March 6, 2007: Deseret Morning News

Utah County: Local Teams Hold On
by Devon Black

The 2007 prep wrestling season ended without the championship trophy Utah County teams sought, but it was still one of the better years for local teams in terms of overall competitiveness.

Although Springville, the favorite to win Class 4A, slipped to third place at the state tournament, three other Utah County schools finished in the top six in their classifications, and 46 wrestlers stood on the awards stand after placing in their individual weight classes.

The Red Devils boasted arguably the strongest lower-weight lineup in the entire state and saw Kolby Bradley (119 pounds), Logan Wilson (125), Hayden Petersen (130) and Jason Chamberlain (140) all win state in Class 4A, with Jacob Rawle (135) finishing second. But Springville's depth ended up being its liability, and the team slipped to third place for the second consecutive year.

Just behind Springville, Lehi tied for fourth place and Payson came in sixth. The Pioneers were the surprise local team and had a balanced lineup with strengths throughout the weight classes.

"You always want more," said Lehi coach Dan Rice. "But I'm happy. Overall the kids did well. It looks good for next year as well. We have a tradition of being a good team."

After a disappointing 2006 season, Payson rebounded this year and reasserted itself as one of the strongest programs in the county. Jace Harmon (135) was Payson's highest placer at third.

After a fifth-place finish last year, Provo fielded a younger lineup and slipped to 14th place, with David Ojuka (160) finishing second.

Once again, Pleasant Grove proved to be the top Utah County team in Class 5A. Lone Peak was pegged to unseat the Vikings at region and make a legitimate run at a top placing in the state tournament, but Pleasant Grove ran away with the region championship and finished fourth at state.

Struggling to live up to expectations, Lone Peak fell to eighth place, just ahead of ninth-place Spanish Fork.

The Dons hung their hats on a second-place region finish and, like neighboring Payson, rebounded after a tough 2006 season and reasserted itself as a future contender.

"I'm just really impressed with my own kids," said Spanish Fork coach David Clarke. "They've just come on this year and done a great job. They got better every week. The kids have stayed with me and worked really hard. We only lose two seniors."