Rutgers wrestling adds two-time NCAA qualifier in Yaraslau Slavikouski
Earlier this week, the Rutgers wrestling program got a significant boost with the addition of a Harvard graduate transfer. The Scarlet Knights added two-time NCAA qualifier Yaraslau Slavikouski to the mix. The Northfield Mount Hermon boarding school product will be eligible to wrestle for Rutgers starting next season.
While the 2023-2024 season is still months away, the addition of Slavikouski has added a lot of excitement for what is in store. The graduate transfer was one of the best heavyweights in the country at Harvard, which should continue in Piscataway.
YARASLAU ADVANCES.@HarvardWrestlin’s Yaraslau Slavikouski moves on to the Round of 16 in the heavyweight division. He will wrestle tonight for a spot in the Final 8 tomorrow! 🌿🤼
— The Ivy League (@IvyLeague) March 16, 2023
Additionally, the Rechitsa native is joining a program already full of talent. Rutgers was ranked No. 22 in the final 2022-23 NWCA Coaches Poll. It marked the tenth top-25 finish for the Scarlet Knights under head coach Scott Goodale. Rutgers also produced seven NCAA qualifiers for the second consecutive season, and that number should grow during the 2023-2024 campaign with Slavikousi in the lineup.
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For Rutgers wrestling, the future got a lot brighter.
Career at Harvard
Yaraslau Slavikouski caps things off with a win at 285! pic.twitter.com/RkoQuMqh9V
— Harvard Wrestling (@HarvardWrestlin) January 22, 2023
During his career at Harvard, Slavikouski had a dominant run. The Belarus native recorded 64 victories and went 30-6 this past season. While Slavikouski has battled injuries at times, when healthy, he has been one of the best in his weight class. He was also looked at as a leader and was the team captain for Rutgers last year. Slavikouski will be looking to continue that success at Rutgers.
National honors
Over the last few years, Slavikouski has built an impressive resume. Earlier this year, he was the sixth seed at the NCAA Championships and picked up three victories at the national tournament. During his freshman season, Slavikouski earned NWCA Second Team All-America laurels and IVY League Rookie of the Year accolades. He was the first Harvard rookie to earn the honor in 16 years.
Injury history
While Slavikouski has had an impressive career, the Harvard product has battled injuries at times. He missed the majority of the 2021-2022 season due to injury. The injury did not come at an ideal time, as the Ivy League canceled all athletic activities 2020-2021 season due to COVID-19.
Impact on international play
In Slavikouski, the Scarlet Knights are getting a wrestler who has shined regardless of the competition or the event. He was a member of the Belarus national team and served as a team captain. That experience will be invaluable for a Rutgers team with high expectations.
Rise to stardom
He had one incredible season, and Yaraslau Slavikouski of Northfield Mount Hermon (@NMHathletics) caps it with a win. He holds off Shawsheen’s Omar Eldaly in the 220-pound bout, 7-1. Your final score from Mass Mayhem: Team Black 32, Team Blue 23. @BostonHeraldHS pic.twitter.com/IBktLDB0Up
— Brendan Connelly (@BConn63) April 7, 2019
Slavikouski’s wrestling journey began in New England, where he dominated at the high school level. At the Northfield Mount Hermon boarding school, he was a three-time Prep New England champion and two-time Prep National runner-up. In 2019 he was the NHSCA champion at 285 pounds and in 2018 the NHSCA champion at 220 pounds.
