Wrestler Rodrigues Transferring to Illinois

PISCATAWAY, N.J. -- The longest, most frustrating two months of Steven Rodrigues’ college wrestling career came to a conclusion. The Fox Lane graduate and current Rutgers University freshman will transfer to the University of Illinois, beginning with the spring semester. Rodrigues, who received his release from Rutgers, Nov. 1, committed to Illinois, Monday. Illinois is ranked in the NCAA Division I wrestling top 10. “Everything happens for a reason,” said Rodrigues, between classes Wednesday. “I am excited to get to Illinois and continue my career in the Big 10.” Rodrigues will be reunited with former Rutgers assistant and current Illinois assistant coach Cory Cooperman. It was Cooperman who recruited Rodrigues to Rutgers. However, Cooperman left Rutgers the day before classes began this semester. “I had become close with Coach Cooperman and developed a bond with him,” Rodrigues said. Rodrigues pondered whether he wanted to stay at Rutgers or transfer. When classes began, Rodrigues was on the wrestling roster. However, by Sept. 30, Rodrigues felt he would better off if he moved on to another school. His two choices were Iowa and Illinois. Before he could transfer, though, Rutgers had to grant him a release from his scholarship. This led to an agonizing time because Rodrigues was concerned Rutgers would not release him. “It was an extremely difficult and stressful time,” Rodrigues said. “I was trying to stay positive as much as I could. I was hoping there was going to be a light at the end of the tunnel, but also thought I might not get this chance. I was fortunate it played out.” Once Rodrigues was granted his release, he went on official visits to Iowa and Illinois. He was interested in both schools, but Cooperman’s presence at Illinois was the deciding factor. Rodrigues, who will report in late December, will not have to sit out a year, even though he transferred. He is red-shirting this year and will be competing for Illinois next year. “I definitely found the place that I want to be at,” Rodrigues said.

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