High school wrestling: All-stars set to hit the mat today

It is debatable which classification has the toughest competition for wrestling in the state of Utah, but one thing is certain for the All-Star Wrestling Classic: 5A is the team to beat.

The ninth-annual Classic begins tonight at 7 at the McKay Events Center at Utah Valley University. The event has grown in size and stature every season since its inception. The past two events have featured a format which has been the same — 56 wrestlers and four teams of 14 with 5A, 4A, 3A having its own team and a combined 1A/2A squad. Each of the past two titles has been claimed by the 5A team.

The 5A team will be tough once again. Alta junior Carson Kuhn is back for his second appearance at the event. Coming off an undefeated sophomore season, his battle with Delta's Chasen Tolbert is one of the most highly anticipated matches.

Kade Moss of Bingham is a two-time state champion and veteran of the All-Star. The feature match of the night features 5A's Dylan Stadel of Lehi against 2A champion Sergio Pedroza of Millard. This battle of heavyweights has two of the top competitors in not only the state at 285 pounds, but the nation as well.

While the action on the mats will undoubtedly be exciting and feature some of the best grapplers in the state, the dual purpose of the events should not be forgotten. Besides featuring and highlighting the top wrestlers, the event is a fundraiser for the Utah Amateur Wrestling Foundation benefitting the UVU wrestling program. The UAWF pledged to donate a certain amount of money to UVU each season if it would institute a wrestling program. As the only collegiate team in the state, the Wolverines have benefited from the talent in the state, as well as the efforts of the UAWF.

"We are very glad to be a part of something that promotes the sport of wrestling," said Ross Brunson, event organizer and member of the UAWF board. "We are happy with the past success of the event and hope that we can continue to accomplish those things that we set out to do when we first came up with this idea. Mainly, we want to put on a good show and help meet our pledge for the UVU wrestling team."

While the 5A team has claimed the past two events, each of the other classifications boasts strong competition to knock the big guys off their perch.

The 4A team has some All-Star veterans hoping to lead it to a win. Ethen Lofthouse is a three-time state champion and two-time All-Star participant. He is nationally ranked and well known as one of the toughest competitors to ever take the mats. His brother, Raider, a two-time state champion, is also making his third appearance at the event. Springville's Hayden Petersen is a returning participant and state champion.