Parker wrestles to second at NCAA championships

All year, wrestling head coach Mike New promised that the tough regular season would pay off in the end. While only four Tigers placed at the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association Championships, junior Greg Parker has used every point in the season as a stepping-stone, and he has finally reached the top of the ladder.

The only Tiger to qualify for the NCAA tournament this season, Parker had a difficult road to the tournament. In a season riddled with disappointment for his team, the junior remained undefeated in dual meet action. In fact, Parker had not lost a match since the West Virginia Tournament in November.

Parker took his regular season momentum into the championship tournaments. By beating Rick Springman of Penn when the two teams met in a dual meet, Parker claimed the top seed at EIWAs. The EIWAs were important for team points. Even more important, however, was that Parker needed to do well at the EIWAs to qualify for the NCAA Tournament. Parker did more than just qualify for the NCAA tournament — he won the EIWA championship. With this win, Parker became the first Tiger to win the EIWAs in 16 years, and he helped Princeton clinch ninth place at the Tournament.

With the win, Parker headed for the NCAA tournament for the second time in two years. But unlike the 2001 season, Parker attended the NCAAs alone; sophomore Joe Clarke and senior Juan Venturi did not qualify for the tournament.

Parker had to win two matches in the four-day tournament to reach the quarterfinals. But with his unfortunate fourth-place seed, Parker knew that he would have to meet the 39-0 No. 1 seed, Otto Olson of Michigan.

Parker did exactly what he planned to do. He cruised through his first few matches, straight into the semifinal. But standing in his way of the championship was Olson. Already clinching the All-America award by finishing in the top eight, Parker now had his sights set on reaching the finals. Olson had no intention of letting Parker reach the championship easily. The match went into the third period tied at 8-8.

In the third period, Parker finally took control of the match and ended Olson's undefeated season. A minute into the period, Parker scored two points with a takedown and scored another point for riding time, winning 11-8.

Now 33-1 on the season, Parker finally reached the championship round. While beating Olson was a thrill for Parker, the fierce match took a toll on his body, and sent him to the championship match at less than 100 percent. But even worse than his minor injuries, Parker now had to deal with West Virginia's Greg Jones. No. 2 in the country, and seeded second at the tournament, Jones was the only wrestler who had beaten Parker all year.

While Jones had the 1-0 season advantage over Parker, the tournament took place at the Pepsi Arena in Albany, only 10 minutes from Parker's home. Along with the local support, most of Parker's Princeton teammates spent Spring Break in Albany just to cheer for him. With Parker painted across the chests of several of his teammates, the junior entered the championship match ready to avenge his earlier loss.

But Parker's dream of a national championship was put on hold this year.

Early in the first period, Parker fell in an awkward position, and separated two of his ribs. Even with the immense pain, Parker refused to forfeit the match, but he was unable to wrestle with his normal attacking style. Jones realized that Parker was no longer at full strength, and the Mountaineer took an insurmountable lead. Even more impressively, Parker managed to score five points, making the final score 12-5.

While the loss was frustrating for Parker, it gives him even more incentive for next year. Parker is by no means a wrestler who needs help getting motivated, but the defeat in the championship match will only make him stronger for next year.