December 2005: West Jordan Journal

Wrestlers Take Top Honors at Tournament

Three West Jordan wrestlers have performed well in recent competitions.

Kyler Machan, 10, placed third at the Monster Match Nationals folkstyle wrestling tournament Nov. 6 in Denver, Colo.  Riley Taqtum, 8, placed third in the Gladiator World Championships Oct. 22 in Provo.  At that same competition, Justin Schwendiman received an Outstanding Sportsmanship Award.

At the national tournament, Kyler worked hard for his trophy.

"This was a great tournament for the guys," said Coach Wes Machan.  "Kyler lost one round early, and had to get his third place the long way by wrestling his way back through the consolation brackets.  I'm very proud of how he wrestled."

Machan is a two-time state champion, winning titles last April in both freestyle and Greco-Roman.  He finished sixth at the Gladiator World Championships in October.  In 2005, he was the Number 10 ranked Midget (ages 9 and 10) wrestler in Utah, regardless of weight.

Riley competed in the 8 and under 46 lbs. category to win his trophy, and Justin competed in the 10 and under 61 lbs.

"This was a good experience," Coach Bill Kilpack said of the Provo event, which was the first of their season.  "And I certainly hope that we get to see more tournaments like this in Utah ... ones that attract such high-caliber athletes, as well as exposing more talented Utah athletes to a more national audience."

The boys train with the Mountain Top Wrestling Club in Sandy.