When will the Colonial Athletic Conference learn to not underestimate the Boston University wrestling team? For the third season in a row, the Terriers finished the season ranked higher than the CAA coaches predicted in the pre-season polls. B.U. was picked to finish fifth this season but, at the conference championship meet, battled its way to third, a mere three points behind runner-up Rider University.

B.U. cruised through its regular season, finishing with a record of 15-3 (7-2 in the CAA). Even more impressive, perhaps, is that for virtually the whole season, the Terriers were without the services of team tri-captain, and two-time NCAA qualifier Jose Leon.

Leon was the victim of a terrible pre-season injury and was left with two torn ligaments and cartilage damage to his knee. "He had a devastating injury and we certainly didn't think we'd get him back," said BU coach Carl Adams. Leon had other plans.

After enduing months of grueling rehabilitation, Leon made a remarkable recovery. Wrestling at what Adams called "60-70 percent", Leon made it back for the team's penultimate match of the season against Rider on Feb. 20. His first opponent would be against none other than defending conference champion, Bobby Stinson.

Leon won 6-2 and advanced to the CAA championship. There, his remarkable run continued as he pinned his first two opponents to advance to the finals of the 125-pound class. In doing so he assured himself a third trip to the NCAA Tournament.

Leon lost the CAA final to champion Tom Noto of Hofstra and lost his first round match in the NCAA Tournament to the number-two seeded wrestler in the country in Iowa's Luke Eustice. However, his incredible comeback was not lost on his coach.

"What he did was unbelievable. It's just an amazing story. He basically has a cadaver ligament and he is still limping every day, wearing a knee brace," said Adams. "Jose's determination is what took him back. He willed himself back to health. But that's just Jose. If anyone could have done it, it was him."

For his tremendous efforts and leadership, Adams named Leon team Most Valuable Wrestler at the end of the season. "He's the toughest kid I've ever coached in this program", says Adams, a 23-year veteran at BU. "He's an example for years to come and that's why he is the M.V.P."

Once the team lost Leon, it was obvious that others would have to step up to carry the load. A number of athletes certainly did their part.

Junior Joey Rivera had the best season of his career, finishing with an overall record of 23-5. Rivera began his season by defeating Iowa State's All-American, Nate Gallick. As the season wore on, Rivera continued to roll through his competition, eventually finishing second overall at 141 in the CAA championships, to qualify for his first NCAA tournament.

"Joey is technically the best wrestler on our team. He had an outstanding season." Which is only fitting because Adams named him the Most Outstanding Wrestler for the 2003-04 season. Adams also named Rivera tri-captain for the 2004-05 season.

Senior tri-captain Leighton Brady capped his brilliant Terrier career in familiar fashion. He won…a lot. Wrestling at 165, Brady finished with a team high 26 wins against only six losses and led the team with four technical falls. Brady won his first 10 matches of the season, including first place at the Cortland Open. He also finished second at the prestigious Keystone Classic and at the CAA tournament, losing both times to rival Ralph Everett, of Hofstra.

"Leet is a very talented wrester who has been a great competitor for us," said Adams. "He's a fighter and a winner and he has been probably our best wrestler for two years."

The third captain of this team, senior Ben Schilens, doesn't come with the skills or resume of a Jose Leon or Leighton Brady. But what he does have is an unbreakable drive and determination to improve. And that he did.

After never even being a starter in high school, Schilens came to BU and started for three years, culminating in this, his finest season. He went 16-11 overall and made a remarkable run at the CAA championship, finishing third. "Ben had an amazing conference meet," said Adams. "He's not the most talented kid in the room but he came here, worked hard as a leader, and won a lot of matches for us."

At the beginning of this season, Adams predicted big things from junior Rayes Gonzalez, calling him a potential All-American. His prediction seemed in jeopardy when Gonzalez suffered a serious elbow injury prior to the team's first match.

Following Leon's lead, Gonzalez worked hard to recover and made it back for the second half of the season. Wrestling at 149, he quickly shed any rust, finishing with an impressive 13-2 record including four pins. Gonzalez earned a wild-card spot at the NCAA tournament by finishing third at the CAA championship.

"Rayes should have made the NCAA's," said Adams. "He actually beat a few guys that ended up going. He's a national-level wrestler, who, if I had to pick, has the best chance on our team of being an All-American." Gonzales was rewarded for his season when Adams named him tri-captain for the 2004-05 season.

Junior Courtney Howard, a three-year starter, had what Adams called, "far and away his best year." Wrestling as a heavyweight, he won 22 matches including four pins. He finished fifth at the Keystone Classic and won three matches at the CAA championship. He was so solid this year that, despite a sophomore campaign with 18 wins, Adams named him Most Improved Wrestler. He will also be the third captain for the 2003-04 season.

At 157, Adams had a few options at the beginning of the year. But he started sophomore Zack Johns and his decision paid off. Johns tied for the team lead in pins, with nine, and finished with a final record of 22-9.

"For a sophomore to lead the team in pins is just very impressive," said Adams. "Zack did a real great job for us and I'm just glad he'll be here another couple years."

If Adams was impressed with a sophomore like Johns performing so well, what did he think of freshman phenom John DaCruz? "Off the charts," Adams said bluntly. DaCruz wrestled at the very competitive 197-class and certainly held his own against the opposition. He finished 20-9 for his rookie campaign and tied Johns with nine pins.

Adams says DaCruz was the easy pick for Rookie of the Year but was sure to note Brett Frimer's accomplished first season. Trying to fill the shoes of Leon at 125 for the year was a formidable task. But Frimer responded, finishing 10-8 overall. "Brett did a heck of a job as a freshman," says Adams. "He was a walk-on, non-scholarship kid and he ended up winning some big, big matches for us."

Sophomore Tom Sforza was the primary starter at 184 this season despite his being a little undersized. "We thought Tom would be at 174 but he had to go up and had some really nice wins at the conference meet," says Adams. Sforza finished at 16-17.

On a team that faced such serious injuries as Leon's and Rivera's it was up to the reserves to fill the voids. Sophomores Mike Galarenzo and Justin Blumenthal saw significant time as starters throughout the season. "Those guys did well but we still have some stuff to work on," said Adams. "But this whole season was just a really great team effort."

The 2003-04 Terrier wrestling team will be remembered as a team of action. The Terriers overcame injury and doubt, to solidify themselves as the most well-rounded team in the CAA. The will lose two NCAA qualifiers in Leon and Brady and perhaps their best leader in Schilens. But their future successes are in good hands with the likes of Rivera, Gonzalez, DaCruz, et all.

"This is a team with great depth, work ethic and talent," said Adams. Perhaps it's time for the CAA to take notice.