PISCATAWAY, N.J. – No. 17 Rutgers wrestling (2-0) competes at the Journeymen Jersey Jostle on Sunday at the RWJBarnabas Health Arena in Toms River. The Scarlet Knights face LIU (1-1) at 2 p.m. and No. 6 NC State (1-0) at 4 p.m.
Tickets for the event, which also includes Princeton, can be purchased here. UFC Fight Pass will provide a stream of RU's matchup with the Wolfpack, while Nick Kosko will provide audio coverage of the match on ScarletKnights.com. There will be no stream of Rutgers' matchup with LIU.
From the Wrestling Room
O'Donnell Excited for Return to Toms River By Bradly Derechailo
Heavyweight John O'Donnell had no choice on where he would wrestle in college.
The Toms River native grew up just a few miles away from head coach Scott Goodale and his family. John and Goodale's son, Zach, became fast friends and in some cases, inseparable.
When Scott brought Zach to campus for summer workouts with the wrestling team, John would always tag along. The two would sometimes wander off to the student center or to Brower Commons while Scott conducted practice in the basement of College Ave. Gym. If John and Zach felt extra ambitious, they would head to Busch Campus to run up and down the stairs at the football stadium.
The two could also be found on the end of the bench for some of the program's biggest matches at both the College Ave. Gym and Jersey Mike's Arena.
Heavyweight John O'Donnell (left) and Zach Goodale (right) have been around the program since head coach Scott Goodale became head coach on July 31, 2007
"Obviously, every chance I could bring my son to a football game, or a wrestling match, or a basketball game, Johnny was always right with him," Scott Goodale said. "It was easier just to have a friend, so it was always Johnny."
So as O'Donnell turned into one of the top heavyweight recruits in the state, it's an understatement to say Goodale had an inside track securing his services.
O'Donnell finished his high school career at Toms River North as a two-time region champion with more than 70 wins on his ledger. As a senior during the 2020-21 COVID-19 pandemic season, O'Donnell went 15-2 and closed out his final high school campaign with a runner-up finish at the state tournament.
With his best friend Zach set to join the football team and his mentor wanting him to continue his wrestling career 'On the Banks," O'Donnell did not have to do much thinking on what his next move was.
"There was never another real decision, I always wanted to come here," O'Donnell said. "When Goody first got the job, we would come up for practice as young kids, watch the practice, maybe we would even hop in at the end for conditioning. So, there was really never a second choice for me."
Entering his fourth season with the Scarlet Knights, O'Donnell has provided the room with valuable depth and experience.
Last year, O'Donnell finished with 15 wins, including nine wins by bonus and six pins. O'Donnell was thrust into action in Rutgers' dual against Buffalo and responded with a 9-0 major decision over Robbie Unruh to cap a 40-0 shutout over the Bison.
With 2024 NCAA All-American Yaraslau Slavikouski entrenched as one of the country's top heavyweights, Goodale is grateful to have O'Donnell ready in the wings whenever needed.
"I truly believe he's a really good heavyweight would start for a lot of teams, we just happen to have one of the top guys in the country at his weight," Goodale said. "His time will come and when it comes, he'll be ready. It's been awesome to watch his maturity and how into the sport he is."
A two-time Academic All-Big Ten selection, O'Donnell enjoys everything the sport has provided him with.
"When I got here, I understood that there was a mountain to climb, but there was a mountain to climb for everyone," O'Donnell said. "I know I have gotten better here and part of that is because I have bought into Goody's message. It's worked out pretty well for me here and I wouldn't change anything." Heavyweight John O'Donnell delivered two NJSIAA regional titles and finished as the states' runner-up as a senior during his scholastic career at Toms River North.
Listed in this weekend's projected lineup, O'Donnell may get an opportunity to compete in the gym where he made countless memories during his youth and high school career. The Scarlet Knights face LIU and No. 6 NC State on Sunday at RWJBarnabas Health Arena in Toms River, which O'Donnell says is less than five minutes away from his house.
O'Donnell won two NJSIAA regional titles in the gym, which included a 5-1 decision over eventual state champion David Szuba during his senior campaign in 2021. O'Donnell also helped the Mariners to a semifinal team appearance in the NJSIAA State Championship the year prior.
"I'm looking forward to getting back there this weekend," O'Donnell said. "Goody told me last summer, before the schedule officially came out, that that was the plan, and I was pumped up about it. Having a chance to possibly wrestle there one more time, I'd be happy with. I've had a lot of matches there and had some really exciting moments in that place. I have a lot of pride in my town, so it is always an honor to represent Toms River and to kind of put a bow on my time in that place."
And for those making the trip down the parkway on Sunday to watch the Scarlet Knights, O'Donnell has a few dining options for pre- and post-match meals.
"If you want pizza, you have to go to Brooklyn Square, it's probably about a mile away from the arena," O'Donnell said. "If you want a burger spot, Burger 25 is even closer. If you are looking for something after the match where you can get a nice meal on the water, I like Xina – a nice sushi and Asian food restaurant."
RU racked up 16 wins by bonus, including five tech falls, five major decisions, four pins and two forfeits. Harer, Shawver, No. 12 Jackson Turley (174) and No. 12 John Poznanski (184) all recorded two bonus point victories across the two duals.
Rutgers also had six wrestlers compete attached at the Journeymen Collegiate Classic on Sunday in Bethlehem. No. 20 Brian Soldano (184) recorded one of the top wins of the tournament, pinning last year's Big Ten Champion Edmond Ruth (Illinois) during the showcase event.
In the Rankings
Rutgers moved back to spots to No. 17 in this week's NWCA Coaches poll but are ranked as high as No. 12 in the country (FloWrestling). The Scarlet Knights are one of eight Big Ten programs ranked this week along with No. 1 Penn State, No. 2 Iowa, No. 4 Nebraska, No. 5 Ohio State, No. 9 Michigan, No. 12 Minnesota and No. 16 Illinois.
RU has 10 individuals ranked in at least one poll, including two at 149 pounds (Michael Cetta and Andrew Clark). Four Scarlet Knights – Dean Peterson (125), Dylan Shawver (133), John Poznanski (197) and Yaraslau Slavikouski (HWT) – are ranked within the top 10 in at least one poll. Slavikouski appears as high as No. 4, while Shawver ranks as high as fifth. Peterson is seventh via FloWrestling, and Poznanski is ninth, according to WIN Magazine.
This will be the third meeting all-time between Rutgers and the Wolfpack, with the Scarlet Knights winning the last matchup, 29-15, on December 9, 2000.
RU and LIU will meet for the second time after Rutgers defeated the Sharks, 43-3, on November 2, 2019 in Piscataway.
Up Next
Rutgers wrestles No. 7 Virginia Tech on Friday, November 22 in Blacksburg, Virginia. The dual is set for a 7 p.m. start and will stream via ACCNX through the ESPN App.
