Rutgers Wrestling Set to Honor Seniors, Extend Dominance Over Princeton in Final Home Dual
As the regular season winds down, No. 14 Rutgers wrestling (12-5, 5-3 Big Ten) is gearing up for one last home stand - and it’s more than just another match on the calendar. Monday night at Jersey Mike’s Arena, the Scarlet Knights will welcome in-state rival Princeton (4-9) for their 88th all-time meeting, with the dual set to stream live at 7 p.m. on Big Ten Plus.
But before the first whistle blows, Rutgers will take a moment to honor a senior class that’s been foundational to the program’s recent success. Patrick Adams, Hunter Catka, Brandan Chletsos, Andrew Clark, Eric Freeman, Sebastiano Nini, Joseph Olivieri, Lenny Pinto, Dylan Shawver, and Anthony White will all be recognized on Senior Night - a group that’s helped Rutgers maintain its status as a national contender in one of the toughest conferences in college wrestling.
A Rivalry with History - and Recent Dominance
This isn’t just another dual. Rutgers and Princeton have been locking horns on the mat since 1931.
And while the Tigers once had the upper hand, the tide has turned - and then some. Rutgers has won 28 of the last 29 meetings against Princeton, including the last four straight.
Last season’s 32-7 win at Jadwin Gym was another statement, as the Scarlet Knights retained the B1G-IVY Trophy in dominant fashion.
Momentum Building in New Brunswick
Rutgers enters Monday’s dual riding high after a commanding 29-9 win over Michigan State on Friday night in East Lansing. The Knights took eight of ten bouts in that one, notching bonus points from Andrew Clark (149), Andrew Barbosa (165), and Lenny Pinto (174), while Remy Cotton (197) picked up a ranked win over No.
23 Kael Wisley. That victory not only extended Rutgers’ win streak over the Spartans to four, but also locked in a winning Big Ten record for the second straight season - something that’s only happened five times since joining the conference in 2014.
Depending on how the rest of the weekend shakes out across the Big Ten, Rutgers could finish as high as tied for third - a potential program first.
Ayden Smith Making History
Freshman 125-pounder Ayden Smith has been one of the biggest stories of the second half of the season. After a signature 7-2 win over then-No.
10 Jore Volk helped Rutgers upset No. 6 Minnesota earlier this month, Smith was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week - the first Scarlet Knight ever to earn that honor.
It’s a testament to how far the program has come, and how bright its future looks.
Smith is one of ten Scarlet Knights currently ranked in the second NCAA Coaches Poll, and he’s also one of eight with an RPI ranking. His rise has been meteoric, and his presence at 125 gives Rutgers a strong foundation to open every dual.
Rankings Check: Knights Climbing the Ladder
Rutgers jumped three spots to No. 14 in this week’s NWCA Coaches Poll - their highest mark since early December. The team is ranked in the top 20 by all major outlets, including Intermat (14), WIN Magazine (16), and The Open Mat (18).
Here’s a quick look at where the Scarlet Knights stand across the national rankings:
- Joseph Olivieri (141): Intermat No. 6 - one of the top lightweights in the country and undefeated on the season (13-0).
- Remy Cotton (197): Intermat No. 16 - riding high after a ranked win last week.
- Lenny Pinto (174): Intermat No. 17 - continues to be a bonus-point machine.
- Andrew Barbosa (165): Intermat No. 19 - dangerous and consistent.
- Hunter Catka (HWT): Intermat No. 19 - a veteran anchor at heavyweight.
- Shane Cartagena-Walsh (184): Intermat No. 20 - quietly having a strong season at 19-6.
All ten starters are ranked by Intermat, and the depth across the lineup has been a major reason for Rutgers’ success this season.
Projected Lineups: Rutgers vs. Princeton
Rutgers (12-5, 5-3 Big Ten)
- 125: Ayden Smith (14-6)
- 133: Dylan Shawver (16-8)
- 141: Joseph Olivieri (13-0) or Mason Gibson (12-11)
- 149: Andrew Clark (12-8) or Devon Magro (7-5)
- 157: Anthony White (13-6)
- 165: Andrew Barbosa (14-5) or Ryan Ford (14-3)
- 174: Lenny Pinto (9-6)
- 184: Shane Cartagena-Walsh (19-6)
- 197: Remy Cotton (13-4) or PJ Casale (9-5)
- HWT: Hunter Catka (15-7)
Princeton (4-9)
- 125: Marc-Anthony McGowan (11-5)
- 133: Ethan Rivera (10-10)
- 141: Matthew Martino (12-11)
- 149: Eligh Rivera (11-5) or Christopher Martino (9-5)
- 157: Rocco Camillaci (13-7)
- 165: Ty Whalen (19-4)
- 174: Holden Garcia (14-8)
- 184: Xavier Giles (13-12)
- 197: Conor McCloskey (3-15)
- HWT: Sebastian Garibaldi (7-11)
Princeton brings a few ranked wrestlers of its own to the mat, including McGowan at 125 and Rivera at 149, but Rutgers will be favored across most weights - especially with the way the Knights have been wrestling down the stretch.
What’s Next
After Senior Night, Rutgers will close out the regular season on the road at Hofstra on February 18. That one’s set for a 6 p.m. start and will stream on FloWrestling. But first, the Scarlet Knights will look to send their seniors out with one last win at Jersey Mike’s - and keep the B1G-IVY Trophy right where it’s been.
With a top-15 national ranking, a deep and balanced lineup, and postseason momentum building, Rutgers is shaping up to be a team no one wants to face come March.