Wrestlers Ready to Win At Coast Guard Tourney

This could be the year for the Harvard wrestling team. After many years of frustration for Coach Johnny Lee and the Crimson, the present squad could make the team's supporters forget some of the lean years of the recent past. In its assault on respect and recognition, the team takes its first test at the Coast Guard Tournament this weekend.

For the first time in recent memory, Lee will present a solid, consistent team through all of the weight classes. While Harvard has had a few outstanding wrestlers over the past years, the majority of each team has been characterized by ineffectiveness. With a crop of strong freshmen and a core of seasoned upperclassmen this year's team has more balance than last year's 17-4 squad.

Last year, Harvard placed fourth at the Coast Guard Tourney (out of a possible 18 teams.) This year the squad could fare far better. Led by co-captains Paul Widerman and Jim Phills, Lee expects that Harvard can win a few weight classes. Widerman is returning from a year off, which he used to improve his wrestling skills. With a slew of past personal triumphs. Widerman will be a key factor in the Crimson's rise to glory. Since his freshman year, Phills has been the flashy talent on the squad; with his awesome accumulation of falls and victories. Phills is again expected to lead the team.

Even though Coast Guard attracts many fine Eastern teams including Columbia, Hofstra, and UMass, other Crimson grapplers should fare quite well. Andy McNerney, the unsung hero of the team, has been training in the offseason, and returns with a number of awards under his belt including a first place finish at the World Game for the Deaf in Cologne, West Germany. Among the other tested wrestlers, Rick Beller looks forward to a strong season, starting with victories at Coast Guard.

With other talented members filling out the squad, the season should have fine results for the men from the IAB. As the season progresses, they will begin to eye the Ivy League title that is well within their reach. They must begin first, though with an impressive showing at Coast Guard.