Scott Goodale Head Wrestling Coach at Rutgers University

Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast, where we shine a light on the mindset, mission, and momentum behind athletes and coaches who lead with grit, grind, and greatness on and off the mat.

I’m your host, Jeff Durr, and today’s guest is a man who didn’t just take on a challenge, he embraced a mission to build something special at Rutgers University from the ground up. Scott Goodale, head wrestling coach at Rutgers, has transformed the program through sheer determination, unwavering discipline, and an unshakable belief in doing things the right way every time.

Coach Goodale doesn’t ask for handouts. In fact, he once told his team, “Until we win as a team, we ask for nothing. Keepyour mouth shut and go to work.” And that’s exactly what they did. He instilled a culture where winning wasn’t a goal, it became the expectation. He demanded more than talent. He demanded toughness. A championship lifestyle. A team-first mentality.

He’s built a foundation rooted in core values, relationship-driven coaching, and relentless adaptability, where every wrestler is expected to grow in social skills, academics, and athletics. It’s not just about becoming an All-American; it’s about becoming a champion in life.

When it comes to recruiting, he looks for more than skill. He looks for athletes who love to compete, who love the process, who work when no one’s watching, and who carrythe support and discipline of a strong family behind them.

He teaches his athletes to believe in themselves, to communicate, to live their downtime right, and to always ask,what’s next? Because for Coach Goodale, the season is ajourney to enjoy, but the journey never ends.

Let’s dive into the mindset of a coach who hasnot only raised the bar at Rutgers but reshaped the standard for what it means to lead, compete, and win the right way.

Thisis Scott Goodale. And this is RU Strong.