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Eric Mullin

Top-ranked New Jersey recruit starts, helps keep together Rutgers' No. 45 recruiting class

It was the low point of the Rutgers football team's 2016 season. “After the Michigan game we all really sat down, we were texting back and forth, like, c’mon bro like just think about what we’re really trying to achieve here.Feb 9 2017

Notebook: Brooklyn native Mike Williams leads Rutgers past Fordham at Madison Square Garden

NEW YORK —Dec 19 2016

Rutgers' 'not even one-dimensional' offense sputters once again in shutout loss to No. 8 Penn State

PISCATAWAY— On a night that saw the Rutgers football team set a Big Ten record for the most punts in a single season, the Scarlet Knights put on the kind of offensive performance that more-than-occasionally pushed to shatter that type of mark.Nov 21 2016

Future looks bright for Rutgers' young defense

When the Rutgers football team walks off Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium following its regular season finale against the Terrapins Nov.Nov 19 2016

Battle in trenches key for Rutgers' hopes against Penn State

Since his arrival on the Banks, Chris Ash has harped on Rutgers being a line of scrimmage football team. With the two most experienced position groups lying on each of the front lines, the Scarlet Knights were structured in a way where winning the battle up front on both sides of the ball, especially when it comes to the running game, would be integral to having success. So after Michigan State had dominated that the Knights in the essential battle in the trenches on Saturday, the final scoreboard that read 49-0 in favor of the Spartans was indicative of just that. Rutgers rushed for just 109 yards across 36 carries, good for an underwhelming 3 yards per carry.Nov 19 2016

Giovanni Rescigno, Rutgers' offense continue regression in shutout loss to Michigan State

EAST LANSING, Mich. — It's safe to assume that this wasn't the kind of homecoming that Giovanni Rescigno had hoped for. After posting 200-plus passing yards and leading his team to one-score losses in his each of his first two career starts, Rescigno returned to his home state on Saturday to play in his first game on Michigan soil since his senior year of high school at De La Salle three years ago. But the Warren, Michigan, native's return home was everything short of welcoming, as performance and score-based reasons prevented him from simply playing it into the fourth quarter of the Rutgers football team's (2-8, 0-7) ultimate 49-0 loss to Michigan State Saturday. With a lopsided scoreboard favoring the Spartans (3-7, 1-6) and the Scarlet Knights in the midst of one of their more underwhelming offensive performances on the season, the sophomore starting quarterback was relieved by true freshman Tylin Oden in the final minutes of the third quarter after going 6-of-16 through the air for 40 yards and two interceptions. In what was their least effective offensive outing of the year against a non-ranked opponent, the Knights totaled just 149 yards and eight first downs, finishing 3-of-12 on third downs. "You look at the stats, it wasn’t good.Nov 13 2016

Isaiah Wharton moves past rough outing against Indiana

The Rutgers football team's 34-32 loss to Indiana on Saturday brought back flashbacks to a nightmarish 2015 season for Isaiah Wharton and the Scarlet Knights' secondary. In a position group that was dismantled by injuries and off-field issues, then-true freshmen Isaiah Wharton and Blessaun Austin were both thrust into the starting lineup for nearly all of last season and received baptism by fire as the young pair of cornerbacks experienced many more lows than they did highs during their introduction to the collegiate game. The Knights finished the season with the third worst passing defense overall in the Big Ten, while allowing a second-worst average of 277 yards per game, a worst 9.5 yards per reception and 15 total touchdowns through the air across their eight conference games. Wharton surrendered 43 catches and five touchdowns, compared to just five passes defended, across his 64 targets last season, according to Pro-Football Focus. Against the Hoosiers, Rutgers' secondary, and most notably Isaiah Wharton, had a performance that was reminiscent of that forgettable 2015 season. Indiana pierced the Knights for 420 passing yards and three scores through the air.Nov 11 2016

Rutgers' offense takes step back in loss to Indiana

The Rutgers football team's offense seemed to have turned a corner. But against Indiana on Sunday, it was back to square one for Rutgers.Nov 10 2016

Big plays, missed opportunities haunt Rutgers' defense, special teams in loss to Indiana

PISCATAWAY—The Rutgers football team’s defense and special teams each had their respective moments against Indiana on Sunday. The Scarlet Knights’ defense forced three turnovers — highlighted by a 75-yard scoop-and-score by junior defensive end Darnell Davis — and two additional turnovers on downs, holding a plus-three advantage over the Hoosiers in the turnover battle. On special teams, the Knights forced a turnover on a kickoff and blocked both an extra-point try and field goal attempt from 54 yards. But it was the big plays that Rutgers allowed and critical plays it failed to capitalize on that stood out the most and came back to haunt the Knights (2-7, 0-6) in their 33-27 loss to Indiana in front of 37,345 at High Point Solutions Stadium. Rutgers was gashed for a season-high 420 yards through the air and allowed 567 yards of total offense.Nov 7 2016

In short turnaround, Kamaal Seymour excelling in transition from defense to offensive tackle

If you had told Kamaal Seymour earlier in the season that he would be the Rutgers football team's starting right tackle entering its matchup with Indiana this Saturday, he wouldn't have believed you. And for good reason.Nov 4 2016

Rutgers responds to Big Ten Friday night game announcement

Friday night football in New Jersey is mostly synonymous with high school games, but starting next fall, the State University will be joining in on the action. The Big Ten announced on Wednesday that the conference will be playing six Friday night games in 2017 as apart of its new television deal with ESPN/ABC and FOX.Nov 4 2016

Rutgers run defense ranks in bottom of Big Ten

Of all the questions that faced the Rutgers football team entering its first season with Chris Ash at the helm— from the quarterback situation, to transitioning to the spread offense, to inserting three inexperienced linebackers into the starting lineup — the Scarlet Knights seemed to have one constant answer since they began camp back in the spring: The defensive line was going to be the strength of the team.Nov 4 2016

Giovanni Rescigno delivers best Rutgers' quarterback play of season in debut as starter

MINNEAPOLIS— Two weeks ago, Giovanni Rescigno was only quarterbacking Rutgers' scout team offense, but last Saturday, the sophomore nearly quarterbacked the Scarlet Knights (2-6, 0-5) to their first Big Ten win of the season. Rescigno led the Knights' offense to what head coach Chris Ash described as their best performance of the season in a late 34-32 loss to Minnesota (5-2, 2-2). After scoring a combined 14 points through their first four Big Ten games, Rutgers hung 25 points — the other seven coming via a pick-six from true freshman Damon Hayes — across 372 yards of total offense, 22 first downs and a 10-for-19 conversion rate on third downs. Making his first career start for the Knights, Rescigno finished 22 of 38 for 220 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions.Oct 24 2016

Rutgers commits five turnovers in fourth consecutive loss, falls 24-7 to Illinois

PISCATAWAY—The mantra surrounding the Rutgers football team leading up to its matchup with Illinois had been that of a fresh start.Oct 16 2016

Rutgers' offense reaches new low against No. 4 Michigan

PISCATAWAY— It was hard to imagine the Rutgers football team's offense being able to put on a worse showing than it did in the 58-point shutout loss to No. 2 Ohio State last week.Oct 10 2016

Rutgers receivers aim to combat drops, press coverage struggles

Drew Mehringer said he felt like "vomit" after the Rutgers football team converted on just 1 of 4 red zone trips in a 14-7 loss to Iowa Sept.Oct 7 2016

Back at defensive end, Julian Pinnix-Odrick emerges as force on defensive line

Fifth-year senior defensive end Julian Pinnix-Odrick shines in year of return of classmate and fellow captain Darius Hamilton.Oct 7 2016

Inexperienced specialists excel in new starting roles for Rutgers

David Bonagura went nearly four years without kicking in a real game situation. His last live kick was as a high school senior in December, 2012, knocking in a 48-yard, game-winning field goal at Kean University to secure a state championship for Ramapo High. In the Rutgers football team's season opener against then-No. 14 Washington, the redshirt junior was thrust back into game action for the first time in more than three years in front of 70,000-plus, rowdy fans at Husky Stadium. But the atmosphere, nor the long layoff between kicking in game situations, seemed to faze Bonagura. On his first attempt of his collegiate career the Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, native sneaked a 38-yard field goal just over the upright to put the Scarlet Knights on the board late in the first half. "Kicking is a production-oriented business," Bonagura said of his first career kick. "Three points is three points, but when it came off my foot I knew it was gonna go in.Oct 7 2016

Notebook: Rutgers leaves Columbus with no small victories to show for in 58-point loss to No. 2 Ohio State

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Pitted up against a potent Ohio State offense Saturday at Ohio Stadium, the Rutgers football team couldn't have asked for a better start from its defense. After forcing the Scarlet Knights into a punt on the game's first drive, Heisman Trophy candidate J.T.Oct 2 2016

Rutgers' path to upset over Ohio State starts and ends with containing J.T. Barrett

"You just have to be that much more disciplined, as far as your eyes," said sophomore cornerback Blessuan Austin. "If you're in man coverage you have to stay on your man.Oct 1 2016

Late turnover, red zone struggles spoil Rutgers' bid at upset of Iowa

The Rutgers football team won nearly every statistical category in its Big Ten opener against Iowa on Saturday, but the one area that the Knights (2-2, 0-1) faced a disadvantage in would be their downfall in an eventual 14-7 loss to Iowa (3-1, 1-0) at High Point Solutions Stadium.Sep 25 2016

Rutgers' defense gets stronger with time

When Chris Ash left his post as co-defensive coordinator at Ohio State to take the reigns of the Rutgers football program, he brought with him the spread offense from Columbus. At its core the spread is a no-huddle, hurry-up offense that is run exclusively out of the shotgun.Sep 23 2016

Darius Hamilton returned to old self in dominating performance against New Mexico

It was just an ordinary Tuesday practice for the Rutgers football team during the week leading up to its showdown with New Mexico. But for Darius Hamilton, it was much more than that. For the first time in over a year, the three-time captain on the defensive line wasn't sporting the No. 91 green practice jersey — indicating that he is a limited participant — that his coaches, teammates and the media had grown accustomed to seeing him in. Instead, the defensive tackle was matching the rest of his fellow Scarlet Knight defenders with a red jersey, taking part in a full practice for the first time since injuring his right knee — which caused him to miss all but a handful of snaps in the 2015 season — last training camp. "No doubt," Hamilton said when asked if it meant something to him to be a full participant at practices again. "And those first two days were absolutely brutal.Sep 23 2016

Explosive plays lift Rutgers' sputtering offense against New Mexico

The Rutgers football team made its initiative to start fast on offense against New Mexico Saturday. But the results of the Scarlet Knights' first few drives against the Lobos' exotic defense were just the polar opposite of that. The Knights began the game with three consecutive three-and-outs, running nine plays for a total of 20 yards.Sep 19 2016

Inconsistent play continues to plague Chris Laviano through three games

Another game, another erratic performance from junior Chris Laviano. And for the first time this season, the Rutgers football team subbed out its starting quarterback late in a close game because of his inconsistent play. Through four second-half drives to the 7:48 mark in the fourth quarter, the Knights had just three points to show for.Sep 19 2016

Walk-on makes impression on coaching staff with relentless effort

"It's an honor actually. The coach initially said it in the meetings and I was surprised. I thought it was a joke."Sep 16 2016

Rutgers defense tries to shake its slow starts against New Mexico

For the second consecutive week, the Rutgers football team got off to a slow start on the defensive side of the ball on Saturday. This time around it wasn't No. 8 Washington's gun-slinger Jake Browning and his stable of speedy wide receivers torching the Scarlet Knights' secondary, but rather Howard's read-option tandem of quarterback Kalen Johnson and running back Anthony Philyaw dashing around the Knights' first level of defense and through its secondary. On the first drive of the game the visiting FCS program drove the ball right down Rutgers' throat.Sep 16 2016

Multi-sport athlete receives larger role in Rutgers offense

Again, when I talk about the list of playmakers, I've already mentioned Janarion and Rob Martin as two of them.Sep 16 2016

True freshman Tylin Oden shows potential in debut against Howard

While Chris Laviano played better than his two-turnover, seven yards-per-completion performance in the season opener, offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer wasn't incredibly enthusiastic when asked about the Rutgers starting quarterback's game against Howard. "Chris Laviano played ... okay," he said, the pause in his answer noticeable.Sep 11 2016

Janarion Grant shifts momentum, paces Rutgers' offense in win over Howard

PISCATAWAY — With seemingly everything going wrong for the Rutgers football team in the opening minutes of its home opener on Saturday against Howard, the Scarlet Knights were in desperate need of a big play to swing momentum in their favor. A 15-yard touchdown run from Howard quarterback Kalen Johnson pushed the Bison's lead to 14-0 and effectively sucked the life out of the 45,245 fans in attendance at High Point Solutions Stadium after just five minutes and 34 seconds of football. But on the ensuing kickoff, Rutgers' most dynamic player began to take matters into his own hands. Janarion Grant returned the kick 86 yards to the house — breaking multiple tackles and eluding a couple defenders on his way there — to get Rutgers on the board and cut the deficit in half. The senior's 6th career kickoff return touchdown gave the Knights momentum that they wouldn't relinquish for the remainder of the afternoon, as they reeled off 52 straight points to close out their first win of 2016. "(Janarion's touchdown return) was huge.Sep 11 2016

Bigger Darius Hamilton returns to High Point Solutions Stadium for Rutgers' home opener

Chris Laviano returns to High Point for first time since booing incident

When Chris Ash took the reigns of the football program at Rutgers, Chris Laviano was tasked with winning the starting quarterback job — again. Laviano was back to square one this season with a new head coach, offensive coordinator and offensive system, after winning job leading up to last season and starting every game for the Scarlet Knights in 2015. The Holy Trinty product battled mainly with junior Hayden Rettig during spring camp and came out of the summer in competition with graduate-transfer Zach Allen during training camp.Sep 9 2016

Janarion Grant does it all for Rutgers offense

For the past two football seasons on the Banks, Leonte Carroo was the Scarlet Knights' go-to weapon on offense. In 2014 the crisp route-running receiver accounted for over 36 percent of the team's receiving yards, with 1,086 and over half of the Knights' touchdown catches with 10.Sep 9 2016

Tim Wright unveils barbershop on Livingston Campus

Tim Wright was a busy man during his time at Rutgers. Recruited out of Wall High School to play football 45 minutes up the road for New Jersey's state university, Wright hauled in 50 catches for 596 yards and 4 touchdowns during his final two seasons on the Banks. And when the former standout wide receiver wasn't cutting in and out of his routes for the Rutgers football team, he was cutting hair — a lot of it. Wright, who picked up the passion for cutting hair as a teenager, used to have a line of people out of his dorm room waiting for him to cut their hair and would sometimes even go on house calls.Sep 6 2016

Rutgers relying on inexperienced specialists in 2016

Sophomores David Bonagura and Michael Cintron were named the Rutgers football team's starting kicker and punter, respectively, ahead of its season opener against No. 14 Washington in Seattle Saturday.Aug 31 2016

Rutgers receiver attempts to carry over success from baseball to football

While the Rutgers football team was getting acclimated to a new coaching staff and offensive system during intense spring practices, wide receiver Jawuan Harris was in a much more relaxed setting over at Bainton Field. After redshirting his first football season on the Banks Harris not only suited up for the Rutgers baseball team in the spring but put together a strong debut campaign on the diamond.Aug 29 2016

Rutgers defensive line aims to live up to high expectations

When the Rutgers football team took the field for its first scrimmage of training camp on Saturday Darius Hamilton was a mere spectator on the sidelines. The defensive tackle hadn’t reinjured his hampering right knee nor was there anything else physically wrong with him at all. Hamilton was considered to be game ready but head football coach Chris Ash simply wasn’t putting the star of his defense at risk in the weeks leading up to the start of the regular season. “I know a lot of people asked why Darius didn’t scrimmage yesterday, well, cause I’m not nuts,” said head football coach Chris Ash at the team’s media day.Aug 19 2016

Rutgers hosts Penn State on Senior Night with chance to lock up spot in Big Ten Tournament

The No. 19 Rutgers men's lacrosse team (9-3, 2-1) hosts No. 17 Penn State (7-5, 2-1) Friday with a chance to guarantee a spot in the Big Ten Tournament with a win.Apr 22 2016

Rutgers sinks Seton Hall for 3rd straight win

The Rutgers softball team has had in-state rival Seton Hall’s number over the past five seasons, with the Scarlet Knights taking eight straight wins over that span. When the teams met on the windy Wednesday afternoon at the Rutgers Softball Complex, the Knights continued with their dominance over their old Big East foe from South Orange.Apr 7 2016

Leonte Carroo holds personal Pro Day at Rutgers

With scouts from about 15 NFL teams expected to be in attendance, according to NJ Advanced Media's Dan Duggan, Carroo will run routes for the first time in the draft process since suffering his injury at the Senior Bowl.Mar 30 2016

Rutgers comes from behind for walk-off win over Hofstra

The Rutgers softball team’s home opener against Hofstra was a tale of two games, sparked by pitching changes from both sides. Through four-and-a-half innings of Tuesday afternoon’s matchup at the Rutgers Softball Complex the Pride held a 6-2 advantage over the Scarlet Knights.Mar 23 2016

Senior ends monumental career with impressive run to All-American finish

It was a change in footwear that coincided with Anthony Perrotti’s monumental run to an All-American finish in 2014. Sporting Nike sneakers, Perrotti lost his debut match at the NCAA Championships in Oklahoma City two years ago.Mar 21 2016

Second consecutive All-American finish not enough for National Title hopeful

There wasn’t much celebration from Anthony Ashnault after he took down Jimmy Gulibon of Penn State to become the first Big Ten Champion in Rutgers wrestling history. While the sophomore 141-pounder was proud of the achievement, there was a bigger goal out there for Ashnault — one that had been his main focus for over a year. Not satisfied with his eighth-place, All-American finish in his first NCCA Championships last year as a redshirt freshman, Ashnault set out on a mission to capture a national title at the 2016 tournament in New York City. On the heels of an 18-1 dual season, becoming the program’s first Big Ten Champion and landing a No. 4 seed entering the tournament, the South Plainfield, New Jersey, native seemed to be well on his way to making a serious run at the national title. Following the championship round at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night, Ashnault was standing on the podium yet again with his fellow 141-pound All-Americans. But although he was positioned higher than he was on last year’s podium in St.Mar 21 2016

Rutgers has unfitting end to momentous season at NCAA Championships

In the days leading up to the start of the Rutgers wrestling team’s season, head coach Scott Goodale laid out the ultimate goal for the 2015-16 campaign at its media day. “You gotta put more than one guy on that podium," Goodale said.Mar 21 2016

Rutgers makes history with fifth-place finish at Big Ten Championships

Anthony Ashnault became the first wrestler in program history to win a Big Ten title when he defeated No. 8 Jimmy Gulibon of Penn State in the 141-pound category.Mar 7 2016

Rutgers looks to build on success of dual season at Big Ten Championships in Iowa City

The Rutgers wrestling team attempts to secure automatic bids to the NCAA Tournament with strong performances at the Big Ten Championships in Iowa City, Iowa, this weekend.Mar 4 2016

Rutgers finishes monumental dual season, eyes success at Big Ten Championships

Just moments after the Rutgers wrestling team closed out its dual season with a thrilling 18-15 win over No. 7 Lehigh in the NWCA National Duals Championship Series, Anthony Perrotti was seated at the front of press room in the Rutgers Athletic Center. Alongside of head coach Scott Goodale and senior heavyweight Billy Smith, Perrotti was asked about what it means to end his dual career with a win over a top-10 program at the RAC. The 165-pounder began his answer praising Smith — who had beaten No. 14 Max Wessell in overtime in the dual-deciding bout—and noting how good he has been as a "closer" for the Scarlet Knights in his career. But after the senior was done talking about his teammate he paused for a moment and then went on a tangent discussing everything that No. 13 Rutgers had accomplished in the 2015-16 dual season. He was in awe and disbelief. “Phew.Feb 24 2016

Senior closes out 18-15 win for Rutgers over No. 7 Lehigh

The Rutgers wrestling team defeat No. 7 Lehigh 18-15 Saturday night, capped off by deja-vu for heavyweight Billy Smith.Feb 21 2016

Rutgers hosts No. 7 Lehigh in final tune up before postseason

The Rutgers wrestling teams hosts Drexel and No. 7 Lehigh in the final dual meet of the season, a final tune-up before the Big Ten and NCAA tournaments.Feb 19 2016

Sophomore fends off injuries as he rides unbeaten streak for Rutgers

Sophomore 174-pounder fights through a nagging shoulder injury to start 6-0 in the dual meet season. The streak began with a monumental upset over Nebraska's then-No. 4 174-pounder T.J. Dudley.Feb 18 2016

Rutgers rebounds from last weekend with 2 wins in final Big Ten dual meets of season

Even in a season defined by multiple wins over ranked opponents and rising to as high as No. 6 in the national rankings, the Rutgers wrestling team has still had its shortcomings in the 2015-2016 season. But to their credit, each time the Scarlet Knights have faltered this season, they have followed up with impressive performances.Feb 15 2016

Rutgers travels to Indiana seeking 2 conference dual wins

In both of its conference duals at the Rutgers Athletic Center last weekend, the Rutgers wrestling team had a chance to close out late and steal a victory. On Feb.Feb 12 2016

Senior adjusts to wrestling with mask for Rutgers

On his way back to the center of the mat following a stoppage in action, Hayden Hrymack stopped in his tracks. The senior brought his hands to his face, removing both pieces of his protective mask, putting one on the ground as he repositioned the other on his head.Feb 9 2016

Rutgers falls short against Wisconsin, No. 8 Michigan at home

It wasn’t a site unfamiliar to the Rutgers wrestling team this season. On the heels of an upset loss at home to Wisconsin (2-5, 1-4) that was less than 48 hours prior, the No. 12 Scarlet Knights had reeled off 13 points by way of three straight wins — capped off by a pin fall from junior 174-pounder Phillip Bakuckas that sent the in attendance at the Rutgers Athletic Center into a frenzy — to build a 16-10 lead over No. 8 Michigan. The Knights had to just secure one decision win, while not surrendering any bonus points, in the final three bouts to pick up their sixth-ranked win and bounce back from a disappointing loss with a win against a top-10 opponent for the second time this season. But four individual periods and about 15 minutes of real time later, the life had been completely sucked out of the building and Rutgers was walking off the mat at the RAC for the final time in the 2015-16 season on the short side of a 27-16 loss. “We know they’re really good there.Feb 7 2016

Rutgers preps for Wisconsin, No. 8 Michigan

The No. 12 Rutgers wrestling team faces another packed weekend of action as it hosts Wisconsin on Friday and then, less than 48 hours later, welcomes No. 8 Michigan to the Rutgers Athletic Center.Feb 5 2016

Homegrown wrestlers fuel Rutgers in monumental season

The Rutgers wrestling team has reached success with in-state talent. It wasn't by design, but it goes to show the talent within the Garden State.Feb 2 2016

Rutgers dominates in dual victories over Maryland, Princeton

The Rutgers wrestling team defeat both Maryland and Princeton after 12 days of rest.Feb 1 2016

Rutgers seeks wins against Terps, Tigers

The Rutgers wrestling team returns to action with two meets in one weekend after Winter Storm Jonas forced a postponement last weekend.Jan 29 2016

Rutgers wrestlers position themselves early for National Championship run

The Rutgers wrestling team has nine of its 10 starters in the top-33 of their respective weight class. The Scarlet Knights won't be satisfied all 10 are ranked in NCAA Tournament qualifying range.Jan 28 2016

Redshirt freshman shoots for strong finish to season for Rutgers

Redshirt freshman Anthony Giraldo showed his worth at the Northeast Duals. After a few slips in the road, he looks to finish his season wrestling at his best.Jan 26 2016

Senior grappler delivers in clutch for Rutgers

Most of the Rutgers wrestling team’s dual meets begin at the lowest weight class, 125-pounds, and proceed in ascending weight.Jan 21 2016

Rutgers upset by Minnesota in road conference battle

The Rutgers wrestling team used a 12-2 start, which included five victories over ranked opponents, to climb to No. 6 in the most recent USA Today/NWCA Division I Coaches Poll. The Scarlet Knights and their program-best ranking traveled to Minneapolis, Minneapolis, on Sunday with the chance to eclipse their conference win total from their inaugural season in the Big Ten through just four matches.Jan 19 2016

No. 10 Rutgers eyes next big step, embraces challenge at No. 1 Iowa

At the Rutgers wrestling team’s media day back on Oct. 28, head coach Scott Goodale said something that coaches generally don’t say too often. Goodale said he cares about the national rankings and tracks them throughout the year as a benchmark for how the team is progressing.Dec 10 2015

Sophomore shoots to remain undefeated for Rutgers

Anthony Ashnault is no stranger to perfection. In his four varsity seasons at South Plainfield High School, Ashnault did not concede a single bout on his way to compiling a 170-0 career record and collecting four New Jersey State Championships at four different weight classes. He became the first high school wrestler in the state to ever win four state championships while also having an unblemished record.Dec 8 2015

Grappler cracks national rankings for first time at Rutgers

With the dual meet portion of their schedule behind them the Rutgers wrestling team currently stands at 9-1 as they prepare to begin Big Ten Conference competition.Dec 4 2015

Rutgers earns monumental win over No. 7 Cornell at Madison Square Garden

Last season, the Rutgers wrestling team found out that competing in the Big Ten Conference was nothing like its previous inter-conference experiences. In an effort to better prepare for the highest level of competition in collegiate wrestling, the Scarlet Knights loaded their out-of-conference schedule to begin this season with ranked programs occupying half of their first ten scheduled matches.Dec 1 2015

Rutgers outlasts Temple, snaps 2-game skid in 61-51 win

No. 15 Rutgers makes statement with dominant 24-12 win at No. 18 Oregon State

Last week, the Rutgers wrestling team rose to No. 15 in the USA Today/NWCA Coaches Poll to tie its highest placement in the rankings in four seasons.Nov 22 2015

Rutgers returns to Corvallis, this time for real

The Rutgers wrestling team puts a lot of stock into its offseason training, viewing it as a valuable opportunity to improve from the end of one season to the start of the next. This past summer, the Scarlet Knights added a new wrinkle to their offseason program.Nov 18 2015

Grappler enters starting lineup for Rutgers

Entering the season, the Rutgers wrestling team had lost just one grappler from the previous year’s starting lineup.Nov 18 2015

No. 17 Rutgers wins 2 of 3 against ranked foes at Journeymen/Asics Northeast Duals

The No. 17 Rutgers wrestling team entered the Journeymen/Asics Northeast Duals on Sunday with a chance to make an early-season statement. With match-ups against No. 13 North Carolina, No. 22 Oklahoma and No. 25 Northern Iowa in front of them, the Scarlet Knights were going to learn how they stacked up against three top programs for the first time this season. At the conclusion of a long day of wrestling in Troy, New York, that included three highly competitive matches, the Knights had walked away just two points shy of completely sweeping the Northeast Duals. Rutgers (5-1) fell late to Oklahoma, 19-18, in its first match, but came back strong by squeezing past No. 13 North Carolina, 19-13, and cruising right by Northern Iowa, 28-10, to finish the dual meet with a 2-1 record. “It was a major test having three nationally ranked programs like that who wrestle really, really hard, traditionally,” said head coach Scott Goodale.Nov 15 2015

Rutgers faces ranked opponents at Journeyman/Asics Northeast Duals

The Rutgers wrestling team has been looking forward to this Sunday’s meet for a long time. The No. 17 Knights (3-0) travel to Troy, New York, to participate in the Journeymen/Asics Northeast Duals.Nov 13 2015

Junior college transfer shoots for seamless transfer to Rutgers

In the latter stages of his high school career, Richie Lewis didn’t have an exact college in mind for where he planned on continuing to wrestle at the next. Although he didn’t have a specific school in mind, Lewis was settled on going somewhere away from his Toms River, New Jersey, residence. So even though head coach Scott Goodale recruited Lewis when he was a junior in high school and constantly told him that he was a fan of his, Rutgers wasn’t on his radar of prospective schools due to its proximity to his hometown. But Lewis decided to attend junior college at Iowa Central to work on his craft more before choosing which four-year university to move on to. In his first two seasons at Iowa Central, Lewis claimed the title of an All-American in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) twice at his 157-pound weight class.Nov 11 2015

Reserves display talents in Binghamton for Rutgers

Entering the season, Rutgers head wrestling coach Scott Goodale harped on the importance of having depth in each weight class. For a program that competes in the top wrestling conference in the country, he said it was important to have two grapplers in every class that are capable of winning a big match.Nov 9 2015

Junior seeks to repeat success for Rutgers

It's hard not to look back at the finish of Anthony Ashnault’s redshirt-freshman season for the Rutgers wrestling team and ask one question. What if? Competing in the 141-pound weight class, Ashnault was 1 of just 4 Scarlet Knights to qualify for the NCAA Tournament in St.Nov 4 2015

Rutgers shoots to build off last seasons success

"Starting off the season strong" — a phrase that offers a message that would otherwise seem to be implied, yet it is constantly thrown around by teams as they embark on a new season. While all teams would prefer to begin their seasons with a strong showing and a victory, debut performances don’t always turn out that way.Oct 29 2015

Rutgers enters second season in Big Ten with ambition

Head coach Scott Goodale started his press conference at the Rutgers wrestling team’s media day by offering up an example of how the change in the event's location is an accurate reflection of the program's recent growth. “Last year, we were upstairs at College Ave.Oct 28 2015

Rutgers builds momentum with youth movement in Princeton

In 2014, the Rutgers men’s cross country team underwent a youth movement with freshmen making up half of its active.Oct 15 2015