Wrestling Team Earns Top 25 Preseason Ranking
10/2/2002 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
Oct. 2, 2002
The Air Force wrestling team is ranked 21st in the nation by The Wrestling Mall in its preseason polls. The Falcons are coming off an 11-3 season, where for the first time in history, three Falcon wrestlers earned All-American status. They finished 22nd in the nation at the NCAA Championships.
"Although preseason rankings don't mean a whole lot, it is nice to get some preseason recognition for our team," said assistant coach Lt. Col. Doug Wells. "The attitude of our wrestlers and the intensity in our wrestling room has changed for the better. We are starting to believe in ourselves and in our ability to compete with the top 25 teams in the country."
The Falcons have two wrestlers ranked in the polls, both NCAA qualifiers returning from last season's team. Heavyweight Kevin Hoy returns for his senior season. Hoy finished eighth last year at the NCAA Championships to become an All-American. He is ranked sixth in the preseason polls in his weight class. Junior Heath McKim (125 lbs.) was the Falcons surprise qualifier last year as a sophomore. He is ranked 13th in the nation in the preseason polls.
"After losing three outstanding performers to graduation, two of which earned All-American status, many might say this is a rebuilding year, but we have some upperclassman and very talented freshman who will step up and fill the holes in the line up," Wells said. "I really feel like we are reloading this year rather than rebuilding. I fully expect to exceed last years No. 22 finish in the NCAA Tournament."
The Falcons open the season on Nov. 17 in Laramie, Wyo., at the Cowboy Open tournament.
