George Mason wrestling falls to Maryland
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By JUSTIN CREECH
For the News & Messenger
Published: February 24, 2008
Maryland won the meet’s first nine matches en route to a 36-4 spanking of the Patriots, ending George Mason’s four-meet win streak.
“We just didn’t wrestle well,” said Coach Mark Weader of his team's performance against Maryland. “I knew the match ups were going to be rough with our 157 and 165 pounders out of the lineup.”
The missing wrestlers were 157-pound freshman Frankie McLaughlin and 165-pound red-shirt junior Tyler Tisdell. In their place were freshmen Aaron Keeton and Jimmy Kaden with both wrestling one weight class higher. Keeton faired well in his match with Maryland’s Brian Letters, falling 8-3. Kadan was not as successful as he fell to the Terrapins Michael McGill 16-2.
Weader said mistakes in the final period of several early matches hampered the Patriots' attempt get an early advantage.
“The 125 and 133 pound matches were tight through the first two periods,” said Weader. “Those guys just made mistakes in the final period that hurt us, plus our backups were overmatched.”
George Mason’s lone win of the meet came in the meet’s final match. Heavyweight Harry Zander saved the Patriots from being shut out with a major decision victory over Maryland’s Pat Gilmore.
“Harry went out and got going right away,” said Weader. “He is just flat out better then [Maryland’s] kid.”
As the meet went on and the losses began to pile up, Weader said he told the team not to worry about what was taking place and to just focus on their individual match.
The Patriots have two weeks off before traveling to Hofstra University Mar. 7 for the Colonial Athletic Association Championships. Despite ending the season with a resounding loss, Weader isn’t worried that the disappointment will linger.
“I think we will regroup,” said Weader. “We are better for wrestling [Maryland]. I think it taught our guys to not become complacent. We will bounce back.”
Seniors Joe Coughlin (133), Randy Oates (174) and Zander (285) were honored in a pre-match ceremony. All three rank in the top 25 in school history in career wins.
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