Uintah Wrestlers Dominate 4A State Championship

Uintah High School claims third straight team title with five individual champions

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Uintah High School wrestling team secured its third consecutive 4A state championship in Utah, showcasing the deep-rooted wrestling culture in Vernal. The team's success was highlighted by five individual champions, including brothers Maddax and Ryken Hacking, continuing a family legacy of excellence on the mat.

Why it matters

Uintah's wrestling dominance reflects the strong community support and multi-generational passion for the sport in Vernal. The program's sustained success over nearly three decades underscores its status as one of the premier high school wrestling powerhouses in the state.

The details

Uintah accumulated 273.5 points to claim the 4A title, marking the program's 28th team championship - second only to Delta High School's 34 titles in Utah. Beyond the Hacking brothers, Gavin Decol, Drayger Cloward, and Ethan Sharp also won individual championships, demonstrating the overall depth of Uintah's roster.

  • The 4A state wrestling championship was held on February 14, 2026 at the UCCU Center at Utah Valley University.
  • Uintah High School has now won the 4A state wrestling title for three consecutive years.

The players

Uintah High School

A high school located in Vernal, Utah that has established itself as one of the premier wrestling programs in the state, winning 28 team championships.

Maddax Hacking

A wrestler for Uintah High School who won his second individual state championship, surpassing his father's single title.

Ryken Hacking

The brother of Maddax Hacking, Ryken also won an individual state championship for Uintah High School.

Gavin Decol

An Uintah High School wrestler who won an individual state championship in the 106-pound weight class.

Drayger Cloward

An Uintah High School wrestler who won an individual state championship in the 120-pound weight class.

Ethan Sharp

An Uintah High School wrestler who won an individual state championship in the 126-pound weight class.

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What they’re saying

“I've been pushing towards being better than my dad and win it twice.”

— Maddax Hacking, Uintah High School wrestler (newsy-today.com)

“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. It's the biggest sport in Vernal; everyone loves it.”

— Maddax Hacking, Uintah High School wrestler (newsy-today.com)

The takeaway

Uintah High School's wrestling program has built a legacy of excellence through a deep commitment to the sport, multi-generational family involvement, and strong community support in the town of Vernal. This sustained success underscores the power of grassroots sports development and the positive impact it can have on a local community.