July 2004: Wrestling USA Magazine

Sandy, Midvale Youths Named Outstanding Wrestler; Jordan Freestyle Wrestling Recognizes Athletes

(Sandy, Utah) July 29, 2004 - Jordan Freestyle Wrestling held its annual Awards Dinner at the Bell Canyon Park pavilion July 29, 2004, recognizing youth athletes for excellence. Attendees from the 60-man team received gold medals for their hard work and dedication over the season, photographs of themselves in matches, team photos and trophies for the Most Improved, Most Dedicated Wrestler, Rookie of the Year, and Outstanding Wrestlers.

"This has been a really special year, with so many new guys wrestling for the first time and so many new and supportive parents," said Coach Bill Kilpack (III). "Face it, wrestling is the hardest sport there is. Without strong support at home, no wrestler can succeed. We wanted to make sure that the parents feel appreciated for everything they do, and wanted all the guys to know that their hard work and dedication was noticed first of all, then publicly recognized. In addition, we recognized 14 leaders within the team for taking things the extra mile."

Two trophies for Outstanding Wrestler were awarded to William Kilpack of Sandy, who wrestled Midget (ages 9 and 10) 60 lbs.; and Wesly Orton of Midvale, Midget 50 lbs. Both won many championships over the season, including placing well at state and, between the two of them, placed at the Utah Summer Games, the Reno World Championships, the Western Regional Championships, and made a good showing at the Kids National Championships.

Three trophies were presented for Rookie of the Year. "These were all first-year wrestlers who not only made great improvements over the year, but took it to the next level beyond their peers," Kilpack said. Receiving Rookie of the Year were Riley Tatum of West Jordan, Flyweight (ages 6 and under) 40 lbs.; Tayler Johnson of Draper, Bantam (ages 5 and 6) 55 lbs.; and Bryce Lindsey of Clearfield, Schoolboy (ages 13 and 14), 90 lbs.

One trophy for Most Dedicated was awarded for not missing practice, always working hard, and being a good example to the rest of the team. "This is what I like to think of as a leadership by example award," Kilpack said. "Wrestling is a tough sport. No matter what, coming back and giving it your all, regardless of what you might be facing day in and day out. That sort of determination is a wonderful gift." The recipient this year was Daniel Bactista of Kaysville, who wrestled Novice (ages 11 and 12) 70 lbs.

Eight trophies were also awarded for the Most Improved wrestlers. These were awarded to Tanner Eddington of Sandy, Midget 103 lbs.; Tyler Jensen of West Jordan, Midget 50 lbs.; Kyler Machan of West Jordan, Midget 55 lbs.; Connor Montgomery of Riverton, Bantam 60 lbs.; Skylar Orton of Midvale, Flyweight 40 lbs.; Tennessee Suesue of Salt Lake City, Midget 103 lbs.; Tyler Schwendiman of South Jordan, Bantan 45 lbs.; and Austin Swensen of South Jordan, Midget 75 lbs. "All eight showed remarkable progress by the end of the season compared to when they first joined us," Kilpack said.

The trophy recipients were selected by the Jordan Freestyle Wrestling coaching staff.

Jordan Freestyle Wrestling has completed its freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling season for 2004. It will start up for freestyle and Greco-Roman again in January 2005. The team is open to kids ages four and older who live anywhere in the State of Utah. Practices are held three days. For more information, call 641-9832, e-mail jordanfreestyle@aol.com or visit Jordan Freestyle Wrestling on the Worldwide Web at http://members.aol.com/jordanfreestyle/ .