Jan. 5, 2007: Deseret Morning News

Bingham Has Sights Set on Region, State Crowns
by Michael Black

Kade Moss, a freshman in the 103-pound classification, and Mitch Moss, a junior wrestling at 130 pounds, are leading the way for the Miners wrestling team.

Both brothers will put their reputations on the line when they represent the 5A team in the All-Star Duals to be held at UVSC Jan. 9. Kade is the top-ranked competitor for 5A in his first season as a varsity team member, and Mitch is a two-time state placer, including a state title his freshman season at 103 pounds.

"They are both great technical wrestlers and have everything you need to be successful," said Miners coach Russ Paulsen. "We are counting on them to do well for us if we want to do well in region and at state."

The Miners are looking to recapture the Region 3 title this season and appear to have the wrestlers who can accomplish it. Besides the Moss duo, senior Blake Griffiths is a captain and two-time state placer that is setting the pace for the team.

"Blake is a great guy to have on the team," Paulsen said. "He is a vocal leader who tries to help his teammates and he sets a great example in the room (the practice facility).

"He is just a goer. You wind him up and away he goes. He always gives you 100 percent. He has put in his time and always brings a lot of enthusiasm. He is kind of a spark plug for the whole team," added Paulsen.

Bingham recently competed in the Reno Tournament of Champions for the first time for the school. The team placed 28th, which doesn't sound great until one considers that it is one of the best tournaments in the country and 82 teams competed in the field. Kade finished fourth, and newcomer to the team, Riley Adamson, a sophomore transfer that was a state champion as a freshman last season in Texas, finished third.

"We were pretty happy with how the team performed in Reno," Paulsen said. "For our first time there, it went well. I think we know now how to better prepare for it when we go in the future."

Bingham has more depth this year than last. Ryker Vandertoolen is a known and dangerous opponent for anyone, and the coach expects some excitement with Justin Peck and Seth Anderson. Spencer Harris has the ability and just needs to put it together according to the coach, and Spencer Paulson has been making noise in heavyweight class.

The team has been consistently improving in the in-state tournaments and is hovering around the top-five. If some of the other wrestlers continue their improvement, Paulsen feels the team could surprise some teams in the state tournament.

"We really should be the team to beat in the region, and we could be a dark horse for state," Paulsen said. "We are still lacking a little outside of our big stars, but if we get the balance of our team to perform, we could be right there."

Here is a look at how the rest of the teams in the region are forecast:

RIVERTON: The Silverwolves were a surprise last year in the region as they won the Region 3 title. Overall team depth played a big part in the win as many JV wrestlers gained valuable back-door points. The team is once again going to rely on its team depth to compete in tournaments, but that approach will be tough in duals formats. Chris Julkunen is the lone grappler ranked in the top six of any weight class right now, but the team is still learning. Russ Crump is a top-notch coach and will have the team competitive when it matters most.

WEST JORDAN: The Jaguars have several wrestlers that can get them the power points of having individuals advance far. Nicko Paraso, who finished second at state last year and was recently named to the All-Star event that features the top wrestlers from each weight class, is the star of the team. Collin Grant, Chase Burns, Jared Hall and Justin Blackmore are all ranked and dangerous opponents for anyone to match up against.

"I know that West Jordan is one of those teams that could surprise some teams," said Paulsen of the Jaguars. "I look for them to really compete in some of the tournaments."

HUNTER: Coach Craig Stauffer is excited about the potential for this year's team.

"We finished second last year as a team in the region, only six points behind Riverton. We are hoping to improve on that mark and move up one spot," he said.

The Wolverines expect some good things from Skylar Bird, Colton Griffiths and Josh Larsen. All have the potential to place both in the region and at the state meet.

COPPER HILLS: David Williams was honored by being named as the representative for the 5A team in the 215 pound weight class for the All-Star Duals and is the unquestioned leader for this young up-and-coming team. Nick Branca is the other ranked Grizzly and will be a contributor this season.

"I know that Copper Hills is building something," Paulsen noted of the Grizzlies. "They are young, but they can be tough against anyone when they reach their potential.

KEARNS: The Cougars have some work to do to in order to compete with the rest of the region. A real lack of participation has hampered the team, and until the school gets more athletes interested in taking up the sport, it will continue to struggle while it builds its numbers.