Air Force Academy

The Air Force wrestling team (2-6) heads up the road to Greeley, Colo., this week, Thursday, Feb. 23, for a pair of dual meets. The Falcons will first take on Utah Valley State at 4:00 p.m., followed by a meeting with host Northern Colorado at 6:00 p.m.


Last Time Out...
The Falcons suffered a 33-12 loss to host Wyoming last weekend. Registering the lone decisions for Air Force were senior Brandon Strong at 133 and sophomore Jake Kriegbaum at 141, while Zane Hershey picked up a forfeit at 184 pounds.


Scouting the Wolverines...
Utah Valley State enters this week's dual meets with a 7-9 overall record, and has won five of its last six matches, including a 30-17 victory over Portland State last week.

Among the leaders for the Wolverines are senior Erkin Tadzhimetov, who holds a record of 28-8 on the season, and Talon Vickers, who is 20-10 on the year.


Scouting the Bears...
Northern Colorado enters this week's dual meets with a 6-8 overall record, losing four of five dual meets last week.

Leading the way for the Bears is senior Reece Hopkin, currently ranked 20th at 197 pounds with a 25-6 overall record and 12-2 mark in dual meets this season.


A Familiar Foe...
Air Force and Northern Colorado have already competed against each other this season, at last month's Colorado Collegiates. Northern Colorado took the team title, finishing just four points ahead of second-place Air Force. The Bears finished with seven placewinners, led by 197-pound champion Reece Hopkin and runners-up Beau Hessler (125) and Richard Lohr (141). Meanwhile, the Falcons had nine placewinners, paced by 184-pound champ Zane Hershey and runners-up Brandon Strong (133), Bridger Lord (149), Zach Lord (157) and Brenden McLean (197).


Up Next...
The Falcons return to Laramie, Wyo., next Saturday, March 5, for the 2006 NCAA West Regional, hosted by Wyoming. There they will compete for the chance to qualify for the NCAA Championships, to be held March 16-18, in Oklahoma City, Okla.