Rick Mahonski compiled a 43-3 record in high school while competing for Williamsport High School. Mahonski won the 112-pound PIAA state title in 1972 as a junior, recording a 24-1 record before missing his senior season due to injury.

Mahonski went on to wrestle for Wilkes University from 1974-77, securing an NCAA runner-up finish at 118 pounds while helping the Colonels earn the 1974 NCAA Division III team title.

After Wilkes became the first and only Division III program to compete in Division I, Mahonski became a two-time EIWA place winner, Binghamton Open champion, New York Open champion, and NCAA Division I Championship qualifier. He wrapped up his collegiate career with a 53-14 record.

A member of the District 4 Hall of Fame as well as the West Branch Wrestling Hall of Fame, Mahonski served as an art teacher within East Lycoming School District for 35 years and is now a successful business owner and goldsmith. Mahonski designs and creates unique gold jewelry, some of which pertains to wrestling, including the medallions he has donated to the PA Chapter of the NWHOF for the past six years.

In April of 2024, Mahonski, at the age of 69, ended a 47-year hiatus and returned to the mats at the US Open in Las Vegas, winning first place in the Masters Division in Greco-Roman.

Mahonski resides in South Williamsport and has three adult children: Christopher, Jaime, and Lauren.