July 2, 2007: Wrestling USA Magazine

Mountain Top Wrestling Club Members Take Eight Medals at Western Regional Championships in Oregon

(Sandy, Utah) July 2, 2007 — Mountain Top Wrestling Club made the trip out to Klamath Falls, Ore., for the 11-state Western Regional Championships held at the Klamath County Fairgrounds June 18-23, 2007. Six athletes took eight medals between the freestyle, Greco-Roman and beach wrestling events, two of which won double titles amongst the best in the West.

Tayler Johnson of Draper took first in freestyle and Greco-Roman in the Midget division (ages 9 and 10) at 70 lbs. He beat every opponent by pin or technical superiority (gaining a six-point lead in two of three rounds) in both tournaments. William Kilpack of Sandy also took double titles, but in the Novice division (ages 11 and 12) at 90 lbs. He beat every opponent by pin or technical superiority in both tournaments, other than one match in freestyle, where he won the first round by technical superiority and the second round by decision.

"It was the first time we had wrestlers win titles at Western Regionals, and they did it in very dominant fashion," said Coach Bill Kilpack (III). "William and Tayler both dominated their divisions. It was something else to see opponents who had me worried before the match started just get trashed by these two. It was really amazing."

Kyler Machan of West Jordan competed at Novice 65 lbs., winning fifth place in Greco-Roman and sixth in freestyle.

This was also the second year that the event has held a beach wrestling championship. Kilpack took third in the Novice heavyweight division (90-105 lbs.) and Justin Schwendiman of West Jordan took third in the Novice lightweight division (60-70 lbs.).

"The beach wrestling is really a wild card," Coach Kilpack said. "You never know what to expect, because it's so new. But the kids were up for it. That's the kind of attitude you love to see: present them with an opportunity and they say, 'Yeah, let's do it.'"

Schwendiman also competed in freestyle and Greco-Roman at Novice 65 lbs. Competing in all tournaments was MacKelti Kilpack of Sandy, at Novice 75 lbs. in freestyle and Greco-Roman, and Novice Middleweight (70-85 lbs.) in beach wrestling. Tyler Jensen of West Valley City, Schoolboy 70 lbs., also competed in the freestyle and Greco-Roman tournaments.

"This was a great experience for the kids," said Coach Bill Kilpack (Jr.). "Some had some disappointing matches ending in close losses, but everyone came away better and stronger for the experience. Seeing them continue to grow and develop as athletes and individuals is a real pleasure."

In order to qualify for the Western Regional Championships, all six athletes had to place in the top six in the USA Wrestling-Utah State Championships held this past April in Spanish Fork. They competed against the same level of athletes from Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming. Western Regionals is the qualifier for the USA Wrestling Kids National Championships to be held in Green Bay, Wis., at the end of this week. William Kilpack will be one of two Utah athletes representing the state there.

Mountain Top Wrestling Club is a nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation dedicated to providing a venue for individuals to learn, develop and refine their athletic skills and abilities; and teaching the rules and regulations of freestyle, folkstyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. It is open to male and female athletes ages four and older who live anywhere in the State of Utah. Practices are held three days a week at Jordan High School. For more information, call 641-9832, e-mail coach@mountaintopwrestling.com or visit them on the Worldwide Web at www.mountaintopwrestling.com.