Fairfax, Va. – George Mason graduate student Peter Pappas has been recognized for his tremendous season on the mat, earning 2023 VaSID Wrestling All-State Second Team honors, announced by the organization today.
 
Ranked #25 in the NCAA Coaches poll, Pappas had an outstanding season for the Green & Gold. The 157-pounder attained a 24-5 overall record.
 
The Plainview, N.Y. native made history as the first Patriots wrestler to earn a MAC Championship in the four-year history as members of the MAC. Pappas defeated NCAA Qualifier Ashton Eyler 3-1 in sudden victory in the MAC Championship final.
 
Competing for the first time in the NCAA Tournament, Pappas entered as the No. 23 seed. He battled with three-time NCAA Qualifier Kaden Gfeller before the Oklahoma State and two-time Big 12 Champion defeated the Patriot in SV-2 with a takedown in the first round. The 157-pounder rebounded with a win against Ohio's Peyten Kellar in the consolation round. Kellar earned the first point with an escape but Pappas had a takedown in the second and earned the riding time point for the 3-1 win. 
 
VaSID names 44 all-state teams in 23 sports each year, as well as an Academic All-State squad and an all-sports champion in both the University and College Divisions. Membership in VaSID is open to all media relations professionals working at a university or conference office in the state of Virginia.
 
2023 VaSID Wrestling All-State Team
 
Major Award Winners
Wrestler of the Year Mekhi Lewis, Virginia Tech 
Rookie of the Year: Caleb Henson, Virginia Tech
Coach of the Year: Tony Robie, Virginia Tech
 
First Team
125         Mason Barrett, Averett 
133         Sam Latona, Virginia Tech
141         Tom Crook, Virginia Tech
149         Caleb Henson, Virginia Tech
157         Bryce Andonian, Virginia Tech
165         Justin McCoy, Virginia
174         Mekhi Lewis, Virginia Tech
184         Neil Antrassian, Virginia
197         Michael Battista, Virginia
HWT      Hunter Catka, Virginia Tech
 
Second Team
125         Eddie Ventresca, Eddie  Virginia Tech
133         David Rubin, Washington and Lee 
141         Evan Lindner, Washington and Lee 
149         Jarod Verkleeren, Virginia
157         Peter Pappas, George Mason 
165         Connor Brady, Virginia Tech
174         Alex Turley, Averett 
184         Hunter Bolen, Virginia Tech
197         Andy Smith, Virginia Tech
HWT      Rayshawn Dixon, Ferrum