March 2007: South Valley Journal

Riverton Wrestlers Finish Fine Season on the Mats
by Skyler Hutchison

Every year since the school opened in 1999, the Riverton High wrestling team has finished in the top 10 at the state tournament. This year, however, senior captain Chris Julkenen, 145 pounds, with a record of 28-4, was the lone Silverwolf who managed to place, ending up fourth at the tournament held Feb. 7 to 9.

At the region tournament, Riverton entered just two wrestlers in a couple of the weight divisions. (The region rules allow each school to enter only two wrestlers into each weight division.)

Nevertheless, the Silverwolves had a great regular season.

“We really worked hard at it as a team,” said senior captain Lane Gardner. They took first place at the Clash of the Titans tournament held at Hunter High on Jan. 9 and placed second behind Springville at the Best of the West tournament held at Tooele High on Jan. 5 and 6. At the region tournament, they placed fourth.

“We felt like we had a good season if you look at what we did as a team,” said head coach Russ Crump. “I felt like this year’s team was as good as we have had in the past, but we just fell short of our region goal and our goal of being in the top 10 as a team in the state tournament.”

Despite their disappointing experience at the state tournament, the Silverwolves enjoyed a few solid wins throughout the season. They beat Copper Hills 78-12 on Jan. 18, also keeping Hillcrest scoreless while putting up a huge 81 on the scoreboard Jan. 19 and 20 at a 5A dual meet. They also kept Kearns at 9 points while going on to score 69 as a team in a Dec. 14 faceoff.

Five Riverton wrestlers made it to the finals at the region championships. Julkenen took first in his weight class. Senior Keltson Blackburn, at 152 pounds with a record of 27-4, also took first at region, as did senior Brandon Molder at 179 pounds with a record of 21-9. Keltson went undefeated within the region and went unpinned throughout the entire regular season.

“I just stayed aggressive and worked hard, I worked for it,” he said.

Juniors Zach Ogden at 103 pounds, with a record of 21-11 and Eli Fielden at 189 pounds, with a record of 15-7, both also took second place at region.