George Mason wrestlers participated in the ASICS University & FILA Cadet Nationals this past weekend at the University of Akron. As members of the Patriot Elite Wrestling Club, six of the 20 Mason wrestlers earned University National All-American status with their finishes in Greco-Roman wrestling.

"Our guys were able to be the guinea pigs for the new rules implemented by FILA and USA Wrestling,” said Mason Head Coach Joe Russell. “It was a unique experience as the wrestlers, coaches and officials were learning and interpreting rules on the fly. For the most part, the rules seemed to be a huge step in the right direction for wrestling."

Top medalist for the Patriots was rising sophomore Sahid Kargbo, who recorded a 4-1 record and earned a third place finish in the 66kg class. 2013 NCAA qualifier Jake Kettler logged a 3-2 record en route to a fourth place finish at 120kg. Rising sophomores Matt Meadows and Shohei Takagi each finished fifth in their respective weight classes, 96kg and 70 kg. Rising juniors Corey Smith, sixth at 84kg, and Zach Isenhour, seventh at 63kg, each placed for the Patriots.

The event featured competition in Men's Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. The Patriot Elite wrestlers had 19 compete in Freestyle and 11 in Greco-Roman. The top two University place winners in each Olympic weight class qualified for the 2013 World Team Trials.