Nov. 28, 2003: Vernal Express

Ute Wrestling to host Annual Red and White Event

The Uintah Ute wrestling team will be hosting their annual "Red and White" wrestle-off competition on Dec. 2. The event provides an opportunity for the community to get a preseason preview of the wrestling program, settles team varsity position spots for the first part of the season and provides a funding boost to the team. According to Coach Gregg Stensgard, the program will begin at 6 p.m. in the Uintah High School gymnasium and continue until all weight classes are settled.

"We have several weights that are full and will likely include three athletes," Stensgard said. Returning wrestlers will be given a bye in the first round and others who want to compete at the same weight will have to wrestle their way in. The winner of the early round will then face the returning wrestler for the final match that will determine who gets the starting varsity position. "This will only be the first of several wrestle offs," said Coach Stensgard. "It will get us started on the season." He said that future challenges at each weight will be held in the wrestling room. "People will probably be changing weight classes and positions as the season goes on," Stensgard continued.

After the Utes settle the varsity positions at the Red and White competition, they will divide the team and travel to tournaments. The varsity team will be in Delta for a duel on Thursday, Dec. 4 then remain and compete in the Millard duels on Friday and Saturday. The Millard duels will provide about 10 individual matches for each weight according to Coach Stensgard. The junior varsity squad will meet Duchesne High School wrestlers then travel to Evanston, Wyo. for a tournament on the weekend.