Wrestlers Down Bucknell, Upended by Rutgers, 27-14

A young Harvard wrestling team opened its season last Saturday with a victory and a loss in a triangular meet held at Rutgers University. The Crimson was defeated by the hosts, 27-14, but came back to down Bucknell, 20-15.

"I was afraid the team might suffer from stage fright, but overall they came through just fine," head Coach Johnny Lee said yesterday. "The four freshmen had me worried, but they really did well, especially the second time around."

Captain Dan Blackinger led the grapplers with two easy victories in the 118-pound class. Bruce Johnson, the 190-pound wrestler, was the only other Crimson grappler to win both his matches. Johnson easily pinned both his opponents.

Biello Loses

The real surprise of the day came when Carl Biello, who wrestles at 142 pounds, lost both his matches. Biello, a veteran from the last two seasons, wrestled at 134 pounds last year. In pre-season, however, Baker, a sophomore, defeated Biello, forcing the latter to move up to 142 pounds. Lee said that he might switch Baker and Biello in order to improve the overall strength of the team.

The other wrestlers all split their matches, with the exceptions of Jim Strathsmeyer and John Keough. Each wrestled once at 177 pounds and lost.

The Crimson grapplers, who were 7-11 last year, are expecting a better season this year. "We have a slightly easier schedule and more overall depth and strength than we did last year," Lee said. Harvard had matches with Cal Poly and Navy last year, both national powers. Neither appears on this year's schedule, a relief to Lee, who saw his team lose both matches.

Princeton, the Ivy-League power for the last few years, should be strong again this year. "They've lost three of their best wrestlers, so Princeton shouldn't be as strong as in past years," Lee said. "The Ivy League should be wide open, and I know that we have the talent to compete with he other teams."

Last Saturday was just a warm-up for the Crimson grapplers--the main part of the schedule is after Christmas break. An easier schedule, some good freshmen and more depth may make the early part of next year a very pleasant time for Coach Lee and his squad.