Jan. 26, 2006: Wrestling USA Magazine

Mountain Top Wrestling Club Takes 19 Medals, 4 Championships, 2 Team Trophies at US Folkstyle Nationals

(Sandy, Utah) Jan. 26, 2006 — Mountain Top Wrestling Club members recently traveled to Richfield, Ut., to compete in the US Folkstyle Nationals. Twenty-six athletes competed, with 19 placing, four winning titles and the team winning team trophies in two age divisions.

"This was a great tournament for the guys," said Coach Bill Kilpack (III). "We had so many guys just really step up and show everyone — not just in Utah, but in the country — what they are capable of. Placing 19 of 26 is a big deal, but we also had four win it and three more take silver medals. The team trophies are just gravy; further recognizing these guys for all their hard work."

Four athletes came away titles, led by William Kilpack of Sandy, 10 and Under 76 lbs., who won every match by fall, without an opponent scoring a single point against him; and Beau McRae of South Jordan, 6 and Under 49 lbs., who won his championship match by fall. Brothers Hayden and Brigg Butler of Saratoga Springs, each won titles, Hayden at 8 and Under 52 lbs., winning his championship match by a 14-1 decision; and Brigg, 10 and Under 70 lbs., who who won his title with a 14-2 decision.

Three wrestlers earned silver medals: Tanner Orton of West Jordan, 6 and Under 37 lbs., who made it to the finals with a last-second takedown, winning 8-7; Riley Tatum of West Jordan, 8 and Under 46 lbs., who made it to the finals by pinning his opponent in the semifinals, then lost a wrenching 9-8 decision in the finals; and Tayler Johnson of Draper, 8 and Under 61 lbs., who made it to the finals with a 15-second fall in the semifinals.

Two young athletes took 3rd place medals: Tyler Jensen of West Valley City, 12 and Under 64 lbs.; and and Jake Ribald of Draper, 12 and Under 88 lbs.

Three wrestlers took 4th place medals: Garrick Kilpack of Sandy, 6 and Under 37 lbs.; Tyler Schwendiman of South Jordan, 8 and Under 55 lbs.; and Cort Butterfield of Sandy, 12 and Under 110 lbs.

Two wrestlers took 5th place medals: Devin Johnson of Draper, 6 and Under 46 lbs.; and Wesly Orton of West Jordan, 12 and Under 64 lbs.

Taking 6th place medals were Justin Schwendiman of West Jordan, 10 and Under 61 lbs.; Nick Hulbert of West Valley City, 10 and Under 90 lbs.; Brayden Schwendiman of South Jordan, 12 and Under 64 lbs.; Reid Butterfield of Sandy, 12 and Under 105 lbs.; and Travis McRae of South Jordan, 15 and Under 125 lbs.

These accomplishments accumulated points for Mountain Top Wrestling Club in the team competitions, earning the Championship trophy for the 6 and Under division; and the Runner-Up trophy for the 8 and Under division.

"This was very exciting for us, to take 1st Place and 2nd Place Team Trophies at a national tournament like this," said Kilpack. "The guys really showed their stuff. It was a good day, pretty much for everyone."

"This was a good experience," said Coach Bill Kilpack (Jr.). "They got to travel down to Richfield, play in the pool, hang out with their teammates, and show what they're capable of on the mat. I'm sure that many of them will remember this experience for the rest of their lives. We're very proud of the kids."

Mountain Top Wrestling Club is a nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation dedicated to providing a venue for individuals to learn, develop and refine their athletic skills and abilities; and teaching the rules and regulations of freestyle, folkstyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. It is open to male and female athletes ages four and older who live anywhere in the State of Utah. Practices will resume at the beginning of next season in January 2006 at Jordan High School. For more information, call 641-9832, e-mail coach@mountaintopwrestling.com or visit them on the Worldwide Web at http://www.mountaintopwrestling.com.