Success for junior high wrestlers

by Anna Thayn

Nine young wrestlers recently set aside the friendly athletic rivalry between Monticello and Blanding and competed together at the Junior High State Wrestling Tournament.

The team of nine brought home a third place trophy from the tournament, finishing a mere three points behind second place Duchesne. It is the first time a local team has earned a Junior High State trophy.  Altamont was first place.

Five wrestlers made it to the title match. “We were represented well,” said RL Wilcox, “They did an awesome job and wrestled their guts out. We are proud of them all.”   

The top finisher is Austin Wilcox, who faced a tough 32-man bracket, earning four wins by fall on his way to the finals, where he won 7-3 and earned the title of state champion.

Bringing home second place medals are Shandon Bradford, Hunter Bowring, Jens Grover and Brandon Musselman.  They all fought through tough brackets to earn a spot in the finals, but were narrowly defeated.

Eric Anderson earned a sixth place medal. Along the way, he defeated the top-ranked wrestler in his weight in overtime.

Also participating at the tournament are Curtis Baird, Gage Palmer and Spencer Squires.

The wrestlers participated in the Junior High programs and traveled to tournaments far and near.  They are coached by Lucas Peless and Shane Musselman, with a great amount of assistance from the participant’s fathers.

The Rowdy Boys wrestling season, for youth ages 5-13, begins February 16. Information will be sent home with students in coming weeks.