Holes in the lighter weight classes have put the George Mason High School varsity wrestling team at a disadvantage in their matches this season, but there have nevertheless been a slew of individual highlights.
While the Mustangs succumbed to the Mountaineers of Madison County 52-22 last Wednesday, the Mustangs did manage to pick up four victories. In the 140-lbs. weight class, Jake Schwind won on points, 8-0, over his opponent, while at 170 lbs. Barrett Kennett pinned his foe in 58 seconds. Both Steve Parks and Rick Schumann won on forfeit at 189 and 215 lbs. respectively.
In Saturday’s five-way match held at Mason, Schwind, Kennett, Parks and Schumann each went undefeated on the day. Schwind defeated his opponent from Lancaster 22-7 on points, then edged his Freedom foe 4-1. Against Fauquier and Briar Woods, Schwind pinned his competition in 1:33 and 3:08 respectively. Kennett won by way of pins against Lancaster (3:51), Fauquier (1:30) and Briar Woods (1:39) and then picked up a forfeit against Freedom. Parks pinned his opponent from Freedom in 2:17, won by forfeit against Fauquier and dominated his Briar Woods foe 15-3. Against Lancaster he edged his opponent in a thrilling match, 8-7. A pair of forfeits against Lancaster and Freedom gave Schumann a pair of wins, and then pins against opponents from Fauquier (7:12) and Briar Woods (3:37) accounted for his other two Ws.
Led by the four wrestlers above, Mason snagged a win in team competition against Fauquier, 37-36. Joining Schwind, Kennett, Parks and Schumann in the win column for the match were Phil Ambuel (11-3), Tim Hillegass (6-2) and Roger O’Brien (pin in 7:15).
Ambuel also won his 130-lbs. match against Freedom, 8-5 on points. At 152 lbs., Andy Millar won by forfeit against Lancaster.
On Wednesday, Jan. 17, the Mustangs traveled for a road match against Clarke County. Results were not available at press time. They will be back in action this Saturday at the Liberty Quad Meet.
