Yet it was the determined wrestling of the rest of the team that gained the Crimson enough points to capture the title. Despite some early losses, the Crimson stormed back during the consolation rounds, ending up with eight top five finishes altogether.

"We won so many huge matches in the wrestlebacks that we had virtually assured the team title by the start of the finals," said Picarsic. "I think that's what really defines our team this year-how much the team goals mattered to each individual, even in what is primarily an individual sport."

At 125-lbs, El-Hayek wrestled to a strong 3rd place finish, setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting senior year.

"It really was an unbelievable feeling to leave EIWAs knowing that we had accomplished our goals," said El-Hayek. "I am excited to make this a tradition rather than an exception. Harvard Wrestling can only improve from this point on."

Jantzen (149-pounds) continued in his unprecedented rookie campaign, securing second after falling to a repeat All-American in the finals. Odom (157-pounds) turned in a tremendous effort, battling for third place honors. It was an effort that reflected his season long dedication and perseverance. Although hampered by torn cartilage in his shoulder, Odom chose to have surgery in the off-season so he could continue to wrestle. His contribution to the line-up played a major role in helping the Crimson win the Ivy and EIWA titles and earned him the team Unsung Hero Award.

At 165-pounds, O'Donnell grappled to a strong fourth-place finish. Volpe (184-pounds) shut out his first two opponents before falling to the eventual winner of the weight class. He then stormed back through the consolation rounds to take third. Sophomore Reggie Lee also had a great showing, bouncing back in the wrestlebacks to claim fifth in the 197-pound weight class.

With their standout performances, Picarsic, Rechul and Jantzen guaranteed themselves a trip to Nationals-automatically given to the two top finishers in each class. The impressive wrestling of Odom, O'Donnell and Volpe in highly competitive weight classes earned them wildcards births. Such marked the first season in the program's history for the team to claim six NCAA qualifiers.

At Nationals, the six faced an extremely difficult draw that placed them up against the top-ranked wrestlers in early rounds. The highlight of the tournament came from Rechul, whose strong wrestling earned him a top twelve finish. Rechul came within one round of earning All-American accolades, but fell to the eventual fifth-place winner.