Jan. 4, 2005: The Standard Examiner

Prep Wrestling: Host Weber Snags Warrior Duels Title
by Standard Examiner Staff

When BYU's wrestling program shut its doors in 2000, a victim of Title IX mandates, high school wrestlers throughout the state were all of a sudden left without a place to take their talents.

In an attempt to keep wrestling in the state, the Utah Amateur Wrestling Foundation was organized. The UAWF petitioned Utah Valley State College to start a wrestling program, and it has been busy ever since raising money to make sure that the program stays solvent.

Proceeds from the Utah All-Star Dual will go directly to the wrestling program at UVSC. The event also give the top prep wrestlers in Utah a chance to be seen by other college scouts.

"We are a tax-exempt foundation created specifically to further wrestling in Utah. Our No. 1 task was to restore wrestling in the state after BYU dropped it," UAWF president Ross Brunson said. "Our goal was to get a wrestling team at UVSC so that Utah kids wouldn't have to go out of state. Our main thrust and focus is to donate money to UVSC because it is the only wrestling program left in the state."

The Utah All-Star Dual was started four years ago, and it has evolved into a legitimate showcase for the best wrestling talent in the state. Wednesday, 32 of the top wrestlers from all classifications throughout the state, including 10 from the Top of Utah, will be participating in the fifth annual event to be held at 7 p.m. at UVSC's McKay Events Center.

"We look at this event as an opportunity for some kids to put themselves in a position to receive a college scholarship. Coaches are fighting to get their kids in this event. Outside of the state tournament, it is the biggest wrestling event in the state," Brunson said.

One of those taking part in the all-star event is Ogden's Zach Mau, who finished third last year at the state 3-A tournament at 125 pounds.

"It means a lot to me to be selected for the All-Star Dual. I've seen it before, and I've seen a lot of great wrestlers, and to be part of that is a big honor for me," Mau said. "I thought my coach (Brad Meyer) was kidding me when he told me I was picked. I'm not doing anything different to prepare, but I do want to show that the smaller schools are just as good as the larger schools."

WEDNESDAY'S LINEUP: The format pits 4-A and 5-A schools against 1-A, 2-A and 3-A schools.

Other local wrestlers taking part are Weber's Shay Warren, who will go up against Uintah's Levi Mele at 112 pounds. Aaron Ross, also from Weber, will tangle Lehi's Rodney Sager at 125. Davis' Sean Porter is pitted against North Sanpete's Jake Swensen at 130.

In a pair of matches involving locals, Shay Lawrence of Viewmont and Mau of Ogden will take the mat at 135, and Box Elder's Casey Fromm and Morgan's Josh Wilson will tange at 145.

At 152, Box Elder's John Johnson will meet Colton Camp of North Sevier, Phillip Rutlege of Mountain Crest will go up against Uintah's Phillip Keddy at 171, and at 189 Brett Boyce of Box Elder will meet Uintah's Jared McCurdy.