By Mac Cohe (February 26, 2004)

The wrestling team recorded its highest finish in 20 years and coach John Pitas was named District Coach of the Year last Saturday at the Bull Run District Championship Tournament in Strasburg.
 

Pitas has continuously improved the Mustang Wrestling Program over the last 5 years and led GMHS to a second place dual match finish in the Bull Run District behind Manassas Park, the top ranked team in the state, and a 3rd place Tournament finish despite the last minute loss of key wrestlers. The team’s overall strong performance means that eight wrestlers will advance to the Region B Championship Tournament. Devlan Melancon (145 lbs.) was named the Outstanding Wrestler of the Bull Run District by defeating both the first and second ranked Group A wrestlers in the state in his weight class to win the championship. This is believed to be the first time that either award was won by a GMHS coach or wrestler. Colin Ehmer (140 lbs.), third place in the Group A State Championship last year, also added a District Championship to his list of accolades.

Devlan Melancon, left, and his wrestling coach  John Pitas both earned high honors at the Bull  Run District Wrestling tournament last  Saturday at Strasburg. Melancon was named  District Wrestler of the Year and Pitas was  named District Coach of the Year.  (Photo by Bob Bumgarner)

Andrew Hipolit (189lbs), Tim Quintyn (275 lbs.) and Nick Pitas (112 lbs.) brought home the Silver Medal in their weight class for the Mustangs. John Sullivan (160lbs) lost a close match to a state ranked opponent from Rappahanock, beat another ranked opponent from Strasburg, and came back by beating the same Rapp wrestler who had beaten him earlier in the day to take 3^rd place. Mac Cohe (171 lbs.) dropped a one point squeaker to the eventual Tournament Champ in the semi-finals but continued for a 3^rd place finish. Kristin Schwind (119 lbs.) came in 4^th place and will also advance to the Region B Championships. 

Placing 5^th for the Mustangs were sophomores Michael Coleman (125lbs) and Tashdid Kahn (130lbs). Sophomore Trevor Quillin placed 6^th. Perhaps the biggest disappointment of the Tournament was Mike Cummings, who was "seeded" 2^nd, being medically disqualified from wrestling the morning of the tournament. 

The Mustangs will move on to the Region B Championships at Buffalo Gap High School on Saturday, February 28^th.