The Scarlet Spotlight

The Scarlet Spotlight is signing off. Thanks to our loyal listeners for an incredible five-year run. Danny and Jon recap things with one final episode. No guests, just us. Rutgers fans, you're a special group. We'll still be around, just doing different things! Learn more and stay up to date at thescarletspotlight.com Email - thescarletspotlight@gmail.com Join the Facebook Group - The Scarlet Spotlight Follow the show on Twitter - @scarletspotRU Instagram - @thescarletspotlight/ Follow Danny Breslauer on Twitter: @DannyBreslauer Follow Jon Newman on Twitter: @jonnew

The Scarlet Spotlight is happy to be joined by the NJ Hoops Haven, Jerry Carino, for Episode 115 of the podcast. Carino, who is the dean of the local college basketball beat, covers the opening week of the Rutgers men's basketball season -- from style to personnel. In the wide-ranging conversation, Carino provides your Scarlet Knights hoops fix. After the interview, Danny and Jon hit the important topics around Rutgers Athletics, including RU's Big Ten men's soccer championship and RU football hosting PSU this weekend. Happy Thanksgiving to all of our listeners. Learn more and stay up to date at thescarletspotlight.com​ Email - thescarletspotlight@gmail.com​ Join the Facebook Group - The Scarlet Spotlight​ Follow the show on Twitter - @scarletspotRU​ Instagram - @thescarletspotlight/​ Follow Danny Breslauer on Twitter: @DannyBreslauer​ Follow Jon Newman on Twitter: @jonnew​

The Scarlet Spotlight is excited for our yearly chat with Rutgers men's basketball head coach Steve Pikiell on Episode 114 of the podcast. The seventh-year head coach of the Scarlet Knights discusses his 2022-2023 squad, and the expectations of being an NCAA team the last few seasons (including the COVID pandemic shortened year). Pikiell goes player-by-player to highlight strengths and improvements, while discussing scheduling, recruiting, Big Ten expansion and more. Learn more and stay up to date at thescarletspotlight.com Email - thescarletspotlight@gmail.com Join the Facebook Group - The Scarlet Spotlight Follow the show on Twitter - @scarletspotRU Instagram - @thescarletspotlight/ Follow Danny Breslauer on Twitter: @DannyBreslauer Follow Jon Newman on Twitter: @jonnew

The Scarlet Spotlight is happy to be joined on Episode 113 of the podcast by Barstool Sports senior producer T.J. Hitchings. The 2019 Rutgers alumnus discusses his upbringing and path to RU, student experience and way into Barstool Sports through internships in New Brunswick and at the flagship office in NYC. Hitchings discusses Rutgers football and hoops, the BarstoolRU social media accounts, and the polarizing founder of his company. The conversation turns into brand-building and Rutgers advocacy, as well as relationships with the coaches and marketing departments. After the interview, Danny and Jon dive into fall sports -- from Rutgers football's 3-0 start to women's soccer's 9-0 path to No. 4 in the nation and more. Learn more and stay up to date at thescarletspotlight.com Email - thescarletspotlight@gmail.com Join the Facebook Group - The Scarlet Spotlight Follow the show on Twitter - @scarletspotRU Instagram - @thescarletspotlight/ Follow Danny Breslauer on Twitter: @DannyBreslauer Follow Jon Newman on Twitter: @jonnew

The Scarlet Spotlight returns for its fifth athletic year with the 2022-2023 Rutgers fall season underway. Joining the show for Episode 112 are NJ Advance Media's Steve Politi and Brian Fonseca to preview the upcoming year for the Scarlet Knights' programs. With the focus primarily on football just days from the season opener at Boston College, the crew breaks down what to expect from Rutgers on the gridiron. Other topics include: Big Ten TV rights, NIL, Olympic Sports and more in this action-packed preview show. Learn more and stay up to date at thescarletspotlight.com Email - thescarletspotlight@gmail.com Join the Facebook Group - The Scarlet Spotlight Follow the show on Twitter - @scarletspotRU Instagram - @thescarletspotlight/ Follow Danny Breslauer on Twitter: @DannyBreslauer Follow Jon Newman on Twitter: @jonnew

The Scarlet Spotlight is excited to be joined by Rutgers men's soccer head coach Jim McElderry, who took over the Scarlet Knights program prior to the 2019 season. McElderry discusses his New Jersey upbringing in soccer, college career at Fairfield and path in coaching. He comments on coaching future pros at Fordham and bringing that mindset to Piscataway to restore winning to a once elite program. Additionally, McElderry touches on the importance of playing in NJ in a World Cup year. After the interview, Danny and Jon discuss the Rutgers news of the summer and promote the in-person Knights of The Raritan event. Learn more and stay up to date at thescarletspotlight.com Email - thescarletspotlight@gmail.com Join the Facebook Group - The Scarlet Spotlight Follow the show on Twitter - @scarletspotRU Instagram - @thescarletspotlight/ Follow Danny Breslauer on Twitter: @DannyBreslauer Follow Jon Newman on Twitter: @jonnew

The Scarlet Spotlight is excited to be joined by Sean DeDeyn, former Rutgers wrestler and current managing partner of The Axel Group. DeDeyn discusses his life in wrestling at the Jersey Shore, a roundabout path through multiple colleges and sports on his way to RU and his transition into broadcasting and business. DeDeyn comments on the ascension of Scott Goodale's Scarlet Knights program, from its infancy at The Barn to crucial duals at the RAC. After the interview, Danny and Jon go through the women's hoops staff additions, football game experience news and more. Learn more and stay up to date at thescarletspotlight.com Email - thescarletspotlight@gmail.com Join the Facebook Group - The Scarlet Spotlight Follow the show on Twitter - @scarletspotRU Instagram - @thescarletspotlight/ Follow Danny Breslauer on Twitter: @DannyBreslauer Follow Jon Newman on Twitter: @jonnew

The Scarlet Spotlight is excited to be joined by former Rutgers men's lacrosse player and current announcer Rick Mercurio for Episode 109 of the show. Mercurio was a part of three NCAA Tournament teams at RU in the 1970s, before embarking on a very successful coaching career on Long Island. He discusses his time in Piscataway, path to coaching and subsequent foray into both announcing and international lacrosse administration. After the interview, Danny and Jon play year in review for Rutgers Athletics, and set up Summer 2022 for the podcast and the NIL collective. Learn more and stay up to date at thescarletspotlight.com Email - thescarletspotlight@gmail.com Join the Facebook Group - The Scarlet Spotlight Follow the show on Twitter - @scarletspotRU Instagram - @thescarletspotlight/ Follow Danny Breslauer on Twitter: @DannyBreslauer Follow Jon Newman on Twitter: @jonnew

The Scarlet Spotlight is excited to be joined by former Rutgers baseball ace Bobby Brownlie for Episode 108 of the podcast. Brownlie set a plethora of pitching records in Piscataway from 2000-2002, before being selected in the 2002 MLB Draft by the Chicago Cubs in the first round. Brownlie shared stories about Edison boys baseball, Fred Hill, his Scarlet Knights journey and the street sign that dons his name not far from Bainton Field. He also shared his thoughts on RU baseball's snub from the 2022 NCAA Tournament and NIL's involvement in college sports, as Brownlie is a certified player agent for the Boras Corporation and on the Knights of The Raritan advisory board. After the interview, Danny and Jon have a packed Scarlet Six -- involving men's lacrosse's Final Four run, baseball's heartbreak on Selection Monday, a new women's basketball coach and much more! Learn more and stay up to date at thescarletspotlight.com Email - thescarletspotlight@gmail.com Join the Facebook Group - The Scarlet Spotlight Follow the show on Twitter - @scarletspotRU Instagram - @thescarletspotlight/ Follow Danny Breslauer on Twitter: @DannyBreslauer Follow Jon Newman on Twitter: @jonnew

The Scarlet Spotlight is excited to be joined by Student Athlete NIL founder Jason Belzer, who will be running the day-to-day of Knights of The Raritan, the new Rutgers NIL collective. Jason brings his expertise to the podcast on Episode 107, breaking down the NIL space and the opportunities that Rutgers fans can create for current student-athletes. Jon, Danny and Jason go into depth about the origins of the collective and some frequently asked questions. After the interview, it's a packed Scarlet Six, inclusive of men's lacrosse in the NCAA Quarterfinals and Shawn Tucker's return to Rutgers as Deputy AD. Learn more and stay up to date at thescarletspotlight.com‍ Email - thescarletspotlight@gmail.com‍ Join the Facebook Group - The Scarlet Spotlight‍ Follow the show on Twitter - @scarletspotRU‍ Instagram - @thescarletspotlight/‍ Follow Danny Breslauer on Twitter: @DannyBreslauer‍ Follow Jon Newman on Twitter: @jonnew‍

The Scarlet Spotlight is happy to return from a short, warranted hiatus and to be joined by Rutgers Baseball head coach Steve Owens. The third-year Scarlet Knights head coach has architected a 36-9 start on the diamond in 2022, with 15 Big Ten wins in RU's first 18 conference games. Owens covers his baseball upbringing in upstate New York, and coaching in the Division III ranks. He discusses NJ's baseball culture, the '22 Scarlet Knights' many sweeps, and the facilities on campus. After the interview, Danny and Jon talk about the launch of Knights of The Raritan, the new Rutgers NIL collective, as well as a very busy April into May for Rutgers Athletics, including high Big Ten Tournament seeds for both lacrosse programs, C. Vivian Stringer's retirement, Pat Hobbs' extension and more. Learn more and stay up to date at thescarletspotlight.com‍ Email - thescarletspotlight@gmail.com‍ Join the Facebook Group - The Scarlet Spotlight‍ Follow the show on Twitter - @scarletspotRU‍ Instagram - @thescarletspotlight/‍ Follow Danny Breslauer on Twitter: @DannyBreslauer‍ Follow Jon Newman on Twitter: @jonnew‍

The Scarlet Spotlight is happy to be joined by former Rutgers men's basketball guard Geo Baker for the final interview of his NIL deal with the show. On Episode 105, Baker walks through some of his career highlights, including a scintillating 2021-2022 campaign with many ups and downs. Baker also touches on the locker rooms throughout his time at RU, some post-graduation projects and the state of the Rutgers hoops program. After the interview, Danny and Jon cover the key topics for Scarlet Knights Athletics as the calendar turns to April 2022, and the spring sports programs are in full swing along with spring football. Learn more and stay up to date at thescarletspotlight.com Email - thescarletspotlight@gmail.com Join the Facebook Group - The Scarlet Spotlight Follow the show on Twitter - @scarletspotRU Instagram - @thescarletspotlight/ Follow Danny Breslauer on Twitter: @DannyBreslauer Follow Jon Newman on Twitter: @jonnew

The Scarlet Spotlight is honored to be joined by Rutgers men's basketball's all-time leading scorer, Phil Sellers, on Episode 104 of the podcast. Phil The Thrill discusses his upbringing in the NYC hoops scene, recruitment by Dick Vitale to Rutgers and playing time during the 1970s glory days of RU hoops. Sellers tells stories about his time On the Banks, Run Rutgers Run and the 1976 Final Four. After the interview, Danny and Jon break down Rutgers' NCAA bid to the First Four and matchup with Notre Dame in Dayton, as well as updates around RU Athletics at large. Learn more and stay up to date at thescarletspotlight.com Email - thescarletspotlight@gmail.com Join the Facebook Group - The Scarlet Spotlight Follow the show on Twitter - @scarletspotRU Instagram - @thescarletspotlight/ Follow Danny Breslauer on Twitter: @DannyBreslauer Follow Jon Newman on Twitter: @jonnew

The Scarlet Spotlight is excited to be joined by Rutgers women's basketball great June Olkowski on Episode 103 of the podcast. One of only a handful of jerseys retired in the rafters in Piscataway, Olkowski's No. 45 was iconic in the early 1980s, when she helped lead Rutgers to the 1982 AIAW title. Olkowski joined the show to discuss her hoops influences, path to RU, injury-plagued time in Piscataway and coaching career. After the interview, Danny and Jon review men's hoops' NCAA chances ahead of the clash at Indiana on Wednesday night, Fran Brown's departure from the football program and some hot starts for both lacrosse teams, the softball squad and baseball program. Learn more and stay up to date at thescarletspotlight.com Email - thescarletspotlight@gmail.com Join the Facebook Group - The Scarlet Spotlight Follow the show on Twitter - @scarletspotRU Instagram - @thescarletspotlight/ Follow Danny Breslauer on Twitter: @DannyBreslauer Follow Jon Newman on Twitter: @jonnew

The Scarlet Spotlight honors the memory of former Rutgers athletic director Bob Mulcahy, who passed away on Feb. 7 at 85 years old. We are joined on Episode 102 by his former deputy AD Kevin MacConnell and NJ Advance Media reporter Keith Sargeant. KMac and Sarge cover Mulcahy's legacy -- from hiring Greg Schiano, to his time at the NJEA to his relatively sudden departure from Rutgers Athletics in 2009. After the interview, Danny and Jon discuss Rutgers men's basketball's resurgence, Danny's trip to Madison, and news and notes around RU Athletics. Learn more and stay up to date at thescarletspotlight.com Email - thescarletspotlight@gmail.com Join the Facebook Group - The Scarlet Spotlight Follow the show on Twitter - @scarletspotRU Instagram - @thescarletspotlight/ Follow Danny Breslauer on Twitter: @DannyBreslauer Follow Jon Newman on Twitter: @jonnew

The Scarlet Spotlight is excited to be joined by Rutgers baseball legend Todd Frazier for Episode 101 of the podcast. Frazier, who was drafted in the Top 35 by the Cincinnati Reds in 2011, has enjoyed a successful MLB career over the last decade, including a famous Home Run Derby championship in 2015 on his home field. Frazier discusses his Toms River roots as a Little League World Series champ, time spent at Rutgers under the great Fred Hill Sr. and the Frazier family baseball connection. Frazier also comments on the MLB lockout, the baseball and hoops programs at RU and re-lived some of his glory days. After the interview, Danny and Jon cover Tiquan Underwood's departure for Pitt, Taj Harris' transfer from Syracuse, Rutgers men's hoops' NET and more. Learn more and stay up to date at thescarletspotlight.com Email - thescarletspotlight@gmail.com Join the Facebook Group - The Scarlet Spotlight Follow the show on Twitter - @scarletspotRU Instagram - @thescarletspotlight/ Follow Danny Breslauer on Twitter: @DannyBreslauer Follow Jon Newman on Twitter: @jonnew

We made it. Thanks to all of the fans of The Scarlet Spotlight podcast. This week, we are releasing our 100th episode of the show. We're excited to be joined by Rutgers women's soccer head coach Mike O'Neill and RU men's basketball player Geo Baker, who is continuing his NIL deal with the podcast. First, Coach O'Neill covers an historic 2021 season for Scarlet Knights women's soccer, including a trip to the College Cup semifinals. Then, Baker discusses the 2021-2022 Rutgers men's basketball season to date with RU sitting at 4-2 in Big Ten play as of the taping on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. After the interviews, Danny and Jon go through the news and notes of the calendar turn to 2022 in Rutgers Athletics and look ahead to the next 100 episodes. Learn more and stay up to date at thescarletspotlight.com Email - thescarletspotlight@gmail.com Join the Facebook Group - The Scarlet Spotlight Follow the show on Twitter - @scarletspotRU Instagram - @thescarletspotlight/ Follow Danny Breslauer on Twitter: @DannyBreslauer Follow Jon Newman on Twitter: @jonnew

The Scarlet Spotlight is happy to be joined by Rutgers.Rivals.com publisher Richie Schnyderite for Episode 99 of the podcast. Richie recaps Rutgers football's National Signing Day from last week, and sets up the 2022 Scarlet Knights football season. In addition to breaking down the prospects that Greg Schiano signed following his second season back at the helm, Richie provides further insight into recruiting during COVID times, and what it's like running both the RU and PSU sites for Rivals. After the interview, Danny and Jon discuss a staff change for football, men's basketball COVID postponements and more, as the hosts lay out their New Year's resolutions with Episode 100 looming at the start of 2022. Learn more and stay up to date at thescarletspotlight.com Email - thescarletspotlight@gmail.com Join the Facebook Group - The Scarlet Spotlight Follow the show on Twitter - @scarletspotRU Instagram - @thescarletspotlight/ Follow Danny Breslauer on Twitter: @DannyBreslauer Follow Jon Newman on Twitter: @jonnew

The Scarlet Spotlight is excited to be joined by two Rutgers men's basketball related guests for Episode 98 of the podcast. Former RU hoopster and current radio analyst Austin Johnson is paired with NJ Advance Media's Scarlet Knights hoops beat writer Brian Fonseca. AJ relives a week in viral land after Ron Harper Jr.'s shot to beat No. 1 Purdue and his radio call with Jerry Recco. Both Johnson and Fonseca provide their thoughts on the Scarlet Knights season to date, which sits at 5-5 heading into this taping. After the interview, Danny and Jon give their insight into winter sports, a key departure from the women's soccer coaching staff and rumors swirling around RU football ace recruiter Fran Brown. Learn more and stay up to date at thescarletspotlight.com Email - thescarletspotlight@gmail.com Join the Facebook Group - The Scarlet Spotlight Follow the show on Twitter - @scarletspotRU Instagram - @thescarletspotlight/ Follow Danny Breslauer on Twitter: @DannyBreslauer Follow Jon Newman on Twitter: @jonnew

The Scarlet Spotlight welcomes two former Rutgers quarterbacks to the podcast for Episode 97. Ryan Hart and Mike Teel, who each joined the show previously, return for a joint podcast recapping the 2021 Rutgers Football season. In addition to a variety of topics about the Scarlet Knights' season (5-7, 2-7 in the Big Ten) and Greg Schiano 2.0, the duo is asked about their famous quarterback competition in the Fall of 2005. After the interview, Danny and Jon cover the Rutgers Athletics news and notes as the calendar turns to December... including RU women's soccer in the College Cup, tough starts for the two hoops programs, and a resurgent wrestling beginning. Learn more and stay up to date at thescarletspotlight.com Email - thescarletspotlight@gmail.com Join the Facebook Group - The Scarlet Spotlight Follow the show on Twitter - @scarletspotRU Instagram - @thescarletspotlight/ Follow Danny Breslauer on Twitter: @DannyBreslauer Follow Jon Newman on Twitter: @jonnew