Feb. 11, 2004

FAIRFAX, Va. - George Mason wrestling rolled to a 42-6 victory over Colonial Athletic foe and arch-rival James Madison Wednesday evening at the John Linn Gym, out scoring the Dukes 36-0 in the final eight matches. The Patriots improve to 3-7 overall (3-4 CAA), while the Dukes fall to 2-13 on the season and 1-7 in the league.

"Every match is a learning experience," said head coach Brian Shaffer. "The team has been focusing better and better since the Campbell match. You could see it versus Virginia and then tonight against James Madison. Everyone did a very good job for us."

Freshman Harry Zander (National Park, NJ/Gateway Regional) opened things up for George Mason with a pinfall victory at 197. James Madison answered with a pinfall win of its own after Chris Cvitan's victory at Heavyweight.

Junior Ed Tan (Virginia Beach, VA/Salem) won at 125, generating a string of six consecutive victories that put George Mason on top 34-6. Among the other Patriot winners during that stretch were freshman David Emison (Stafford, VA/North Stafford) at 133, seniors Rob Becker (Mickleton, NJ/Clearview Regional) and Adrian Austin (Colonial Heights, VA/Matoaca) at 141 and 149, respectively, freshman Mitch Webster (Towanda, PA/Towanda) at 157 and senior Sean Early (Virginia Beach, VA/Kempsville) at 165.

Leading 34-6, George Mason continued to wrestle well, also earning wins in the meet's final two matches. Freshman Matt Horton (Annandale, VA/Paul VI) won his match at 174 via technical fall and freshman Jim Martin (Forty Fort, PA/Wyoming Valley West) earned a 6-1 decision victory at 184.

The Patriots visit area foe American on Monday at 7:30 p.m and James Madison hosts Appalachian State and Rider at 12 pm on Saturday.

GEORGE MASON  42 , JAMES MADISON  6
(Rankings based on Amateur Wrestling News/InterMat)
                                                                 H-V
197 - Harry Zander (G) pin Justin Gronile (7:01)                 6-0
HWT - Chris Cvitan (J) pin Ryan Kittrick (6:01)                  6-6
125 - Ed Tan (G) wins forfeit                                    12-6
133 - David Emison (G) dec. Todd Schroeder, 11-4                 15-6
141 - (9/10) Rob Becker (G) pin Brian Kibler (3:54)              21-6
149 - (--/15) Austin (G) pin Chris Wilson (4:16)                 27-6
157 - Mitch Webster (G) dec. Derick Schoenly, 9-6                30-6
165 - Sean Early (G) maj dec Matt Yonkowski, 16-5                34-6
174 - Matt Horton (G) tech fall Jason Chalfant, 18-1             39-6
184 - Jim Martin (G) dec. Lamont Logan, 6-1                      42-6