"Granit brings a great knowledge of technique to the team," Friedman said. "And it's really valuable to have two different perspectives from our coaches."

Taropin's hiring, coupled with committed and successful recruiting, imply an intense push for excellence this season on the part of the Crimson.

Building on last year's ground-breaking achievements, Harvard seeks both individual and team progress.

Expect NCAA qualifiers Friedman and defending EIWA champion at 158 pounds Mosley to repeat, and to better their tournament performances. Friedman dropped his first two matches at last year's tournament and Mosley went 1-2.

Look also for NCAA potential in junior Jim Butera, who nearly missed a tournament berth last year and was a top-10 finisher at 118 pounds in the EIWAs.

"Individually, several guys will have great success," Costello said. "As a team, however, there are certain holes in the lineup."

Indeed, Volpe's injury and nagging open slots at the heavier weight classes, particularly the 177-pound and heavyweight divisions, may impede Harvard's team successes this season.

The Crimson should challenge for the EIWA top five but will have difficulty competing with front runners Penn and Lehigh, more rounded teams than bottom-heavy Harvard.

Nonetheless, the Crimson's infusion of new talent and its off-season adjustments spell a distinct confidence.

"Basically, our goal is, every time we go to the mat, to make the other team feel like they're going through war," Mosley said.

The Crimson fires the opening salvoes Saturday at East Stroudsburg. Don't be surprised to see some fireworks this year.

After East Stroudsburg the team will spend much of its season testing itself in invitationals across the country. Come mid-February, however, the team competes against Ivy League foes Cornell, Columbia and Brown at home.