Quest-ions? Can Viewmont 3-peat? Is Wasatch back?

It is time again for the unique aspect of an individual sport tying into a team aspect. Yes, wrestling is here, and there are many interesting stories to watch for this season. How many individuals will repeat as champions? Can Wasatch maintain its dominance? Can Viewmont take a third-consecutive title, and how will the new alignments affect the classifications?

CLASS 5A

Viewmont has taken the last two titles, and three of the last four. What's its secret?

"We have a good junior high program," said the Vikings' 152-pound wrestler, David Wiser. "The coaches at that level get us ready so that when you are a freshman you are ready to contribute. Plus, we have coach (Bart) Thompson and he really helps us. He knows how to teach you and motivate you so that we always have a chance to win."

The Vikings won the title last year with only one individual champion. The overall team depth is what makes Viewmont a contender again this year.

"We are similar in the depth that we had last year," said Thompson. "We still don't have the just dominating individuals. That is not to say we might not have anyone win it, but we don't have a two- or three-time champion to count on, but we may even be stronger top to bottom."

As much as Viewmont knows how to win, it is not even favored to win its own region. That designation is for Weber. With Shay Warren and Jorge Lopez, the Warriors have a pair of returning state champions, but with overall depth and with returning state-placers such as Aaron Ross and Nate Hubbard, Weber will be in the hunt for a state title.

Brighton's Talon Knox is a returning state champion, and with the emergence of K.C. Nate as a No. 1 contender and better overall team depth, Brighton will fight Alta for the Region 2 crown and a possible top-five showing at state.

Bingham has the only returning champion in Region 3 in Mitch Moss, but the Miners still have some other returning placers. According to coach Russ Paulsen, the team could be a contender.

"We have a few wrestlers that could make some noise," he said. "If some of our younger guys step up and continue to develop we could get enough guys through the region meet to do some damage at state."