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SJSU Wrestling Archives The Spartan Daily 1-29-79 |
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Wrestling Team Eyes PCAA Title |
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by Danny Edwards |
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| In his early years as SJSU wrestling coach, T.J. Kerr depended on scholarships to bring in good wrestlers. Now,
it's SJSU's strong program that attracts grapplers from other schools. Kerr, who took over for Russ Camilleri in 1972, has coached the Spartans to five PCAA titles in the past six years and feels this season's team is one of the best ever. "In terms of dual meets," Kerr said, reflecting on the squad's 13-4 record, "this might be the best team yet, though it's still too early to tell." Though not nationally ranked, the Spartans were narrowly defeated by sixth-rated Oregon State two weeks ago. "We have two outstanding wrestlers in Robert McDowell and Duane Harris," Kerr said. "The rest of our guys do well as a team, though their individual records may not show it." McDowell, who is ranked second in the nation at 150 pounds, is a good bet to repeat as PCAA champ and will be a strong challenger for the NCAA title as well. Harris also won the PCAA crown last year at 190 pounds. Kerr, an SJSU grad, sees Utah State as the toughest competition in the PCAA championship Feb. 23 at Fresno. Looking beyond that, he hopes to qualify five of his wrestlers for the NCAA finals March 8-10 at Iowa State. As it stands now, the PCAA coaches pick ten wrestlers they feel should represent the league at the NCAA event. "When the coaches pick which wrestlers should go to the NCAA finals, politics tend to get in the way," Kerr said. "I think the PCAA champion should qualify automatically and the voting should be dropped." One hundred and twenty teams qualify for the NCAA finals. Under Kerr, the Spartans finished 22nd in 1973 and 23rd in 1974. Kerr figures that Iowa, ranked number one in the nation and coached by Olympic great Dan Gable, will be the toughest team in the NCAA match. SJSU's strong showings throughout Kerr's years as head coach can be attributed to the workouts which are comprised of running in the morning, weight lifting in the afternoon, and wrestling in the evening. Kerr pointed out that the Spartans are weak at 134, 142, and 167 pounds. "With some changes and juggling people at certain weights we should solve that problem," he said. SJSU finished its home season over a week ago, drawing large crowds to most of the matches. "The athletic department doesn't look at our won-lost record," Kerr said, "but how much money we make. This season has been very successful in that aspect." The Spartans travel south Friday for a match against the UCLA Bruins. |
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