March 21, 2003

KANSAS CITY, MO ... George Mason junior Rob Becker was eliminated in the morning session Friday at the 2003 NCAA Wrestling Championships at Kemper Arena, ending the competition for the two Patriots participating at the national tournament.

Wrestling at 149 pounds, Becker lost by fall to Pittsburgh's Justin Giovinco in 2:40 to be eliminated in the consolation bracket Friday. In his second appearance in as many years at the NCAA Championships, Becker lost his opening match to fifth-seeded Jerrod Sanders of Oklahoma State, 3-1, but he bounced back to defeat 12th-seeded Jeremy Spates of Missouri, 8-5, in the consolation bracket. Becker finished the season with a 31-8 overall record.

Mason sophomore Aaron Suranofsky lost his first two matches at 125 pounds Thursday to be eliminated from the NCAA Championships. Making his first trip to the national tournament, Suranofsky fell to North Carolina State's George Cintron, 7-3, in the opening round before dropping an 18-4 major decision to eighth-seeded Skyler Holman of Oklahoma State. Suranofsky ended the year with a 17-10 overall mark.

Becker advanced to the national tournament by earning a "wild card" berth after placing third at 149 at the Colonial Athletic Association Championships March 8 at Hofstra. Suranofsky received an automatic berth after finishing second at 125 at the CAA Championships.

The NCAA Championships continue through Saturday at Kemper Arena.