One of only five student-athletes in Jesuit Dallas athletic history to secure an individual state championship in the University Interscholastic League (UIL), Alex Rinaldi was a standout wrestler who ultimately captured the 180-pound UIL 5A State Championship in 2007.
A three-time UIL state qualifier, Rinaldi entered the state championships that year as the top seed and bested Highland Park’s Ted Gambordella (ranked No. 2 in Texas) with an 8-6 decision in the finals to become the second wrestler in School history to secure a UIL state crown. The masterful title run capped a near-flawless season in which Rinaldi closed the year with a 38-2 record and cruised to the state title match with two pinfalls and a major decision over wrestlers from Corpus Christi King, Borger, and Klein.
Rinaldi posted a 124-32 individual career record at Jesuit, including an 81-10 mark over his last two seasons in a Rangers singlet. In addition to his excellence on the mat, Rinaldi was a multi-sport athlete at Jesuit, starting at center for Jesuit’s football team during his senior season while earning two letters as a member of the Rangers’ lacrosse team.
Rinaldi continued his wrestling career at Drexel University. As a freshman, he knocked off George Mason’s Jimmy Kaden in the 165-pound weight class at the Colonial Athletic Association Conference Tournament en route to a spot on the 2009 CAA All-Rookie Team. A four-year member of the Drexel wrestling program, he represented the Dragons at the 2010 and 2012 conference championships and collected 17 wins while once again donning Blue & Gold.
Returning to the mat, wrestling continues to be a part of Rinaldi’s life and he currently serves as an assistant coach at Boston College High School where he is helping to guide a new generation of amateur grapplers.
