Dec. 20, 2003: The Salt Lake Tribune, Tooele Star new Leader in Wins
by Peter Richins

Tooele wrestler Andrew Hochstrasser ventured into new territory at the Reno (Nev.) Tournament of Champions on Friday.

Against some of his toughest opposition this year, Hochstrasser won three straight matches to break a Utah high school record. He now has 144 career victories.

Hochstrasser broke the record of 141 wins, set by Jeff Newby of Box Elder in 2002. Newby won four state titles, something three-time champion Hochstrasser can also do.

Also, the Wasatch Wasps of Heber City ended the first day of competition at Reno with a commanding 124 1/2-102 lead lead over second-place Poway, Calif. Wasatch last won the tournament in 1999.

Hochstrasser has said breaking the record is not his primary goal for this year. Rather, the 130-pound senior says he hopes to finish the year undefeated. He has lost only seven matches in his career, one of which was at last year's Reno tournament, where he took second place at 119 pounds.

Hochstrasser set the record by beating Aaron Alexander of Anderson, Calif., in the first round. He then beat Reese Christopher of Carson City, Nev., and Alan Canizalez from El Cahon, Calif. Today, Hochstrasser faces Noomis Jones of Pomona, Calif., in the quarterfinals.