Air Force Academy

The Air Force wrestling team returns to action this week, as it travels to Portland, Ore., for both a dual meet and a tournament. The Falcons will face off against Portland State in dual action at 7:00 p.m. (PT) on Saturday, Jan. 7, before taking part in the 16-team tournament on Sunday, Jan. 8.

Last Time Out...Five Falcons took part in last week's Midlands Invitationals, paced by senior co-captain Beau Tresemer, who finished the weekend with a 2-2 mark. Tresemer, facing off against three seeded opponents last week, included an upset over sixth-seeded Brian Busby of Cal State Bakersfield to start the tournament.
Also competing for Air Force were Jake Kriegbaum, Adam Swift, Stephen Crozier and Kurt Skarstedt.

This Week's Competitors...Thirteen different Air Force wrestlers in nine weight classes are slated to compete this weekend at the Portland State dual and/or Open. Projected to compete this weekend are :Sr. Brandon Strong (133), So. Jake Kriegbaum (141), Jr. Matt Crippes (149), Jr. Zach Lord (157), Sr. Beau Tresemer (165), Sr. Adam Swift (174), Fr. Stephen Crozier (174), Sr. Zane Hershey (184), Fr. Brett Boyce (184), Sr. Brenden McLean (197), Sr. Kurt Skarstedt (197), Fr. Billy Blumhoefer (197) and and Fr. Frank McGrath (HWT).

In the National Rankings...Despite not having seen action this season, Air Force senior Brenden McLean is currently rated 17th at 197 pounds in the latest NWCA/Intermat poll released Jan. 3. McLean is expected to see action this weekend.
Meanwhile, fellow senior Brandon Strong (125) is rated 17th by the Wrestling Mall.

Up Next...Air Force returns to the Academy for its first home dual of the year next week, when the Falcons play host to Western State on Jan. 13. Dual action is slated to begin at 7:00 p.m. in Cadet East Gymnasium.