March 18, 2004

FAIRFAX, Va. - Seniors Adrian Austin (Colonial Heights, VA/Matoaca) and Rob Becker (Mickleton, NJ/Clearview Regional) competed at the 2004 NCAA Wrestling Championships this weekend, March 18-20, at the Savvis Center in St. Louis, MO.

Austin avenged a loss he suffered earlier in the season when he downed Cal Poly-SLO sophomore Matt Cox, 3-2, in first round action Thursday. Austin advanced in the tournament to face sixth-seeded Dustin Manotti of Cornell. Both wrestlers battled well, but it was Manotti who came out on top 7-2.

With the loss, Austin was sent to the consolation bracket, where he took on Northern Illinois' Josh Wooten. The two wrestlers battled previously at the Midlands Championships in late December. Wooten, who prevailed in the earlier match by a narrow 6-5 margin, also won the rematch, downing Austin, 6-4.

Becker had a very tough draw in his initial singles match as he faced the No. 4 seed Jason Mester of Central Michigan. Becker fought valiantly, but Mester came away with the win, 8-1. Becker had a better showing in his first round consolation match, but lost to Bloomsburg's Scott Heckman, 5-4.

George Mason concludes its season at the NCAA Championships. After Thursday and most of Friday's matches, the Patriots are in 60th place.