BOUNTIFUL — The Viewmont Vikings wrestling team will try to do something it has never done. Win its own tournament. Although Viewmont has captured four 5A state titles and finished second last year, it has never won the annual Viewmont Invitational.“It’s just one of those weird things,” said first-year coach Brandon Ripplinger. “But I think part of the reason is due to the competition at this tournament. A lot of these in-season tournaments, like Layton two weeks ago, are actually tougher than the state tournament.”

Much of the reason is due to the fact that many of the best teams from the different divisions take part in tournaments like the Viewmont Invitational.

The 2007 Viewmont Invitational includes the host Vikings, which finished second in 5A last year. Bingham, the third-place finisher at 5A who beat the Vikings at the Layton Invitational, Davis, Layton are some of the larger schools in attendance.

“What’s real interesting is that we have the best 4A teams coming here,” Ripplinger said.

In fact the top four finishers from last year’s 4A state tournament will be competing this weekend.

Mountain Crest, Box Elder, Springville, with no. 1 nationally ranked 145-pounder Jason Chamberlain and Cyrus will all vie for the title.

Last year’s 2A champion Millard High will return to defend its title. Millard came in and dominated the Viewmont Invitational last year.

“Of course every year things change, but these are still some of the best teams in Utah,” Ripplinger said.

Bountiful High School is also participating and has Tonga Toko, 4A runner-up last year at 215.

Layton boasts 189-pounder returning 5A champion Adam Fager, while Davis has several strong returning athletes.

One of the toughest weight classes this weekend will be 112 where nationally ranked Nate Larsen from Viewmont will have fellow nationally ranked Raider Lofthouse of Mountain Crest and Ryker Vandertoolen of Bingham.

“There are so many great wrestlers coming here this weekend that anyone who loves the sports should take time to come by.”