Friday, February 26
USAFA
4:30 p.m. MT
Air Force Academy
vs
Wing Open Semifinals
Photo by: Trang Le
Ten Falcons Secure Place in Wing Open Finals
2/26/2021 7:43:00 PM | Boxing
Maksat Omar was named the Academy's Boxer of the Week
USAF ACADEMY, Colo. – Ten members of the Air Force boxing team secured their place in next month's Wing Open Championships this afternoon (Feb. 26), as they captured victories in the semifinals of the annual tournament.
Both sides of three championship brackets were decided this afternoon in the Cadet Gym Boxing Room. Maksat Omar, who was named the team's Boxer of the Week award following the match, earned the chance to defend his Wing Open title at 139 pounds after taking the decision over Garrett Kim. Omar will face Josh Payton in the finals, as Payton decisioned senior Justin Couty in the other half of the bracket. Like Omar, sophomore Nicolas Nakaoka secured his second trip to the finals after a split decision over Jermiah Birdsong at 156 pounds. He will face junior Alan Manzo, who earned a decision over freshman Michael Chaffin. Sophomores Alan Long and Syd Reyes claimed their spots in the final of the 165-pound weight division, after posting decisions over Nick Duran and freshman Daniel Lett, respectively.
In addition, two members of the men's team completed their half of separate brackets with victories by decision. Junior Don Angelo Piasecki won his 132-pound semfinal bout over Jordan Dutcher, while Antonio Cruz earned a 195-pound victory in his contest with freshman Austin Brown. On the women's side, junior Sam Thompson claimed her 139-pound semifinal bout with Brooke Martin, while Allyah Marlett won her 165-pound bout with Hannah Schuster.
The 2021 Wing Open Championships will be held at Clune Arena on Wednesday, March 10.
Both sides of three championship brackets were decided this afternoon in the Cadet Gym Boxing Room. Maksat Omar, who was named the team's Boxer of the Week award following the match, earned the chance to defend his Wing Open title at 139 pounds after taking the decision over Garrett Kim. Omar will face Josh Payton in the finals, as Payton decisioned senior Justin Couty in the other half of the bracket. Like Omar, sophomore Nicolas Nakaoka secured his second trip to the finals after a split decision over Jermiah Birdsong at 156 pounds. He will face junior Alan Manzo, who earned a decision over freshman Michael Chaffin. Sophomores Alan Long and Syd Reyes claimed their spots in the final of the 165-pound weight division, after posting decisions over Nick Duran and freshman Daniel Lett, respectively.
In addition, two members of the men's team completed their half of separate brackets with victories by decision. Junior Don Angelo Piasecki won his 132-pound semfinal bout over Jordan Dutcher, while Antonio Cruz earned a 195-pound victory in his contest with freshman Austin Brown. On the women's side, junior Sam Thompson claimed her 139-pound semifinal bout with Brooke Martin, while Allyah Marlett won her 165-pound bout with Hannah Schuster.
The 2021 Wing Open Championships will be held at Clune Arena on Wednesday, March 10.
Players Mentioned
185
/ Boxing
147
/ Boxing
195
/ Boxing
132
/ Boxing
156
/ Boxing
165
/ Boxing
165
/ Boxing
156
/ Boxing
156
/ Boxing
139
/ Boxing
139
/ Boxing
125
/ Boxing
165
/ Boxing
156
/ BoxingMark Clifford Interview January 20. 2026
Tuesday, January 20
Mark Clifford Interview August 26, 2025
Tuesday, August 26
Dr. Mark Clifford Interview March 11, 2025
Tuesday, March 11
Dr. Mark Clifford Interview March 4, 2025
Tuesday, March 04
