Huskers fly past the Air Force Falcons

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Ted Witulski (USA Wrestling)
12/08/2001


As a runner-up last season for the University of Nebraska, Bryan Snyder was notorious for avoiding talking to the press.  He would much rather focus on wrestling.  This year being his final go-around in college, he is more relaxed.  However, his relaxed attitude has not diminished his explosive style on the mat.      According to Snyder, "I'm working to have an intense and consistent warm-up before my matches, to me I really want to enjoy this season."  Prior to his match Snyder was absolutely focused, going through a rigid warm-up full of sprints, lifts, and pummeling.      Once he took the mat he made short work of his Falcon opponent Adam Baker.  First he exploded through Baker for another of his picture perfect doubles.  Snyder can cover ground as quickly as any wrestler out there.  With Coach Manning from the side of the mat yelling to get into his motion, Snyder nailed his opponent in a snap-down to a knee-pick.  With considerable ease the Easton, Pennsylvania standout took his opponent quickly to his back for the fall.      The 47-second pin was a quick glimpse into the prowess that makes the three time All-American the leader to capture the 157-pound title.  After the match Snyder preferred to talk only in generalities about his future opponents.  But when asked who he is looking forward to wrestling, with a gentle smile and a bit of humor in his voice, Snyder replied, "I suppose Becker", refering to the Minnesota wrestler, "is the right answer, but I'm really just trying to stay focused and consistent this year-and make continual improvement."      The dual in front of a large crowd at the Air Force field house started at 133 pounds where Joey Malia of Nebraska, quickly turned a fireman's carry into a 59 second pin of Andrew Peters.      The 141-pound match featured Chris Bennett of the Air Force vs. Dusty Spaulding a former four time state champion for Emporia high school in Kansas.  Spaulding struggled, giving up a key reversal before he earned a 9-5 victory.      Scott Frohardt of the Academy turned in the first Falcon win of the evening.  He easily outdistanced Jeremy Baker for the Huskers 14-5.  Through the 149 weight class the Husker led 9-4.      Following Snyder's fast fall Tony Denke turned in a dominating performance.  Denke earned the tech-fall over Blaine of the Academy 21-6.  Nebraska forfeited the 174-pound class to Jacob Lillich, bringing the team score to 20-10.      The 184-pound class featured Terry Parham of the Air Force against Travis Pascoe for the Huskers.  Pascoe, a Gonzaga Prep standout from Washington, gained a late takedown off of a rushed shot by Parham to secure a narrow victory.  In the 197-pound class Justin Ruiz of Nebraska rang up a tech-fall against Ryan Kaiser.      The Falcons gained their final points when Vegas tournament champion Kevin Hoy dominated Pat Miron of the Huskers.  Hoy's 8-2 victory was punctuated by a strong bar arm and plenty of riding time.      In the final match of the evening Heath Mckim, a three time state champion for Valley high school in Nebraska, jumped to an early 4-0 lead over Jason Powell of the Huskers.  Powell secured a late first period takedown to close the gap and then dominated McKim with a strong ride.      The Huskers won the dual 31-13 and will travel to Laramie to face the University of Wyoming tomorrow evening.  The Falcons fall to 1-2 in duals and will next compete in the Oregon Classic January 11th.      125 Heath McKim (AF) vs. Jason Powell (NE) Powell (NE) 8-4   133 Andrew Peters (AF) vs. Joey Malia (NE) Malia (NE) Pin .59   141 Chris Bennett (AF) vs. Dusty Spaulding (NE) Spaulding (NE) 9-5   149 Scott Frohardt (AF) vs. Jeremy Baker (NE) Frohardt (AF) 14-5   157 Adam Baker (AF) vs. Bryan Snyder (NE) Snyder (NE) Pin .47   165 Blaine Brown (AF) vs. Tony Denke (NE) Denker (NE) 21-6   174 Jacob Lillich (AF) vs. George Kirgan (NE) Lillich (AF) Forfeit   184 Terry Parham (AF) vs. Travis Pascoe (NE) Pascoe (NE) 10-7   197 Ryan Kaiser (AF) vs. Justin Ruiz (NE) Ruiz (NE) 18-2   Hwt Kevin Hoy (AF) vs. Pat Miron (NE) Hoy (AF) 8-2