Jan. 20, 2008: The Salt Lake Tribune

Prep Wrestling: Wasatch Takes the Rumble
by Chhun Sun

OREM — It was a good night for Utah wrestlers and teams.

After having a high school from Washington win last year in what is considered one of the toughest tournaments in the West, the Wasatch Wasps claimed their second team title in three years at the Rocky Mountain Rumble by having three grapplers finish as the top winners Saturday night.

"They did a nice job this weekend," Wasatch coach Steve Sanderson said.

Jake Salazar (152 pounds), Cole Shafer (171) and Garrett Gleave (189) were the biggest proofs as all three claimed their weight-class titles. Trevor Sweat (119) and Blake Mangum (125) also contributed heavily, as the two finished as runner-ups in their respective weight classes - helping the Wasps finish with 286 points.

Mountain Crest and Rock Springs (Wyoming) had 224.5 and 223.5 points to finish in a distance second and third, respectively. Millard, which led after Friday's first three rounds, and Deer Park in Washington round out the top five.

The tournament showcased 60 teams from eight states at the McKay Events Center.

Sedro-Woolley didn't successfully defend its tournament title, as the Washington school finished seventh with 162.5 points.

The Wasps won despite not having wrestlers in the 112, 145 and 285 weight classes due to injuries or inexperience.

"The kids stepped up and filled the holes we needed to fill," Sanderson said.

It's all part of the Wasps' plan for the season. They have captured two major tournament titles in Utah this season, with the other one being the Layton Invitational in December. Wasatch is now looking to claim its sixth state title in February.

Other highlights included Millard's Mason Stott losing for the first time this season, as his defeat against Sedro-Woolley's Kevin O'Neil puts his record at 46-1 - while Springville's Jason Chamberlain gave Sedro-Woolley's Derek Garica his first loss of the season in the 140-pound class.

• With five wrestlers in the championship matches, the Wasatch Wasps claim their second team title in three years at the sixth annual Rocky Mountain Rumble.

• Utahns win 13 of the 14 championships matches.