Air Force Academy

Dec. 3, 2008

The Air Force wrestling team is back in action this weekend, Dec. 5-6, when it heads to Las Vegas, Nev., for the 27th-annual Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational. Meanwhile, another group of Falcons will head to Hays, Kan., for the FHSU-Bob Smith Open on Dec. 6.

About the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational...
The Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational is in its 27th year and will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The invitational is a double-elimination format, with wrestlebacks to eighth place. Opening rounds begin Friday at 9:00 a.m. (PT), with quarterfinals starting at 7:00 p.m. Saturday's action begins with consolation round 4 at 9:00 a.m., while semi-finals and consolation finals start at 10:00 p.m. The weekend wraps up with championship finals, which are scheduled to start Saturday at 5:00 p.m.

About the Fort Hays Open...
This year, the Falcons return to the FHSU-Bob Smith Open, hosted by Fort Hays State. The one-day tournament is slated to begin at 9:00 a.m. (CT).

Last year at the FHSU-Bob Smith Open, four Falcons were placewinners, led by Zach Valdez (125) and Stephen Crozier (165), who each won their respective weight classes. Meanwhile, capturing runner-up finishes at the event for Air Force were Derek Gillespie (133) and Anthony Stegeman (HWT).

Scouting the Falcons...
After two weekends of competition, Air Force is led in total wins by two freshmen, Erik Red, with six victories, and Tyler Untrauer with five wins. Meanwhile, three others--senior Stephen Crozier and sophomores Derek Gillespie and Wade Stowe--have four wins each.

Last Time Out...
The Falcons competed at the Kaufman-Brand Open two weeks ago, with two wrestlers finishing as placewinners. Senior captain Stephen Crozier was a placewinner for the second-consecutive weekend, finishing sixth at 165 pounds in the Elite Division. Meanwhile, freshman Tyler Untrauer, in his first action of the season, earned a sixth-place finish in the 133-pound bracket of the Amateur Division.

Up Next...
Air Force returns to action Dec. 29-30, when it travels to Evanston, Ill., for the 46th-annual Midlands Championships, hosted by Northwestern.

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