Скачать или смотреть Air Force Wrestling: The Next Chapter

As the Head Coach of the United States Air Force Academy Wrestling Program, it is an honor and a responsibility to continue building on the strong tradition of excellence established by former coaches Karl Kit and Wayne Baughman. Their leadership set a high standard both on and off the mat, exemplifying what it means to pursue athletic excellence while fostering the growth and development of our nation’s future leaders.

Today, our program remains steadfast in its commitment to these core values. We aim to develop resilient leaders of character who will serve as warfighters, leaders, and critical thinkers aligned with the Academy’s mission. Wrestling teaches our cadets to adapt, overcome adversity, and excel under pressure—skills vital to their future roles in the Air Force, Space Force, and beyond.

We also recognize the ever-evolving challenges within the NCAA landscape, including budget constraints, the rise of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness), the complexities of the transfer portal, and the growing separation between Power Four conferences and Mid-Major/Service Academy athletic programs. To meet these challenges, we must continue to run an organized, disciplined, and adaptive program that is results-driven. Our ability to embrace change and navigate uncertainty, while maintaining our commitment to excellence, will be the key to maintaining competitiveness.

Our unwavering focus is clear: to graduate leaders of character who are prepared to win as warfighters, leaders, and adaptable thinkers. At the same time, we will ensure that our wrestling program remains competitive for future generations of Fighting Falcons. By staying true to our values and adapting to the demands of an uncertain NCAA environment, we will continue to thrive in wrestling, the classroom, and the mission of developing tomorrow’s Air Force and Space Force leaders.

Together, we will rise to the challenge and ensure the enduring success of the Air Force Academy Wrestling Program for years to come.

Sam Barber
Head Wrestling Coach
United State Air Force Academy