Men’s Gymnastics Caps Second Historic Season with National Champion
4/23/2024 2:47:00 PM | Men's Gymnastics
The Air Force men's gymnastics team had yet another record-breaking year in the wake of the 2024 NCAA Men's Gymnastics National Championships. Falcon junior Patrick Hoopes immortalized his name in Air Force Academy history as the first men's gymnast to win an individual NCAA national title after claiming gold on the pommel horse.
Four Falcons qualified to the national finals session where Hoopes and junior Erich Upton qualified for the U.S. National Championships in Fort Worth, Texas. Prior to nationals, Upton and Hoopes were named NCAA Regular-Season All-Americans announced by the College Gymnastics Association.
At the 31st Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Championships, the Falcons posted a 395.450 team score highlighted by a pair of fourth place individual finishes in Oliver Zavel (FX) and Hoopes (PH). As a team, Air Force posted season high marks on the horizontal bar (64.200), and still rings (66.150). Zavel, Hoopes, Bechetti, Tai Gopaul, and Braunton earned ALL-MPSF honors in the wake of the event.
Prior to conference, the Falcons soared above the competition in the 2024 USA Gymnastics Collegiate National Championships hosted by Air Force. Three AF gymnasts claimed five event titles while five Falcons won nine USAG All-America honors. Garrett Braunton led the Falcons in the event, winning three titles and four All-America honors. Zavel had a stellar showing, claiming the floor exercise title and his second All-America honor on the vault where he finished fifth. Teammate Upton was also awarded All-American on the vault after his sixth-place finish. Hoopes continued his dominance on the pommel horse, winning the title with an impressive 14.950. Teammate Sam Brown earned USAG All-America and claimed second in the event with 14.100.
In the team event, Air Force posted a season-best 401.650 to claim the 2024 USA Gymnastics Collegiate National Championship title, Four Falcons claimed six first place finishes highlighted by Hoopes pommel performance where he broke his own Academy record, scoring a 15.400.
Air Force had a phenomenal showing at the 2024 All-Academies, posting a season-high 397.250 to best Navy (390.100) and Army (382.500) in the Ford Center at The Star. The Falcons retain the inter-service rivalry title for the second-straight year and for the sixth time in the last 10 competitions.
The Falcons will officially bring the season to a close at the annual awards banquet this Spring.
Four Falcons qualified to the national finals session where Hoopes and junior Erich Upton qualified for the U.S. National Championships in Fort Worth, Texas. Prior to nationals, Upton and Hoopes were named NCAA Regular-Season All-Americans announced by the College Gymnastics Association.
At the 31st Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Championships, the Falcons posted a 395.450 team score highlighted by a pair of fourth place individual finishes in Oliver Zavel (FX) and Hoopes (PH). As a team, Air Force posted season high marks on the horizontal bar (64.200), and still rings (66.150). Zavel, Hoopes, Bechetti, Tai Gopaul, and Braunton earned ALL-MPSF honors in the wake of the event.
Prior to conference, the Falcons soared above the competition in the 2024 USA Gymnastics Collegiate National Championships hosted by Air Force. Three AF gymnasts claimed five event titles while five Falcons won nine USAG All-America honors. Garrett Braunton led the Falcons in the event, winning three titles and four All-America honors. Zavel had a stellar showing, claiming the floor exercise title and his second All-America honor on the vault where he finished fifth. Teammate Upton was also awarded All-American on the vault after his sixth-place finish. Hoopes continued his dominance on the pommel horse, winning the title with an impressive 14.950. Teammate Sam Brown earned USAG All-America and claimed second in the event with 14.100.
In the team event, Air Force posted a season-best 401.650 to claim the 2024 USA Gymnastics Collegiate National Championship title, Four Falcons claimed six first place finishes highlighted by Hoopes pommel performance where he broke his own Academy record, scoring a 15.400.
Air Force had a phenomenal showing at the 2024 All-Academies, posting a season-high 397.250 to best Navy (390.100) and Army (382.500) in the Ford Center at The Star. The Falcons retain the inter-service rivalry title for the second-straight year and for the sixth time in the last 10 competitions.
The Falcons will officially bring the season to a close at the annual awards banquet this Spring.
Players Mentioned
FX, PH, SR, V, PB, HB
/ Men's Gymnastics
PH
/ Men's Gymnastics
FX, PH, SR, V, HB
/ Men's Gymnastics
PH, V, PB
/ Men's GymnasticsFX, PH, SR, V, PB, HB
/ Men's Gymnastics
FX, PH, SR, V, PB, HB
/ Men's GymnasticsPatrick Hoopes Bronze Medal World University Games 2025
Monday, July 28
Patrick Hoopes Interview April 30, 2025
Wednesday, April 30
Erich Upton Interview April 22, 2025
Tuesday, April 22
Josh Loeser Interview April 22, 2025
Tuesday, April 22
