September 2004: Wrestling USA Magazine

Uintah Pair Top-Ranked Utah Junior Wrestlers in National Rankings

WrestlingUSA Magazine published a national ranking of high-school junior wrestlers online. Top ranked of the eight Utahns included in the list were Levi Mele and Jared McCurdy, both of Uintah High School. Each were ranked no. 3 in the country, Mele at 103 lbs. and McCurdy at 189 lbs.

Some of Mele's notable achievements include taking state in 3A at 103 lbs. in 2004, followed that up with powerful performances at the Reno World Championships last April, where he took 1st at 105 lbs. in folkstyle, took a national title in the Sophomore division this past March in Lincoln, Neb., at the BRUTE-adidas National Championships, then finished 5th in freestyle at USA Wrestling Junior Nationals in Fargo.

Bill Kilpack, Utah Editor for Wrestling USA Magazine, had chosen Mele as the preseason pick for a Wrestler to Watch. He said, "Mele is a quality athlete, with plenty of guts and heart. Last year, he took state against an opponent who beat him for the championship in region, and that takes character."

McCurdy took third in state in 3A at 189 lbs. in 2004, after taking 2nd in Region 10, then racked up an impressive National Championship in the Sophomore division in Lincoln. He also took 2nd in the Top of the Rockies tournament in Denver.

The list was compiled by Dan Fickel, National Editor for the magazine, based on six criteria: 1) accomplishments at state high-school championships (folkstyle); 2) National Junior freestyle and Greco-Roman success; 3) Cadet National freestyle and Greco-Roman success; 4) performance at prestigious high-school tournaments; 5) information from coaches and parents; and 6) the state from which the nominee hails.

Utah wrestlers appeared in the rankings in seven of the 14 weight divisions.

Other standouts include Jake Swensen of North Sanpete, who was ranked no. 4 at 130 lbs. (2004 Wrestling USA Magazine, Utah Sophomore Wrestler of the Year); Nathaniel Holt of Provo, ranked no. 4 at 135 lbs. (2004 Wrestling USA Magazine, Utah Wrestler to Watch); and Talan Knox of Brighton, no. 8 at 152 lbs. (2004 Wrestling USA Magazine, Utah Sophomore Wrestler of the Year). Receiving Special Mention on the list were two 125-pound Paul Sanders of San Juan; 130 Tyrel Sweat of Wasatch; and Tag Elliott of Bear River at 140.

Of all the high schools represented by wrestlers in the national rankings, Uintah was the only school with two listed. With one wrestler ranked were Bear River, Brighton, North Sanpete, Provo, San Juan and Wasatch.

Wrestling USA Magazine has been the voice of national high school wrestling since 1965. For more information, see www.wrestlingusa.com.

Kilpack is editor of UtahWrestling.org, a past AAU national champion, a seven-time national silver medalist, an AAU All-American, and earned an alternate position on the U.S. Pan-Am Team in Greco-Roman. He coaches an independent freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling program through Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation, Jordan Freestyle Wrestling.