With the first week of the college wrestling season in the books, Rutgers is off to an impressive start. The Scarlet Knights won their first two matches and outscored Duke and Cal Poly 78-10. After beginning the 2023 campaign in California, they will return to Piscataway for their next match, which is against Virginia Tech on Nov. 17.
While starting the season on the road is no easy task, the Scarlet Knights were up to the challenge. What stood out to Rutgers coach Scott Goodale was how his team performed in hostile environments.
On Saturday morning Goodale said on Twitter, ” Respect for what @JonSioredas and his staff have built at @CalPolyWrestle we were there in is first dual in front of 50 fans way back then, to a great atmosphere last night with fans on the floor, hostile/ fun environment and his boys wrestle hard. @callUSAwrestling be proud.”
Heading home with another victory tonight 💪 @RUWrestling defeats Cal Poly, 31-10. #NCAAWrestling pic.twitter.com/DYp6QSYtrU
— NCAA Wrestling (@NCAAWrestling) November 4, 2023
Over the weekend, Rutgers won 17 of their first 20 matches. In their season opener, Rutgers began their match against Duke with back-to-back pins and quickly opened up a 12-0 lead. One of Rutgers most memorable moments came when Cartagena-Walsh recorded a win in his collegiate debut over Duke’s Jack Zimmer.
Following their win over Duke, Rutgers turned their attention to a Cal Poly team with high expectations. Cal Poly received votes in this week’s initial NWCA Coaches Poll, but Rutgers again got off to a 12-0 start. The Mustangs were unable to recover as Rutgers won in dominating fashion 31-10.
After playing in front of two loud crowds in California, the Scarlet Knights will enjoy the comforts of home and an exciting home crowd in 12 days.