Wrestling Announces Freshman Class of 2026
8/29/2022 1:55:00 PM | Wrestling
USAF ACADEMY – Wrestling has announced the addition of 14 freshmen to the 2022-23 roster. The class of 2026 hails from across 10 states and includes six wrestlers from the USAFA Prep School.
"This class represents a lot of hard work and hustle by Coach Chris Heilman as our recruiting coordinator and our staff," head coach Sam Barber said. "It was no easy task to put together such a great class in the middle of a worldwide pandemic. As a group of future leaders, committed students and Big 12 podium prepared athletes, I believe this class has will do an outstanding job at the United States Air Force Academy over the next four years."
The Class of 2026
Logan Attisano
Hometown: Centerville, Ohio
High school: Legacy Christian Academy
Wrestling Credentials: Two-time Ohio State Tournament fourth place … led team to two state titles … two-time Academic All-Ohio.
Why I came to the Air Force Academy: "I wanted to be able to wrestle at the Division I level, and still set myself up with the opportunity to serve my country."
Brenden Barnes
Hometown: Chester, Virginia
High School: Benedictine College Preparatory
Career Record: 137-20
USAFA Prep
Wrestling Credentials: Two-time team captain for Benedictine … Two-time state champion led team to state championship while team captain … Placed fifth at National Prep Championships … Two-time NHSCA All-American … Two-time triple crown winner (won Freestyle, Greco, and Folkstyle states in the same year).
Why you chose the Academy: "I chose the academy because I wanted to be immersed in the leadership culture, while also surrounding myself with like-minded people working towards the same goal."
Kole Biscoe
Hometown: Elysburg, PA
High School: Southern Columbia
Career Record: 136-32 (56 Falls)
Credentials: Three-time PIAA AA State Qualifier … 2019 PIAA AA State Runner-Up … three-time PWCA All-Academic first-team … four-time District IV All-Academic first-team … 2020 79th Ranked sophomore in the Class of 2022 Big Board by FloWrestling … 2019 23rd Ranked Freshman in the Class of 2022 Big Board by FloWrestling … 2019 Escape The Rock seventh-place finish … 2019 Trojan Wars Champion.
Why I chose the Academy: "I chose the United States Air Force Academy to receive a world-class education from one of the most prestigious institutions in the country. Additionally, the team, coaches, and athletic facilities will allow me to take my wrestling to the next level. Lastly, the academy will develop me into the best version of myself and prepare me to lead Airmen in service to the United States of America."
Drake Buchanan
Hometown: Greenwood, IN
High School: Center Grove High School
Wrestling Credentials: Top-200 ranking by MatScouts … Three-time state medalist … 2022 State Champion … Two-time USAW Junior National All-American … U16 USA Pan Am team member gold and silver medalist … Five-time Central Regionals Champion … Four-time USA folk style nationals All-American … Fifth at Cadet World Team trials … Previously ranked 19th nationally … Indiana High School Wrestling Mental Attitude Award winner … Holds four Center Grove High School records: Career Pins – 99; Season Pins – 32; Career Takedowns – 483; Season Takedowns – 213 … 4.59 GPA.
Why I chose the Academy: "I chose the United States Air Force Academy because I was looking for a top-tier education, with fantastic long-term career opportunities, and a great wrestling program. The fact that as I serve, I will be able to give back a little of what this great country has given me, made my choice that much easier."
Seamus Casey
Hometown: Gillette, WY
High School: Thunder Basin High School
Career Record: 119-25
Wrestling Credentials: Wyoming class 4A Regional one-time runner-up and two-time champion … Wyoming Class 4A State runner-up and two-time 3rd place finisher … AAU Silver & Gold Level All-American … USAW Preseason Nationals All-American … 2021 WHSAA Good Sportsmanship Award … Three-time Team Captain.
Why you chose the Academy: "I want to receive a world class education and set myself up for a successful career serving my country as an officer in the Air Force."
Joe Fernau
Hometown: St. Charles, IL
High School: Aurora Christian School
Career Record: 117-27
Wrestling Credentials: 2020 IHSA State Champion … 2022 IHSA state finalist … Two-time USAW All-American … Flo Rankings 2020 No. 16 at 106 lbs. … UWW fourth Greco 2021, 2022 … Illinois Freestyle State third place.
Why you chose the Academy: "I chose the Air Force Academy for everything it stood for and the person I strive to be. I've always valued my academics just as highly as my athletics, and the academy provides the best of both worlds. I get an incredible free education along with the chance to pursue my dream of being a D1 wrestler. The challenge excites me, and I can't wait to do all this while given the opportunity to put on the American Flag and serve this great nation."
Nicholas Gonzalez
Hometown: Naperville, Illinois
High School: Montini Catholic High School
Career Record: 86-27
USAFA Prep
Wrestling Credentials: Two-time IHSA Place Winner (2nd 2019 and 3rd 2020) … 2020 Preseason National Champion … 2019 Ironman Placer.
Why I chose the Academy: "I chose to come to the Academy to pursue my academic and athletic goals at the highest level. Above all I hope to provide great service to our nation and become the first officer in my family!"
Gavin Gross
Hometown: Odessa, Missouri
High School: Odessa High School
Career Record: 191-11
USAFA Prep
Wrestling Credentials: Three-time State Champion … Career state placings; fifth, first, first, first … Fifth place at Preseason Nationals … Ranked 30th nationally before senior year (2020-2021) … ranked in the Top-300 by Matscouts.
Why I chose the Academy: "I wanted to wrestle for a program with amazing coaches and an environment that will enable me to grow and become the best man I can possibly be."
Peyton Hahn
Hometown: Boonville, MO
High School: Boonville High School
Career Record: 150-25
Wrestling Credentials: Three-time state placer … 2022 State Champion … Fifth at Greco Cadet World Team Trials.
Why I chose the Academy: "I've always wanted to be in the military and wrestle in college. The U.S. Air Force Academy is a great place to be and gives me the opportunity to fulfill my dream of both serving and wrestling."
Ryker Johnecheck
Hometown: Williamston, MI
High School: Williamston High School
Career Record: 158-12
Wrestling Credentials: Three-time MHSAA State Champion.
Why I chose the Academy: "The United States Air Force Academy is not only a university where I can accomplish the goal of wrestling at the D1 level but also can serve the USA as an officer in the Air Force. No other university in the world offers the opportunities and has as high of expectations as the Air Force Academy."
Reagan LeFevre
Hometown: Lancaster, PA
High School: Hempfield High School
Career Record: 125-35
Wrestling Credentials: Two-time Freestyle state medalist … Greco state finalist … Two-time PIAA AAA State Qualifier … 2021 PIAA District 3 AAA Champion … 2022 PIAA District 3 AAA Runner-up.
Why I chose the academy: "I chose the academy because I knew it would challenge me in every way possible while allowing me to wrestle at the next level. I also really wanted to dedicate my life to a bigger purpose."
Tucker Owens
Hometown: Mustang, OK
High School: Mustang High School
Career Record: 166-13
USAFA Prep
Wrestling Credentials: Four-time state placer … two-time state champion … Top-100 national ranking according to MatScouts.
Why I chose the Academy: "I chose the Air Force Academy because it offered me the opportunity to compete in the Big 12 conference, get an amazing education, and serve my country after graduation as a leader in the USAF."
Bryce Shelton
Hometown: Spring Grove, IL
High School: Marian Central Catholic
Career Record 126-28
USAFA Prep
Wrestling Credentials: Three-time IHSA AA Regional Champion … 2019 IHSA AA Sectional Runner-up … 2020 IHSA AA Sectional Champion … Three-time IHSA AA Individual State Qualifier … 2019 Top-8 Placer at 132 lbs. … 2020 IHSA AA State Placer (fourth at 138 lbs.) … Buffalo Wild Wings Athlete of the Month (February 2019) … Illinois Matman Wrestler of the Week (2019) … IHSA Academic First-Team All-State (2020) … Northwest Herald Athlete of the Week (2020) … IHSA All-Conference Wrestling (2018, 2019, 2020).
Why I chose the Academy: "I wanted to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy to continue my service for the US Air Force. Last year I attended the U.S. Air Force Preparatory Academy and graduated in the spring of 2022. At USAFA, I can continue my aspiration to serve our country while wrestling and continuing my education in hopes of becoming a pilot."
Aiden Warren
Hometown: Indianapolis, IN
Highschool: Perry Meridian
Career record: 147-20
USAFA Prep
Wrestling Credentials: 2018 NHSCA third place … 2018 USAW Cadet National Freestyle eighth place … 2021 NHSCA fourth place … four-time IHSAA state qualifier … three-time placer (third each time) … 2021 Perry Meridian Male Athlete of Year … 2021 Academic All-state … 2020 NWCA and The United States Marine Corps Leadership & Character All-American Award … Ranked as high as 72 on Matscouts Big Board.
Why I chose academy: "I chose USAFA because this prestigious institution will be able to bring me to a higher level in athletics, academics, and overall better leader on and off the mat than any other school. I also wanted to be at a place that was like a family away from home. Overall, the Academy is the best place for me and future family to be successful."
"They are hardworking, coachable, and eager to pursue excellence," Barber continued. "As you can see from their answers on why they chose the United States Air Force Academy, they are men of high character and integrity with a strong desire to selflessly serve. With that kind of mission-first buy-in we can pursue high level goals on and off the mat."
The class of 2026 will join 25 returners from last season in the 2022-23 campaign slated to start this fall.
"This class represents a lot of hard work and hustle by Coach Chris Heilman as our recruiting coordinator and our staff," head coach Sam Barber said. "It was no easy task to put together such a great class in the middle of a worldwide pandemic. As a group of future leaders, committed students and Big 12 podium prepared athletes, I believe this class has will do an outstanding job at the United States Air Force Academy over the next four years."
The Class of 2026
Logan Attisano
Hometown: Centerville, Ohio
High school: Legacy Christian Academy
Wrestling Credentials: Two-time Ohio State Tournament fourth place … led team to two state titles … two-time Academic All-Ohio.
Why I came to the Air Force Academy: "I wanted to be able to wrestle at the Division I level, and still set myself up with the opportunity to serve my country."
Brenden Barnes
Hometown: Chester, Virginia
High School: Benedictine College Preparatory
Career Record: 137-20
USAFA Prep
Wrestling Credentials: Two-time team captain for Benedictine … Two-time state champion led team to state championship while team captain … Placed fifth at National Prep Championships … Two-time NHSCA All-American … Two-time triple crown winner (won Freestyle, Greco, and Folkstyle states in the same year).
Why you chose the Academy: "I chose the academy because I wanted to be immersed in the leadership culture, while also surrounding myself with like-minded people working towards the same goal."
Kole Biscoe
Hometown: Elysburg, PA
High School: Southern Columbia
Career Record: 136-32 (56 Falls)
Credentials: Three-time PIAA AA State Qualifier … 2019 PIAA AA State Runner-Up … three-time PWCA All-Academic first-team … four-time District IV All-Academic first-team … 2020 79th Ranked sophomore in the Class of 2022 Big Board by FloWrestling … 2019 23rd Ranked Freshman in the Class of 2022 Big Board by FloWrestling … 2019 Escape The Rock seventh-place finish … 2019 Trojan Wars Champion.
Why I chose the Academy: "I chose the United States Air Force Academy to receive a world-class education from one of the most prestigious institutions in the country. Additionally, the team, coaches, and athletic facilities will allow me to take my wrestling to the next level. Lastly, the academy will develop me into the best version of myself and prepare me to lead Airmen in service to the United States of America."
Drake Buchanan
Hometown: Greenwood, IN
High School: Center Grove High School
Wrestling Credentials: Top-200 ranking by MatScouts … Three-time state medalist … 2022 State Champion … Two-time USAW Junior National All-American … U16 USA Pan Am team member gold and silver medalist … Five-time Central Regionals Champion … Four-time USA folk style nationals All-American … Fifth at Cadet World Team trials … Previously ranked 19th nationally … Indiana High School Wrestling Mental Attitude Award winner … Holds four Center Grove High School records: Career Pins – 99; Season Pins – 32; Career Takedowns – 483; Season Takedowns – 213 … 4.59 GPA.
Why I chose the Academy: "I chose the United States Air Force Academy because I was looking for a top-tier education, with fantastic long-term career opportunities, and a great wrestling program. The fact that as I serve, I will be able to give back a little of what this great country has given me, made my choice that much easier."
Seamus Casey
Hometown: Gillette, WY
High School: Thunder Basin High School
Career Record: 119-25
Wrestling Credentials: Wyoming class 4A Regional one-time runner-up and two-time champion … Wyoming Class 4A State runner-up and two-time 3rd place finisher … AAU Silver & Gold Level All-American … USAW Preseason Nationals All-American … 2021 WHSAA Good Sportsmanship Award … Three-time Team Captain.
Why you chose the Academy: "I want to receive a world class education and set myself up for a successful career serving my country as an officer in the Air Force."
Joe Fernau
Hometown: St. Charles, IL
High School: Aurora Christian School
Career Record: 117-27
Wrestling Credentials: 2020 IHSA State Champion … 2022 IHSA state finalist … Two-time USAW All-American … Flo Rankings 2020 No. 16 at 106 lbs. … UWW fourth Greco 2021, 2022 … Illinois Freestyle State third place.
Why you chose the Academy: "I chose the Air Force Academy for everything it stood for and the person I strive to be. I've always valued my academics just as highly as my athletics, and the academy provides the best of both worlds. I get an incredible free education along with the chance to pursue my dream of being a D1 wrestler. The challenge excites me, and I can't wait to do all this while given the opportunity to put on the American Flag and serve this great nation."
Nicholas Gonzalez
Hometown: Naperville, Illinois
High School: Montini Catholic High School
Career Record: 86-27
USAFA Prep
Wrestling Credentials: Two-time IHSA Place Winner (2nd 2019 and 3rd 2020) … 2020 Preseason National Champion … 2019 Ironman Placer.
Why I chose the Academy: "I chose to come to the Academy to pursue my academic and athletic goals at the highest level. Above all I hope to provide great service to our nation and become the first officer in my family!"
Gavin Gross
Hometown: Odessa, Missouri
High School: Odessa High School
Career Record: 191-11
USAFA Prep
Wrestling Credentials: Three-time State Champion … Career state placings; fifth, first, first, first … Fifth place at Preseason Nationals … Ranked 30th nationally before senior year (2020-2021) … ranked in the Top-300 by Matscouts.
Why I chose the Academy: "I wanted to wrestle for a program with amazing coaches and an environment that will enable me to grow and become the best man I can possibly be."
Peyton Hahn
Hometown: Boonville, MO
High School: Boonville High School
Career Record: 150-25
Wrestling Credentials: Three-time state placer … 2022 State Champion … Fifth at Greco Cadet World Team Trials.
Why I chose the Academy: "I've always wanted to be in the military and wrestle in college. The U.S. Air Force Academy is a great place to be and gives me the opportunity to fulfill my dream of both serving and wrestling."
Ryker Johnecheck
Hometown: Williamston, MI
High School: Williamston High School
Career Record: 158-12
Wrestling Credentials: Three-time MHSAA State Champion.
Why I chose the Academy: "The United States Air Force Academy is not only a university where I can accomplish the goal of wrestling at the D1 level but also can serve the USA as an officer in the Air Force. No other university in the world offers the opportunities and has as high of expectations as the Air Force Academy."
Reagan LeFevre
Hometown: Lancaster, PA
High School: Hempfield High School
Career Record: 125-35
Wrestling Credentials: Two-time Freestyle state medalist … Greco state finalist … Two-time PIAA AAA State Qualifier … 2021 PIAA District 3 AAA Champion … 2022 PIAA District 3 AAA Runner-up.
Why I chose the academy: "I chose the academy because I knew it would challenge me in every way possible while allowing me to wrestle at the next level. I also really wanted to dedicate my life to a bigger purpose."
Tucker Owens
Hometown: Mustang, OK
High School: Mustang High School
Career Record: 166-13
USAFA Prep
Wrestling Credentials: Four-time state placer … two-time state champion … Top-100 national ranking according to MatScouts.
Why I chose the Academy: "I chose the Air Force Academy because it offered me the opportunity to compete in the Big 12 conference, get an amazing education, and serve my country after graduation as a leader in the USAF."
Bryce Shelton
Hometown: Spring Grove, IL
High School: Marian Central Catholic
Career Record 126-28
USAFA Prep
Wrestling Credentials: Three-time IHSA AA Regional Champion … 2019 IHSA AA Sectional Runner-up … 2020 IHSA AA Sectional Champion … Three-time IHSA AA Individual State Qualifier … 2019 Top-8 Placer at 132 lbs. … 2020 IHSA AA State Placer (fourth at 138 lbs.) … Buffalo Wild Wings Athlete of the Month (February 2019) … Illinois Matman Wrestler of the Week (2019) … IHSA Academic First-Team All-State (2020) … Northwest Herald Athlete of the Week (2020) … IHSA All-Conference Wrestling (2018, 2019, 2020).
Why I chose the Academy: "I wanted to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy to continue my service for the US Air Force. Last year I attended the U.S. Air Force Preparatory Academy and graduated in the spring of 2022. At USAFA, I can continue my aspiration to serve our country while wrestling and continuing my education in hopes of becoming a pilot."
Aiden Warren
Hometown: Indianapolis, IN
Highschool: Perry Meridian
Career record: 147-20
USAFA Prep
Wrestling Credentials: 2018 NHSCA third place … 2018 USAW Cadet National Freestyle eighth place … 2021 NHSCA fourth place … four-time IHSAA state qualifier … three-time placer (third each time) … 2021 Perry Meridian Male Athlete of Year … 2021 Academic All-state … 2020 NWCA and The United States Marine Corps Leadership & Character All-American Award … Ranked as high as 72 on Matscouts Big Board.
Why I chose academy: "I chose USAFA because this prestigious institution will be able to bring me to a higher level in athletics, academics, and overall better leader on and off the mat than any other school. I also wanted to be at a place that was like a family away from home. Overall, the Academy is the best place for me and future family to be successful."
"They are hardworking, coachable, and eager to pursue excellence," Barber continued. "As you can see from their answers on why they chose the United States Air Force Academy, they are men of high character and integrity with a strong desire to selflessly serve. With that kind of mission-first buy-in we can pursue high level goals on and off the mat."
The class of 2026 will join 25 returners from last season in the 2022-23 campaign slated to start this fall.
Players Mentioned
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