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Orem • The first day of the state wrestling tournament for the 5A and 4A classifications followed the same rhythm of years past.

Wrestling has lacked parity in Utah for several seasons — and in some instances, for nearly a decade — as the same programs ransack the tournament and claim the championship every year.

The local dynasties are not about to share titles with anyone anytime soon — that much was evident at the UCCU Center on Wednesday.

As expected, Pleasant Grove cakewalked past its Class 5A counterparts, jumping out to an enormous lead, with a total score of 124.5 after Day 1. Herriman holds the overnight position for second place, with a score of 75.

The Vikings are vying for their sixth consecutive state championship, however, and not everyone is accustomed to experiencing the wealth of success in the tournament.

Senior Shae Conder, who entered Wednesday with an overall record of 26-14, qualified for the state tournament for the first time in his career, calling the milestone, "a high school dream of mine."

Conder was pinned in the first round against Copper Hills' Joey Revelli in the 132-pound division, but followed with a pin of his own against Dennis Fyffe of Lehi in the consolation bracket, where many state tournaments are won because of overall depth.

"I'm not the greatest on my team," Conder said. After his takedown, he added, "It felt pretty good knowing my team could celebrate with me there. More than individually, it's winning as a team."

Maple Mountain and Wasatch surged ahead early in Class 4A, with the Golden Eagles maintaining a marginal 3.5-point advantage after the first round, but the Wasps countered in the quarterfinals for a lead of 130.5-119 after the first day as they attempt to repeat in the classification.

Unlike Pleasant Grove, both contenders in the 4A classification are forced to contemplate the close score throughout the evening.

"I think some kids get stressed out, but you just got to focus on one thing at a time," said Wasatch's Braiden Parker, who pinned two opponents in the 120-pound division as he pursues his second consecutive individual title. "...We got to keep pushing it. We know what we need to do. We'll be fine."

Maple Mountain's Tanner Cox, who is attempting to win his third individual title and also pinned two opponents in the 126-pound division, said the key on Thursday is for the junior varsity wrestlers to exceed expectations.

"Have to have our JV guys come through," Cox explained. "... We all have to be mentally tough tomorrow. Nothing has really changed."

Both Class 5A and 4A semifinals are scheduled for noon on Thursday at the UCCU Center, with finals starting at approximately 6:10 p.m.

Twitter: @trevorphibbs —

Storylines

R Pleasant Grove cruised past its Class 5A competition, jumping out to the lead with 124.5 points after Day 1.

• Maple Mountain surged early but Wasatch countered in the Class 4A quarterfinals for a lead of 130.5 to 119 as they attempt to defend its title.