Pin-demonium — Utah Valley's wrestlers look to make their moves

The prep wrestling season is just a few weeks old in Utah Valley, and already there are indications that this could be a big year for the local teams. Most of the traditional powers are back in usual form, and a few of the other squads have a chance to put together landmark seasons.

There are a lot of experienced wrestlers back this year that could bring home at least a few individual championships, and both of the valley's regions look to be tightly contested.

The best team to keep an eye on as the season goes on might be Springville. After a good showing at the state tournament last season and a third-place finish in region, the Red Devils are the early favorites in Region 7 and have already made a little bit of history.

Springville beat neighboring rival Spanish Fork in a pre-season duel last month, notching its first win over the Dons in 26 years.

"We have a very tough team, especially in the lower weights," said Springville coach Justin Judkins. "We have four returning state placers, and two of those are state champs."

Kolby Bradley (103 pounds) and Jason Chamberlain (112) are the top returners for the Red Devils after winning state last year. Both wrestlers took first-place at a pre-season tournament in Layton that featured three of last year's state championship teams and should be looking to repeat as champions in February.

Springville could struggle with depth in the state tournament and will run into some tough teams in region as well.

"Payson and Orem will be tough, and Provo has a couple of good kids," said Judkins.

Provo will feature twin brothers Michael (130) and Nathaniel Holt (145), who are back after strong state performances last year. Nathaniel won his weight class while Michael finished second. Both Holt brothers are expected to compete for state championships again.

Provo has already lost one of its wrestlers to a football injury, and the Bulldogs will rely on young wrestlers like David Ojuka (160) and John Libutti (171) to step up and perform well.

"We have a few spots we can't fill with one of our smallest squads in years," said Provo coach Brian Preece. "We're hopeful some of our young wrestlers can advance to the next level."

Payson lost some faces from last year's team that finished second in region and had three individual state champions. But the school should also be in the mix for the region title along with Orem.