Sports Briefs

Kjar and Ray Both Perform Well at Midlands

Sophomore wrestlers Benjamin Kjar (125 lbs.) and Flint Ray (133 lbs.), showcased their talents at the prestigious Midlands Championships on the campus of Northwestern University Monday and Tuesday.

Kjar, who is ranked 20th nationally, finished placing eighth in his weight division as he went 3-3 overall at the invitation only tournament.

Kjar, who was the seventh-seed in the tournament started out going 2-0 right out of the gates on day number one. In a tight match-up he then fell to the two-seed Brandon Precin from Northwestern (8-2) who went on to win the tournament. At day number two Kjar won his first match (9-3) over Thomas Williams of American and then lost a very close contest to the three-seed James Nicholson of Old Dominion (2-1) in overtime. After the tough loss Kjar wrestled in the seventh-place matchup against the fifth-seed Anthony Robles from Arizona State and lost via technical fall.

Ray, started out by winning his first bout of the tournament by pinfall but then falling in his second (9-1) to the fifth-seed Conor Beebe from Central Michigan. Next Ray battled back by winning his next two matchups against Matt Bradley of Rider (9-4) and Brad Gentzle of Pittsburgh (5-3). In his final contest Ray lost (11-1) to Todd Schravrien of Missouri being eliminated just one-win shy of placement. Ray went 3-2 overall at Midlands.

This marked the 46th annual Midlands Wrestling Tournament – a national event for outstanding teams, clubs, and individuals. The Midlands is a premier wrestling tradition, attracting 350 of the country’s best wrestlers. Kjar, Ray, and Jeb Clark were the only Wolverines invited to the event. Clark was unable to compete do to injury.

Robyn Fairbanks Named Candidate For Lowe’s Senior Class Award

UVU’s Robyn Fairbanks was among thirty senior male and female NCAA college basketball players announced today as candidates for the 2008-09 Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award, presented annually to an NCAA Division I student-athlete in nine sports.

“What a great honor for her,” said Utah Valley head coach Cathy Nixon. “We all know how good she has been on the court but this really speaks to her character off the court as well. She is an exceptional person and we are so proud of her and glad that she is being recognized in this manner.”

Fairbanks is a two-time honorable mention All-American (WBCA and Associated Press) and the reigning two-time Independent Player of the Year. This season, the Raymond, Alberta native is averaging 23.4 points and 9.7 rebounds while hitting .588 percent of her field goals.