Members of Jordan Freestyle Wrestling, a Sandy-based club, competed in the Lehi freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling tournament held at Lehi High School March 12­13 and took 18 medals between the two styles. Four of the five competitors in the Greco-Roman tournament held Friday night brought home medals; 14 of the 23 competitors in the freestyle tournament Saturday placed.

"This was a great week of growth for the guys," said Jordan Freestyle Wrestling Coach Bill Kilpack (III). "We had a bunch of the wrestlers pay back past losses, showing how well they are refining their skills and just having a better sense of what wrestling is all about. There were even three coming out to their first tournament after a very short time with the club, and two of them placed. It was very exciting to see."

Of the 14 freestyle medals earned, Jordan Freestyle Wrestling team members took three gold, all closing the day with quick pins. Connor Montgomery of Riverton, Bantam (ages 7 and 8) 60 lbs., won his championship match with a 27-second fall; William Kilpack of Sandy, Midget (ages 9 and 10) 60 lbs., won his championship match with a 32-second fall; and Ray Hinnen of West Jordan, Midget 70 lbs, won his championship match with a 16-second fall.

Winning silver were four competitors. First-year wrestler Taylor Johnson of Draper, Bantam 55 lbs., won his silver-medal match by decision with a score of 12-5; first-year wrestler Matthew Lee of Draper, Bantam 40 lbs., won his silver-medal match by technical fall, with a score of 13-3; first-year wrestler Tyler Schwendiman of South Jordan, Bantam 45 lbs., won his silver-medal match by fall; and Wesly Orton of Midvale, Midget 50 lbs., won his silver-medal match by technical fall, with a score of 14-2.

Taking bronze medals were seven athletes: first-year wrestler Andrew Phelps of West Jordan, Flyweight 40 lbs.; first-year wrestler Austin Anderson of West Valley City, Flyweight 45 lbs.; first-year wrestler brothers Noah Hassell, Flyweight 50 lbs., and Hayden Hassell, Bantam 55 lbs., of Draper; Austan Hinnen of West Jordan, Bantam 55 lbs.; Tanner Eddington of Sandy, Midget 95 lbs.; and Colton Montgomery of Riverton, Schoolboy (ages 13 and 14) 100 lbs.

Of the four Greco-Roman medals earned, three were gold, earned by William Kilpack, Midget 60 lbs.; Ray Hinnen, Midget 70 lbs.; and Daniel Bactista of Kaysville, Novice (ages 11 and 12) 70 lbs. Taking silver was Tennessee Suesue of Salt Lake City, Midget 103 lbs.

Also competing from Jordan Freestyle Wrestling in the freestyle tournament were Devin Johnson of Draper, Flyweight 40 lbs.; Skylar Orton of Midvale, Flyweight 40 lbs.; Riley Tatum of West Jordan, Flyweight 40 lbs.; Robert Hinnen of West Jordan, Bantam 50 lbs.; Wyatt Phelps of West Jordan, Midget 50 lbs.; Spencer Hassell of Sandy, Midget 65 lbs.; Daniel Bactista, Novice 70 lbs.; Bryson Anderson of Riverton, Schoolboy 80 lbs.; and Bryce Lindsey of Clearfield, Schoolboy 90 lbs.

Also competing in Greco-Roman was Alec Armstrong of Sandy, Midget 87 lbs.

"We had a bunch of kids who fell just short of medaling," said Coach Bill Kilpack (Jr.). "Considering just how new so many of these kids are, it's great to see. There is a lot of determination and heart being shown out there, getting closer and closer to winning those close matches. The kids are taking each match in stride, learning and improving."

Jordan Freestyle Wrestling is open to kids ages four and older who live anywhere in the State of Utah. Practices are held three days a week from 5:30-7 p.m. at Jordan High School. The membership cost is $30, and wrestlers wanting to compete in tournaments on the weekends are required to purchase a USA Wrestling card. For more information, call 641-9832, e-mail jordanfreestyle@aol.com or visit Jordan Freestyle Wrestling on the Worldwide Web at http://members.aol.com/jordanfreestyle/.