Dec. 2, 2004: The Spectrum

Kittrell's Return Adds Optimism to SC
by Brad Plothow

ST. GEORGE — Thirty-four prep wrestlers from nine different schools gathered at the Dixie Middle School gymnasium Wednesday night for the third annual "Southern Brawl Wrestling Dual." The exhibition event featured 17 individual duals, with as many as three matches for each weight classification.

Wayne High School had the most victories of the night, scoring two pins, one technical fall, and one win by decision. Dixie High School had a strong showing from Bradee Hughes (145 pounds), Nate Carter (160), and Cody Bunker (189), the only three Flyer participants of the night. They all scored pins against their opponents. Canyon View, Enterprise and Snow Canyon ended the night with two victories each.

Dixie High School wrestling coach Brian Pace said the dual was organized to help familiarize the community with the sport.

"It got started to introduce wrestling to the community and to highlight talent from Southern Utah and the surrounding area," he said.

While the event is considered an exhibition dual with no affect on state or region standings, the organizers have strived to make it competitive.

"We look for returning state champs or placers," said Pace, explaining the selection process for the participants. "If that's not available we look for up-and-coming talent."

The competition is one aspect appreciated by the wrestlers themselves.

"This is my first dual of the year," said Panguitch senior Ford Stewart after his win in the 140-pound match. "There's a little more pressure, a little more competition here than in my home region."

Canyon View's Brendon Dalton, a winner in the 171-pound weight class, agreed.

"There's good competition. Everyone's out to represent their teams," he said after his match. "I'm here to support my team and represent my school."

103- Martin Rubasca, SC, Def. Cole Stanton, Par, 7-5; 112-Robert Allen, Piute, def. Skye Marshall, Pan, pinned; 119- Doug Stewart, Wa, def. Adam Green, CV, by pin ; 119-Shaun Holt, Ent, def. Ryan Otterson, SC, 9-0; 125- Tyler Allen, Piute, def. Steve Pickering, Ent, by pin.

130-Robert Morrill, Wa, def. Troy Robinson, CV, 13-3; 135- Truce Trueman, Ent, def. Matt Young, Pan, by pin ; 140- Brock Cropper, Wa, def. Burke Williamson, Par, by pin ; 140- Ford Stewart, Pan, def. Kyle Robinson, CV, 17-1; 145- Bradee Hughes, D, def. Spencer May, M, by pin.

160- Nate Carter, D, def. Kevin Morrill, Piute, by pin ; 171- Tyler Hathaway, SC, def. Justin Warren, Par, by pin ; 171- Brendan Dalton, CV, def. Levi Gardener, Ent, 5-0; 189- Cody Bunker, D, def. Justin Starns, M, by pin ; 189-Trevor Peterson, W, def. Zach Kunz, CV, 7-2; 215- Victor Juardo, Piute, def. Brian Cates, Ent, by pin ; HWT- Tallen Torres, CV, def. Eric Wells, W, by pin. 
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