For the past three years, the Harvard wrestling team has been on the rise.

In 1998, the Crimson placed fourth in the EIWA and claimed its first All-American since 1983. It was an auspicious start, but no one could have predicted just how fast this ascension among both conference and national ranks would be.

Since that season, Harvard has consistently placed a solid third or fourth in the EIWA and ranked well within the top-30 in the country. To make up for the 15-year gap between All-Americans, the team has had five in just three years. But, this is only the beginning.

"This year's team is one of our strongest line-ups," Harvard Coach Jay Weiss said. "We have very strong leadership that is imperative to our success, as well as a group of young guys with a tremendous work ethic."

Although Harvard will greatly miss last year's graduating class led by All-Americans Ed Mosley '00 and Joey Killar '00, this is certainly not a rebuilding year for the Crimson. Rather, the team looks not only to repeat the successes of the past few years but also to add to them.

"We lost some great wrestlers, but we got another great recruiting class that will make an immediate impact," co-captain Matt Picarsic said. "We also have a strong sophomore class that is ready to make a big contribution."

The team will continue to benefit from an outstanding coaching staff, headed by Weiss, The Harvard Crimson's 1999-2000 Coach of the Year. Joining Weiss is an experienced team of assistant coaches which includes former Soviet National Coach Granit Taropin, and former Harvard All-Americans Dustin DeNunzio '99 and Andy McNerney '83. With a top notch coaching staff and the leadership of co-captains Fran Volpe and Picarsic, this team of seasoned veterans and promising freshman is poised to be a major force in the EIWA and NCAA.

Wrestling a very competitive schedule, the team will spend the first part of the season in tournament competition, which will include this weekend's East Stroudsburg Tournament, the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational, and the Midlands Tournament at Northwestern.