Success is still elusive for the George Mason High School wrestling team as a whole, but several of its key wrestlers continue to perform well.

Last week, the Mustangs dropped five matches, including a 42-40 squeaker to Kettle Run, but seniors Danny Seidita (120 pounds) and Ze’ev Lailari (160 pounds) continue to shine as each went 4-1 during the latest stretch of matches.

Also doing well for the Mustangs were sophomore Grant Hagler (152 pounds), who went 3-2, and senior Jake King (170 pounds) who was 4-1. King has finally moved into a starting role after being slowed by injury.

The news was not good for senior Alborz Alaeddini, however, as he suffered a concussion during his match with Central’s Tommy Peacemaker and is likely to be out for the rest of the year.

“It’s a big disappointment for Alborz,” said Coach Bryan Harris. “He is terribly upset. He was just starting to round into shape and feel comfortable on the mat.”
Alaeddini, who finished sixth in the state last year, had been hampered by shoulder problems until mid December, but had recovered sufficiently to win the championship at 145 pounds in the Mason Holiday Classic tournament on Dec. 29.

King, who had been in and out of the lineup in the early days of the season, made the most of his opportunities with four victories last week. Coupled with a fourth-place finish at the Mason invitational, King is now 7-4 since he moved to the 170 pound slot, and he gives the Mustangs another bright spot in a lineup beset with injuries and inexperience.

Mason traveled to Rappahannock County High School Wednesday to compete, but results were not available at press time. The team will be on the road again this weekend, traveling to Spalding High School for a 16-team dual meet tournament.