Air Force Academy

The Air Force wrestling team (4-3) returns home this week for a pair of dual meets, as it hosts in-state rivals Northern Colorado and Colorado School of Mines. The Falcons will take on the Bears of Northern Colorado on Wednesday, Feb. 9, while they face the Orediggers on Friday, Feb. 11. Both meets will begin at 7:00 p.m. in East Gym.

Last Time Out...
The Falcons took second place at the 11th-annual All-Academy Championships last week, finishing behind 21st-ranked Navy. Juniors Brandon Strong and Beau Tresemer each captured individual titles for Air Force, while six others were placewinners.

Scouting the Bears...
The Bears enter this week's contest with a 3-6 record, having split its last road trip. Northern Colorado defeated South Dakota State, 31-12, before falling to North Dakota State, 31-3.
Northern Colorado is led by redshirt freshman Shawn Hart (174 lbs.), who has a team-high 19 victories and nine pins. Meanwhile, freshman Kenny Hashimoto (141 lbs.) ranks second on the team with five pins to go along with his 15-3 overall record.

Scouting the Orediggers...
Colorado School of Mines currently has a 3-4 record and will face Western State before competing against the Falcons on Saturday.
Nathan Pilcher (157) leads the Orediggers with a 21-3 record, while heavyweight Derek Thompson has 16 victories this season. Thompson is ranked fifth in the nation at the Division II level, while Pilcher is rated fifth in the country.

On A Roll...
Several Air Force wrestlers are currently on hot streaks. Brandon Strong has won 11 matches in a row, while Beau Tresemer has won 13 of his last 14 bouts, with the lone loss coming to 19th-ranked Matthew Palmer of Columbia. In addition, Brenden McLean has won 12 of his last 14 bouts and holds a 6-1 dual meet record.

The Brothers McLean...
Junior Brenden McLean and his younger brother, Trey, have both been stellar performers for the Falcons this season. The elder McLean has racked up an 21-11 overall record and is 6-1 in dual action. Meanwhile, Trey, a freshman, is 17-8 overall and has improved to 3-1 in dual meets. In addition, Trey is tied for third on the team with 10 falls on the season (including a fastest time of 0:25), and recorded falls in four of his last five wins.

Up Next...
The Falcons hit the road for dual meets against national powerhouses Nebraska and Northern Iowa on Feb. 18 and 19, respectively.