Feb. 3, 2005

FAIRFAX, Va. - Friday evening will mark the final home meet of the season for the George Mason wrestling team as the Patriots host American at 7 p.m. in non-conference action at the John Linn Memorial Gymnasium. Seniors Nick Webster (Towanda, Pa./Towanda) and Brian Smith (Haymarket, Va./Broad Run) will be honored prior to the start of the match as part of "Senior Night".

George Mason, which is coming off a split of two matches last week, hosts for the eighth straight time since Jan. 21. Last week, the Patriots defeated Duquesne 27-10 on Jan. 28, before falling 35-3 to Colonial Athletic Association opponent Drexel on Jan. 29. Mason's record currently sits at 6-5 overall.

The Patriots are 19-4-1 overall against the Eagles and 9-3 against AU at home. Sophomore 133-pounder David Emison (Stafford, Va.) leads Mason with a 21-9 overall record. Freshman Joe Coughlin (Horsham, Pa.) has also been impressive this season at 125 pounds with a 15-8 mark and 10-1 record in dual matches. Webster sits at 13-12 on the season and 7-3 in duals.

American University has been unable to field a full 10-wrestler lineup all season due to injuries. The Eagles, who are 1-10 overall, picked up their first dual match win of the season Saturday with a 34-21 victory over Wagner.

Despite the lack of wins, American boasts two nationally-ranked wrestlers as part of its lineup. Junior Muzaffar Abdurakhmanov is rated sixth in the nation at 157 pounds in both the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA)/Intermat and Amateur Wrestling News polls, while senior Daniel Waters is 18th and 20th, respectively, in both polls at 174. Although not nationally ranked, the Eagles Josh Glenn is 25-5 overall and 11-0 in dual matches at 184.