Dec.
23, 2005:
Deseret Morning News
West Jordan Gears Up for Region 3
Wrestling Tourney
by Landon Walters
West Jordan, one of the more consistently
performing wrestling teams in the state, is again ranked
in the top 10 in the state rankings.
At No. 9, the Jaguars again seem to be a
contender for the Region 3 crown, even though they lost a
number of varsity wrestlers from last year's squad.
With tough competition from nearby rival
Riverton, ranked just ahead of West Jordan at No. 8, and
talented teams at all of the other Region 3 schools, the
Jaguars will need good performances on a regular basis.
As a tune-up before region matches get
into full swing after the first of the year, the wrestling
team traveled to Hunter High School last week in a battle
that will eventually help sort out the region seedings.
The Jags jumped out to an early lead and
held on to the for the win, even though they surrendered
18 points to the Wolverines via forfeiture.
One of the wrestlers that helped coach
Larry Jaramillo's team stay on top was Collin Grant. The
119-pound sophomore jumped out to an early lead.
"I wanted to win (it) because we gave up
18 points by forfeit. Our team needed the help," Grant
said. "So, I was hoping to get a pin, and I did."
Grant, class 5A's fourth-ranked wrestler
in his weight class, seemingly does not feel the pressure
of his status.
"I think that people try to beat the kids
that are ranked, and I just try and stay ahead," Grant
said.
"Our team isn't doing too bad this year.
We lost a lot of our good kids last year, but we are doing
all right."
The Jaguar wrestlers seem to be having fun
this season. A lot of that is credited to winning matches.
"Our coaches have been giving us a lot of
inspiration on region," Grant said. "They have been
helping us get prepared. I think that we have a good shot
at winning region this year."
With the Christmas break here, most high
school sports will be taking the annual hiatus. Next up
for the Jaguars is a match at home against Riverton on
Jan. 5, followed by the annual Jaguar Classic at West
Jordan on Jan. 6 and 7.
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