Patriot Brew 10/25: Cleared For Takeoff

Men's Hoops Returns To High Flying Action

Author

Patriot Brew Crew
October 25, 2023

Happy Wednesday Mason Nation. “Fasten your seatbelts, we’ve been cleared for takeoff.”

Well, let’s just call it our first test flight, how about that?

The Patriots got in front of their home crowd for their first time on Monday night and man, did it feel good to check out some high-flying action.

We’ve got all the details and much more!

What all is stirring in today’s Brew? Check it out!

✈️ Cleared for takeoff
⚽️ Doublin’ Down
✍️ The First 100
​⭐ And much, much more!

📈 STOCK UP

🔼 Cleared For Takeoff. Man did it feel good to be back at home.

The Patriots flexed their defensive muscles and took to the skies in the first of two exhibition games in a 64-52 victory over NAIA power St. Thomas in front of the home crowd at EagleBank Arena.

“Patriot Pressure” was on full display, holding the Bobcats, who won 26 games last season, to 28.6 percent shooting and just a 2-of-21 (.095) mark from inside the arc. The Patriots turned seven steals and 18 Bobcat turnovers into a +8 edge in points off turnovers for the game.
 
Three Patriots reached double figures, led by senior Darius Maddox. The Bowie, Md., product tallied team highs in points (13) and minutes (34) to go along with four rebounds and two assists.
 
Freshman point guard Baraka Okojie shined with 12 points (5-6 FG), three rebounds and two assists, while senior Ronald Polite III chipped in 11 points and made 3-of-4 3-point attempts.

🔼 Doublin’ Down. What’s better than one award? How about ✌️?

For the Mason men’s soccer team, that’s what they took home this week as midfielder Luis Maestre was selected Atlantic 10 Offensive Player of the Week and freshman midfielder James Eliuda was named Rookie of the Week.
 
Maestre, from Elche, Spain, recorded three goals and two assists in two games last week for the Patriots to increase his points streak to five games (4G, 4A). He's tied for first in the Atlantic 10 in assists (9) and is tied for third in the league in points (17).
 
Eliuda, from Juba, South Sudan, scored his first collegiate goal in the 24th minute and played 61 minutes in Mason's 7-0 victory at Radford. On Saturday against VCU in a 2-1 loss, the midfielder took three shots with one shot on goal and played all 90 minutes of the match.

🔼 Let’s Get Spooky. Who doesn’t love another reason to throw on a costume and win prizes?

It doesn’t matter how old you are, throwing on a Scooby Doo onesie gets ya every time.

Join in on the fun and help support the Mason volleyball team as they head down the stretch of the 2023 regular season looking to make some noise and grab a spot in the Atlantic 10 Tournament.

Who doesn’t love costumes and a rivalry game?

✍️ THE FIRST 100

You know those first 100 days when the boss calls you in and asks how things are going?

Well, we’ve brought our new leader in to check in after the first 100 days on the job with the Green & Gold.

Hear directly from Athletic Director Marvin Lewis on why he’s excited about the future of the Patriots!

🏆 CALL TO THE HALL

What better way to kick off a new season than honoring the legends that built the foundation?

One of the most successful programs in the athletic department is opening a new chapter as the Mason Wrestling Hall of Fame is set to host its inaugural George Mason Wrestling Hall of Fame Ceremony, inducting alumni, coaches, and its 1974 undefeated team on Sunday, October 29th. at the Stacey Sherwood Community Center in Fairfax.

This event will celebrate the rich history of George Mason that dates back more than 50 years to the 1972-1973 season. The George Mason University Wrestling Hall of Fame is established to recognize and honor outstanding achievement in wrestling, contributions to Mason athletics, and significant service to society. Contributions through coaching, refereeing, sponsorships, media, announcing, and lifetime support also qualify individuals for induction.
 
The inaugural induction includes: the undefeated 1974 team, Johnny Curtis '93, Matt Finacchio '95, Bryan Hazard '96, Scott Kirsch '91, Paul Maltagliati '83, Sean Shea '01, Dan Wotring '81, Head Coach Mike Moyer, 1985-1995 and Head Coach Roger Rinker, 1974-1981.

🤔 PATRIOT TRIVIA

Thrice As Nice. Sophomore Gabriella Gelfound is somewhat a jack of all trades for the Mason volleyball team.

In just her second season, she’s seemingly done it all for the Green & Gold.

The Lancaster, Calif. native has 154 kills, 361 assists and 159 digs so far in 2023.

How many players in the Atlantic 10 are in the 150+, 350+ and 150+ club in 2023?

Got a guess?

Scroll on down to the bottom of this email for the answer!

Patriot Trivia is sponsored by our official Student Housing Partner,
The Main on University

📅 WHAT’S ON TAP?

Wednesday, October 25
🏐 Volleyball vs. George Washington @ 6pm

Friday, October 27
🏀 Men’s Basketball at West Virginia (Exhibition) @ 7pm
🏊 Swimming vs. La Salle @ 5pm

Saturday, October 28
👟 Cross Country at Atlantic 10 Championships @ 10am (Dayton, Ohio)
🏊 Swimming vs. Duquesne @ 10am
🏐 Volleyball at VCU @ 1pm
⚽ Men’s Soccer at George Washington @ 3pm
🤼‍♂️ Wrestling at Mason Wrestleoffs (Fairfax, Va.)

Sunday, October 29
🏐 Volleyball at VCU @ 1pm
⛳️ Men’s Golf at Bryan National Collegiate (Greensboro, N.C.)

📬 STICK WITH US

Did someone send you the Patriot Brew? Well, the first thing you should do is thank them. The next thing you should do is subscribe here and get it in your inbox every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning just in time for your first cup of coffee!

🎉 TRIVIA ANSWER

Answer: Got ya! She’s the only one!

That’s right, Gelfound is the only player in A-10 to reach those numbers in all three categories.

Tonight, she’ll look to add those stat columns as the Patriots rival George Washington in a big time conference showdown at the RAC.

Patriot Trivia is sponsored by our official Student Housing Partner,
The Main on University

⭐️ Enjoy your Wednesday, y’all!