Dec. 28, 2006: The Salt Lake Tribune

Davis Targets Region 1 Powers
by John Renshaw

"Our region is amazing," said Davis three-time defending state champion Sean Porter. "It's real tough, but I think we have a real solid team this year, and if we can stay healthy, we'll have a shot at the [region] title."

To reach its goal, Davis will have to knock off last season's 5-A state champ Weber and runner-up Viewmont.

"Those are two great programs . . . we're trying to catch up with them," Davis coach Allen Porter said. "I think it's Weber's to lose and for us to compete, unity will be the key. Basically, I stress to the kids not to be an individual: Don't let the seniors take off and win on their own. We need to remain focused and pull each other along to succeed."

The 2006-07 season will be a last-chance effort for three seniors to capture an elusive state title. Along with Porter, Josh Baker (135 pounds), and Austin Taylor (189) have helped lead the Darts to respectable finishes in the past, but they're not satisfied.

"Before, we would be good through the middle of the season, but never finished strong enough and eventually came up short. But this year's different, you can see a difference in practice and meets. We're more focused and motivated," Taylor said. "We feel like its our turn this year . . . if we stay healthy, I think we've got a tough team to beat."

Taylor, 16-2 with a No. 3 ranking entering the week, continues to make matches difficult for his opponents with quick feet and mobility. Baker - who's looking to rebound after last year's disappointing season when he sat out half-the-year due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament - rounds out the trio. He tore the ACL while attending a wrestling camp in the summer of 2005.

"It was real tough to be watching instead of competing last year," he said. "But it would be nice to go out on top. I think we got a real good team this year and if we all do our part, I think we can win state."

Baker (16-4) is an example to everyone on and off the mat.

"He fights through so much adversity, no matter what happens, no matter what the struggle is, he'll find a way to fight through it. It's why we named him a team captain this year," Allen Porter said.

The trio has seen its fair share of trials. They've known each other since elementary school and developed a real sense of brotherhood amongst each other.

"We all grew up together . . . we've developed a special bond over the years and its the closest I've been to a team," Sean Porter said.

Friendship aside, the trio agrees this is the year to cement their legacy. To accomplish their goals an extra emphasis in work ethic now defines a Davis practice.

"It's awesome, everyone pushes each other to the limit and it becomes real competitive," Baker said.

But Taylor understands the seniors alone can't carry the Darts.

"We're going to need a lot of support from our sophomores and juniors to compete at a high level, it's a team effort," Taylor said.

The Darts will depend on junior Tanner Porath (135) and sophomore Zack Baker (112) to ease the load. Porath is off to his best start at 18-3 and wasn't necessarily counting on personal success this early in the season.

"Things are going pretty good, it's sort of a surprise to be fighting for a place in region," he said.

Zack, who's following in his brother Josh's footsteps, ranks second in state behind Viewmont's Nate Larson.

"I don't like losing, I learn a lot in practice by watching the seniors. I'm honored to be ranked and look forward to facing Viewmont's No. 1-ranked Larson, he's a tough kid," Zack said.

Said Allen Porter: "Tanner's got a unique style to his game, he's got a lot of technique. And when he gets on top the opponent's in real trouble. With Zack, he's more of a quiet leader . . . we call him 'little coach.' But he's one of those kids who won't concede to anything, he refuses to give up any points."

Team goals aside, Sean has an opportunity to accomplish what only 15 prep wrestlers have ever been able to do in Utah history: become a four-time state champion. At 19-1 with a No. 1 ranking, he's on pace to cap off an outstanding amateur career.

"I try not to think about it, I think more about hanging with friends and is our team getting better," Sean said. "With this group being in its last year together, it's not about one person - it's a team game and we want to take advantage of the opportunities we have and enjoy our remaining time together as teammates."