Jordan Freestyle Wrestling made the trip up to Winnemucca, Nev., for the 11-state Western Regional Championships held June 21–26. Six athletes took six medals between the Greco-Roman and freestyle styles, earning places amongst the best in the West.

“It was the first time we went to Western Regionals, and I think we made a very positive impact,” said Jordan Freestyle Wrestling Coach Bill Kilpack (III). “It was the first time for the club and the first time for all the guys at a tournament of this caliber. It was a real eye-opener to see just how good these guys have become to have them match up with the best in 11 states and come out winners.”

In the Greco-Roman championships, held June 23–24, Jordan Freestyle Wrestling team members took two silver and one third-place bronze. William Kilpack of Sandy, Midget (ages 9 and 10) 60 lbs., took a silver medal in the largest weight class in the age division after beating all six opponents by pin or technical superiority (gaining a 10-point lead), then falling short against the defending Greco-Roman champion in the finals.

Austin Swensen of South Jordan, Midget 75 lbs., took a silver after beating three opponents by decision, then recovering from a loss to win his way back to the finals. Meeting the defending champion in the finals, he held the champion to a low-scoring decision of 4-0.

First-year wrestler Tyler Jensen of West Jordan, Midget 50 lbs., took a third-place bronze medal, winning his bronze-medal match in a hard-fought decision with a score of 10-8.

In the freestyle championships held June 23–24, Jordan Freestyle Wrestling team members took three medals. Jake Ribald of West Jordan, Midget 70 lbs., took a fourth-place bronze after beating three opponents by fall or technical superiority.

Austin Swensen, Midget 75 lbs., took a fifth-place bronze medal after winning three matches, the coming back after losses to win his fifth-place match by decision with a score of 7-0.

Tyler Jensen, Midget 50 lbs., took a sixth-place bronze after winning two matches by fall, then falling short in a hard-fought decision in the fifth-place match.

In order to qualify for the Western Regional Championships, all six athletes had to place in the top six in the USA Wrestling Utah State Championships held this past April in Brigham City. They competed against the same level of athletes from Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming.

Jordan Freestyle Wrestling is open to kids ages four and older who live anywhere in the State of Utah. This is the next-to-last tournament held this season. The final tournament, USA Wrestling Kids Nationals in Menomonie, Wis., will be held next week. For more information about Jordan Freestyle Wrestling, call 641-9832, e-mail jordanfreestyle@aol.com or visit Jordan Freestyle Wrestling on the Worldwide Web at http://members.aol.com/jordanfreestyle/.