No End Yet in Sight for Mustangs

Just as he did at the Bull Run District tournament, Willie Hoover led the way, as four wrestlers from George Mason High School emerged from this past weekend’s Region B Tournament with trips to the State tournament on their agendas.

Hoover, who won the Region crown at 152 pounds, is joined by John Sullivan, Mike Coleman, and Nick Pitas as they prepare to test themselves against the best from around the state at the Single A tournament in Salem, Virginia this Friday and Saturday.

Since both the District and Regional tournaments were held at Manassas Park High School, the setting was the same for Hoover’s match, even down to his opponent, Sergio Chavez. Hoover had earlier defeated Chavez to win the District title. This time, however the stakes were higher with a Regional crown on the line. Hoover was up to the challenge, as he again controlled his Cougar foe from start to finish in securing a 4-0 victory. With a first period takedown and two points for putting Chavez to his back, Hoover built a lead which he made stand up for his first Regional title.

It was not all Hoover Saturday though, as three other Mustangs were able to navigate their weight classes and qualify for the postseason tournament all High School athletes dream of: States.

Senior John Sullivan, third at 171, and Juniors Nick Pitas, fourth at 125, and Mike Coleman, third at 135, will be making return trips to the big event, having been there last year, and in the case of Sullivan and Pitas, winning medals.

“Making the state tournament is a big deal for everybody,” Mason Head Coach John Pitas said. “It’s something athletes will remember the rest of their lives.”

When asked to make a prediction about his wrestlers’ chances for medals in the upcoming tournament, Pitas said: “I don’t like to make predictions. I think it’s bad luck for a coach to talk up his wrestlers too much. I prefer to let them speak for themselves on the mat. Let’s just say though that if the breaks go our way all four could come home happy.”

The Single A State Wrestling Tournament will be held at the Salem Civic Center on March 4 and 5. Wrestling begins at 10 a.m.

Mike Hume may be emailed at mhume@fcnp.com