Wrestling

Coach Bill Craver, who also serves as freshman line coach in football, faces a rebuilding job this year, as the Big Green varsity wrestling team lost by graduation such outstanding veterans as Captain Fred Pitzner at 167 pounds, Bob Bickell at 177, John Mehl at 123, and Jim Sniderman at 137. In the opening contest with Albany State Teachers College, Ed Lau started in the 123-pound class, and Dick Keith at 130. Both are newcomers to the team and both lost to their Albany opponents. Ron Heineman, wrestling at 137 pounds, won by a close decision, while sophomore Jerry Cantril, wrestling at 147 pounds, won by a fall to give the Indians hope. Captain John Chilson at 157, one of the few veterans, added another fall for the Big Green, while Fred Graybeal, also a letterman, lost by decision. Jay Crane, at 177 pounds, and heavyweight Hank Gerfen both won their matches by decisions to give the Indians a close 19-15 win for their first victory of the season.

Coach Craver feels that the team is making progress, but he is concerned about lack of experience and depth in the 123 and 197-pound classes, particularly with teams like Harvard, M.I.T., Amherst and Brown on the schedule.