Academy wrestlers compete at Midlands Invitational

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EVANSTON, Ill. (AFPN) --  The Air Force Academy wrestling team competed Dec. 29 at the 42nd Midlands Invitational here. Four Falcon grapplers wrestled at the annual event, which featured several of the nation’s top teams and individuals.

Josh Peterson competed at 149 pounds, opening the meet against eighth-seeded Jeff Harrison of University of Northern Iowa. After losing by fall to Harrison, Peterson moved into the consolation bracket, where he first squared off against Northern Illinois University’s Mike Grimes, seeded ninth in the tournament. Peterson battled for a 3-2 decision, moving on to face Ryan Hurley of Cleveland State University. Peterson again captured a narrow decision, this time defeating Hurley by a score of 6-5; however, Peterson’s run came to an end as he dropped a 10-0 decision to Aaron Scott of Iowa State University.

Brenden McLean, wrestling in the 197-pound weight class, also went 2-2 in the tournament, dropping his first bout of the day in a 5-0 decision to sixth-seeded Tyrone Byrd of the University of Illinois. In the consolation bracket, McLean recorded a 2-1 decision over Iowa State University’s Woodley Milord, followed by a 2-1 tiebreaker win over Dane Pape of the University of Iowa. McLean then went up against Matt Weight from Illinois, losing 2-1.

Beau Tresemer represented the Falcons at 165 pounds, facing a tough opening opponent in top-seeded David Bolyard of Central Michigan University. Bolyard, ranked second in the nation, took a 9-1 decision to send Tresemer to the consolation bracket. After defeating Sacred Heart University’s Sherwood Fendryk with a 6-4 decision, Tresemer ended his tournament with a 20-10 loss to Jason Ramstetter of the Dave Schultz Wrestling Club.

Rounding out the group of Falcons was Luke Lefever, who went 0-2 on the week, falling to second-seeded Brian Glynn of Illinois by a 7-1 decision to open the tournament. Lefever then dropped to Rutgers University’s Chris Ressa with a 7-2 decision in the consolation bracket.

The Falcons wrestle again Jan 6. when they welcome Embry Riddle at home.