Fairfax, Va.-George Mason University's wrestling team will finish the regular season Sunday against American University at 2:00 p.m. at the RAC. At half-time the team will honor five seniors who have competed extremely hard and have represented the Patriots with honor during their tenures at the school.
Redshirt senior captain Greg Flournoy(157) has enjoyed a successful career at Mason, starting in each of his four seasons. Flournoy was an NCAA qualifier his junior season, a two time conference placer and this year, leads the Patriots in wins with 28.
Flournoy is from Rappahannock County, Va. and attended Fauquier High School where he was coached by Bryan Hurst and Steve Friend. Flournoy's major is economics and he plans on getting a job in the mortgage industry upon graduation. The redshirt senior was named as one of the team's three captains before the season and has exemplified the mason way on and off the mat.
“I'm glad I chose Mason because of the coaches and teammates that I've had during my career,” Flournoy said. “The coaches have taught me so much on and off the mat which has helped me grow as a student, athlete and most importantly, as a person.”
Another redshirt senior captain being honored Sunday is Vincent Rodriguez(133). Rodriguez was an NCAA qualifier his freshman season at Mason and recently earned his 20th win of the season.
Rodriguez is from Fresno, Calif. and went to Clover North High School where he was coached by Gary Quintana. Rodriguez and Flournoy are the only current Patriots still competing who started at Mason the same year head coach Joe Russell took over the program. The Fresno, Calif. native has been integral in turning around the Mason wrestling program and has been a captain for the squad the past three seasons.
“I love the location of George Mason, and it has created incredible opportunities for me, both on and off the mat.” Rodriguez said.
Redshirt senior Konbeh Koroma(149) did not start his career as a Patriot, yet will finish his career at Mason as a valuable member known for his passion and solid work ethic. Koroma began his career at Old Dominion and after leaving the program decided to give wrestling another shot at Mason.
The decision paid off as Koroma has contributed as a part-time starter each of the past two seasons. The redshirt senior is from nearby Springfield, Va. and attended Robert E. Lee High School where he was coached by Clarence Martin. Koroma is studying criminal justice and plans on traveling in addition to job searching when he graduates.
The Springfield, Va. native is one of the more outgoing personalities on the team and will certainly be missed next season.
“The best part about being on the team is how relaxed the atmosphere is,” Koroma said. “Everyone can dish a joke and take one, we have great personalities.”
Redshirt senior Blake Roulo(149) is another local Virginia product who transferred to Mason mid-way through his collegiate career. Roulo was an NCAA qualifier in 2013 at Buffalo University before deciding to transfer to Mason. Roulo has amassed more than 80 wins in his college career, is a two time conference finalist and placed sixth at the prestigious Midlands Championships.
Roulo trained under Hall of Fame wrestling coach Michael Moore at Matoaca High School in Petersburg, Va. and was a team captain all four years of high school. Roulo also earned 4 NHSCA Titles in addition to a state title at Matoaca. Roulo's major is history and plans on becoming a graduate assistant coach in wrestling.
“I'm glad I chose Mason for my remaining three years of eligibility,” Roulo said. “Our coaching staff is tremendous and I am thankful for the lessons they have taught to me both on and off the mat.
Redshirt junior Luke Ludke(184) has enjoyed a great four year career and has made many gains in his time at the Mason. Ludke started his Patriot campaign at 149 pounds but worked tirelessly to bulk up to 184 pounds to fill a need at that weight class for the team. Ludke is a two time Pembroke placer and also placed at the Messiah Open. Off the mat, Ludke travelled to Chennai, India for a summer internship at the U.S. consulate, and also travelled to Sri Lanka and Dubai during his time abroad.
Ludke moved around for much of his childhood but calls Clayton, North Carolina home and attended Clayton High School where he was coached by Corey Daker. Ludke's major is criminology and post-graduation, he plans on working in the field of intelligence analysis.
“I'm glad I chose Mason because the wrestling team has the best group of coaches in the nation, my teammates are like brothers to me and the atmosphere is incredible.” Ludke said.
Although Sunday will be the final chapter in these senior's careers, the positive impact they leave behind at Mason and the way they conducted themselves during their time here, will resonate with returning Patriots and overall make the program even better moving forward.
