Jan. 31, 2008: Vernal Express

Vernal Junior High Wrestlers Take Third at State Tournament

On the weekend of Jan. 25 and 26 Vernal Junior High wrestlers traveled to Richfield, to wrestle in the annual state junior high meet.

Vernal Junior High wrestling placed third at the state tournament despite only taking 38 wrestlers to compete in 44 weight classes. They finished behind Delta and Wasatch.

This year the team lost of several key wrestlers to year-ending injuries before the season even started. Other wrestlers were not able to compete because of eligibility problems and Vernal Junior High only ended up taking 38 wrestlers to state.

Of the 38, 22 were able to place in the top six of their individual weight classes. Five placed first, six took home silver, one took third, five placed fourth, four placed fifth and one placed sixth.

Taking first were Bennett Oscarson at 76 pounds, Kayden Williams at 80 pounds, Tanner Merkley at 83 pounds and Jake Mair at heavyweight, all in the junior high division.

Taking first in the middle school division was Rowdy Farnsworth at 145 pounds. Placing second in the junior high division were Keyan Branom at 73 pounds, Robert Thomas at 120 pounds and Colton Prisbrey at 128 pounds.

The Middle School division had three silvers, Parker Morton at 80 pounds, Dillion Christiansen at 100 pounds and Cole Mair in the 180 pound division. Brock Bowden brought home the team’s only third in the 60 pound middle school division.

Isaac Stromsa at 86 pounds, Matt Batty at 124 pounds and Brandin Murray in the 190 pound class all placed fourth in the junior high division. Corbin Evans, 96 pounds, and Braxton Lance, 104 pounds, placed fourth in the middle school division. Taylor Williams at 70 pounds, Cody Merkley at 73 pounds and Landon Reynolds at 112 pounds all placed fifth in the middle school division, Jackson Evans did so in the 210 pound junior high division. Justin Jaques brought home the only sixth place finish in the 155 pound junior high division.

Head Coach Ed Johnson and Assistant Coach Derek Jaramillo both mentioned that they believe they would of made a hard run at first place with a full team.

“The kids that went to the state tournament, for the most part, wrestled hard and did a great job,” said Johnson. “But at the state tournament it is all about the number of kids you have in the tournament.”

Between the junior high and middle school divisions there are 44 weight classes.

“If you don’t have the numbers it’s hard to take first,” said Johnson.

Vernal finished behind Delta and Wasatch, the Rabbits had 54 and the Wasps has 48 wrestlers.

“We have outstanding young people wrestling with a lot of talent and if they will stay with it they have a bright future in front of them,” explained Johnson. “The junior high team wants to thank all the many supporters of the wrestling program in our great community; it’s been a great year.”