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Show Jr '' '"' : . ( i i -. j 1 - ; ' 1 " If t -f X r' ' ' i i SHANE SWEATFIELD By DAVE WIGHAM It takes a tremendous amount of dedication and hard work without much recognition recogni-tion to become a top rated wrestler but the Viewmont team has such an athlete in Shane Sweatfield. THIS year Shane is currently undefeated in dual matches wrestling in the 105 weight classification. Usually a wrestler in that low class is an underclassman, so being a senior gives Shane that added edge with the experience. One experience from last year has a great effect on Shane and his wrestling this year. FOR the most part of the season last year Shane wrestled in the 105class but for tournament he dropped down to 98 pounds. It was fine during the season because the tournaments tour-naments were stretched out. He dropped down to 98 and won the region crown but with the state meet right after he had a rough time keeping his weight down. "I was too weak in the state meet, 1 couldn't hold the weight down without affecting my strength." As a result Shane lost his first match and never got back into the competition, which is something he hasn't forgotten. THE thing that really bugs him about last year is that the eventually state champion in the 98 pound class he had already beaten twice in previous matches. When asked if he thought he could have won the title at 105 he pointed out that it would have been tough. "The wrestler that placed second beat me in dual meet, but I beat the guy who took third so who knows. I never wrestled the winner." Overall Shane was 28-5 last year. SHANE began his wrestling in the seventh grade when at Bountiful Junior High he entered en-tered the competition and never lost. "I guess the first time I wrestled was in gym class at BJHS. No one beat me so I got interested in the sport." In his first varsity season with the Vikes he posted a 20-14 mark, which he isn't too happy about. Then he began taking up weightlifting, in fact he won a state title in power lifting last year, to increase his upper body strength. IT WAS during that sophomore year that Shane was last pinned in varsity competition. "Yeah, I remember it, it was to a guy that went on to win the state championship. He was a senior and me a sophomore, I guess this year things are the other way around." His strength is something he says he can always rely on. "I know as much about wrestling and all the moves as anyone I get on the mat with, but in the back of my mind I also know I can rely on my strength. I feel I'm stronger than anyone I wrestle." Last year was a big turn-around from his sophomore performance and Shane gives some other people a lot of credit. "THE two coaches, Ron Tree and Monte Jones, have helped me considerably. Then last year working out with Yazzie was great." Shane claims one of the best methods to better yourself as a wrestler is to always work out with someone who weighs more. This year Shane is the target for a lot of people, they know he's a good one. Does he want to know anything about his opponent op-ponent or does he care. "SOMETIMES I get really psyched out if I know the guy is tough. Like against Bingham I only beat my guy by a couple of points and I felt bad. Then Coach Tree told me that he won the 3A title last year. If I had known he was a defending champion I might have over-psyched over-psyched myself." He went on to say that the psych job starts with him when the wrestlers are being introduced before the match. "I like to look at him as hard as I can, to try to intimidate him." His record alone would intimidate in-timidate a lot of people, he hasn't lost yet this season. He feels he can win that state crown this year. The way he works out, the dedication he has, and that sour taste in his mouth from last year are three things that add to his chances of gaining that top spot. |