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Release Date:

Monday, January 13, 2020

HFC’s wrestling program achieves NJCAA national ranking for the first time

HFC grappler Donte Rivera-Garcia was ranked No. 1 in the NJCAA national rankings.

For the first time since the HFC wrestling team was established at the College three years ago, it has achieved its first National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) ranking.

Donte Rivera-Garcia, of Allen Park, is the first Hawk to be nationally ranked at No. 1. HFC is currently tied for 13 in the national list of team rankings.

A 2018 alumnus of Southgate Anderson High School, Rivera-Garcia is in his first year at HFC. This is his latest achievement in a string of wins this season.

“Donte is impressive to watch. Other coaches and teams have noticed his prowess on the mat. He’s paving the way for his fellow Hawks, as well as future Hawks -- once again proving that local wrestlers don’t have to move away from home to wrestle at the collegiate level,” said Coach Grant MacKenzie. “Donte has been successful both on the mat and in the classroom. I enjoy watching young people succeed, and that is why I coach.”

MCCAA recognizes HFC's national ranking

On Jan. 14, the Michigan Community College Athletic Association recognized HFC's national ranking with a front-page article.