Jordan Junior Wrestlers Stand Up to the Titans

(Sandy, Utah) Jan. 19, 2009 — Fifteen members of Jordan Junior Wrestling competed in the Clash of the Titans folkstyle wrestling tournament held at Syracuse High School.  Of those 15, 14 placed, including six champions and two cross-pool champions.

“There was some real growth this week,” said Coach Bill Kilpack (III). “We had some rematches that turned out much closer than the first time around, and beat some opponents who have beaten us.  Their technique is better and they are executing executing.  Just as exciting is that some of them are starting to recognize their own progress.”

The team was led by 13-year-olds William Kilpack of Sandy and Brigg Butler of Saratoga Springs.  Both won their brackets and, being in a weight class that was split into two brackets, then went on to beat the first-place finisher from the other bracket, as well.

Kilpack pinned every opponent he faced, including the cross-bracket championship for Junior High 128 lbs.  Butler pinned every opponent but one, winning his cross-bracket championship by fall, as well, for Junior High 112 lbs.

Also winning championships were Alex Maxwell of Sandy, 6th Grade 77 lbs., who pinned every opponent he faced; and Mason Christiansen of Riverton, who pinned every opponent in the 2nd Grade 60-pound bracket; Alex Muti of Sandy, 1st Grade 60 lbs.; and Will Haight of Sandy, 1st Grade 45 lbs.

Making it to the finals but finishing second were three athletes: Tanner Orton of Sandy, 3rd Grade 50 lbs.; Hayden Butler of Saratoga Springs, Junior High Advanced 70 lbs.; and Wesly Orton of Sandy, Advanced Junior High division, 104 lbs.

Placing third were four young athletes: Eli Phelps of West Jordan, 2nd Grade 50 lbs.; Alex Miller of Sandy, 3rd Grade 72 lbs.; Justin Schwendiman of West Jordan, Junior High Advanced 73 lbs.; and Dallas Miller of Sandy, Junior High Beginner 132 lbs.

Placing fourth was Mitch Nazer of Sandy, Junior High Advanced 116 lbs.

Also competing was Osai Muti of Sandy, 3rd Grade 70 lbs.

"There were some really great matches this weekend," said Coach Mike Christiansen.  "We had some frustrating moments but, overall, they are growing and improving every week.  Just in time for the next two weekends of big tournaments."

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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