University of Virginia Library

Wrestlers Win Two Of Three

In what Coach George
Edwards calls their best effort
to date, the Cavalier wrestlers
won two of three dual meets in
Blacksburg Saturday as they
topped Alabama and
cross-state rival VPI, and
bowed to powerful Indiana in a
contest which was undecided
until the last match.

"Everyone on the team gave a
100 per cent effort," said Coach
Edwards. "The team has really
started to jell. We feel we will be in
good shape by the time the ACC
tournament comes up at Memorial
Gym next month."

The Cavaliers again showed
strength in the lower weight classes
with Jack Johndrow and John
Pitas, each a weight class lower than
in previous meets, leading the way
with identical 2-0 records.
Co-captain John Pegues was 2-0-1
at 150 and Denis Bittenbender was
2-1 at 158 to show considerable
strength in the middle weights.

Kevin Michaels continued to
give impressive performances in the
190-pound class as he easily beat all
three of his opponents, shutting out
two of them.

Weakness at 167, 177, and
heavyweight continued to plague
the Cavaliers, as they could manage
but one tie against seven losses in
these weight classes. However, the
return of Bill Farrell to the
heavyweight slot, which is expected
in this weekend's match at North
Carolina should strengthen the
team at that position. In addition,
co-captain Ted Moore, presently
out with a knee injury, should be
back in action soon.

The return of these two, along
with that of defending ACC
134-pound champ Shelley Zablow
which is expected in two weeks,
should leave the Cavaliers in good
position to challenge Maryland's
long time dominance of the ACC
tournament, which, according to
Mr. Edwards, is "what we are really
looking forward to now."

The matmen easily trounced
Alabama 22-12, and squeaked by
the Hokies 18-15. They led Indiana
15-12 before Cavalier heavyweight
Bob Fowler was pinned by Bob
Donatelli with twelve seconds gone
in the final period to give the
Hoosiers a 17-15 win.