March 26, 2008: Wrestling USA Magazine

Three Mountain Top Wrestling Club Members Rocky Mountain Nationals All-Americans

(Sandy, Utah) March 26, 2008 — Three members of Mountain Top Wrestling Club, all Kilpack siblings from Sandy, earned All-American honors in the Rocky Mountain Nationals held in Denver, Colo., in folkstyle wrestling. William, MacKelti and Siondileigh each placed in their divisions. Siondileigh, the youngest of the three, not only placed in the regular men's division, but also won a national title in the women's division.

"This was a really exciting tournament," said Coach Bill Kilpack (III). "Personally, it was very exciting to see my kids performing at such a high level, but also seeing strong performances from my other wrestlers there was very gratifying. This is a real testament to their hard work and dedication. I'm very proud of them."

Siondileigh, a 9-year-old in the third grade at Sunrise Elementary in Sandy, won a national title after pinning every opponent in the Women's Division IV. In the men's division, she finished fifth in 10 and Under 53 lbs. This was Siondileigh's second national title and sixth All-American finish, which is all the more remarkable, considering that it is her first year of wrestling competition.

"I often forget that she's first year," said Kilpack, "and have to be reminded when I'm frustrated because she doesn't understand what I'm trying to tell her when coaching. Then I'm amazed all over again. I won one match my first year of wrestling. She's already won more than 20. She has found her place, I think."

Her older brother, 13-year-old William a seventh grader at Indian Hills Middle School, made it to the finals in the 12 and Under 106-pound bracket, pinning every opponent and not allowing a single point to be scored against him, before that finals match. He fell short against a very tough opponent then, as is often the case when an athlete has come off such a serious disappointment, lost the match in the challenge for true second shortly after.

"William had a great tournament," Kilpack said. "If he had won in the finals, he probably would have been named outstanding wrestler for the age division. His championship match was exciting, a real brawl. And he got to wrestle it on the center, raised mat. It's something that he's wanted for a long time. It's a shame he didn't win, but he's got time for that, too."

This was William's fourth All-American finish this season, which has also included two national titles. Over his career, he has won nine national titles and 28 All-American finishes.

MacKelti, an 11-year-old fifth grader at Sunrise Elementary, finished fifth in the Women's Division VII, after a loss to the champion in triple overtime and close matches that just fell short against two other opponents. This was her fourth All-American finish this season, and eighth over her short two-year wrestling career. She has also won three women's national titles.

"MacKelti was close to winning this one," Kilpack said. "It was amazing to see how close the competition was between fifth and first. She took the champion to triple overtime. That says a lot."

Also competing in the tournament was a fourth Kilpack sibling, 7-year-old Garrick, who was eliminated one round short of All-American status at 6 and Under 46 lbs.; 10-year-old Tyler Schwendiman of South Jordan, who was also one round short of All-American status at 10 and Under 69 lbs.; and Justin Schwendiman of West Jordan, who competed at 12 and Under 66 lbs.

"This was an excellent experience for the kids," said Coach Todd Schwendiman. "They really showed how much they have progressed. There are some things we need to work on, of course, but they're small things. And there's still a lot of wrestling ahead of us. It was good experience to build on for the future."

Mountain Top Wrestling Club is a nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation dedicated to providing a venue for individuals to learn, develop and refine their athletic skills and abilities; and educating regarding the rules and regulations of freestyle, folkstyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. It is open to male and female athletes ages four and older who live anywhere in the State of Utah. Practices are held three days a week at Jordan High School. For more information, call 641-9832, e-mail coach@mountaintopwrestling.com or visit them on the Worldwide Web at www.mountaintopwrestling.com.