John Catapano

John Catapano

John Catapano graduated from Rutgers in 1990 with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism, covering the women’s field hockey and soccer teams for the campus paper, The Daily Targum. After college, he moved to Los Angeles, got a job at Walt Disney Television, and has worked in media ever since. John currently works with the Wasserman Media Group in their Brooklyn, NY office, collaborating with brands, influencers, and athletes across the globe. When the pandemic struck in 2020 and Catapano began working remotely, he resumed writing by contributing to a Rutgers fan blog. He covered various sports, highlighted human interest stories, and focused on topics that Scarlet Nation wanted to discuss. It’s never easy being a Rutgers fan, but with over 500,000 alumni living worldwide and a passionate fanbase, covering the Scarlet Knights is always engaging.

Piscataway, NJ -- April 16, 2024 -- Offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca during Rutgers football spring practice.
Recruiting

Big Man on Campus: Rutgers Football Hosting Quarterback Xavier Stearn and Other Top Targets This Weekend

Greg Schiano's squad looks to make a big impression on campus this weekend, hosting top-tier recruits Brady Owens, Kedric Gholston II, Kai Pritchard, Carter Gooden, Jared Smith, Tyson Harley, and star quarterback Xavier Stearn.

John Catapano
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The Rutgers Rowing team heads to nationals for the sixth consecutive season.  The championships will be held May 30th - June 1st, 2025, on Lake Mercer in West Windsor, NJ.

Chasing Liquid Gold: No. 7 Rutgers Rowing Heads to Nationals this Weekend in Search of a Championship

You likely haven't heard about the 2025 No. 7 Rutgers Women's rowing team but that may change this weekend, when Rutgers competes at nearby Lake Mercer in the national championships.

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Dec 26, 2024; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano against the Kansas State Wildcats during the Rate Bowl at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Rutgers is a Hot Landing Spot for AD Candidates and Here's Why

Rutgers finally has a president who not only will prioritize academics but also wants to win. It's time to make a splashy hire with an athletic director who can elevate the floundering athletics department to the top half of the Big Ten.

John Catapano
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Rutgers right fielder Trevor Cohen pulls in a fly in the fifth inning of Rutgers' 15-10 win against Delaware at Hannah Stadium to start a three-game weekend series in Newark, Delaware, Friday, March 15, 2024.

Rutgers Upsets Indiana in 1st Round of Big Ten Baseball Tournament, 5-2

No. 10 seed Rutgers takes down Indiana in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament in Omaha, 5-2, riding a gem from starting pitcher Landon Mack. The Scarlet Nights face No. 3 seed Iowa Wednesday night under the lights, at 7p.m. ET.

John Catapano
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The LSU Scholarship First bus tour with President William Tate made a scheduled stop Monday at the site in Pineville where the state’s flagship university had its beginnings in 1860 as Louisiana State Seminary of Learning and Military Academy

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News

LSU President William F. Tate IV Named 22nd Rutgers President, Poised to Help Chart a New Course for Athletics

The Rutgers Board of Governors, with the consent of the Rutgers Board of Trustees, announced the hiring of current LSU president, William S. Tate, IV. The 60-

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Jan 21, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood, left, and Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Steve Pikiell talk before a game at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Basketball

Rutgers Basketball Lands 6'8 European Wing Denis Badalau

In April, Rutgers landed small forward Harun Zrno from Bosnia. Yesterday, Rutgers signed another player from Europe, with the addition of Romanian wing Denis B

John Catapano
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May 2, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Angel City FC forward Riley Tiernan (33) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Washington Spirit during the first half at Audi Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
News

New Jersey Strong: Former Rutgers Women's Soccer Star Riley Tiernan Taking the NWSL by Storm for Angel City FC

Riley Tiernan graduated from Rutgers University in May of 2024, having set the record for career assists by a Scarlet Knight with 34. Add 38 goals for the expl

John Catapano
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Mar 9, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Steve Pikiell looks on during the second half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Jersey Mike's Arena. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Basketball

Rutgers Basketball Lands Bosnian Small Forward Harun Zrno

The sharpshooter reopened his recruitment after Mike Woodson stepped down at Indiana, and Rutgers pounced.

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Dec 26, 2024; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano celebrates a touchdown with quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) against the Kansas State Wildcats during the Rate Bowl at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Football

Rutgers True Freshman Receiver Vernon Allen III Balls Out During Spring Game

True freshman Vernon Allen III, from Perry Hall High School in Baltimore, Maryland finished with a game-high five receptions for 98 yards.

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Mar 1, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Rutgers running back Kyle Monangai (RB23) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Football

Former Rutgers Star Running Back Kyle Monangai Drafted by Chicago Bears in 7th Round

The Chicago Bears, in desperate need of a running back and initially linked to Ashton Jeanty in the first round, selected Kyle Monangai with the 233rd pick in the 7th round.

John Catapano
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Sep 24, 2022; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Warren McClendon (70) loses his helmet to Kent State Golden Flashes defensive lineman Oliver Billotte (97) at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Football

Rutgers Football Lands Massive LIU OT Transfer Mashood Giwa and Kent State DT Oliver Billotte

The Scarlet Knights continue to shore up the trenches in anticipation of the 2025 Big Ten season, with the additions of offensive tackle Mashood Giwa and defensive tackle Oliver Billotte.

John Catapano
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Dec 23, 2022; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Steve Pikiell greets center Clifford Omoruyi (11) after being subbed out during the second half against the Bucknell Bison at Jersey Mike's Arena. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Basketball

Rutgers Basketball Hosting Four-Star Center Parker Jefferson This Week

When Parker Jefferson, the 6'10, 235-pound center from Waxahachie, Texas decommitted from the Minnesota Golden Gophers at the end of March, after the firing of head coach Ben Johnson, he immediately popped up on Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell's radar.

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