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Student athlete brings passion for teaching to the mat

Sarah Holland — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 14:23:10 +0000

Student athlete brings passion for teaching to the mat Sarah Holland Mon, 04/28/2025 - 10:23

Red-shirting—when an athlete is withdrawn from college sporting events for a year to develop their skills and extend their period of eligibility by an additional year—is particularly common for student athletes from the early 2020s. With many of their careers put on pause due to COVID-19, most student athletes have the chance to keep competing while pursuing graduate degrees.

Photo by Rafael Suanes/Athletics

For Tyler Kocak, BA Integrative Studies ’24, that extra year of eligibility gave him the chance to pursue a second degree: an MEd in secondary education.

Kocak, who received the John R. Linn Memorial Award for Outstanding Student Athlete from the College of Education and Human Development, plans to cross the stage at the Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony.

What inspired you to go into teaching?

My brother got me into it initially. He’s a teacher, and he said he liked it, so I thought I might like it, too. I have a passion for changing the future and impacting kids. In secondary education, I can build relationships with the students and support them along their journey to shape their futures. And I chose history and social science as my focus because I’m a big history junkie.

What brought you to George Mason?

I’m from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and I was recruited for wrestling at George Mason. That was a big factor, but I also liked the area a lot, and I liked the academics.

What’s something you learned from wrestling that translated to your teaching?

Working hard is number one. If you don’t work hard, you’re not going to get where you want to be. You have to roll with the punches: If something doesn't go well or doesn’t go your way, you have to keep going forward, keep moving. Wrestling is a lot about mindset and mentality. I’m a pretty optimistic person, so I always try to look on the bright side of things and work toward improving myself, improving my teaching, and improving my wrestling. Improvement is all about consistency, too, so I learned to take those little steps forward each time to get better and reach my goals.

Photo by Rafael Suanes/Athletics

What is your greatest accomplishment from your time at George Mason?

I’ve competed nationally a lot. I placed 6th at the Mid-American Conference (MAC); I won a tournament; I made it to round 12 at Midlands Championship, which is a big tournament; and others. And I was on the MAC Honor Roll and was a National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Scholar All-American.

What advice would you give to a first-year student at George Mason?

Never give up. Work hard and manage your time well. Stay ahead of the course, and plan ahead instead of falling behind. If you do fall behind, contact your professors. And if you’re an athlete coming in, try to build a good relationship with your coaches and teammates.

What are your current plans for post-graduation?

I want to teach history and social science somewhere in Fairfax County. Maybe I’ll end up doing special education. And I want to coach high school wrestling.

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Blair-Lewis signs contract extension through 2029-30 season

Colleen Rich — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 17:23:33 +0000

Blair-Lewis signs contract extension through 2029-30 season Colleen Rich Mon, 03/31/2025 - 13:23

George Mason �鶹�� Assistant Vice President/Director of Athletics Marvin Lewis has announced a contract extension for women's basketball head coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis, securing her leadership through the 2029-30 season.

Coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis. Photo by George Mason Athletics

Blair-Lewis has revitalized the Patriots, leading them to historic milestones, including their first-ever Atlantic 10 Championship and an NCAA Tournament appearance in the 2024-25 season. This year, George Mason also set a program record with 27 wins and finished with a 14-4 conference record, solidifying its status as a top competitor in the A-10.

“In just four years, Vanessa has transformed our women’s basketball program, guiding us to our first A-10 championship and NCAA Tournament appearance,” said Lewis. “Her leadership has ignited a new level of pride and excitement across our campus community. Vanessa is not only an exceptional coach on the court but also a remarkable leader off it. We’re thrilled to have her at the helm of our program for years to come.”

Blair-Lewis has overseen remarkable improvement in her tenure. In her first season in 2021-22, she more than tripled the team’s win total from the previous year, guiding them to a 10-19 record. The following year, the Patriots recorded their first winning season since 2017-18, finishing 16-15 and advancing to the A-10 quarterfinals. In 2023-24, the program reached new heights with 23 regular season wins and 14 conference victories, earning a postseason bid to the WBIT. This past season, her vision materialized, as the Patriots achieved unprecedented success, culminating in the program’s first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance.

“I am incredibly grateful to President Gregory Washington, Athletic Director Marvin Lewis, and Senior Women’s Administrator Nena Rogers for their continued belief in me and unwavering support of our women’s basketball program,” said Blair-Lewis. “Being the head coach at George Mason is both an honor and a responsibility I hold with great pride. I’m fortunate to lead a phenomenal group of young women whose heart, resilience, and commitment made this historic season possible.”

Blair-Lewis’ impact has been recognized nationally, as she was named a finalist for the Kathy Delaney-Smith Mid-Major Coach of the Year by Her Hoop Stats two years in a row.

“This year wasn’t just about wins—it was about changing the narrative, raising the standard, and showing what’s possible when a team fully believes in one another,” said Blair-Lewis. “The energy, unity, and pride we’ve seen from the George Mason community has been overwhelming and deeply meaningful.”

Blair-Lewis has also overseen the development of six standout student-athletes who have earned significant postseason accolades in the A-10. Three Patriots the last two seasons have been named to A-10’s All-Conference lists, including back-to-back athletes who were named the league’s Most Improved Player.

With this contract extension, George Mason affirms its commitment to the continued growth and success of its women's basketball program under Blair-Lewis’s leadership. The university community looks forward to building on this momentum and achieving even greater milestones in the coming seasons.

“As we look ahead, I’m excited about what’s to come,” said Blair-Lewis. “We’re not done—we’re just getting started. Together, we’re building something truly special for this university, for Northern Virginia, and for every young girl who dreams of playing this game at the highest level.”

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Tony Skinn earns contract extension through 2029-30

Katarina Benson — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 16:49:02 +0000

Tony Skinn earns contract extension through 2029-30 Katarina Benson Thu, 03/27/2025 - 12:49

George Mason �鶹�� Assistant Vice President/Director of Athletics Marvin Lewis has announced a contract extension for men's basketball head coach Tony Skinn, BA Communication '06, through the 2029-30 season.

Coach Tony Skinn. Photo by George Mason Athletics

The 2024-25 Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year, Skinn has quickly established himself as one of the top young head coaches in the nation.

He is the fastest George Mason coach to 40 wins in school history and has totaled the most overall victories (47) of any George Mason bench boss over their first two seasons in Fairfax. His A-10 winning percentage (.667) is by far the best in the program's 12 years in the league and his overall winning percentage (.703) is the best of any George Mason coach over their first two campaigns.

Skinn led the Patriots to a share of their first-ever A-10 regular season title, the program’s first NIT victory since 2004 and a school record-tying 27 overall victories this season.

"We are thrilled that Tony Skinn will continue leading our men’s basketball program," Lewis said. "There is no better ambassador for our university. Tony truly embodies what it means to be a Patriot. Under his leadership, we secured our first A-10 conference title and have elevated our national profile in the process. As one of the most dynamic young coaches in the country, retaining Tony was a top priority for our university. With him at the helm, the program’s brightest days are still to come."

This past season, Skinn guided the Patriots to the best season in the program's A-10 history. The Green & Gold set a new school record for Atlantic 10 league victories (15) and started league play 12-1 for the first time in the program's 59-year history. The Patriots locked up a double bye in the A-10 Tournament for the first time and reached a conference title game for the first time since 2009.

George Mason tallied a school-record 18 home victories in 2024-25. The Patriots also swept their A-10 home schedule (9-0) for the first time ever and won five-straight A-10 road games for the first time in program annals. The team's 11-game win streak from Jan. 8-Feb. 18 was the second longest in the nation at the time and was just the fourth 10+ game winning streak in school history.

Skinn is a national finalist for the Ben Jobe Award, given to the nation’s top minority head coach, and the Skip Prosser Man of the Year Award, which recognizes a Division I head coach who wins with integrity both on and off the court.

“I’m proud of what we’ve built over these two years, most importantly because of where we’ve built it,” Skinn said. “George Mason gave me an opportunity 20 years ago, and without it, I wouldn’t be where I am today. It means the world to have reestablished the championship culture we took so much pride in as players here. I appreciate the continued support of Dr. Washington and Marvin Lewis as we navigate this new college basketball landscape and position ourselves on the national stage.”

George Mason’s elite Patriot Pressure defense ranked in the Top 25 nationally this season and the Patriots led the nation in field goal defense. The team's cumulative FG defense marked aMason school record while its 3-point defense was second best all time.

Skinn has been instrumental in the development of dynamic players who have brought his Patriot Pressure vision to life. Senior Jared Billups became George Mason’s first conference Defensive Player of the Year since 2001 and is a finalist for the Lefty Driesell Award, given to the nation’s top defensive player.

Jalen Haynes earned NABC All-District First Team honors andwas just the second All-A-10 First Team pick in school history. What’s more, Darius Maddox earned NABC All-District Second Team accolades and a position on the All-A-10 Third Team. Both Haynes and Maddox garnered A-10 All-Tournament accolades after shining on the national stage in DC this March.

Skinn has led the Patriots to 20 wins in each of his first two campaigns at the helm. Last season, he was named a finalist for the Joe B. Hall Award, given annually to the nation’s top first-time head coach.

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Wrestling season comes to an end at NCAA Championships

Katarina Benson — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 20:14:32 +0000

Wrestling season comes to an end at NCAA Championships Katarina Benson Mon, 03/24/2025 - 16:14

The George Mason men's wrestling team was represented by three individuals—DJ McGee, Kaden Cassidy, and Malachi DuVall—at the 2025 NCAA Division I Men's Wrestling Championships at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia this weekend.

Kaden Cassidy, DJ McGee, and Malachi DuVall at the NCAA Division I Championship in Philadelphia.

In his second appearance at the national tournament, DJ McGee finished top 16 in the country with a 2-2 record, besting his 1-2 record in the 2024 championship. He defeated familiar foe Johnny Lovett from Central Michigan, 7-2. The two have competed five times in two seasons, including in the Mid-Atlantic Conference (MAC) Championship this season.

Lovett got on the board first with an escape to begin the third period of the consolation second-round match. A fury of action happened in the final seconds of the match as McGee scored a near fall to defeat Lovett, 7-2, the largest winning margin in the all-time series with Lovett. McGee is now 4-1 all-time against the MAC opponent. McGee lost the next match to Michigan's State's Chase Saldate by fall (1:49).

DuVall won his first match at an NCAA Championship with a major decision in wrestlebacks against West Virginia's Denis Robin (13-0). In the consolation round, Chase Saldate from Michigan State edged DuVall, 8-4, to end the junior's quest at the NCAA Championship. He finishes the season with a 18-7 record.

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Recapping women’s and men’s basketball teams’ historic seasons

Katarina Benson — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 16:49:18 +0000

Recapping women’s and men’s basketball teams’ historic seasons Katarina Benson Mon, 03/24/2025 - 12:49

Although their seasons came to an end over the weekend, both the George Mason �鶹�� men’s and women’s basketball teams made history this season.

The women's team traveled to Louisiana for the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Photo by George Mason Athletics

The women’s team earned its first-ever NCAA Tournament berth by winning the Atlantic 10 tournament, capped an amazing season with a tough first-round loss to Florida State.

Paula Suarez scored a career-high 25 points, including five three-pointers. Kennedy Harris had 12 points and five assists.

After an initial surge by Florida State, the Patriots found their rhythm in the second quarter, matching the Seminoles 19-19 in the frame. Suárez caught fire from deep, keeping the Patriots within striking distance. But as the game wore on, Florida State's size and depth proved difficult to counter

“The outcome of this game does not define who they are,” Coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis told the Associated Press. “They have put a legacy in place at Mason…that can never be taken away.”

The team ends its historic season with a 27-6 record.

The men's NIT game against Bradley. Photo by Art Pittman/George Mason Athletics.

The men’s team, led by George Mason alum and A-10 Coach of the Year Tony Skinn, BA Communication ‘06, set a new school record this season with 15 wins in the A-10. They matched the best overall win total (27) in school history. The Patriots also set a new program best for home wins (18) and swept their home A-10 slate (9-0) for the first time.

The men’s team scored a decisive 86-69 victory against Sanford in the first round of the NIT on Wednesday, March 19, at EagleBank Arena.

On Saturday, they trailed Bradley by nine (37-28) at the break and by as many as 18 (55-37) in the second half. They closed the gap to three (65-62) with 3:47 left, but Bradley pushed it back to eight (71-63) with 1:31 left and hung on.

"I'm thankful for our seniors," Skinn said. "This was a phenomenal season—27 wins in a season is not normal, and I'm grateful to these guys for it."

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Men’s and women’s basketball teams extend record-breaking seasons, enter tournament play

Colleen Rich — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 18:28:21 +0000

Men’s and women’s basketball teams extend record-breaking seasons, enter tournament play Colleen Rich Mon, 03/17/2025 - 14:28

Capping two 20-plus win regular seasons and strong Atlantic 10 (A-10) performances, George Mason �鶹��’s women’s and men’s basketball teams will compete in the NCAA and NIT, respectively.

George Mason men's basketball is the No. 2 seed in the NIT and hosts Samford on Wednesday, March 19. Photo by George Mason Athletics

First up is the men’s basketball team (26-8), hosting Samford (22-10) at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, in the first round of the National Invitational Tournament (NIT).

This is the men’s teams’ first NIT bid since 2009 and first time hosting a home game since 2004.

Tickets for the game are general admission, $25 for adults and $15 for kids 12 and under. George Mason student tickets are free. Fans can purchase tickets through the George Mason Ticket Office by calling 703-993-3270 or at the EagleBank Arena Box Office.

The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+.

The men’s team has won 24 of its last 29 games, with a new program record for A-10 conference wins (15) and the second-most wins in team history.

George Mason's women's basketball on Selection Sunday in EagleBank Arena. Photo by Art Pittman/George Mason Athletics

The women’s team (27-5) is a No. 11 seed and plays its first-round NCAA Tournament game against No. 6 seed Florida State at 7:45 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The game will be broadcast on ESPN2.

They learned about their matchup on Sunday at a watch party at EagleBank Arena where they celebrated with fans.

They earned an automatic bid, their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance, by winning the A-10 conference last week.

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Meet the Mason Nation: CJ Minteer

Lauren Reuscher — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 18:52:27 +0000

Meet the Mason Nation: CJ Minteer Lauren Reuscher Wed, 03/12/2025 - 14:52

CJ Minteer

Job: Director of Procurement, George Mason Athletics

In a perfect world, student-athletes have everything they need to reach their potential on the court or field, in the pool, or on the mat. George Mason �鶹�� staff like CJ Minteer support their success and training. As the director of procurement for George Mason Athletics, Minteer carefully manages and supports the equipment needs of student-athletes across the university.

CJ Minteer supports George Mason student-athletes by ensuring they are equipped for success. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of �鶹�� Branding

Making every dollar count: Minteer arrived at George Mason in 2021, taking the role of equipment manager. He has been in his current role, director of procurement, since 2022. Minteer administers the purchase of approximately $1 million of athletic gear each year for student-athletes, coaches, and support staff.

“This includes everything from T-shirts, to hoodies, footwear, accessories, backpacks, and more,” said Minteer, who manages the university’s contract with Adidas. That contract covers most of the uniforms and apparel provided for George Mason’s teams.

Minteer also manages contracts with companies that provide equipment to the teams— baseball bats and helmets, basketballs, golf clubs, and track and field equipment.

Backing the team: Supporting student-athletes and their success makes the job meaningful.

“Helping our student-athletes with any issues they have with the apparel, and making sure that everything is up to snuff on game day, are important parts of the job,” said Minteer. “We want the athletes to look and feel their best.”

Field of dream (jobs): Minteer grew up around college sports, and landing a job in the equipment realm feels like a home run to him. “I've grown up with sports my whole life, “said Minteer. “My dad has been a football coach for over 20 years, and I knew that I ultimately wanted to work in sports.”

Be true to your school: Minteer was introduced to equipment management in college, when he worked as a student employee for James Madison �鶹��’s football team. He was eager to get involved any way he could. “I wanted to be on board with anything I could do to help out, even if it was volunteering,” Minteer said.

He studied sport and recreation management at James Madison and continued working as a part-time equipment manager after graduating, until he came to George Mason for a full-time role.

Dressed to impress: When it comes to uniform design, Minteer balances multiple factors and priorities. Design ideas come from the coaches, as well as Minteer. The designs must follow the university’s overall brand and trademark guidelines to create a cohesive look across teams.

The finished products also must hold up to the heavy demands of sports. “These uniforms are very high quality, and they're meant to last a long time,” Minteer said.

Built for the big moments: Minteer enjoys working behind the scenes to create products that the student-athletes will use during their biggest moments. “There's nothing quite like this job,” Minteer said. “It is very behind-the-scenes. You see your work done on game day and at practice. Seeing all the gear and all the uniforms that the athletes wear, it's all done by us.”

Turning on a dime: Minteer says one of the biggest challenges in the equipment realm is athlete turnover. In the NCAA, student-athletes frequently transfer schools, and the trend continues to grow. This can be tricky when jersey and equipment orders are placed far in advance.

“We can do inventory as frequently as possible, but you never know who is going to leave or stay,” said Minteer. In a time crunch, they have workarounds. “We have extra jerseys. We can do tackle twill or screen printing on uniforms, so we have something a little bit quicker than having Adidas customize it,” he said.

Biggest fan: Outside work hours, Minteer follows and supports George Mason teams. “I'll be in the dugout at the baseball and softball games,” Minteer said.

One of his most memorable moments was watching the softball team win the conference championship in 2023 in New York. “I drove five hours to go see them that day,” Minteer said. The championship went to a second game, for 18 total innings. It was a long day, and Minteer drove back home that same night.

He said it was worth it. “It was so uplifting to be there the first time our team won the Atlantic 10 Conference Championship for softball,” Minteer said. “That was a moment that I’ll never forget, and feeling like I was a part of it.”

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George Mason men’s and women’s basketball programs riding high

Colleen Rich — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 19:17:25 +0000

George Mason men’s and women’s basketball programs riding high Colleen Rich Tue, 03/11/2025 - 15:17

It’s March Madness again, and it’s made for some heady times for the George Mason �鶹�� basketball program. The Patriots women’s and men’s basketball teams are the talk of Mason Nation and elsewhere after reaching new heights with their play this past weekend.

And both teams could ascend higher still.

“It’s a great time to be a Patriot,” men’s basketball head coach Tony Skinn said.

The second-seeded women’s team made history at the Atlantic 10 Tournament on Sunday, downing Saint Joseph’s 73-58 in the championship game at the Henrico Sports & �鶹�� Center to claim the first NCAA Tournament berth in program history.

Photo by Art Pittman/Athletics

Senior guard Paula Suárez scored 23 points and redshirt sophomore forward and A-10 Rookie of the Year Zahirah Walton added 19 as George Mason (27-5) launched itself into the Big Dance in style with its first conference tournament title.

Now in her fourth year at the helm after inheriting a program with no conference game wins and just three overall in the season before her arrival, Coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis and team will now await Sunday evening’s televised NCAA Tournament Selection Show in EagleBank Arena to see where they will be paired.

“I’m really excited about how this team has come together,” Blair-Lewis said. “It speaks volumes to the camaraderie and the dedication they have to each other to come together and do something good.”

The victory is just the latest milestone for a surging Patriots’ women’s basketball team that had already set new school records this season for the most wins in the regular season (24), the longest winning streak (11 games), and for the first consecutive 20-win seasons. The team also matched a year-old mark for conference victories in a season (14) to earn its highest A-10 Tournament seeding ever.

The preseason pick to finish sixth in the conference, the George Mason men’s team did team its part in helping to make a magical basketball weekend that Patriot fans won’t soon forget. A 64-60 win at �鶹�� of Richmond on Saturday gave the Patriots a share of the Atlantic 10 regular season title for the first time ever.

Photo by Athletics

Senior guard Darius Maddox tallied 15 of his game-high 18 points in the second half to pace George Mason (24-7).

“This is truly a blessing,” Skinn said following the game. “I said when I got this job that I was going to work my butt off to get us back where we belong. It starts with our leadership. [George Mason President Gregory] Washington boldly chose to give an opportunity to a guy who had never been a head coach. His faith and support, along with [Assistant Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics] Marvin Lewis, are a big part of how we were able to build this roster. This is what can happen when you approach things the right way. I’m so proud of our team.”

This week Skinn was named A-10 basketball coach of the year and senior Jared Billups was named defensive player of the year.

George Mason enters this week’s Atlantic 10 Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena in nearby Washington, D.C., as the No. 2 seed with its first game at 5 p.m. in Friday’s quarterfinal round. VCU will be the tournament’s No. 1 seed by virtue of its regular season win over George Mason on Feb. 22.

There’s a chance that the Patriots men’s team could also reach the NCAA Tournament.

“It’s really amazing,” Blair-Lewis said of the success both George Mason programs have enjoyed this season, “and I’m just really proud of both programs. The men’s success is success for us, and vice versa. It’s been really good for the entire university.”

Blair-Lewis was named a finalist for the Kathy Delaney-Smith Mid-Major Coach of the Year Award.

Until recently, the two George Mason basketball teams had the best combined record of any program in the country, and that success hasn’t gone unnoticed, with various players and both head coaches receiving accolades of all kinds.

But neither Blair-Lewis or Skinn are putting much stock in the outside noise, especially with so much basketball still to be played.

“We haven’t been a household name in the league,” Skinn said. “We’re trying to change that narrative.”

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George Mason women’s basketball wins in A-10 Championship

Colleen Rich — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 14:50:38 +0000

George Mason women’s basketball wins in A-10 Championship Colleen Rich Mon, 03/10/2025 - 10:50

The George Mason �鶹��’s women’s basketball team delivered a performance for the ages, claiming their first-ever Atlantic 10 Championship with a 73-58 victory over Saint Joseph's at the Henrico Sports and �鶹�� Center in Virginia. With the win, the Patriots secured their first NCAA Tournament berth in program history, cementing themselves as a rising power in the conference.

Photo by Art Pittman/Athletics

From the opening tip, George Mason set the tone with suffocating defense and efficient shooting. Led by a stellar 23-point performance from Paula Suárez and a commanding 19-point, 8-rebound effort from Zahirah Walton, the Patriots executed their game plan to perfection. A pivotal third quarter, in which George Mason outscored Saint Joseph’s 26-12 while shooting an astonishing 90.9% from the field, broke the game wide open and left no doubt about the outcome.

The final buzzer signaled not just a championship but a new era for George Mason basketball. With their ticket punched to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history, the Patriots are poised to make even more noise on the national stage. For George Mason fans, this victory is the culmination of years of dedication, resilience, and the unwavering Believing BIG that their team was destined for greatness.

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George Mason Women's Indoor Track and Field crowned as 2025 A-10 champions

Katarina Benson — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 18:47:44 +0000

George Mason Women's Indoor Track and Field crowned as 2025 A-10 champions Katarina Benson Mon, 03/03/2025 - 13:47

George Mason �鶹�� has been crowned the Atlantic 10 Women's Indoor Track and Field Champions, claiming the title over VCU at the Virginia Beach Sports Center. The men's team placed second in the championship behind Rhode Island.

The Patriots clinched the championship in dramatic fashion, securing three additional medals on the final day of competition. Senior Abby Weening captured gold in the high jump, delivering a pivotal performance that helped George Mason maintain its lead over VCU. She was also named the Most Outstanding Field Performer, recognizing her stellar meet, which included two gold medals in the pentathlon and high jump. Junior Olamide Enajekpo earned bronze in the shot put, while sophomore Susan Adenitan placed third in the 200m race.

Women's Indoor Track and Field A-10 Championship team. Photo by George Mason Athletics

With the championship hanging in the balance, the 4x400m relay became the deciding event. Holding a slim 2.5-point advantage over VCU, the Patriots needed to outpace the Rams to secure the title. The relay team—Chairely Bido, Simone Hamlar, Helena Santacana, and Ay'rianna Moore—delivered in dominant fashion, sealing the long-awaited victory for George Mason.

"Overall, an outstanding weekend of competition for both genders but, especially for our women. It was just a tremendous effort spread across all event groups," said Head Coach Andrew Gerard. “It really is not an exaggeration to say that we continue to have the best combined men's and women's program in the conference and that is 100% credit to the team of athletes we have assembled and the awesome staff that helps get them onto the line, circle and runway."

This victory marks a historic achievement for George Mason, as the Patriots have claimed their first A-10 Indoor Championship since 2014.

The men's team placed second, only behind Rhode Island who have won the Atlantic 10 Championship for the fifth consecutive year.

The men’s 60m hurdles were swept by the Patriots. Freshman Davian Burke won bronze, junior Albert Asare placed silver, and graduate student Joshua Sutton won the gold. Senior Paul McClain earned the gold in the 500m race, and a gold was also won in the 4x400m relays with a young team of Mason Samuels, Lance Koontz, Max Karen, and Jordan Tuck. Sophomore Abdurrazzaq Hassan got the bronze in the heptathlon.

Head Coach Andrew Gerard and his staff were honored as the Coaching Staff of the Year.

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