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St. Marys senior Tate Hisey, seated center, will attend George Mason University and compete on the Patriots' wrestling team. Seated with Tate are, from left, brother Trevor Hisey, mother Shanna Hisey, father and St. Marys assistant coach Tim Hisey and sister Courtney Watson. Standing from left are brother Tyler Hisey, assistant coaches Sean Barnett and Garrett Hower, head coach Larry Gruber and brother-in-law Riley Watson.
ST. MARYS - Tate Hisey wanted to make his decision on college before his senior season of wrestling got underway.
The St. Marys standout and 2024 Division II 126-pound state champion made his choice, selecting George Mason University in Virginia to continue his education and wrestling career on Tuesday.
"They reached out after the Super 32 (tournament held in Greensboro, North Carolina in October)," said Hisey, who will major in finance. "I took a visit in late October and I realized as the season was getting ready to start that I wanted to make a decision. I had a short list and (George Mason) was at the top of it. Everything seemed right.
"It was a big relief. Now I can focus on the goal for this season: another state title."
The Patriots competes in the Mid-American Conference for wrestlingas the Atlantic-10 Conference does not sponsor wrestling. George Mason, located in Fairfax, Virginia, finished third at last year's MAC championships at Kent State. This season, George Mason has opened the season 6-0 in dual matches.
"I like the facilities and the funding they have," said Hisey. "It's like a family. They have a small roster of 25. It just felt right."
Hisey can now focus on his goals. Already a three-time Western Buckeye League champion at 106, 113 and 126 pounds, Hisey qualified for state his first three seasons, finishing fifth overall at 106 pounds, joining his older brothers Tyler and Trevor in earning All-Ohio honors that season, then finished fourth in 2023 at 113 pounds, losing in overtime in the third-place match.
Last season, Hisey reached the top of the podium as he moved up to 126 pounds, becoming the first St. Marys wrestler - and first Grand Lake area wrestler - to win a state championship by finishing 45-2 and winning via pinfall over Indian Valley's Leroy Steagall in the championship bout. Hisey is 134-9 in his career at St. Marys.
"Just value your time every day," said Hisey when asked about what he'll take from his years at St. Marys. "I'm definitely looking forward to this season. I'm going to value every moment because in three months, it's going to be over."
