Nov. 4, 2007

The Citadel Open Brackets in PDF Format

CHARLESTON, S.C. - The George Mason wrestling team wrapped up its first weekend of competition of the 2007-08 season by taking the individual titles at two weight classes at The Citadel Open at McAlister Field House in Charleston, S.C.

Freshman Cayle Byers won the 197-pound weight-class with an 8-2 decision over North Carolina State's Mark Jahad in the championship bout. Byers reached the final match with a 9-3 victory over Danny Fernandez of UCF in the quarterfinals and a 3-2 decision over Duke's Robert Holbrook in the semifinals.

Another Mason freshman took home the tournament title as Frankie McLaughlin won the championship bout at the 157-pound weight class with a close 6-5 decision over Duke's Jared Sernoffsky. McLaughlin's road to the final match included victories over Spartanburg Methodist's Jeff Slaven in the first round, Central Florida's Ryan Witzel in the quarterfinals and Spartanburg Methodist's JJ Jackson in the semifinals.

Both Andrew Rock and Bill Widener also fared well at the tournament for Mason. Rock finished fourth at the 165-pound weight class, while Widener placed fourth at 184 pounds.

The Patriots wrestle again on Saturday, Nov. 10 when they travel to Pembroke, N.C. for the Pembroke Open.