Region 4 wrestling: Spanish Fork has talent; others boast depth

Although Spanish Fork is considered the favorite, the Region 4 wrestling championships will see the favorite Dons challenged by an array of contenders in what looks to be a very competitive meet.

"Spanish Fork is the team to beat," said American Fork assistant coach Cole Kelley, "but the tournament is as wide open as it has been in several years. It's going to be a great meet."

Spanish Fork went 5-0 in the region duals, while Lehi was 4-1. American Fork, Lone Peak and Pleasant Grove went 2-3, but the Cavemen and Vikings both qualified more junior varsity wrestlers to the varsity meet than the Dons, with Lehi actually qualifying the most with nine wrestlers moving on to region.

The numbers mean the Dons best be prepared for a tough fight for the region trophy.

The Dons have had a very good year, going undefeated in league duals as well as winning the Jaguar Duals hosted by West Jordan and beating 3A juggernaut Delta in a dual. However, in the tournament format, the Dons haven't fared quite as well, needing to exorcise those demons as they head into the final stages of the season.

The Dons have talented wrestlers including returning state placers Caleb Ashworth (125 pounds), Rodney Cox (140), David Sorenson (152), and Justin Kitchen (171) and Eric Weight (189).

Other top Don wrestlers include Nolan Haycock (130) and Tom Clark (145).

Coming up from 4A, the Pioneers have shown they have what it takes to compete in the 5A and are led by Dallin and Daniel Rice (103 and 119 pounds, respectively), Brennan Christensen (112), Cam Phillips (135), Jacob Sasser (160) and Dylan Stadel (285).

Phillips placed second in state last year, while Sasser was third and Stadel fourth. Stadel also won the Reno Tournament of Champions and represented the 5A team in the All-Star Dual.

"Spanish Fork is the team to beat, but we're nipping at their heels," said Lehi coach Dan Rice of his team's chances. "We're getting stronger and are about where we need to be. We've been fighting off the flu and bronchitis — it really hit our team hard — but other than that we're on the right track."

American Fork also hopes to contend. The Cavemen qualified six JV wrestlers and are excited about their chances. Michael Hortman, a returning state placer from Texas, will man the 145-pound weight class, and additional Caveman support will come from Justin Ballantyne (103), Jake Horan (160), Kyle Sumsion (189) and Jason Day (285).