Dec. 28, 2004: The Salt lake Tribune

Prep Wrestling Notes: Family Ties Lead to Success at Davis

Davis High's wrestling program is a family affair this season, and the setup seems to be working out well on the mat.

A victory at the Viewmont Invitational last week established the Darts as one of the best teams in Class 5-A. Before last weekend, the highest finish for Davis at the Viewmont tournament was fourth place.

But now that coach Alan Porter has both of his sons on board, the Darts are on the rise. Sophomore Sean Porter won an individual title at 130 pounds, making it two championships in a row after winning at the Rocky Mountain Rumble on Dec. 11.

"We talk about it a lot at home," Sean said. "It makes me push a little harder."

Alan's other son, Neal Porter, now is an assistant coach for the Darts. Neal, who has just returned home from an LDS Church mission, also wrestled for the Darts.

"It helps a lot with the team, having Neal around," Sean said.

"This is the best team I've coached at Davis, and I've been here for 17 years," Alan said. One reason for the Darts' success is Todd Squires, a move-in from Florida and an addition that filled a big hole in Davis' lineup. A 135-pound senior, Squires took fifth place at state in Florida last year.

Reno Tournament Rewind

Utah coaches agree: This year's Reno tournament was more difficult than it has been.

"It might have been just a little bit tougher this year," Box Elder coach Mike Ripplinger said. Lehi coach Dan Rice said, "The competition this year was a lot tougher than in the past."

Maybe Wasatch should not feel too bad about falling short by four points and taking second. The Wasps placed five wrestlers in the top eight, including victories at 140 pounds from Cyler Sanderson and 275 from Dallin Norton. Casey Smith (112) took fourth, Tyrel Sweat (145) took seventh and Jordan Smith (160) took eighth.

But Wasatch wrestlers were not the only ones standing out. As a team, Box Elder took 13th place. It was the Bees' lowest finish in Reno, having taken eighth place in two consecutive years, but they placed three wrestlers in the top six. In both of their other trips to Reno, they placed two.

Caleb Isom was the Bees' top finisher, taking fifth place at 112 pounds. Casey Fromm (145) and Brett Boyce (189) each took sixth place.

Lehi took 24th place after taking 13th last year and 24th in 2002. The Pioneers' victory at 145 pounds was especially remarkable, considering that Tyson Thompson beat Matt Lopez of Sunnyside, Ariz., the No. 1-ranked wrestler in the country at that weight, in the semifinals.
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