Wrestlers Roll on, Trample Springfield

With another stellar performance, the Harvard wrestling team raised its season record to 7-0 by dismantling Springfield College, 34-9, at the IAB yesterday. After a string of Springfield wins lasting throughout the seventies, Harvard has begun to turn things around. Yesterday marked the Crimson's second victory in as many years over the Tigers.

Coach Johnny Lee said after the match that the team's strong performance served as the final tuneup before the Crimson's match with highly-rated Nebraska on January 31.

The Springfield meet was highlighted by the individual performances of two strong freshmen, Barry Bausano and Sean Wallace. Bausano, wrestling at 167 pounds, destroyed Pat Allen, scoring a pin at 1:53 of the second period. Demonstrating a smooth and fluid technique, Bausano scored saeveral takedowns and near-falls on his way to the pin.

Wallace, wrestling at 190 and perhaps in a hurry to get back to his room and study, ended his match with one second left in the second period, scoring a fall by overpowering a tired John Gallo.

Other outstanding efforts sparked the Crimson demolition as the team reeled off seven consecutive wins after a pair of early losses. Andy McNerney turned in his usual outstanding performance in the 142 class, taking out his exam-time frustrations on Springfield's captain, Greg Georges, 15-4. With his unorthodox but effective style, McNerney managed to turn over his opponent repeatedly for backpoints, keeping his season-long undefeated streak alive.

Wrestling against the other Springfield co-captain, Mark Cooley turned in a gutsy effort in the 177 lb. class, winning a 7-2 decision. An imposing figure in his weight class, Cooley survived a close first period before outmuscling his opponent in the match's later stages.

With other strong performances by co-captains Jim Phils and Paul Widerman and decisions for Sean Healy and Fritz Campbell in the middle weight classes, the team presented a balanced attack with consistent strength throughout. Bring on Nebraska!