Grapplers Finish in Second Place

The Harvard wrestling team fell just shy of taking first in an invitational tournament for the third time this season as it captured second last weekend in the first annual Massachusetts Collegiate Wrestling tournament.

Despite earning medals in all but one of the 12 weight classes, the Crimson finished second with 80 team points, 10 behind Springfield. WPI placed third in the 13-team tournament with 73.

The meet marked the second time that Springfield edged out Harvard in tournament competition. The Chiefs also claimed last month's duel meet matchup, 25-20.

Springfield is currently ranked as New England's top wrestling team. The Crimson is ranked second.

The grapplers, however, tallied a total of 20 victories on the day against only seven losses

Silver and Gold

Gold medals were taken by sophomore Mike Mend (2-0) at 118 lbs., sophomore Kevin McGinty (3-0) at 167 lbs., tri-captain Barry Bausano (2-0) at 177 lbs., and tri-captain Sean Wallace (2-0) at 190 lbs.

"McGinty did the best for us," said Coach John Lee of the sophomore's surprisingly strong showing, but he added that, despite their first place finishes, neither Bausano nor Wallace were tested.

The team's only silver medal was brought home by freshman Jeff Clark (2-1) who wrestled in the 134 lb. class.

To reach the finals, Clark defeated a wrestler from Springfield who had earlier in the year defeated another Harvard wrestler by over 10 points.

Too Little, Too Late

Clark, however, faltered in the championship match when he found himself behind, 5-0, early. His strong comeback bid fell just short, and he lost 6-5.

Third place finishes were recorded by two wrestlers: freshman Mike Hanrahan (3-1) at 142 lbs. and junior Mark Miller (2-1) in the heavyweight class.

Freshmen Pete Holmes and John Freeman (both 2-2) took fourth place in their respective classes.