Emery wrestlers dominate at Bantam League State Tourney

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The season ended well for Emery All Star Wrestlers. On April 6, 15 Emery wrestlers from preschool to sixth grade traveled to Panguitch to compete in the South Central Utah Bantam League State Championships. The team placed sixth overall and third in the 2A division competing with teams boasting three times as many wrestlers. The team brought home seven gold medals, four silver medals and three bronze medals. Taking gold were Sam Allen, Hayden Christiansen, Monty Christiansen, Mason Stilson, Byron Christiansen, Jess Christiansen and Chase Christiansen. Receiving silver medals were Mason Thornley, Damon Farley, Tyler Stilson and Jaren Allen. Easton Thornley, Dwayne Farley and Korby Christiansen received bronze medals and Gannon Ward finished just out of the medals.
Coach Kirk Christiansen said, “The boys have worked hard since October. We have wrestled and wrestled and their efforts have paid off. We have learned a lot of technique and had more fun together than you can imagine. As coaches we push the boys hard because the competition is so tough. This sport is tough but these boys have learned to be tougher. Everything else these boys face in life is easy compared to wrestling.” He wishes to thank the dedicated parents that supported the team this season and hopes to have more wrestlers next year.
“Emery All Star Wrestling is open to all wrestlers and parents who want to wrestle on a competitive level. We work hard and play harder. We have been wrestling one night a week since October and we have had a great time and some great accomplishments. Our team boasts two gold medals from Utah Nationals and multiple medalists at 1A, 2A and 3A State Championships where Austin Guymon placed sixth and Ashton Dieli was second. The team received a sportsmanship award at the state competition. We need to thank those who came to practice with us through the year even if they didn’t travel to tournaments. None of the boys could be successful without your hard work, sweat and tears, all of their success is yours as well.”
One of the best tournaments for the team this year was held in Gunnison where the team received 11 gold medals, two bronze and two silver. Members also traveled to Heber City, South Sevier, Provo, North Sevier, Juab, Moab and North Sanpete. The Emery All Star Wrestlers have a mission to develop a wrestling culture here in Emery County, by helping parents use wrestling as a tool to teach life lessons. Dan Gable said “After wrestling, life is easy.”