For those who were in PIttsburgh

[HeavenUniv.]

For those of you who were in Pittsburgh, what were the reactions/views/comments from fans of other schools towards Rutgers in general and in regards to this specific moment? Thanks for any comments.

 

[Rhuarc]

In my experience, I didn't have one negative encounter with any opposing fans. I had many conversations with fans from PSU, Iowa, Cornell, Michigan, etc. and everybody was very complimentary. I think they were surprised at our level of success both before and after the finals.

It was one of the first times I didn't receive the usual "oh, you're a Rutgers fan, sorry" comments when out in public with gear on. It was quite unexpected and wonderful.

There was one bad experience I witnessed on the local train that I would consider racist after one of the night sessions. It was involving Minnesota fans who were trashed. However, it was quick and I heard about it from another guy near me after it happened. It also didn't involve Rutgers, which I was relieved to hear.

 

[611george]

It was different than the last few years I have gone. People were very complimentary. Some people were actually jealous of the strides that Rutgers has made. Also a very positive NJ wrestling vibe. Suriano had the crowd on his side in the finals. I was surrounded by PSU fans and they were fired up about the win for Rutgers and Suriano. During the commercial breaks the arena announcer was talking up NJ wrestling. When they played The Bells Must Ring, the Rutgers crowd was really loud. I might have video of it. Was a great day.

 

[rubigtimenow]

It was the best sporting event I've ever been to so I can start with that!
Disclaimer: This was my first time at college tournament so I have no comparison. In my experience the tournament had a much more "friendly, hey we are all here enjoying wrestling together" feel, as opposed to the combative undertones you might experience at a 1v1 team sporting event.
All fans (*) were awesome, even PSU guys, lol. I talked to many PSU fans and I was pleasantly surprised to hear they were pulling for Nick and wanted the best for him and had nothing but support for him. Clearly the crowd was behind him in the finals so I think my interactions over the weekend were representative of their fanbase overall. Overall, I heard nothing but support and respect for RUs greatest wrestling weekend EVER, before, during, and after the finals.
I sat first row matside for the finals and when Nick won our 1st ever we went completely BONKERS along with 5-7 other Rutgers fans who came running up matside and we celebrated like old family, even though we basically just met, lol. After we settled down I received nothing but high fives and congrats from those sitting around me. Everybody classy.
(* I had 1 minor bad interaction with a couple of PSU guys that put down RU and ashnault. Thankfully I just walked away.)

 

[Jersey Boys]

My son and I were getting hi fives as we walked up the staircase. When my son met Ben Askren, his second question was “I bet you’re a big Ashnault fan”. At the hotel I was greeted by many fans including Penn State fans with warm welcomings. In all not one bad experience.

One funny tidbit. First morning at the hotel a group of older PSU fans say to me near the elevator “You’re doing well with our boy Suriano”. My response “He was never yours. He was always Jersey and he’s back home now”. They just smiled and nodded their head out of respect for my answer lol!

 

[wngarbarini]

I have been to 40 NCAA wrestling tournaments and never have I heard such positive comments from general fans about Rutgers wrestling. Many PSU fans were sitting near me and they were rooting for Suriano and booing Fix for stalling.

 

[Reslo]

PSU fan here. I attend the tournament every year, regardless of location. Congrats to Rutgers on a successful weekend, it was impressive.

The fans were loud despite the dismal weather outside. I was pleased to see Ashnault and Suriano both win titles. Well deserved! Rutgers wrestling has been good for the B1G, and vice versa.

 

[RU in IM]

I was there and agree with all the above; tremendous event and fans from all schools were very complemtary of RU.

 

[Ban Basketball]

In my experience, I didn't have one negative encounter with any opposing fans. I had many conversations with fans from PSU, Iowa, Cornell, Michigan, etc. and everybody was very complimentary. I think they were surprised at our level of success both before and after the finals.

It was one of the first times I didn't receive the usual "oh, you're a Rutgers fan, sorry" comments when out in public with gear on. It was quite unexpected and wonderful.

There was one bad experience I witnessed on the local train that I would consider racist after one of the night sessions. It was involving Minnesota fans who were trashed. However, it was quick and I heard about it from another guy near me after it happened. It also didn't involve Rutgers, which I was relieved to hear.

I grew up in Minnesota, and people would be surprised at how rampant such things are in the rural and small urban areas of that state. It's part of what drove me to Iowa.

When the national duals used to be held in Cedar Falls, Iowa, the year that they unveiled women's wrestling the largest contingent of ignoramuses mocking and laughing at them was coming from the Minnesota section.

Bunch of hyenas who are pretty ignorant of wrestling.

 

[RU93]

Wow, great posts! Wish I was there, but watching the finals on TV with bunch of RU wrestling fans was pretty good too. It was probably the 2nd best RU TV moment in my life, second only to RU fball win against L'ville back in the Teel, Rice, Leonard days.