Air Force puts on a Strong Performance in Season Opener

CHARLESTON – Air Force opened the 2024-25 campaign with a pair of runners up finishes and five placers in staunch competition at the Battle at the Citadel, Sunday afternoon, in The Citadel's McAlister Field House. Wrestlers from Appalachian State, Duke, George Mason, North Carolina State, and The Citadel were in attendance.

Senior Jack Ganos (174) and sophomore Bubba Wright (125) led the Falcons as they battled to the finals match in their respective divisions.

Ganos stormed through his first two bouts, posting a major decision and technical fall heading into the semifinals where he bested Logan Messer (GMU), 8-6. Ganos finished second behind Ben Haubert (7-3) of the host Citadel.

Wright pinned Bradley Yokum (NC State) in the second period of his first match to set the tone. In the 125 semifinals, Wright registered a major decision (13-3) over Tyler Washburn (Citadel) to punch his ticket to the finals. Wright placed second behind Vince Robinson who won by technical fall in the finals.

Air Force freshmen Brian Burburija (197) and Andrew Harmon (165) had strong showings in their Division I collegiate debuts. Burburija made a statement with a pin and three technical falls on the day— his only loss by way of the eventual champion, No. 27 Christian Knop (NC State) in sudden victory (4-1 SV). Harmon showed tenacity in tough matches, winning three bouts by decision after a sudden victory loss in the first round.

Heavyweight sophomore Antonio Ramos, who represented the Falcons and Puerto Rico at the U23 Pan-American Championships, commanded four straight victories to finish third despite a first-round loss. Ramos registered three pins in his tear through the division, the fastest was in the third-place bout (0:53).

Senior 149-pounder Alec Viduya showed tenacity with a three-match win streak in the wake of a first-round loss. Viduya won by major decision in the consi of 8 #1 and followed up by pinning NC State's Eric Grant in the first period of the consolation of eight #2.

"There was no lack of effort today," head coach Sam Barber said. "Our guys showed up prepared and wrestled with a lot of heart and energy. This was the great tournament to start the season. We had some great results— competing hard, competing in positions, and chasing points. We're going to continue our growth and development and push it to the Big 12 Championships and beyond—our guys have their sights set on Philadelphia."

Next up, Air Force opens the Big 12 dual slate hosting the University of Oklahoma, Friday (Nov. 8), in the historic Clune Arena. Action is slated for an 8 pm MT start.

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