Air Force Academy

The Air Force wrestling team (2-2) returns to action this weekend, Feb. 4, when they travel to Kings Point, N.Y., for the 12th-annual All-Academy Wrestling Tournament, hosted this year by the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. The final rounds, slated to begin at approximately 5 p.m. (EST) will be broadcast on the internet free of charge via: http://www.livesportsvideo.com/allacademylive/allacademy.asp.


Last Time Out...
The Falcons fell to 2-3 on the dual season with a pair of road losses last weekend, dropping to North Dakota State, 27-9, before dropping a 25-12 decision to South Dakota State.

Against the Bison, juniors Bridger Lord (149) and Zach Lord (157). along with senior Brenden McLean (197) posted the only Air Force wins, with each registering a decision. Meanwhile, freshman Stephen Crozier (174) and senior Zane Hershey (184) notched decisions against the Jackrabbits, while senior Brandon Strong added six team points by picking up a forfeit at 133 pounds.


The Field...
This year's tournament will feature teams from the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, The Citadel, Norwich University and Virginia Military Academy.


Falcon Competitors...
Nine Air Force wrestlers are scheduled to compete in this year's championships, paced by senior Brandon Strong (133) and sophomore Jake Kriegbaum (141), who are each seeded second in their respective weight classes.

Other Falcons slated to compete are Chris Nissen (149), Zane Hershey (184), Brenden McLean (197) and Frank McGrath (HWT), seeded fourth, Greg Ford (165), seeded sixth, Zach Lord (157), seeded seventh, and Stephen Crozier (174), seeded eighth.


AF at Last Year's All-Academy Championships...
Air Force placed second at last year's All-Academy Championships, finishing behind 21st-ranked Navy. Leading the way for the Falcons were juniors Brandon Strong and Beau Tresemer, who brought home individual titles at 125 and 165 pounds, respectively.

In addition, six other Falcons were placewinners. Seniors Jacob Lillich (174) and Luke Lefever (184) each placed second in their respective weight classes, and unior Matt Benza (133), sophomore Matt Crippes (141), junior Brenden McLean (197) and freshman Trey McLean (HWT) all finished third,


Up Next...
Air Force returns to action next Friday, Feb. 10, as its says good-bye to six seniors in their final home appearance, as the team takes on Cal State Fullerton in dual action. The meet will also mark the also final home appearance of head coach Wayne Baughman, now in his 27th season at the helm of the Air Force wrestling program. The meet is being held in the Cadet West Gym in conjunction with the first home women's gymnastics meet of the 2006 season. Admission for the event, slated to begin at 7:00 p.m., is free of charge.