Falcon Wrestling Announces Kelby Bachman as Director of Operations
9/8/2025 1:23:00 PM | Wrestling
USAF ACADEMY – Air Force wrestling Head Coach Sam Barber is is proud to announce the hiring of Kelby Bachman as the program's new director of operations. In this role, Bachman will oversee operational, communications, and development efforts that are critical to the program's mission of producing world-class wrestlers and leaders of character for the United States Air Force and Space Force. He will also be supporting and serving as the Air Force Regional Training Center's (AFRTC) director of operations, assisting in the areas of social media, communications and external operations optimization.
"Kelby is a values-driven professional who understands that wrestling is more than just a sport—it's a vehicle for building leaders of character," Barber said. "His ability to connect with athletes, alumni, and stakeholders, tell their stories, and manage high-level operations will be an incredible asset to our mission-first, values-driven, championship culture."
Bachman's responsibilities will include developing and implementing program strategies, managing budgets, coordinating fundraising activities, overseeing social media and digital platforms, maintaining the AFRTC website, and leading event execution for key program initiatives. He will also manage alumni and donor communications, supervise interns, and support major events such as the AFRTC Golf Tournament, conference and NCAA Championship fan events, and seasonal fundraising campaigns.
A graduate of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln with a degree in Sports Media and Communication, Bachman is best known as the host and creator of the "Let's Talk Wrestling" podcast, launched in 2021 to give wrestlers a platform to share their stories. Over more than three years of weekly episodes, he has interviewed athletes, coaches, and leaders from across the wrestling community— earning a reputation for authentic storytelling, insightful questions, and deep respect for the sport's traditions.
In addition to his podcast success, Bachman has significant experience in sports operations and media. He has worked as a play-by-play and color commentator for the Big Ten Network, covering NCAA wrestling and women's soccer, and as Assistant Director of Sports and Youth Programs for the Fremont Family YMCA. His background also includes roles with the Omaha Storm Chasers, KRNU 90.3 FM, and the Seward County Independent.
"Kelby is a values-driven professional who understands that wrestling is more than just a sport—it's a vehicle for building leaders of character," Barber said. "His ability to connect with athletes, alumni, and stakeholders, tell their stories, and manage high-level operations will be an incredible asset to our mission-first, values-driven, championship culture."
Bachman's responsibilities will include developing and implementing program strategies, managing budgets, coordinating fundraising activities, overseeing social media and digital platforms, maintaining the AFRTC website, and leading event execution for key program initiatives. He will also manage alumni and donor communications, supervise interns, and support major events such as the AFRTC Golf Tournament, conference and NCAA Championship fan events, and seasonal fundraising campaigns.
A graduate of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln with a degree in Sports Media and Communication, Bachman is best known as the host and creator of the "Let's Talk Wrestling" podcast, launched in 2021 to give wrestlers a platform to share their stories. Over more than three years of weekly episodes, he has interviewed athletes, coaches, and leaders from across the wrestling community— earning a reputation for authentic storytelling, insightful questions, and deep respect for the sport's traditions.
In addition to his podcast success, Bachman has significant experience in sports operations and media. He has worked as a play-by-play and color commentator for the Big Ten Network, covering NCAA wrestling and women's soccer, and as Assistant Director of Sports and Youth Programs for the Fremont Family YMCA. His background also includes roles with the Omaha Storm Chasers, KRNU 90.3 FM, and the Seward County Independent.
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