Christmas gifts could come in Spartan green

Winter vacation is looming and nothing would give the Michigan wrestling team a better holiday feeling than a victory over their arch-rivals at Michigan State.

How convenient is it then, for the Wolverines, that the Spartans enter Cliff Keen Arena tonight for the first of two meetings between the conference foes? It will be the first dual meet of the season for the Wolverines, and they are itching for a victory.

"It is really important for us to win this match," Michigan coach Dale Bahr said. "We want to kick their butts."

That should not pose a problem, as the fourth-ranked Wolverines are heavy favorites. Their three All-Americans - Jeff Catrabone, Bill Lacure and Airron Richardson - provide a powerful combination that should be more than the Spartans can handle.

The home-court advantage figures to play a large role in the meet, as well, as this intrastate matchup continually draws a big crowd. Last year, nearly 3,000 fans packed into Jenison Fieldhouse in East Lansing.

"A lot of high school kids will probably be there," Bahr said. "This meet is very important for our image in high schools and the state."

The most highly touted bout of the meet will be the first one, as second-ranked David Morgan of Michigan State takes on seventh-ranked Chris Viola. Viola has squared off against Morgan only once before, at the NCAA championships last March in which Viola lost. The two did not wrestle in last year's dual meet because Viola, who normally wrestles at 118 pounds, had moved up to 126.

"Morgan is a great wrestler and should be ranked No. 1," Bahr said. "He gives us fits at 118, but Chris will give him everything he wants."

The Wolverines hope to roll through the next six weight classes, since the Spartans do not have a very strong middle lineup. The Wolverines made a few changes in their lineup due to injuries and problems with making weight after the Las Vegas Classic tournament this past weekend.

Joe Warren will wrestle at 126 pounds instead of former All-American Brandon Howe. Howe, who sat out due to injuries last year, has been struggling lately.

"Brandon did not wrestle well in Las Vegas, and Joe is in a groove," Bahr said. "Also, it is difficult for Brandon to make weight in just two days."

There will be other changes. Corey Grant will wrestle at 142 pounds instead of Teya Hill. Lacure will move up to 158 pounds. Redshirt sophomore Jeff Reese will wrestle in Lacure's normal 150-pound spot.

Undefeated Catrabone will be at his usual 167 pounds, followed by Joe Degain at 177 and Ryan Balcom at 190. Richardson, a heavyweight, will close out the meet.

"The 177 and 190 weight classes will be key match-ups because on paper they will probably be favored at those spots," Bahr said. "But our heavyweight is money in the bank."

Last year, the Wolverines defeated Michigan State, 28-15, in one of their most commanding performances all year. A repetition of that victory would get the team off to a great start.

12-10-97