Record: 7 Wins, 4 Losses

1962-63 University of Rochester Yellowjackets Varsity Wrestling Team

FRONT ROW: John Monticello, Tom Skola, Ron Navik, Bill Yust. BACK ROW: Coach Bob Baker, Charlie Minor, Dick Page, John Batt, Dick Steele. (SOURCE: Interpres, University of Rochester, 1964.)
 

Intensive training, a strong sophomore contigent and dependable depth produced a fine record for the wrestling team during the 1962-62 season. In his first year at the University of Rochester and the team's fifth season, Coach Bob Baker led the team to a winning 7-4 record. Participating in the largest schedule yet carried, the team began with three victories over Rensselaer, Toronto and Clarkson, and then dropped a match to a strong Oswego team. After sustaining defeats to three well seasoned schools and gaining two wins against Union and Hartwick, the team finished by two wins over Alfred and arch rival Hobart.

Although Coach Baker during the season shifted men from weights for strategy purposed, John Monticello wrestled at 123 in the first lightweight class. This was John's first year of collegiate wrestling and his speed and aggressive moves merited him a fine initial record. Gaining valuable experience this year, John should be a strong 123-pounder next season. Outstanding freshman last year at 123, Tom Skola tilted the scales at 130 this year and accumulated a season record of 8-3. Only a sophomore, Tom's smooth and fast style of wrestling remained consistent throughout the season. We can expect Tom to lengthen his victory string next year. A senior member of the squad, Don Montocello filled the 137-pound class. Improving since his sophomore year, Don's season was directly related to his favorite move, the 'elevator.' This maneuver helped give him a fine record; his graduation will leave a vital weight class open next year.

Sophomores characterized the middle-weight classes. Before his injury, team captain Rick Countryman, who has sustained only two defeats in his college career, had been undefeated. However, his injury early in the season removed him from the active team. But, sophomore Bill Yust adeptly filled the vacated position. Bill, who got stronger as the season progressed, compiled a 4-5 record. This year's varsity experience should make him a consistent winner next year. Another freshman standout from last year, Dick Page, earned the 157-pound class. Employing his defensive style and capitalizing upon opponents' mistakes, Dick amassed an impressive 6-1 record for the season. Registering in the 167-pound class was Charlie Minor, a junior and transfer from football. A cautious but aggressive wrestler, Charlie accumulated a respectable record while meeting several tough opponents. Next year the coach hopes to see Charlie as a reliable winner in his class after years of experience against well-seasoned opposition.

Elusiveness and speed readily describe the heavyweights, John Batt and Dick Steele. John, a sophomore and rapidly improving with every match with his famous 'double-trouble' hold, finished the season compiling a 6-3-1 record. This sophomore should be a mainstay of next year's squad. Lastly, in the unlimited class is Dick Steele. Assuming the captainship after injury sidelined Dick Countryman, Dick turned in a remarkable season. His hast, cat-like moves often dumfounded opponents and earned him a fine record of 9-1-1. A senior, Dick joins the outstanding wrestlers of the U. of R. and his graduation will leave a large gap in the team line-up.

Other grapplers providing depth and competition for the lower weight classes were Ed Swartz, John Mather, Vinnie Carvaglio and Ric Fishback. Those squad members pushing the middle weights for starting positions were Dave Aronson, Ron Navik and Dana Hopkins, while Andy Wynn and Andy Olukalns backed up the heavy weights.

The freshman team, with a 2-5 record, should also provide additional candidates for the starting positions next year. 123-pounder Bill Silverman will give needed competition at that light weight class. Team captain Jack Beck, 7-0 for the season, will create a battle at the 147-pound class. the remaining team members of Coach Haffele's frosh squad were Mike Villareale (137), Lew Morrision (147), Rick Packard (157), Bruce Chambers (167) and Bruce Brown (177).

Since the team will be losing only three seniors, the remaining juniors and sophmores will form a strong nucleus for next year. With the added competition from the frosh, the team plans to improve this season's 7-4 record and hopes to give Coach Baker his first undefeated season at the U. of R. next year. (Interpres, 1964)

None reported.

Lemme outta here! Dick Steele's opponent wants to leave the gym.

Bill Yust pulls his taller opponent off the mat.