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Dec. 27, 2007: The Wrestling Mall

Utah Wrestling: Jordan Junior Wrestlers Take the Top Gun

(Sandy, Utah) Dec. 22, 2007 — Fifteen members of Jordan Junior Wrestling traveled to Provo to compete in the Provo K–8 Folkstyle Wrestling Tournament held at Provo High School. Of those 15, 12 placed, including three champions.

“The wrestlers really showed some growth since the last tournament,” said Coach Bill Kilpack (III). “We pulled out some tough matches that, if it had been even a week ago, we might have fallen short on. And we got some sweet revenge on people who beat us earlier in the season. Their technique is really starting to show as they learn, helping them get that winning edge.”

Winning championships were three athletes: one on the junior high/middle school team and two on the elementary team. The junior high/middle team champion was 13-year-old Rami Haddadin of Sandy, who wrestled in the Middle School 84-pound bracket, and won his gold medal by pinning every opponent, including his championship match, where he had a rematch against a wrestler who beat him at the Gladiator World Championships. The two elementary team champions included 6-year-old Garrick Kilpack of Sandy, who wrestled in the Bantam 44-pound bracket, who pinned every opponent except his first match, which he won 14-4 over an opponent who beat him when they wrestled at the season opener in Springville. The other elementary team champion was 7-year-old Justyn Ribald of West Jordan, who wrestled in the Bantam 65-pound bracket and pinned every opponent.

Taking second was 6-year-old Spencer Maxwell of Sandy, who wrestled in the Bantam 56-pound bracket, and 8-year-old Derek Fisher of Lindon.

Placing third were five athletes: 6-year-old Mason Christiansen of Riverton, Bantam 56 lbs.; 8-year-old Jordan Harbaugh of South Jordan, Midget 55 lbs.; 11-year-old MacKelti Kilpack of Sandy, Novice 80 lbs.; 12-year-old William Kilpack of Sandy, Middle School 105 lbs.; and Kevin Maxwell of Sandy, Middle School 84 lbs.

Placing fourth was 12-year-old Nick Hulbert of Salt Lake City, Middle School 112 lbs.

Also competing were Jefferson Harbaugh, Bantam 52 lbs.; Siondileigh Kilpack, Midget 55 lbs.; and Alex Maxwell of Sandy, Novice 70 lbs.

"There was some real growth this week, and it really showed on the mat," said Coach Bill Kilpack (Jr.). "It's very gratifying to see it, and see the satisfaction on the kids' faces when they know it."

Jordan Junior Wrestling is a folkstyle wrestling program offered through Salt Lake County Recreation, operating out or Jordan High School in Sandy. For more information, go to http://members.aol.com/jordanjuniors/ or email jordanjuniors@aol.com.