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Show A Year of Change , : .v They called it "Meeting the Challenge" this year. And they did it. Weber State wrestlers faced a mountain of challenges at the beginning of the 1986-87 season, challenges that Coach John Webb and his charges must have eyed with wonder. Following the graduation of several key wrestlers, Webb was looking to see which wrestlers would come to the forefront and lead the team. The Wildcat grapplers had also put together the toughest schedule in the school's history, including duals against national powerhouses like Iowa State, Oklahoma, Fresno State, Wyoming, BYU, Utah State and Arizona State as well as such prestigious tournaments as the Hawaii Classic and Cowboy Invitational. And to top it off, budget crunches forced Weber to seriously evaluate the future of the wrestling program at Weber. So the wrestling team, understandably, set as its theme, "Meeting the Cahllenge." And according to Webb, the team proved equal to the challenge, enjoying a fine season and sending four wrestlers to the NCAA tournament. "I thought we had our very finest year ever that I have been involved with at Weber State," said Webb. "These kids came closer to their potential than any other team we've had." Super seniors Blake Beesley (118), Jody Warren (142), and Burke Stone (150), led the team the entire year in both their on-the-mat and practice style. Beesley came into his own this year, winning more matches (39) than any other Weber wrestler ever. The senior from Salt Lake was the stabilizing force, setting the mood for every dual match. Beesley's efforts paid off for a second place finish in the Big Sky and a trip to the NCAA's. Warren, a Star Valley, Wyoming native won 35 matches before a neck injury halted his Big Sky and NCAA title chances. Warren had winning streaks of 11 and nine straight during the season. Stone, who walked on at Weber four years ago from Weber High School, came as close to winning a Big Sky title, placing second. Stone finished the year with 30 wins. Other top performances were turned in by sophomores Todd Wheelwright, Corey Veach and Brad Williams, and seniors Stewart Richards and Eric Burton. Wheelwright won 30 matches at the heavyweight division, while Veach was Weber's only Big Sky Champion, winning the 177-pound class. Williams and Richards, former Box Elder High School stars, both turned in fine efforts for the year. Burton finished his career at the 158-pound class. Other wrestlers contributing this year included Ernie Mankin, Bryan Hagen, Robert Mantz, Scott Smith, Todd Nixon, Jody Nemelka, Kris Hodgkins, Tucker Nipko and Matt Duce. One of the top highlights of the year included a big wrestling match called the "WEBER WAR" which was held Feb. 20 at the Dee Event Center. Over 1,000 fans watched Weber battle Utah State and BYU as well as a high school senior all-star match. Through efforts such as these and other fundraisers, Weber will continue to have a wrestling program. Webb will take a one-year sabbatical to further his education at Oklahoma State. Warren will assume coaching responsibilities for the interim. Chris J. Miller Wrestling ,.1 ... Wildcat wrestlers fought hard just to keep their program alive next year. Burke Stone (above) puts the squeeze on his opponent. Jody Warren (below) will coach next year's wrestling team. 81) Sif-nOJJ Tuesday, June 2, 1987 |