Rutgers-Newark Athletics

By Jim Hague

It’s Jason Chung’s final year of soccer at Rutgers-Newark and the standout defender and captain cannot comprehend his career has gone by that quickly.

“I was just talking about that the other day,” Chung said. “I have no idea where the time went.”

Since it is Chung’s last year with the Scarlet Raiders, he wants to make sure that it’s his best.

“More than anything else, this is our year,” Chung said. “I feel every year we’ve gotten closer. Last year, we broke the school’s win record. Sophomore year, we won the ECAC championship. I don’t want the ECAC this year. It’s all about the NJAC this year.”

With Chung controlling the backline, the Scarlet Raiders have to be considered one of the favorites for New Jersey Athletic Conference honors this fall.

“He’s come in and been a starter for us since his freshman year,” Rutgers-Newark head coach Kevin East said. “He got the starting role at center back and has been a consistent player for us ever since. He’s become a better player over the years and really reads the game well. He’s a stabilizing force for us.”

East is convinced that Chung’s play makes the entire team better.

“No question, it goes through the entire team,” East said. “The team gets confidence when it’s tough for the other team to score. He’s a good sized kid and he’s not afraid to go and challenge an opponent for the ball. He gives up his body well and wins the 50-50 balls. His biggest asset is his speed. I think he’s the fastest player in the conference. No one can get behind him. He’s that quick. Jason makes up ground in a hurry that others have a tough time getting off a shot.”

Chung has a secret about his immense quickness.

“I spend a lot of time running on the beach,” Chung said. “I usually run the beach at Belmar, but I have to do it early when no one is there. I also can’t do it during the day because it’s so hot. But I think that helps support my speed and strength.”

Chung has been a captain on the team for the last two years.

“I don’t mind the responsibility,” Chung said. “It’s up to me to direct us. We have a young team and a lot of the guys have no idea what it’s like to play in the NJAC, so that’s my job. I guess everyone hopes to be a captain, so it’s an honor and one that I take seriously.”

East likes the idea that Chung is a defender and nothing else.

“As good of a player he is, he’s not a goal scorer,” East said. “I think he’d be the first to admit that he’s not an offensive threat. He’s best served in the back.”

“I’ve been coached by Coach East for four years now, so I pretty much have a good read on the game now,” Chung said. “I know what I’m supposed to do and I’m able to read the game better now.”

Chung is a dominant player in his own right, but that doesn’t begin to put a value on what he means to the R-N program.

“He’s been a top class kid since the minute he arrived,” East said. “He’s on an academic scholarship and he’s in our honors college. He embodies what you want in a team leader. One of the best things about the job is getting to see someone grow and mature into their roles. It’s been a pleasure watching Jason for the last four years.”

Chung is a political science major and after graduation, he plans to attend law school, preferably the prestigious Rutgers-Newark Law School.

“I hope to get into corporate law,” Chung said.

Chung was asked if he puts as much of an emphasis on his grades as he does his soccer prowess.

“My Dad (Courtney Chung) would kill me if I didn’t do both,” Chung said. “But I’m all about soccer right now. I want to win. I really do hope this is finally our year.”

Chung has paid his dues for the last four years. It’s time he receives his just reward.