Rutgers Wrestling 2018-19 Schedule Takeaways

It’s finally here!

It’s been a long time coming but Rutgers Wrestling finally released their 2018-19 schedule and it is loaded as usual.

Here are three things to takeaway from the upcoming schedule:

Oklahoma State is coming to town

The historic program is coming to New Jersey for the first time ever and you better expect it to be a sold out match. This one has been circled on the calendar ever since Scott Goodale announced it back in the spring. John Smith will take his Cowboys to the RAC for an epic Big Ten-Big 12 showdown. This could also be a monumental match for National Finalist Nick Suriano. Should he stay at 125 pounds, he could take on Daton Fix who is expected to start at 125 pounds and be a contender for a national title in 2019.

Rider University Returns

For the first time in six years, Rutgers will take on the Broncs as they also come to the RAC. The Scarlet Knights will be the favorite in this matchup, but the in-state rivalry brings a little tension. It will be interesting to see how many Rider fans make the quick drive up to Piscataway. I still expect it to be a packed house, possibly sold out for this All-New Jersey battle.

New Challenges

Rutgers will take on the newly returned Fresno State wrestling program at the RAC on November 3rd in a quad meet with Centenary University (New Jersey) and Johnson and Wales. Obviously, taking on the Bulldogs will be the highlight of the day considering they were top five in attendance last season in their first year back as a program. Also, instead of the Midlands Championships early in the year, Rutgers will head out to Las Vegas for the Cliff Kean Invitational. Penn State usually roams around these parts as well as some other Big Ten teams. But, the big challenge for Rutgers will be the other wrestling powers outside the gauntlet of the Big Ten such as Arizona State, Missouri and Cornell.

Random Observation - Goodale LOVES his coffee

RVision did a fantastic three part look at Goodale’s morning routine heading to campus. One thing I noticed, as a lot of people did, Goodale loves his pumpkin spiced coffee. I will go out on a limb and say Goody fits in maybe two or three more cups, plus a workout or two everyday. Remember: there is no offseason in wrestling. You can view the three videos below: