A Decade of Domination: Rutgers Wrestling's Finest (2010-2019)

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights wrestling team, representing Rutgers University of New Brunswick, New Jersey, has a rich history. Coached by Scott Goodale, a 1995 graduate of Lock Haven University, the program experienced significant growth and success in the 2010s. The decade culminated in their best NCAA performance in program history, highlighted by National Championships won by Anthony Ashnault and Nick Suriano, and a 9th place team finish.

This article aims to assemble the best possible Rutgers wrestling lineup from 125 pounds to heavyweight, specifically focusing on wrestlers who represented the university during the 2010-2019 period. This is not simply a list of the ten best wrestlers; instead, it is a challenging exercise to fill each weight class with the most deserving Scarlet Knight from that era.

The All-Decade Lineup

125 lbs: Nick Suriano (2017-Present)

It would be difficult to exclude the first national champion in program history. Suriano's career began at Penn State at 125 pounds, where he was an NCAA qualifier but had to medically forfeit due to an ankle injury. After transferring to Rutgers, Suriano became the first finalist in program history, falling short of a title against Iowa’s Spencer Lee. Suriano moved to 133 pounds for the 2018-19 season, where he secured gold by defeating Oklahoma State’s Daton Fix. Suriano, who currently sports a 70-7 record (54-4 at Rutgers), is the 2019 National Champion, a 2x All-American, and a 3x NCAA Qualifier. He is currently attempting to qualify for the Olympics and has one more year of college eligibility.

133 lbs: Scott DelVecchio (2013-18)

DelVecchio's career trajectory saw him overcome early weight struggles at 125 pounds, leading to a mid-career redshirt. This proved beneficial, as DelVecchio emerged as a consistent Top 20/15 lightweight in the country. His breakthrough came in Cleveland in 2018 with a win over Austin DeSanto, then at Drexel, in the round of 12, securing his first All-American status. DelVecchio also formed a strong partnership with Ashnault, reminiscent of their South Plainfield HS days. DelVecchio concluded his career as a 2018 All-American, 3x NCAA Qualifier, with a career record of 89-44, ranking 23rd in program history.

141 lbs: Anthony Ashnault (2013-19)

There was little doubt that Ashnault would be included. Ashnault, with a 123-18 record (the most wins in program history), concluded his time as a Scarlet Knight as the 2019 National Champion and a 4x All-American. He is considered the face of Rutgers Wrestling. Ashnault spent his first three varsity years at 141 before moving to 149 for the 2018-19 season. While he had an undefeated season at 149, he is placed at 141 for this lineup due to the majority of his career being spent at that weight.

149 lbs: Ken Theobold (2012-17)

Theobold was a valuable asset to the team. Theobold, quiet and businesslike, was known for grinding out tough wins and helping the team in crucial situations. Theobold finished his career as an All-American in 2017 with a 7th place finish, was a 3x NCAA Qualifier, and had a career record of 88-47, ranking 24th in program history.

157 lbs: Anthony Perrotti (2011-16)

While Ashnault may be considered the greatest, Perrotti's impact on Rutgers Wrestling before its rise to national prominence cannot be overlooked. As current 197 pounder Jordan Pagano said, the RAC is “the house that Perrotti built.” Perrotti brought excitement, drama, and intensity. A 2x All-American, 3x NCAA Qualifier and 30th in program history with a 85-46 record, Perrotti remains a fan favorite. Notably, he achieved an NCAA record 10-second pin in the 2014 NCAA Championships.

165 lbs: Scott Winston (2008-13)

Although Winston's career began in the previous decade, an exception is made due to his significance. He was the first major recruit secured by head coach Scott Goodale, following him from Jackson Memorial HS to Rutgers. Winston finished his career as a 4x NCAA Qualifier and compiled a 106-34 record, ranking eighth in program history. He qualified at both 157 and 165 twice, but is placed at 165 due to Perrotti's primary weight class being 157.

174 lbs: Greg Zannetti (2008-13)

Another exception is made for Winston’s teammate. Zannetti held the 174-pound weight class in the early part of the decade before Rutgers joined the Big Ten. The two-time NCAA qualifier was a mainstay for Goodale’s upper-weights. He nearly reached 100 wins, compiling a 91-36 record, ranking 20th in school history.

184 lbs: Nick Gravina (2013-19)

Gravina initially started at 165 pounds before an injury sidelined him for the 2014-15 season. He returned at 184 pounds, holding the weight class for the next three seasons before receiving a sixth year of eligibility. Despite a 6-5 record in 2018-19 due to recurring injuries, he qualified for the NCAA Tournament to conclude his career. A career highlight was his upset win over Nebraska’s TJ Dudley, ranked No. 4 nationally at 184 pounds, during the 2015-16 season, which led Rutgers to upset the Cornhuskers at the RAC. Gravina was a 4x NCAA Qualifier and compiled a career record of 77-33, ranking 37th in program history.

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197 lbs: Dan Rinaldi (2008-13)

Rinaldi was a great stalwart at 197 pounds for Rutgers. He was a 4x NCAA Qualifier who surpassed 100 wins with a record of 109-38, ranking 7th in program history.

HWT: Billy Smith (2011-16)

Smith concluded his career as a 4x NCAA Qualifier with a 105-39 record, ranking 10th in program history for wins. While he lost in the round of 12 during his senior year, Smith was a dominant force and arguably the most consistent heavyweight in program history, as well as the best of the Goodale era.

Honorable Mentions

Several other wrestlers deserve recognition for their contributions to Rutgers Wrestling during this period:

Joey Langel - 125 lbs. (2x NCAA Qualifier, Career Record: 76-35)
Vincent Dellefave - 133 lbs. (2x NCAA Qualifier)
Billy Ashnault - 133/141 lbs. (3x NCAA Qualifier, two with Rutgers, Career Record: 86-61)
Richie Lewis - 157/165 lbs. (2x NCAA Qualifier, Career Record: 49-13)
John Van Brill - 157/165 lbs. (3x NCAA Qualifier, Career Record: 75-48)
Joe Grello - 174 lbs. (2019 NCAA Qualifier, Career Record: 35-19)
Lamar Brown - 197 lbs. (2x NCAA Qualifier, Career Record: 80-49)
Dominick Russo - HWT (3x NCAA Qualifier, Career Record: 104-35)

The Scarlet Knights Wrestling Club (SKWC)

The Scarlet Knights Wrestling Club (SKWC) plays a crucial role in supporting the Rutgers University Wrestling program. It is an independent, non-profit charitable organization with a mission to promote amateur wrestling in the United States, and serves as an Olympic Regional Training Center site. The SKWC sponsors resident athletes to live and train in the New Brunswick area under the Club’s coaching staff. The SKWC also supports the Rutgers University Wrestling program through various activities, including golf outings, a 'pin pool', banquets, and post-event socials. Coach Goodale also runs the Scarlet Knights Wrestling Camp, summer wrestling camps for high school students, youth and teams in New Jersey and the adjacent states of New York and Pennsylvania, featuring Rutgers wrestling coaches and athletes as staff.

A Legacy of Success

Rutgers has consistently produced All-Americans in recent years. Anthony Ashnault (141-149) became the first four-time All-American in program history when he finished first at the 2019 national championships in Pittsburgh. Nick Suriano and Anthony Ashnault became the first NCAA champions in Rutgers' history in 2019. Sebastian Rivera and Greg Bulsak both added medals to the list in 2022 when they became All-Americans at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. The top nine wrestlers in Scarlet Knights history produced fourteen NCAA medals and two national titles. They include two NCAA champions, a four-time All-American, and a two-time finalist! There have been 16 All-American wrestlers who have won 23 medals in Rutgers history!

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