Jan. 13, 2008: The Salt Lake Tribune

Prep Wrestling: All That on the Mat
by Chhun Sun

The Tribune's Top 5 Utah wrestlers

• NATE LARSEN

• ETHEN LOFTHOUSE

• JAKE SALAZAR

• MATT BROWN

• JASON CHAMBERLAIN

On Tuesday, about 3,000 people will pack into the McKay Events Center in Orem to watch the best wrestlers in Utah go head-to-head. Unlike the state meet, the All-Star Dual's matches are basically all for entertainment. It's billed as a can't-miss event, and this is one of the few times to witness some of Utah's nationally ranked grapplers in one place. In other words, it's on. Twenty-eight matches. Fifty-six of the best wrestlers in the state. Even in a star-studded Prep Wrestling (.pdf) field, Utah has wrestlers who stand out. They are the best of the best, ranked in the top 15 nationally. The Tribune picked its Top Five in Utah based on past performances and national rankings. Read for yourself why they're the best of the best.

8th Annual All-Star Dual

• Tuesday at 7 p.m. McKay Events Center in Orem Cost: $8 for adults, $5 for students

Inside

• Matt Brown

  • Cyprus senior Weight: 145 pounds National rank: No. 6, according to intermatwrestling.com Record: 138-4, 21-1
     

• Jason Chamberlain

  • Springville senior Weight: 135 pounds National rank: No. 1, according to Wrestling USA Magazine Record: 166-2, 17-0
     

• Jake Salazar

  • Wastach senior Weight: 152 pounds National rank: No. 3 according intermatwrestling.com Record: 175-10, 33-1
     

• Ethen Lofthouse

  • Mountain Crest junior Weight: 160 pounds National rank: No. 15 (according to intermatwrestling.com) Record: 99-5, 25-1
     

• Nate Larsen

  • Viewmont senior Weight: 112 pounds National rank: No. 10 by Wrestling USA Magazine in a preseason ranking of the best seniors Record: 116-10, 20-0