BU Defeats Varsity Grapplers By Gaining Two-Match Edge

Boston University notched wins in two key weight divisions to capture six out of ten matches and drub the Harvard varsity wrestlers, 27-12, at the IAB Saturday.

Harvard freshman Bill Haley lost a heartbreaking 8-5 decision to B.U.'s Mike Beck in the last two minutes of his 126 division tangle. Haley held a 4-0 lead before several tactical errors that allowed Beck to score with two takedowns and a predicament.

A referee disqualified Harvard's Mike Dee for stalling early in the third period after Dee methodically earned an 8-4 lead lover B.U.'s Walt Bennett. Both grapplers used only a few favorite holds without moving for a planning combination. Both Dee and Bennet received stalling warnings in the second period.

Crimson coach John Lee said both decisions were unexpected and disappointing. "Both Haley and Dee dominated their matches and were capable of going all the way," he said. The wrestiers, new to varaity competition, now know their weaknesses and "shouldn't make the same mistakes again," he added.

Harvard routed B.U. in the 118,167, 177 and 190 divisions with Dun Blakinger, Bruce Johnson, Jim Strathmeyer and team captain Richie Starr. Johnson's 8-1 trouncing of B.U. captain Paul Donovan was "one of the most impressive matches of the meet." Lee said. Johnson, a sophomore, has bounced back into top form after spending his freshman year with the varsity. "Though Johnson lost several matches last year, he's certainly benefitted from the experience." Lee said.

The Terriers took four easy matches from inexperienced Crimson wrestlers in the 134, 142, 158 and unlimited divisions. Harvard freshman Ty Richardson, substituting for injured Carl Biello at 134, jumped to a 2-0 lead in the first period but tired in the second to encourage B.U.'s Rick Frietas to move for a pin.

"It was really disappointing to see some fine wrestlers lose in the last few minutes of their matches," Lee said.