Chet Funk, son of Jack and Tammi Funk of Elmo, took home a state championship in the 170-pound weight class last weekend at Utah Valley University. He is the first state champion from Emery since 1994.
After placing first in the 170-pound class at region, Chet and 15 other EHS wrestlers competed at the state championship meet. Funk faced North Sevier’s Nic DeGraffenreid, an opponent to whom he had previously lost by only one point in his first match of the year. Funk won the championship match 5-0. He was also voted outstanding wrestler with a year-long record of 44-3.
With all that he has accomplished in his wrestling career, Funk has not let the success go to his head.
“It was my team and coaches that made it possible,” he said. “I would like to thank my team for the amazing year that I had.”
Earlier this season, Funk was 10-0 at the 2A Duals in Richfield and was champion at the Pineview Invitational where he spent just seven minutes on the mat and pinned every opponent. He went to state as a junior and placed third in his weight class.
Funk was coached by Doug Mecham, Brandon Wise, his dad, and others. He was the team captain this year.
Note:
Chet and his father will be going to the National High School Wrestling Championships in Virginia Beach, Virginia March 29-April 1.В To qualify, a wrestler must place first or second in a respective state. For more information on the meet, click here.
Fundraisers are forthcoming, including an account at Desertview Federal Credit Union to assist with the cost.