Feb. 18, 2006

Fairfax, Va. (February 18, 2006)--George Mason lost its final dual wrestling match of the season 26-15 to Maryland on Saturday at John Linn Memorial Gymnasium. After today's action, the Patriots are 8-7 overall, while Maryland is 8-9 overall.

The Terps won the opening match at 125 pounds with a 3-1 decision by James Knox against Joe Coughlin, who finishes the regular season with a 15-6 overall record. Redshirt freshman Will Powers finished his regular season with a 24-12 overall record with a 6-4 decision against Brendan Byrne in the 133 weight class. After Maryland's Alex Krom earned four points with a major decision against the Patriots Chris Cartella, 14-4, Maryland had a 7-3 lead, but Mason had to forfeit the next two matches at 149 and 157 and the Terps extended their lead to 19-3.

The Patriots picked up decisions in the next two matches at 165 and 174. Freshman Tyler Tisdell finished the regular season with a 26-7 overall record with a 7-3 decision against the Terps Adam DeCosmo. Sophomore Randy Oates defeated Maryland's Mike Maceroli at 174 pounds, 7-3. The Patriots only two seniors Ken Jackson and Joel Caruso wrestling in their final home match each lost their matches at 184 and 197 respectively. Mason received their final six points with a forfeit by Maryland at Heavyweight.

George Mason heads into the Colonial Athletic Association Championships held at Drexel University, March 3-4, with a 6-4 conference record.

Maryland 26 George Mason 15
125: James Knox (MD) dec. Joe Coughlin (Mason), 3-1
133: Will Powars (Mason) dec. Brendan Byrne (MD), 6-4
141: Alex Krom (MD) dec. Chris Cartella (Mason), 14-10
149: Andrew Schlaffer (MD) won by forfeit
157: Adam James (MD) won by forfeit
165: Tyler Tisdell (Mason) dec. Adam DeCosmo(MD), 7-3
174: Randy Oates (Mason) dec. Mike Maceroli (MD), 7-3
184: Luke Stauffer (MD) dec. Ken Jackson (Mason), 8-0
197: Jerry Arari (MD) dec. Joel Caruso (Mason), 10-7
HWT: Ryan Kittrick (Mason) won by forfeit