Grapplers Zap F&M, Place 5th at Tourney

The Harvard wrestling team fared well in competition this weekend. The Crimson defeated Franklin and Marshall in a dual meet Friday and placed fifth in the Millersville tournament Saturday.

Harvard dispatched Franklin and Marshall handily Friday, winning the meet by a score of 25-14. The team rose to the challenge in spite of injuries to several key wrestlers.

The Crimson rode its success Friday into the Saturday tournament, finishing fifth among a field of 15. Only six points came between Harvard and a second place finish in the tourney.

Several wrestlers enjoyed individual successes en route to the promising finish Saturday. Senior co-captain Steve Gerstung, sophomore Dustin DeNunzio and freshman Ed Mosley all enjoyed first place finishes in their respective classes. Sophomore Joe Friedman also placed fourth in his division.

The weekend meets were an important gauge for how well the team will fair when the Ivy League season opens in February

While the team enjoyed success this weekend, injuries may cause some problems during the regular season.

"Injuries could be a problem because we don't have a lot of depth," Gerstung said. "But everyone seems to be coming back in time to prepare for the season."

The team was also in action over break as it travelled to Florida to compete in the Sunshine Open. Harvard fared poorly there due to a number of injuries and illnesses, and only two wrestlers made it to the second day of the tournament.

The Crimson also competed in the Midlands Tournament at Northwestern over winter break. The team had a similar showing as only two wrestlers qualified for the second day of the event.

Harvard failed to place in either tournament.

"We didn't do as well as we had hoped," Gerstung said. "We were missing a couple people."

Harvard is in action again this Saturday at Malkin Athletic Center against Army and Boston College.