The Patriots will welcome back top returner Vince Rodriguez, who was a national qualifier last season as a true freshman, and with the help of top newcomer heavyweight transfer Jake Kettler, the Patriots are looking to make their mark in the Colonial Athletic Association. Russell and Owen also welcome their first recruiting class this season. "It is early on in their [freshmen] careers but we are really excited about their work ethic, their level of excitement and their desire to improve," reflected Russell. "I think they have a bright future ahead of them."

With a schedule packed with duals against some of the top wrestling programs in the country, such as Virginia, Maryland and American, Mason has a challenging schedule ahead. One of the highlights of the 2012-13 season will be the opportunity for Mason to compete in the first ever 'Grapple in the Garden' held in Madison Square Garden on December 16^th. "We are really excited to be in the 'Grapple in the Garden,' and to be a part of the field of teams that were invited is a big boost for our program and will help propel it forward," said Russell. The Patriots will also host three multiple dual events this season: the Mason Duals on January 4^th, the Patriot Classic on Jan. 11 and the CAA duals on Jan. 19. Mason will also welcome Washington and Lee, Navy and Bloomsburg for dual meets. "We have put together a tougher schedule from top to bottom," stated Russell. "We will be challenged which should prepare us for the CAA and NCAA tournament."

The following is a roster breakdown by weight class and notes on who figures to compete for each starting spot:

125

Senior Rich Lavorato is expected to start at the 125 weight class. "Rich wrestled in the 133 weight class for us last season, his commitment to dropping down a weight class shows he's serious about this season and wants to do great things. His commitment shows how important wrestling and this team are to him," commented Russell. Lavorato will be pushed by redshirt junior Chris Rodriguez and freshmen Robert Dooley and Logan Ritchie. "Normally as a coach, you're looking for someone to fill this weight class. We have four guys there, so we are really excited to have these guys battling out for the position," concluded Russell.

133

Sophomore Vince Rodriguez, who received a bid into the NCAA tournament last season at the 125 weight class, moved up a weight class to 133 where he is expected to start. "Vince is a returning national qualifier which is something he hopes to improve on," stated Owen. "He will build on that this season but there is no reason why he can't be on the podium this upcoming season." Rodriguez will receive strong competition from returning 133 starter and fellow classmate Zach Isenhour. "Zach has definitely proved that he could be the guy as well," reflected Russell. "We are going to be very tough in this weight class no matter which guy steps up." Freshman Nicolas Weiser will also look to vie for a spot this season.

141

Redshirt sophomore Ryan Hunsberger and freshman Sahid Kargbo will be the primary competitors in the 141 weight class. Hunsberger is the returning starter for Mason but Kargbo is coming off an impressive summer, taking third at the Virginia state tournament and placing at the national tournament. Freshman Luke Ludke will also compete at this weight class.

149

Redshirt freshman Greg Flournoy will hold down the 149 weight class. "Greg battled injuries all last year so it will be nice to see him back on the mat," commented Owen. "He's been doing a great job and has plenty of skill and tons of ability. We can see a guy like him showing up this year and surprising a lot of people in the conference because he has what it takes to do really well."

157

Returning senior starter Jaaziah Bethea looks to lead the 157 weight class. "Bethea is the returning starter at this weight class and he was fourth in the CAA Championships in 2011, so he has a wealth of experience at this weight class," commented Russell. Fellow senior Shohei Takagi, who Russell has described as a 'dangerous wrestler,' will challenge Bethea for a starting spot after moving up a weight class from last season. Ryan Forrest, Matt Huffstickler and Matt Stull will also look to gain some experience at this weight class.

165

Senior Ty Knepp looks to be in control of the 165 weight class. "Knepp is a returning starter and he has definitely come back this year as a leader," reflected Owen. "It is nice to have a senior on the team who has been to the conference tournament and his experience will help guide the younger guys and program." Kenton Perez and DJ Dwyer will also vie to start at this weight class.

174

The 174 weight class looks to be one of the more competitive weight classes for Mason this season. Ryan Hembury, who started at the 184 weight class last season, is shaping up to lead the 174 weight class. Both Russell and Owen feel that 174 will be a more natural fit for Hembury. "Last year Ryan was our starter at 184, so he's dropping down a weight class," commented Russell. "I am excited to see how he will do at the lower weight class because I think it will be a better fit for him physically." He will be strongly contested by Seth Robertson, Corey Smith and Steve Swayze, all of which received significant starting time at this weight class last season.

184

Derek Dwyer looks to be the starter at the 184 weight class and will be pushed by freshman David Chenevey. However Russell believes that members of the 174 weight class may also contest for the 184 slot. "Derek is in a good position to be the starter at this weight class but I suspect that whoever does not make the starting position at 174 will move up a weight class," predicted Russell. "It is possible that someone from 174 will also challenge Derek for the spot."

197

Freshman standout Matt Meadows, who comes out of high school ranked 7^th in the nation by Intermat, will start at the 197 weight class. "Matt was ranked in the top-10 in the nation coming out of high school and we are very excited about that," commented Owen. "He's a great kid and I think we'll get some great things from him." Alex Stanley, who will return to George Mason this spring after taking the fall semester off, will also compete at this weight class.

Heavyweight

The strong favorite for Mason in the heavyweight weight class will be transfer sophomore Jake Kettler who was an Olympic trial qualifier last year. "Jake has already made a huge impact on the team in the short time that he's been here," stated Russell. "He's stepped up as leader on the team, sets high goals and expectations, and works hard." Kettler will be pushed by returning starter Adam Barnette.

Mason will open its season on the road at Gardner Webb on November 10^th. The Patriots first home dual will be on Nov. 18^th when they take on Washington and Lee.