The Class 6A boys wrestling ranks feature some outstanding teams. Competition is fierce, and Riverton has its hands full as it aims to compete with the best of the best. As long as Sam Moody and Dylan Shafizadeh are wrestling for Riverton, the team always has a chance. 

Last season, Moody turned heads with an incredible performance as a freshman in the 106-pound class. After a strong regular season, Moody advanced through the state tournament all the way to finals where he won the championship with a 12-9 decision. Moody is wrestling in the 126-pound class this season, and he’s aiming high once again. 

“I want to win state again and want my team to win a region championship,” he said. 

Moody has already been wrestling for 10 years, so experience is on his side. His father was a significant influence in getting started in the sport. During the past decade, he has improved his strength, speed and skills. He loves wrestling because of the competition and because of the support he gets from those on the team in the community. 

“Becoming the best that I can be motivates me to keep going,” he said. 

Riverton has a family-like atmosphere where all the wrestlers care for one another and want each other to succeed. Moody appreciates the team culture the coaches have fostered and is grateful for the time and effort the coaching staff have put into his development. He also likes that the team comprises people who have grown up in Riverton. 

“I love all the great teammates and an awesome coaching staff,” he said. “I’m proud that we are all homegrown.”

Winning a state title as a freshman is a notable accomplishment, but it wouldn’t happen without Moody putting in tremendous effort. His commitment and relentlessness are hallmarks of what makes him such an important part of the team. Though he just a sophomore, he is already demonstrated the leadership skills that head coach Joseph Gorman is looking for. 

“I am super dedicated and put in the time to be the best,” Moody said. “I bring leadership to the team.”

Wrestling not only requires the right physical tools to succeed, but competitors need to be mentally tough too. In such a grueling, demanding sport, Moody is working hard to improve his mindset going into matches. During his career, he has learned how to overcome disappointment and bounce back when things haven’t gone his way. 

“Growing up, I lost a lot and had a ton of setbacks,” he said. “I doubted myself but kept pushing past it.”

Winning another state title won’t be easy, but it’s hard to count Moody out. Over the next three seasons as a Riverton wrestler, Moody wants to continue getting better so he can be prepared to compete at the next level. 

“I want to wrestle for a [Division 1] college,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Shafizadeh, a senior and team captain, has his sights set on a region title. He’ll have some stiff competition in Region 2, but Shafizadeh is confident that he can reach his goal. Last season, he reached the state tournament in the 175-pound class. After losing his opening match, he won two matches in the consolation bracket. This season, he is once again wrestling in the 175-pound division. He hopes to reach state for the third year in a row. 

With his father’s encouragement, Shafizadeh began wrestling six years ago. He loves the feeling of coming out on top and developing relationships with his teammates. Riverton has helped him enjoy the sport even more. 

“I love winning hard matches and bonding with the team,” he said. “This program has pushed me and made me better at wrestling. Everyone is family.”

This season, Shafizadeh is working on improving his takedowns. He also is trying to have a more positive, focused mindset, which is essential to have for any wrestler. He said his best move is the “arm bar.” As a captain, he’s a great example on and off the mat. He likes to lift up his teammates and urge all the Riverton wrestlers to do their best. 

“I am a motivator for the team,” he said. 

Once the season is over, his career for the Silverwolves will end. He has fond memories of his time at Riverton and being a key member of the wrestling team. Shafizadeh helped the Silverwolves place ninth in 6A last season, a big jump from where the team had been the year before when it placed 16th out of 18 teams. 

After high school, Shafizadeh plans to serve a volunteer mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The Silverwolves will continue to participate in meets and tournaments in preparation for the Region 2 tournament and the 6A tournament. State will take place at Utah Valley University Feb. 12, 13. Both Moody and Shafizadeh will be among the favorites to compete for individual titles in their respective weight classes. Riverton will likely qualify a handful of other wrestlers for state. Gorman is optimistic that at least five other competitors who reached the state tournament a season ago will repeat their performances and get back this season to bolster the team’s chances of moving up the standings. λ