:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66689947/1212595247.jpg.0.jpg)
Rutgers wrestling welcomed a major addition to the program on Wednesday, as JUCO heavyweight national champion Boone McDermott announced he is becoming a Scarlet Knight.
I'm super excited to announce that I will be continuing my academic and athletic career at Rutgers! Thank you to my family, friends, coaches, and community that have helped me throughout my journey! This is just the beginning. #Rutgers #ScarletKnights #B1G10 pic.twitter.com/GKfre5qQj3
— Boone McDermott (@VanillaGorillaD) April 22, 2020
McDermott won the NJCAA national championship at heavyweight in March for Iowa Central. It was a dominant performance, as McDermott pinned his first four opponents, all in the first period, before winning the championship 4-0 over Darrell Mason. He was 36-1 with 21 pins overall in his only season wrestling at Iowa Central after redshirting their the year prior.
He’ll be immediately eligible to wrestle at Rutgers and has three years of eligibility remaining. McDermott will compete with Alex Esposito, who went 18-14 as a redshirt sophomore at the heavyweight spot for Rutgers this past season. Kyle Lightner will likely be involved as well after going 5-4 at heavyweight and 197 pounds as a redshirt freshman this past season.
Adding McDermott is a huge boost at the top of the lineup for head coach Scott Goodale and his staff. Along with 2020 incoming recruits Kyle Epperly and John Poznanski, Rutgers has added a lot of talent at the upper weights. The roster has plenty depth and youth as well, highlighted by true freshman Sammy Alvarez (133) and redshirt freshman Nicolas Aguilar (125) earning All-American status last week for their performances this past season.
The future remains bright for Rutgers wrestling and McDermott has the potential to do great things in his career on the banks.