1961-62 University of Rochester Varsity Wrestling Team

KNEELING: V. Caravaglio, E. Schwartz, J. Mather, E. Greiner. STANDING: Coach L. Bernabi, J. Walsh, J. Manioci, D. Monticello, R. Countryman.  (SOURCE: Interpres, University of Rochester, 1963.)

Coach Leo Bernabi's second year as wrestling coach for the Yellowjacket grapplers was one of bitter disappointment. Losing only three men from last year's fine 5-2 season, anticipation was high for a strong team.

However, as every U of R coach will stress, you just cannot make predictions in a school of this size. Injuries and lack of depth and academic difficulties were the "unpredictables" that resulted in a 1-7-1 season for the Rivermen.

At 123 pounds sophomore Ed Greiner from Mohawk, New York wrestled until academic difficulty forced him to the sidelines for the second semester. Greiner was 2-3 for the season. Bernabi feels that perhaps this year has given the "little Moe" the experience needed to be a consistant winner.

Filling in for Greiner was junior Ed Schwartz from Howard Beach, New York. A hard worker, he showed marked improvement as the season progressed.

Wrestling at 130 pounds junior Don Monticello from Vestal, New York was termed "most improved" by Coach Bernabi. His best match of the season was a 7-7 draw against the Hobart co-captain at Hobart.

Substituting for Monticello at anywhere from 130 to 147 pounds was John Mather from Pittsburg, Pa.

At 137 pounds was footballer Vin Carvaglio. Carvaglio never never wrestled before this season, but made a credible showing on the strength of his being a fine, dedicated athlete. Bernabi's praise for Carvaglio was unstinted. "He never missed practice, was a willing learner, and improved greatly as the season progressed." Now that he has some experience, the junior from Norwich, New York will probably be a consistent winner.

Weighing 147 pounds and perhaps the finest wrestler this school has seen in the four year history of wrestling, is junior co-captain Rick Countryman from Spencerport, New York. Countryman's only defeat in two years of varsity competition was by default when he dislocated his shoulder in the University of Toronto match. In winning these four matches he registered two pins and decisioned a wrestler from R.P.I. 6-2 whose only losses in two years have been at the hands of Countryman.

At 157 pounds was Nick Milley, a junior from Buffalo. Milley went 4-5 for the season. With a little luck, he could have been a big winner, but he lost three matches by two points. When Milley is wrestling up to par, he gets stronger in the third period and is usually difficult to defeat. Bernabi is counting on him to be his "ace in the hole" as he anticipates a winning season next year.

Footballer Charlie Miner from Williamsville, New York wrestled in the 167 pound class. He had the difficult task of replacing the outstanding Don Haefele, now coach of the freshman. Miner's record was 4-4-1 as a sophomore. Bernabi feels that Miner was tough, but lacked the experience this season to win consistently in his weight class. Miner's strong finish may indicate that he will be a top wrestler next year.

In the unlimited division was Jerry Manioci. Manioci weighed only 175 pounds, but agreed to wrestle unlimited because there was no one with experience in that weight class for Rochester. Surprisingly enough, however, the junior football guard ― co-captain for next year ― did very well until injuries forced him out for the season.

Manioci's record was 2-1-1. His only loss came at the hands of a very fast 205 pounder, 7-5, and he drew with a 265 pounder! He was an exciting wrestler to watch, due to his explosiveness, and his favorite hold was a "pan-e-cake" takedown, which resembles a judo flip.

Replacing Manioci when he was injured was John Walsh, co-captain of the football team with Manioci next year. Walsh wrestled for the first time this year, and earned high praise from Bernabi. "Walsh, like Carvaglio, is a true athlete. He seldom missed practice, worked hard and never complained. I am proud to have him on the team."

Walsh, a junior from Casenovia, New York is a 190 pounder and, as was the case with Manicoci, was greatly outweighed in the unlimited division. Against Alfred he went down to 177 pounds to register a decision. His season record was 2-2.

Prospects look good next season for the Bernabi-men. They lose no one via graduation, and look to pick up support from the freshman ranks. The freshman had a schedule for the first time this year, and under Coach Haefele compiled a 2-3 record. Outstanding on the frosh was Tom Skola from Cleveland, Ohio. A 123 pounder, Scola seems to have all the moves, and should develop into a fine wrestler on the Varsity next year.

Other frosh wrestlers were Tim Rahman 10, who improved greatly as the season progressed, Dave Aronson at 137 pounds, and Bill Yust at 147 pounds. Dana Hopkins, although not a regular on the frosh team, improved tremendously and could give valuable support next year. Rounding out the yearling squad are Dick Page 157, Ted Anderson and John Batt 167, Al Maley 177, Andy Olukhans and Jim Minor 191. (Interpres, 1963)

None reported.

None reported.