Air Force Academy

Jan. 4, 2008

The Air Force wrestling team opens up its dual slate this weekend, Jan. 5, when it takes part in the Lone Star Duals in Grand Prairie, Texas. The Falcons will face Eastern Michigan at 8:00 a.m. (CT), Appalachian State at 4:00 p.m. and Brown at 6:00 p.m. Meanwhile, another group of Air Force wrestlers will compete at the Tournament of Champions, hosted by Colby CC, Jan. 4-5.

About the Lone Star Duals...
The Lone Star Duals, now in its 11th season, brings together several of the nation's top teams in dual competition. This year, 25 colleges will compete. Meanwhile, Air Force has competed in the Lone Star Duals in three of the last four seasons.

Last Time Out...
The Falcons competed in the 45th-annual Midlands Invitational last weekend, pitting themselves against some of the top wrestlers in the nation. Leading the way for Air Force with three wins each on the weekend were seniors Jake Kriegbaum and Jacob Devlin.

Scouting the Falcons...
Leading Air Force so far this season is freshman Derek Gillespie, who has finished as a placewinner in three events this season, entering this weekend with a 14-4 overall record. Junior Stephen Crozier, who took first place at the FHSU-Bob Smith Open, ranks second on the team in total wins with 11.

Meanwhile, Gillespie and senior captain Chris Szabolcs lead the team with four falls each on the season, while sophomore Kurt Spranger owns a fastest fall of 46 seconds.

Scouting the Eagles...
Eastern Michigan enters this weekend with a 7-3 overall dual record. EMU's only losses this season have come against nationally ranked teams: Michigan, Northwestern and Edinboro.

Scouting the Bears...
Brown also opens its dual slate this weekend, facing North Carolina, Utah Valley State and Wisconsin, along with Air Force. The Bears have competed in three events this season, including last weekend's Midlands Invitational.

Up Next...
The Falcons have another dual meet next weekend, Jan. 12, when they travel to Alamosa, Colo., to face Adams State in a 3:00 p.m. contest.

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