On February 20, 2016, USA Wrestling Utah hosted the first ever Junior High State Duals Championships. What started with 21 teams wasnt finished until the 2nd period of the heavyweight match in the Championship Dual.

The series actually began previously in the season with regional matches. The 21 teams were split into 5 regions. Duals were held to narrow those 21 teams down to just 8. Mountain Crest, Layton, Wasatch, Pleasant Grove, Fremont, Moab, Westlake and Mapleton made up the top 8 teams who advanced to Saturdays Championships.

Throughout the day, teams continued to move through the bracket until we eventually reached our final championship matchup: Wasatch vs Mapleton. As the dual began, Mapleton jumped to an early lead in the team points but Wasatch quickly responded. They were neck and neck through the entire dual. As the heavyweights approached the mat, everyone realized that the teams were tied 32-32. Whichever wrestler won this match would win the championship for his team.

Mapleton Junior High Wrestler Silas Miller would eventually pin Wasatch's Ben Provoest in the middle of the second period earning the championship for Mapleton Junior High. Layton would finish third and Fremont came in at number four. 

The Junior High State Duals were fun to watch. All wrestlers competed well. Congratulations to Mapleton Junior High. We are excited to see what next year brings!