University of Virginia Library

The Nach Is Back

Matmen Face Hokies

By Tom Bell
Cavalier Daily Staff Writer

Coach George Edwards' Cavalier
wrestling squad returns to University
Hall Saturday night to face
cross-state rival Virginia Tech, in an
effort to snap a five-year losing
streak against the Gobblers.

"We always like to beat the
Hokies," says Mr. Edwards. "This is
the first time we have really had a
chance to beat them in quite a few
years."

VPI, suffering through one of its
worst seasons with only two victories
to its credit, is led by 142
pound sophomore Russell Reid,
who is undefeated in two years of
intercollegiate wrestling, and freshman
John Sprenkle, who was
Pennsylvania high school champion
in the heavy weight class last year,
According to Edwards, "they have
been up and down all year, and
have had a lot of injuries."

The Cavaliers, currently riding
an 8-3 record after two big victories
over Duke and N.C. State last
weekend, are in good shape for the
match, with co-captain John Pegues
the only questionable starter. Injuries
will keep Pegues' status
uncertain until the match, with
Sandy Stuart his probably replacement
if necessary.

The VPI match will be the next
to the last of the regular season for
the Cavaliers. The last will be
February 27 when ACC defending
champion Maryland comes to Charlottesville.
The Terps have never
lost an ACC meet, and the Cavaliers
"are really looking forward to the
Maryland match," according to
Edwards. A win over Maryland
would give the Cavaliers a perfect
4-0 record in the ACC for the
season and put them in the
favorites role for the ACC tournament,
to be held March 6-7 in
Raleigh, N.C.

This weekend's match will be
held after the basketball game with
Clemson in University Hall. Probable
starting time is 10 p.m.