The wrestling team at Riverton High School headed into their season at the end of November ranked number 1 in the state for the first time in their five-year history.

Wrestling coach Russ Crump said it's all relative, as another polls has them ranked fifth.  "The polls are really based on who's coming back from the previous year," he said.  He does consider his team to be among the five best statewide.

A big reason for the Silverwolves' high ranking is the return of two-time state champion , Michael Watts, at 119 lbs.  Fellow senior Trevor Park, who placed second in 2003 in the state tournament, also returns to help lead the team this year as a favorite for the title in the 152-lb. weight classification.  Stuart Richards is considered to be in the top three at 125 lbs. and looks to improve on his sixth place showing at state last year.

Crump said that to be a state champion, you need to have four or five strong wrestlers.  they feel good about their squad this year with strength particularly in the lower and middle weight classes.

Other returnees include state region places Dorian Varela, Garren Hansen, Korry Urry, Dan Garner, Chris Kennedy, Chris Savage and Greg Smith..

"We have a little better depth than we've has in the past.  We have eight seniors on our varsity and that is the most we've ever had," Crump said.

Crump also feels that the work either of this year's team is as good as his teams have ever been in his 20 years of coaching.  "The boys are pushing each other really hard and that's encouraging to see this early.  We hope it continues throughout the season," he said.

Leadership should be strong this year, according to Crump, with Watts, Park and matt Garn, also a senior, voted as team captains by the rest of their teammates.  Park also leads the way for the team academically with a high GPA.  Crump feels good about the rest of his student-athletes in the classroom as well.  He said, ":We have really bright kids that are dedicated to their schoolwork off the mat.  those are the type of athletes that can be coached well because they are intelligent in other areas as well."

"Our immediate goals for each wrestler is to be a better wrestler than they were the day before — be stronger, be quicker and have better endurance after every practice," Crump said.

Crump appreciates the supper they receive fr0m parents, the students, administration and the community.  'we have great turnout to all of our matches regardless of where the matches are," he said.  A 2004 schedule can be found on Riverton High's Web site at www.rhs.jordan.k12.ut.us.

Crump said, "It's nice to be ranked number 1 to start the season.  It'll be even nicer if we're in that position at the end."