Dec. 21, 2007: The Wrestling Mall, High School News

Utah Youth Wrestling: Springville's Chamberlain Ranked No. 1 All-Division National Rankings

Wrestling USA Magazine published a national ranking of high-school wrestlers — all divisions. Top ranked of the five Utahns on this prestigious list was Jason Chamberlain of Springville High School, ranked no. 1 at 135 lbs.

Some of Chamberlain's notable exploits include taking three high-school state titles, winning a USA Wrestling national championship in freestyle wrestling in Fargo, ND, last summer, winning a Utah High School Coaches Association national junior title in Virginia Beach, and winning the nationally respected Reno Tournament of Champions. Through his junior year, he has an amazing interscholastic wrestling record of 149-2. In 2007 season, he was selected by the Wrestling USA Magazine and IntermatWrestle.com Utah Editor as a Junior Wrestler of the Year; in 2006, a Sophomore Wrestler of the Year; and, in 2005, a Freshman Wrestler of the Year.

Bill Kilpack, Utah Editor for Wrestling USA Magazine and IntermatWrestle.com, has chosen Chamberlain as the preseason pick for the state's All Divisions Outstanding Wrestler. He said, "Chamberlain comes from a family with a long history in wrestling, and he is the best. He is a slick technician who never loses his head, regardless of the situation. It's this maturity, far beyond his years, that makes all the difference. He is patient and waits for his openings and opportunities. And it's certainly paid off. This season, Chamberlain is a shoe-in to join that very exclusive list of four-time state champions."

Chamberlain was one of five wrestlers from across the state to be so honored. The other outstanding athletes include senior Jacob Salazar of Wasatch High School (No. 5, 145 lbs.); junior Ethen Lofthouse of Mountain Crest High School (No. 16, 160 lbs.); senior Matt Brown of Cyprus High School (No. 21, 140 lbs.); and senior Matt Fairbrother of Murray High School (No. 30, 285 lbs.).

The list was compiled by Dan Fickel, National Editor for the magazine, based on six criteria: 1) accomplishments at state high-school championships (folkstyle); 2) National Junior freestyle and Greco-Roman success; 3) Cadet National freestyle and Greco-Roman success; 4) performance at prestigious high-school tournaments; 5) information from coaches and parents; and 6) the state from which the nominee hails.

Wrestling USA Magazine has been the voice of national high school wrestling since 1965. For more information, see www.wrestlingusa.com.

Kilpack is editor of UtahWrestling.org, an AAU national champion and seven-time national silver medalist, a 15-time AAU/USA Wrestling All-American, and earned an alternate position on the U.S. Pan-Am Team in Greco-Roman. He coaches an independent freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling program through Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation, Mountain Top Wrestling Club and the junior-high program, Jordan Junior Wrestling.