Rutgers Athletics: wrapping up the spring

Graduation

It's just about over, Rutgers' inaugural season in the Big Ten.  And it has been an eventful and, to a degree, tumultuous run for the Knights.  For the seniors, their Rutgers career truly wraps up on Sunday, at graduation.  For nearly a decade, Rutgers has touted - and rightfully so - its athletes' success in the classroom.  And on Sunday, coaches, athletes, parents, and administrators get to celebrate what I, as an educator, used to call "pay day".  To watch your students, and in this case our athletes, march up and receive their diplomas, is a fulfilling and very satisfying feeling.  And for fans of Rutgers, while we didn't always have a lot to cheer about on the field of play, we can take great pride in the classroom achievements of these men and women who represent "our school".

Track & Field

A quiet week in preparation for the Big Ten Championships this weekend.  Both the men and women will be heading for East Lansing to compete.

On the men's side, the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) released its NCAA Division I Men's rankings with Penn State and Illinois garnering recognition among the top 25.  Penn State led the Big Ten at No. 12 while Illinois came in at No. 17.

The USTFCCCA also released its NCAA Division I Women's Outdoor Track and Field rankings with Michigan State claiming a spot among the top 25, coming in at No. 12 this week.

You can follow the action at the Big Ten Champiobnships here.

Rowing

Rutgers competes in its first-ever Big Ten Conference Championships from May 16-17 in Indianapolis.

The Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association and US Rowing released its NCAA Division I poll last week, with Ohio State, Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana garnering recognition.  Ohio State claimed the top spot in the nation for the eighth consecutive week, followed by No. 9 Wisconsin, No. 12 Michigan and No. 13 Indiana.

Championships information can be found here for the Big Ten and Indianapolis Rowing Center..