Matmen Destroy Weekend Opponents; Team Prepares for Tougher Matches

Feeling the pressure of long papers and up-coming finals, the Harvard wrestling team decided on Saturday to take out its frustrations on the University of Lowell and the Coast Guard Academy, 44-0 and 43-3, respectively.

The only excitement in these matches was the intra-squad competition for the fastest pin, as the grapplers totally dominated their intimidated opponents.

Lowell went into the match with a respectable 6-1 record but could not muster a point against a Crimson squad, which seems destined for its finest season in years.

Wrestling is a grueling sport, but the boys from Harvard even seem to enjoy the throwaway matches like Saturday's. Andy McNerney managed to work on his pinning combinations as he ran up a score of 34-3 without notching a fall.

Coach Johnny Lee got a look at the cheery future as well: three freshmen turned in impressive matches. Paul Widerman, wrestling for injured co-captain Paul Widerman, Phil Kline, and Sean Wallace, a consistent starter at 190 pounds, both pinned their opponents. Classmate Barry Bausano, wrestling at 167 pounds, had to come from behind from a 7-4 deficit against Lowell's best wrestler, to score a 12-7 decision.

Against the Coast Guard, Lee substituted some of his backup wrestlers, and the Crimson still came away with a lopsided victory. In the best match of the day, freshman Bill Clapps defeated Coast Guard captain Ted Harrap, 12-10.

The Crimson takes on Springfield in the home opener, Wednesday at 2 p.m.