Quality, not quantity has been the motto for the Oregon wrestling team this season. Injuries have decimated the Ducks roster, leaving head coach Chuck Kearney with only 13 active wrestlers.
However, the lack of depth hasn’t meant poor performances. This year’s squad has the best dual match record of any Oregon team since the 1997-98 team and has the highest national ranking (No. 14).
Most Oregon teams in the past have had at least two wrestlers in every weight class. The 2001 squad is only two-deep in three classes. Sophomore Jason Harless, junior Kenny Cox and freshman Branson Phillips provide depth at 125, 141 and 149 pounds, respectively.
Trouble began this fall when junior David Watson suffered a broken ankle and Derrick Smith left the team.
Later during the season, sophomores Matt Lee and Jake Leair both sustained major injuries. Lee withdrew from school after a broken ankle ended his season. Leair, who was 21-17 for the Ducks last season at 197 pounds, tore a ligament in his knee.
Freshman Dustin Fisher is unable to compete this season due to his redshirt status.
Fortunately, the Ducks are nearing the end of their season, where depth is less crucial. Teams can only send one wrestler each to the Pacific-10 Conference Championships, the qualifying tournament for the NCAA Championships.

Pac-10 Championships tickets
The Oregon Athletic Department is offering ticket packages for the 2001 Pac-10 Championships on Feb. 25-26 at McArthur Court.
The tournament will be divided into four sessions across the two days. Preliminaries will be held on Feb. 25 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Quarterfinals and consolation first round matches will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. On Monday, semifinals and consolation finals will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., followed by the championship finals at 6 p.m.
Tickets for all four sessions are available for $21 and individual sessions for $7. For more information call the Duck ticket office at 346-4461 or visit the Len Casanova Center. All seating is general admission with doors opening one hour prior to each session.

In the polls
Following an 18-12 setback to visiting Boise State, the Oregon wrestling team dropped two places in the Amateur Wrestling News polls from No. 12 to No. 14.
Junior Shaun Williams and sophomore Eric Webb lead the Ducks individually. Williams, a lightweight, and Webb, a heavyweight, are both ranked No. 5.
Senior All-Americans Chael Sonnen and Doug Lee are both ranked seventh nationally. Sophomore Brian Watsonremained in the top-10 despite an overtime loss last week.
Junior Eugene Harris remained No. 19 at 157 pounds.