Wrestling USA Magazine: April 9, 2008

Sandy Youth Wins Reno World Championships, Outstanding Wrestler

(Sandy, Utah) April 9, 2008 — Seven Mountain Top Wrestling Club members traveled to Reno to compete in the Reno World Championships, the single largest folkstyle wrestling tournament in the United States, winning matches and, in one case, winning the tournament and being named Outstanding Wrestler for his age division.

"This was really a long time coming for William," said Coach Bill Kilpack (III). "He's been beaten out of the tournament one round short of placing so many times. Now it all just seems worth it. Not only does he win the title, but he was named the Outstanding Wrestler for the 12 and Under division. He was the only Utah wrestler this year who won in the finals."

William Kilpack of Sandy, 12 and Under 105 lbs., won the championship in his division, pinning four opponents and not allowing a single point to be scored against him until the finals, when he rose victorious with a 9-6 decision. Not only did this earn him his tenth national championship, but it also earned him the Outstanding Wrestler award for his age division, with all four pins coming in a combined time of three minutes and 45 seconds.

Young Kilpack, who was seeded third in the tournament, said, "I was most nervous before my quarterfinal match. If I won that, I was guaranteed a place. And, although my championship match went the whole time, I think that match to get into the medals was my toughest." He pinned that opponent, an athlete from Nebraska, in 2 minutes. He also pinned a wrestler from Nevada (26 seconds), California (30 seconds, who eventually went on to take third) and New Jersey (49 seconds, the second-place seed who finished sixth). He faced an Illinois wrestler in the finals.

"This was a real indicator of how much William has progressed, putting him up against national competition at the biggest folkstyle tournaments in the country," said Coach Kilpack. "He walked in, went after it, and showed what he's capable of. It was a great showing, and a great tournament."

Young Kilpack said, "My goal was to place. It's pretty cool to not only place, but to win it, and get the Outstanding Wrestler. I still can't believe it. I just can't stop smiling."

He is a seventh grader Indian Hills Middle School in Sandy.

Also competing in the tournament were three of William's siblings: brother Garrick, 6 and Under 46 lbs., who went 2-2, and was eliminated one round short of placing; sister and first-year wrestler Siondileigh, 8 and Under 53 lbs., who went 1-2; and sister MacKelti, 10 and Under 80 lbs., who went 1-2 on the tournament.

Other teammates competing were brothers Cooper and Trevor Fahrenbruch of West Jordan (Cooper, 6 and Under 40 lbs.; Trevor, 6 and Under 52 lbs.) and Tolliver Rogers, 10 and Under 64 lbs.

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 educating regarding 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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