Eight Utah wrestlers have been given the honor of being select by Wrestling USA Magazine as some of the best in the sport for the year 2004.  One of those selected as an outstanding high school Junior wrestler was Riverton's own Michael Watts, 17.  He dominates the 112-pound weight class as evidenced by his State 5A title in that division this year and a State title in the 103 division last year.

Bill Kilpack, who is the Utah editor of Wrestling USA and a former AAY national champion and seven-time national silver medalist said of Watts, "Watts is very fast and his technique is sharp, but the thing that's most impressive is his physical strength.  Last season he was one fo the most powerful 103 pounders I can remember."

"He certainly has earned this honor," said Riverton Coach Russ Crump of Watts.  "He is one that hits the door and gets right to business and focused on what needs to be done in that room.  He even puts in time over the summer always remembers his goals while others take a break.  It gives him an edge and he's gotten where he is because of his dedication."

Although wrestling is an individual sport, Watts (who admits to being more nervous and ultimately ecstatic over teammate Spencer Bowles' title match and win than his own) is known for being a team member.  "He's one of those that has a wrestling/gentleman button," said Crump.  "He knows when to leave it on the mat and he's one of the first to pick you up off the mat and congratulate you or cheer you on.  If teammates ask for help on technique though, boy, they better have their headgear on tight and their shoes all laced up because Michael will make them earn it."

No one in the state of Utah has been able to earn a title out from under Watts in his respective weight class in the last two years.  He, however, is acutely aware of the bullseye he wears on his chest.

"My dad reminds me about it all the time," laughed Watts.  "It's a bittersweet thing.  You don't want people to back off because of intimidation.  Good competition makes you stretch.  On the other hand, I don't feel like I can afford to rest or not train because I know someone is out there gunning for me."

And this young man will not rest.  "I'm heading out to some big national tournaments.  It'll be fun," he said.  "I'm this dark horse coming out of nowhere and no one knows who I am.  I want to go and give it my all and see how I stack up nationally.  I want to place as highly as I can, I figure I got nothing to lose."

Does he see a future in wrestling?  "Absolutely!  I want to go to the best school with the best program I possibly can where I can get the best coaches and the best training," said Watts.  That is of course after a three-peat performance to take the State title in his respective weight class.  "That's the plan," he readily admitted, "but I'll probably be moving up to the 119 weight class since I'm growing.  That's good though because college programs won't even look at someone under 125."

Watts will receive special recognition from Wrestling USA Magazine within their April/May issue.  This honor will undoubtedly aid him in his pursuits toward future opportunities such as college scholarships.  To see more about Michael Watts in Wrestling USA, you can access their website at www.wrestlingusa.com.