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RUTGERS WRESTLING: WHERE WE WERE -WHERE WE ARE- WHERE WE ARE GOING

SKWC

Sophomore
Gold Member
Mar 9, 2016
399
1,216
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On January 4, 2008 Coaches Goodale and Leonardis coached their first Rutgers match before 22 fans at the College Avenue Gym. On November 19, 2016, Rutgers wrestled before over 16,000 fans in High Point Solutions Stadium. In 2008, we had 3.4 scholarships. Today, we are fully funded with 9.9 scholarships. While Scott and John were responsible for the entire program, today we have Scott, Donny, John, Joe, and Billy. In addition, we have three former All Americans as resident athletes who are supported by the SKWC. In 2008, we scored zero points at the NCAA championships and finished last. Last year, we had two All Americans and finished in the top fifteen teams. In addition to success on the mat, the SKWC with the support of the Leadership Academy has established a mentoring program which enables each wrestler to connect with a mentor to help prepare them for success upon graduation.

When Scott was named head coach, there was limited University or SKWC support. Today the SKWC runs the Golf Outing, Pin Pool and has a membership program. These fund raising initiatives help to compensate the resident athletes, support sending our wrestlers to the Olympic Training Center and other wrestling venues during the summer, provide seed capital for the NJRTC, and support the salaries of a volunteer assistant coach and director of operations.

Rutgers wrestling has come a long way. Our success would not have been achieved without the complete support of President Barchi, Pat Hobbs, Sarah Baumgartner, University Compliance and Athletic Development, Academic Support, the Leadership Academy, Rutgers Marketing and Facilities, the Varsity R, and our Medical Staff. We have the most committed, hardest working, and caring coaching staff that I know. Our fans are unbelievingly knowledgeable and passionate. This combination of support has lead to our success.

Going forward our goal is to be a consistent top ten program and compete for a podium medal each year. This is an ambitious and achievable goal. When completed our new cutting edge facility will help us attract the best student athletes. But to be a top program we must have an outstanding SKWC and the NJRTC must be able to attract world class athletes who will successfully compete for world medals. As Rutgers is unable to financially support the SKWC and NJRTC, we need the help of every Rutgers wrestling fan to achieve our goals.

If possible, please provide a level of financial support constant with our capabilities and philanthropic priorities. If you can't provide financial support, please attend the matches, wear Rutgers gear, and encourage friends to be supporters. If able, consider supporting the Pin Pool. Pledges currently range from $1 to $125 per pin. This year we have recorded 22 pins and usually recorded between 40 and 50 pins per year. To make a Pin Pool pledge please email Billy Ashnault at washnault@scarletknights.com.


Becoming a member of the SKWC is an excellent way to get an insider's look at the program while supporting our goals. One may join at the $45 or $150 level and over 80% of your dues is tax deductible. At the $ 150 level you receive an exclusive invitation to a team practice, a free ticket to the annual team banquet, and are invited to a special meeting with Coaches Goodale and Pritzlaff where they will preview the NCAA tournament. Benefits for all members include a 20% discount at Scarlet Fever, invitations to our special meeting with the coaches on February 15th, invitations to social gatherings, and priority seating for the Penn State bus trip. To join or receive membership information please contact Brian Paich at skwcmembership@gmail.com.

Finally, if you questions, ideas, suggestions, or just want to talk Rutgers wrestling, please reach out to me at davidbugen@gmail.com.

Thanks for your continuing support toward helping us achieve of goals. It is valued and appreciated.

David Bugen
President SKWC
please forgive all typos
 
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That was as comprehensive a description of our program as I have ever seen. Kudos to David. Please sign on to become a member of SKWC. Every member counts.
 
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Bump....let's goooooo RU faithful. Great way to support the Wrestling program. They need all the support they can get to compete with the elite. EVERY elite program has strong financial support from their fans and RU needs the same. $45 is not a huge amount of money...nor is any amount up to $5 per pin. Please consider it.

Happy Holidays and Go RU!
Diane
 
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