From Deseret News archives:
Wasatch has another big wrestling day
The best wrestler in NCAA history, after all, hails from the Heber Valley Olympic gold medalist Cael Sanderson, who earned a perfect 159-0 record and four national titles for Iowa State.
Dozens of other wrestlers, including Sanderson's three brothers, have made the Wasps proud as they've pursued success on college wrestling mats across the country.
Still, on an unseasonably warm spring afternoon last week, the Wasatch High wrestling community enjoyed a unique experience, even in a place where wrestling glory is plentiful.
Four Wasatch High wrestlers signed National Letters of Intent to wrestle for four different Division I programs.
"It's unusual," said Wasatch wrestling coach Steve Sanderson. "Generally we have one or two kids, but never that many in one group, and all to major universities."
Jake Salazar signed with Michigan, but he will serve an LDS mission before wrestling for the Wolverines. Salazar is a gifted athlete who won three state titles, has been an All-American multiple times and finished the season ranked No. 5 at 152 pounds in W.I.N. magazine. He was also the MVP of his football team.
Ethan Smith is also a three-time state champion for the Wasps at 160 pounds. He finished fourth at the Senior Nationals and also competed for the school in track and field's long jump. He was an all-state football player and, like Salazar, he will serve an LDS mission and then head to Purdue University to wrestle.
"He comes from a family of wrestlers," said Sanderson. "His grandfather built a dynasty at Delta High School ... He's a really hard-working, athletic kid."
Blake Mangum signed with Oklahoma University and is the only wrestler of the four who didn't grow up in the Heber Valley. He transferred to Wasatch High midway through high school. He is a four-time region champ and placed at the state tournament four times as well. He finished his high school career an impressive 182-26.
"He's a tremendous worker," said Sanderson. "He's fun to work with because he picks things up very quickly and wasn't afraid to try new things."
Recent comments
Shafer was given an oppertunity and took it. There was no recruiting...
agree w/big fan | June 14, 2008 at 3:21 p.m.
Cole and Blake would've done perfectly fine if they had stayed at...
Anonymous | June 14, 2008 at 3:19 p.m.
It would be smart for him to wrestle at a JC. He would get more...
Anonymous 2 | May 26, 2008 at 10:26 p.m.
- China executes 2 in milk scandal 11:32 a.m.
- ABC morning show cancels Lambert 11:29 a.m.
- Sanford impeachment hearings begin 11:29 a.m.
- Stocks retreat on reports 11:28 a.m.
- Murray police catch alleged burglar 11:28 a.m.
- Obama welcomes Indian PM Singh 11:26 a.m.
- Oil, gas lease plans include Alaska 11:24 a.m.
- CPSC: Crib recall response too slow 11:15 a.m.
- Handmade items in big demand 11:14 a.m.
- Diabetic boy's parents fight school 11:11 a.m.
- Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
- BYU's Lamb, Jorgensen reprimanded
- Utah, BYU are top choices for bowls
- BYU would like friendlier rivalry
- Bronco, Kyle rubber match
- Best prep football games of 2009
- KSL: Prostitution in Utah County
- Inmate dead following prison fight
- Fans greet returning Real Salt Lake
- Man trapped in own body for 23 yrs
- Glenn Beck to enter politics?
217 - RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
199 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah
178 - Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
144 - Bronco, Kyle rubber match
136 - Palin's book shows she's unqualified
133 - BYU records with win
132 - BYU would like friendlier rivalry
121 - Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case
103 - BYU cuts Women's Research Inst.
103
It's already established that Jazz coach Jerry Sloan is a big San...
I could tell BYU was ready to play Saturday afternoon even before the...
Utah coach Kyle Whittingham is giving his team some time off for...
The Lone Peak vs Hunter Game was the the best game all year by far! One of...
Any time you get more than 10 people together you will find the kind of fan...
Let's try to throw some common sense into these statistics. 2008 was a year...
Reality: any human, outside of Springville at least, can learn basic algebra...
You must be an English major at the U. What is the literacy rate for U fans?
they were spot on for who to protect. russell has been extremely inconsistent...
Ultra Bob says "small minority" at the Tea Parties....another dolt who fails...
REal can lose at most one of them according to the rules of the draft....
Is that a new nickname for G.W. Bush? Didn't he know that spending trillions...
Who's on the fringe of society? ========== Ah, that would be you -- Charles.

