March 2007: West Valley Journal

Wolverines Win Region Wrestling Title; Cyprus Takes Second in Region 6
by Josh McFadden
 

Earlier this season, Hunter wrestling coach Craig Stauffer knew his team had a shot to take the region championship. Though his squad had tough meets against region favorites Bingham and West Jordan, the longtime Wolverine coach felt his pupils would come through when it mattered most.

They did just that.

Hunter capped off the 2006-07 campaign with an impressive showing at the Region 3 tournament at Bingham High school. The Wolverines edged out the host Miners for the title, racking up 359 points to Bingham’s 332.5. On their way to the title, several Wolverines picked up individual honors.

“This isn’t a team of superstars,” Stauffer said. “We just have good kids who work hard.”

Though only two Hunter wrestlers won their individual weight classes, 11 others had top-four finishes, helping the team pick up valuable points. Junior Jake Sneddon captured the 160-pound title by defeating Bingham’s Spencer Harris. Sneddon’s teammate, senior Skyler Bird, took first in the 189-pound weight division. Of the 11 other placers, two came from Hunter’s JV squad. Freshman Carlos Ramirez placed fourth in the 103-pound class and junior Juan Donis came in second in the 152-pound division.

As he predicted earlier in the season, Stauffer said the team’s depth helped carry it to victory.

“In region you can take two wrestlers from each weight class,” he said. “We have some good JV wrestlers. The JV team really helped us all year.”

Of Hunter’s 14 varsity competitors, 11 placed in the top four at region. In addition to Sneddon, Bird, Ramirez and Donis, the Wolverines’ other placers were:  Dominic Ek, Chase Mecham, Michael Daniels, Kenny Jackson, Braden Wamsley, Colton Griffiths, Romeo Drawn, Chris Hall and Josh Larsen. Only Hall, Bird and Larsen graduate this season, meaning Hunter will be loaded next season.

The state tournament was held Feb. 7-9 at Utah Valley State College after we went to press.

On the 4A side, another local team made a good showing at its respective region tournament, although this time the result wasn’t quite what the team anticipated. Cyprus entered the region tournament expecting to win the title. The team boasted the talent and depth to accomplish that goal. Even opposing coaches knew the Pirates were the odds-on favorite.

“Cyprus entered the tournament as heavy favorites to win,” said Olympus head coach Theros Johnson. “We knew they’d be tough to beat.”

Indeed, it was Olympus that edged out the Pirates for the region crown, winning 320.5-309 over Cyprus. The Pirates led after the first day of competition and still had the advantage late in the meet until Olympus pulled away in the last two matches.

A trio of Pirates won individual championships. Coby Williams was first in the 119-pound class, Matt Brown won in his 135-pound division and Keith Williams came out on top in the 140-pound division. Brown wrapped up a stellar region season without a loss.

Cody Kipp and Ethan Jones were runners-up at the meet. Justin Stratton, Chase Sudbury, Anthony Montano, Aaron Jolley, Matthew Gonzales, Justin Dennis, David Hamilton and Thomas Kane each placed fourth in their respective weights.

The 4A state tournament was also held Feb. 7-9 at UVSC.