FAIRFAX, Va. – George Mason University wrestling Head Coach Frank Beasley announced several updates to the Patriots coaching staff, including the promotion of Peter Pappas to head assistant coach and the additions of Patriot NCAA Qualifier Logan Messer and former Wyoming standout Gabe Willochell.

"We are excited about the direction of our coaching staff and the experience, energy and commitment these three coaches bring to our program," said Beasley. "Peter has earned this promotion through his tremendous work with our student-athletes, Logan knows firsthand what it means to be a Patriot, and Gabe brings an impressive level of collegiate experience and passion for wrestling. Together, they give us a strong foundation as we prepare for the upcoming season."

Peter Pappas, Head Assistant Coach
Pappas will serve as George Mason's head assistant coach for the upcoming season after steadily advancing through the program since joining the staff in 2023.
Pappas originally joined the Patriots coaching staff as a volunteer coach after capping off a tremendous season on the mat as a grad transfer in 2022-23. He progressed to second assistant and now to head assistant coach, earning each opportunity through his work ethic, commitment to student-athletes and continued growth as a coach.

In his final collegiate season, Pappas won the team's Dan Wotring Outstanding Wrestler Award. The first MAC Champion in GMU history and an NCAA Qualifier ranked #25 in the NCAA Coaches Poll, he led the Green & Gold in win percentage with a 24-5 overall record.

"Peter has done a phenomenal job mentoring and developing the young men in our program," said Beasley. "He continually looks for ways to grow as a coach and has become an invaluable member of our staff. This promotion is a reflection of the impact he has made on our program and the trust he has earned."

Logan Messer, Assistant Coach
Former George Mason standout Logan Messer has joined the coaching staff as the Patriots' second assistant coach.

One of the most accomplished wrestlers and respected leaders in recent George Mason history, Messer was a Mid-American Conference champion, NCAA qualifier, NWCA Academic All-American and team captain during his Patriot career.
 
A native of Norton, Ohio, Messer finished his career with 102 victories, ranking seventh all-time at Mason, and ended the 2025-26 season ranked No. 23 nationally. Messer captured the 2026 Mid-American Conference championship, was a three-time A Better Way Athletics Patriot Open champion and won the 2025 Black Knight Open.

Messer also excelled academically as a Patriot. He earned a bachelor's degree in Statistics and a master's degree in Biostatistics from George Mason and was a four-time NWCA Academic All-American.

Messer has transitioned into his new role this summer and is working with George Mason's student-athletes as the Patriots prepare for the 2026-27 season.

"We are thrilled to keep Logan in Fairfax and have him continue to be part of the George Mason Wrestling family," added Beasley. "He understands our program, our culture and what it means to represent George Mason at the highest level. He has already made a positive impact on our student-athletes, and we're excited to see him continue to lead from the coaching side."

Gabe Willochell, Assistant Coach
Willochell joins the George Mason coaching staff following an outstanding collegiate career at the University of Wyoming.

A native of Pennsylvania, Willochell was a four-time NCAA Championships qualifier and five-year starter, spending two seasons at Edinboro before completing his career at Wyoming. He advanced to the Round of 12 at the 2026 NCAA Championships and finished in the top 16 at the 2024 NCAA Championships.

Willochell was a two-time MAC place winner at Edinboro, finishing fifth in 2021 and third in 2022. The middleweight continued his success at Wyoming, becoming a three-time Big 12 place winner, finishing fourth in 2024, eighth in 2025 and fifth in 2026.

Throughout his collegiate career, Willochell consistently performed at some of the nation's premier tournaments. He finished fourth at the 2024 Soldier Salute before placing third in 2025. He also finished third at the 2023 Reno Tournament of Champions and seventh at the 2023 Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational. Earlier in his career, he placed second at the 2022 David Lehman Open and fourth at the 2021 Navy Classic.

"We are excited to welcome Gabe to George Mason," said Beasley. "He brings a tremendous amount of experience and enthusiasm for the sport. His competitive background and knowledge will be a great asset to our middleweights and to our entire program."

Willochell graduated from the University of Wyoming with a bachelor's degree in Sociology.