Utah Wrestling News

Jordan Junior Wrestling Marches Into 2009-2010 Season

(Sandy, Utah) Oct. 30, 2009 - Jordan Junior Wrestling marches into the 2009-2010 junior high/middle school wrestling season with its fourth year under coach Bill Kilpack (III), a national AAU wrestling champion and alternate for the Greco-Roman Pan-Am team and a staff of knowledgeable and enthusiastic coaches.

"This is going to be an exciting season," Kilpack said. "We are coming off our best year at state since the program began, and I fully expect this to be the best year yet."

Coaching this year are Mike Christiansen of Riverton, Dusty Fisher of Lindon, Andrew Lukanich of Cottonwood Heights, Toby Orton of Sandy and Todd Schwendiman of South Jordan.

Last season, the team had its best overall finish at the 4A/5A Junior High State Championships, finishing fourth in the Junior High Division and sixth in the Middle School Division with only 19 scoring wrestlers. "We had a good state tournament last year, but suffered a few upsets. We learned from those experiences and I feel very confident that we will do even better this year."

Practices are slated to begin on Nov. 9 at Jordan High School, and will be held three days a week from 7-8:30 p.m. With the Middle School and Junior High Divisions now available, athletes from fifth to ninth grades (so long as they are not wrestling on a high-school wrestling team) are eligible.

This year's coaching staff has a long and successful wrestling history.

Kilpack (III) of West Jordan was an original member of the Sundance Wrestling Club, arguably the finest freestyle/Greco-Roman wrestling team in Utah history. As a competitor, he garnered an AAU national championship, seven national silver medals, seven more national medals, and was a member of the Pan-Am team in Greco-Roman wrestling holding an alternate position. In addition, he was named All-American 15 times by AAU, the US Wrestling Federation or USA Wrestling in freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling; was a seven-time Zone/Western Regional champion; and a six-time state champion in freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. He is the head coach of Mountain Top Wrestling Club which, in 2007, was the Team State Champion in both freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling.

Christiansen was a varsity wrestler at Bingham High School. It was during this time that he came to appreciate the competitive nature of wrestling and other sports, culminating in being ranked number two in the state as a senior in wrestling, and playing on a baseball team that won six straight state titles, starting prior to and continuing on into high school.

As an adult, he has coached community sports such as wrestling, baseball and girls softball.

Fisher wrestled for 11 years, starting at a young age, focusing on folkstyle and freestyle wrestling. During that time, he wrestled the likes of a young Cael Sanderson, and was never once pinned by any opponent. His wrestling career culminated in his varsity position at Orem High School, where he beat two two-time state champions before an elbow injury ended his competitive career.

Lukanich started wrestling when he was six years old in the state of Illinois. He went on to wrestle for Lyons Township High School, where he earned state runner-up honors his senior year and was ranked twelfth in the country at 135 lbs. In freestyle and Greco-Roman, he earned multiple state championships and was a member of the Illinois national teams, where he competed in USA Wrestling Cadet and Junior Nationals in Fargo, as well as the FILA Cadet Nationals, where he finished fourth at 63 kilos. Following high school, he spent two years wrestling in college under Olympic bronze medalist Terry Brands before transferring to the University of Illinois, where he competed in the Big 10.

Orton of Sandy was a varsity wrestler at Anacortes High School in Fidalgo Island, Washington. It was during this time that he came to appreciate the competitive nature of wrestling and other sports. As an adult, he has coached wrestling for more than 10 years, and he has coached community sports such as wrestling, soccer and a championship baseball team.

Schwendiman was a varsity wrestler at Woods Cross High School for four years, culminating in a second-in-state ranking his senior year. It was during this time that he came to love the sport and everything about it, including its value in teaching kids real life lessons and preparing them for adulthood. As an adult, he has coached community sports such as baseball and soccer, and served for many years in Boy Scouts as a Scout Master.

Jordan Junior Wrestling is a folkstyle wrestling program offered through Salt Lake County Recreation, operating out or Jordan High School in Sandy. For more information, go to www.jordanjuniorwrestling.com or email jordanjuniors@aol.com

UtahWrestling.org Convenes 2nd Annual Photography Competition

UtahWrestling.org is holding an open Photography Competition to promote the sport of wrestling and recognize enthusiasts who have captured the heart of the sport through their lens. The contest is open to both published and unpublished individuals worldwide in both black and white and color photography. The deadline for entries is Dec. 31, 2009.

"Contests provide recognition and some small financial support for writers and artists," said UtahWrestling.org Editor Bill Kilpack. "Getting published can be like getting a job: you need credentials. Winning a contest is a very viable credential. At the same time, there are so many images out there that really encapsulate the greatness of wrestling that are providing enjoyment to a few individuals, when they could be shared by so many more."

The winners for the 2008 competition include Champion, John Leavitt of Centerville, UT, who received the $100 cash prize for a color photo titled "Smoke No Fire" (he also received Honorable Mention for a color photo titled "Anguish") and Thomas Blair of Berthoud, CO, who received Honorable Mention for his color photo titled "Which Way Is Up?"

Awards include first through third places in each category, honorable mention, publication award, and browser's choice via the Web site. Prizes include a $100 first prize, $50 second prize, $25 third prize, and publication on UtahWrestling.org.

Kilpack said, "I am a writer and artist, and an advocate of wrestling. So I know what it's like to be intimidated by other contest sponsors or faced with entry fees that were too high. We are open to everyone with the courage to offer their works for public exhibition. I've wanted to do something like this since starting UtahWrestling.org in 2004. Finally, I said to myself: just do it.""

The entry fee for the contest is $10 per submission. The fee helps fund cash awards to winners, as well as operational costs associated with the high-traffic Web site. The contest will be judged by the UtahWrestling.org editor as well as guest judges with backgrounds in photography, and the world's oldest sport.

To enter the contest, submissions should be submitted online at www.UtahWrestling.org, e-mailed to photocontest@utahwrestling.org, or via mail to Bill Kilpack, c/o UtahWrestling.org, P.O. Box 1418, West Jordan, UT 84084. All mailed submissions should be accompanied by a check or money order made out to Kilpack Enterprises for the applicable entry fee, and adhere to contest guidelines. Online submissions may provide entry fee by way of major credit card (for international submissions, the credit-card companies take care of exchanging international currencies automatically). Contest guidelines are available on the Web site, or printed copies may be requested at the same address listed previously.

UtahWrestling.org is the voice of Utah wrestling, dedicated to promoting the quality and achievements of Utah athletes and wrestling enthusiasts. For more information, visit us on the Worldwide Web at www.UtahWrestling.org or e-mail info@utahwrestling.org.
# # #

Mountain Top Wrestlers Dominate Westside Classic In Colorado Springs

(Sandy, Utah) May 18, 2009 3⁄4 Four members of Mountain Top Wrestling Club traveled to Colorado Springs to compete in the Westside Classic freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling tournament May 15-16, 2009 at Coronado High School. Between the two styles, members earned six championships and eight places overall, dominating their opponents.

“They guys really performed well,” said Coach Bill Kilpack (III). “They've had a few weeks off, and they went out on the mat hungry. Every one of them wrestled tough, and our six gold medals all came by way of pinning every opponent. It's a real indication of how hard work and dedication pays great dividends."

Leading the team were 14 year olds William Kilpack and Zayne Sayers, both of Sandy. William wrestled Schoolboy (ages 13 and 14) 136 in freestyle and 144 in Greco-Roman, pinned every opponent and did not allow a single point to be scored against him. Zayne wrestled at Schoolboy 210 and pinned every opponent, allowing only one point to be scored against him between the two days.

Also winning twin golds was 8-year-old Garrick Kilpack of Sandy, at Bantam (ages 7 and 8) 55 lbs. He pinned every opponent both days, going unscored-on in Greco-Roman, but having some real battles in the freestyle tournament. Twice, he came back from losing a round to regain the lead and finish with pins in every match both days.

Finishing with a silver medal in freestyle at Schoolboy 77 lbs. and a bronze medal in Greco-Roman at 88 lbs. was Justin Schwendiman of West Jordan.

"In Colorado, they're a little more liberal with combining weights, which can have a serious impact," Coach Kilpack said. "Moving someone up one weight can mean a shift of more than 10 percent in body mass in some cases. That's a lot to have to contend with. But the guys adjusted and did very well."

Also of interest was Olympian and world champion wrestler Clarissa Chun was in attendance, watching the matches being held at her alma mater and posing for pictures with the athletes. She won her world title last October in Tokyo.

"This was a very exciting tournament," said Coach Bill Kilpack (Jr.). "The kids really worked hard, keeping their heads in some tough situations. They also got to hear some praise from someone who is the best in the world. It was really a great experience."

Mountain Top Wrestling Club is a nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation dedicated to providing a venue for individuals to learn, develop and refine their athletic skills and abilities; and educating regarding the rules and regulations of freestyle, folkstyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. It is open to male and female athletes ages four and older who live anywhere in the State of Utah. Practices are held three days a week at Jordan High School. For more information, call 641-9832, e-mail coach@mountaintopwrestling.com or visit them on the Worldwide Web at http://www.mountaintopwrestling.com.
# # #

Mountain Top Wrestling Club Pounds the Kuna Classic: 14 Awards, 3 Outstanding Wrestlers, Team Runner-Up

(Sandy, Utah) March 30, 2009 3⁄4 Ten members of Mountain Top Wrestling Club traveled to Kuna, Ida., to compete in the Kuna Classic freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling tournament, March 27–28, 2009. Between the two styles, the 10 young athletes earned 14 awards, including three Outstanding Wrestlers and a team runner-up finish in the second leg of the Intermountain Champion Series.

“This was a great showing from the guys,” said Coach Bill Kilpack (III). “We had some very strong performances against some wrestlers who have taken top awards in some of the toughest tournaments in the country, and came out just glowing. Our Outstanding Wrestler recipients had great tournaments, and we had some of our newer wrestlers really take off this week. It was a great experience.”

Leading the team with championships and Outstanding Wrestler awards were three athletes. Fourteen-year-old William Kilpack of Sandy, Schoolboy (ages 13 and 14) 128 lbs., was crowned champion in both styles, pinning every opponent and allowing only two points to be scored against him between the two days, and came away the Outstanding Wrestler for his age division in Greco-Roman. Twelve-year-old Hayden Butler of Saratoga Springs, Novice (ages 11 and 12) 70 lbs., won gold in both styles, pinning every opponent but one, and was named the Outstanding Wrestler for the Novice division in Greco-Roman. Eight-year-old Garrick Kilpack of Sandy, Bantam (ages 7 and 8) 55 lbs., won the title in freestyle, pinning every opponent and not allowing a single point to be scored against him, and was name the Outstanding Wrestler for the Bantam division in freestyle.

Dominating in the freestyle tournament were three young wrestlers: 6-year-old Josh Millward of Lehi, Pre-Bantam 45 lbs.; 7-year-old Will Haight of Sandy, Bantam 45 lbs.; 8-year-old Mason Christiansen of Riverton, Bantam 60 lbs. Millward and Christiansen both pinned or teched every opponent they faced.
"It's a shame they don't allow the little guys to wrestle Greco-Roman in Idaho," said Coach Kilpack. "I think that we would have done very well with our Bantams and Pre-Bantams there, as well. But these guys still showed their stuff."

Winning gold in Greco-Roman was 15-year-old Wesly Orton of Sandy, Cadet (ages 15 and 16) 112 lbs.
Winning silver medals in freestyle was Gavin Carlson of West Valley City, Bantam 55 lbs., and Wesly Orton, Cadet 112 lbs.

Finishing third in Greco-Roman was Ty Carlson of West Valley City, Intermediate 65 lbs.
Finishing fourth in Greco-Roman was Skyler Orton of Sandy, Novice 65 lbs. Finishing fourth in freestyle was Ty Carlson, Intermediate 65 lbs.

In freestyle team competition, Mountain Top Wrestling Club finished second, losing out on first place by only one point. "If we would've won one match we lost, it would've put us over the top," Coach Kilpack said. "But we are very happy to finish second with only 10 wrestlers."
Coach Bill Kilpack (Jr.) said, “This was a good trip. Good competition, and the kids got to see just how much they've improved over the season with some new competition. On top of that, trips like this are a good reward for parents for supporting their kids in a sport that can demand a lot of time and commitment from everyone involved.”

The Kuna Classic was the second leg of the 2009 Intermountain Champion Series. Remaining in the series is the Bonneville Classic in Idaho Falls, Ida. For more information, go to www.intermountainchampion.com.
Mountain Top Wrestling Club is a nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation dedicated to providing a venue for individuals to learn, develop and refine their athletic skills and abilities; and educating regarding the rules and regulations of freestyle, folkstyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. It is open to male and female athletes ages four and older who live anywhere in the State of Utah. Practices are held three days a week at Jordan High School. For more information, call 641-9832, e-mail coach@mountaintopwrestling.com or visit them on the Worldwide Web at www.mountaintopwrestling.com.

Mountain Top Wrestling Club Members Earn 22 Awards at Northside Tournament

(Sandy, Utah) March 24, 2009 3⁄4 Twenty Mountain Top Wrestling Club members traveled to Viewmont High School to compete in the Northside freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling tournament. They came away with 22 medals, including six champions and 15 finalists.
“Overall, the guys had a tournament,” said Coach Bill Kilpack (III). “We had some beat some opponents who we had lost to in previous weeks, we had some win their first matches, and we had some earn their first medals. It was a great weekend.”
The team was led by Ajax Revels of Riverton, Intermediate (ages 9 and 10) 103 lbs., who took a gold medal in both styles, beating every opponent by fall or technical fall (graining a six-point lead in two of the three rounds).
"Ajax has very sharp technique," said Kilpack. "He's very precise, and explosive with his moves. He's going to have a great season."
Winning gold in freestyle were Joshua Millward of Lehi, Flyweight (ages 6 and Under) 45 lbs., and Skylar Orton of Sandy, Novice (ages 11 and 12) 65 lbs. Taking gold in Greco-Roman were Garrick Kilpack of Sandy, Bantam 55 lbs., and Brigg Butler of Saratoga Springs, Schoolboy (ages 13 and 14) 112 lbs.
"These gold medals were very exciting," Kilpack said. "Josh beat a kid who he's lost to every weekend, including Friday night in Greco. But in freestyle, Josh ended up pinning the kid. Garrick beat a kid who he's lost very close matches to all season long, but finally pulled it out. Skylar was away from wrestling for more than a year, but it appears that the old Skylar is back, winning his first gold medal since the layoff. Brigg won the tournament when he hasn't wrestled Greco since he was a little kid. Each of these guys really performed on that day."
Taking silver medals in freestyle were four athletes: Garrick Kilpack, Bantam 55 lbs.; Tanner Orton of Sandy, Intermediate 50 lbs.; Brigg Butler, Schoolboy 112 lbs.; and Collin Teague of Salt Lake City, Junior (ages 17 and 18) 189 lbs. Earning silver in Greco-Roman were Joshua Millward, Flyweight 45 lbs.; Ty Carlson of West Valley City, Intermediate 65 lbs.; Hayden Butler of Saratoga Springs, Novice 75 lbs.; Tyler Schwendiman of South Jordan, Novice 80 lbs.; and Dylan Howell of West Jordan, Junior 160 lbs.
Taking bronze medals in freestyle were five young wrestlers: Tucker Butler of Saratoga Springs, Flyweight 45 lbs.; Jack White of Herriman, Flyweight 50 lbs.; Cameron Gaudin of Salt Lake City, Bantam 55 lbs.; Ty Carlson, Intermediate 65 lbs.; and Wesly Orton of Sandy, Cadet 112 lbs. Finishing third in Greco-Roman were White, Flyweight 50 lbs.; and Gavin Carlson of West Valley City, Bantam 55 lbs.
Also competing the tournaments were Diego Gutierrez of Draper, Bantam 55 lbs.; Alex Miller of Draper, Intermediate 75 lbs.; Carter McMillan of Sandy, Novice 75 lbs.; Payton Yates of Murray, Novice 80 lbs.; and Dallas Miller of Draper, Schoolboy 128 lbs.
"This tournament showed some real growth," said Coach Bill Kilpack (Jr.) said. "The kids continue to improve from week to week, and I'm sure it will continue. We're very proud of the kids."
Mountain Top Wrestling Club is a nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation dedicated to providing a venue for individuals to learn, develop and refine their athletic skills and abilities; and educating regarding the rules and regulations of freestyle, folkstyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. It is open to male and female athletes ages four and older who live anywhere in the State of Utah. Practices are held in two sessions, three days a week from 5:30–8 p.m. at Jordan High School. For more information, call 641-9832, e-mail coach@mountaintopwrestling.com or visit them on the Worldwide Web at www.mountaintopwrestling.com.
# # #

Mountain Top Wrestling Club Members Seize 16 Awards at the Norm

Mountain Top Wrestling Club Members Seize 16 Awards at the Norm Sanderson Classic
(Sandy, Utah) March 16, 2009 ∆ Sixteen Mountain Top Wrestling Club members traveled to Pleasant Grove High School to enter the Norm Sanderson Classic freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling tournament. They came away with 16 medals, including 11 championships.

"The guys had a great weekend," said Coach Bill Kilpack (III). "They really showed growth from the last tournament, making some key improvements in matches to beat opponents they lost to previously, or some of them even winning their first matches ever. It was really exciting to see that improvement."

The team was led by three young athletes who earned gold medals in both styles: Mason Christiansen of Riverton, who competed in Banatam (ages 7 and 8) 60 lbs.; Derek Fisher of Lindon, Intermediate 55 lbs.; and Ajax Revels of Riverton, Intermediate 103 lbs. In freestyle, all three won every match by pin or technical superiority (graining a six-point lead in two of the three rounds). In Greco-Roman, Fisher and Revels pinned or teched every opponent, as well.

Winning gold in freestyle were Will Haight of Sandy, Bantam 45 lbs., and Justin Schwendiman of West Jordan, Schoolboy (ages 13 and 14) 77 lbs. Winning gold in Greco-Roman were Joshua Millward of Lehi, Flyweight (ages 6 and Under) 45 lbs., Jack White of Herriman, Flyweight 50 lbs.; and Tyler Schwendiman of South Jordan, Novice (ages 11 and 12) 80 lbs.

Taking a silver medal in the freestyle tournament was Jack White, Flyweight 50 lbs.
Taking bronze medals in freestyle were Joshua Millward, Flyweight 45 lbs., and Bryson Kimball of West Jordan, Novice 112 lbs.

In Greco-Roman competition, in addition to the six champions, first-year wrestler Stephen Cottam of Cottonwood Heights finished with a silver in Intermediate 87 lbs.; and Justin Schwendiman finished with bronze at Schoolboy 77 lbs.

Also competing the tournaments were Diego Gutierrez of Draper, Bantam 55 lbs.; Cameron Gaudin of Salt Lake City, Bantam 55 lbs.; Tyler Fay of South Jordan, Intermediate 60 lbs.; Carter McMillan of Sandy, Novice 75 lbs.; Leroy Sandberg of West Jordan, Novice 75 lbs.; and Payton Yates of Murray, Novice 80 lbs.

"This was a great followup to the Mountain Top Classic," said Coach Bill Kilpack (Jr.) said. "The kids continue to improve from week to week, and it's showing on the mat. They did very well."

Mountain Top Wrestling Club is a nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation dedicated to providing a venue for individuals to learn, develop and refine their athletic skills and abilities; and educating regarding the rules and regulations of freestyle, folkstyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. It is open to male and female athletes ages four and older who live anywhere in the State of Utah. Practices are held in two sessions, three days a week from 5:30-8 p.m. at Jordan High School. For more information, call 641-9832, e-mail coach@mountaintopwrestling.com or visit them on the Worldwide Web at www.mountaintopwrestling.com.
Mountain Top Wrestling Club Members Garner 13 Medals at the Wasatch Tournament

(Sandy, Utah) March 1, 2009 ∆ Twenty-two members of Mountain Top Wrestling Club competed in the Wasatch freestyle and folkstyle wrestling tournament held Feb. 27-28, 2009, at Wasatch High School in Heber City. Between the two styles, the young athletes earned 13 awards.

"This was a great way to open the season," said Coach Bill Kilpack (III). "We had a lot of our new wrestlers come out for their first tournament, many of them winning matches, others placing. And many of our more experienced wrestlers picked right up where they left off last season, dominating their weight divisions. It was exciting to see."

Leading the team with gold medal finishes in both styles was 6-year-old Will Haight of Sandy, Bantam (ages 7 and 8) 45 lbs. On both days, he beat every opponent by fall or technical fall (gaining a 6-point lead in two of three rounds) in freestyle, and won every match but two by technical fall in folkstyle.

"Will has really turned a corner in the last few weeks," Kilpack said. "He was placing and progressing every week in the last season, but there were some gaps. Now, it seems like overnight, he's really starting to gel, putting together combinations of moves, and just executing with authority. Last year, he had a rough time. But those lumps are paying off now. The experience has done him well."

Taking gold medals in freestyle were three young athletes: Mason Christiansen of Riverton, Bantam 60 lbs.;
Derek Fisher of Lindon, Intermediate (ages 9 and 10) 55 lbs.; and Ajax Revels of Riverton, Novice (ages 11 and 12) 103 lbs. All three won every match by pin or technical fall.
Winning gold in folkstyle was John Manning of Sandy, Intermediate 60 lbs., who also won every match by pin or technical fall.

Winning runner-up finishes in freestyle were four wrestlers: Garrick Kilpack of Sandy, Bantam 55 lbs.; Tanner Orton of Sandy, Intermediate 50 lbs.; Tyler Schwendiman of South Jordan, Novice 80 lbs.; and William Kilpack of Sandy, Schoolboy 136 lbs.

Earning bronze medals in freestyle were three young wrestlers: Ty Carlson of West Valley City, Intermediate 65 lbs.; Skylar Orton of Sandy, Novice 65 lbs.; and Anthony Sargent of Midvale, Novice 90 lbs.

"It was great to get the first tournament of the season under our belts," said Coach Toby Orton. "It showed us with the first-year wrestlers where they're at and how much real potential they have. With our regulars, it showed us some areas where we need to kick off some rust. It was a great weekend."

Also competing in both the freestyle and folkstyle tournaments were Gavin Carlson of West Valley City, Bantam 55 lbs.; Diego Gutierrez of Draper, Bantam 55 lbs.; and Tyler Sargent of Midvale, Novice 95 lbs.

Also competing in the freestyle tournament were Wyatt Camomile of Saratoga Springs, Flyweight 50 lbs.; Cameron Gaudin of Salt Lake City, Bantam 55 lbs.; Tyler Fay of South Jordan, Intermediate 65 lbs.; Carter McMillan of Sandy, Novice 75 lbs.; Justin Schwendiman of West Jordan, Schoolboy 77 lbs.; and Wesly Orton of Sandy, Cadet 112 lbs.
Also competing in the folkstyle tournament was Ty Carlson, Bantam 55 lbs.; and Anthony Sargent, Novice 90 lbs.

Mountain Top Wrestling Club is a nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation dedicated to providing a venue for individuals to learn, develop and refine their athletic skills and abilities; and educating regarding the rules and regulations of freestyle, folkstyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. It is open to male and female athletes ages four and older who live anywhere in the State of Utah. Practices are held three days a week at Jordan High School.
Jordan Junior Wrestlers Place 11, Take 4th at State Championships

(Sandy, Utah) Feb. 2, 2009 - Nineteen members of Jordan Junior Wrestling entered the 4A/5A Junior High State Championships held at Roy High School in Roy. Of those 19, 11 placed, including three state champions of the four in the finals.

"Overall, this was as good a showing at state as Jordan Junior Wrestling has ever had," said Coach Bill Kilpack (III). "It's the most state champions we've ever had, and the best overall finish, with fourth in the Junior High Division and sixth in the Middle School Division. We dropped some matches we really shouldn't have, which would have made for at least two more in the finals, but that's why you wrestle. Each match can provide a surprise. I'm very proud of them for their accomplishments."

Leading the team was 13-year-old William Kilpack of Sandy, in the 128-pound Junior High division. He pinned every opponent, including a 45-second fall in his championship match, and did not allow a single point to be scored against him.

Eleven-year-old Cole Eldredge of Sandy, in the 90-pound Middle School division, also won a state title, pinning every opponent, including a fall in 1:07 in the finals. He allowed only one point to be scored against him, in his semi-final match.

Fourteen-year-old Tyler Jensen of West Valley City won the title in the 75-pound Junior High division, finishing out the day with an overtime win in the finals, where the first wrestler to get a takedown won the match.

Also making it to the finals was 11-year-old Tyler Schwendiman of South Jordan, Middle School 76 lbs. He pinned two of his three opponents to get to the finals, where he had his best match to date against the eventual champion.

Finishing third were brothers Hayden and Brigg Butler of Saratoga Springs. Eleven-year-old Hayden wrestled in the 70-pound Middle School bracket, winning every match by fall or technical fall, other than a one-point loss to the eventual champion. Thirteen-year-old Brigg was in the 108-pound Junior High bracket, with his only loss coming in overtime to the eventual champion.

Also finishing third was Cody Jensen of West Valley City in the Junior High 70-pound division.

Finishing fourth was Cyle Brown of West Valley City in the Junior High 138-pound division.

Taking fifth was Wesly Orton of Sandy, Junior High 104 lbs.

Taking sixth were Justin Schwendiman of West Jordan, Junior High 75 lbs.; and Chris Lewis of West Valley City, Junior High 100 lbs.

Jordan Junior Wrestling finished fourth as a team in the Junior High Division and sixth as a team in the Middle School Division, the best overall finish in the team's history.

Also competing were Skylar Orton of Sandy, Middle School 65 lbs.; Alex Maxwell of Sandy, Middle School 80 lbs.; Lorenzo Dudley of West Valley City, Junior High 96 lbs.; Ulises Arellano of West Valley City, Junior High 108 lbs.; Mitch Nazer of Sandy, Junior High 116 lbs.; Preston Jones of West Valley City, Junior High 120 lbs.; Dan Valentine of Sandy, Junior High 120 lbs.; and Daniel Ramirez of West Valley City, Junior High 128 lbs.

"There was some real growth this year in a team with very limited previous experience," said Bill Kilpack (Jr.). "We had a lot of first-year wrestlers who won matches at state, and lost very close ones that kept them out of medals. It's great to see that kind of growth."

Jordan Junior Wrestling is a folkstyle wrestling program offered through Salt Lake County Recreation, operating out or Jordan High School in Sandy. The middle school/junior high team is for grades five through nine; the elementary team is for grades four and younger.
Mountain Top Wrestling Club Pounds Through the Beehive Brawl

(Sandy, Utah) Jan. 27, 2009 ∆ Twenty-two members of Mountain Top Wrestling Club traveled to Richfield to compete in the second annual Beehive Brawl folkstyle wrestling tournament. Of the 22 young athletes, 14 came away with medals, including three champions and two runner ups.

"This was a good tournament," said Coach Bill Kilpack (III). "We had some early surprising losses, but regrouped and finished strong, fighting our way back through the consolation brackets. We had five make it to the finals, and won three of them. We're really proud of the guys."

Five wrestlers made it to the finals: 6-year-old Alex Muti of Sandy, 6 and Under 52 lbs.; 9-year-old John Manning of Sandy, 10 and Under 58 lbs.; 11-year-old Hayden Butler of Saratoga Springs, 12 and Under 70 lbs.; 12-year-old Matt Findlay of Draper, 12 and Under 92 lbs.; and 13-year-old William Kilpack of Sandy, 15 and Under 126 lbs.

Three left the finals with championships. Manning and Butler both won their championship matches with first-round fall; Findlay won his championship by decision, with a score of 8-6. Finishing in second place were Kilpack and Muti.

Finishing fourth in the tournament three athletes: Bradley Findlay of Draper, 8 and Under 75 lbs.; Derek Fisher of Lindon, 10 and Under 55 lbs.; and Justin Schwendiman of West Jordan, 15 and Under 75 lbs.
Fifth-place finishers included Will Haight of Sandy, 6 and Under 46 lbs.; Tanner Orton of Sandy, 8 and Under 46 lbs.; Cole Eldredge of Sandy, 12 and Under 88 lbs.; and Wesly Orton of Sandy, 15 and Under 108 lbs.

Finishing in sixth place were Osai Muti of Sandy, 8 and Under 67 lbs.; and Tyler Schwendiman of South Jordan, 12 and Under 76 lbs.

Also competing in the tournament were Will Manning of Sandy, 6 and Under 43 lbs.; Garrick Kilpack of Sandy, 8 and Under 52 lbs.; Mason Christiansen of Riverton, 8 and Under 61 lbs.; Skylar Orton of Sandy, 10 and Under 64 lbs.; Alex Maxwell of Sandy, 12 and Under 80 lbs.; Brigg Butler of Sandy, 15 and Under 114 lbs.; Mitch Nazer of Sandy, 15 and Under 114 lbs.; and Nick Hulbert of Salt Lake City, 15 and Under 120 lbs.

Coach Bill Kilpack (Jr.) said, "The kids really did very well. Even those who didn't place wrestled very tough matches. When these tournaments are unseeded, you sometimes end up meeting the top placers early, when you are legitimately suited to be in the top six. In that case, it's just luck of the draw. In the end, I think this was a very positive experience for everyone involved."

Mountain Top Wrestling Club is a nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation dedicated to providing a venue for individuals to learn, develop and refine their athletic skills and abilities; and educating regarding the rules and regulations of freestyle, folkstyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. It is open to male and female athletes ages four and older who live anywhere in the State of Utah. Practices are held three days a week at Jordan High School.
5A Wrestling State Championship Duals Tomorrow

(Sandy) - The 5A State Championship Duals will begin tomorrow and continue through Saturday, Jan. 23-24, 2009, at Jordan High School. This massive dual tournament will feature 19 of the 26 5A high schools in Utah, battling it out to determine who is the best 5A wrestling dual team in the state.

Chris Babinski, tournament director and head wrestling coach at Jordan High School, said that the tournament has a long history dating back 20 years or more, but it was in 2000 that it rose to the next level. He said, "We've always had a relatively good dual team and no one had a dual tournament to really say who was the best in the state. So we decided to take the Beetdigger Duals and upgrade it to see who has the best dual team." It has continued to grow and gain support each year ever since.

High schools sending teams to the tournament this year include Alta, American Fork, Bingham, Brighton, Clearfield, Fremont, Hillcrest, Hunter, Jordan, Kearns, Lehi, Lone Peak, Northridge, Pleasant Grove, Riverton, Skyline, Syracuse, Timpanogos and Viewmont. Six rounds of duals are scheduled to be wrestled on Friday, with the tournament running through completion on Saturday.

Wrestling will begin on Friday at 3 p.m. and at 8 a.m. on Saturday. Admission is $36 per family (two adults and four children) for both days, $13 for an adult all-tournament pass, or $8 per day for adults. Children 5 and younger and 62 and older are free. Jordan High School is located at 9880 South State Street in Sandy.
Mountain Top Wrestling Club Charges into 2009 Season Feb. 2

(Sandy, Utah) Jan. 15, 2009 ∆ Mountain Top Wrestling Club will open the 2009 freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling season on Feb. 2, 2009, at Jordan High School. Returning to coach the team are Bill Kilpack (III), a national AAU wrestling champion and alternate for the Greco-Roman Pan-Am team; his father, Bill Kilpack (Jr.), one of the original coaches of the much lauded Sundance Wrestling Club; Andrew Lukanich, a freestyle All-American; Mike Christiansen, a varsity wrestler from Bingham High School; Dusty Fisher, a varsity wrestler from Orem High School; Toby Orton, a varsity wrestler from Fidalgo Island, Wash.; and Todd Schwendiman, a varsity wrestler from Woods Cross High School.

"We had a great season last year," said Kilpack (III). "We had a lot of new faces, who immediately started winning matches and tournaments. We had 35 state championships, two Intermountain Champions, 12 national championship finishes and 38 All-American finishes. We hosted the Mountain Top Classic again, which was a leg in the Intermountain Champion series, and hosted wrestlers from seven states. We have a very strong a core group that I think will really step up this year and make names for themselves."

The team's two Intermountain Champions, 12 national championships, 35 All-American finishes were tallied between the three main styles of wrestling: freestyle, Greco-Roman and folkstyle. In addition to the 35 state championships, team members earned 24 state runner-up finishes, 12 state bronze finishes. Members also earned four Outstanding Wrestler awards, two Fastest Pin awards and a Most Pins in Least Time award. Of particular note was that one of the Outstanding Wrestler awards came at the Reno World Championships, the largest folkstyle tournament in the country. It is the only award of its kind presented to a Utahn in the history of that tournament.

Mountain Top Wrestling Club will compete in open tournaments throughout Utah and will supplement the in-state schedule with tournaments in Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado and Nevada. In addition, the team will return to compete in the Western Regional Championships, return to the Reno World Championships and Rocky Mountain Nationals, and return to the USA Wrestling Kids Nationals.

Kilpack (III) said, "The traveling is important to the development of the athletes. It allows them to get more mat time during the season, and provides them folkstyle experience before reaching high school, if they do not live in a school district with junior-high wrestling."

Kilpack (Jr.) said, "The wrestling trips make the season fun. The kids wrestle, then stay in a hotel after and hit the pool. The trips are not only a reward for the kids, but for their families. Wrestling is a family sport. Every successful wrestler has strong family support. It takes dedication from the kids as well as their parents. Traveling gives the kids something that they'll remember all their lives."

This year's coaching staff has a long and successful wrestling history.

Kilpack (III) of West Jordan was an original member of the Sundance Wrestling Club, arguably the finest freestyle/Greco-Roman wrestling team in Utah history. As a competitor, he garnered an AAU national championship, seven national silver medals, seven more national medals, and was a member of the Pan-Am team in Greco-Roman wrestling holding an alternate position. In addition, he was named All-American 15 times by AAU, the US Wrestling Federation or USA Wrestling in freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling; was a seven-time Zone/Western Regional champion; and a six-time state champion in freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. He also spent many years helping coach Sundance teammates.

Kilpack (Jr.) of West Jordan was one of the two original coaches of the Sundance Wrestling Club, and a member of the University of Utah wrestling team. Sundance was arguably the finest freestyle/Greco-Roman wrestling team in Utah history, producing the first two world champions from Utah, and dozens of other international and national honors. He was also a member of the University of Utah wrestling team.

Lukanich of Cottonwood Heights started wrestling when he was six years old in the state of Illinois. He went on to wrestle for Lyons Township High School, where he earned state runner-up honors his senior year and was ranked twelfth in the country at 135 lbs. In freestyle and Greco-Roman, he earned multiple state championships and was a member of the Illinois national teams, where he competed in USA Wrestling Cadet and Junior Nationals in Fargo, as well as the FILA Cadet Nationals, where he finished fourth at 63 kilos. Following high school, he spent two years wrestling in college under Olympic bronze medalist Terry Brands before transferring to the University of Illinois, where he competed in the Big 10.

Christiansen of Riverton was a varsity wrestler at Bingham High School. It was during this time that he came to appreciate the competitive nature of wrestling and other sports, culminating in being ranked number two in the state as a senior in wrestling, and playing on a baseball team that won six straight state titles, starting prior to and continuing on into high school. As an adult, he has coached community sports such as wrestling, baseball and girls softball.

Fisher of Lindon wrestled for 11 years, starting at a young age, focusing on folkstyle and freestyle wrestling. During that time, he wrestled the likes of a young Cael Sanderson, and was never once pinned by any opponent. His wrestling career culminated in his varsity position at Orem High School, where he beat two two-time state champions before an elbow injury ended his competitive career.
Orton of Sandy was a varsity wrestler at Anacortes High School in Fidalgo Island, Washington. As an adult, he has coached community sports such as wrestling, soccer and a championship baseball team.

Schwendiman of South Jordan was a varsity wrestler at Woods Cross High School for four years, culminating in a second-in-state ranking his senior year. It was during this time that he came to love the sport and everything about it, including its value in teaching kids real life lessons and preparing them for adulthood. As an adult, he has coached community sports such as baseball and soccer, and served for many years in Boy Scouts as a Scout Master.

Mountain Top Wrestling Club is a nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation dedicated to providing a venue for individuals to learn, develop and refine their athletic skills and abilities; and educating regarding the rules and regulations of freestyle, folkstyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. It is open to male and female athletes ages four and older who live anywhere in the State of Utah. Practices are held three days a week at Jordan High School.
Jordan Junior Wrestlers Still Standing at the Top Gun

(Sandy, Utah) Dec. 14, 2008 - Eighteen members of Jordan Junior Wrestling weathered the blizzard to travel up to North Ogden to compete in the Top Gun of Utah folkstyle wrestling tournament held at Weber High School. Of those 18, 13 placed, including six champions.

"The guys really showed some growth since the last tournament," said Coach Bill Kilpack (III). "Where, last tournament, we gave up some early leads, this week, we went to work early. Their technique is getting sharper and they're executing. It's really exciting to watch them progress."

The team was led by 13-year-old William Kilpack and 9-year-old John Manning, both of Sandy, and 10-year-old Jackson Babka of Draper. Each pinned every opponent in less that 40 seconds, without allowing a single point to be scored against them. Kilpack took first at 124 pounds in the Advanced Junior High division; Manning took gold in the 3rd Grade 62-pound bracket; Babka won it in the 4th Grade 81-pound division. Also pinning every opponent to win a championship was 13-year-old Brigg Butler of Saratoga Springs, Advanced Junior High 108 lbs.

Other champions were 6-year-old Will Manning of Sandy, Kindergarten 41 lbs.; and 9-year-old Keaton Richards of Sandy, 3rd Grade 63 lbs.

Making it to the finals were three athletes: 6-year-old Will Haight of Sandy, 1st Grade 47 lbs.; 7-year-old Garrick Kilpack of Sandy, 2nd Grade 50 lbs.; and 14-year-old Wesly Orton of Sandy, Advanced Junior High division, 104 lbs. Eached finished with silver medals.

Placing third was 6-year-old Zac Warren of Saratoga Springs, 2nd Grade 65 lbs.

Placing fourth were three wrestlers: 8-year-old Alex Miller of Sandy, 3rd Grade 75 lbs.; 13-year-old Justin Schwendiman of West Jordan, Advanced Junior High 76 lbs.; and 13-year-old Mitch Nazer of Sandy, Advanced Junior High 116 lbs.

Also competing were Hayden Butler of Saratoga Springs, Advanced Junior High 73 lbs.; Tyler Schwendiman of South Jordan and Alex Maxwell of Sandy, both in the Advanced Junior High 76 lbs.; MacKelti Kilpack of Sandy, Advanced Junior High 96 lbs.; and Dallas Miller of Sandy, Beginner Junior High 128 lbs.

"There were some really great matches this weekend," said Coach Bill Kilpack (Jr.). "We fell a little short on some that really hurt but, overall, it was a great day."

"This was a great opening tournament for us," said Coach Bill Kilpack (III). "We only had two weeks practice beforehand, with a lot of new first-year wrestlers, so I wasn't sure what to expect. As it turns out, we won quite a few matches that I didn't think we would, and those that we fell a little short were really few. The guys really stepped up and showed how much they've learned out on the mat."

Leading the team were 13-year-old William Kilpack of Sandy, Junior High 125 lbs.; 11-year-old Cole Eldredge of Sandy, Middle School 92 lbs.; 10-year-old Jackson Babka of Sandy, 4th Grade Beginner, 75-85 lbs.; 9-year-old Derek Fisher of Lindon, 4th Grade 52-55 lbs.; 7-year-old Mason Christiansen of Riverton, 1st Grade 57-59 lbs.; and 6-year-old Alex Muti of Sandy, 1st Grade Beginner 51-52 lbs.

The first five of these six champions won every match by fall. Kilpack did not allow a single point to be scored on him, and his longest match was 42 seconds. One of Eldredge's pins came against an opponent who won a national title at the USA Wrestling Kids National Championships this past summer. Babka, a first-year wrestler, pinned every opponent in the first round in his first tournament every. Muti, another first-year wrestler, who won each match by decision with a sound lead, also in his first tournament ever.

Taking second were six young athletes: 13-year-old Brigg Butler of Saratoga Springs, Junior High 104 lbs.; first-year wrestler, 13-year-old Nick Hamideh of Sandy, Junior High Beginner 116 lbs.; 9-year-old John Manning of Sandy, 3rd Grade 60-61 lbs.; first-year wrestler, 8-year-old Alex Miller of Draper, 3rd Grade Beginner 71-75 lbs.; first-year wrestler, 7-year-old Sam Nielson of Sandy, 2nd Grade Beginner 46-50 lbs.; and first-year wrestler, 6-year-old Will Manning of Sandy, Kindergarten Beginner 40 lbs.

Placing third were 8-year-old Osai Muti of Sandy, 3rd Grade Beginner, 68-69 lbs.; 7-year-old Garrick Kilpack of Sandy, 2nd Grade 46-50 lbs.; and 7-year-old Will Haight of Sandy, 1st Grade 45-46 lbs.

Placing fourth were Christian Sainsbury of South Jordan, 4th Grade 68-69 lbs.; and 7-year-old Eli Phelps of South Jordan, 2nd Grade Beginner 46-50 lbs.

Also competing were Justin Schwendiman of West Jordan, Junior High 75 lbs.; Dallas Miller of Sandy, Junior High Beginner 136 lbs.; Dan Valentine of Sandy, Junior High Beginner 120 lbs.; Garret Nielson of Sandy, Junior High Beginner 92 lbs.; MacKelti Kilpack of Sandy, Middle School 92 lbs.; Gabe Hamideh of Sandy, Middle School 80 lbs.; Andrew Phelps of South Jordan, Middle School 76 lbs.; Tyler Schwendiman of South Jordan, Middle School 76 lbs.; Hayden Butler of Saratoga Springs, Middle School 72 lbs.; and Zac Warren of Saratoga Springs, 1st Grade 55-56 lbs.

"There were some really great matches this weekend," said Mike Hamideh. "It was exciting to see so many of the boys applying what they've learned, and already starting to develop into serious athletes. It was a great way to start the season."

"I'm very excited for this season," Kilpack said. "We continue to make strides from year to year. Now, with some new coaches bringing some new elements of expertise into the mix, I fully expect this to be the best year yet."

Joining the coaching staff this year are Mike Christiansen of Riverton, Nick Eoll of Sandy, Dusty Fisher of Lindon, Andrew Lukanich of Cottonwood Heights and Todd Schwendiman of South Jordan.

Last season, the team repeated its sixth-place finish in the Middle School Division at the 4A/5A Junior High State Championships, with only 20 scoring wrestlers competing. "We had a very young team last year, mostly fifth, sixth and seventh graders. We had a couple surprise upsets that went against us, but we still placed 11 of the of the 20, and three were in the finals."

Practices are slated to begin on Nov. 10 at Jordan High School, and will be held three days a week from 7-8:30 p.m. With the Middle School and Junior High Divisions now available, athletes from fifth to ninth grades (so long as they are not wrestling on a high-school wrestling team) are eligible.

This year's coaching staff has a long and successful wrestling history.

Kilpack (III) of West Jordan was an original member of the Sundance Wrestling Club, arguably the finest freestyle/Greco-Roman wrestling team in Utah history. As a competitor, he garnered an AAU national championship, seven national silver medals, seven more national medals, and was a member of the Pan-Am team in Greco-Roman wrestling holding an alternate position. In addition, he was named All-American 15 times by AAU, the US Wrestling Federation or USA Wrestling in freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling; was a seven-time Zone/Western Regional champion; and a six-time state champion in freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. He is the head coach of Mountain Top Wrestling Club which, in 2007, was the Team State Champion in both freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling.

Kilpack (Jr.) of West Jordan was one of the two original coaches of the Sundance Wrestling Club, and a member of the University of Utah wrestling team. Sundance was arguably the finest freestyle/Greco-Roman wrestling team in Utah history, producing the first two world champions from Utah, and dozens of other international and national honors. He was also a member of the University of Utah wrestling team.

Christiansen was a varsity wrestler at Bingham High School. It was during this time that he came to appreciate the competitive nature of wrestling and other sports, culminating in being ranked number two in the state as a senior in wrestling, and playing on a baseball team that won six straight state titles, starting prior to and continuing on into high school.
As an adult, he has coached community sports such as wrestling, baseball and girls softball.

Eoll comes to Jordan Junior Wrestling after serving eight years in the U.S. Army. He wrestled six years in Washington state, where he was the Seamount League Champ in 1997. He was a varsity wrestler at Mt. Si High in North Bend, and wrestled freestyle through a USA Wrestling club in the area. He wrestled there until 1999, when he joined the service. Nick has since studied Karate, Jeet Kune Do and Jiu-Jitsu. He has also coached community sports such as baseball and soccer.

Fisher wrestled for 11 years, starting at a young age, focusing on folkstyle and freestyle wrestling. During that time, he wrestled the likes of a young Cael Sanderson, and was never once pinned by any opponent. His wrestling career culminated in his varsity position at Orem High School, where he beat two two-time state champions before an elbow injury ended his competitive career.

Lukanich started wrestling when he was six years old in the state of Illinois. He went on to wrestle for Lyons Township High School, where he earned state runner-up honors his senior year and was ranked twelfth in the country at 135 lbs. In freestyle and Greco-Roman, he earned multiple state championships and was a member of the Illinois national teams, where he competed in USA Wrestling Cadet and Junior Nationals in Fargo, as well as the FILA Cadet Nationals, where he finished fourth at 63 kilos. Following high school, he spent two years wrestling in college under Olympic bronze medalist Terry Brands before transferring to the University of Illinois, where he competed in the Big 10.

Schwendiman was a varsity wrestler at Woods Cross High School for four years, culminating in a second-in-state ranking his senior year. It was during this time that he came to love the sport and everything about it, including its value in teaching kids real life lessons and preparing them for adulthood. As an adult, he has coached community sports such as baseball and soccer, and served for many years in Boy Scouts as a Scout Master.

Jordan Junior Wrestling is a folkstyle wrestling program offered through Salt Lake County Recreation, operating out or Jordan High School in Sandy. For more information, go to www.jordanjuniorwrestling.com or email jordanjuniors@aol.com.
Mountain Crest's Lofthouse Top-Ranked Senior Wrestler In the Nation

Wrestling USA Magazine published a national ranking of high-school senior wrestlers. Top ranked of the four Utahns included in the list was Ethen Lofthouse, current king of Mountain Crest's dominating Lofthouse wrestling family, who was ranked no. 1 in the country at 171 lbs.

Some of Lofthouse's notable exploits include taking three high-school state titles, winning a second USA Wrestling national championship in Greco-Roman wrestling in Fargo, ND, last summer; winning a Utah High School Coaches Association national junior title in Virginia Beach; and winning a freestyle titles at the USA Wrestling Junior Western Regional Championships in Las Vegas. Through his junior year, he has accumulated an outstanding interscholastic career record of 128-6. In the 2008 season, he was selected by the Wrestling USA Magazine and IntermatWrestle.com Utah Editor as a Junior Wrestler of the Year; in 2007, a Sophomore Wrestler of the Year.

Bill Kilpack, Utah Editor for WrestlingUSA Magazine and IntermatWrestle.com, has chosen Lofthouse as the preseason pick for All-Divisions Wrestler of the Year. He said, "I've watched Ethen destroy opponents for years. His brother and uncles, every one of them, are just monsters, but Ethen seems to be headed for even greater heights than Luke (now wrestling at Iowa). Ethen's a three-time state champ, pinning his way through the state tournaments, pinning or teching everyone but one opponent last year.  He hits the toughest tournaments in the country and comes back a winner, without fail. This kid's as tough as Luke, but a better technician."

The list was compiled by Dan Fickel, National Editor for the magazine, based on six criteria: 1) accomplishments at state high-school championships (folkstyle); 2) National Junior freestyle and Greco-Roman success; 3) Cadet National freestyle and Greco-Roman success; 4) performance at prestigious high-school tournaments; 5) information from coaches and parents; and 6) the state from which the nominee hails.

Nine Utah wrestlers appeared in the rankings.
Ranked no. 2 at 103 lbs. was Chasen Tolbert, Delta High School, who finished his junior year with a state title and a record of 45-4. Other standouts included Dylan Stadel of Lehi High School, ranked no. 21 at 285 lbs.; and Creedon Merkley of Uintah High School, ranked no. 29 at 130 lbs. Receiving special mentions were Trevor Sweat, Wasatch High School, 199 lbs.; Tucker Ray, Roy High School, 125 lbs.; Hayden Peterson, Springville High School, 140 lbs.; Dean Sullivan, Wasatch High School, 215 lbs.; and Tyson Hunt, Wayne High School, 285 lbs.
Wrestling USA Magazine has been the voice of national high school wrestling since 1965. For more information, seewww.wrestlingusa.com.

Kilpack is editor of UtahWrestling.org, an AAU national champion and seven-time national silver medalist, a 15-time AAU/USA Wrestling All-American, and earned an alternate position on the U.S. Pan-Am Team in Greco-Roman. He coaches an independent freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling program through Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation, Mountain Top Wrestling Club and the junior-high program, Jordan Junior Wrestling.
Youth Wrestler of the Year Named for 2008

UtahWrestling.org has named Caleb Williams of Wellington the 2008 Youth Wrestler of the Year.

Williams, a 12-year-old student in the 6th grade at Wellington Elementary School during the 2007-2008 season, has had an excellent year on the mat, compiling a season record of 152-12, four state championships, five national titles and three Western Regional runner-up finishes. Williams is now a 32-time national champion, and an 17-time state champion. He was also named the Outstanding Wrestler for the Novice (ages 11 and 12) division in Greco-Roman at the USA Wrestling-Utah State Championships. He is a member of Champions Wrestling Club, based in Springville.

Bill Kilpack, editor of UtahWrestling.org and Utah editor for Wrestling USA Magazine and IntermatWrestle.com, said, "Williams is an amazing athlete, and has really learned to use his length and leverage in a sport that tends to favor shorter, stockier athletes. He's very smart on the mat, knowing when to ease into a position and when to really hit it hard."

After winning his second straight junior-high state title, Williams finished fourth at the Tulsa Nationals and Reno World Championships, then had runner-up finishes in all three styles at the USA Wrestling Western Regional Championships (11-state championship tournament) held in Pocatello, Ida.

Ron Williams, Caleb's father, said, "This is the first year Caleb participated in regionals (it has always conflicted with baseball), but with it being so close, we were able to do both. It was awesome!"

He followed those runner-up finishes with five straight national titles, winning it in both freestyle and Greco-Roman at the USA Wrestling Kids Nationals in Orem, Uta., and all three styles at the AAU Grand Nationals in Castle Rock, Colo. He was one of only five Utah athletes to win three national titles at AAU Grand Nationals.

In 2007, Williams won the Cliff Keen Trinity Award (winning three of the World of Wrestling series of national tournaments) and was on the 1st Team World of Wrestling All-Stars. That same year, he was the first Utahn to receive the American Crown Award (winning three of the American Crown series of national tournaments) and has been named a Triple Crown Winner for the Rocky Mountain Nationals tournament series three times.

He has been a prominent athlete in Utah wrestling since very young. In 2007, he was ranked no. 3 in the Novice division (ages 11 and 12) and no. 5 for all Kids divisions (ages 4 to 14). In 2006, he was the no.1 ranked Midget (ages 9 and 10) wrestler in Utah, and no. 5 for all Kids divisions. In 2005, he was the no. 4 ranked Midget in Utah, and no. 11 for all Kids divisions. In 2004, he was the no. 1 ranked Bantam division (ages 7 and 8) wrestler.

Over his young career, Williams has won 17 state championships, 32 national titles, and 42 All-American finishes.

Another Utah wrestler who really shined this season was William Kilpack of Sandy. He finished out 2008 as the no. 1 ranked Schoolboy (ages 13 and 14) division wrestler, and no. 2 overall. He won the title at the Reno World Championships (the largest folkstyle tournament in the country) and was the first Utahn to be named Outstanding Wrestler for his age division at that tournament; all three national titles at the AAU Grand Nationals in Castle Rock; the Reno Nationals; and the Gladiator World Championships. He had a runner-up finish at the Games of Rome, finished third at the Rocky Mountain Nationals and the Beehive Brawl, and finished sixth at the Salt Lake Slam. He was the Intermountain Champion for the Schoolboy division in the lower weights, and won two state titles in Greco-Roman and one in freestyle at both the USA Wrestling-Utah State Championships and AAU Wrestling Utah State Championships. He was also named the Outstanding Wrestler in Greco-Roman at the Box Elder Tournament, the Kuna Classic and the Bill Scheff Invitational, and was named to the 2nd Team World of Wrestling All-Stars.

13-year-old Kilpack is an eighth grader at Indian Hills Middle School. He is a 13-time national champion, a two-time Intermountain Champion, an 11-time state champion, and a nine-time Utah Summer Games champion. For 2005 and 2007, Kilpack was the Utah Youth Wrestler of the Year. He has also represented Utah and the United States as a Student Ambassador, in 2006 in England and Scotland, and in 2008 in China.

This is the fifth year that UtahWrestling.org has named a Youth Wrestler of the Year. The recipient is selected based on points earned for placement in local and national wrestling tournaments.

In 2007, the Youth Wrestler of the Year was William Kilpack of Sandy. At that time, he was a 12-year-old sixth grader at Sunrise Elementary, winning two national titles in folkstyle and one in freestyle, three national runner-up finishes, four state titles, two championships at the USA Wrestling Western Regional Championships, a total of eight All-American finishes and was the Intermountain Champion for the Novice division.

In 2006, the Youth Wrestler of the Year was Brandon George of Woods Cross. At that time, he was a 12-year-old seventh grader at Millcreek Junior High, with an excellent season on the mat, finishing second at the U.S. Folkstyle Nationals this past January, and state titles in all three styles. He took fifth at the Reno World Championships, the gold in Greco-Roman at the USA Wrestling Western Regional Championships in Klamath Falls, Ore., and won a national title in Greco-Roman at the AAU Grand Nationals held in Omaha, Neb. At that same tournament, he took runner-up honors in both freestyle and folkstyle. He wrapped up the season as a selection for the Utah All-Star team, winning one of the five matches that Utahns rose victorious against the Ohio All-Star team this past July.

In 2005, the Youth Wrestler of the Year was William Kilpack of Sandy. At that time, he was a 10-year-old fourth grader at Sunrise Elementary, winning a national title in each of the three styles (freestyle, Greco-Roman and folkstyle), a state title in Greco-Roman wrestling, a fourth-place finish at the USA Wrestling Western Regional Championships in Greco-Roman, and a total of seven All-American finishes.

In 2004, the Youth Wrestler of the Year was Carson Kuhn of Sandy. At that time, he was a 12-year-old seventh grader. That year, he won a national title in freestyle, was the runner-up in Greco-Roman, and earned two championships at USA Wrestling Western Regionals (freestyle and Greco-Roman). This came after taking state in all three styles.

Wrestling USA Magazine has been the voice of national high school wrestling since 1965. For more information, see www.wrestlingusa.com.

Kilpack is editor of UtahWrestling.org, an AAU national champion and seven-time national silver medalist, a 15-time AAU/USA Wrestling All-American, and earned an alternate position on the U.S. Pan-Am Team in Greco-Roman. He coaches an independent freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling program through Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation, Mountain Top Wrestling Club and the junior-high program, Jordan Junior Wrestling.
Lindon, Riverton, Sandy, South Jordan Youths Named Outstanding Wrestlers; Mountain Top Wrestling Club Recognizes Members for Excellence on the Mat

(Sandy, Utah) Mountain Top Wrestling Club held its annual Awards Dinner at Smiths Field Park, recognizing youth athletes for their achievements during the 2008 freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling season. Attendees from the 75-member team received gold medals for their hard work and dedication over the season, photographs of themselves in matches, and trophies for the Most Improved, Rookie of the Year, Outstanding Wrestlers and Most Dedicated.

"This has been a great year, with a lot of new faces," said Coach Bill Kilpack (III). "We had first-year wrestlers who performed at state, regional and national levels. We had two Intermountain Champions. We had 11 national titles. A really great year!"

Six trophies for Outstanding Wrestler were awarded to Garrick Kilpack of Sandy, who wrestled Bantam (ages 7 and 8) 45/50 lbs.; Mason Christiansen of Riverton, who wrestled Bantam 60 lbs; Derek Fisher of Lindon, Midget (ages 9 and 10) 50 lbs.; Tyler Schwendiman of South Jordan, Novice (ages 11 and 12) 70 lbs.; William Kilpack of Sandy, Schoolboy (ages 13 and 14) 105/112/120 lbs.; and Adam Maxwell of Sandy, Cadet (ages 15 and 16) 105 lbs.

This season, Garrick Kilpack won a national championship, a national runner-up finish, a total of six All-American finishes, a state championship in Greco-Roman, and was the UtahWrestling.org number one-ranked Bantam wrestler in Utah.

Christiansen had runner-up finished at the Beehive Brawl and Salt Lake Slam, earned a bronze at state in Greco-Roman, had the fastest pin at the Mountain Top Classic, and was the eighth-ranked Bantam wrestler in Utah by UtahWrestling.org.

Fisher had a national runner-up finish, finished second at the Beehive Brawl and Salt Lake Slam, earned silver medals at state in both folkstyle and freestyle, and was the number 13-ranked Midget wrestler in Utah by UtahWrestling.org.

Schwendiman finished sixth at the Salt Lake Slam, with a bronze at the Beehive Brawl, finished with a bronze at state in Greco-Roman, and was ranked 16 in the Novice division in Utah.

William Kilpack earned five national titles, a national runner-up finish and a national bronze finish, was named the Outstanding Wrestler for his age division as the Reno World Championships (first Utahn to receive the honor) as well as three other tournament Outstanding Wrestler awards, earned three state titles, was named the Intermountain Champion for the Schoolboy division in the lower weights, and was the top-ranked Schoolboy in Utah, and second-ranked overall youth wrestler in Utah.

Maxwell earned four state silver medals (two in freestyle, two in Greco-Roman), a state bronze medal in folkstyle, and was the number 13-ranked Cadet wrestler in Utah.

Four trophies were presented for Rookie of the Year. "These were all first-year wrestlers or their first year with us, who not only made great improvements over the year, but took it to the next level," Kilpack said. Receiving Rookie of the Year were Cooper Fahrenbruch of West Jordan, Flyweight (ages 6 and under) 45 lbs.; Siondileigh Kilpack of Sandy, Midget 55/60 lbs.; Cole Eldredge of Sandy, Novice 90 lbs.; and Jake Johnson of Sandy, Schoolboy 160 lbs.

Fahrenbruch, a first-year wrestler, finished second in almost every tournament he competed in, held his own at a national tournament, and was the number 9-ranked Flyweight in Utah. Siondileigh won four women's national titles and one in the boys division, and had 11 All-American finishes (six of those in the boys division), won a state championship in Greco-Roman, three championships at the the Utah Summer Games, was the number three-ranked Midget wrestler in Utah and eighth overall - all as a first-year wrestler. Eldredge earned three state titles, a state runner-up finish, and was the number 18-ranked Novice in Utah. Johnson earned four All-American finishes, state titles in folkstyle and Greco-Roman, a state runner-up finish in freestyle and was the number 21-ranked Schoolboy in Utah - all as a first-year wrestler.

Seven trophies were also awarded for the Most Improved wrestlers. These were awarded to Will Haight of Sandy, Flyweight 45 lbs.; Ajax Revels of Riverton, Midget 90 lbs.; MacKelti Kilpack of Sandy, Novice 85 lbs.; Derek Spachman of Saratoga Springs, Novice 90 lbs.; Clark Hinton of Midvale, Novice 100 lbs.; Nick Hulbert of Salt Lake City, Schoolboy 110 lbs.; and Zayne Sayers of Sandy, Schoolboy 175 lbs.

"All seven showed remarkable progress by the end of the season compared to season opening," Kilpack said, "not to mention massive improvement over last year, for those who had wrestled with us before. Will went from losing every match at the beginning of the season to winning a state title; Ajax had his best season ever, beating very tough kids and winning a state championships; MacKelti was an All-American in both boys and girls divisions and won her bracket at state; Spachman went from placing top three every weekend to taking first every weekend; Clark had his best season yet, including a state championship; Nick had his best season yet, placing at some very tough tournaments with national competition; and Zayne beat several wrestlers that have beaten him every time for three years, but not this year."

One trophy, for Most Dedicated, went to Ben Thornock of Taylorsville, Novice 65 lbs. He was recognized for always having a positive attitude, be it in practice or on the mat. "Ben was a first-year wrestler who, it was obvious, just loves the sport. He can be dripping sweat, then look up with a big smile on his face," Kilpack said. "And he's eager to learn everything he can. He's a real pleasure to coach."

Also that night, two wrestlers were recognized as Intermountain Champions. This is an award given to athletes placing in a series of four freestyle and Greco-Roman tournaments in Utah and Idaho. Two awards were given for each age division. Winning for the upper weights in the Flyweight division was Christopher Smith of Murray, who wrestled 65 lbs. and took first in three of the tournaments. Winning for the lower weights in the Schoolboy division was William Kilpack, who took first in two of the tournaments and was named Outstanding Wrestler in each, and runner-up honors in a third.

The trophy recipients were selected by the Mountain Top Wrestling Club coaching staff.

Mountain Top Wrestling Club is a nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation dedicated to providing a venue for individuals to learn, develop and refine their athletic skills and abilities; and teaching the rules and regulations of freestyle, folkstyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. It is open to male and female athletes ages four and older who live anywhere in the State of Utah. Practices are held three days a week at Jordan High School. For more information, call 641-9832, e-mail coach@mountaintopwrestling.com or visit them on the Worldwide Web at www.mountaintopwrestling.com.
2008 Intermountain Champions Announced

In its second year, the Intermountain Champion Series doubled in size, adding two more tournaments in Idaho and Utah, and recognizing outstanding athletes two per age division.

"It's been an exciting year, with a lot more people showing interest in the Intermountain Champion Series," said series co-founder Bill Kilpack of Sandy, Utah-based Mountain Top Wrestling Club. "I love having the wrestlers come up and tell me how bad they want one of those eagle trophies and asking me when the points will be updated again."

The two new tournaments added in 2008 were the Box Elder tournament in Brigham City, Utah., and the Kuna Classic in Idaho. The Intermountain Champion awards were also awarded two per age division: upper weights and lower weights.

"We're continuing with our plan to start small and build each year," said co-founder Lani Wall of Meridian, Idaho-based Idaho Express Wrestling Club. "Last year, we recognized one Intermountain Champion in each age division. This year, we're recognizing two, breaking up each age division into upper and lower weights. In one division, we had a couple ties, so we recognized both."

The 2008 Intermountain Champions are
·         Flyweight/Pre-Bantam Division (ages 6 and Under)
o        Lower Weights
§         Cooper Cox of Bluffdale, Uta., wrestling with Pioneers of Wrestling
o        Upper Weights
§         Christopher Smith of Murray, Uta., wrestling with Mountain Top Wrestling Club
·         Bantam Division (ages 7 and 8)
o        Lower Weights
§         Jed Lee of Draper, Uta., wrestling with Pride Wrestling
o        Upper Weights
§         Justyn Ribald of West Jordan, Uta., wrestling with Vandit
·         Midget Division (ages 9 and 10)
o        Lower Weights
§         Cole Moody of West Jordan, Uta., wrestling with Pride Wrestling
o        Upper Weights
§         Helaman Suesue of Salt Lake City, Uta., wrestling with Pride Wrestling
·         Novice Division (ages 11 and 12)
o        Lower Weights
§         Matt Lee of Draper, Uta., wrestling with Pride Wrestling
§         Chris Wengreen of Hyrum, Uta., wrestling with Pony Express
o        Upper Weights
§         Payton Henry of Pleasant Grove, Uta., wrestling with TUG
§         Tristan Jarboe of Boise, Ida., wrestling with Idaho Gold
·         Schoolboy Division (ages 13 and 14)
o        Lower Weights
§         William Kilpack of Sandy, Uta., wrestling with Mountain Top Wrestling Club
o        Upper Weights
§         Jacob Ribald of West Jordan, Uta., wrestling with Vandit
·         Cadet Division (ages 15 and 16)
o        Lower Weights
§         Jacob Falk of West Jordan, Uta., wrestling with Vandit
o        Upper Weights
§         Clint Jacob of Pleasant Grove, Uta., wrestling with Elite
·         Junior Division (ages 17 and 18)
o        Lower Weights
§         Trae Bennett of Plain City, Uta., wrestling with Elite
o        Uppwer Weights
§         Alex Nicholes of Pleasant Grove, Uta., wrestling with TUG
Of note is that four of the recipients are repeats from the first year of the series. Jed and Matt Lee were both Intermountain Champions for their age divisions in 2007, as was William Kilpack and Jacob Falk.

To be eligible for the Intermountain Champion Series awards, athletes must participate in at least two of the four tournaments. Points are awarded for placing first through sixth, as well as being named an Outstanding Wrestler or receiving an award for Fastest Pin.

The Intermountain Champion Series was created to recognized the finest wrestlers in the Intermountain West. The goal is to give freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestlers similar opportunities through USA Wrestling-sanctioned tournaments as are offered in a lot of big private folkstyle tournaments held around the country.

All tournaments in the Intermountain Champion Series are sanctioned through USA Wrestling, and offer both freestyle and Greco-Roman competition. For more information, go to www.IntermountainChampion.com or call (801) 641-9832.
Lofthouse Wins Greco-Roman National Title in Fargo

Mountain Crest's Ethen Lofthouse won a national championships at the USA Wrestling Cadet-Junior National Freestyle and Greco-Roman Championships held at North Dakota State University in Fargo, July 19-26, 2008. This championship was among nine All-American finishes for Utah athletes between the two styles.

"This was a great showing for Utah," said Craig LaMont, president of USA Wrestling-Utah. "It's a massive tournament, where every weight is just packed with talent. We had three make the finals, Ethen Lofthouse, Candace Workman and Jacob Falk. Utah can really be proud about the state's showing."
Lofthouse won the title at Junior (ages 17 and 18) 171 pounds in Greco-Roman, going 7-0 on the tournament, and winning his championship match over a Minnesota wrestler the first two rounds, with scores of 2-0 and 5-1. He finished third in the tournament in freestyle.

Uintah's Candace Workman made it to the finals in the women's freestyle tournament, at Junior 102 pounds. She pinned every opponent until the finals, where she lost to a California wrestler, the first two two, 4-0 and 5-3. This was the second consecutive year Workman made it to the finals in this tournament.

West Jordan's Jacob Falk also made it to the finals in Greco-Roman, at Cadet (ages 15 and 16) 105 pounds. He fell short in the finals to a Missouri athlete the first two rounds, with scores of 3-0 and 4-0. He went 7-2 for the tournament.

Other Greco-Roman All-American finishers included

Third Place: Alta's Carson Kuhn (8-1), Cadet 105 lbs.
Fourth Place: Box Elder's Koleton Hardy (6-2), Cadet 130 lbs.
Eighth Place: Mountain Crest's Raider Lofthouse (5-3), Cadet 130 lbs.
Other Freestyle All-American finishers included

Third Place: Ethen Lofthouse (9-1), Junior 171 lbs.
Fourth Place: Raider Lofthouse (8-2), Cadet 130 lbs.
Fifth Place: Kuhn (8-2), Cadet 105 lbs.
Kilpack Siblings AAU Wrestling All-Americans

(Sandy, Utah) July 14, 2008 - Four of the Sandy Kilpack siblings traveled to Castle Rock, Colo., to compete in the AAU Grand Nationals in freestyle, Greco-Roman and folkstyle wrestling. The three eldest won national titles, while all four earned All-American honors in the three-day tournament running July 10-12, 2008, in the Douglas County Event Center.

Earning triple national titles were 13-year-old William at Schoolboy (ages 13 and 14) 120 lbs., and 9-year-old Siondileigh in the Women's Division I. William won every match in all tournaments by way of fall, going unscored on in both Greco-Roman and folkstyle, and allowing only two points to be scored on him in freestyle. Siondileigh also earned All-American honors in all three styles in the boys division.

"William had a really amazing tournament," said coach and father, Bill Kilpack (III). "He's had a major growth spurt, going up 15 pounds in the last six months, so I was worried that he might be a little clumsy with the new height and weight, but he was just dominant. The kids he beat were solid wrestlers, but only the one he wrestled in the finals all three days managed to make it out of the first round with him."

Siondileigh, a first-year wrestler, had an excellent tournament, as well. In addition to her titles in the Women's Division, she finished fourth in both freestyle and Greco-Roman at Midget (ages 9 and 10) 60 lbs., and seventh in folkstyle.

"Siondileigh has had an amazing first year," Kilpack said. "I can't think of anyone else I've ever coached who has won five national titles, let alone 46 matches, the first year on the mat. She beat some very good kids there, one match in particular having people on their feet in the bleachers. It was very exciting. This is definitely her sport."

11-year-old MacKelti won national titles in Women's Division II in both Greco-Roman and folkstyle, and finished second in freestyle. In the boys tournament, she finished fourth in all three styles at Novice (ages 11 and 12) 85 lbs.

"MacKelti's excitement came in the Women's Division, where she had international competition with a girl from Saskatchewan, Canada. She pinned her in Greco-Roman, after winning the first round by criteria, when it finished 7-7. It was really exciting."

The youngest of the four, 7-year-old Garrick, finished fifth in Greco-Roman, sixth in freestyle and folkstyle. "Garrick's had a long season. He won a national title earlier this year, and two runner-up finishes, but I think he was ready for the season to end. His tournament had its ups and downs, but there were definitely some bright points."

With the triple title this year, William has now earned four AAU national championships, and 13 national championships between the three styles. With the double title, MacKelti has won five women's national championships, and earned All-American honors five times wrestling against boys. Siondileigh has also won five women's national championships, as well as one national title and five All-American finishes wrestling against boys. Garrick has won one national championship with five national runner-up finishes, as well as a total of 17 All-American finishes between the three styles.

Mountain Top Wrestling Club is a nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation dedicated to providing a venue for individuals to learn, develop and refine their athletic skills and abilities; and teaching the rules and regulations of freestyle, folkstyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. It is open to male and female athletes ages four and older who live anywhere in the State of Utah. Practices are held three days a week at Jordan High School. For more information, call 641-9832, e-mail coach@mountaintopwrestling.com or visit them on the Worldwide Web at www.mountaintopwrestling.com.
Utah Wrestlers Seize Five Triple Championships, 32 National Titles, 79 All-American Finishes at AAU Grand Nationals

Utah wrestlers earned four triple national titles, 32 national championships, 79 All-American honors and the third-place team trophy overall at the AAU Grand Nationals in freestyle, Greco-Roman and folkstyle wrestling held at the Douglas County Event Center in Castle Rock, Colo., July 10-12, 2008. Ranging in age from 7 to 23, these athletes clearly showed the high level of wrestling in Utah.

The five Utah athletes to win triple national championships were 12-year-old Caleb Williams of Wellington, 13-year-old William Kilpack of Sandy, 13-year-old Grant LaMont of Mapleton, 21-year-old Flint Ray of and 9-year-old Siondileigh Kilpack of Sandy in the Women's Division. Each won a national title in all three styles.

Williams wrestled Novice (ages 11 and 12) 65 lbs. He went undefeated in all three tournaments, allowing only one point to be scored against him. A week earlier, Williams won USA Wrestling national titles in both freestyle and Greco-Roman at the USA Wrestling Kids Nationals held in Orem, Uta. He will be starting the seventh grade this fall.

Kilpack wrestled Schoolboy (ages 13 and 14) 120 lbs. He pinned every opponent in all three styles, and only allowed two points to be scored against him in freestyle. In April of this year, Kilpack won the title at the Reno World Championships and was the first Utah wrestler to receive Outstanding Wrestler honors at that tournament. He will be starting the eighth grade this fall.

LaMont wrestled Schoolboy 95 lbs. He pinned every opponent in both freestyle and Greco-Roman, and pinned all but one in folkstyle, without allowing a single point to be scored against him in any of the three tournaments. The previous week, LaMont finished third in both freestyle and Greco-Roman at the USA Wrestling Kids Nationals. He will be starting the eighth grade this fall.

Ray wrestled Senior (ages 18 and older) 140 lbs. He is a redshirt freshman at Utah Valley University (he was a standout wrestler at Roy High School), and this was his first tournament following a knee injury last college season. Nobody scored on him in any of the three styles, and he wrestled a former member of the Japanese National Team in the finals in all three tournaments (he has been in the United States for about six weeks).

Winning triple honors in the Women's Division was Kilpack's sister, 9-year-old Siondileigh, in Division I. She received All-American honors in the boys division in all three styles, as well. She will be starting the fourth grade this fall.

Winning two national titles were six Utah athletes: Ryan Hansen of Helper, Midget (ages 9 and 10) 60 lbs.; Taylor LaMont of Mapleton, Midget 65 lbs.; Josh Searle of Spanish Fork, Schoolboy 105 lbs.; Jesse Carlisle of Springville, Schoolboy 115 lbs.; David Sorenson of Spanish Fork, Elite (ages 17 and 18) 152 lbs.; and MacKelti Kilpack of Sandy, Women's Division II.

Hansen won national titles in both freestyle and Greco-Roman, and finished with third-place honors in folkstyle. LaMont earned titles in both freestyle and Greco-Roman, and earned runner-up honors in folkstyle. Searle won titles in freestyle and Greco-Roman, and finished third in folkstyle. Carlisle won gold in Greco-Roman and folkstyle, and finished second in freestyle. Sorenson finished first in freestyle and folkstyle, and second in Greco-Roman. Kilpack finished first in Greco-Roman and folkstyle, and finished second in freestyle (she earned All-American honors in the boys division, as well).
Winning single national titles were five Utah wrestlers: Cameron Killian of Springville, Novice 75 lbs.; Logan Kinross of Springville, Schoolboy 110 lbs.; Mitch Kay of Spanish Fork, Cadet (ages 15 and 16) 103 lbs.; Kaleb Ashworth of Spanish Fork, Cadet 140 lbs., and Monte Schmalhaus of Tooele, Elite 171 lbs.

Killian took a gold medal in Greco-Roman, then finished third in freestyle and sixth in folkstyle after suffering a shoulder injury. Kinross won the title in folkstyle, and finished fourth in freestyle and third in Greco-Roman. Kay won the title in Greco-Roman, then finished fourth in freestyle and third in folkstyle. Ashworth won the title in freestyle, and finished with runner-up honors in both Greco-Roman and folkstyle. Schmalhaus won the title in Greco-Roman and earned runner-up honors in freestyle and folkstyle.

Other AAU All-Americans from Utah in all three styles are as follows:

Bantam Division (ages 7 and 8)
50 lbs., 5th in Greco-Roman, 6th in freestyle and folkstyle, Garrick Kilpack of Sandy
Midget Division
60 lbs., 4th place in both Greco-Roman and freestyle, 7th place in folkstyle, Siondileigh Kilpack
Novice Division
75 lbs., 2nd place in Greco-Roman, 3rd in folkstyle, 6th in freestyle, Trevor Kinross of Springville
85 lbs., 3rd place in folkstyle, 4th place in both freestyle and Greco-Roman, Johnny O'Hearon of Price
85 lbs., 4th place in all three styles, MacKelti Kilpack
95 lbs., 2nd place in both freestyle and folkstyle, 3rd place in Greco-Roman, Kimball Bastian of Springville
Schoolboy Division (ages 13 and 14)
105 lbs., 3rd place in freestyle, 4th in Greco-Roman, 8th in folkstyle, Colton Killian of Springville
Cadet Division (ages 15 and 16)
125 lbs., 2nd place in Greco-Roman, 5th in folkstyle, 8th in freestyle, Deric Searle of Fillmore
125 lbs, 4th place in all three styles, Corrick Knight of Providence
Elite Division (ages 17 and 18)
125 lbs., 2nd place in freestyle, 3rd place in both Greco-Roman and folkstyle, Kamron Day of Fillmore
Also earning All-American honors was Cole Sorenson of Hyrum, 4th place in Greco-Roman, Cadet 125 lbs., before having to withdraw with an injury.

Bill Kilpack, Director of AAU Wrestling Utah, said, "Utah was very well represented by the athletes who participated in AAU Grand Nationals. People tell me that Utah is getting a real reputation for being a tough wrestling state, making opponents dread even walking out on the mat with us. That's pretty exciting."
Kilpack is editor of UtahWrestling.org, an AAU national champion and seven-time national silver medalist, a 15-time AAU/USA Wrestling All-American, and earned an alternate position on the U.S. Pan-Am Team in Greco-Roman. He coaches an independent freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling program through Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation, Mountain Top Wrestling Club and the junior-high program, Jordan Junior Wrestling.