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Scott Goodale opens up on Rutgers Wrestling criticism after clinching two All-Americans

IMG_6598by: Nick Kosko03/23/24nickkosko59
Screen Shot 2024-03-23 at 10.50.12 AM
Rutgers Athletics

Rutgers wrestling coach Scott Goodale heard the noise after the 2023 NCAA Wrestling Championships in Tulsa. For the first time in a decade, the Scarlet Knights did not put an All-American on the podium.

Following two national champions in 2019 and multiple All-Americans in contested tournaments in ’21 and ’22, including three in 2021 (a program record), Rutgers was shut out last season. Now in 2024, with two more back on the podium in Dylan Shawver (133) and Yaraslau Slavikouski (285), Goodale opened up about the last calendar year.

After setting out to improve and develop the roster for ’24, he did just that while embracing his role and relying on his loaded staff.

“That’s the dumbest thing,” Goodale said of the program being stagnant amid criticism from fans. “I know my role. I’ve embraced my role. I enjoy my new role. I like what I’m doing — enjoy what I’m doing. We’re winning, and we’re very, very close so I don’t get caught up in it.”

While he didn’t get into specifics, Goodale noted there are lot more positives around the program in and out compared to the negative. With two All-Americans this year, a third in the Blood Round (John Poznanski at 197) and Shawver winning the Big Ten title two weeks ago, it was a stark improvement from last year.

“For the five people that think one way, there are a lot more that reach out that are fired up about where this program is at,” Goodale said. “You guys help with the firestorm, and I like that. There are expectations. People are talking about Rutgers wrestling all the time, and if it’s getting on Coach Goodale that brings more eyes to us — good. I don’t care. I set out 17 years ago to create that.”

In true head coaching fashion, like a quarterback on a football field, Goodale wanted all of the negativity on him when things go wrong.

“If there are bad years — get on Coach Goodale. If there are good years  — Donny Pritzlaff, Joe Pollard and Steve Mytych (deserve praise). We’ve won at a high level here for a very long time. We’re winning here, and we’re this close to busting it.

“We’re going to continue to improve our lineup. We’ve got work to do the next couple of weeks. We’re going to go to work and be better when we get back here. If I lived my life worried about what people thought, I’d be in a lot of trouble.”

How to watch 2024 NCAA Wrestling Championships

Fubo’s spring offer just kicked off – For a limited time, new subscribers can save $20 on their first month of Fubo’s Pro, Elite, and Premier plans.

Fans not in attendance for this year’s NCAA Wrestling Tournament have the option of streaming on Fubo TV. Below is how to watch across all sessions!

Dates: Saturday, March 23rd)
Session 5: 11:00 a.m. ET (Saturday)
Session 6: 7:00 p.m. ET (Saturday)

Location: T-Mobile Center (Kansas City, MO)
Channel: ESPN and ESPNU
Live Stream: Fubo TV (Try for free)