UVSC wrestling debuts with win over N. Idaho

Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Nov 14, 2003 by Steve Schaack

OREM -- Mitch Morgan's return to the wrestling mat was a memorable one. Morgan, a former Wasatch High and Boise State wrestler, opened Utah Valley State College's wrestling debut by pinning North Idaho's Jamie Garcia in the 149-pound match.

Following Morgan's pin, the Wolverines went on to beat North Idaho, the 2002 NJCAA National Champions, 23-18.

"It's been along time coming," Morgan said. "I was joking with the guys in the locker room that I didn't want to be first. Then I thought it would be nice to get the first win in history. I was looking forward to it when they drew my name."

Until Tuesday, Morgan wasn't even supposed to be on the mats since he had his appendix taken out nine days ago. After visiting the doctor on Tuesday, Morgan was told he was good to go as long as he didn't feel any pain.

There was no pain to be felt as a capacity crowd of 2,000 fans filled the Activity Center at UVSC to watch Morgan and the Wolverines in their first ever match. The attendance was no surprise to the wrestlers.

Prior to the match, Morgan and several of the wrestlers were told that 1,000 season tickets had been sold for Utah Valley's inaugural season.

"I hope the young wrestlers here go home wanting to be a college wrestler someday," UVSC coach Cody Sanderson said. "I hope they come back again and bring their friends. This was more for the guys that were wrestling to feel like they were apart of something big and what they are doing is all worth it. "

UVSC won five of its 10 matches against North Idaho. Along with Morgan, Wayne Watts, Tanner Cowan, Erkin Tadzhimetov, and Ryan Argyle posted wins.

"Tonight was a great win to get us started," Sanderson said. "This shows my guys are ready to compete with anybody out there."

Despite only being a junior college, Sanderson said North Idaho is better then many of the Div. I wrestling programs around the country. Now with one win under their belts the Wolverines hope the success carries over into up coming matches.

"There is no question we are going to succeed," Morgan said. "We have a great coach and a great team. We have nothing to do but go up. This is going to set the bar. A lot of teams are going to be added when they see how successful we are going to be."

UVSC is the first school to add collegiate wrestling in nearly 30 years and the only college in Utah to have a wrestling program since BYU dropped it in 2000.

UVSC will be at the University of Wyoming on Saturday and Northern Colorado the following week. Its next home match will be Dec. 13 against Western State.