Wrestling USA Magazine, Utah Wrestlers of the Year

Outstanding Senior Wrestlers for 2004–2005

 

Michael Watts
Riverton High School, 119 lbs.
GPA: 3.0

School Classification: 5A (2,300 enrolled)

Watts is very fast and his technique is sharp, but the thing that’s most impressive is his physical strength.  In 2003, he was one of the most powerful 103-pounders I can remember, and followed it up with a dominating season at 112 lbs.  Following state, he kept right on going, slicing his way through the Reno World Championships in folkstyle last April, finishing out with an outstanding 2nd-place finish. 

2004 State Champion (112 lbs.), 2003 State Champion (103 lbs.), 2002 5th in State (103 lbs.).

High School Career Record: 97-20.  2003–2004 Season Record: 33-2.

Following is a summary of Michael's wrestling career so far:

• Two-Time High School State Champion

• One-Time High School State 5th-Place Bronze Medalist as a Freshman

• Two-Time High School Region 2 Champion

• 2004 Wrestling USA Magazine Utah Junior Wrestler of the Year

• 2004 Silver Medalist, Reno World Championships

• 2004 Timpanogos Tournament Champion

• 2004 South Summit Tournament Champion

• 2004 Pleasant Grove Tournament Champion

• 2004 Rocky Mountain Rumble Champion

Utah Wrestling Coaches Association Preseason Ranking

• 1st 119 lbs. (5A)

Michael is an Eagle Scout.

Dallin Norton
Wasatch High School, 275 lbs.

School Classification: 3A (900 Enrolled)
 

Norton definitely deserves to be on the list of the best in Utah, as well as the nation.  He's an extremely athletic 275-pounder with skills.  He just keeps coming, eating away at his opponents until an opening presents itself, and he executes.  It led to a national junior ranking of no. 4 by season end, and it was well deserved.  Very impressive.

2004 State Champion (275 lbs.), 2003 State Champion (275 lbs.), 2002 3rd in State (275 lbs.).

Following is a summary of Dallin's wrestling career so far: 

• Two-Time High School State Champion

• Three-Time All-American

• 2004 Champion: Reno Tournament of Champions

• 2003 4th Place, Reno Tournament of Champions

• 2002 7th Place, Reno Tournament of Champions

• 2002 3rd Place, High School State Championships

Wrestling USA Magazine Picks

• Nationally Ranked Utah Wrestler in All-Division Rankings (275 lbs.): No. 8

• Nationally Ranked Utah Senior in National Senior Rankings (275 lbs.): No. 8

Utah Wrestling Coaches Association Ranking

• 1st 275 lbs. (3A)

Tyson Thompson
Lehi High School, 145 lbs.

School Classification: 3A (900 Enrolled)
 

This is Thompson's year to shine.  He's been overlooked in some corners in the past, but this year promises to make his mark in a big way.  His only losses last season were at 145 pounds at the Reno Tournament of Champions.  By season end last year, he was ranked the no. 10 junior at his weight in the nation.  He has a very exciting athletic style, fun to watch, and will be turning heads as he's knocking them.  

2004 State Champion (140 lbs.).  2003 State Champion.  2002 5th in State.

Following is a summary of Tyson's wrestling career so far: 

• Two-Time High School State Champion

• Two-Time Placer at Reno Tournament of Champions

• 2004 Champion: Reno Tournament of Champions

• 2002 5th Place, High School State Championships

• Tulsa National Champion

Wrestling USA Magazine Picks

• Nationally Ranked Utah Wrestler in All-Division Rankings (145 lbs.): No. 20

• Nationally Ranked Utah Senior in National Senior Rankings (145 lbs.): No. 14

Utah Wrestling Coaches Association Ranking

• 1st 145 lbs. (3A)