Despite nasty winter weather, the two day Tournament of Champions filled hotel rooms in the Vernal area with teams, families and fans over the weekend. The premiere high school wrestling event held each year at the Western Park is a destination tournament known for its organization and serious competition. We thought the cold would keep away teams, shares Western Park Manager Derk Hatch, but we had 34 teams show up which is over 500 wrestlers and 2000 plus followers, coaches, and fans. Two Ute wrestlers stood at the top of the podium as the champions in their weight class: Tucker Tomlinson and Gavin Ayotte. Other Basin wrestlers took turns on the podium and the event was considered a great success. “This is known as an iconic tournament,” says Hatch, “where the best wrestlers are ranked by their placement for all high schools!”
