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Rutgers coach Mike Rice rappels 50 stories in 9 minutes

Big East Basketball Tournament - Villanova v Rutgers

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 06: Head coach Mike Rice of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights coaches from the sideline against the Villanova Wildcats during their first round game of the 2012 BIG EAST Men’s Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 6, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

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When it was announced just over a week ago that Rutgers head coach Mike Rice was going to rappel 50 stories as part of the American Cancer Society’s “Over the Edge” fundraiser, it was estimated that the trek would take between 20 and 30 minutes.

Rice, who is entering his third season at Rutgers, guaranteed that he would finish in 20 minutes or less. Turns out he was being modest in making that statement.

On a cloudy morning in Jersey City, Rice rappelled the 50-story Harborside Financial Center in nine minutes, even taking the time to wave to office workers on his way down.

The event raised some $250,000 for cancer research, and Rice did experience some nerves when the time to get going arrived.

“I would like to say it was exhilerating and cool, but when he told me to put my weight over the edge and sit down in the harness, all I could feel was my heart racing and pumping,” Rice said moments after he touched ground. “I was like, ‘Oh my God, I have to do this.’”

Among the onlookers were Rice’s wife and two children, and Rutgers athletic director Tim Pernetti.

“Over the Edge” had six VIP rappellers (including Rice), and the coach wasn’t the only rappeller with Big East ties taking part. Below is a picture of St. John’s mascot Johnny Thunderbird at the completion of his voyage.

And if there’s a need for more proof that Johnny did rappel down the building, here’s a picture of the mascot at about the halfway point.

Raphielle is also the assistant editor at CollegeHoops.net and can be followed on Twitter at @raphiellej.