Jordan Junior Wrestlers Still Standing at the Top Gun

(Sandy, Utah) Dec. 14, 2008 — Eighteen members of Jordan Junior Wrestling weathered the blizzard to travel up to North Ogden to compete in the Top Gun of Utah folkstyle wrestling tournament held at Weber High School.  Of those 18, 13 placed, including six champions.

“The guys really showed some growth since the last tournament,” said Coach Bill Kilpack (III). “Where, last tournament, we gave up some early leads, this week, we went to work early.  Their technique is getting sharper and they're executing.  It's really exciting to watch them progress.”

The team was led by 13-year-old William Kilpack and 9-year-old John Manning, both of Sandy, and 10-year-old Jackson Babka of Draper.  Each pinned every opponent in less that 40 seconds, without allowing a single point to be scored against them.  Kilpack took first at 124 pounds in the Advanced Junior High division; Manning took gold in the 3rd Grade 62-pound bracket; Babka won it in the 4th Grade 81-pound division.  Also pinning every opponent to win a championship was 13-year-old Brigg Butler of Saratoga Springs, Advanced Junior High 108 lbs.

Other champions were 6-year-old Will Manning of Sandy, Kindergarten 41 lbs.; and 9-year-old Keaton Richards of Sandy, 3rd Grade 63 lbs.

Making it to the finals were three athletes: 6-year-old Will Haight of Sandy, 1st Grade 47 lbs.; 7-year-old Garrick Kilpack of Sandy, 2nd Grade 50 lbs.; and 14-year-old Wesly Orton of Sandy, Advanced Junior High division, 104 lbs.  Eached finished with silver medals.

Placing third was 6-year-old Zac Warren of Saratoga Springs, 2nd Grade 65 lbs.

Placing fourth were three wrestlers: 8-year-old Alex Miller of Sandy, 3rd Grade 75 lbs.; 13-year-old Justin Schwendiman of West Jordan, Advanced Junior High 76 lbs.; and 13-year-old Mitch Nazer of Sandy, Advanced Junior High 116 lbs.

Also competing were Hayden Butler of Saratoga Springs, Advanced Junior High 73 lbs.; Tyler Schwendiman of South Jordan and Alex Maxwell of Sandy, both in the Advanced Junior High 76 lbs.; MacKelti Kilpack of Sandy, Advanced Junior High 96 lbs.; and Dallas Miller of Sandy, Beginner Junior High 128 lbs.

"There were some really great matches this weekend," said Coach Bill Kilpack (Jr.).  "We fell a little short on some that really hurt but, overall, it was a great day."

Jordan Junior Wrestling is a folkstyle wrestling program offered through Salt Lake County Recreation, operating out or Jordan High School in Sandy.  The middle school/junior high team is for grades five through nine; the elementary team is for grades four and younger.  For more information, go to www.jordanjuniorwrestling.com or email jordanjuniors@aol.com.

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