Crimson Matmen Seek Tourney Wins

Harvard's grapplers hope to muster all their remaining strength today when they vie for laurels in the Eastern Intercollegiate championship tourney in Pittsburgh.

Most of them are still prone to careless errors, as evidenced in last week's narrow 19-16 loss to Yale. But Harvard coach John Lee is confident that team captain Richie Starr (190) and Dan Blakinger (118) can capture individual championships.

"Of all our wrestlers, I'd say Starr and Blakinger should get seeded no lower than third," Lee said Wednesday. "Jim Strathmeyer has really improved this past month and should also be a contender."

Strathmeyer (177), who is a freshman, has compiled a 9-7 record this season. Blakinger (15-1), who placed sixth in the Easterns last year, and Starr (15-0-1) are Harvard's winningest matmen.

Biello Injured

The Crimson's other dependable wrestler, Carl Biello (134) will miss this year's tourney because of an ankle injury sustained in last week's match against Yale. Biello took fourth place in last year's tournament.

"He's an excellent wrestler. It's disappointing he won't get a shot at the title," Lee said. George Baker, who has shown late improvement at 142, will fill in for Biello at 134.

Harvard, 5-11 for the season, will be overshadowed by perennial tournament favorites Penn State, Navy and Lehigh. Preliminary and quarterfinal matches will be held today. Semifinal and final bouts begin tomorrow.