Two takeaways from No. 15 Rutgers wrestling’s start to season
The Rutgers wrestling team has had an impressive start to the season. The Scarlet Knights (5-1, 0-0) have won 5 of their 6 duals and are currently on a three-game winning streak.
Here are the two biggest takeaways on the team approximately two months into the 2023-2024 season.
Resilience throughout the whole team
No. 15 Rutgers returned many key wrestlers this season, including No. 7 junior 125-pounder Dean Peterson, No. 8 junior 197-pounder John Poznanski and No. 12 sophomore 184-pounder Brian Soldano.
Heading into the season, head coach Scott Goodale expressed his confidence in the Knights.
"It's probably from top to bottom, from a dual meet standpoint, the most solid team maybe we've ever had," Goodale said.
Rutgers has looked strong, with its only loss coming from Virginia Tech. The Hokies (2-1, 0-0) have many ranked wrestlers who competed at the NCAA Championships. Despite falling short, the Knights made it a close dual and won 4 of their 10 bouts, as they duked it out with one of the best teams in the country.
Poznanski, who missed most of last season due to an injury, spent his time off recovering and getting stronger. Poznanski moved up a weight class and has settled in, as he has earned two ranked wins and remains undefeated.
No. 27 senior 174-pounder Jackson Turley lost his first two bouts of the season but bounced back against Edinboro. Turley has now found his form, as he has won his last three bouts by a combined score of 43-12.
No. 17 graduate student 141-pounder Mitch Moore and No. 7 graduate student 285-pounder Yaraslau Slavikouski are both transfers who have made an instant impact on the Banks, as they are both undefeated in dual matches. The two bring veteran experience and will help lead the team.
No. 24 junior 157-pounder Andrew Clark has returned from an injury and remains undefeated. Clark worked a pin against the Fighting Scots (0-2, 0-0) just 46 seconds into his bout.
Rutgers has many wrestlers who have shown growth and determination this season, leading to the team's early success.
Depth is on full display
Goodale has rotated some wrestlers at certain weight classes to begin the season.
Junior 149-pounder Michael Cetta and junior 285-pounder John O’Donnell started for the Knights this past weekend and looked sharp on the mat. Cetta is filling in for No. 31 graduate student 149-pounder Jacob Butler, who is currently injured but could return next month.
Sophomore 133-pounder Brandan Chletsos made his first dual start of the season against Buffalo and worked a 5-1 decision to secure the win. Chletsos can wrestle in weight classes of both 125 pounds and 133 pounds.
Rutgers has wrestlers who can get the job done when called upon, which can make a big difference in the future.
"There's guys throughout our lineup that are certainly capable," Goodale said of the wrestlers who can fill in when needed. "You know how the season works, it's a brutal schedule, and we’re gonna need everybody."
The brutal schedule that Goodale referred to is coming up next month when Big Ten action starts. The Knights will wrestle seven duals in January, with four of them away from Jersey Mike's Arena on Livingston campus.
February will be just as difficult for Rutgers, as it will consecutively face off against three ranked conference opponents.
The Knights will look to Peterson, Moore, Soldano, Poznanski and Slavikouski to be the difference in its close duals.
Goodale wants Rutgers to take the next step as a program and defeat one of the top-ranked Big Ten teams this season.
With a fully-ranked starting lineup and talented backup wrestlers, the Knights could be able to challenge Penn State, Ohio State or Michigan and earn an upset win.
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