FAIRFAX, Va. – George Mason wrestling head coach Joe Russell has announced the captains for the 2016-17 season. The announcement was made as the Patriots began practice this week in preparation for the upcoming campaign.
Seniors Sahid Kargbo and Ryan Renkey, along with sophomore Matthew Voss will take leadership responsibilities this season. The captains were selected by the team and the Mason coaching staff.
“The team chose their leaders well,” Russell said of this year's captains. “We have three athletes who lead by having the right attitude and who give great effort.”
Kargbo, from Alexandria, Va., has been in this role before as one of the captains for the Patriots. He went 4-0 in open competition with two falls and one major decision last season. Kargbo finished third at the EWL Championships at 141 pounds in 2014 and 2015.
“Sahid has been a captain since his sophomore season,” Russell said. “He has proven to be a great leader on and off the mat and I'm excited to see him lead the team as a fifth-year senior. He has great experience having competed at some of the top competitions in the sport and having led the team for multiple seasons.”
This is the fourth season that Kargbo has been named a captain for Mason.
“Being nominated as captain again means a lot and that my teammates believe in me,” Kargbo said. “I follow what the coaches say and try to embody the Mason way. When it's time to get down to business I'll step in and say what I need to say. I'm a vocal leader and like to think that I'm a friend and role model for everyone on the team.”
Renkey, a two-time state champion, had a 29-19 record while competing for the United States Military Academy.
“Ryan came to Mason as a transfer and since his arrival he has raised the level of the room,” said Russell. “Ryan also excels in the classroom and his work ethic is contagious.”
Renkey earned both the Paul Maltagliati Dedication Award and Upperclassman Academic Award last season in his first year with the Patriots.
“It's a great honor and responsibility and we all want to strive to be the best,” Renkey said. “You have to push yourself. I lead by example and a lot of the contributions I can make are going to be as a mentor in practices. Talking with teammates, seeing where they need to improve and how I can help. I'm looking forward to it.”
Voss, from Edgewood, Wash., went 23-16 with four falls, one major decision and 15 decisions at 285 pounds last season. He also finished fourth in the EWL conference tournament.
“Even though he is only a sophomore, Matt was voted by his peers to be a captain,” Russell said. “I believe it's a testament to the life he's led since he arrived on campus. Having an underclassman as a leader is exciting for our program's future.”
Voss will enter the season as one of two first-time captains on the team.
“I'm extremely humbled to be given this opportunity,” Voss said. “I'm learning to embrace the grind and being elected captain means that the team sees that in me. Sound mind, sound spirit and sound body. Being successful on the mat isn't just time in the practice room, it's a lifestyle and you have to learn to live it.”
This weekend is alumni and family weekend at Mason. The Patriots are hosting a wrestling clinic beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15 at the George Mason Field House. After the clinic, the Patriots will hold an open practice beginning at 11 a.m. at the Field House.
DIRECTIONS TO GEORGE MASON FIELD HOUSE
To access the George Mason Field House, please use Ox Road (Rt. 123) and turn onto University Drive. Please note, there is no access to the George Mason Field House via Campus Drive. Parking will be free around the Field House.
