Wrestlers Open Season With Wesleyan, CCNY

Weakened by two minor injuries. Harvard's varsity wrestling team should open its winter schedule today at Wesleyan with a double victory over the outclassed Cardinals and CCNY.

Because of the low level of competition, coach John Lee and his squad will learn very little from the outcome of the matches. However, the case of the challenge permits Lee to rest Ritchie Starr and Dave Scanlon, handicapped by rib and knee injuries respectively, and ensure their return before the team's second match.

Today's triangular will be the Crimson's easiest contest of the year. Wesleyan lost to Yale Wednesday night, 49-3: CCNY is comprised of a squad including three untested freshman, three wrestlers with no competitive experience, and two empty weight classes.

Harvard's starting line-up is set at the lower weight classes, but the team's injuries have forced Lee to juggle the heavier entrants. The Crimson should sweep the first four matches behind Dan Blakinger (118). Carl Biello (126), Jerry Kahrilas (134), and Josh Henson (142).

At 150. Lee will use both Jerry Hall and Borris Holmes. Colin Mangrum is positioned at 158. Tony DuBon will start at 177, and Angelo Mareno has won the unlimited entry.

Frank Morgan will replace the injured Starr at 167, and George Lindsay and Bruce Johnson will probably split the duties at 190.

Perfect Level

"Both Starr and Scanlon should be back for next week's match with Franklin and Marshall, and Penn. Starr has been recuperating since before Thanksgiving and Scanlon's injury is not to the knee he injured last year." Lee said. "This triangular is the perfect level of competition for this situation. We'll need all our strength in next week's triangular."

Lee has been pleased with the development of the team throughout November. "Our squad has grown to about 30 wrestlers since the end of football season." Lee said. "Mangrum and Mareno are the most improved starters: I'm impressed by both of them."