Wrestlers return home after long layoff

They're lining up at the doors to get in. Nearly two months have passed since the Penn wrestling team's last home meet, and apparently the Palestra mats are getting lonely. It's take-a-number time this weekend, as the Quakers play host to many guests -- five dual matches are on the agenda. The influx begins today at 3 p.m., as Columbia, Howard and Central Connecticut come to town. It concludes tomorrow at 4 p.m. with Cornell and Seton Hall. The Quakers are coming off of a strong showing at the Virginia Duals January 14-15, losing a heartbreaker to No. 23 Lockhaven, 18-17. "The guys on this team have paid their dues over the past few seasons," Penn junior tri-captain Brian Butler said. "We're ready for the challenge of beating a tough team like Cornell." While they approach each match with intensity, the Quakers will be keying on their Ivy League foes. "The Ivy matches are the most important for future seedings in the EIWA tournament," Penn coach Roger Reina said. "The lineup is starting to take form, as it is by design when we get into these league matches." Of the five opponents, Cornell stands out as the team to beat. The Big Red has gone six consecutive seasons without losing an Ivy League dual meet, capturing the league championship on each of those occasions. Cornell is currently ranked No. 17, after finishing 10th in the NCAA Tournament last season, and third in the prestigious Virginia Duals. "Someone's got to be the first to beat them," Reina said. "Why not us?" A couple of individual matchups stand out for the Quakers when they face Cornell. Saturday features the top two wrestlers from last season's Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA) Championships in the 118- and 190-pound weight classes. Senior tri-captain Gary Baker, 118 pounds, will do battle against Cornell's John Bove. Bove was the top wrestler in his weight class at last season's EIWA Championships and is currently ranked No. 7. Junior tri-captain Brian Butler, 190 pounds, will square off against Nick Szerlip, in the second rematch of last season's EIWA finals. Butler is currently 12-5 on the year and leads the Quakers with three pins. Hoping home will be ever-so-sweet, the Quakers take to the mats with aspirations of national recognition and five victories.