May 19, 2003

FAIRFAX, VA ... George Mason freshman Liam DeRenzis has been selected to the Colonial Athletic Association All-Rookie wrestling team for 2002-03.

A native of Riegelsville, PA, and a 2002 graduate of Palisades High School, DeRenzis was the 133-pound member of the All-Rookie team as he posted a 7-10 overall record wrestling at both 133 and 141 for George Mason in 2002-03. He competed mostly at 133, going 7-8 overall with four falls and recording a 3-3 mark in CAA dual matches.

DeRenzis placed second at the Virginia Intercollegiate State Championships in January before his season ended with a broken foot prior to the CAA Championships. He likely would have been seeded among the top four wrestlers at 133 at the conference tournament as he defeated Rider's Jim DiCicco and James Madison's Jon Huesdash, both by fall, during the regular season. DiCicco was the No. 4 seed at the CAA Championships, while Huesdash (a former CAA champion) placed fourth at the tournament.

"It's a great honor for Liam to be a part of this team, particularly since he got injured just before the CAA Championships," said Patriot head coach Brian Shaffer. "He gained a great deal of experience this season and we look for him to continue the progression next year."

The full CAA All-Rookie Team:

125 - Bobby Stinson, Rider (CAA Rookie of the Year, CAA champion)
133 - Liam DeRenzis, George Mason
141 - Matt Homenick, Hofstra
149 - Mark Cartella, Drexel
157 - Mike Patrovich, Hofstra
165 - Matt Brienza, Drexel
174 - Chris Marold, Rider
184 - Jared Terrell, Rider
197 - Derman Lewis, Binghamton
HWT - Dan Garay, Hofstra