Mat Triumph Unlikely Tomorrow In Crucial Ivy Match at Cornell

"We could win this meet, but we will have to take all the meets where they're strong, which is kind of unlikely," Harvard wrestling coach John Lee said yesterday.

That is probably the most accurate assessment of the Crimson's chances against rugged Cornell tomorrow afternoon at 3 p. m. in Ithaca.

Hampered by a rash of injuries in the heavyweight classes. Harvard will be hard-pressed to win its second Ivy League match of the season, a match that could prove crucial in the February rush for the Ivy title.

Cornell's main strength, like the Crimson's, is in the middle weights, 150 through 167 pounds. To win, Harvard must take at least two of these bouts, then get outstanding performances from its battered heavyweight crew. The odds are definitely against this happening.

Lee talked to Dave Scanlon (190) yesterday at his home in New Hampshire where he is recovering from a boil on his leg. Scanlon's lower right leg has swelled considerably as a result of the boil, and he will not be able to walk until next Monday or Tuesday.

Heavyweight Jim Abbott is still hobbled by a knee injury sustained in practice Tuesday night, but will make the trip to Ithaca tomorrow. Lee termed Abbott "a doubtful starter" but if there is a mathematical possibility of a Harvard victory, Abbott will replace Jim Cain.

Cain. who usually wrestles at 190, replaced Abbott against M. I. T. Wednesday night and dropped an 8-4 decision. Tony Rayner (177) will again advance a weight class to fill in for Scanlon.

An interesting bout is shaping up tomorrow between Cornell captain BenBishop and Harvard's unbeaten Pat Coleman in the 150-pound match. Coleman wrestled well Wednesday night, crushing Bill Gabl, 10-I.

Colin Mangrum will start at 158 lbs. instead of Dean Sheppard. Sheppard, unsuccessful in three outings, is going down to the 150-pound weight category. Mangrum will face either Dave Ouellet or John St. John.

"It doesn't make any difference which one starts-they're both fine wrestlers," Lee said of the Cornell duo.

Bart Harvey, in his second start at 167, comes up against the third outstanding Redman. Mike Campbell. Harvey is subbing for Mark Faller, who moved up to the 177-pound class for the M. I. T. and Cornell meets.

Dim Outlook

The situation again looks dim in the lower weight groups, with Tom Schnorr and Steve Monsulik outmanned at 118 and 126, respectively. Team manager Eric Behrens, who salvaged two points at 134 against M. I. T., will weigh in, but Lee is not sure whether he will wrestle.

"If they start the guy I'm thinking of, it would be ridiculous to use Eric," Lee said. He will forfeit 134 if he does not use Behrens.

Captain Paul Catinella (142) completes the lineup for Harvard.

The Yardling wrestling team, slowed by a lack of wrestlers in the 126-pound and unlimited classes, meets a weak Cornell freshman squad in a match just preceding the varsity encounter.