It has been twelve years since Harvard has beaten Springfield in wrestling, and when the Chiefs come to the IAB tonight at 7:30, the Crimson is going to have a difficult time reversing the pattern.

Although Springfield is 5-6-1 for the season, its losses have been at the hands of some of the nation's wrestling powers: California Poly Tech, Penn State, Navy, East Stroudsberg, Ashland and Army.

The Chiefs, who seem to be on their way to their 20th consecutive New England title, are unbeaten in New England after last week defeating previously unbeaten Massachusetts, 27-8, who topped Harvard, 22-13.

Harvard, now 9-4, is coming off a trouncing by Hofstra. The Crimson and Springfiled beat Cornell by identical scores.

"It's a big meet for us, and I think we have a chance," coach John Lee said last night. "Our only hope lies in our getting a couple of wins in the first five matches. I think we can win 158, 167, 177 and maybe heavyweight," he added.

Springfiled has excellent lower weights. Bill Metts at 118 and Ray Ferrari at 126 were New England freshman champions last year, and at 134, Tom Pollard is a two-time New England titleholder. Steve Gaydoch (135) is also an area champion.

The Chief's ace sophomore at 150. Stan Sotherdan, will be out with a bad ear infection, and after that the line-up goes downhill. However, two-year letterman Bill Kendle-berry is back at heavyweight for the first time this year after an injury.

For Harvard, Dave Scanlon will be wrestling at 190, although his injured knee is not completely healed. Harvard's lineup will stay the same otherwise, except at 198 where Lee has not yet decided whether to start regular Colin Mangrum or Dean Shepherd, who is returning to the team after taking a semester off.