Continuing where it left off last year, the Harvard wrestling team opened its '82-'83 season with a solid victory over a strong Boston University squad, 26-18, at B.U.'s Kay Center last night.

While not surprised by the final tally, Crimson Coach Johnny Lee said he was "pleased" with the team's debut and is looking forward to what could be the best year in Harvard wrestling history.

This year's squad, led by senior Tri-captains Paul Wider man, Andy McNerney, and Jim Phills, presents a balanced attack with strong wrestlers throughout the lineup.

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"We have put in a lot of hard work, and are very optimistic about the season," said Wider man, who scored a convincing first period pin over B.U.'s Ernest Millard in the 118-lb, weight class.

Opening the match for the Crimson, Wider man relentlessly controlled his victim, maintaining the "top" position from the first whistle until the fall.

In the next match, Harvard freshman Steve Beat opened his college wrestling career auspiciously, scoring a key reversal and near-fall at the end of the final period to capture a 12-8 decision.

Carrying a 9-4 Crimson lead into his match, the 142-lb, McNerney faced off against Terrier Tri-Captain Mike Enzien. Finding himself behind, 11-6, going into the final period. McNerney lived up to his seventh-place national ranking--according to Amateur Wrestling News--by rebou for six unanswered points to claim a hard fought 12-11 decision.

B.U. took a 13-12 lead after scoring two successive victories before Harvard's Sean Healery pinned his opponent at the end of the first period in his 167-lb, match. Sophomore Barry Bausano followed suit with a 9-5 victory in the 177-lb, match to secure a 21-13 lead for Harvard.

Carrying a narrow 21-18 lead into the final match of the evening, Crimson heavy weight sensation Jim Phills extinguished B.U.'s hopes, riding on the broad shoulders of Dave Koplovitz. With his usual quickness and power, Phills quieted the partisan crowd with an 18-5 thrashing of his larger opponent.