Things keep adding up for the Harvard wrestling team.

With two stellar freshmen, Nick Cianciola and Joe Biland, joining the roster, and all of the returning wrestlers showing the fruits of another year of experience, things are looking A-OK. Sure enough, the Crimson knocked off favored Boston University, 20-13, last month, and nabbed fifth place in the Coast Guard tournament last weekend.

Spirits are high. Confidence is soaring. The Crimson is shooting for the Ivy League title. Things are falling into place.

But...

"Injuries could be disastrous for us," Harvard Coach Jim Peckham said.

After the Coast Guard tourney, the squad is minus three for at least their next match, on Saturday in New York City with NYU, WPI and UNH.

There seems to be a Crimson voodoo doll with pins in its legs.

The Crimson has lost Co-Captain Kelly Flynn, a steady heavyweight, and Ted Stachtiaris, the starting 142-pounder, to knee injuries. Stachtiaris will miss a few weeks, and Flynn may miss the entire season.

A leg infection gone wild has left 134-lb. Sam Cole in the hospital with a systemic infection. Cole is recovering speedily, and should be ready to practice next week.

Injuries aside, the team is looking up this year.

Even without two wrestlers from last season's 10-8 squad (3-3 Ivies), Alex Konovalchik at 190 lbs. and Scott Beck at 142 lbs., the Crimson has ample young talent to fill in their wrestling shoes.

In the lower weights, the Crimson counts on Cole and Cianciola for automatic points this year.

"From a technical point of view," Peckham said, "Sam Cole and Nick Cianciola are the most impressive two on the mat."

Cole was Ivy Rookie of the year last season and was undefeated until his last match when, suffering from a rib injury, he fell to an inferior Brown opponent. Cole is aiming for possible All-America honors this year.

If the C-C combo has other Ivy teams quaking, the J-J combo in the higher weights is almost as lethal.