Princeton University Athletics
Wrestling Kicks Off 2002-03 Season This Weekend With Much Anticipation
November 11, 2002 | Wrestling
Nov. 11, 2002
Princeton wrestling returns to the mat this coming weekend at the Central State Open in Ewing N.J. The Tigers will look to build off the 2001-2002 campaign, which was filled with much success.
The team began the season with high expectations and a determination not to disappoint. Princeton wrestling, proving its ability to compete on the highest level, gained national exposure wrestling perennial top-ten teams such as Iowa, Oklahoma, and Nebraska. The stiff competition faced all winter long paid off for Princeton with numerous individual honors in March.
Princeton wrestlers once again excelled at the EIWA tournament held at Lehigh, with four Eastern place winners and one EIWA champion, Greg Parker. Parker showcased his skills at the National Championships where he had an outstanding tournament, gaining All-America status and becoming Princeton's first National finalist since John Orr in 1985. The team also gained recognition off the mat, having the fourth-highest GPA of any wrestling team in the country. Although the season was filled with both wins and losses, Princeton proved to the rest of the country that its "rebuilding" period is over, and that it is a highly competitive team that will not be taken lightly.
"In the traditional Princeton spirit, we are by no means content with the previous year's performance," said senior Thomas Love. "We have a new set of expectations that far exceed those of last season. With one of the toughest schedules in the country, we will be given opportunities to prove ourselves throughout the season."
Although losing the talent and leadership of six key seniors to graduation, the team has gained an exceptional and enthusiastic freshman class to continue in their footsteps. Despite all the changes, the basic elements of the team and the philosophy for success that has defined the Princeton wrestling program are still in place and as strong as ever. Head Coach Michael New, in his sixth season, will continue to serve as the cornerstone, instilling his "Ivy League" philosophy to his wrestlers. New's foundation will be reinforced by the team's seven returning starters (Brian Kirshbaum (125), John Knorring (133), Joe Clarke (141), Milo Adams (149), Greg Parker (174), Matt Fisher (184), and Joe Looke (HWT).
Joining New on the coaching staff will be Ryan Bonfiglio, a crucial part of Princeton wrestling during the past few years, and assistant coach Kevin Lake, who will also contribute his knowledge and experience following stints at MacMurray College and Central Michigan University.
This season should prove to be one of the most successful in recent memory for Princeton Wrestling. Expectations are high, with individuals aiming for EIWA and National titles, and the team ready to take on the rest of the Ivy League and the EIWA.
Princeton Wrestling at a Glance Greg Parker, defending National Finalist, is back and is intently focused on his pursuit of a National Championship. Parker's talent and commitment will most certainly inspire his senior classmates, including Joe Clarke (141), Seth Dunipace (125) and John Knorring (149) to outstanding years. An extremely talented junior class including 125 pounder Kenny Chu, 133 pounder Brian Kirschbaum, heavyweight Joe Looke, 157 pounder Milo Adams and 174 pounder Andy Avsec have their sights set on All-America honors at Nationals. While spots in the lineup will be hard to come by, there are many in the sophomore class, including Jake Butler (197) and Charlie Wiggins (165) with great potential. On top of this, a hard working class of nearly 20 freshmen will add depth and enthusiasm to an already talented room.
2002-2003 Season Outlook:
Head Coach: Michael L. New
2001-2002 Overall/Ivy Record: 4-18/0-5
Starters Returning/Lost: 6/4
Keep an eye on: Greg Parker, last season became Princeton's first EIWA Champion in 16 years, earning an NCAA tournament bid, where he upset the No. 1 seed. Parker earned All-America and All-Ivy honors.
Key Stat: Princeton Wrestling has won 11 Ivy League titles in it's history with its last championship coming in 1986. The 2002-2003 team looks to end the 16 year drought.
Key Fact: In 2002 Greg Parker became the 5th Princeton wrestler to advance to an NCAA Championship match and the first since 1985. The only Princetonian to ever win an NCAA Championship is Bradley Glass, who won the heavyweight title in 1951.
Key Date: February 22nd at Penn. The Tigers will face the defending Ivy League Champions in their final regular season match in preparation for the EIWA Championships on February 7th.
2001-2002 Records and Tournament Placing for this year's anticipated starters:
125 - Kenny Chu (Did not start)
133 - Brian Kirschbaum (8-12, 6th EIWA)
141 - Joe Clarke (Did not start)
149 - John Knorring (4-11)
157 - Milo Adams (10-12, 2nd TCNJ Open)
165 - Charlie Wiggens (Did not start)
174 - Andrew Avsec (Did not start)
184 - Greg Parker (32-2, 1st EIWA, 2nd NCAA)
197 - Jake Butler (Did not start)
285 - Joe Looke (13-8, 6th EIWA)