Jan. 14, 2008: Vernal Express

Ute’s Wrestle to Second in Tournament of Champions
by Casey Christensen

Uintah defeated the Delta Rabbits, 37-31, in a dual only to finish second behind them in the Tournament of Champions. However, Head Coach Gregg Stensgard is pleased with his team. They were able to defeat a team who beat them earlier in the season.

“Most everyone improved,” he said. “Obviously there has to be a margin of improvement. We have another month to get ready for state and that is when it will really matter.”

Stensgard pointed to Taylor Merkley and Candace Workman as two wrestlers who, despite losing, made a big difference on the final score in the dual.

“Last time they were pinned in their matches,” he explained. “This time they wrestled better matches against their kids.”

He added that Matt Sunkees beat a tough wrestler at 145, recording a major win.

“Things are starting to click,” said Stensgard. “This was a fun dual, they are good rivals and always have a great program. One we always have to worry about.”

The win gave Uintah some confidence going into the Tournament of Champions.

“I was impressed with the tournament on a whole,” he said. “It was a huge success, I don’t have one area where I was concerned.”

The Utes, in his opinion, wrestled well on Friday but slipped a little on Saturday because of a few minor injuries.

“We got into a funk on Saturday,” explained Stensgard. “Part of that was my fault for not getting the kids a good warm-up. Preparation is an important part of any sport. With this quality of tournament your body gets beat up.”

Despite the injuries, none of which should affect the outcome of region or state, Uintah was able to place seven. Candace Workman took seventh at 103, Colby Christensen second at 112, Taylor Merkley sixth at 125, Creedon Merkley second at 130, Matt Sunkees seventh at 145, Justin Curtice fourth at 160, Ben Robinson sixth at 189, Josh Rhodes sixth at 215 and Rusty Farnsworth placed fifth at heavyweight.

“Josh placing sixth was big for us,” said Stensgard. “He is wrestling well for us at the spot. He pinned his kid against Delta and is doing exceptional.”

Rhodes has moved up from the junior varsity 189 spot to take over the 215 varsity spot, despite giving up around 30 pounds he has had a strong showing at the weight. He was knocked from the championship bracket only because of a loss to North Sanpete returning state champion Dylan Clark.

Uintah will travel to Lafayetta, Colo., this weekend to take part in the Top of the Rockies Tournament.

“Our goal is to continue to improve until we reach region,” said Stensgard.