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 Feb.
1, 2008: The Salt Lake Tribune
Prep Wrestling: Brighton Star Savors
Big Win at Rumble
by Chhun Sun
Brighton's Jon Gappmaier had a couple of
different emotions when he learned the news that Cyprus
star Matt Brown couldn't compete at the recent Rocky
Mountain Rumble. Brown, who had a broken left hand, is
arguably the state's top wrestler in the 145-pound class.
Gappmaier felt sad he couldn't challenge a
great wrestler but also knew he could use Brown's absence
to his advantage.
And that's what he did.
In his five matches in the prestigious
tournament, Gappmaier had four pins and one major decision
to win the championship in his weight class — including
earning a fall with one second left in the first period of
the title match against Rodney Dollar of Rock Springs
(Wyoming).
Gappmaier finished the weekend with a 41-3
record, which he hopes will help him as he looks to become
a state champion at the Class 5A state tournament in two
weeks.
But asked if not having Brown took
anything away from his win, Gappmaier said, "It does a
little because he's the best wrestler at 145. It's a
bummer. But I felt bad for him because he was hurt. At the
same time, it was a good tournament and it's been a good
season for me."
Jordan
Yes, Jordan's Levi Rutledge and Hayden
Moss were excited to learn that they were going to
represent the Beetdiggers at the annual All-Star Classic
in Orem.
But they weren't just excited to be a part
of it.
They wanted to win.
Both achieved that goal, as Rutledge won
his 160-pound match against Millard's Clancy Mortensen
while Moss claimed a major decision against San Juan's
Joseph Begaye at 171.
Now, Rutledge and Moss are aiming for the
Class 5A state titles in their respective weight classes.
Viewmont
For the sixth consecutive year, the
Viewmont Vikings captured the Class 5A Duals title - which
was held at Jordan High last weekend. To conclude the
23-team, two-day tournament, the Vikings thumped Hunter
44-22 in the championship dual.
In all, Viewmont had four wrestlers who
went undefeated.
Nate Larsen (112 pounds), Ikerv Abe (130),
Sam Graham (171) and Ron Wyman (285) all finished with 7-0
records.
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