145 POUND PRESEASON RANKINGS

Johnny O'hearon comes into the 2014 season as the clear favorite at 145lbs. Johnny is a returning state champion and Greco All-American. I would expect Johnny to be untouched at this weight in the state of Utah. Victor Almanza from Delta takes the #2 spot after winning a 2A state title and a runner up finish in 2012. In the 2A division Victor will again be the clear favorite to repeat as a State Champion. 

5A 138 pound runner-up Oscar Rodriguez defeated Gates in the semifinals at state last year and will look to be the top dog in the 5A division. Oscar starts out #3 in the preseason rankings. #4 ranked Landon Gates from Pleasant Grove will be out seeking revenge from his semifinal loss to Rodriguez.

The 5A division is shaping out to be tough at 145lbs with our #5 ranked wrestler coming from Bingham High School, Jordan McRae. Jordan stumbled at state last year and placed 5th but is looking for Gold in 2015. Rodriguez, Gates and McRae will be battling for that top spot on the podium come February. 

Sophomore Kyle Larsen finished a great freshman season by placing 2nd at state in the 4A division. Ranked #6, Kyle will look to push O'hearon for the title but it will be a tough task. Roy's Connor Kirkland will start the season ranked #7 and is another 4A wrestler. Kirland placed 3rd at state last year losing to Maple Mountain's Lamont in the semifinals. 

Senior from Juab, Jesse Ballow takes the #8 spot after his 3rd place finish at state in 2014. Jesse took first place at the Utah Summer Games this off season with wins over Andy Larsen and Colt Evans at the 145 pound weight class. Ballow comes in as the highest ranked 3A wrestler and will be the wrestler to beat in 3A. Jaden Peterson from Pine View is our #9 ranked wrestler. Jaden actually placed ahead of Ballow at state and beat the kid that beat Ballow but with Jesse's strong off season and off season win over Peterson we decided to put Ballow ahead of Peterson but it could be a great battle for the state title in February. 

Our tenth ranked wrestler goes to sophomore Conner Wengreen from Mt. Crest. Conner placed 6th at state last year. Conner will have the workout partners to push him and help him compete in a tough 4A weight class. 

1. Johnny O'hearon (Senior) - Maple Mountain
2. Victor Almanza (Senior) - Delta
3. Oscar Rodriguez (Senior) - Layton
4. Landon Gates (Senior) - Pleasant Grove
5. Jordan McRae (Senior) - Bingham
6. Kyle Larsen (Sophomore) - Salem Hills
7. Connor Kirkland (Junior) - Roy
8. Jesse Ballow (Senior) - Juab
9. Jaden Peterson (Senior) - Pine View
10. Conner Wengreen (Sophomore) - Mt. Crest