2x Pan Am Champ Anthony Ashnault’s Wrestling Coaching Gig Gets Stern Warning From Former Coach

5 years as a collegiate player and 2 seasons on the staffing bench, Anthony Ashnault has truly been a Scarlet Knights’ exclusive. However, all good things must end, and likewise has this phase for the 2019 NCAA champion, who has now joined Princeton. Apparently, after two disappointing seasons, registering a 4-11 overall streak in 2022-23 and a 6-7 so far in 2023-24, the Princeton Tigers are looking to get their second wind with Ashnault’s boatload of coaching expertise.

But before it all, Anthony’s former Rutgers associates had a few send-off messages for him.

Taking to his official X handle, Steve Mytych, Rutgers’ Assistant Wrestling Coach, penned a note for his former colleague Anthony. “Congrats my man!” wrote Steve as he first complimented the wrestler on his achievement and then detoured down the memory lane to their LVAC days, recalling how Anthony would help him with opens and trials. In a friendly nudge, he even cautioned Anthony by saying, “Good luck every competition except on December 8th!”

Mytych’s witty tease for Anthony was an extension of Coach Scott Goodale’s remarks. Steve had reposted Goodale’s message, wherein the latter acknowledged that this transition marks an opportunity of great stature for Ashnault. He even affirmed that the Rutgers all-time wins leader will always be a sentimental part of their wrestling unit. Moreover, hailing his indispensable contribution to the Knights, the coach accredited him for setting the standard in their program. However, he concluded with a playful poke, “#mobbin every day but dual meet day!!’ 

And in a third, the X post from the Rutgers University official wrestling account continued the cheeky tone of congratulation. Wishing the absolute best for their former Knight, the official handle reposted Goodale’s message and captioned it with “We’ll be rooting for you 364 days out of the year!” 

It is only natural that these coaches have developed a solid rapport with each other over the years; thus, all seems good in the hood. This is further validated by Anthony’s comebacks, which he added while re-posting these on his feed. On one hand, his reaction to Steve’s message was heartfelt and read, “Let’s go buddy, keep crushing it over there.” However, on the other, he proved that quirky wishes call for even quicker comments by responding to RU Wrestling’s message with, “Fair enough! I’ll take 99% of the year!”

Whereas, showing all due respect to his mentor and senior, his reply to Coach Goodale was in genuine good faith. “Rutgers wrestling will always be special to me,” he writes, triggering the nostalgia of his 7-year-long association with the side.

A potential hint at the Rutger-Princeton dual meet 2024-25?

The redundant reference to the dual meet in these comments publicized by top-tier Rutgers coaches has kindled a curiosity. The closest we have to a possible date is Steve’s comment asking Ashnault to make a winning exception on December 8, which is noteworthy.

Last year, on the 8th of December 2023, the two sides- Rutgers and Princeton, had a dual meet. It witnessed the Knights crushing their opponents by a massive margin of 24-9. And now, this banter between the coaches gives an exciting indication. While the official schedule for the 2024-25 season is yet to be released, the potential date for another Knights vs Tigers showdown can possibly be scheduled around the same. If yes, which side do you think will shine on the mat? Let us know in the comments.