Fairfax, Va.-- George Mason wrestler Alex Madrigal was selected as the first alternate to the NCAA Championships at 149 pounds. The two-time NCAA Qualifier was a first alternate in the 2020 NCAA Championships.
 
Madrigal owns a 20-4 record this season and is ranked #21 nationally in the NCAA D1 Wrestling Coaches rankings. He was 5-0 against MAC opponents during the regular season.

"Alex earned the right to be at the NCAA Tournament," said Coach Frank Beasley. "Unfortunately, an injury kept him from an automatic bid. He is excited to have the chance to compete as an alternate. As is typical with Alex, he will control the things in his power and will be ready if given the opportunity. If not, he has made his mark on the program. He's been an incredible leader. As a two-time NCAA Qualifier and two-time NCAA Alternate, he is the epitome of what it means to #BeUncommon."

In a loaded weight class at the MAC Championship, a medical forfeit knocked him out of the championship semi-final match. 
 
A native of Chicago, Madrigal wrestled at 141-pounds in his first season competing for the Patriots in 2019-20, he recorded a season-high 28 wins (28-15) and was designated an NCAA Alternate for the NCAA Championship. He was ranked as high as 17^th nationally this season.
 
The 2022 NCAA Wrestling Championships are scheduled for March 17-19 in Detroit, Mich.