Wrestling Drops Season Opener at Virginia Tech, 22-18
Nov. 9, 2008
BLACKSBURG, Va. - George Mason opened its 2008-09 wrestling season on Sunday with a dual meet against in-state rival Virginia Tech at Cassell Coliseum in Blacksburg, Va. The teams were tied at 18 heading into the final match but the Hokies earned a major decision at the heavyweight class to hand the Patriots a 22-18 loss. After falling behind 15-6 heading into the 165-pound weight class, Mason mounted a comeback, winning three of the next four matches to tie the score heading into the heavyweight match. Freshman Kramer Whitelaw had an impressive debut at 165 pounds, pinning the 19th-ranked wrestler in the first InterMat poll of the season, Matt Epperly, in 5:08. Fellow freshman, Mendbagana Tovuujav, followed up the fall with a 9-5 decision over Anthony Trongone at 174 pounds. With the team score tied at 15, Virginia Tech's Tommy Spellman earned an 8-1 decision over Bill Widener at 184 pounds to put the Hokies back on top. Sophomore Cayle Byers, the 11th-ranked 197-pounder in the country, answered with a 9-4 decision over D.J. Bruce to tie the score heading into the final match of the night. However, heavyweight Hunter Manspile was unable to overcome David Marone and the Patriots took the 22-18 loss. Mason hosts The Citadel on Thursday, Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. at the Field House in the first home dual of the 2008-09 season. Virginia Tech 22 George Mason 18
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