Dec. 22, 2003

NEWARK, Del. - Senior Adrian Austin (Colonial Heights, VA/Matoaca), of the George Mason University wrestling team, won the 149-pound weight class at the Beast of the East College Invitational, held Friday, Dec. 19 on the campus of the University of Delaware. Ranked 15th nationally in the latest Intermat listings, Austin, the No. 1 seed in his weight class at the tournament, recorded five victories en route to the title, defeating Appalachian State's Jason Jones, 11-5, in the final.

As a team, George Mason finished 14th overall out of 20 teams as senior Rob Becker (Mickleton, NJ/Clearview Regional) contributed with a second-place finish at 141, going 3-1 overall. Becker, the No. 2 seed and 12th-ranked wrestler by Intermat, fell by pinfall to top-seeded Scott Moore of Virginia, who is listed No. 2 nationally at 141.

Twelve other Patriot wrestlers were in action at the event, including freshmen David Emison (1-2) at 133 and Robert Henry (1-2) at 149. Freshman Mitch Webster (2-2) competed at 157, while freshman Matt Horton (1-2) and senior Sean Early (1-2) matched-up at 165. Junior Nick Webster (2-2) saw action at 174. Freshmen Jamey Brice (1-2) and Jim Martin (0-2) wrestled at 184. Freshman Harry Zander (0-2) competed at 197. In the heavyweight division, Patriot freshmen Jerry Connolly (1-2) and Ryan Kittrick (1-2) both saw action as did senior Sandy Ailor (0-2).

George Mason will send two seeded wrestlers to the prestigious Midlands Championships next Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 29-30, at Northwestern University. Seniors Becker and Austin will compete for the Patriots against some of the top talent in the country.