May 14, 2008: Vernal Express

Wrestling Coach Wins National Title
by Casey Christensen

Gregg Stensgard won the veterans division at 185 kilos while competing in the Las Vegas, Nev., tournament. The finish qualifies him to compete at the World Championships in Russia.

Head Wrestling Coach at Uintah High School Gregg Stensgard attended a national wrestling tournament and won the veterans division at 185 kilos in Las Vegas, Nev. He now has the possibility of going to Russia to compete in the World Championships.

The divisions are set up by age and weight, Stensgard was in the D classification, which he said was getting towards the end of being eligible for competition. He had tech fall and a pin on his way to the first place finish.

“It was not much of challenge,” he said. “I hurt my ankle one minute into the first period of my first match. The trainer said I shouldn’t wrestle, but I did. I attribute being able to finish to those wrestlers on my coaching staff who helped me train. They made a big difference. I was in the best shape I’d been in for a long time.”

“I’m always telling the kids I envy them because I have to sit in the corner and worry about their matches,” he added. “I finally got to compete and it was a treat.”

Stensgard is trying to find sponsors to help him travel to Russia for the competition. He explained he has to pay most of his way, but is in the process of working it all out.