May 16, 2008: Deseret Morning News

Wrestlers Finding Success
by Michael Black

The high school wrestling season ended more than three months ago, but several of the state's premier grapplers have participated in both regional and national events with varied levels of success.

Alta's Carson Kuhn (98 pounds), who had an undefeated high school season where he was a state champion and went 49-0, has continued to impress. The current sophomore returned a couple of weeks ago from the Junior Wester Regionals in both Freestyle and Greco-Roman with individual titles.

Others who fared well included Jacob Falk (105) of West Jordan, who placed fourth in the Freestyle and fifth in the Greco-Roman. Ethen Lofthouse (first, 171) from Mountain Crest and Cole Shafer (second, 171) from Wasatch had guaranteed places in the Freestyle while Shafer finished second and Lofthouse third in the Greco-Roman, and Adam Fager (215), a two-time state champion from Layton, finished fifth in both events.

Some former Utah high school wrestlers also made some noise at the FILA Junior National Greco-Roman event. Bo Beckman, who wrestled at Pleasant Grove was fourth (145.5 pounds) and Talan Knox, formerly of Brighton, finished as well (163). Jasaon Chamberlain (138-75) was third at the FILA Junior National Freestyle event.

Wrestling Signees

In keeping with the wrestling theme, UVSC announced a signing class with six Utah high schoolers. Fager from Layton was highly decorated wrestler. Morgan's Josh Wilson was a two-time state champion and won a national championship as a junior. Paul Johnson from Lone Peak won three state titles. Wyatt Ray was a runner-up and state champion while wrestling for Roy. Nicko Paraso from West Jordan won a state title, and Nick Flores from Layton was an All-Star wrestling participant.