On the eve of a gigantic tussle with Yale this Saturday Varsity wrestlers are making a desperate effort to counterbalance the setbacks of a very mediocre season. Ardent fans of the rough-and-tumble sport of grappling are beginning to ask, "How is it that a squad with some excellent material at the start has lost every major event this year?"

First of all a phenomenal succession of injuries has caused the removal of number one men in several middleweight positions. Sickness accounts for others being out of training at the crucial meets. But generally a lack of confidence prevails, due to insidious bad luck.

Outstanding among all matmen is 175-pound Captain Johnnie Harkness, who has chalked up eight straight victories. Probably the most perfectly developed undergraduate, Harkness feiled at Penn State the intercollegiate champion Ross Shaffer, and by dint of this victory may well earn the title in the champion tilts this year. Among his victims also are Captain Mouse Emory of Princeton and Kerns of Navy.

Bill Glendinning, heavyweight Crimson threat last season, has had a disappointing record. Lacking the speed and dexterity of his former triumphs, Glendinning bowed to Player of Navy and Charlie Toll of Princeton whom he beat last year in one of the most spectacular matches in the history of the sport. More notable has been the work of 118-pounder Harvey Ross whose only loss has been to blind heavyweight Allman of Penn. Easily taking in his stride minor opponents at M.I.T., Brown, and Tufts, Ross was one of the two who conquered at Navy.

Expect Power From Daughaday

In the 165-pound class Sophomore Bill Daughaday has great potentialities to become some day the Crimson's major threat. Yet somewhat green, Daughaday is well built and has developed an efficient technique. His record is not impressive although he won his first four matches over weak opponents. Because he put up a stiff fight against Navy and Penn and also against Charlie Powers of Princeton, observers are predicting he will do well in the Eastern events.

Harry Kidder in the 155-pound division has lost every match this year. Unfortunately he has met some of the toughest opponents in the field of wrestling, and against them the margin of loss has been slight. He proved his ability when, in the M.I.T. match he moved up to the 175-pound class, and won a decision from Lucas.

Poor Records In Middleweights

Art Page, alternating between the 145-pound and 135-pound weights, has also been beaten in every match. Because of his undefeated record as a Freshman, wrestling fans were forecasting for him a splendid season, but he has had his share of disabilities and is still only a Sophomore. Al Richter, whom he has replaced in the 135-pound class, lost every encounter except Brown and M.I.T. Richter is conscientious and is a first-rate grappler. Undoubtedly he will become one of Pat Johnson's chief assets soon.

The 126-pound division is held down by Louis Ach, a Junior, who won against Springfield and Penn but lost other matches. His place was taken early in the year by Sophomore Lou Daily, raw and inexperienced but determined. Ach has progressed rapidly during the last year and may gain honors as a Senior.

The 145-pound job has shifted from Dick Lindenfelser to Art Page to Ed Barnes. The latter wrestled in only one match, which he won, and was forced out by injury. Lindenfelser has lost every one of his major events but will probably continue to grapple in this division.