For the first time, Division I college athletics are coming to Little Rock Air Force Base.
Through a joint effort between the base and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, the Little Rock Trojans wrestling program will take on the Air Force Academy in a dual meet slated for Nov. 20 inside Hangar 276 on the Jacksonville base. The theme for the meet will be “Max Effort,” a nod to the C-130 aircraft synonymous with the base.
“That’s exactly the mindset that the coaches brought to the table when we had the first discussions about this event,” said Col. Bret Echard, 19th Airlift Wing Commander. “We wanted to showcase that right alongside our C130’s. And obviously, the collegiate athletics that will be here are from Little Rock athletics and the United States Air Force Academy. So the theme couldn’t align any better.”
Credit: Nelson Chenault
Echard comes by the event honestly. Born in the traditional collegiate wrestling stronghold of Iowa, Echard would go on to wrestle at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.
“It was really just a relationship that happened,” said Little Rock wrestling coach Neil Erisman.
The dual meet will be highlighted by two NCAA All-Americans. Little Rock’s Stephen Little, who wrestles at 197 pounds, and Air Force’s Carter Nogle, who wrestles at 149 pounds. A fifth-year senior, Little will end his career as the most decorated wrestler in Trojans history, winning the 2025-2026 Pac-12 championship and qualifying for the 2026 NCAA championship.
Credit: Nelson Chenault
“If this isn’t the best experience that a wrestler is going to have this year, I don’t know who’s going to do anything better,” said Little Rock Deputy Athletic Director Dan Crowley. “To say that we’re going to come here on Nov. 20, be in a hangar out on a flight line, it’s one of a kind.”
Limited tickets will be available for purchase, with additional event details to be announced soon.
Feature Photo Credit: Nelson Chenault
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