Wrestling USA Magazine: Dec. 4, 2007

Four Mountain Top Wrestlers Achieve All-American Status at Reno Nationals

(Sandy, Utah) Eight Mountain Top Wrestling Club members traveled to Reno, Nev., to compete in the Reno Nationals in folkstyle wrestling. The tournament, held Dec. 1-2, 2007, at the at the Reno Livestock Events Center, is part of the World of Wrestling series of folkstyle national tournaments, and hosted top athletes ranging from age 4 to 15. Of the eight athletes competing, four placed, and one won a national title.

"This was a great experience," said Coach Bill Kilpack (III). "It came very early in the season, so we had some rust to kick off, as well as some who were a little green, but they really stepped up and did themselves proud."

Winning a national title was 12-year-old William Kilpack of Sandy, who competed in the 12 and Under 100-pound division. He pinned every opponent and only allowed two points to be scored against him.

Taking runner-up honors was 8-year-old Derek Fisher of Lindon, who competed in the 8 and Under 49-pound division. Fisher lost his first match to the wrestler who ended up taking gold, then wrestled his way back through the consolation bracket to win third, then was able to challenge for true second. That challenge was against another Utah wrestler, Fisher's long-time nemesis and a national champion to boot. Fisher had wrestled him many times (including two weeks prior), but never won, until the Reno Nationals.

"Derek's match for true second was really exciting," said Kilpack. "He is such a coachable kid. He listened well, and was very explosive in that match." Fisher won a decision with a score of 10-5.

Finishing fourth in their divisions were 6-year-old Garrick Kilpack of Sandy, 6 and Under 43 lbs., and Jake Johnson of Sandy, 15 and Under 157 lbs. The highlight of Garrick's tournament was in the semi-finals, when he met the defending champion. In an exciting match, Garrick tied the score with two seconds left on the clock, but lost in overtime, when his opponent for the first takedown, making it an 8-6 decision.

Johnson was the proverbial underdog. Not only is he a first-year wrestler, but his first live match was there at the Reno Nationals. He wrestled some very tough competition, and came out fourth.

"Jake is great to coach," Kilpack said. "He works really hard, really wants to learn, and just never stops. He's so aggressive that he makes up for a lot of things that he hasn't learned yet. I was just tickled to death to see how well he did."

Also competing in the tournament was Mason Christiansen of Riverton, 6 and Under 55 lbs.; and siblings Siondileigh Kilpack of Sandy, 8 and Under 55 lbs., MacKelti, 10 and Under 80 lbs., and Ella-Maereen, 15 and Under 115 lbs.

"This was a great experience for the kids," said Coach Bill Kilpack (Jr.). "Some had some disappointing matches ending in close losses, but everyone came away better and stronger for it. Seeing them continue to grow and develop, even from one match to the next, is a real pleasure."

Mountain Top Wrestling Club is a nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation dedicated to providing a venue for individuals to learn, develop and refine their athletic skills and abilities; and teaching the rules and regulations of freestyle, folkstyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. It is open to male and female athletes ages four and older who live anywhere in the State of Utah. Practices are held three days a week at Jordan High School. For more information, call 641-9832, e-mail coach@mountaintopwrestling.com or visit them on the Worldwide Web at www.mountaintopwrestling.com.

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