Jan. 10, 2008: Deseret Morning News

Utah Valley Has Fewer Competitors Than Usual
by Brian E. Preece

 With four representatives among the 56 wrestlers at next week's UAWF All-Star Duals, Utah County can claim only 6.25 percent of the participation total — a very low percentage for a region that boasts a strong wrestling tradition.

In past years, Utah County has had nearly a dozen wrestlers in the event — and this when the event had a different format with only two teams and 28 wrestlers.

There are a number of theories out there about Utah County's dwindling Dual numbers.

UAWF president and American Fork assistant coach Cole Kelley cites a number of possible contributing factors this year.

"Some of the traditional wrestling powers like Pleasant Grove are rebuilding," Kelley said. "And while Spanish Fork and Payson have very good teams, their wrestlers are still a bit on the younger side but are likely to be future all-stars."

Springville head coach Justin Judkins links recent graduations of some top Utah County wrestlers and the fact that "other programs are getting better and better across the state."

Lehi head coach Dan Rice suggests the low number of local wrestlers might come from "a lack of respect" for Utah County wrestling across the state rather than an actual drop-off in talent.

However, Kelley said he feels Utah County's wrestling prominence has decreased, with local feeder and junior high programs needing to step up to help elevate Utah County's wrestling status.

"High school coaches can't do it all," Kelley said. "More parents need to get involved."

He added that the lack of district affiliation and sponsorship of junior high and middle school wrestling is beginning to hurt the quality of the valley's prep wrestling and that Provo and Orem cities aren't providing the competitive opportunities for elementary-age wrestlers needed to sustain Utah County's high-level wrestling traditions.

"The southern part of the valley has shown a bit more development in elementary- and junior-high-age wrestling," Kelley said.

"Springville has the best feeder programs right now, while Payson and Spanish Fork have good junior high programs. But across the valley as a whole, junior high wrestling is struggling."

The fallout of all this might be fewer All-Stars and fewer state championship teams for Utah County schools.

In the 1990s, Utah County schools accounted for 11 state titles in the 4-A and 5-A ranks; this decade, only two state titles — both won by Spanish Fork early in the 2000s — have been earned by local schools. It has been four years since a Utah County team has won a state title — a lengthy drought, given the history of Utah County wrestling.

Rice provides perspective: "Utah County does very well in wrestling from top to bottom."

In fact, five Utah County schools placed in the Top 10 last year.

Participation patterns in alternative winter sports are also a factor. A recent Deseret Morning News article cited the increased participation in hockey in the county, as club hockey teams have nearly increased four-fold in the last three years.

The addition of the St. George schools in the 4A classification has also impacted Utah County's 4A representation in the All-Star dual — Dixie will have two All-Stars and Snow Canyon one.

While new 4A schools indefinitely have changed the competitive landscape, Region 5 schools Mountain Crest and Box Elder are the top two programs in 4A, and the Mustangs alone have four 4-A All-Star wrestlers. Both of these programs are known for having excellent feeder programs and plenty of parental and community support for wrestling.

Dominated by Davis and Weber counties, 5A's Region 1 is the dominant league in wresting and has produced the state-title team in all but one year this decade.

Last year, Region One had the top two teams and five teams in the Top 10. By no coincidence, these high schools have great feeder programs and districts that sponsor and fund junior high wrestling programs.