University of Virginia Library

Coach Edwards Optimistic
About Wrestlers' Chances

By Bill Buck

After what was, to say the least,
a lackluster season in 1967-68, the
Virginia wrestling team can be
counted on to have a new life and
possibly a more prosperous season.

Check the facts: Home again at
Lehigh as assistant coach is last
year's Head Coach Mike Caruso. In
his place is new Head Coach George
Edwards. After four years as an
assistant at Penn State, Edwards
can be said to be an experienced
mentor. He will also have ten
seasoned lettermen back from last
year's team which finished at a
2-6-1 mark and a next to last finish
in the ACC Tournament.

Heading the list of returning
letter winners are co-captains Tom
Moore and Chuck West cot. Others
include Ron Bright, Jay Douglas,
Rick Evans, Pete Faber, Art
Horton, Rick Constantine, and
Charles Sutton. Back also from a
fine Freshman season are John
Segues and Ed McClung. Last year
was the first time that Freshmen
were allowed to wrestle in Varsity
competition and these two boys
responded with astounding
performances.

Last years Captain Jon
Shurberg has departed through
graduation. This means Coach
Wilson must find a new lightweight
to fill the hole left by the
123-pounder.

The heavyweight slot is again
held down by Horton. His
last-minute performances helped
the Cavaliers register their two
victories last season.

The middle weights should
prosper under the tutorage of
Coach Edwards. He was a
three-year letterman at the 147 lb.
class for the Nittany Lions. Jon
Pegues at 145 finished third in the
ACC. Co-captain Moore finished
second at 152 and Westcott placed
third at 137. These middle weights
have the talent and potential to
lead the Cavaliers.

Edwards cannot speculate on the
success of this year's team since he
has not, as of yet, met with them.
He does, however, promise a 100%
effort from himself, and what more
can a team demand. His main
concern will be having the players
mentally alert for each contest.
Coming off a dismal season like last
year may have an effect on the
players, but Edwards is hoping for a
successful season and will
undoubtedly instill a "new life"
into Virginia's wrestling future.