Parker wins first EIWA individual championship for wrestling in 16 years

Until this weekend, the last time a Princeton athlete had won an indvidual title at the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Assocation championships, junior Greg Parker was watching Thundercats and eating Frosted Flakes.

Sunday, Parker became the first Tiger in 16 years to win an individual championship at the EIWA, taking the crown in the 174-pound weight class.

The junior earned a trip to the NCAA tournament, which will be held March 22-23 at the Pepsi Arena in Albany, N.Y.

Parker is a native of nearby Clifton Park, N.Y.

Princeton placed ninth overall at the EIWA championships, which were held at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa.

The Tigers best finisher besides Parker was senior Juan Venturi, who finished fourth at 141 lbs. Venturi, who was seeded fifth going into EIWAs, posted a 2-1 record during the tournament.

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He has been one of Princeton's most consistent contributors over the last few years, and the team will miss him next season.

Sophomore Brian Kirschbaum took sixth place at 121 pounds, gaining more points for Princeton's final tally.

On the other end of the weight spectrum, sophomore Joe Looke also placed a respectable sixth place in the 285-pound weight class.

With Looke and Kirschbaum returning for two more years, and Parker for his senior season, the Tigers can expect to continue to be competitive at the EIWAs for years to come.

Perhaps next year at the EIWA championships, Parker and Princeton can give perennial pinning powerhouse Penn — ranked eighth nationally this season — a run for its money.