Wrestling must fight back from graduation deficits

Two-time All-American Greg Parker '03 was a force to be reckoned with on the wrestling mats, dominating his matches and consistently raising the level of intensity of those around him. His desire for success was contagious, pushing others to succeed.

But last spring, Parker and eight other seniors on the wrestling team graduated, leaving behind some large shoes for the Tigers to fill.

The graduation of Parker undoubtedly leaves a gaping hole, notably in the starting spot of the 184-lb. weight class. Setting his sights on this opening, senior Matt Fisher will move down to this weight after starting last season at 197 pounds. Unfortunately for the Tigers, an off-season injury will keep him on the sidelines until mid-December. Senior Alan Sista and sophomore Ian Roncoroni will battle to fill this spot.

One of the strongest wrestlers in Princeton history, Parker was an invaluable asset to the team.

Irreplaceable

"Greg Parker is impossible to replace," sophomore Tim Prugar said. "It was nothing short of a privilege getting to wrestle in the same room as a guy like that. He had an incredible work ethic both on and off the mat. He was humble, encouraging, and really made wrestling [at Princeton] something special."

Despite the loss of Parker, however, the Tigers must press on and step up as the beginning of the season unfolds. A strong group of seniors leads the Tigers this year, with co-captains Kenny Chu, Brian Kirsch-baum, Joe Looke, Nate Rawlings, Milo Adams and Matt Hawrilenko providing guidance and support for the squad.

"I think that anyone in the senior class has the ability to step up, break out and become a leader and the type of consistent performer that Parker was," Chu said. "[Head] coach [Mike] New has said over and over again that our senior class is as good as any in the Ivy League, and I believe that."

The Tigers boast not only one or two strong wrestlers this season, but a solid group of ten in the lineup.

"I think the team this year has more talent than it did last year," Chu added. "I'll admit that people are going to have to step it up from some of the less outstanding performances from the past. But as far as potential goes, I think it's unlimited with the type of talent we have in the wrestling room right now."

Much of that talent can be found in the sophomore class.

Among the sophomores who could prove themselves this year are Ryan Foss and Will Trudell at 141 pounds, Matt Piselli (149), Andrew Ianuzzi and Tim Prugar (157) and Matt DeNichilo (165).

"I'm excited about the sophomores," New said. "It's a big group of guys who are deeply connected, work hard and come together very well."

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The Tigers also welcome many freshmen to the squad, all of whom can push their teammates in the practice rooms and even compete for some of the starting spots in the various weight classes. Greg Redman (125) and Eric Marcotulli (133) will challenge Chu and Kirschbaum, and heavyweight Kristopher Berr could easily become one in a long line of great Princeton heavyweights.

The big question mark for the team rests in the return of sophomore Jake Butler. Following an injury that ended his season a year ago, Butler took a leave from Princeton and will not return until the end of January.

"Butler is one of the most talented members of this Tiger squad, and a healthy return from him could provide a tremendous boost to the second half of the year," assistant coach Kevin Lake said.

The Tigers will also face several tough opponents this season, both in and out of the Ivy League. Dual meet matches with nationally ranked No. 17 Central Michigan, No. 19 Wisconsin, No. 22 Purdue, and No. 24 Northern Illinois are several highlights of the non-conference schedule for Princeton. New and Lake hope that these matches will help prepare the team for its competition within the Ivy League, of which three member teams are nationally ranked.

The Tigers begin their season tonight versus South Dakota State at 7 p.m. in Dillon Gym.