Varsity Wrestlers Smash Opposition in Boston Area

Harvard's varsity wrestling team continued to smash area opposition, taking nine of ten championship matches last night in the final round of the first annual Greater Boston Collegiate Wrestling Tournament at Tufts' Cousens Gymnasium.

"We won it by an ungodly margin," said coach John Lee. The Crimson finished the competition with 125 points as compared with 55 for their nearest rival, M.I.T. Third place went to Boston University. followed by Tufts, Boston, College and Brandies, respectively.

"In wrestling, the high schools in this area aren't up to what they are elsewhere so consequently the colleges around here aren't so good." confessed Lee, explaining the Crimson's crushing of the rest of the field.

Freshman Dan Blakinger, a state champion in Pennsylvania last year. started the Crimson rout with a 10-4 decision of his M.I.T. opponent in the 118 Ib. class. At 126 Ibs. Steve Mousulik outpointed another Engineer foe, 4-3.

Josh Henson, a transfer student from the University of Michigan, "looked very good," according to Lee, in a 12-2 victory at 142 Ibs.

Single Defeat

The Crimson's only defeat of the night came at 134 Ibs., where freshman and former Illinois state titlist Ron McGuire lost a tight, 3-2, decision. The loss for McGuire, who usually competes at 118 Ibs., came "mainly because he just isn't up to that weight class," said Lee.

Captain Pat Coleman pulled off one of two pins in the championships with a fall at 5:35 in the 150 Ib. class. At 158 Ibs. and at the 167 Ib. class. Colin Mangrum and Mark Faller scored lopsided 7-2 and 10-4 decisions.

Richie Starr "won a closer than expected decision." according to Lee, defeating his 177 Ib. M.I.T. opponent, 5-3. In the 190 Ib. match. Dave Scanlon won a 4-0 decision and "turned in a good performance," said Lee.

In the heavyweight championship Tom Tripp recorded his second pin in as many tournament matches. This time it came in 2:30, as compared with his 34 second effort in the semifinals. "We're improving but I can't say this is any indication of what the season will be," concluded a semi-enthused Lee.