Wrestling Dominates Air Force

USAFA, Colo. - The University of Northern Colorado wrestling team led from wire to wire on Thursday evening against Air Force, winning the match 29-12. With the victory, the Bears improve to 5-10-1 on the season and 3-2 in Western Wrestling Conference action, while the Falcons fall to 4-10 overall and 1-3 in the WWC.

Junior Tony Mustari started the evening with a major decision victory, 9-1 over Andrew Zwirlein, getting the first of seven weight class wins for the Bears and one of four for extra points. Brett Bahe (133) continued the match with a 14-8 victory over Derek Gillespie.

Junior Kenny Hashimoto (141) and freshman Mitchell Polkowske (149) posted back-to-back technical fall victories for the Bears and then sophomore Justin Gaethje (157) won his ninth consecutive bout with a pin of Joseph Stafford in 2:34, the fastest pin of his career.

Air Force responded by winning the next two bouts, but senior Ryan Johnson won a 7-5 decision at 184 points and sophomore Eric Brennan followed with an 11-6 decision at 197 pounds to seal the Bears' team victory. The Falcons did win the final bout, a 3-1 decision at heavyweight in overtime.

"This was a good win for us, said Head Coach Jack Maughan. "Especially with it being both a conference match and instate rival. It's always good to beat them. We did some things a little bit better tonight than we did in our last dual at Utah Valley. In wrestling, it's all in how you prepare for one day (NCAA Regionals) and we made a good step tonight.  Justin (Gaethje) has come out inspired in the second semester. He's had three straight pins in conference and had some good wins last weekend at Mines. He's on a tear and he's been a great asset to come back and have in the second semester."

Northern Colorado will take some time off the mat, concluding its regular season on February 25, hosting Wyoming in a dual at 7:00 p.m.