Air Force sophomore Cole VonOhlen was doing a workout shortly after his 141-pound final Sunday night at the NCAA West Regional wrestling tournament.

He needed to, because he didn’t get much of one in the event at Clune Arena.

“Keep getting ready for nationals, that’s what I’m pushing for,” said VonOhlen, who is ranked 10th in the nation. “I’m just trying to stay focused on that goal.’’

VonOhlen won the title and was named the meet’s outstanding wrestler to cap a day in which he did not give up a point.

He beat Justin Morrill of Utah Valley with a 16-0 technical fall — in the first period — in the finals. He started his day by pinning Tyler Johnson of South Dakota State in 1 mintute, 32 seconds in the first round, then beat Chase Smith of Wyoming with a 16-0 technical fall in the semifinals.

“I’m just sticking to my technique,’’ VonOhlen said. I’m not going out there thinking I’m going to do this or do that, but just do what I can control and stick to that.’’

The national leader in victories going into the weekend, VonOhlen will take a 42-7 record into the NCAA meet March 17-19 in Philadelphia.

“Our goal with Cole is not Philadelphia,’’ said Air Force coach Joel Sharratt. “Our goal for Cole is the podium.’’

VonOhlen led Air Force to third place among teams in the meet, which doubled as the Western Wrestling Conference championships. Wyoming won the team title for the second straight year, edging rival Northern Iowa 93-87. The Cowboys came from behind to do it, winning three-of-five head-to-head final bouts with the Panthers and had five champions overall.

The Falcons finished with 59 points in the seven-team event.

“Our guys came ready to wrestle today,” Sharrett said. “We need to bring the fight we had today to all 16 competition dates during the season.’’

VonOhlen was Air Force’s lone qualifier for the NCAA Championships. Some 15 NCAA spots were available in the meet’s 10 weight classes. The Falcons’ Joe Stafford (174) reached the finals, but lost 6-2 to Patrick Martinez of Wyoming for the NCAA berth. Stafford then lost a wrestleback for second place to Brad Darrington of Utah Valley.

“I’ve been working hard for four years. I have no regrets, I gave it all I got,’’ said Stafford a senior. “I’m looking forward to pilot training now.’’

Wasson graduate Casey Cruz of Northern Colorado made the final at 133 pounds, but lost 5-4 to Flint Ray of Utah Valley for the NCAA spot. He then lost a second-place wrestleback to Air Force’s Derek Gillespie, 6-4.

“I didn’t finish the way I wanted to, but overall it was a good year,’’ said Cruz, a junior, who finished 23-10. “It gives me something to look forward to, to work harder.’’

Air Force’s Chad Gable (165), Neal Delaney (197) and Jared Erickson (heavyweight) all finished third.

Air Force’s Cole VonOhlen puts Wyoming’s Chase Smith in a hold during the semi-finals of the NCAA West Regional Tournament on Sunday. VanOhlen didn’t let an opponent score a point on him all day and took first place. Photo by JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE