Wrestling looks for success at EIWA and NCAA competitions

The list of possible outcomes for the wrestling team in its last tournament of the year is a short one. This weekend's tournament could be the last one of the season for the wrestling team, or it could be the stepping-stone for Nationals, turning what has been a disappointing season for the team into a rather good one.

All year long, Princeton (3-18 overall, 0-5 Ivy League) has heralded its difficult schedule, hoping that the high level of competition early in the season would make them strong for the final tournaments of the season. The team will see how true that is this weekend. Moreover, the tournament, to be held at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA, will give the Tigers the opportunity to prove that they are a better team than the Princeton team that finished last in the Ivy League.

Entering the Eastern Intercolle-giate Wrestling Association tournament, Princeton's goal is to place in every weight class. Although this is a daunting task, head coach Mike New has total confidence in his team.

"While a lot of the guys are not expected to make much of an impact at EIWAs, I know that everyone of the starters has a great chance of placing," said New.

One of the strongest wrestling league's in the country, the EIWA has a number of nationally ranked teams in it. The Tigers have not fared well against top teams all season. But the format of the EIWA tournament is better suited for the Tigers than the dual-meet format.

Junior Greg Parker, ranked fifth in the country at 174 lbs., has not been beaten all year. An injury during a Christmas tournament, forcing him to forfeit, is the only imperfection on Parker's record this season.

Besides the attractive record, Parker has faced many of the nation's top wrestlers all season, including all of the other top 174 lb. wrestlers in the EIWA.

"A national championship has been our goal all season for Greg," New said. "I know that he has a great chance at it. Parker has handled every challenge this season, and I do not expect him to have any trouble with this tournament."

In addition to the honor of a potential EIWA championship, this tournament is also a qualifier for the national championship tournament. The top two finishers at every weight class will receive automatic bids for the NCAA championships, and the EIWA will also choose another 12 wrestlers, who receive wild card bids for the tournament.

Seniors Juan Venturi and Jon Bunt, and sophomores Milo Adams, Joe Looke and Brian Kirschbaum all have good shots at placing at EIWAs.

Princeton's finish at the tournament will depend on the performances by these wrestlers.

"We could very easily see the weekend as the last weekend of our season, but I know that none of the captains will allow that," New said. "These guys are wrestling to win, not to finish their season."