Dec. 9, 2003: Deseret Morning News

Can Anyone Pin Spanish Fork?
by Steve Schaack

Will anyone stop the Spanish Fork wrestling team from repeating as 4A state champion?

Utah Valley high school wrestling coaches say no.

"I'd say they're almost unbeatable," Provo coach Brian Preece said. "I think they are on the verge of being a dynasty."

Last year's state 4A championship generated a great deal of excitement around the school, and with six returning wrestlers back, the excitement should continue this year.

"It has made the team more ambitious to do it again," Spanish Fork coach Layne Shepherd said. "The team would like to repeat, and they've set it as a team goal."

The one person who is key in Spanish Fork's recent wrestling success is John Allan. Allan currently works with 91 junior high wrestlers in the Spanish Fork area.

"He keeps me supplied with good young wrestlers," Shepherd said. "We have a great junior high program."

This year's Spanish Fork squad is led by returning state champions Jeb Clark (145) and Dave Beagley (119). Garrett Elliott (215) and Jason Warner (112) were state runner-ups last year. Shepherd said he also expects a lot out of 189-pounder Chris Baert.

The depth of Shepherd's junior varsity team will be a key factor in the Don's success this year.

"My JV depth is really strong," he said. "We have a lot of young kids who could go to state."

Said Lone Peak coach Lyle Mangum: "Their JV program is better then a lot of varsity teams."

While Spanish Fork is expected to rule Region 6, many coaches predict Provo to fare well at state. Provo lost one of its top wrestlers, Travis Ayoso, to a career-ending neck injury. Clay Taylor (140), Nathanial Holt (135), Braeden Woodger (130), Sean D'Haenens (152) and P.K. Haws (171) are expected to lead the Bulldogs this year.

"They're going to be pretty solid," Shepherd said. "Coach Preece seems to always have a way of sneaking up on people."

Shepherd also added that Payson has a handful of individuals who will be extremely tough.

Possibly the toughest region in the state is Region 7. Timpanogos, Lone Peak, Mountain View, Orem and Pleasant Grove all have shots at finishing high in the state meet.

Most coaches predict Pleasant Grove and Lone Peak as the teams to beat because both are extremely deep.

Matt Hayes (119), Matt Carpenter (160), Zeke Mendenhall (171) and Cody Flake (140) are just a few of the wrestlers that Mangum will count on this year.

"We're shooting to be top four as a team," the Lone Peak coach said. "Our highest finish has been fifth. If our young kids place we should be in the top four."

Mangum also feels Timpanogos will be right up there since it returns Chase Walker, Randy Callicoat and McKay Sanderson, all state champions in their individual weight classes last year.

Orem returns three wrestlers who advanced to the state championship match last year. Mark Freeman (heavyweight), Kyle Robins (140) Andy McCoy (119) and Casey Fehlberg (135) are expected to carry the load for the Tigers.

Freeman is a two-time state champion but lost in the finals last year. Robins and Fehlberg also fell in last year's finals.

"Our region from top to bottom is tough," Mangum said. "It will be whoever stays healthy."

In 3A, Lehi is expected to finish in the top three.

"Lehi has a great team," Orem coach Cole Kelley said. "They won't catch Wasatch, but they will be one of the top few teams."