Dec. 9, 2003: Deseret Morning News

Some Classes are Tight; Others are Wide Open
by Michael Black

It's that time of year where every calorie counts. Keeping track of what is eaten and stepping on the scale every day to see the good or bad news. We're not talking about those couple of extra holiday pounds but "making weight" for the next match. High school wrestling is upon us, and the workouts and practices are beginning to pay off. A couple of classifications are wide open, while a couple look to have a lock on the championship. Although the action will be decided on the mats, here is a look at some of the projections.

CLASS 5A
The Viewmont Vikings look like the team to beat. With two returning state champions — Shay Lawrence and Landon Essig — and five other returning place winners from last year, the outlook is very good. The Vikings will also get a boost from Brady Smoot, who returns to the lineup after an injury ended his season early last season (he was undefeated before Christmas and the injury). "We are about as good as we have ever been," said coach Bart Thompson.

Brighton has been a perennial contender. This year is no exception. Talon Knox is ranked number one, and teammates John Moore, Jimmy Oglivia, Bryce Bartel and Kevin Clark are all within the top three.

Region 2 is not a lock for the Bengals, however. Riverton, West Jordan and Alta all have the wrestlers to take the top spot. In Region 1 Fremont is still the defending champ until someone knocks them off, and Weber is ready and willing should the Vikings or Silverwolves slip.

CLASS 4A
The best wrestler in this classification may be Mountain Crest's Luke Lofthouse. Lofthouse had won 83 consecutive matches coming into this season including two straight state titles. He and fellow Mustang Josh Burett make the team contenders alone, but lack of depth may keep the Mustangs from winning it all.

The Spanish Fork team that won the state title in a runaway last year returns two state champions in Jeb Clark and Dave Beagley, and Jason Warner and Garrett Elliot both finished second a year ago. The Dons are the team that most coaches feel are the preseason favorites.

Orem has two-time state champion Mark Freeman and a host of returnees that should make the Tigers especially tough in a dual meet, and Box Elder, Lone Peak and Logan all figure to improve on last year's finish.

CLASS 3A
Chris Blair has the unenviable task of replacing a wrestling legend in the state of Utah. He is taking over the job of Wade Discher, who has manned the coaching job at Wasatch for the past few years. Discher led the Wasps to several state titles, and his teams have dominated 3A recently. The good news for Blair is he has several returning state champions and the depth to be the best team in the state regardless of classification.

"We've got great balance from top to bottom. We have a bunch of kids that like to work hard, and when you get that, they all get better and perform the way champions should," said Blair. "I am excited for the challenge of turning out a top team. Yes, there is a little pressure because of expectations, but we will be ready."

Should the Wasps stumble, Lehi returns a couple of state champs and Uintah returns seven wrestlers that placed in the state tournament last year.

CLASS 2A
When it comes to wrestling in the 2A classification, two words come to mind: Millard Eagles. The team from Fillmore has dominated the state in recent years, and not just for 2A.

"We think we can keep competitive in all of Utah, not just in the 2A rank," said coach Marshall Sheriff. "We have some high expectations. We return nine state places back."

That is nine places from a team that had double the point total of its nearest competition last year. Sheriff says that returning champions Clint Monsen, Paul Monroe and Mark Pentz set a great example in practice and that the rest of the team follows.

Juab should field a competitive team, and Richfield returns a team that includes five wrestlers that placed at the state meet. San Juan returns champion Robert Sanders and runner-up Paul Sanders but lacks the overall depth to compete for a state title.

CLASS 1A
Wayne is still the team to beat. The defending champions return four individuals that finished no worse than second at state last year. Defending champ Robert Morrill will be a thorn in 1A coaches' side for years to come as he is only a sophomore. Panguitch was the runner-up last season and would love to reverse the rolls this year. Mykel Walsh was the champion last year and looks to anchor the team in this his senior year. Piute is also looking to improve on the team's third-place finish and will pin its hopes on Tyler Allen and Robert Porter, who were both runners-up last year.