabian. In his free time, Rivera enjoys working out and training in Jiu Jitsu.

Updated 07/01/25