Uintah Wrestling: A Dynasty Built on Family and Tradition
OREM — The Uintah High School wrestling team secured its third consecutive 4A state championship on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the UCCU Center at Utah Valley University. But this victory wasn’t just about points on a scoreboard; it was a continuation of a legacy, a testament to the deep-rooted wrestling culture in Vernal, Utah.
The Hacking Family Story: A Multi-Generational Legacy
Maddax Hacking’s individual championship at 132 pounds was particularly poignant. It wasn’t just his second state title, but a deliberate attempt to surpass his father’s single championship. “I’ve been pushing towards being better than my dad and win it twice,” Hacking explained. This sentiment echoes throughout the Uintah wrestling program, where family tradition is paramount. His brother, Ryken Hacking, also claimed a title at 138 pounds, adding to the family’s success.
Uintah’s Dominance: A Program Second to None
Uintah’s team performance was nothing short of dominant, accumulating 273.5 points to claim the 4A title. This marks the 28th team title in Uintah wrestling history, second only to Delta High School’s 34 in the state of Utah. The program’s success isn’t accidental; it’s a result of a deep bench of talented wrestlers and a commitment to continuous improvement, as noted by head coach Phillip Keddy.
Beyond the Hackings: A Team Effort
Although the Hacking brothers garnered significant attention, Uintah’s victory was a collective effort. Gavin Decol (106 pounds), Drayger Cloward (120 pounds), and Ethan Sharp (126 pounds) also secured individual championships. The team also boasted three runners-up, demonstrating the overall strength and depth of the Uintah wrestling roster.
The Vernal Wrestling Culture: A Community Affair
The success of Uintah wrestling is inextricably linked to the community of Vernal. “Vernal is a small town, and You’ll see a lot of families that just stem off and a lot of wrestlers with family tradition,” Hacking said. “It’s the biggest sport in Vernal; everyone loves it.” This strong community support fosters a passion for wrestling that is passed down through generations.
4A State Tournament Standout Performances
Beyond Uintah’s impressive showing, other wrestlers made their mark at the 4A state tournament. Mack Rutledge of Ridgeline defeated Brigham Cookson of Mountain View in a close 150-pound final (1-0). Zack McCann of Timpanogos won the 157-pound title, and Keegan Miller of Hurricane claimed victory at 165 pounds. Fisher Jolley of Timpanogos secured the 175-pound championship, while Titan Wright of Hurricane won at 215 pounds.
Top 10 Team Results
- Uintah, 273.5
- Timpanogos, 199
- Ridgeline, 153.5
- Mountain View, 124
- Hurricane, 117
- Mountain Crest, 93
- Stansbury, 93
- Crimson Cliffs, 74.5
- Deseret Peak, 72.5
- Bear River, 67.5
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many state championships does Uintah High School have? Uintah High School has 28 state wrestling titles, second only to Delta High School’s 34.
- Who won the 4A state wrestling championship in 2026? Uintah High School won the 4A state wrestling championship in 2026.
- How many individual champions did Uintah have? Uintah had five individual champions: Gavin Decol, Drayger Cloward, Ethan Sharp, Maddax Hacking, and Ryken Hacking.
Pro Tip: Building a successful wrestling program requires a strong commitment from the community, dedicated coaching, and a focus on developing wrestlers at all levels.
What are your thoughts on the impact of family tradition in high school sports? Share your comments below!
