Yardling Grapplers Expect Winning Year

"Thin but talented," the Freshman wrestling team may well be undefeated this year. However, Coach John H. Lee Jr. '53 added, "we have no depth. An injury could kill us."

The squad has already met and defeated teams from Dartmouth, Williams and MIT. The toughest opponent, Springfield College, is yet to come. Since 1956 the Frosh have beaten Springfield twice, tied once, and lost twice.

Despite lack of depth, the team is an extremely strong one. Wrestling at 123 is Pete Keeler, winner of the trophy for the Outstanding Wrestler in the Maryland Inter-Scholastic Competition last year. Though currently bothered by virus, Keller is expected to win against Springfield. He's backed up by a steadily improving Ralph Kadin.

Filling the 130 lb. slot are Andy McGaughy, runner-up in the New England Inter-Scholastic meet, and Jay Gaffney. At 137 is Brooks Cavin, who was third in high school wrestling in Minnesota last year. He is undefeated in his meets for the Crimson and is an "excellent prospect."

Ron Sandvin, winner of the Iowa High School Tournament last year, is wrestling at 147. At 157 lbs. is Ken Rees, also undefeated in three starts for the Crimson. Fred Perrera. Outstanding Wrestler in the Lehigh Inter-Scholastic Tournament last year, fills the 167 berth.

It is in the upper weights that the team is weak. Dave Grosscloss, at heavyweight, was injured, but is coming along well. However, in Ivy competition he wrestles at 191, leaving the Heavy slot to Walker, a new boy. At 177 especially the prospects are poor, that slot still being open.

In early March some of the squad goes to West Point for the Freshman Eastern Tournament. In the Wilkes Open Tournament over Christmas, Keeler, Perrera, and Cadin all did well, Keeler eventually losing 8-2 to the 123-lb. National Champion, who placed third in the Rome Olympics.

"This is as good a team as we've had since 1956," coach Lee said. "We've never had fewer boys out, so we necessarily lack depth." The Army Tournament will be the high point of the season, he added. Probably five or six of the best men will enter, and should take their weight classes.

Besides Springfield, the Yardlings still face the other Ivy freshman teams. The team will not elect a captain until after the Columbia match.