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Before we turn the page and look forward to what 2016 will bring, let's look back at the best Rutgers sports stories of 2015. Here are some quick thoughts and links to the best moments we covered over the past year!
Carli Lloyd Leads USA to World Cup Glory
Lloyd had arguably the best year of any american athlete, completing dominating the Women's World Cup and leading the United States to victory! She is still playing lights out and continues to prove she is the best women's soccer player in the world right now!
Todd Frazier Wins Home Run Derby
The Rutgers baseball alum had his best season yet in the major leagues, capped off by winning the home run derby! He also became only the second player in Cincinnati Reds history to at least 35 home runs and 40 doubles in a single season. The other was Hall of Famer Frank Robinson. Frazier was traded to the Chicago White Sox and will look to build off last season with his first in the American League.
Four RU Football Alums Help Patriots Win Super Bowl
Four RU alums Win Super Bowl Rings
Devin McCourty, Logan Ryan, Duron Harmon, and Tim Wright all made an impact on the Patriots 2014 championship season. They continue to shine this season on their quest for another ring! Their success shines a positive light on the Rutgers football program on a national stage!
The 25 point comeback win over Indiana
Game recap I Takeaways I Staff Roundtable Reactions I Keys to the comeback
Easily the highlight of an otherwise miserable football season. However, changes were made and hope has replaced disappointment.
Wrestling beats Nebraska
Just two weeks ago the Rutgers wrestling program took a big step forward, upsetting #4 Nebraska at the RAC. With multiple wrestlers nationally ranked and the team earning its first top 10 national ranking, the future is bright for this program!
Women's Soccer Advance to Final Four
After stunning #1 ranked Virginia, Rutgers advanced to the first college cup/final four in program history. Although they lost to rival Penn State in the semi-finals, there was plenty to celebrate! The future is bright for the women's soccer program!
Congratulations to @RUWSoccer on a tremendous season and final four berth!! You made Rutgers alumni & fans very proud!!! RU rah rah!!
— On the Banks (@OTB_SBNation) December 5, 2015
Men's Soccer Wins NCAA Tournament Game
Men's Soccer tops LIU in NCAA first round
The men's soccer team had a huge turnaround this season, competing in the Big Ten tournament and advancing to the second round. They ran into the buzzsaw that is Akron, but completed their most successful season in years.
Men's Basketball beats Wisconsin
Although there hasn't been much to celebrate regarding men's basketball for several years, last January's upset win over Wisconsin was certainly one. Let's hope Eddie Jordan and the team can celebrate like this more in the near future.
Women's Basketball Wins NCAA Tournament Game
The Women's Basketball team tops rival Seton Hall
Head Coach C. Vivian Stringer led her proud program back to the NCAA tournament and knocked off in-state rival Seton Hall, advancing the to second round. They fell to old rival and powerhouse UCONN, but forward progress was made last season. Off to a 9-3 start this season, there is hope they can advance even farther this season!
President Barchi Reshapes Athletic Department's Future
President Barchi rewrites Rutgers History and his own
In one fell swoop on a late fall Sunday, Barchi took a stand and fired athletic director Julie Hermann and football head coach Kyle Flood. On the very same day, Barchi announced the hiring of new athletic director Patrick Hobbs. At his opening press conference, Hobbs proved he will lead the athletic department in a different way than in the past. Soon after, Chris Ash was hired as the new football coach. As frustrating as 2015 was on the football field and with the athletic department in general, hope is high as we head into the new year!