Nov. 16, 2006

FAIRFAX, Va. - George Mason University wrestling head coach Mark Weader announced today the signing of his first two recruits for the 2007-08 season. Both Brandon Bucher and Frankie McLaughlin come to the Patriots with impressive high school credentials.

Bucher is a senior at Northern High School in Dillsburg, Pa. where he is currently ranked second in the state at 135 pounds. He finished sixth at the 2006 Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) AAA State Championships and has an impressive career record of 98-28. The 2005 USA Wrestling Cadet All-American is projected to wrestle at 141 pounds for the Patriots.

McLaughlin currently attends Hillsborough High School in Hillsborough, N.J. and is ranked first in the state at 152 pounds. He finished fifth at the 2006 New Jersey State Championships and also placed fifth at the 2006 National High School Coaches Association (NHSCA) Junior Nationals. He has a career record of 68-17 and is expected to wrestle at 157 pounds at George Mason.

"Both of these young men are the type of quality student-athletes we want to be a part of our program," Weader said. "Both will be key members of our team for the next four years and both have the ability to step in next season and make an immediate impact on the mat."

George Mason's 2006-07 season began last weekend with a tri-meet at the University of Virginia and continues this Saturday when the team travels to Annapolis, Md. to wrestle in the Navy Classic. The tournament begins at 9 a.m.