Jan. 14, 2008: The Salt Lake Tribune

Prep Wrestling: Dual Dream Finally Comes True
by Chhun Sun

8th Annual All-Star Dual

• Tuesday, 7 p.m.

• McKay Events Center in Orem

• Rocky Mountain Rumble

• Friday, 11 a.m., Saturday, 10:30 a.m.

• McKay Events Center in Orem

Murray senior wrestler Matt Fairbrother is very familiar with how the All-Star Dual works. He's been at each one - as a spectator - since the event started eight years ago.

This year, it's different.

After enduring some frustration as an alternate last season, Fairbrother will participate in this year's event Tuesday at the McKay Events Center in Orem.

Fairbrother, who owns a 24-0 season record heading into his 285-pound match against Lehi's Dylan Stadel, is rather flattered with all the recognition that comes with being selected to the prestigious tournament.

"It's really cool to be that guy in the newspaper," Fairbrother said.

Two Featured Matches

With 28 matches involving 56 of the state's best wrestlers, the All-Star Dual is perhaps more than enough entertainment for any Utah high school wrestling fan.

Still, two will be billed as the featured matches.

One is between Springville's Jason Chamberlain and Monticello's Aaron Butler, as the other will have Wasatch's Ethan Smith go up against rival and Mountain Crest junior Ethen Lofthouse.

The first match pairs the No. 1 wrestler in the country (Chamberlain) against a grappler who hopes to become Monticello's first four-time state champion at season's end. In the latter bout, Lofthouse has the upper hand since he has won the two previous matches - though both were very close - against Smith this season.

Cyprus Star Might Miss All-Star Dual

After twisting and injuring his left hand during practice last week, Cyprus senior and Iowa State-bound wrestler Matt Brown might not participate in his second All-Star Dual on Tuesday.

Brown said he'll have the hand checked out today. The worst-case scenario is that he'll have to sit out three weeks, he said. By then, it would be time for the region and state tournaments, as he's looking to become the first Cyprus wrestler to win three state championships.

"It's not the worst thing that could happen," Brown said about his injury. "It's not the end of the world."