Varsity wrestlers gave Springfield an early advantage, caught the Maroons and took the lead late in the meet, and finally had to settle for a 15 to 15 draw, Saturday at Springfield. Although the Crimson retains its unbeaten record, the tie snaps a string of four connecutive victories.

Howie Houston's previously undefeated freshmen fared slightly worse, suffering a 16 to 14 beating at Exeter.

Coach Bob Pickett called the Maroons the toughest opponents" his wrestiers have faced this season. "If heavyweight George Bates had another few seconds to wreatle, he would have won a decision in his match and the team would have had another victory. But he drew and the meet resulted in a tie."

Pickett made a slight lineup change before the meet. Captain Johnny Lee was shifted to 130, while Eddie Bursk moved into the 123-pound position. Bursk dropped the opening match on a 4 to 1 decision, and Lee, in his first appearance this year, took a 4 to 0 decision.

Hopes for Crimson victory decreased when 137-pound Icko Then lost his first match of the season, a 6 to 4 decision Sophomore Larry Wilde drew, 2 to 2, and 157-pound Chick Chandler evened up the score by decisioning. 9 to 5.

Tony Caimi at 167 put the Crimson ahead by pinning his opponent at 4:23 on a half-nelson and crotch-hold, but Dave Morris was pinned in the next match. Heavyweight Bates, going into the final match with the score tied at 13 to 13. drew, 4 to 4.