April 7, 2008: Deseret Morning News

Utahns Pin Down Titles at National Tournament
by Michael Black

Utah wrestlers continued to show the Beehive State has what it takes to compete at the national level during the National High School Coaches Association National Wrestling Championships at Virginia Beach, Va.

Jason Chamberlain became a two-time national champion at 140 pounds after rolling over the competition. He won the title as a junior propelling him to the No. 1 ranking for his senior year at Springville. After completing an undefeated season and winning a fourth consecutive state title, he defended his national title this past weekend. He was so dominant, he even picked up a technical fall in the championship match.

Ethen Lofthouse from Mountain Crest also became a repeat champion winning in the Junior Nationals at 160 pounds after taking the title last season in the sophomore class at 152 pounds. He had a tougher time in his final match as he faced off against the defending 160-pound champ, Ryan LeBlanc from New York, but was able to win a close 3-2 decision.

Several other Utah wrestlers placed at the tournament as Chasen Tolbert of Delta was second at 103 pounds in the juniors. Other seniors included Justin Ballantyne of American Fork (8th), Ryker Vandertoolen of Bingham (7th), Wasatch's Blake Mangum (7th), Jarrett Morrill of Mountain Crest (8th), teammates from Wasatch Ethan Smith (4th) and Jake Salazar (6th), and Layton's Adam Fager (5th).