Utah Wrestling News

Youth Wrestler of the Year Named for 2006

Oct. 1, 2006 -UtahWrestling.org has named Brandon George of Woods Cross the 2006 Youth Wrestler of the Year.

George, a 12-year-old student in the seventh grade at Millcreek Junior High, has had an excellent year on the mat, compiling a season record of 87-8, three state championships, a national title, and an Western Regional championship. He is a member of the Elite Wrestling Club, based in Kaysville.

Bill Kilpack, editor of UtahWrestling.org and Utah editor for Wrestling USA Magazine, said, "Brandon is a genuinely tough kid. I've had the chance to watch him develop for some time now, because he and my son spent a number of years butting heads every weekend, and his growth as an athlete and as a young man had been remarkable to see."

George's first big accomplishment in the season was finishing second at the U.S. Folkstyle Nationals this past January. But he didn't let that loss in the finals shake him as he went out the next weekend and took state at the 4A/5A Junior High State Championships. Several months later, he won the state titles in both freestyle and Greco-Roman at the USA Wrestling-Utah State Championships, rounding out his place at the top in the state with titles in all three styles. He took fifth at the Reno World Championships, one of the toughest folkstyle tournaments in the country, took the gold in Greco-Roman at the USA Wrestling Western Regional Championships (11-state championship tournament) held 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.

He has been a prominent athlete in Utah wrestling for several years. In 2006, he was ranked no. 1 in the Novice division (ages 11 and 12), as well as for all Kids divisions (ages 4 to 14), outscoring the no. 2 ranked overall, William Kilpack of Sandy (the 2005 Youth Wrestler of the Year, 74-70 (third came in with 66 points). In 2005, George was the no. 3 ranked Novice in Utah, and no. 9 overall. In 2004, he was the no. 1 ranked Midget division (ages 9 and 10) wrestler, and no. 4 ranked overall.

Over his young career, George has won five state championships, three national titles, and nine All-American finishes. In 2003, he won the World Cup tournament, held in Boise.
Another young Utah wrestler who really shined was Caleb Williams of Wellington. He finished out 2006 as the no. 1 ranked Midget division wrestler, and no. 5 overall, but was the first Utahn to win a Triple Crown, then a Golden Gear Award in the Rocky Mountain Nationals series of tournaments. This series includes six national tournaments. To win a Triple Crown, a wrestler must take first in three; to win the Golden Gear Award, a wrestler must win four championships.

Nine-year-old Williams is a student at Wellington Elementary School in Wellington, Utah, where he is in the fourth grade. In this series, which started in Orem, with the Gladiator World Championships in October 2005, Williams took gold, then followed with a championship at the Monster Match Nationals in Denver in November 2005, then the Who's Bad National Classic (also in Denver) in January 2006, winning the Triple Crown, and wrapped up the series by taking first at the most prestigious of the series, the Rocky Mountain National Championships in Denver in March 2006, also earning him the Golden Gear Award.
Williams is an nine-time Utah state champion (between freestyle, folkstyle and Greco-Roman). He has won seven national titles in folkstyle wrestling.

This is the third year that UtahWrestling.org has named a Youth Wrestler of the Year.
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, with an excellent season on the mat, 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 February of 2005, he was recognized by Utah Sports magazine as one of Utah's Finest. He is a member of the Mountain Top Wrestling Club, based in Sandy.

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.

WrestlingUSA 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.

Sandy, Draper, West Valley Youths Named Outstanding Wrestlers;
Mountain Top Wrestling Club Recognizes Athletes for Excellence on the Mat

(Sandy, Utah) Aug. 6, 2006 _ Mountain Top Wrestling Club held its annual Awards Dinner at the Bell Canyon Park pavilion, recognizing youth athletes for excellence on the wrestling mat. Attendees from the 113-man team received custom club medals for their hard work and dedication over the season, photographs of themselves in matches, team photos and trophies for the Most Improved, Rookie of the Year, and Outstanding Wrestlers and a Most Dedicated. One mother was also awarded for the over-the-top work she performed over the year, in support of the young athletes.

_This has been a great year, with so many new and supportive parents, which is absolutely essential to kids being able to develop and succeed in this sport,_ said Coach Bill Kilpack (III). _Wrestling is the hardest sport there is. Without strong family support, it's a seriously tough go. We wanted to make sure that the parents know how much we appreciate everything they do. We wanted all the guys to know that their hard work is valued. In addition, we recognized 13 leaders within the team for taking things the next level, as well as one parent who really went the extra mile this year._

Three trophies for Outstanding Wrestler were awarded to William Kilpack of Sandy, who wrestled Novice (ages 11 and 12) 80 lbs.; Tayler Johnson of Draper, Midget (ages 9 and 10) 65 lbs.; and Tyler Jensen of West Valley City, Novice 60 lbs.��

This season, Kilpack won a National Championship, was in the finals at three more national tournaments, placed at the USA Wrestling Western Regional Championships, took state in Junior High as a fifth grader, won three Utah Summer Games championships, and was the first Utahn to compete in Beach Wrestling, taking a silver medal at the 11-state tournament. Johnson won a National Championship and was named Outstanding Wrestler for his age division at that tournament. Jensen took state in Junior High as a sixth grader, as well as taking state in both freestyle and Greco-Roman, and placed at the USA Wrestling Western Regional Championships.

Four trophies were presented for Rookie of the Year. "These were all first-year wrestlers who not only made great improvements over the year, but excelled beyond their peers," Kilpack said. Receiving Rookie of the Year were Jed Lee of Draper, Flyweight (ages 6 and Under) 40 lbs.; Addison Day of Sandy, Midget 60 lbs.; Jordan Drage of Taylorsville, Schoolboy (ages 13 and 14) 105 lbs.; and Nick Pappas of Taylorsville, Schoolboy 125 lbs.

Five trophies were also awarded for the Most Improved wrestlers. These were awarded to Garrick Kilpack of Sandy, Flyweight 40 lbs.; Beau McRae of South Jordan, Bantam 50 lbs.; Tyler Schwendiman of South Jordan, Midget 55 lbs.; Austin Maynes of West Jordan, Novice 65 lbs.; and Jessica Osborne of Salt Lake City, Junior (ages 17 and 18) 112 lbs. _All five showed remarkable progress by the end of the season compared to season opening and seasons past,_ Kilpack said. "Every one of them beat opponents who have beat them repeatedly in the past. Their growth this year was incredible."

One trophy, Most Dedicated, was presented to 11-year-old Justin Schwendiman of West Jordan, Novice 60 lbs., for consistently working hard at practice, maintaining a great attitude, and being a good example to the rest of the team. _This is what I like to think of as a leadership by example award,_ Kilpack said. _Wrestling is a tough sport. No matter what, coming back and giving it your all, regardless of what you might be facing day in and day out, and maintaining such a positive attitude is just a pleasure to have on the team, both as an athlete and a a coach._��

"Every so often, we also recognize a parent for putting in a tremendous amount of effort in support of these kids," Kilpack said. "This year, there was one mother who took on a lot of responsibility in putting on our tournament, the Mountain Top Classic, maintained stats for everyone on the team at tournaments, attended practice more often than 90 percent of the kids, helped coordinate countless things for getting the kids and parents t-shirts and other goodies. She really made this year special for everyone." The recipient was Alison Schwendiman of West Jordan, receiving a plaque engraved with a message about how much all her time and effort was appreciated, and dubbing her "team mom."

The award 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 will resume at the beginning of next season in January 2007 at Jordan High School. For more information, call 641-9832, e-mail coach@mountaintopwrestling.com or visit them onthe Worldwide Web at <http://www.mountaintopwrestling.com>

Ohio All-Stars��Beat Utah All-Stars

Ohio 42, Utah 21

The night started out with an exciting bang, as the Utah All-Stars won five straight matches, with Jeff McCormick of Kamas pulling out a quick fall against Austin Marsico in the 76-pound folkstyle match, and William Kilpack of Sandy, the youngest competitor in the field (starting 6th grade this fall) winning the 77-pound freestyle match by technical fall, gaining a 6-point lead in the first round (7-1) and winning the second round by technical fall by scoring two three-point throws.

Brandon George of Layton and Carson Kuhn of West Jordan both won their matches in exciting fashion. George lost the first round of the 67-pound freestyle match with a score of 5-4, the came back in the second to win 5-4, then pulled it out in the third round, winning 9-2, to take the match. Kuhn lost the first round of the 90-pound freestyle match 5-2, then pulled out a tough 6-5 win in the second, then dominated in the third round, with a score of 8-1 to win the match.

Colton Thorton of Kamas won the 84-pound folkstyle match by decision, with a score of 12-7.

From then on out, it was all Ohio, winning every match from 102 lbs. through 130.

The format for the dual was unusual, with the host team choosing the style for each match, freestyle or folkstyle. It made for an exciting night of wrestling with a lot of talent being showcased. Sportsmanship was also in the spotlight, with the athletes exchanging gifts during the introductions.

Mountain Top Wrestling Members Take 49 Awards at State Championships

(Sandy, Utah) April 18, 2006 < Mountain Top Wrestling Club traveled to Price to compete in the USA Wrestling Utah State Championships in freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling, held April 7-8, 2006, at Carbon High School. Thirty-seven wrestlers took away 27 awards in freestyle; 23 athletes in Greco-Roman took away 22 awards.

_This was our best showing at state yet,_ said Coach Bill Kilpack (III). _We didn't have as many champions as we have a couple times in the past, but we had a lot who came in with silvers, and that's impressive. We had some firest-year wrestlers who really stepped it up, and some others who really wrestled their guts out with some tough competition. We're very proud of them."

Coming away with State Championships in freestyle were five wrestlers: Tanner Orton of West Jordan, Flyweight (ages 6 and Under) 35 lbs.; Cole Moody of West Jordan, Bantam (ages 7 and 8) 50 lbs.; Helaman Suesue of Salt Lake City, Bantam 65 lbs.; Tyler Jensen of West Valley City, Novice (ages 11 and 12) 60 lbs.; Nick Pappas of Taylorsville, Schoolboy (ages 13 and 14) 125 lbs.

For Orton, this was his second state title, coming at the end of a second consecutive year undefeated in Utah. For Suesue, this was also a second consecutive state championship. For Jensen, this was an apt conclusion to a tournament where he beat every opponent by pin or technical superiority (gaining a six-point lead in two of three rounds).

Winning silver medals in freestyle were five wrestlers: Skylar Orton of West Jordan, Bantam 45 lbs.; Beau McRae of South Jordan, Bantam 50 lbs.; Kyler Machan of West Jordan, Novice 60 lbs.; Matthew Findlay of Draper, Novice 65 lbs.; and Zayne Sayers of Sandy, Novice 130 lbs.

Earning bronze medals in freestyle were six athletes: Jordan McRae of South Jordan, Midget 55 lbs.; Tayler Johnson of Draper, Midget (ages 9 and 10) 65 lbs.; Clark Hinton of West Jordan, Midget 80 lbs.; Wesly Orton of West Jordan, Novice 65 lbs.; Daniel Bactista of Kaysville, Schoolboy 85 lbs.; and Jessica Osborne of Salt Lake City, Junior (ages 17 and 18) 112 lbs.

Taking fourth-place bronze medals in freestyle were four wrestlers: Devin Johnson of Draper, Bantam 45 lbs.; Ajax Revels of Sandy, Bantam 60 lbs.; Caden Maynes of West Jordan, Midget 50 lbs.; Tyler Schwendiman of South Jordan, Midget 55 lbs.; and Addison Day of Sandy, Midget 60 lbs.

Garnering fifth-place medals were five athletes: Garrick Kilpack of Sandy, Flyweight 40 lbs.; Justin Schwendiman of West Jordan, Novice 60 lbs.; William Kilpack of Sandy, Novice 80 lbs.; Bryce Lindsey of Clearfield, Cadet (ages 15 and 16) 125 lbs.; and Jordan Layton of Clearfield, Cadet 145 lbs.

Earning sixth-place medals were two wrestlers: Bradley Findlay of Draper, Bantam 55 lbs.; and Jordan Drage of Taylorsville, Schoolboy 100 lbs.

In Greco-Roman, two State Champions were crowned: Tyler Jensen, Novice 60 lbs. (who also won state titles in freestyle and in folkstyle at the 4A/5A Junior High State Championships last January); and Jessica Osborne, Junior 112 lbs.

Winning silvers in Greco-Roman were 10 athletes: Caden Maynes, Midget 50 lbs.; Tyler Schwendiman, Midget 55 lbs.; Tayler Johnson, Midget 65 lbs.; Kyler Machan, Novice 60 lbs.; Matthew Findlay, Novice 65 lbs.; William Kilpack, Novice 80 lbs.; Zayne Sayers, Novice 130 lbs.; Nick Pappas, Schoolboy 125 lbs.; Travis McRae of South Jordan, Cadet 125 lbs.; and Jordan Layton of Clearfield, Cadet 145 lbs.

Winning bronze in Greco-Roman were five athletes: Jordan McRae, Midget 55 lbs.; Addison Day, Midget 60 lbs.; Justin Schwendiman, Novice 60 lbs.; Wesly Orton, Novice 65 lbs.; and Daniel Bactista, Schoolboy 85 lbs.

Three wrestlers earned fourth-place bronze medals in Greco-Roman: Austin Maynes of West Jordan, Novice 65 lbs.; Jordan Drage, Schoolboy 100 lbs.; and Devin Sayers of Sandy, Schoolboy 165 lbs.

Two athletes earned fifth-place bronze medals in Greco-Roman: Brayden Schwendiman of South Jordan, Novice 65 lbs.; and Bryce Lindsey, Cadet 125 lbs.

Also competing in the tournament in both styles was Jacob Rutledge of Sandy, Cadet 105 lbs. Also competing in the freestyle tournament were brothers Jefferson and Jordan Harbaugh of South Jordan, Jefferson in Flyweight 40 lbs., and Jordan in Bantam 45 lbs.; Braden Hensen of Salt Lake City, Flyweight 40 lbs.; brothers Jed and Matthew Lee of Draper, Jed in Flyweight 40 lbs., Matthew in Midget 55 lbs.; Austin Maynes, Novice 65 lbs.; Brayden Schwendiman, Novice 65 lbs.; and Devin Sayers, Schoolboy 165 lbs.

"This was an exciting state tournament for the kids," said Coach Bill Kilpack (Jr.). "The character showed on the mat was outstanding, showing sportsmanship whether they won or lost. There's a good group of wrestlers that made the trip to price, both on and off the mat."

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 from 6_7:30 p.m. at Jordan High School. For more information, call 641-9832, e-mail <mailto:coach@mountaintopwrestling.com>coach@mountaintopwrestling.com or visit them on the Worldwide Web at <http://www.mountaintopwrestling.com>www.mountaintopwrestling.com.

Mountain Top Wrestling Club Takes 34 Awards at Norm Sanderson Classic

(Sandy, Utah) March 7, 2006 < Mountain Top Wrestling Club members competed in the Norm Sanderson Classic folkstyle and freestyle wrestling tournament held March 3-4, 2006, at Pleasant Grove High School in Pleasant Grove. The club entered 39 athletes in freestyle and came away with 23 medals, and 24 in folkstyle competition, earning 11 medals.

_This was a good tournament for us, really showing how some of the guys adjusted after last week,_ said Coach Bill Kilpack (III). _We had some wrestlers come out for their first tournament who really did well, and others who got back on the horse after surprising upsets last weekend. It's a testament to their character._

Six athletes came away with gold medals in the freestyle tournament, led by brothers Tanner and Skylar Orton of West Jordan, both of whom won every match by fall or technical superiority (winning two rounds by 6 points), Tanner at Flyweight (ages 6 and under) 35 lbs., and Skylar at Bantam (ages 7 and 8) 45 lbs. Also winning every match by fall or technical superiority was Tyler Jensen of West Valley City, Novice (ages 11 and 12) 60 lbs. Other gold medalists included Beau McRae of South Jordan, Bantam 50 lbs.; Wesly Orton of West Jordan, Novice 65 lbs.; and Josh Pappas of Taylorsville, Open (ages 18 and over) 132 lbs.

Taking silver medals in freestyle were 11 athletes: Cole Moody of West Jordan, Bantam 55 lbs.; Helaman Suesue of Salt Lake City, Bantam 65 lbs.; Caden Maynes of West Jordan, Midget 50 lbs.; Jordan McRae of South Jordan, Bantam 55 lbs.; Tyler Schwendiman of South Jordan, Midget 60 lbs.; Kyler Machan of West Jordan, Novice 60 lbs.; William Kilpack of Sandy, Novice 80 lbs.; Greyson Bogden of Bluffdale, Novice 80 lbs.; Dillon McVicker of West Valley City, Schoolboy (ages 13 and 14) 125 lbs.; Travis McRae of South Jordan, Cadet 125 lbs.; and Jessica Osborne of Salt Lake City, Junior 112 lbs.

Winning bronze medals in freestyle were three wrestlers: Garrick Kilpack of Sandy, Flyweight 40 lbs.; Ajax Revels of Riverton, Bantam 60 lbs.; and Jordan Layton of Clearfield, Cadet 145 lbs..

In the folkstyle tournament, of the 11 medals earned, two were gold, led by Jordan McRae, Midget 55 lbs., and Jensen, Novice 60 lbs..

Winning silver in folkstyle were six athletes: Beau McRae, Bantam 50 lbs.; Tyler Schwendiman, Midget 60 lbs.; Machan, Novice 60 lbs.; William Kilpack, Novice 80 lbs.; McVicker, Schoolboy 125 lbs.; and Osborne, Junior 112 lbs.

Earning bronze in folkstyle were three wrestlers: Siondileigh Kilpack of Sandy, Bantam 45 lbs.; Bryce Lindsey of Clearfield, Cadet 125 lbs.; and Keith Williams of Magna, Junior 145 lbs.

Also competing in the Bantam division in freestyle were Bradley Findlay of Draper, 55 lbs.; Siondileigh Kilpack, 45 lbs.; Cole Kimball of West Jordan, 50 lbs.; and Semisi Vakapuna of Magna, 65 lbs. Also competing in the Midget division in freestyle were Addison Day of Sandy, Midget 65 lbs.; and Bryson Kimball of West Jordan, 75 lbs. Also competing in the Novice division in freestyle were Joey Day of Sandy, Brayden Schwendiman of South Jordan, and Justin Schwendiman of West Jordan, all at 65 lbs.; and Zayne Sayers of Sandy, 130 lbs. Also competing in the Schoolboy division in freestyle were Jordan Drage of Taylorsville, 95 lbs.; Nick Pappas of Taylorsville, 130 lbs.; and Devin Sayers of South Jordan, 165 lbs. Also competing in the Cadet division in freestyle were Jacob Rutledge of Sandy, 105 lbs.; Coby Williams of Magna, 119 lbs.; and Lindsey of Clearfield, 125 lbs.

Also competing in the folkstyle tournament was Garrick Kilpack, Flyweight 40 lbs.; Bradley Findlay, 55 lbs.; Brigham Andersen of South Jordan, Bantam 50 lbs.; Josiah Ortega of Eagle Mountain, Bantam 60 lbs.; Clark Hinton of Sandy, Midget 80 lbs.; Brayden Schwendiman, Novice 65 lbs.; Justin Schwendiman, Novice 65 lbs.; Jordan Drage, Schoolboy 95 lbs.; Rutledge, 105 lbs.; Travis McRae, Cadet 125 lbs.; and Russ Butler, Junior 145 lbs.

_This was a good adjustment tournament after the previous two weeks' seesaw,_ said Coach Bill Kilpack (Jr.). _The kids are learning, making adjustments, and moving forward. You can't ask for any more._

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 from 5:30_8 p.m. at Jordan High School. For more information, call 641-9832, e-mail <mailto:coach@mountaintopwrestling.com>coach@mountaintopwrestling.com or visit them on the Worldwide Web at <http://www.mountaintopwrestling.com>www.mountaintopwrestling.com.

Mountain Top Wrestling Club Takes 34 Medals at USA Utah Freestyle Kickoff Classic

(Sandy, Utah) Feb. 20, 2006 < Mountain Top Wrestling Club members charged into the USA Utah Freestyle Kickoff Classic wrestling tournament held Feb. 18, 2006, at Juan Diego High School in Draper. The club entered 52 athletes, and came away with 34 medals in the freestyle wrestling competition.

_This was a great way to launch into the season,_ said Coach Bill Kilpack (III). _We had so many new guys getting out on the mat in a live tournament for the first time, and I can't tell you how happy we are to see them do so well. Placing 34 of 52 is a big deal with so many of those being new to the sport. It really makes the rest of the season look very bright._

Ten athletes came away with gold medals, led by Tyler Jensen of West Valley City, Novice (ages 11 and 12) 60 lbs., and Cole Moody of West Jordan, Bantam (ages 7 and 8) 50 lbs., both of whom won all their matches by fall or technical fall (winning two rounds by 6 points). Also winning golds were brothers Tysen and Cole Clark of Herriman, Tysen at Flyweight (ages 6 and under) 60-plus lbs., Cole at Bantam 65 lbs.; Tyson Drage of Draper, Bantam 70 lbs.; Caden Maynes of West Jordan, Midget (ages 9 and 10) 50 lbs.; Tayler Johnson of Draper, Midget 65 lbs.; Zayne Sayers of Sandy, Novice 140 lbs.; Jessica Osborne of Salt Lake City, Junior (ages 17 and 18) 112 lbs.; and Graham Butterfield of Sandy, Junior 171 lbs.

Taking silver medals were 15 athletes: Jed Lee of Draper, Flyweight 40 lbs.; brothers Beau and Jordan McRae of South Jordan, Beau at Bantam 50 lbs., Jordan at Midget 55 lbs.; Josiah Ortega of Eagle Mountain, Bantam 60 lbs.; Helaman Suesue of Salt Lake City, Bantam 65 lbs.; Cole Kimball of West Jordan, Midget 50 lbs.; Kyler Machan of West Jordan, Novice 60 lbs.; William Kilpack of Sandy, Novice 80 lbs.; Jordan Drage of Draper, Schoolboy (ages 13 and 14) 100 lbs.; Vincent To of Sandy, Schoolboy 105 lbs.; twin brothers Reid and Cort Butterfield of Sandy, Reid at Schoolboy 110 lbs., Cort at Schoolboy 115 lbs.; Dylan Carlson of Kearns, Cadet (ages 15 and 16) 130 lbs.; Jordan Layton of Clearfield, Cadet 145 lbs.; and Michael Bednarik of Sandy, Junior 171 lbs.

Winning bronze medals were nine wrestlers: brothers Tanner and Wesly Orton of West Jordan, Tanner at Flyweight 40 lbs., Wesly at Novice 60 lbs.; David Hulverson of Draper, Flyweight 45 lbs.; Devin Johnson of Draper, Bantam 45 lbs.; Semisi Vakapuna of Magna, Bantam 65 lbs.; Bryson Kimball of West Jordan, Bantam 75-plus lbs.; Tyler Schwendiman of South Jordan, Midget 55 lbs.; Austin Maynes of West Jordan, Novice 65 lbs.; and Bryce Lindsey of Clearfield, Cadet 125 lbs.

Also competing in the Flyweight division were Jefferson Harbaugh of South Jordan, 40 lbs.; Braden Henson of Salt Lake City, 40 lbs.; Garrick Kilpack of Sandy, 40 lbs.; and Hunter Hellander of South Jordan, 45 lbs. Also competing in the Bantam division were Caleb Carlson of Kearns, 45 lbs.; Brigham Anderson of South Jordan, 50 lbs.; and Bradley Findlay of Draper, 55 lbs. Also competing in the Midget division were Matthew Lee of Draper, 55 lbs.; Austin Porter of Sandy, 55 lbs.; Addison Day of Sandy, 65 lbs.; Kadin Hatch of West Jordan, 65 lbs.; and Elijah Vaughn of Sandy, 65 lbs. Also competing in the Novice division were Joey Day of Sandy, 65 lbs.; Brayden Schwendiman of South Jordan, 65 lbs.; Matthew Findlay of Draper, 70 lbs.; Gage Street of Lehi, 75 lbs.; and Jon Lee of Draper, 80 lbs.

_This was a good experience to open up the season,_ said Coach Bill Kilpack (Jr.). _So many of the kids got to get their first taste of a real match, and really showed what they're capable of. I'm sure that they will continue to grow and improve as the season continues. 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 three days a week from 5:30_8 p.m. at Jordan High School. For more information, call 641-9832, e-mail <mailto:coach@mountaintopwrestling.com>coach@mountaintopwrestling.com or visit them on the Worldwide Web at www.mountaintopwrestling.com.


Mountain Top Wrestling Club Takes 19 Medals, 4 Championships, 2 Team Trophies at US Folkstyle Nationals

(Sandy, Utah) Jan. 26, 2006 34 Mountain Top Wrestling Club members recently traveled to Richfield, Ut., to compete in the US Folkstyle Nationals. Twenty-six athletes competed, with 19 placing, four winning titles and the team winning team trophies in two age divisions.

"This was a great tournament for the guys," said Coach Bill Kilpack (III). "We had so many guys just really step up and show everyone - not just in Utah, but in the country - what they are capable of. Placing 19 of 26 is a big deal, but we also had four win it and three more take silver medals. The team trophies are just gravy; further recognizing these guys for all their hard work."

Four athletes came away titles, led by William Kilpack of Sandy, 10 and Under 76 lbs., who won every match by fall, without an opponent scoring a single point against him; and Beau McRae of South Jordan, 6 and Under 49 lbs., who won his championship match by fall. Brothers Hayden and Brigg Butler of Saratoga Springs, each won titles, Hayden at 8 and Under 52 lbs., winning his championship match by a 14-1 decision; and Brigg, 10 and Under 70 lbs., who who won his title with a 14-2 decision.

Three wrestlers earned silver medals: Tanner Orton of West Jordan, 6 and Under 37 lbs., who made it to the finals with a last-second takedown, winning 8-7; Riley Tatum of West Jordan, 8 and Under 46 lbs., who made it to the finals by pinning his opponent in the semifinals, then lost a wrenching 9-8 decision in the finals; and Tayler Johnson of Draper, 8 and Under 61 lbs., who made it to the finals with a 15-second fall in the semifinals.

Two young athletes took 3rd place medals: Tyler Jensen of West Valley City, 12 and Under 64 lbs.; and and Jake Ribald of Draper, 12 and Under 88 lbs.

Three wrestlers took 4th place medals: Garrick Kilpack of Sandy, 6 and Under 37 lbs.; Tyler Schwendiman of South Jordan, 8 and Under 55 lbs.; and Cort Butterfield of Sandy, 12 and Under 110 lbs.

Two wrestlers took 5th place medals: Devin Johnson of Draper, 6 and Under 46 lbs.; and Wesly Orton of West Jordan, 12 and Under 64 lbs.

Taking 6th place medals were Justin Schwendiman of West Jordan, 10 and Under 61 lbs.; Nick Hulbert of West Valley City, 10 and Under 90 lbs.; Brayden Schwendiman of South Jordan, 12 and Under 64 lbs.; Reid Butterfield of Sandy, 12 and Under 105 lbs.; and Travis McRae of South Jordan, 15 and Under 125 lbs.

These accomplishments accumulated points for Mountain Top Wrestling Club in the team competitions, earning the Championship trophy for the 6 and Under division; and the Runner-Up trophy for the 8 and Under division.

"This was very exciting for us, to take 1st Place and 2nd Place Team Trophies at a national tournament like this," said Kilpack. "The guys really showed their stuff. It was a good day, pretty much for everyone."

"This was a good experience," said Coach Bill Kilpack (Jr.). "They got to travel down to Richfield, play in the pool, hang out with their teammates, and show what they're capable of on the mat. I'm sure that many of them will remember this experience for the rest of their lives. 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 three days a week from 67:30 p.m. at Jordan High School. For more information, call 641-9832, e-mail <mailto:coach@mountaintopwrestling.com>coach@mountaintopwrestling.com or visit them on the Worldwide Web at <http://www.mountaintopwrestling.com>www.mountaintopwrestling.com.

Utah Numbers Grow in Wrestling USA Magazine National Midseason Rankings

For More Information Contact Bill Kilpack (801) 641-9832

Utah Numbers Grow in Wrestling USA Magazine National Midseason Rankings

Wrestling USA Magazine published its midseason national rankings of high-school wrestlers on its Web site. Forty-seven Utah wrestlers were on those lists, up from 36 in the preseason. Top-ranked of the three divisional lists was Wasatch's Jacob Salazar, ranked no. 1 at 135 lbs., in the freshman/sophomore rankings. Top-ranked senior was Levi Mele of Uintah High School, no. 9 at 119 lbs., and top-ranked junior was Wade Eldredge of Monticello, ranked no. 16 at 145 lbs.

Salazar was ranked no. 1 in the preseason, but the other top rankings shuffled a little. Mele displaced Nathaniel Holt of Provo as the top-ranked Utah senior, as Mele rose one notch, but Holt dropped from no. 5 to 12. In the junior rankings, Eldredge displaced Sean Porter of Davis as the top-ranked Utah junior, as Eldredge rose from no. 18 to 16, and Porter dropped from no. 16 to 19.

Bill Kilpack, Utah editor for Wrestling USA Magazine, said, "Some of the ranks shifted because, in the preseason, assumptions are being made about what weight someone will wrestle. For example, Jon Gappmaier wrestled 103 lbs. last year, but really grew, putting on 20 pounds. That puts him in a different group of kids and impacts his ranking. The greatest thing that I see about this midseason ranking, however, is how many more Utahns are included. It's a real tribute to teh quality of athletes in our state, as well as their coaching."

The biggest growth in Utahns ranked was in the freshman/sophomore list. In the preseason, only eight Utahns were included. At midseason, that number grew to 15. Ranked no. 1 at 135 lbs. was Jacob Salazar, Wasatch High School, sophomore; no. 4, 119 lbs., Jason Chamberlain, Springville High School, sophomore (down from no. 2 in the preseason); no. 10, 275 lbs., Matthew Fairbrother, Murray High School, sophomore (down from 8); no. 15, 140 lbs., Ethan Smith, Wasatch High School, sophomore (down from 13); no. 21, 135 lbs., Ethen Lofthouse, Mountain Crest High School, freshman (new to the list); no. 23, 130 lbs., Ky Lucero, Brighton High School, sophomore (new to the list); no. 24, 119 lbs., Jonathan Gappmaier, Skyline High School, sophomore (up from special mention); no. 24, 125 lbs., Blake Mangum, Lone Peak High School, sophomore (down from 21); no. 26, 152 lbs., Cole Shafer, Brighton High School, sophomore (up from 28); and no. 30, 112 lbs., Matthew Brown, Cyprus High School, sophomore (up from special mention). Receiving special mention were Jaes Jones, Brighton High School, and Aaron Butler (new to the list), Monticello High School, both sophomores at 103 lbs.; Matt McDonald (new to the list), Pine View High School, a sophomore at 119 lbs.; Tag Miller of Payson High School, a sophomore at 125 lbs.; and Quincy Thatcher of Millard High School, a sophomore at 130 lbs.

Three more Utah athletes made it onto the senior rankings, raising the number of nationally ranked seniors to 17. Top-ranked at no. 9 at 119 lbs. was Mele, Uintah High School (up from no. 10); no. 10, 171 lbs., Carson Brown, Wasatch High School (new to the list); no. 12, 145 lbs., Nathaniel Holt, Provo High School (down from no. 5); no. 12, 189 lbs., Jared McCurdy, Uintah High School (down from no. 11); no. 13, 130 lbs., Jake Swensen, North Sanpete High School(down from no. 11); no. 17, 145 lbs., Josh Wilson, Morgan High School (down from no. 11); no. 17, 160 lbs., Talan Knox, Brighton High School (down from no. 14); no. 20, 103 lbs., Jared Shepherd, Delta High School (up from no. 22); no. 25, 171 lbs., Phillip Rutledge, Mountain Crest High School (down from no. 22); no. 26, 135 lbs., Jaren Day, Alta High School (new to list); no. 26, 275 lbs., Zane Taylor, Grand County High School (up from special mention); no. 27, 215 lbs., Trent Steele, Delta High School (up from special mention); and no. 30, 125 lbs., Jesse Clark, Bingham High School (new to list). Receiving special mention were Ryan Young, Uintah High School at 103 lbs.; Tyrell Sweat, Wasatch High School, 145 lbs.; Tag Elliott, Bear River High School, 152 lbs.; and Kenny Scott, Hurricane High School, 189 lbs.

In the junior rankings, one more Utah athlete was ranked, while other positions within the ranks jockied. Top-ranked was Eldredge, Monticello High School, at no. 16, 145 lbs. (up from no. 18); no. 19, 112 lbs., Casey Smith, Wasatch High School (down from 16); no. 19, 119 lbs., Shay Warren, Weber High School (down from 18); no. 19, 130 lbs., Sean Porter, Davis High School (down from 16); no. 21, 103 lbs., Kolby Bradley, Springville High School (new to list); no. 23, 103 lbs., Mitch Moss, Bingham High School (new to list); no. 27, 171 lbs., Mitch Sanderson, Pleasant Grove High School (up from 28); no. 28, 160 lbs., Riley Yeates, Box Elder High School (down from 27); no. 29, 112 lbs., Colton Miles, Altamont High School (up from special mention); and no. 30, 112 lbs., Bo Beckman, Brighton High School (up from special mention). Receiving special mention were Shaun Holt, Enterprise High School, 112 lbs.; Shayne Bonner, Wasatch High School, 125 lbs.; Glenn Woods, Duchesne High School, 145 lbs.; Eric Wells, Wayne High School, Jaden Briskey, Weber High School, both at 275 lbs.

In the overall, all-division rankings (regardless of age), were six seniors and two sophomores: no. 16, 119 lbs., Mele, senior; no. 20, 119 lbs., Chamberlain, sophomore; no. 14, 130 lbs., Swensen, senior; no. 19, 135 lbs., Salazar, sophomore; no. 16, 145 lbs., Holt, senior; no. 21, 145 lbs., Wilson, senior; no. 27, 160 lbs., Knox, senior; no. 15, 171 lbs., Brown, senior; no. 12, 189 lbs., McCurdy, senior.

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.

Of all the high schools represented by wrestlers in the national rankings, Wasatch (3A) had six athletes; Brighton (5A) had five; Uintah (3A) had three; Bingham (5A), Delta (3A), Monticello (1A), Mountain Crest (4A), Springville (4A) and Weber (5A) each had two. All with one athlete nationally ranked are Alta (5A), Altamont (1A), Bear River (3A), Box Elder (4A), Cyprus (4A), Davis (5A), Duchesne (1A), Enterprise (1A), Grand County (2A), Hurricane (3A), Lone Peak (5A), Millard (2A), Morgan (3A), Murray (4A), North Sanpete (3A), Payson (4A), Pine View (3A), Pleasant Grove (5A), Provo (4A), Skyline (5A) and Wayne (1A).

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

Mountain Top Wrestling Club Marches Into 2006 Season

(Sandy, Utah) Dec. 20, 2005 _ Mountain Top Wrestling Club (formerly Jordan Freestyle Wrestling) enters into its second season with the new moniker in the 2006 freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling season. Practices will begin Jan. 23, still at Jordan High School. Returning to coach the team for the sixth straight year 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; and Chris Babinski, the Jordan High School wrestling coach. Also returning to the coaching staff are Derek Jensen, a two-time member of the All-Marine wrestling team; Judd Kennelly, a varsity wrestler from Jordan High; Wes Machan, Utah's first world champion in Greco-Roman wrestling; and Toby Orton, a varsity wrestler from Fidalgo Island, Wash.

_Last year was an unbelievable year,_ said Kilpack (III). _We had so many guys just really step up and show everyone _ not just in Utah, but in the country _ what they were made of. We averaged almost 35 athletes at the local tournaments, which was one of the most of any of the teams there. We also took home 38 medals and 14 state titles at the state tournament; had eight national championship finishes; and 17 All-American finishes. We hosted our first tournament, the Mountain Top Classic, which turned out to be the biggest freestyle and Greco-Roman tournament in Utah. And, in October, we made a really strong showing at the Gladiator World Championships, came away with the 1st-place team trophy. We have as strong a core group as ever, with more parental support than ever, coming down from as far as Clearfield and up from as far as Spanish Fork. Last year was just amazing, and we want to just pick right up where we left off._

Among the team's accomplishments last season are eight national championships, five national runner-up finishes, three national bronze medalists, and three athletes placing fourth through sixth at AAU Grand Nationals in Santa Fe, or USA Wrestling Kids Nationals in Green Bay. Team members racked up 14 state championships, eight state runner-up finishes, four state bronze finishes, and 13 athletes placed fourth through sixth at the USA Wrestling Utah State Championships. In addition, team members were awarded 15 championships at the Utah Summer Games, 15 silver medals, and two bronzes. At the Western Regional Championships, there were two championships, and one fourth-place finisher. In addition, two received tournament Outstand Wrestler Awards, one was awarded a tournament Quick Pin Award, 11 received Outstanding Sportsmanship Awards from mat officials. The team itself came away with one team championship at the Gladiator World Championships, and three 2nd place team trophies, two in Wyoming and one in Utah.

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. Kilpack (III) said, "The traveling is important because it allows the wrestlers to get more mat time during the freestyle/Greco-Roman season, provides them folkstyle experience before reaching high school, and provides new opponents who they have not met week after week. Just as importantly, the travel provides a reward for the wrestlers_ hard work and the support of their families."

Kilpack (Jr.) said, _The wrestling trips make the season that much more fun. The kids wrestle, then stay in a hotel after and hit the pool. Following the tournaments, we usually take over a restaurant and have a good time. It's not only a reward for the kids, but for their families. Wrestling is a family sport. Every successful wrestler has a strong family behind him or her. There are a lot of practices and early weigh-ins for tournaments every weekend for several months. It_s tough and takes dedication from the kids as well as their parents. Traveling gives everyone a little more from their wrestling experience that they'll remember all their lives._

In addition to the accomplishments already listed, in six seasons, Mountain Top Wrestling Club (formerly Jordan Freestyle Wrestling), has produced one UHSCAA All-American, 21 more state champions, three undefeated wrestlers over the course of a season, six more placers at the Western Regional Championships, two placers at the Reno World Championships, 13 placers at the Gladiator World Championships, two placers at the Monster Match Nationals, one placer at the Rocky Mountain Nationals and one representative on the Utah National Team.

This year_s coaching staff has a long and successful wrestling history.

Kilpack (III) of Sandy 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.

Jensen of West Valley City was a varsity letterman all three years of high school at Hunter High School, was a Utah Summer Games champion, a Region champion, a two-time freestyle state champ, and competed at nationals as a senior in high school. Following high school, he was a member of the wrestling team at Palo Mar College in California before joining the military, where he was twice named to the All-Marine Wrestling Team.

Judd Kennelly of Salt Lake City was a varsity wrestler at Jordan High School under Coach May. It was during this time that he came to appreciate the competitive nature of wrestling and other sports. As an adult, he has coached community sports such as wrestling, football, baseball and soccer.

Machan of West Jordan was the first Utah wrestler in the state's history to win a World Championship, winning it in Greco-Roman wrestling. He was an original member of the Sundance Wrestling Club, where the second world champion in Utah history also rose from the Sundance ranks. Machan qualified for the world team twice, although he was only able to compete the time he won the title. In addition to his world championship, he was a three-time AAU national champion, twice in Greco-Roman and once in freestyle, and a three-time national bronze medalist, twice in freestyle and once in Greco-Roman.

Orton of Midvale 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 community sports such as wrestling, soccer and a championship baseball team.

Babinski has coached wrestling, football and track at Jordan High School for 15 years, where he has produced one high school All-American, a one-year team record of 24-1, and two athletes who advanced to collegiate competition. Babinski also developed Utah_s first 5A dual state championship tournament, where 17 of the 22 5A competed to determine the dual meet state champions. He has served as the Utah representative in the National Wrestling Coaches Association for the past eight years.

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 from 6_7:30 p.m. at Jordan High School. For more information, call 641-9832, e-mail <mailto:coach@mountaintopwrestling.com>coach@mountaintopwrestling.com or visit them on the Worldwide Web at <http://www.mountaintopwrestling.com>www.mountaintopwrestling

Jordan Junior Wrestlers Take Springville by Storm

(Sandy, Utah) Nov. 29, 2005 _ Five Jordan Junior Wrestling members traveled to Springville recently to compete in folkstyle wrestling. All five took medals, including two championships.

_This was a great opener for the junior-high wrestling season,_ said Bill Kilpack (III), who coached the athletes at the tournament. _Since they didn't split the middle school and junior high divisions, we had a little bit of a surprise when we had fifth graders wrestling a few eighth graders, but they just went to town and showed older kids how to do it._

Winning the team's lone championship in the Junior High Division was 10-year-old William Kilpack of Sandy, who wrestled in the Advanced 76-pound bracket when only in fifth grade. "This was a little alarming, walking out for his first junior-high match and having a good eighth grader to wrestle," Kilpack said. "But he just got it done. That kid probably hasn't seen that much air time in his life. Three big throws, then a fall. It was really exciting." In this match, the opponent scored one point for an escape. It was the only point scored on him in the tournament.

Taking second in the Junior High Division was 10-year-old Justin Schwendiman of Sandy, who wrestled in the Beginner 61-pound bracket. "Justin had a breakthrough," Kilpack said. "It's always exciting to see when things finally click into place, and young athletes start to really perform. Justin lost that championship match over a couple mistakes. If he wasn't so new to the sport, he would have come away with the championship. I don't think the match will turn out the same way if they meet again later this season."

Placing third in the Junior High Division was 10-year-old Nick Hulbert of West Valley City, who wrestled in the Intermediate 83-pound bracket, also as a fifth grader. "Nick ran into a really quality eighth-grade kid second round, but didn't quit for an instant," Kilpack said. "He took the loss, kept his head up, and went out to win his next two matches by fall, and tie up that third-place position."

Two young wrestlers competed in the Elementary Division: 8-year-old Tyler Schwendiman of South Jordan; and 4-year-old Garrick Kilpack of Sandy.

Schwendiman wrestled in the 55-pound Advanced bracket, winning the championship by pinning all three of his opponents.

Kilpack wrestled in the 35-pound Beginner bracket, winning two matches to make it to the finals, then falling short of an older more experienced young athlete.

Jordan Junior Wrestling is a folkstyle wrestling program offered through Salt Lake County Recreation. For more information, go to http://members.aol.com/jordanjuniors/

or email :jordanjuniors@aol.com>jordanjuniors@aol.com.

Sandy, Draper, West Jordan Youths Named Outstanding Wrestlers; Mountain Top Wrestling Club Recognizes Athletic Excellence

For More Information Contact Bill Kilpack (801) 641-9832

(Sandy, Utah) Aug. 25, 2005 _ Mountain Top Wrestling Club held its annual Awards Dinner at the Bell Canyon Park pavilion, recognizing youth athletes for excellence. Attendees from the 77-man team received gold medals for their hard work and dedication over the season, photographs of themselves in matches, team photos and trophies for the Most Improved, Rookie of the Year, and Outstanding Wrestlers and a Triumph Award.

_This has been a great year, with so many new guys wrestling for the first time and so many new and supportive parents,_ said Coach Bill Kilpack (III). _Wrestling is the hardest sport there is. Without strong family support, no wrestler can succeed. We wanted to make sure that the parents feel appreciated. We wanted all the guys to know that their hard work and dedication was noticed and appreciated. In addition, we recognized 19 leaders within the team for taking things the next level._

Four trophies for Outstanding Wrestler were awarded to William Kilpack of Sandy, who wrestled Midget (ages 9 and 10) 70 lbs.; Tayler Johnson of Draper, Bantam (ages 7 and 8) 60 lbs.; Kyler Machan of West Jordan, Midget 55 lbs.; and Matthew Findlay of Draper, Midget 60 lbs.

This season, Kilpack won three National Championships, five All-American finishes, placed at the USA Wrestling Western Regional Championships, won a state title, and three Utah Summer Games championships. Johnson won two National Championships, three All-American finishes, a state title, and three Utah Summer Games championships. Machan won two state titles. Findlay won many championships, a tournament outstanding wrestler award, and just fell short of two state titles.

Five trophies were presented for Rookie of the Year. "These were all first-year wrestlers who not only made great improvements over the year, but took it to the next level beyond their peers," Kilpack said. Receiving Rookie of the Year were Tanner Orton of Midvale, Flyweight (ages 6 and under) 35 lbs.; Jordan Harbaugh of South Jordan, Flyweight 40 lbs.; Beau McRae of South Jordan, Flyweight 50 lbs.; Caden Maynes of West Jordan, Bantam (ages 7 and 8) 40 lbs.; and Jordan McRae of South Jordan, Bantam 50 lbs.

Nine trophies were also awarded for the Most Improved wrestlers. These were awarded to Garrick Kilpack of Sandy, Flyweight 35 lbs.; Devin Johnson of Draper, Fkyweight 45 lbs.; Cole Moody of West Jordan, Flyweight 50 lbs.; Helaman Suesue of Salt Lake City, Flyweight 60 lbs.; Justin Schwendiman of West Jordan, Midget 60 lbs.; Travis McRae of South Jordan, Schoolboy (ages 13 and 14) 105 lbs.; Josh Wright of Taylorsville, Cadet (ages 15 and 16) 98 lbs.; and Danny Huntsman of West Jordan, Junior 125 lbs. _All nine showed remarkable progress by the end of the season compared to season opening,_ Kilpack said.

One trophy, a Triumph Award, was presented for overcoming incredible odds and obstacles, ranging from starting wrestling at the age of 15, taking a year off after being in a serious car accident that made it impossible to pass a physical that year, to competing against 17 and 18-year-old young men and never giving up. The award was presented to Jessica Osborne of Salt Lake City, Junior 105 lbs. _What she faces day in and day out, yet she continues to maintain a positive attitude and give every match everything she's got is nothing short of inspiring,_ Kilpack said. _Wrestling is a tough sport. And she's got it tougher, because there aren't enough women wrestling in Utah for her to be able to wrestle against other women. So, to get mat time, she has to wrestle men. And she goes after it, asking for no quarter, and giving back everything she gets. In light of that and everything else she's gone through the past couple years, that sort of determination is a wonderful gift._

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 will resume at the beginning of next season in January 2006 at Jordan High School. For more information, call 641-9832, e-mail <mailto:coach@mountaintopwrestling.com>coach@mountaintopwrestling.com or visit them on the Worldwide Web at <http://www.mountaintopwrestling.com>www.mountaintopwrestling.com.

Sandy Youth Takes Two National Wrestling Titles at State Games of America

(Sandy, Utah) Aug. 11, 2005 _ Ten-year-old William Kilpack of Sandy earned two wrestling National Championships at the State Games of America held recently in Colorado Springs, Colo. The titles were earned in freestyle and folkstyle wrestling.

Kilpack, who just completed his fourth-grade year at Sunrise Elementary School, won the gold in folkstyle by going undefeated in the 70-pound weight class in the Midget Division (9 and 10 year olds). Not only did he beat every opponent, but he won every match by fall, and not one opponent scored a single point on him.

Coach Bill Kilpack (III) said, "William's folkstyle tournament was about as perfect a tournament as I can imagine. To walk through a national tournament like that is just unheard of. He didn't give up a single point, and he pinned everybody. I can't even think of a single thing he should have done differently. That's really something."

Kilpack also won the title in freestyle, each win coming by way of fall, although not as dominantly as in the previous tournament. "I'm not surprised that he didn't pull off the perfect tournament in freestyle," Coach Kilpack said. "He was functioning at such a high level on day one, that's a tall order to maintain that over an extended period. If nothing else, fatigue becomes a major factor in these multiple-day tournaments. But he still pulled off an amazing tournament."

The two national titles at the State Games of America are not Kilpack's first. He took a national championship in Greco-Roman a few weeks ago at the AAU Grand Nationals in Santa Fe, NM, two more All-American finishes in freestyle and folkstyle, and All-American finishes in freestyle and Greco-Roman at the USA Wrestling Kids Nationals held in Green Bay, Wis., in early July.

Kilpack said, "I feel really good about winning the championships in the State Games. Now I have a National Championship in all three styles. There aren't very many people who have done that._

Kilpack will be a fifth-grader at Sunrise Elementary School in the new school year. He said he wants to one day be a national champion, wrestle the Pan-Am Games, and to be an Olympic champion. He said, "It will take lots of practice, lots of hard work, wrestling smart in the important matches, and making sure that I maintain my skills from now until I don't wrestle anymore."

The State Games of America is a national tournament held every other year. The qualifiers for the tournament are the previous two years' Summer Games in each state. Kilpack is now a six-time gold medalist in the Utah Summer Games, winning championships in all three styles in 2004 (qualifier for this year's State Games of America) and 2005.

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 will resume at the beginning of next season in January 2006 at Jordan High School. For more information, call 641-9832, e-mail <mailto:coach@mountaintopwrestling.com>coach@mountaintopwrestling.com or visit them on the Worldwide Web at http://www.mountaintopwrestling.com

Sandy and Draper Youths Earn Three National Titles; 12 All-American Finishes in Freestyle, Greco-Roman and Folkstyle Wrestling

(Sandy, Utah) July 19, 2005 _ Eight-year-old Tayler Johnson of Draper earned two wrestling National Championships and 10-year-old William Kilpack of Sandy earned one wrestling National Championship at the AAU Grand Nationals held in Santa Fe, NM, July 13_16, 2005. In addition to these titles, these and two other Mountain Top Wrestling Club members finished All-American.

Johnson, who just completed his second-grade year at Draper Elementary School, won the gold in both Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling by going undefeated in both tournaments in the 60-pound weight class in the Bantam Division (ages 7 and 8). Not only did he win every match in the two tournaments, he pinned every opponent.

Kilpack, who just completed his fourth-grade year at Sunrise Elementary School, won the gold in Greco-Roman by going undefeated in the 70-pound weight class in the Midget Division (9 and 10 year olds). His championship match ended quickly with a first-round fall.

In addition to these national championships, Johnson finished second in the folkstyle tournament; Kilpack finished second in freestyle, and third in folkstyle.

Coach Bill Kilpack (III) said, _Every one of our guys really performed. We expected William and Tayler to do well. But, in Greco-Roman, they each had just flawless tournaments. In freestyle, one mistake was the difference between gold and silver for William. That's not even mentioning the two little guys, Garrick and Devin. We really looked at this as experience for the little guys ... and what an experience it turned out to be, earning All-American status in all three styles. We couldn't have asked for more. What a great tournament._

Garrick Kilpack of Sandy, a four-year-old competing in the Flyweight (6 and under) Division, 35-pound weight class, earned a silver medal in Greco-Roman, a third-place bronze in freestyle, and a fifth-place bronze in folkstyle. The younger Kilpack won his silver-medal match in Greco-Roman by technical fall; his bronze-medal match in freestyle by a close decision; and his fifth-place match by fall.

Six-year-old Devin Johnson of Draper, Flyweight 45 lbs., earned a silver medal in Greco-Roman, a third-place bronze in freestyle, and a silver in folkstyle. The younger Johnson won his silver-medal match in Greco-Roman by fall; his bronze-medal match in freestyle by fall; and his fifth-place match by fall.

These finishes are particularly strong, considering they learned upon arrival that the tournament would be run using the new FILA rules, not yet implemented by USA Wrestling.

Coach Kilpack said, "I was really worried that the rule changes would throw the guys for a loop. But they were actually excited about them. William, in particular, because he could finally throw a supley. He did, got five points for it (which ended the round), and it was one of the best throws in the whole tournament. In USA Wrestling under the current rules, he is not allowed to throw a supley until he is 15, a Cadet."

Tayler said, "I liked the new [FILA] rules. Having a winner each round was cool. If you made a mistake in the first round, the score started over in the second. That was cool."

Earlier in the season, William earned All-American status at the USA Wrestling Kids Nationals held in Green Bay, Wis., in early July; and placing fourth in Greco-Roman at the USA Wrestling Western Regionals held in Winnemucca, Nev., in June. This followed taking gold medals in freestyle, folkstyle and Greco-Roman at the Utah Summer Games, and a state championship in Greco-Roman and a silver-medal finish in freestyle in the 65-pound weight class at the USA Wrestling Utah State Championships held in North Ogden in April.

Tayler's accomplishments prior to this included taking gold medals in freestyle, folkstyle and Greco-Roman at the Utah Summer Games, and a state championship in freestyle at the USA Wrestling Utah State Championships.

Garrick's accomplishments prior to Grand Nationals included taking a silver medal in folkstyle at the Utah Summer Games, and a silver medal in freestyle at the USA Wrestling Utah State Championships.

Devin's accomplishments prior to this included placing at many tournaments in both Utah and Wyoming.

William said, "I feel really good about winning the championship in Greco-Roman. That's my favorite style to wrestle. I'm also really happy about the whole tournament. It was my first time to go to Grand Nationals and I placed in all three styles. It was great. And I LOVE the FILA rules. I got to do my first supley that was legal. If I had been 15, they would have called a fall, because he landed flat on his shoulders and pressed right into the mat. The referee told me after the match that he thought about calling the fall anyway, because the throw was just perfect._

Tayler said, "I feel good about winning two national championships. It was a really fun tournament in Santa Fe, where we got to wrestle, then swim and play cards in the hotel room."

William Kilpack has been recognized by the club coaching staff as one of the team's Outstanding Wrestlers each of the past five years. He is currently ranked as the top Midget-division wrestler in Utah (regardless of weight) and the top Kids-division wrestler in the state (ages four to 14, regardless of weight). He is a three-time state champion and a five-time silver medalist at state. He has won six championships at the Utah Summer Games, placed second at Western Regionals in Greco-Roman and second at the U.S. Folkstyle Nationals. He has been named Outstanding Wrestler for his age division at one tournament, and received two tournament fastest pin awards. In February 2005, Utah Sports Magazine recognized him as one of Utah's Best. Perhaps most astonishing, however, is that he has wrestled 415 matches at age 10, winning 346 of them.

Tayler Johnson is a second-year wrestler, recognized last year by the club coaching staff as one of the team's Rookies of the Year. He is currently ranked as the top Bantam-division wrestler in Utah (regardless of weight) and the no. 3 Kids-division wrestler in the state (ages four to 14, regardless of weight). He is a state champion and won five championships at the Utah Summer Games (one silver-medal finish), and has received one tournament fastest pin award.

Garrick Kilpack is a first-year wrestler, currently ranked as the top Flyweight-division wrestler in Utah (regardless of weight) and the no. 19 Kids-division wrestler in the state (ages four to 14, regardless of weight). He is a state silver medalist and earned a silver-medal finish at the Utah Summer Games.

Devin Johnson is a second-year wrestler, currently ranked as the no. 2 Flyweight-division wrestler in Utah (regardless of weight). He has placed at many tournaments in Utah and Wyoming over the past two years.

William said, _I love wrestling. It's something I'll be good at my whole life. Wrestling gives me courage and I'm always looking for things that can make me a better wrestler. I work hard at wrestling practice and at other sports, like gymnastics. I want to start boxing now, because I think that it will help me be a better wrestler, too._

Tayler said, "I wrestle because it's funner than any other sport I've tried." Last season, he was not even concerned with going to tournaments. He had so much fun at practice, that was good enough for him. But he was encouraged to go and compete, and decided that he "liked winning medals." He said, "I want to wrestle until I'm a gold medalist in the Olympics. I can do that, as long as I try harder than everybody else."

Tayler and William will be competing at the State Games of America in Colorado Springs at the end of July. The State Games of America is another national tournament where those competing had to place at their state's respective summer games.

William will be a fifth-grader at Sunrise Elementary School in the new school year. He said he wants to one day be a national champion, wrestle the Pan-Am Games, and to be an Olympic champion. He said, "It will take lots of practice, lots of hard work, wrestling smart in the important matches, and making sure that I maintain my skills from now until I don't wrestle anymore."

Tayler will be a third-grader at Draper Elementary School in the new school year.

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 will continue until the State Games of America, then will start back up again in January at Jordan High School. For more information, call 641-9832, e-mail <mailto:coach@mountaintopwrestling.com>coach@mountaintopwrestling.com or visit them on the Worldwide Web at <http://www.mountaintopwrestling.com>www.mountaintopwrestling.com.

Sandy Youth Named Freestyle and Greco-Roman Wrestling All-American

(Sandy, Utah) July 4, 2005 _ Ten-year-old William Kilpack of Sandy was named All-American by USA Wrestling in both freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling at the Kids National Championships held in Green Bay, Wis., June 28-July 2, 2005. He was not only recognized in both styles, but he was the only Utahn to be so named in the tournament.

Kilpack, who just completed his fourth-grade year at Sunrise Elementary School, placed sixth in the 70-pound weight class in the Midget Division (9 and 10 year olds) at the USA Wrestling Kids Nationals in both the freestyle and Greco-Roman tournaments. The top eight placers received All-American honors.

Kilpack said, _It was a tough tournament with tough kids. Everyone there was tough and ready to give their best. The wrestlers there were a lot better than people I wrestle at regular tournaments. Since you don't know most of the people there, you don't know what they know, you don't know the things they're going to do, or how they might counter your moves. That makes it harder._

Earlier in the season, Kilpack placed fourth in Greco-Roman in the 70-pound weight class at the USA Wrestling Western Regionals held in Winnemucca, Nev., in June. This followed taking gold medals in freestyle, folkstyle and Greco-Roman at the Utah Summer Games, and a state championship in Greco-Roman and a silver-medal finish in freestyle in the 65-pound weight class at the USA Wrestling Utah State Championships held in North Ogden in April.

Kilpack said, "I'm happy with taking sixth in both styles at nationals. Last year, I didn't do as well. I finished one round short of placing in both styles and I feel like I should have done better. This year, I didn't give anything up._

Kilpack is a member of Mountain Top Wrestling Club, a nonprofit organization operating through Salt Lake County Rec, practicing at Jordan High School. Coach and father Bill Kilpack (III) said, _William has all the potential in the world. He lost a tough match by one point to the kid who took third in Greco in Green Bay, which shows how tight the competition really was. The kid who beat him for fifth in Greco gave him all he wanted, then William drew him first round in freestyle. He showed just how much guts and heart he has when he gritted his teeth and wrestled a smart, tough match, pulling it out by one point in overtime. That match was really the high point of the tournament for me. William came back from a pretty bad loss and, right off the bat, had to rematch. He wrestled his guts out._

Kilpack has been recognized by the club coaching staff as one of the team's Outstanding Wrestlers each of the past five years. He is currently ranked as the top Midget-division wrestler in Utah (regardless of weight) and the top Kids-division wrestler in the state (ages four to 14, regardless of weight). He is a three-time state champion and a five-time silver medalist at state. He has won six championships at the Utah Summer Games, placed second at Western Regionals in Greco-Roman and second at the U.S. Folkstyle Nationals. He has been named Outstanding Wrestler for his age division at one tournament, and received one tournament fastest pin award. In February 2005, Utah Sports Magazine recognized him as one of Utah's Best. Perhaps most astonishing, however, is that he has wrestled more than 400 matches at age 10, winning 337 of them.

He said, _I love wrestling. I started really young and it's something I'll be good at my whole life. Wrestling gives me courage and I'm always looking for things that can make me a better wrestler, like learning all I can in school. You can't be stupid and do well in wrestling. I work hard at wrestling practice and I work my hardest at other sports, like gymnastics. I want to start boxing now, because I think that it will help me be a better wrestler, too._

Kilpack will be competing at the AAU Grand Nationals in Santa Fe, NM, next week, and at the State Games of America in Colorado Springs at the end of July. The latter is a national tournament where those competing had to place at their state's respective summer games.

Kilpack will be a fifth-grader at Sunrise Elementary School in the new school year. He said he wants to one day be a national champion, wrestle in the Olympics and wrestle the Pan-Am Games. "I can do those things," he said. "Doing well at wrestling can open up lots of things for me, like college scholarships, and going to a good college can make sure I have a good job when I don't wrestle anymore."

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 from 5:30_7 p.m. at Jordan High School. For more information, call 641-9832, e-mail <mailto:coach@mountaintopwrestling.com>coach@mountaintopwrestling.com or visit them on the Worldwide Web at <http://www.mountaintopwrestling.com>www.mountaintopwrestling.com.

Utah Wrestlers Take 74 Honors, 20 Titles at Western Regional Championships

Utah wrestlers earned 74 awards _ including 20 championships _ at the Western Regional Championships June 20_25, 2005, at the at the Winnemucca Event Center. The tournament consisted of more than 1,800 athletes from 11 states to compete in freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling.

Notable among those Utah champions are seven who took gold in both freestyle and Greco-Roman competition:

Grant LaMont, Champions (based in Springville), Midget (ages 9 and 10) 65 lbs.

Austin Swenson of Mountain Top Wrestling Club (based in Sandy), Midget 80 lbs.

Carson Kuhn of Vandit, Schoolboy (ages 13 and 14) 70 lbs.

Ethen Lofthouse of Elite (based in Kaysville), Schoolboy 125 lbs.

Wyatt Ray of Elite, Cadet (ages 15 and 16) 91 lbs.

Matt Brown of Specialized Wrestling Club (based in Salt Lake City), Cadet 112 lbs.

Jason Chamberlain of Springville, Cadet 119 lbs.

Winning championships in freestyle were

Nick Sorenson of Stingers (based in Brigham City), Midget 87 lbs.

Richard Peterson of Bears Den (based in Orem), Schoolboy 250 lbs.

Jarrett Morrill of Poney Express (based in Hyrum), Cadet 105 lbs.

Blake Mangum of Specialized Wrestling Club, Cadet 125 lbs.

Winning championships in Greco-Roman were

Luke King of Stingers, Novice (ages 11 and 12) 100 lbs.

Jaes Jones of Specialized Wrestling Club, Cadet 98 lbs.

"Competition was fierce this year," said Craig LaMont, Kids Director for USA Wrestling Utah. "A lot of kids in some very tough weights. There were certainly places where luck of the draw had its play, taking place winners in Greco and putting them right together in one bracket, which allowed them to beat each other out before the medal rounds. But this is a much better showing than we had in Western Regionals last year. I'm very proud of our Utah athletes."

In 2004, Utah wrestlers earned 42 awards and only eight championships.

Other Utahns taking honors include

Rayden Lindley of Pony Express, Midget 65 lbs., 5th Place in Greco-Roman

William Kilpack of Mountain Top Wrestling Club, Midget 70 lbs., 4th Place in Greco-Roman

Nick Sorenson, Midget 87 lbs., 3rd Place in Greco-Roman

Bryce Jackman of Carbon Raptors (based in Price), Novice 60 lbs., 5th Place in Greco-Roman

Gerritt Bradley of Champions, Novice 60 lbs., 6th Place in Freestyle

Brandon George of Elite, Novice 65 lbs., 2nd Place in Freestyle

Brendan Turner of North Sanpete (Mt. Pleasant), Novice 65 lbs., 2nd Place in Greco-Roman, 6th Place in Freestyle

Jace Johnson of Delta, Novice 80 lbs., 6th Place in Greco-Roman

Jacob Falk of Vandit, Novice 85 lbs., 4th Place in Greco-Roman, 6th Place in Freestyle

Austin Christiansen of Specialized Wrestling Club, Novice 140 lbs., 2nd Place in Greco-Roman, 3rd Place in Freestyle

Kade Moss of Vandit, Schoolboy 80 lbs., 2nd Place in Greco-Roman, 4th Place in Freestyle

Connor Meadows of Specialized Wrestling Club, Schoolboy 80 lbs., 4th Place in Greco-Roman, 5th Place in Freestyle

Raider Lofthouse of Elite, Schoolboy 90 lbs., 5th Place in both Greco-Roman and Freestyle

Derek Malan of Weber Freestyle Wrestling Club (based in North Ogden), Schoolboy 95 lbs., 3rd Place in Freestyle

Trae Bennett of Elite, Schoolboy 100 lbs., 2nd Place in Greco-Roman

D. Spencer Brown of Specialized Wrestling Club, Schoolboy 100 lbs., 4th Place in Greco-Roman

Nolan Haycock of Champions, Schoolboy 110 lbs., 6th Place in Greco-Roman

Chase Burns of Vandit, Schoolboy 115 lbs., 4th Place in Freestyle and 5th Place in Greco-Roman

Taylor Peacock of Logan, Schoolboy 130 lbs., 2nd Place in Greco-Roman and 3rd Place in Freestyle

Jordan Ballam of Logan, Schoolboy 145 lbs., 5th Place in Greco-Roman

Austin Hansen of Elite, Schoolboy 145 lbs., 4th Place in Greco-Roman

Kaleb Moritz of Wasatch (based in Heber City), Schoolboy 145 lbs., 6th Place in Freestyle

Austin Storey of Fremont (based in Plain City), Schoolboy 185 lbs., 5th Place in both Greco-Roman and Freestyle

Kolton Cheney of North Sanpete, Cadet 84 lbs., 3rd Place in Greco-Roman, 5th Place in Freestyle

Jordan Clark of Specialized Wrestling Club, Cadet 84 lbs., 4th Place in both Greco-Roman and Freestyle

Mike Vallentine of Specialized Wrestling Club, Cadet 91 lbs., 4th Place in Greco-Roman, 6th Place in Freestyle

Jaes Jones of Specialized Wrestling Club, Cadet 98 lbs., 3rd Place in Freestyle

Martin Rubalcaba of Team Extreme (based in St. George), Cadet 105 lbs., 5th in Greco-Roman, 3rd in Freestyle

Nick Flores of Elite, Cadet 112 lbs., 4th in Greco-Roman

Collin Grant of Specialized Wrestling Club, Cadet 112 lbs., 6th in Greco-Roman

Mitch Moss of Vandit, Cadet 119 lbs., 4th in Greco-Roman, 5th in Freestyle

Mason Stott of Diamondbacks (based in Spanish Fork), Cadet 119 lbs., 6th in Freestyle

Marcus Mayeda of West (based in Salt Lake City), Cadet 125 lbs., 3rd in Freestyle

Blake Mangum of Specialized Wrestling Club, Cadet 125 lbs., 2nd in Greco-Roman

Cole Shafer of Specialized Wrestling Club, Cadet 145 lbs., 2nd in both Greco-Roman and Freestyle

Kolby Williamson of Stingers, Cadet 152 lbs., 6th in Greco-Roman, 4th in Freestyle

Dustin Martin of Weber Freestyle Wrestling Club, Cadet 160 lbs., 3rd in Freestyle

Matthew Fairbrother of Specialized Wrestling Club, Cadet 275 lbs., 2nd in Greco-Roman, 3rd in Freestyle

The Western Regional Championships is the qualifier for USA Wrestling Kids Nationals to be held this week in Green Bay, Wis.

Mountain Top Wrestling Members Seize 32 Medals,
15 Championships at the Utah Summer Games

(Sandy, Utah) May 22, 2005 _ Fourteen Mountain Top Wrestling Club (formerly Jordan Freestyle Wrestling) members traveled down to Cedar City, Ut., to compete in freestyle, Greco-Roman and folkstyle wrestling June 17_18, 2005. Of the 12 competitors in freestyle, 11 earned awards; of the 12 competing in Greco-Roman, all 12 earned medals; of the 12 competing in folkstyle, 11 earned awards. Between the three styles, 15 championships were seized.

_This was a great weekend for the guys,_ said Coach Bill Kilpack (III). _They had a few weeks off and came back hungry. This was just what they needed to kick off the rust for the big tournaments that will round out the season between now and the end of July._

Four young athletes garnered championships in all three styles: 7-year-old Skylar Orton of Midvale, Bantam (ages 7 and 8) 45 lbs.; 8-year-old Tayler Johnson of Draper, Bantam 60 lbs.; 10-year-old William Kilpack of Sandy, Midget (ages 9 and 10) 70 lbs.; and 11-year-old Tyler Jensen of West Valley City, Novice (ages 11 and 12) 60 lbs. Between the four of them, every match but two was decided by fall or technical superiority (gaining a 10-point lead).

Of the remaining seven awards earned in freestyle, one was gold, earned by Danny Huntsman of West Jordan, Junior (ages 17 and 18) 125 lbs.. Four were silver, earned by first-year wrestler Caden Maynes of West Jordan, Bantam 45 lbs.; Wesly Orton of Midvale, Novice 60 lbs.; Levi Rutledge of Sandy, Cadet (ages 15 and 16) 145 lbs.; and Jessica Osborne of Salt Lake City, Junior 105 lbs. One was a third-place bronze, earned by first-year wrestler Austin Maynes of West Jordan, Midget 60 lbs. One was a fourth-place bronze, earned by Jacob Rutledge of Sandy, Schoolboy (ages 13 and 14) 95 lbs.

Of the eight remaining medals earned in Greco-Roman, one was gold, earned by Danny Huntsman, Junior 125 lbs. Six were silver, earned by Caden Maynes, Bantam 45 lbs.; Austin Maynes, Midget 60 lbs.; Wesly Orton, Novice 60 lbs.; Jacob Rutledge, Schoolboy 95 lbs.; Levi Rutledge, Cadet 145 lbs.; and Jessica Osborne of Salt Lake City, Junior 105 lbs. One was a fourth-place bronze, earned by Justin Schwendiman of South Jordan, Midget 60 lbs.

Of the five remaining medals earned in folkstyle, one was gold, earned by first-year wrestler Tanner Orton of Midvale, Flyweight (ages 6 and under) 35 lbs. Four were silver, earned by first-year wrestler Garrick Kilpack, Flyweight 35 lbs.; Wesly Orton, Novice 60 lbs.; Jacob Rutledge, Schoolboy 95 lbs.; Levi Rutledge, Cadet 145 lbs.

Also competing in both the freestyle and folkstyle tournaments was Justin Schwendiman, Midget 60 lbs.

_The atmosphere at the Utah Summer Games is really great,_ said Coach Bill Kilpack (Jr.). _They really try to make it an Olympic-like experience, and the kids really enjoy it. The competition was good, and the wrestlers 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 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 from 5:30_7 p.m. at Jordan High School. For more information, call 641-9832, e-mail <mailto:coach@mountaintopwrestling.com>coach@mountaintopwrestling.com or visit them on the Worldwide Web at <http://www.mountaintopwrestling.com>www.mountaintopwrestling.com.

103 Utah Wrestlers Headed for Western Regional Championships

One hundred three Utah wrestlers are headed to Nevada to compete in the Western Regional Championships June 20_25, 2005, at the at the Winnemucca Event Center. The tournament, touted as one of the toughest in the country, will host athletes ranging from 9 to 16, to compete in freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. It is the qualifier for the USA Wrestling Kids Nationals to be held shortly after in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Some notable Utah competitors include 20 athletes who took state in both freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling:

Nick Rowley of Grantsville, Midget (ages 9 and 10) 60 lbs.

Dalton Harmon of Champions (based in Springville), Midget 70 lbs.

Austin Swenson of Mountain Top Wrestling Club (based in Sandy), Midget 80 lbs.

Nick Sorenson of Stingers (based in Brigham City), Midget 87 lbs.

Jacob Falk of Vandit, Novice (ages 11 and 12) 85 lbs.

Luke King of Stingers, Novice 100 lbs.

Wyatt Martinez of the Carbon Raptors (based in Price), Novice 112 lbs.

Austin Christiansen of Specialized Wrestling Club (based in Salt Lake City), Novice 140 lbs.

Carson Kuhn of Vandit, Schoolboy (ages 13 and 14) 70 lbs.

Kade Moss of Vandit, Schoolboy 80 lbs.

Raider Lofthouse of Elite (based in Kaysville), Schoolboy 90 lbs.

Nolan Haycock of Champions, Schoolboy 110 lbs.

Chase Burns of Vandit, Schoolboy 115 lbs.

Ethen Lofthouse of Elite, Schoolboy 125 lbs.

Taylor Peacock of Logan, Schoolboy 130 lbs.

Austin Storey of Fremont (based in Plain City), Schoolboy 185 lbs.

Kolton Cheney of North Sanpete (based in Mt. Pleasant), Cadet (ages 15 and 16) 84 lbs.

Jaes Jones of Specialized Wrestling Club, Cadet 98 lbs.

Matt Brown of Specialized Wrestling Club, Cadet 112 lbs.

Jason Chamberlain of Springville, Cadet 119 lbs.

These are in addition to other notable competitors, such as Bryce Jackman of the Carbon Raptors, Novice 60 lbs., who is currently the no. 5 overall ranked youth wrestler in Utah by UtahWrestling.org, a 2005 Greco-Roman state champion and 2005 state silver medalist in freestyle; William Kilpack of Mountain Top Wrestling Club, Midget 65 lbs., currently the no. 10 overall ranked youth wrestler in Utah, a 2005 Greco-Roman state champion and 2005 state silver medalist in freestyle; Derek Malan of Weber Freestyle Wrestling Club (based in North Ogden), no. 11 overall ranked youth wrestler in Utah, a 2005 freestyle state champion and 2005 state silver medalist in Greco-Roman; Brendon Turner of North Sanpete, Novice 65 lbs., no. 11 overall ranked youth wrestler in Utah, a 2005 freestyle state champion and 2005 state silver medalist in Greco-Roman; Tucker Ray of Elite, Schoolboy 90 lbs., no. 13 overall ranked youth wrestler in Utah, and 2005 state silver medalist in both freestyle and Greco-Roman; and Spencer McKay of Pony Express (based in Hyrum), Novice 60 lbs., no. 22 overall ranked youth wrestler in Utah, a 2005 Greco-Roman state champion and 2005 state silver medalist in freestyle.

Utah wrestlers competing include the following:

Chris Wengreen, Pony Express, Midget 55 lbs.

Trevor Kinross, Champions, Midget 60 lbs.

Nick Rowley, Grantsville, Midget 60 lbs.

Shand Hardy, Stingers, Midget 65 lbs.

William Kilpack, Mountain Top Wrestling Club, Midget 65 lbs.

Grant LaMont, Champions, Midget 65 lbs.

Rayden Lindley, Pony Express, Midget 65 lbs.

Jordan Wengreen, Pony Express, Midget 65 lbs.

Jake Fassold, Wasatch (based in Heber City), Midget 70 lbs.

Dalton Harmon, Champions, Midget 70 lbs.

Kaden Lindley, Pony Express, Midget 70 lbs.

Ian Moritz, Wasatch, Midget 70 lbs.

Tyler Sabey, Wasatch, Midget 75 lbs.

AJ Nichols-Perry, Wasatch, Midget 80 lbs.

Austin Swenson, Mountain Top Wrestling Club, Midget 80 lbs.

Nick Sorenson, Stingers, Midget 87 lbs.

Gerritt Bradley, Champions, Novice 60 lbs.

Bryce Jackman, Carbon Raptors, Novice 60 lbs.

Colton Walker, Specialized Wrestling Club, Novice 60 lbs.

Brandon George, Elite, Novice 65 lbs.

Korbin Levin, TUG (based in Pleasant Grove), Novice 65 lbs.

Brenden Turner, North Sanpete, Novice 65 lbs.

Morgan Sweat, Wasatch, Novice 70 lbs.

Teddy Hackford, Wasatch, Novice 75 lbs.

Logan Kinross, Champions, Novice 75 lbs.

Jacob Ribald, Team Tek (based in Sandy), Novice 75 lbs.

Rasten Yeates, Stingers, Novice 75 lbs.

Jesse Carlisle, Champions, Novice 80 lbs.

Tyson Gustafson, Novice 80 lbs.

Jace Johnson, Delta, Novice 80 lbs.

Matthew Vierkant, Champions, Novice 80 lbs.

Jacob Falk, Vandit, Novice 85 lbs.

Spencer McKay, Pony Express, Novice 90 lbs.

Matthew Tuttle, Diamondbacks (based in Spanish Fork), Novice 90 lbs.

Luke King, Stingers, Novice 100 lbs.

Wyatt Martinez, Carbon Raptors, Novice 112 lbs.

Derek Anderson, Delta, Novice 120 lbs.

Austin Christiansen, Specialized Wrestling Club, Novice 140 lbs.

Kalen Larsen, Rich, Novice 140+ lbs.

Carson Kuhn, Vandit, Schoolboy 70 lbs.

Jace Abbott, Delta, Schoolboy 75 lbs.

Connor Meadows, Specialized Wrestling Club, Schoolboy 80 lbs.

Kade Moss, Vandit, Schoolboy 80 lbs.

Kamron Day, Diamondbacks, Schoolboy 85 lbs.

Koleton Hardy, Stingers, Schoolboy 85 lbs.

Matthew Finger, Elite, Schoolboy 90 lbs.

Raider Lofthouse, Elite, Schoolboy 90 lbs.

Tucker Ray, Elite, Schoolboy 90 lbs.

Lance Argyle, Champions, Schoolboy 95 lbs.

Derek Malan, Weber Freestyle Wrestling Club, Schoolboy 95 lbs.

Michael Winger, Elite, Schoolboy 95 lbs.

Colby Barlocker, Team Extreme (based in St. George), Schoolboy 100 lbs.

Trae Bennett, Elite, Schoolboy 100 lbs.

D. Spencer Brown, Specialized Wrestling Club, Schoolboy 100 lbs.

Jake Fredrickson, Schoolboy 100 lbs.

Matthew Gallen, Specialized Wrestling Club, Schoolboy 105 lbs.

Niko Klus, West (based in Salt Lake City), Schoolboy 105 lbs.

Clint Jacob, Elite, Schoolboy 105 lbs.

Daniel Frandsen, North Sevier, Schoolboy 110 lbs.

Nolan Haycock, Champions, Schoolboy 110 lbs.

Chase Burns, Vandit, Schoolboy 115 lbs.

Taylor Lowry, Vandit, Schoolboy 115 lbs.

Chase Breinholt, Schoolboy 120 lbs.

Ethen Lofthouse, Elite, Schoolboy 125 lbs.

Taylor Peacock, Logan, Schoolboy 130 lbs.

Jordan Ballam, Logan, Schoolboy 145 lbs.

Austin Hansen, Elite, Schoolboy 145 lbs.

Kaleb Moritz, Wasatch, Schoolboy 145 lbs.

Taylor Hauser, Grapplers West, Schoolboy 165 lbs.

Tyson Larsen, Rich, Schoolboy 165 lbs.

Austin Storey, Fremont, Schoolboy 185 lbs.

Richard Petersen, Bears Den, Schoolboy 250 lbs.

Kolton Cheney, North Sanpete, Cadet 84 lbs.

Jordan Clark, Specialized Wrestling Club, Cadet 84 lbs.

Bracken Nipko, Weber Freestyle Wrestling Club, Cadet 91 lbs.

Wyatt Ray, Elite, Cadet 91 lbs.

Mike Vallentine, Specialized Wrestling Club, Cadet 91 lbs.

Jaes Jones, Specialized Wrestling Club, Cadet 98 lbs.

Martin Rubalcaba, Team Extreme, Cadet 98 lbs.

Jarrett Morrill, Pony Express, Cadet 105 lbs.

Matt Brown, Specialized Wrestling Club, Cadet 112 lbs.

Keaton Cheney, North Sanpete, Cadet 112 lbs.

Nick Flores, Cadet 112 lbs.

Collin Grant, Specialized Wrestling Club, Cadet 112 lbs.

Jason Chamberlain, Springville, Cadet 119 lbs.

Mitch Moss, Vandit, Cadet 119 lbs.

Nicko Parabo, Vandit, Cadet 119 lbs.

Torree Powell, Grantsville, Cadet 119 lbs.

Mason Stott, Diamondbacks, Cadet 119 lbs.

Jordan Layton, Mountain Top Wrestling Club, Cadet 125 lbs.

Marcus Mayeda, West, Cadet 125 lbs.

Chance Rowley, Grantsville, Cadet 125 lbs.

Kyle Walker, Cadet 125 lbs.

Courtney Bair, Sky View (based in Hyrum), Cadet 135 lbs.

Jared Smith, Cadet 135 lbs.

Cole Shafer, Specialized Wrestling Club, Cadet 145 lbs.

Kolby Williamson, Stingers, Cadet 152 lbs.

Cameron Young, Elite, Cadet 152 lbs.

Dustin Martin, Weber Freestyle Wrestling Club, Cadet 160 lbs.

Alex Sprung, Elite, Cadet 160 lbs.

Nate Carter, Team Extreme, Cadet 171 lbs.

Matthew Fairbrother, Specialized Wrestling Club, Cadet 275 lbs.

Sandy Kilpack Brothers and West Jordan's Schwendiman Seize Wrestling Gold at Gator Open

(Sandy, Utah) May 22, 2005 _ Mountain Top Wrestling Club (formerly Jordan Freestyle Wrestling) members William and Garrick Kilpack of Sandy and Justin Schwendiman of West Jordan traveled more than 550 miles to Westminster, Colo., for the Gator Open freestyle and Greco-Roman and wrestling tournament held at Standley Lake High School May 20_21, 2005. The three athletes came away with four medals, all of them gold.

"The guys did a great job," said Coach Bill Kilpack (III). "The Colorado folks have come to know us a bit the past three weeks, so it was nice to see some faces that have become a little familiar, and still meet new faces out on the mat. They came away with some very impressive wins."

Ten-year-old William Kilpack of Sandy wrestled in the Midget division (9 and 10 year olds) in the 70-pound division. He took gold in both tournaments, winning all of his his Greco-Roman matches by pin or technical fall (gaining a 10-point lead). This included beating a wrestler who is a Golden Gear Award winner (Rocky Mountain Nationals champion, a Monster Match Nationals champion, a Who's Bad Nationals champion, and a Las Vegas Nationals champion) and a gold medalist and outstanding wrestler for his age division at the Tulsa Nationals. Kilpack beat him by technical fall, with a score of 11-0. Kilpack also wrestled an athlete who is a Monster Match Nationals champion a silver medalist at the Rocky Mountain Nationals and Who's Bad Nationals. Kilpack pinned him in 24 seconds. Not a single point was scored against Kilpack in the Greco-Roman tournament. In freestyle, he pinned or teched all of his opponents, as well, allowing only two points to be scored against him.

Ten-year-old Justin Schwendiman of West Jordan wrestled in the Midget 60-pound division. He won a gold medal in the Greco-Roman tournament and finished just of out medals in the freestyle tournament.

Four-year-old Garrick Kilpack of Sandy wrestled in the Flyweight division (6 and under) in the 35-pound division. He earned a golf medal in freestyle wrestling.

"This was a nice trip," said Coach Bill Kilpack (Jr.). "Long drive, but worthwhile. It was a great facility and there was some strong competition. We have a few weeks off now, but this is a great way to finish these tournaments and lead into the big ones next month."

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 from 5:30_7 p.m. at Jordan High School. For more information, call 641-9832, e-mail <mailto:coach@mountaintopwrestling.com>coach@mountaintopwrestling.com or visit them on the Worldwide Web at <http://www.mountaintopwrestling.com>www.mountaintopwrestling.com.

Two Sandy Kilpacks and West Jordan's Schwendiman Pluck Wrestling Silver From Fountain

(Sandy, Utah) May 15, 2005 _ Mountain Top Wrestling Club (formerly Jordan Freestyle Wrestling) members William and Garrick Kilpack of Sandy and Justin Schwendiman of West Jordan traveled more than 580 miles out to Fountain, Colo., for the Fountain Grapplers Freestyle/Greco-Roman Open to compete in Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling. The tournament was held at the Fleischauer Activities Center May 13_14, 2005. The three athletes came away with five medals.

"The guys did a great job at this tournament," said Coach Bill Kilpack (III). "It seemed as if Friday the 13th was raising its head, forcing us to get there just in time to wrestle, so they started off on a bad foot _ walking straight out onto the mat _ but they came out strong. They came away with some very impressive wins."

Ten-year-old William Kilpack of Sandy wrestled in the Midget division (9 and 10 year olds) in the 70-pound division. He took second in both tournaments, winning his silver-medal match in freestyle with a 14-second fall, and his silver-medal match in Greco-Roman with a 34-second fall.

Ten-year-old Justin Schwendiman of West Jordan wrestled in the Midget 60-pound division. He won his silver-medal match in freestyle by a grueling decision, with a score of 8-7. In Greco-Roman, he took a third-place bronze.

Four-year-old Garrick Kilpack of Sandy wrestled in the Flyweight division (6 and under) in the 35-pound division. He earned a silver medal in freestyle wrestling.

"This was a nice trip," said Coach Bill Kilpack (Jr.). "Long drive, complicated by circumstances on the way out, but it was fun rewarding all the same. Trips like these help the kids grow as athletes and individuals."

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 from 5:30_7 p.m. at Jordan High School. For more information, call 641-9832, e-mail <mailto:coach@mountaintopwrestling.com>coach@mountaintopwrestling.com or visit them on the Worldwide Web at <http://www.mountaintopwrestling.com>www.mountaintopwrestling.com.

Mountain Top Wrestling Members Take 11 Medals at Scotty Platts Memorial, One Individual Award

(Sandy, Utah) April 17, 2005 _ Mountain Top Wrestling Club (formerly Jordan Freestyle Wrestling) trekked up to Lyman, Wyo., for the Scotty Platts Memorial Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling tournament held at Lyman High School April 15-16, 2005. Seven athletes earned 11 medals between the two styles, and one individual honor.

"This was a good tournament for the week after state," said Coach Bill Kilpack (III). "Our numbers were slim, with people taking a week off after state, but we still made a great showing. For team competition, we only had seven kids for a 12-man competition roster, so we finished sixth, but the margin between sixth and fourth was very slim. It was due to the outstanding individual performances that we wracked up that many team points."

Of the seven competitors in the freestyle tournament, all seven took home medals; five of those were gold, led by William Kilpack of Sandy, Midget (ages 9 and 10) 70 lbs., who defeated every opponent by pin or technical fall without allowing a single point to be scored against him. This included a 14-second fall in the first round, which earned him the Quick Pin Award for the age division, and was the second fastest pin in the tournament.

Also winning gold by pinning or teching every opponent were Draper brothers Devin and Tayler Johnson. Devin, Flyweight (ages 6 and under) 45 lbs., won each match by pin; and Tayler, Bantam (ages 7 and 8) 60 lbs., pinned or teched each of his opponents.

Also winning gold medals were Josh Wright of Taylorsville, Cadet 98 lbs., and Jessica Osborne of Salt Lake City, Junior 105 lbs.

Taking a silver medal was first-year wrestler Garrick Kilpack of Sandy, Flyweight 35 lbs. Taking a sixth-place medal was first-year wrestler Justin Schwendiman of West Jordan, Midget 60 lbs.

Of the four Greco-Roman medals earned, all were gold: Tayler Johnson, Bantam 60 lbs.; Kilpack, Midget 70 lbs.; Wright, Cadet 98 lbs.; and Osborne, Junior 105 lbs.

"Trips like this are always rewarding," said Coach Bill Kilpack (Jr.). "You get a clean slate, many of the kids wrestling people they have never met on the mat before. With that clean slate, there's no history, so they tend to just open up and go after it. It's a great measuring stick to hold up against the accomplishments so far this season."

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 from 5:30_7 p.m. at Jordan High School. For more information, call 641-9832, e-mail <mailto:coach@mountaintopwrestling.com>coach@mountaintopwrestling.com or visit them on the Worldwide Web at <http://www.mountaintopwrestling.com>www.mountaintopwrestling.com.

Mountain Top Wrestling Members Seize 35 Medals at State Championships; 14 State Champions Crowned

(Sandy, Utah) April 10, 2005 _ Mountain Top Wrestling Club (formerly Jordan Freestyle Wrestling) trekked up to Pleasant View, Ut., for the USA Wrestling Utah freestyle and Greco-Roman State Championships held at Weber High School April 9-10, 2005. Thirty-six athletes earned 35 medals between the two styles.

"This was an amazing showing," said Coach Bill Kilpack (III). "We had a first-year wrestler overcome past defeats to take state; we had a half-dozen second-year wrestlers take top honors; and most of our mainstay wrestlers stayed true to their championship form. It's really a testament to the dedication and competitive drive of these guys to keep coming out each week, learning something new at the tournaments and at practice, then implementing it to make themselves better. This was our best showing at the state tournament ever. There is an awful lot of talent in this group of young athletes. It's exciting and very gratifying to be able to help them grow and develop into great wrestlers."

Of the 36 competitors in the freestyle tournament, 22 took home medals; 16 of those 22 were in the top three places, and six were state champions. Of the 13 competing in Greco-Roman, 12 placed, with 10 coming in the top three places, and seven were state champions.

Of the 22 freestyle medals, six were gold, led by first-year wrestler Jordan Harbaugh of South Jordan, Flyweight (ages 6 and under) 40 lbs., and second-year wrestler Tayler Johnson of Draper, Bantam (ages 7 and 8) 60 lbs. Both wrestlers won every match in the tournament by fall or technical fall (gaining a 10-point lead). Harbaugh pinned all opponents but one. In that match, he came back from an 8-1 deficit to win by technical fall with a score of 20-10, outscoring his opponent 19-2 in the remainder of the match. Johnson pinned all five of his opponents, one of those falls coming in 12 seconds, and another in 13 seconds. In all, not one of Johnson's matches made it into the second round.

Also winning state championships in freestyle were Tanner Orton of Midvale, Flyweight 35 lbs., who won his championship match by fall; Beau McRae of South Jordan, Flyweight 45 lbs., who won his gold-medal match against his teammate by decision with a score of 9-5; Helaman Suesue of Salt Lake City, Flyweight 60 lbs., who won his championship match by fall; and second-year wrestler Kyler Machan of West Jordan, Midget (ages 9 and 10) 55 lbs., who won his gold-medal match by decision. Also winning state was Austin Swenson of South Jordan, Midget 80 lbs.

Taking silver medals were two wrestlers to pinned or teched all opponents to reach the finals, then lost grueling one-point decisions. William Kilpack of Sandy, Midget (ages 9 and 10) 65 lbs., pinned or teched four opponents, then lost a heartbreaking 8-7 decision in the championship match; Jordan McRae of South Jordan, Bantam 50 lbs., pinned or teched five opponents to reach the finals, then lost an equally difficult 7-6 decision.

Also taking state silver medals were first-year wrestlers Garrick Kilpack of Sandy, Flyweight 35 lbs. and Cole Moody of West Jordan, Flyweight 45 lbs.; Josh Wright of Taylorsville, Cadet (ages 15 and 16) 98 lbs.; and Jessica Osborne of Salt Lake City, Junior (ages 17 and 18) 105 lbs.

Winning third-place bronze in freestyle were Matthew Findlay of Draper, Midget 60 lbs.; Dylan Carlson of Kearns, Schoolboy (ages 13 and 14) 115 lbs.; and Danny Huntsman of West Jordan, Junior 125 lbs.

Earning fourth-place bronze medals were first-year wrestler Cole Clark of South Jordan, Bantam 60 lbs.; and Daniel Bactista of Kaysville, Novice (ages 11 and 12) 80 lbs.

Taking fifth-place bronze medals in freestyle were Tyler Schwendiman of South Jordan, Bantam 55 lbs., Tyler Jensen of West Valley City, Novice 60 lbs.; and Travis McRae of South Jordan, Schoolboy 105 lbs.

Winning sixth-place bronze medals were Riley Tatum of West Jordan, Bantam 45 lbs.; and Jordan Layton of Clearfield, Cadet (ages and 15 and 16) 125 lbs.

Of the 12 Greco-Roman medals earned, seven were gold, earned by Kyler Machan, Midget 55 lbs.; William Kilpack, Midget 65 lbs.; Austin Swenson, Midget 80 lbs.; Travis McRae, Schoolboy 105 lbs.; Jessica Osborne, Junior 105 lbs.; and Danny Huntsman, Junior 119 lbs.

Taking Greco silver were Matthew Findlay, Midget 60 lbs.; and Dylan Carlson, Schoolboy 115 lbs.

Winning third-place bronze in Greco was Tyler Jensen, Novice 60 lbs. Winning fourth-place bronze in Greco was Wesly Orton of Midvale, Novice 60 lbs. Taking fifth-place bronze in Greco was Daniel Bactista, Novice 80 lbs. Taking sixth-place bronze was Jordan Layton, Cadet 125 lbs.

Also competing in the freestyle tournament were Benjamin De La Cruz of West Valley City, Flyweight 45 lbs.; Hunter Harrington of Draper, Flyweight 45 lbs.; Devin Johnson of Draper, Flyweight 45 lbs.; Skylar Orton of Midvale, Bantam 45 lbs.; Caden Maynes of Sandy, Bantam 45 lbs.; Matt Lee of Draper, Bantam 50 lbs.; Austin Maynes of Sandy, Midget 60 lbs.; Justin Schwendiman of West Jordan, Midget 60 lbs.; Christopher Quintana of Salt Lake City, Midget 65 lbs.; Wesly Orton, Novice 60 lbs.; Brayden Schwendiman of South Jordan, Novice 60 lbs.; Mitch Penrose of Riverton, Novice 65 lbs.; and CJ Clark of South Jordan, Cadet 98 lbs.

Also competing in both the freestyle and Greco-Roman tournaments was Ray Hinnen of West Jordan, Novice 75 lbs.

"This was really an impressive accomplishment for a club with the majority of those competing being first- or second-year wrestlers," said Coach Bill Kilpack (Jr.). "All the kids have learned a lot and are applying it well on the mat. Four months ago, so many of these kids had never set foot on a mat. Some couldn't keep from crying long enough to win a match. Now they're standing on the medals podium. It's great to see this kind of development."

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 from 5:30_7 p.m. at Jordan High School. For more information, call 641-9832, e-mail <mailto:coach@mountaintopwrestling.com>coach@mountaintopwrestling.com or visit them on the Worldwide Web at <http://www.mountaintopwrestling.com>www.mountaintopwrestling.com.

Mountain Top Wrestling Members Wrangle 31 Medals at Rattlesnake Rumble

For Immediate Release
For More Information Contact Bill Kilpack (801) 641-9832

Mountain Top Wrestling Members Wrangle 31 Medals at Rattlesnake Rumble

(Sandy, Utah) March 27, 2005 < Mountain Top Wrestling Club (formerly Jordan Freestyle Wrestling) traveled down to Spanish Fork, Ut., to compete in the Rattlesnake Rumble freestyle and folkstyle wrestling tournament March 25-26, 2005, earning 31 awards. In freestyle, 23 wrestlers competed, earning 17 awards. In folkstyle, 22 athletes competed, earning 14 awards.

_This was a good time for us to get some more folkstyle in, before going to the Reno World Championships next week,_ said Coach Bill Kilpack (III). _We really pounded on folkstyle all week and it was great to see the guys implementing what they were drilling in practice."

Of the 17 freestyle awards earned, Mountain Top team members took five gold. Tanner Orton of Midvale, Flyweight (ages 6 and under) 35 lbs., won his championship match by technical fall (gaining a 10-point lead), with a score of 10-0; and first-year wrestler Jordan Harbaugh of South Jordan, Flyweight 40 lbs., won his gold-medal match by decision. Also winning gold were Helaman Suesue of Salt Lake City, Flyweight 60 lbs.; Alex Maurer of Sandy, Flyweight 55 lbs.; and Jessica Osborne of Salt Lake City, Junior (ages 17 and 18) 105 lbs.

Winning freestyle silver were three competitors. Matthew Findlay of Draper, Midget (ages 9 and 10) 60 lbs.; William Kilpack of Sandy, Midget 65 lbs.; and Tyler Jensen of West Valley City, Novice (ages 11 and 12) 60 lbs.

Taking freestyle bronze were six athletes: first-year wrestler Cole Clark of South Jordan, Bantam 60 lbs.; Skylar Orton of Midvale, Bantam 40 lbs.; Kyler Machan of West Jordan, Midget 55 lbs.; Wesly Orton of Midvale, Novice 60 lbs.; Ray Hinnen of West Jordan, Novice 75 lbs.; and CJ Clark of South Jordan, Cadet (ages 15 and 16) 98 lbs.

Winning fourth-place freestyle bronze were first-year wrestler Garrick Kilpack of Sandy, Flyweight 35 lbs.; Hunter Harrington of Draper, Flyweight 45 lbs.; and Caden Maynes of West Jordan, Bantam 45 lbs.

Of the 14 folkstyle tournament awards earned, six were gold, earned by Tanner Orton, Flyweight 35 lbs.; Helaman Suesue, Flyweight 60 lbs.; Tyler Schwendiman of South Jordan, Bantam 50 lbs.; Tayler Johnson of Draper, Bantam 60 lbs.; Matthew Findlay, Midget 60 lbs.; and Jessica Osborne, Junior 105 lbs.

Winning folkstyle silver medals were Garrick Kilpack, Flyweight 35 lbs.; Devin Johnson of Draper, Flyweight 45 lbs.; Kyler Machan, Midget 55 lbs.; William Kilpack, Midget 65 lbs.; and Wesly Orton, Novice 60 lbs.

Earning folkstyle bronze was Skylar Orton, Bantam 40 lbs.

Winning fourth-place folkstyle bronze was Cole Clark, Bantam 60 lbs.

Also competing in freestyle were Kevin Maurer of Sandy, Flyweight 45 lbs.; Tyler Schwendiman, Bantam 50 lbs.; and Austin Maynes of West Jordan, Midget 60 lbs.

Also competing in folkstyle were Benjamin De La Cruz of West Valley City, Flyweight 45 lbs.; Hunter Harrington, Flyweight 50 lbs.; Riley Tatum of West Jordan, Bantam 45 lbs.; Mitch Penrose of Riverton, Novice 65 lbs.; CJ Clark of South Jordan, Cadet 98 lbs.; and Josh Wright of Taylorsville, Cadet 98 lbs.

Also competing in both freestyle and folkstyle were Brayden Schwendiman of South Jordan, Novice 60 lbs.; and Daniel Bactista, Novice 80 lbs.

"This was a real growth experience for the kids," said Coach Bill Kilpack (Jr.). "They learned a lot of new stuff the last week or so and really put it to the test. Although we had some disappointing moments, overall, there was a lot of improvement in some key areas."

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 from 5:30_7 p.m. at Jordan High School. For more information, call 641-9832, e-mail <mailto:coach@mountaintopwrestling.com>coach@mountaintopwrestling.com or visit them on the Worldwide Web at http://www.mountaintopwrestling.com

Twenty-Five Utah Wrestlers Place at Rocky Mountain Nationals; Four Bring Home Titles

Twenty-five wrestlers from Utah placed at the prestigious Rocky Mountain Nationals folkstyle wrestling tournament held recently in Denver, Colo. Of those 25, four brought home championship trophies: Kamas' Jeff McCormick, Springville's Jason Chamberlain, Midway's Jacob Salazar, and Wasatch High School's new wrestling coach, Ben VomBaur.

"This was a very competitive tournament," said Bill Kilpack, Utah Editor for Wrestling USA Magazine and American Adrenaline Magazine. "One of the biggest folkstyle tournaments in the country, and Utah came home with honors in 23 divisions. It says a lot for the high level of wrestling in Utah."

McCormick won the title for the 10 and Under age division, at 69 lbs. He won his championship match by decision, with a score of 8-4, against Lawrence Otero of Albuquerque, NM. This followed pinning all opponents to reach the finals. McCormick wrestles with South Summit Wrestling Club.

Springville's Jason Chamberlain won the title for the 15 and Under age division, at 116 lbs. He won his championship match by major decision, with a score of 9-1, against Richard Apodaca of Denver. Chamberlain also wowed wrestling fans this year by taking a 4A state championship in dominating fashion as a freshman at Springville High School.

Salazar of Midway won gold for the 15 and Under age division, at 137 lbs. He won his championship match in a tight decision, with a score of 2-1, against Ryan Buck of Fort Morgan, Colo. Salazar also had an impressive winter wrestling season, taking second at the 3A state championships as a freshman wrestling for Wasatch High School.

Ben VomBaur, the new coach for Wasatch High School, put on a very impressive display at the tournament. He won his championship match by technical fall, with a score of 19-4 against Bradford Hunt of Oakley, Calif. He proved that, not only can he coach, but he's still got what it takes to go out on the mat competitively.

Winning second-place trophies from Utah were two athletes: Caleb Williams of Price, UT, and Jonsen Crandall of Oakley, UT. Williams took runner-up honors in the 8 and Under age division, at 50 lbs. He wrestlers for the Carbon Raptors. Crandall took second in the 15 and Under division, 81 lbs. Crandall wrestles for South Summit.

Four Utahns took third-place trophies: Connor Prescott of Kamas, 12 and Under 66 lbs.; Phillip Rutledge of Providence, UT, 18 and Under 171 lbs.; Trevor Clegg of Kamas, 18 and Under 215 lbs.; and Cade Christensen of Vernal, UT, Open 133 lbs.

Taking fourth-place bronze medals were four Utahns: Tyler Sabey of Wallsburg, UT, 8 and Under 78 lbs.; Shay McCurdy of Vernal, UT, 10 and Under 85 lbs.; Kaleb Moritz of Heber City, UT, 12 and Under 146 lbs.; and Colby Christensen of Vernal, 15 and Under 74 lbs.

Earning fifth-place bronze medals were five Utah athletes: Riley Tatum of West Jordan, UT, 6 and Under 43 lbs.; Connor Crandall of Oakley, UT, 10 and Under 73 lbs.; Brandon Woolstenhume of Oakley, UT, 12 and Under 62 lbs.; Phillip Sorensen of Spanish Fork, UT, 12 and Under 130 lbs.; and Ethen Lofthouse of College Ward, UT, 15 and Under 123 lbs.

Winning sixth-place bronze were six Utahns: Parker Kay of Spanish Fork, UT, 6 and Under 52 lbs.; Kyler Key of Elmo, UT, 6 and Under 68 lbs.; Tanner Merkley of Vernal, UT, 10 and Under 65 lbs.; Branson Ashworth of Spanish Fork, UT, 10 and Under 69 lbs.; Teddy Hackford of Heber City, UT, 10 and Under 77 lbs.; and Bracken Nipko of Pleasant View, UT, 15 and Under 88 lbs.

Wrestling USA Magazine has been the voice of national high school wrestling since 1965. For more information, see <http://www.wrestlingusa.com>www.wrestlingusa.com. American Adrenaline Magazine started in 2004, and is dedicated to becoming the national voice of youth wrestling. For more information, see <http://www.americanadrenaline.com>www.americanadrenaline.com.

Kilpack is editor of <http://www.utahwrestling.org>UtahWrestling.org, a past AAU national champion, a seven-time national silver medalist, an AAU All-American, and a member of the U.S. Pan-Am Team in Greco-Roman in an alternate position. He is Utah Editor for both Wrestling USA Magazine and American Adrenaline Magazine. He coaches an independent freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling program through Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation, Mountain Top Wrestling Club

Mountain Top Wrestling Members Seize 53 Awards, 2nd Place Team Trophy, Two Outstanding Wrestler Awards at Mountain Top Classic

(Sandy, Utah) March 13, 2005 - Mountain Top Wrestling Club (formerly Jordan Freestyle Wrestling) took the competition to its own back yard at the Mountain Top Classic at Jordan High School, March 11-12, 2005, earning 53 awards in freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. In freestyle, 50 wrestlers competed, earning 41 awards. In Greco-Roman, 13 athletes competed, all 13 earning 19 awards. The team also won the 2nd place team trophy, and two athletes were named Outstanding Wrestlers for their age divisions.

_This was the biggest tournament of the season, in both styles, and will likely not be topped this year in size or quality of competition while remaining in-state,_ said Coach Bill Kilpack (III). _It was our first time hosting a tournament, which proved very successful. But, more importantly, it got 50 of our guys to go out and compete. For many, it was their first time, and I hope this taste of success will just serve as an appetizer for them. Again, this was the most awards our guys have ever earned, topping our achievement last week, but we also had a brutal fight for the team trophy, losing out on first by a slim margin. Just as exciting, though, was that one of our first-year wrestlers was named an Outstanding Wrestler, and another was earned by an athlete who has always done well, but I think is finally starting to realize just how much talent he really has."

First-year wrestler Jordan Harbaugh of South Jordan, Flyweight (ages 6 and under) 40 lbs., was named Outstanding Wrestler for his age division. Second-year wrestler Matthew Findlay of Draper, Midget (ages 9 and 10) 60 lbs., was named Outstanding Wrestler for his age division. Mountain Top Wrestling Club was the only club to earn two of these individual awards.

Mountain Top earned the second-place team trophy with 542 points, falling behind the first-place winner by a mere 38 points.

Of the 41 freestyle awards earned, Mountain Top team members took eight gold. Tanner Orton of Midvale, Flyweight 35 lbs., won his championship match by technical fall (gaining a 10-point lead), with a score of 16-6; Jordan Harbaugh, Flyweight 40 lbs., won his gold-medal match by fall; Helaman Suesue of Salt Lake City, Flyweight 60 lbs., won his championship match with a 32-second fall; Tyler Schwendiman of South Jordan, Bantam (ages 7 and 8) 55 lbs., won his gold-medal match by fall; Kyler Machan of West Jordan, Midget (ages 9 and 10) 55 lbs., won his gold-medal match by a hard-fought decision, with a score of 9-6; Matthew Findlay, Midget 60 lbs., won his championship match with a 29-second fall; William Kilpack of Sandy, Midget 65 lbs., came back from a five-point deficit to win his championship match by decision with a score of 13-8, outscoring his opponent 11-1 in the last round.

Winning freestyle silver were six competitors. Beau McRae of South Jordan, Flyweight 45 lbs., won his silver-medal match by decision, with a score of 11-9; Devin Johnson of Draper, Flyweight 45 lbs., won his second-place match with a 44-second fall; Jordan McRae of South Jordan, Bantam 50 lbs., won his silver-medal match by technical fall, with a score of 10-0; Tyler Jensen of West Valley City, Novice (ages 11 and 12) 60 lbs., won his second-place match by decision, with a score of 7-5; Travis McRae of South Jordan, Schoolboy 105 lbs., won his silver-medal match by decision with a score of 14-12. First-year wrestler Nick Hulbert of West Valley City, also won silver.

Taking freestyle bronze were six athletes: first-year wrestler Cole Moody of West Jordan, Flyweight 45 lbs.; first-year wrestler Alex Maurer of Sandy, Flyweight 60 lbs.; Skylar Orton of Midvale, Bantam 40 lbs.; first-year wrestler Dallin Jepson of Draper, Bantam 50 lbs.; first-year wrestler Randy Stratton of Sandy, Novice 140 lbs.; and Dylan Carlson of Kearns, Schoolboy 120 lbs.

Winning fourth-place freestyle ribbons were first-year wrestler Garrick Kilpack of Sandy, Flyweight 35 lbs.; Austin Anderson of West Jordan, Bantam 50 lbs.; first-year wrestler Cole Clark of South Jordan, Bantam 60 lbs.; first-year wrestlers Justin Schwendiman of West Jordan, Midget 60 lbs.; Wesly Orton of Midvale, Novice 60 lbs.; Mitch Penrose of Riverton, Novice 65 lbs.; first-year wrestler Phillip Coté of Sandy, Novice 95 lbs.; Jordan Layton of Clearfield, Cadet (ages 15 and 16) 125 lbs.; and CJ Clark of South Jordan, Junior (ages 17 and 18) 105 lbs.

Earning fifth-place ribbons in freestyle were Matthew Lee of Draper, Bantam 50 lbs.; first-year wrestler Alex Evans of Draper, Bantam 55 lbs.; first-year wrestler Nikolas Gross of Clearfield, Bantam 60 lbs.; first-year wrestler Timothy Coté of Sandy, Midget 60 lbs.; first-year wrestler Austin Maynes of West Jordan, Midget 60 lbs.; and Jessica Osborne of Salt Lake City, Junior 105 lbs.

Earning sixth-place ribbons in freestyle were first-year wrestler Hunter Harrington of Draper, Flyweight 45 lbs.; Riley Tatum of West Jordan, Bantam 45 lbs.; first-year wrestler Colten Remington of South Jordan, Midget 70 lbs.; Ray Hinnen of West Jordan, Novice 75 lbs.; and Dillan Silver of West Jordan, Schoolboy 85 lbs.

Of the 13 Greco-Roman tournament awards earned, five were gold, earned by Kyler Machan, Midget 55 lbs.; William Kilpack, Midget 65 lbs.; Travis McRae, Schoolboy 105 lbs.; Dylan Carlson, Schoolboy 120 lbs.; and Jessica Osborne, Junior 105 lbs.

Winning Greco-Roman silver medals were Tyler Jensen, Novice 60 lbs.; and Danny Huntsman of West Jordan, Junior 125 lbs.

Earning Greco-Roman bronze were Wesly Orton, Novice 60 lbs.; Ray Hinnen, Novice 75 lbs.; and Josh Wright of Taylorsville, Cadet 98 lbs.

Winning fourth-place Greco-Roman ribbons were Matthew Findlay, Midget 65 lbs.; Daniel Bactista of Kaysville, Novice 80 lbs.; and Jordan Layton, Cadet 125 lbs.

"This was a real learning and growth experience for the team and their families," said Coach Bill Kilpack (Jr.). "They marched into what might just be their toughest Utah tournament, some coming in cold, and came out winners. On the other side, we really pulled together as a team to make the tournament run well and efficiently. I think that we all got to learn some things this weekend."

Mountain Top Wrestling Club is a nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation dedicated to providing a venue for individua