Rutgers-Newark Athletics

By Jim Hague

Rolland Ying could have easily taken his degree in accounting from Rutgers-Newark last spring and either went on to graduate school to pursue a master’s degree or join the job force.

But it would have meant leaving his Rutgers-Newark cross country teammates a semester too soon.

“I knew we had a lot of freshmen coming in and I knew that we needed an upperclassman to lead them,” said Ying, who has been part of the R-N track and field and cross country programs since he transferred to the school from Kean University in 2009.

“I love the sport and I didn’t want to leave,” Ying said. “I knew I wanted to stay one more semester.”

So instead of earning his degree, Ying remained for one final go-round with the Scarlet Raiders’ cross country team.

It’s turned out to be a blessing for the R-N men’s cross country program.

Ying, a product of East Brunswick High School, has become a stalwart for the Scarlet Raiders this season. He just recently finished second at the Brandywine Invitational, leading R-N to the overall team title.

“He’s been our top guy all season,” R-N cross country coach Juan Edney said. “He’s turned into our No. 1 on all levels. Some others didn’t come back due to injuries and transfers, but Rolland has stuck with it and become our best.”

That might not have been the case when Ying arrived from Kean, where he was the top distance runner as well. Kean had decided to drop its cross country and track program and Ying needed a place to compete.

“In the beginning, I was a little rough on Roland,” Edney said. “He came in from Kean and it took him a while to get adjusted to our workouts. He was a little sore and tired and wasn’t used to the time or the mileage we put in. He became very familiar with our training room.”

“I guess I was a little injury prone,” Ying said. “I used to get injured a lot.”

Edney said that Ying became a more consistent runner once he became accustomed to the training regimen.

“I threw a lot at him, but he responded,” Edney said. “He showed that he wanted to be here and wanted to do the training. He eventually grew on us and adjusted to our style and our program.”

Eventually, Ying became a leader on the team.

“He was very quiet when he first came, but now he’s more vocal,” Edney said. “He’s a very passionate kid who cares deeply about what he does. He will now tell the others what to do. He’ll let them know if they’re doing something wrong.”

Ying said that there was a burden in becoming the vocal force on a young team.

“Sure, there was a lot of pressure and it was a little nerve wracking,” Ying said. “But I love my team and I didn’t want to leave this team. I know what has to be done and what the others have to do.”

As for his own performance, Ying believes that his final season with the Scarlet Raiders could very well be his best.

“I feel stronger than ever before,” Ying said. “I feel healthier. I’m a lot more confident and that helps.”

Ying will make the move toward becoming a certified public accountant after he graduates in December.

“I may eventually start my own firm,” Ying said.

As for making the move from Kean to Rutgers-Newark, Ying wouldn’t have changed a single thing.

“It’s probably one of the best decisions I ever made in my life,” Ying said. “I have three more meets left and I want to end it all on a high note. I feel like I’m getting better every race.”

And obviously, Rolland Ying wants to leave his mark as a Scarlet Raider, one that will remain long after he graduates.

“He’s been a good addition to the program,” Edney said. “He has guts. He’s been loyal and he has dedication to himself and to the program. It’s allowed him to become a much better runner. We paid him some attention and then he finally flourished.”