Flores Wins Title, Falcons Place 12 at Cowboy Open

LARAMIE, Wyo. – The Air Force Academy wrestling team opened its 2018-19 season with a highly successful day at the Cowboy Open, Saturday, Nov. 3, at War Memorial Fieldhouse on the campus of the University of Wyoming. The Falcons had one weight class champion, as well as 12 total placers, across two divisions.

Freshman Sidney Flores, in his first action for the Falcons, went a perfect 3-0 to claim the 125 lbs. elite division crown. He won all three of his bouts by decision, including a solid 9-5 decision over Cole Verner of Wyoming in the finals.

Air Force had a pair of runner-up finishes in the elite division, as junior Alec Opsal followed up his 141 lbs. Cowboy Open title last season with a second place finish at 149 lbs. this year. He went 3-1 with two pins and a 2-0 decision. At 133 lbs., senior John Twomey took second after going fall, decision, and technical fall on his way to the finals. There, he fell by 6-2 decision to nationally ranked Wyoming grappler Montorie Bridges.

Other placers in the elite division were senior Alex Mossing (157 lbs.), junior Randy Meneweather (174 lbs.), and sophomore Casey Jumps (197 lbs.), who all took third at their respective weight classes, while sophomores Lenny Petersen (141 lbs.), Jacoby Ward (157 lbs.), and Cody Surratt (174 lbs.) all placed fourth.

Meanwhile over in the amateur division, freshman Trey Brisker was the highest finisher with a runner-up slot at 157 lbs., while fellow freshmen Jared Van Vleet and Harlan Steffensmeier had successful Air Force debuts, as they took third at 133 and 165 lbs., respectively.

The Falcons return to action this Friday, Nov. 9, when they open their home and dual schedule by hosting No. 9 Minnesota. Action against the Big 10 powerhouse inside Clune Arena is set for 7 p.m. Fans can get their tickets now by visiting aftickets.com.

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