Dec. 20, 2007: Tooele-Transcript Bulletin

THS Grapplers Hit Mats, Record Win
by Dylan Trujillo

The grappling Tooele High School Buffaloes wrestled in their first competition at Carbon in the Carbon Duels. They had the second most victories 7-2, right behind Carbon 9-0. After that they traveled to Payson ranked in the top five in state on Dec. 13. Tooele ended up with a final score of 37-34. In the Payson match Monte Schmalhaus and Isaac Brown were standouts who both won all their matches.

"This year's not that different," head coach Gary Coffman said. "We've got a new young coach that has been really helpful, we've been recruiting some new kids with no previous experience."

There are 14 weight classes and Tooele has some great talent filling in each bracket, along with a huge junior varsity roster in which many can compete at a varsity level. The J.V. team recently traveled to Grantsville to compete in a varsity tournament and took second on Dec. 14 and 15.

Skyline took home top honors in the Grantsville Tournament with a 7-0 record, followed by Tooele at 5-2. Many of the Tooele J.V. wrestlers took home individual medals. Thomas Manning (140) placed first in his weight class. Jesse Bissegger (130) and Austin Hansen (152) each received a second place. Jimmy Searle (125) and Zach Huntsman (171) each took home a third place finish. Ben Nelson (112), Jake Prather (119), Travis Colvin (145), Koleton Kroeger (160) and Joel Spendlove (285) each finishing fourth in their respective weight classes.

When everybody is on the mats in practices Tooele has a total of 48 wrestlers. The coaching staff is lead by Gary Coffman and the assistant coaches are Dennis Workman, Jim Burton, and Dean Wilson.

Tooele isn't going to compete at home until the Best of the West Tournament on Jan. 4 and 5. The coaches want to see some faces in the crowds.

"People need to come in watch. It is literally the only sport that gives you blood time," assistant coach Dean Wilson said. "I'm excited for the rest of the season, we've got good wrestlers, and Gary is a great coach."

Some of the wrestlers to watch are Monte Schmalhaus (13-0), Isaac Brown (13-0), and Jake Golden (9-4). The first home dual Tooele will compete in will be on Jan. 9.