The idea of grad transfers seems to be more prevalent than ever. And Rutgers has been taking advantage of it
The reigning NCAA hammer throw champion, Rudy Winkler, is transferring to Rutgers and will be eligible to compete this spring.
Winkler earned his biological engineering degree from Cornell University and won the 2017 NCAA outdoor national title in the hammer throw. He also represented the United States at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio. He is a three time NCAA first team All American.
Field coach Robert Farrell commented, “We are very excited to have Rudy join our program. He’s an outstanding young man who has competed at the highest levels. He epitomizes what it is to be a successful student-athlete, excelling both in the classroom and in the hammer. I can’t wait to get started and help him accomplish his dreams.”
Hailing from New York, Winkler looked at the opportnity to compete in the Big Ten as well as the academic program he could pursue. He plans to work towards a Masters of Business and Science. “A big part of my decision to come to Rutgers was the competition in the Big Ten. Having a season where I'm competing at bigger meets consistently will be good for me. The Big Ten a few years ago in the hammer was ridiculous. Training for the 2020 Olympics is going to be a big thing. I think I have some potential to get back there.''