Feb. 6, 2004

FAIRFAX, Va. - Beginning tonight (Friday), the George Mason University wrestling team heads into the final stretch of its dual meet season as the team hosts the first of five competitions in the month of February at the John Linn Gymnasium.

The Patriots entertain Colonial Athletic Association foe Campbell Friday night at 7:30 p.m. and return to the Linn Gym Sunday to face Virginia in a non-conference meet at 1 p.m.

Entering its 18th season, Mason, who is 2-5 overall and 2-3 in the CAA, is 89-14-1 in the "friendly confines" of the Linn Gym. Campbell is 1-10 overall (1-4 CAA) and has never beaten the Patriots in twelve meetings (12-0).

Against Virginia (5-3, 1-0 ACC), Mason is 4-1 overall and won four straight meetings from 1988 to 1991. The two teams renewed acquaintances last season with the Wahoos taking a 38-6 victory in Charlottesville; The Patriots are 2-0 versus the Cavaliers at Linn Gym.

Sunday's match will be highlighted by a clash of two wrestlers who are both ranked in the top-10 in their respective weight class. George Mason senior Rob Becker (Mickleton, NJ/Clearview Regional), who is rated ninth in the nation by Amateur Wrestling News (AWN) and 10th by InterMat at 141 will meet Virginia graduate student Scott Moore, the No. 1 ranked wrestler at 141 in both the AWN and InterMat polls.

Moore, who is undefeated this season, won the two previous meetings, defeating Becker 15-2 in the finals of the Virginia Intercollegiate State Championships, held Jan. 18, and claiming a pinfall win in the finals of the Beast of the East College Invitational, held Dec. 19.

Also in action Sunday will be UVa's Tim Foley (23-3), who is ranked 13th nationally by InterMat and 12th by AWN at 165. He will take on Patriot senior Sean Early (Virginia Beach, VA/Kempsville), who is 13-11 overall.

Mason's Adrian Austin (Colonial Heights, VA/Matoaca) will be looking to keep his stellar record intact. The 5-10 senior, ranked 17th by InterMat at 149, owns a 26-6 overall record. He is undefeated in dual matches this season at 7-0 and is currently riding a 10-match win streak entering the weekend.

Freshman David Emison (Stafford, VA/North Stafford) has also performed well this season for the Patriots. He is 18-6 on the year at 133 (6-1 dual matches) and has two tournament victories.