Even in reasonably normal years, coaches in any sport must beware of contingencies like the draft, studies, or outside interests to cut into line-ups and upset plans. But this season, the 82nd Airborne, the Hasty Pudding, and textbooks have made even deeper inroads than usual on the wrestling squad.

For 1952-53 was going to be a big year for Coach Bob Pickett. He has his most ambitious schedule, with ten meets listed--two more than last year. Since he came here two years ago, he has been building towards a solid, experienced squad. He should have had such a squad this season. For example, in 1951-52 he could point to an exceptional freshman team and a varsity that was packed with sophomores and juniors.

Pickett has lost two of his junior stars, one of his sophomores, temporarily, at any rate, and one freshman. Graduation didn't dig into his reserves at all, since only one senior appeared in the line-up last season.

Light Weight Loss

But Johnny Lee, the squad's captain and a former AAU 123-pound champion, was drafted last spring. Icko Iben, who wrestled at 137 and 147 last season, did not come out for the team. Eddie Bursk, a junior who wrestled at 123 last season, is in Hasty Pudding Theatrical's current production, and will be out for the first three meets, at least. Sophomore Dick Adams, a 130-pounder, did not come out for practice.

This loss of men, all in the light weight positions, creates a problem. Pickett formerly had to count on a good deal strength from the lower weight men in his alignment, in order to balance out the squad's rather undependable heavy section.

With a single exception, he must now field comparatively untested men in the four light positions. Bud Adams is that exception. The only senior on the squad, Adams had a good sophomore year and began his junior year with three consecutive victories, but then fell ill and was inactive for the remainder of the year.

Sophomore Hopefuls

At 123, Pickett had Al Muggia, a junior who has had no experience with the varsity. At 130, sophomore Don Fern will probably start, bringing with him a year of work with the freshman squad. Last year's freshman captain and an outstanding performer, Pete Hiam will open at 137.

Two more sophomores, Lenny Miller and Ken Culbert, will start at the 157 and 177 pound posts, respectively, Both wrestled with the Yardlings last year. At the remaining posts, Pickett has a couple of experienced men. Chick Chandler, a 167 pounder, and heavyweight George Bates were in starting position for the varsity last year.

Fortunately, the rough end of the schedule does not come until February, when the wrestlers must successively face six of the East's foremost powers: Army, Brown, Princeton, Springfield, Columbia and Yale. Until then, Pickett must whip his line-up into shape and overcome the handicap of inexperience against Boston University, Amherst, Tufts and Williams.