Princeton University Athletics
Parker Wins Twice, Wrestles Way Into Quarterfinals
March 21, 2002 | Wrestling
March 21, 2002
Albany, N.Y. - Princeton junior Greg Parker had two impressive performances Thursday at the NCAA Division I wrestling championships at the Pepsi Arena to move into the quarterfinal round.
Parker, the fourth seed at 174 pounds, defeated Illinois' Brian Glynn in his first match 5-0 and then knocked off Rutgers freshman Andrew Roy for the third time this season, this time 3-0.
The wins advanced Parker to a meeting Friday morning (approximately 11:30) against Missouri's John Kopiniski. The winner of that match will advance to Friday evening's semifinals, where No. 1 seed Otto Olson of Michigan could possibly be waiting.
"He dominated both matches," said Princeton coach Mike New. "He's wrestling really well. He's much more offensive on his feet, which will really help him. He's doing a great job, and he's positioned himself exactly where he needs to be. He has a solid kid in the quarterfinals and then possibly the No. 1 seed in the semifinals, but I think he can do it."
Parker, who improved to 31-1 on the season, defeated Roy a week ago to win the EIWA title. In the rematch at the NCAA championships, the two wrestled through a scoreless first period before Parker took over.
Parker scored first on a takedown in the second period, and he added an escape to start the third to make it 3-0. Roy came back with a takedown in the final minute, but Parker escaped to make the final 4-2.
Parker has the added benefit of going for the championship in his hometown.
"It's amazing how everyone here knows him," New said. "The table workers all know him. The press is all over him. There's pictures of him everywhere. It's been great."