Boys and girls, 4 years old and up! For information on which program is right for you, check out our “Programs” tab.

Coaches:

Jason Workman-

Coach Workman is our head Jr. High coach. He is a longtime cornerstone of the Uintah Wrestling program. With nearly 30 years of coaching experience, Coach Workman has dedicated decades to developing young wrestlers and helping build the strong tradition that Uintah Wrestling is known for. Throughout his coaching career, Jason has worked with athletes at both the junior high and high school levels, giving him a unique understanding of what it takes to prepare young wrestlers for success as they progress through the program. His focus goes far beyond teaching technique, he works to instill toughness, discipline, confidence, a strong work ethic, and a love for the sport. At the Jr. High, Jason plays an important role in bridging the gap between youth wrestling and the high school program. His experience, consistency and commitment have helped shape generations of Uintah wrestlers, and he continues to be one of the most important parts of the culture and tradition of Uintah Wrestling.

Candace Workman Triggas-

A Vernal native and proud Uintah Wrestling alum, Candace has spent nearly her entire life in the sport as an athlete, Team USA competitor and coach. She began wrestling at seven years old and quickly established herself nationally, winning seven age-group national titles and earning numerous All-American honors before entering high school. At Uintah High School, Candace became a pioneer for women’s wrestling in Utah. Competing against boys, she became the first female wrestler in Utah history to advance to a UHSAA State Championship final, finishing as the State runner-up in 2008. She was a two-time Region Champion, two-time Junior Nationals Freestyle finalist, FILA Junior National Champion, four-time Rocky Mountain Nationals Champion, and was selected to the ASICS Girls High School All-American Team. Following high school, Candace trained at the U.S. Olympic Education Center before becoming a full-time resident athlete at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, where she trained from 2010–2016. During her senior-level career, she became a two-time University National Champion, made the University World Team, placed 4th at the U.S. Open and World Team Trials, and finished 4th at the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team Trials. Candace competed internationally representing Team USA and Titan Mercury Wrestling Club. In 2017, Candace returned home to Vernal with a goal of giving back to the program and community that helped shape her. As a coach with Uintah Wrestling, she brings years of elite national and international experience into the room while emphasizing technical development, confidence, toughness and a genuine love for the sport. Her coaching experience also extends to the international level, including coaching USA Wrestling Cadet Women’s Pan American Teams to a team gold medal in 2019 and again in 2023. In 2022, Candace became the first female wrestler inducted into the Brunson Utah Wrestling Hall of Fame, recognizing both her competitive accomplishments and her role in helping pave the way for generations of female wrestlers who followed. She was the 2025 Utah Club Coach of the year and in 2026 Candace was inducted into the Uintah High School Athletics Hall of Fame.

Nikko Triggas-

Originally from Moraga, California, Nikko brings an elite level of wrestling experience to the Uintah Wrestling program. A graduate of Campolindo High School, Nikko compiled a 220–13 career record, was a four-time California State qualifier and three-time State placer, finishing 3rd as a sophomore, winning a California State Championship as a junior, and finishing as the State runner-up his senior year. He was a four-time USA Wrestling Greco National Champion, winning Fargo Cadet National titles in 2005 and 2006 followed by back-to-back Junior National titles in 2006 and 2007. He also represented Team USA internationally, winning gold in Greco and bronze in freestyle at the 2007 Junior Pan American Championships. He finished his high school career ranked among the top wrestlers in the country. Nikko went on to wrestle at The Ohio State University, where he became an NCAA All-American and won multiple University National titles before continuing his career as a Team USA Greco wrestler.  Now with Uintah Wrestling, Nikko brings decades of experience from the state, national, collegiate and international levels into the wrestling room. His extensive background in folkstyle, freestyle and Greco gives Uintah athletes the opportunity to learn high-level technique while developing the confidence, discipline, toughness and competitive mindset necessary to succeed at every level of the sport.

Taylor Merkley-

Coach Taylor is a proud Uintah Wrestling alumni who has come full circle, giving back to the program that helped develop him. During his career as a Ute, Taylor was a UHSAA state finalist and a four-time state placer, a 2X Region Champion, a 2X TOC finalist, a 2X USA Utah Wrestling freestyle and Greco state placer. After high school Coach Taylor went on to wrestle for Dixie State and was a National Qualifier. Now as a coach, Taylor brings that same drive, work ethic and passion for Uintah Wrestling into the room. His experience allows him to connect with wrestlers at every level, building strong relationships and helping them develop great technique, confidence and a love for wrestling. Taylor is committed to pushing athletes to reach their potential, loving them like family while still building the toughness and discipline that extends far beyond the wrestling mat.

Creedon Merkley-

Dr. Chanse Rinderknecht-

Tiger League, Club & Jr. High CoachChanse has coached Uintah Youth Wrestling for about five years, working with athletes from their first Tiger League practice through club and Jr. High. He started wrestling at age four and went on to become a three-time high school state placer.He believes wrestling does more than teach takedowns. It shows kids that hard work pays off and builds the kind of mental toughness they can take into school, work, and life. In the room, Chanse focuses on fundamentals, effort, and helping wrestlers become tougher, more accountable people — not just better competitors.

Kelsey Cochran-

As our Team Mom, Kelsey plays an important role in keeping our wrestling family connected and organized. She helps bridge the gap between parents and coaches, making sure families receive important announcements, updates, reminders, and information throughout the season. Behind the scenes, Kelsey helps coordinate the many details that keep our program running smoothly and is a great resource for parents who have questions or need help figuring out where to go or what to do. With four kids currently in the Uintah Wrestling program (and a fifth joining soon) she knows firsthand what it’s like to navigate practices, tournaments, events, and everything else that comes with being a wrestling family. She knows the ins and outs of the program and is always willing to help. Whether you’re brand new to Uintah Wrestling or have been around for years, Kelsey is a great person to turn to when you have questions, need information, or just aren’t sure who to ask.