Jan. 15, 2008

Cayle Byers, a freshman wrestler, and Lateisha Wade, a senior women's basketball player, each had excellent months in December and for their efforts, they were named George Mason Male and Female Athletes of the Month for December.

Byers finished seventh at the Southern Scuffle in the 197-pound division. The native of Chugiak, Alaska was 4-0 in the month of December in dual meets with three victories by major decision. He was named CAA Rookie of the Week during the month.

Lateisha Wade was named Mason Female Athlete of the Month for December.

Wade helped lead the team to a 3-2 record in the month. She averaged 18 points and nearly five rebounds per game while the Patriots rebounded from a tough double-overtime loss at Bucknell by winning three straight at home. The Willingboro, N.J., had a career day to close out the month, pouring in 27 points and swiping six steals in the Mason win over Winthrop on Dec. 30. She finished the month as the CAA's third-leading scorer and seventh-best field goal shooter.

Previous winners of this year's George Mason Athlete of the Month were Jaqueline Kohler (Sept., women's volleyball), Fro Adu (Sept., men's soccer), Kelly Keelan (Oct., women's soccer), Robert Krause (Oct., men's cross country), Sarah Bizer (Nov., women's swimming & diving) and Will Thomas (Nov., men's basketball).