Former George Mason wrestler Paul Maltagliati, who became the first Mason wrestler to qualify for the NCAA Division I Championships, has passed away after suffering a heart attack at age 50.

In 1981-82 Maltagliati qualified for the first of two consecutive NCAA Division I Championships. Throughout his career he set several school records, including the mark for total victories with 122. As a junior he earned a 39-7 overall record, including 25-0 in dual meets, and was heavyweight champion at NCAA East Regionals. He also was invited to the US Olympic Trials after graduation in 1984.

The Camp Springs, Md native, earned two degrees from Mason, a BS Public Administration '84 and MPA '90. He was awarded the Wayne F. Anderson Award for Public Service in 2006, which recognizes and honors outstanding alumni for their achievements and contributions to the university. Maltagliati was the chief deputy sheriff for operations for the Fairfax County Sheriff's Office and retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel. During his tenure in the Sheriff's Office, Maltagliati provided leadership and management at all levels of the agency through the invaluable community programs he initiated. One such project was the redesign and redeployment of the former Inmate Work Force, now known as the Community Labor Force (CLF).