April 8, 2008

LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. - The Colonial Athletic Association announced today its awards for the 2007-08 wrestling season, including the Coach of the Year, Wrestler of the Year, Rookie of the Year and the All-Rookie Team. George Mason's strong rookie class, which helped the team make the jump from eighth place to a fourth-place finish at the CAA Championships, was recognized with three members making the CAA All-Rookie team. The three All-Rookie selections - Brandon Bucher (149), Frankie McLaughlin IV (157) and Cayle Byers (197) - were the most of any team in the conference.

Byers was the most decorated freshman on the team, earning a wild card invitation to the NCAA Championships after a phenomenal rookie campaign in which he finished in third place at the CAA Championships in one of the toughest weight classes in the conference. He was ranked 13th in the final InterMat Poll and 15th in the final Amateur Wrestling News Poll, and was the only freshman in the nation ranked in the Top-20 at 197 pounds in either poll. Byers led the team in wins (37), dual wins (16) and major decisions (7), and was tied for the team lead in conference victories with seven.

Wrestling at 157 pounds, McLaughlin had a stellar freshman season for the Patriots. Despite being sidelined for a few weeks due to injury, the Hillsborough, N.J. native finished the season with 21 wins against only nine losses and a 7-3 mark in dual matches. He finished second on the team to Byers with six major decision victories.

Bucher showed his versatility by splitting time between 141 and 149 pounds during the season, earning a total of 12 victories between the two weight classes. The native of Dillsburg, Pa. recorded four technical falls, the most on the team, and three major decisions during his rookie season.

Joining the trio of Patriots on the CAA All-Rookie Team was Old Dominion's James Nicholson (125), Rider's Mitch Fenton (133), Binghamton's Anwar Goeres (141), Hofstra's Ryan Patrovich (165), Rider's Mike Darling (174), Hofstra's Justin Danz (184) and Old Dominion's Andy Totusek (285). Old Dominion's Steve Martin was named the CAA Coach of the Year, Hofstra's sophomore 141-pounder Charles Griffin was named the Wrestler of the Year and 125-pounder James Nicholson of ODU was named the Rookie of the Year.