PAGE 7    THE CATS'  PAUSE, DECEMBER  18,   1976
Kentucky Wrestlers Off To Great Start In Defense Of League Crown
Take notice of the University of Kentucky's wrestling team: defending Southeastern Conference Champions, who return everyone from last year's squad.
Apparent conclusion - Kentucky would be considered as in the driver's seat this season among SEC schools.
Not so, according to Wildcats coach Fletcher Carr. "I wouldn't say we're in the driver's seat," he says. "Everyone else is out to get us."
Point of fact: there's Tennessee who also has a squad stacked with veterans, some who didn't compete last year (were redshirted) and will be participating this season. Also, count on florida as being one of the front runners for the SEC crown.
"Instead of us, teams should be gunning for Tennessee and Florida," Carr said. "Tennessee redshirted some of their best people last year. Florida has an abundance of talent plus a good recruiting year and they are always in contention."
Without a doubt, Kentucky is CJnot sitting back, relishing last year's title. Testimony to this was the way the Wildcats opened on the mat at the beginning of the month. UK captured
the Lock Haven (Pa.) Invitational Saturday, Dec. 4 and then drove all night to compete in the Nassau County Invitational at Uniondale, N.Y., Sunday.
Then the weary Wildcats won their first dual meet 30-11 over Toledo, Tuesday, Dec. 7 at Memorial Coliseum.
"Our kids were worn out after the big weekend," Carr said after the Toledo victory. "I'm surprised they did as well as they did tonight."
Kurk Mock, a 134-pounder who injured his knee in the Nassau Invitational, was a doubtful starter against Toledo stepped on the mat and pinned the Rockets' John Cowell at 7:28. Kentucky gained the only other pin in the match when 190-pounder James Johnson overpowered Phil Keen at 5:56.
It's obvious Carr had a successful recruiting season with three freshmen in starting roles. Mark Brabender, from Erie, Pa., decisioned Lamar Sandusky, 6-4 in the 118-pound class; Mike Androeoni, from Huntsville, Ala., lost a tough match to Chuck Biggert 20-8 and Johnson, of Winterf-
ield, N.C., was very impressive.
Jimmy Carr won by superior decision in the 126-pound match with a 26-7 victory over Don Kovach. Toledo's All-American Brad Smith narrowly defeated Tim Mousetis 7-3 in the 142-pound class.
Carl Goulg won Toledo's third and final match with a 8-6 decision over Steve Linz in the 177-pound match.
Scott Crowell defeated Charlie Miller, 8-4 in the 158-pound class, Joe Carr was a winner by a major decision 15-7 over Kelly Carter in the 167-pound match and heavyweight Harold Smith beat Dave Hendricks 7-5 as the Wildcats coasted to victory.
Kentucky will have a chance to put in some practicing time before wrestling in the Midlands tournament Dec. 27 and 28 in Chicago, 111.
"We have to work more on technique," said coach Carr. "We've got to wrestle better. Hopefully, we won't have any injuries."
The Wildcats schedule includes SEC toughies Alabama, Florida, Tennessee and L.S.U. "The whole SEC is really tough," Carr said. "The trend used to be wrestling just in the conference.
Now, we're wrestling everyone. That's why the conference has improved."
"You just can't wrestle in your conference though, or you aren't going to get better. That's a big reason why we were successful last year," added the UK boss.
Kentucky 30, Toledo 11
118- Mark Brabender (K) decisioned Lamar Sandusky, 6-4.
126 Jim Carr (K) won by superior decision over Dan Kovach, 26-7.
134- Kurk Mock (K) pinned John cowell, 7:28.
142-Brad Smith (T) decisioned Tim Mousetis, 7-3.
150-Chuck Biggert (T) decisioned Mike Androeoni, 20-8.
158-Scott Crowell (K) decisioned Charlie Miller, 8-4.
167- Joe Carr (K) won by major decision over Kelly Carter, 15-7.
177- Carl Goulg (T) decisioned Steve Linz, 8-6.
190- James Johnson (T) pinned Phil Keen, 5:56.
Heavyweight- Harold Smith (K) decisioned Dave Hendricks, 7-5.
Hear University of Kentucky head basketball coach Joe Hall before and after each Kentucky game this season on the
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