Air Force Academy
Northern Colorado
Falcon Wrestling Tops UNC in Big 12 Action
2/18/2016 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
Greeley, Colo. - Air Force concluded Big 12 wrestling action with a 19-12 win over Northern Colorado, Weds., Feb. 17, in Greeley, Colorado. The meeting against the Bears marked the Falcon's last dual of the season and finalized the 2015-16 dual slate record at 8-6, 2-3 Big 12.
Air Force led off with Drew Romero against Northern Colorado's Jesse Reed in the 125 class. Romero was able to control the match with takedowns in each period, earning bonus points from a 14-4 major decision over Reed. In the following bout, Josh Martinez earned a 7-4 decision over Rico Montoya, extending the Falcon's lead to 7-0.
The Bears would strike back to take the lead with three consecutive decision victories in the 141, 149 and 157 classes.
Following the intermission, Alex Lopouchanski ended the Bear's hot streak, winning a 3-2 decision over Keilan Torres in the 165 class to regain the Air Force lead, 10-9. The Falcons capitalized with decision victories coming from Adam Jackson (174) and Zen Ikehara (184) to extend the lead to 16-9.
In the only ranked bout of the night, Air Force's No. 17 Parker Hines squared off against No. 13 Trent Noon in the 197 class. Noon controlled the first period, logging over a minute of riding time with take down points. Hines broke loose with escape points and takedowns in the second and third periods but was unable to track Noon down. Noon secured the 8-6 decision and brought Northern Colorado back within striking distance of the win at 16-12.
In the final bout of the night, Marcus Malecek (285) commanded a 3-0 victory over Jack Kuck to secure the Air Force win at 19-12 over the conference foe.
Air Force wrestling is back in action Sun., Feb. 21, to host the U.S. Collegiate Championships. Over 100 wrestlers from over 10 schools will be in attendance, to include competitors from No. 1 Penn State. The tournament will be held in the Center Gym of Cadet Gymnasium, at 9:00 a.m. MT.
Following the weekend's tournament, Falcon wrestling will prepare for the Big 12 Conference Championship on March 5-6, in the Sprint Center, Kansas City, Mo. The Big 12 tournament will mark Air Force's first time competing for a Big 12 title in program history.
Final Results:
Wednesday, February 17, 2016 - Bank of Colorado Arena, Greeley, Colo.
AIR FORCE (8-6, 2-3 Big 12) at NORTHERN COLORADO (4-7, 1-5 Big 12)
125: Drew Romero (AF) MD Jesse Reed (UNC) - 14-4, AF 4-0
133: Josh Martinez (AF) dec. Rico Montoya (UNC) - 7-4, AF 7-0
141: Ben Polkowske (UNC) dec. Dylan Hyder (AF) - 8-2, AF 7-3
149: Timmy Box (UNC) dec. Jerry McGinty (AF) - 9-4, AF 7-6
157: Eleazar De Luca (UNC) dec. Zach Stepan (AF) - 4-3, UNC 9-7
165: Alex Lopouchanski (AF) dec. Keilan Torres (UNC) - 3-2, AF 10-9
174: Adam Jackson (AF) dec. Tanner Davis (UNC) - 6-3, AF 13-9
184: Zen Ikehara (AF) dec. Horacio Vialpando (UNC) - 3-1, AF 16-9
197: Trent Noon (UNC) dec. Parker Hines (AF) - 8-6, AF 16-12
285: Marcus Malecek (AF) dec. Jack Kuck (UNC) - 3-0, AF 19-12
Final team score: Air Force 19, Northern Colorado 12
Players Mentioned
