Wrestling: Wadsworth's Logan Messer picks George Mason

WADSWORTH — Success in wrestling is all about feel, and making a college choice isn't much different. Wadsworth's Logan Messer had his Division I choices narrowed down to Cleveland State, Duke and George Mason, and in the end it was all about the Patriots. The senior signed his letter of intent and will make the trek to Virginia next fall. "I just really feel like the wrestlers and all the coaches that I talked to and texted gave me the right vibe," Messer said. "I really feel like they believed in me a lot. They believed I could do a lot and I liked the encouragement from them." The fact Grizzlies teammate Jon List will join Messer at George Mason helped the 170-pounder. While having List on campus wasn't the deciding factor, it helped as the two have talked about being roommates. "I feel like that's going to help a lot," Messer said. "College is a completely different world, so having that one familiar face that you can come back to and be comfortable with will also be nice." Messer carries a 3.97 grade-point average and is looking into biology as a major. He's also looking forward to learning under coach Frank Beasley, who guided George Mason to its best season in 11 years in 2018-19. Former Kent State wrestler Mike DePalma, who trained under Olympic bronze medalist Tervel Dlagnev, is also an assistant there and will help Messer, who plans on wrestling at 184 pounds. The Patriots are getting an absolute winner in Messer, who is a two-time state qualifier and state placer as a freshman. As a junior, he went 35-3 and placed at the Suburban League and Powerade Tournament. He was a Mentor District, Wadsworth Sectional and North Canton Holiday Tournament champion. Messer heads into his senior season with a 100-25 mark and has only lost 10 matches the last two seasons. "I'm excited because this team is on the rise," Messer said. "The coaches really do believe in all their wrestlers with the opportunities they give us. The college atmosphere seems like a good time and I'm ready to compete at the next level. "I am hard-working. With balancing wrestling, being a captain and schoolwork, it's a lot to do, but I'm able to balance it and still have a lot of free time. I'm willing to handle my time and put a lot of effort into all of it." Messer, who likely would have reached state as a sophomore had he not gotten hurt, knows he's not going to George Mason with a guaranteed spot. He's willing to put in the effort and battle the likes of all-state wrestler Kyle Davis of New York, the team's leader in wins (18) last season. Paul Pierce, a two-time Virginia state placer, also will give Messer a run for the starting spot after starting at 184 for the Patriots last season. "Just seeing new faces and new competition is always nice," Messer said. "I'm excited to earn my name and show my worth on that team." Contact Brad Bournival at bournival929@gmail.com.