tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52477936833295181702024-03-05T23:12:46.869-08:00MatchupBrucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10148122755194765206noreply@blogger.comBlogger211125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5247793683329518170.post-49952683574153365992013-02-08T10:38:00.000-08:002013-02-08T10:38:14.828-08:00Olympus football: 2012 season recapThe Olympus Titans came back to post another good season and the players and coaches were pretty happy about it. Here's the article that will appear in the team's 2012 football yearbook.<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A pleasant late-season run<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Titans keep improving and,
after a 0-3 start,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">force their will on others
to earn a tie atop region<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">By Bruce Smith<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Matchup<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: 6pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>One game made the difference in the Olympus Titans’ 2012
football run. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>You know who it was. You don’t even have to think. For
the fourth straight year, the Titans defeated their rival – Skyline. This year’s
27-9 victory was by the largest margin in the streak. It also helped erase a
0-3 start and earned Olympus a tie of the Region 7 crown.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I was pleasantly surprised,” is how coach Aaron
Whitehead described the season. “They got better as it progressed. We had a
senior class that provided great leadership. There’s a lot of pride in this
place.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Olympus finished with a 6-5 overall record and was 4-1 in
region. After dropping games to powers Sky View, Alta and Northridge to begin
the year, the Titans came back to win six of their next seven games. They lost
in the first round of the 4A playoffs to Highland.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I would have liked our chances if we would have beaten
them (the Rams),” said Whitehead. “We could have taken that road and done some
damage. We had a solid running game and played everyone tough.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Titans came into the year picked to finish third in
region. With just three returning starters, that seemed fair. On the bright
side, Oly was able to practice on its home field (unlike most of last year) and
could see its new school building progress. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We had so much going against
us experience wise,” said offensive lineman Will Christensen. “But we felt good
about what we accomplished and we should have accomplished more.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The team earned its successes by committee. Christensen
was the only first team all-state pick (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Salt
Lake Tribune</i>) and Tanner Goates and Matt Steffenson were second-team selections.
There were a lot of talented teams in 4A, with great athletes, and Olympus
competed with its strong work ethic and never-give-up attitude.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We saw that from the start,” said Whitehead. “Even after
we lost our first few games, we weren’t disappointed. We were seeing what we
hoped. We just needed time for it to come together.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Titans tied with Herriman and Skyline for the region
championship. The “Senior Night” victory at home over the Eagles on a cold,
rainy night was what almost every player felt was the high point. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Skyline was all-around our best game just because of the
stage we were on during it,” said Jake Jones. “We really battled. Every sport
we play Skyline in it’s always that much more important because of the rivalry.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Whitehead said Jones had a “monster game” against
Skyline, rushing for 116 yards and 22 carries. Quarterback Corbin Anderson also
played well.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Anderson looked like a senior leader that night,” said
Whitehead. “He just kept improving and led two great comebacks near the end of
the season.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Timpview ended up the 4A champions. The Thunderbirds and
East were the dominant 4A teams. Herriman could have made the semifinals, but lost
to East in the first round after the Leopards were penalized for using ineligible
players and forced for forfeit four games. The Leopards were probably 4A’s
second-best team.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jones was named Oly’s Most Valuable Player award at the
team banquet. He teamed with Anthony Schoenfeld and Offensive MVP Coleman Meier
to give the Titans a solid running attack. Jones led the Titans with 794
rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. Goates was the team’s Defensive MVP. In region
play, Olympus gave up an average of 14.8 points per game. If you throw out the
42-9 loss at Herriman, the Titans allowed just one touchdown per game to region
opponents.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The loss to Highland that ended the year was
disappointing, but it didn’t dampen Oly’s spirits.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s a good time to be here,” said Whitehead. “We’ve had
four straight winning seasons and two region titles in a row. There’s a lot of
character and the new building next year will be spectacular.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10148122755194765206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5247793683329518170.post-72311586488040828082013-02-06T08:41:00.002-08:002013-02-06T08:41:49.860-08:00Bingham band: Patrice Densley profileIn early February, I interviewed Patrice Densley, who was the Color Guard section leader for the Bingham High School Marching Band. During our 30-minute session, her exuberance was noticeable and she was a pleasure to talk to. I could just imaging her smiling the whole time. Here is the article that will appear in the Bingham band's yearbook.<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Patrice Densley:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Her exuberance rubbed off
on others<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">and gave the show something
special<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">By Bruce Smith<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Matchup<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 6pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When it came time to picking a section leader for the Color
Guard, leaders of the Bingham 2012 Marching Band needed someone quick – with a
lot of energy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Patrice Densley was the profound choice. Perhaps only Miquel
Lotz and David Belnap – who were co-captains – could match her speed and
exuberance.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m a very happy person. That’s what everyone else
should remember (about me),” she said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Most everyone in the 130-person band knew Densley, and having
that many friends is what she appreciated most. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>All season, she literally carried the flag of the
19-person Color Guard as they ran through other sections during the show and mixed
in well. They started running in August when they began learning their routes
at Band Camp, and they didn’t stop until the Bands of America performance.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“The Color Guards … we wanted to be seen,” Densley said. “The
Marching Band makes the sets, but the Color Guard makes the color and we
connect with the audience. It gives us a story aspect to the show.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Prior to each performance, they decorated themselves. The
group became one personality and each was followed by the fans in the stands.
If there was a mistake, it was noticed. If it was perfect, that’s how it was
supposed to be.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For Densley, that’s what made the BOA show her favorite
memory.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It was our state competition, and it had never been done
before,” she asid. “We made it to the finals we’ve never experienced that.
(Band director Darin) Graber told us that other bands had been doing BOA for
years and had never made it to the finals. It was a cool thing for us.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The celebration went on for a long time. Unlike the band,
the Color Guard showed its emotions and, even months later, still relished the
year’s accomplishment. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We had to practice a lot,” Densley said. “You have to
learn how to learn quickly and coordinate your hands well. You have a lot of
movement and you’re always moving something else.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“A lot of times during practices we had to keep our
spirits up, we would do fun rhymes,” she added. “ We all would ride the same
bus together, which helps unity within our team. Learning how to cooperate with
each other helps a lot.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Being the youngest of eight children, Densley already
knew a lot about that. Her close-knit family liked to sing together and several
of her siblings played in bands. Her older brother, Riley, was part of the Bingham
Marching Band. When he graduated, Patrice followed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She said enjoyed being in a leadership role and figured
it helped her listen to others. She also enjoyed working with Belnap, who was
in charge of the weapons (wooden or plastic rifles). Belnap was the lone male the
last two seasons and the duo “made a strong connection.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s not easy carrying weapons because we’re doing so
much running,” Densley said. “They’re more difficult to spin, too, and the
harmful thing is hitting yourself with it. I did that many times.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After the marching band season, Densley continued
performing with the Bingham Winter Guard and was also involved with the school
choir. After graduation, she would like to go to college and become a teacher.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10148122755194765206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5247793683329518170.post-82209638150488550052013-02-05T17:37:00.000-08:002013-02-05T17:37:09.927-08:00Stansbury football: Chandler Staley profileIn late January, I interviewed Chandler Staley, a senior at Stansbury High School. He was one of several great athletes on the Stallions football team this year. Here's the article that will appear in the Stansbury football team's 2012 yearbook.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Chandler Staley:</span></b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hard to say who was Stallions’
fastest,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">but he made the most of
his chances</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">By Bruce Smith<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Matchup<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: 6pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Stansbury Stallions were a competitive team. During
the football season, they were across the field. Otherwise, the competition was
within.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It started in the weight room. Coach Clint Christiansen,
a lifter himself, started it all when he became the team’s head coach in 2009.
It was also on the practice field, where players like Chandler Staley spent
hours trying to improve themselves.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Officially, in a 40-yard race, Tyler Stevens was the
fastest. In reality, Staley might have been a prime candidate.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Stevens, Clausing, May. It’s tough to say (who was the
fastest) because all of us were good friends during the season,” Staley said. “There
was a bond you make on sports team. Winning encourages it. When you’re losing,
everyone wants to point fingers. When you’re winning, it definitely helps with
friendship.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And, at least this year, Stansbury’s victories were keyed
by its speed.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We didn’t get beat by it (speed),” Staley said. “We did
a lot of work in the offseason with our track coach. He was there for motivation
and he kept us going 100 miles per hour.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Staley’s burst made him a key contributor on Stansbury’s
offense, where he carried the ball just 29 times but managed 290 yards (10.0
yards/carry) and four touchdowns. On defense, he had 56 tackles, including 1.5
sacks, and three interceptions.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We did a lot of workouts, even prior to the season,” he
recalled. “Every team conditions, but we started working on speed and then, during
the season, upkeeping it. I was able to run down some kids on pass patterns and
knock the ball down, if not intercept it.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Staley was a three-sport letterman at Stansbury,
competing in football, baseball and track and field, where he joined several
football teammates in running the 100 and 200-meter sprints. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We all compete pretty well,” he said. “It’s hard to say
(who’s faster).”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Staley said his football highlight this was season was a
66-yard touchdown run at Park City, where he broke two or three tackles and
then broke into a clear.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Staley often ran on sweeps. He said the Stallions’ option
offense is based on repetition and he had a plan every time he touched the
ball.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“The other slot (running back) guy (Dacota Case or Tyler
Stevens) is coming around and blocking the outside linebacker. There’s also a
wide (Cole Merseth) and he’s bocking the corner. I’m just reading their blocks
and cutting off them.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“One of their guys finally grabbed me and tackled me as I
was going into the end zone,” he said of the Park City touchdown run. “I didn’t
celebrate much. It wasn’t too exciting (the TD came late in the game of a 42-7
win).”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Staley had 104 yards on just three carries that night. It
was his season high in a mixed year that had games where he carried the ball
anywhere from 1-6 times. In the 3A playoff opener against Union, he ran just
twice, but scored touchdowns on each occasion.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Other football highlights included:<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>* -
Beating Desert Hills 12-7. Staley had five carries for 19 yards in that game. “I
did OK. I contributed,” he said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>* - Playing
Tooele (a 55-0 win). Buffaloes QB Adam Mikesell was Staley’s best friend, who
lived down the street from Staley, and they played baseball together.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>* -
Returning an interception for a touchdown against Ogden in 2011. It was the Stallions’
first score in a 31-7 win. “It was a banana route and I jumped it as soon as
the quarterback threw the ball. I caught it in the hands of the running back
and I was already in stride. Nobody could catch me.”</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Overall, Staley called 2012 a good season, but he’ll
always regret the loss to Dixie in the second round of the 3A playoffs. The
Stallions came into the game undefeated.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I thought we would at least go to (Rice-Eccles Stadium),”
he said. “Opening kickoff, they took it back for a touchdown and the momentum
was theirs most of the game. (The loss) really didn’t hit me until the locker
room. It was sad, plenty of tears, even from the younger classmen. It affected
us all.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The sorrow was gone by the team banquet, which Staley
called a great event. He said he hoped to continue playing football in college,
but no further information was available at press time.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10148122755194765206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5247793683329518170.post-85667906053566169082013-02-03T21:38:00.002-08:002013-02-03T21:38:25.591-08:00Olympus football: Jake Jones profileIn early February, I interviewed Jake Jones, who played fullback and defensive end for the Olympus High School (Utah) football team. Here is the article that will appear in the team's 2012 yearbook.<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jake Jones:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Titans counted on him to
lift them<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">from their early season
woes<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">By Bruce Smith<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Matchup<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: 6pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jake Jones didn’t have to think long to name the turning
point of the Olympus Titans’ 2012 football season.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’ll always remember the Skyline win because it was
Skyline,” he said. “But the turning point was Westlake. Definitely Westlake.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jones started at fullback and defensive end for the
Titans and, as one of just three returning starters, he seemed to be always in
the middle of the action. He said some of his friends at school had started to
doubt the team because after it had dropped its first three games of the
season. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The school, however, had a strong football tradition.
Olympus had built three straight winning seasons and was the defending Region 7
champ.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Some of the pressure lifted after Jones scored three touchdowns
in Oly’s 42-0 win over Taylorsville, but that was a game they were supposed to
dominate. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We were psyched,” said Jones. “Those games helped us
later in the season. We knew we could play with them and were as good as any
team in the state if we got it together and played our hardest.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Titans’ outburst at Westlake started as soon as they
got off the bus. Oly scored on the game’s first possession and never looked
back. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That was when our team really came together,” Jones
said. “That was when we started going. They were a tough team, but we just
played well. It got our confidence up.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jones followed the Taylorsville game with the best outing
of his career. Quarterback Corbin Anderson picked up some confidence, handing
off to Jones, Coleman Meier and Anthony Schoenfeld. Meier’s 26-yard run started
it all and Oly rolled to a 26-6 win. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jones finished 210 yards and also had a couple of sacks
on defense. It was the start of four wins in five region game for the Titans,
which gave them a share of the region title. A 27-9 home victory against
Skyline clinched it.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Skyline was all-around our best game just because of
the stage we were on,” recalled Jones, who led Titan rushers with 116 yards on
22 carries. “We really battled. Every sport we play Skyline in it’s always that
much more important because of the rivalry. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It was especially sweet for us to win because it meant that
senior class at Skyline had never had at ‘The Rock’ before.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The victory was Oly’s fourth straight over its rival, and
the Titans got to keep the “trophy” which is always housed at the school that
won the game.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It was a great year,” Jones said. “I had a lot of fun
doing it.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> Coming in, </span>Jones didn’t know what to expect. With all three
starters being running backs, the backfield was a key point. Jones said he was
asked to mostly run between the tackles, while Meier and Schoenfeld used their
speed to go wide.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It worked out well,” he said. “We’d block for each other
and, when opponents keyed on me, they could get loose. When they keyed on them,
I would have good games.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>That teamwork built the camaraderie between them. Jones
finished the year with a team-high 785 rushing yards, while Meier and
Schoenfeld combined for about the same amount. Together, they easily outrushed
last year’s squad. In fact, the 1,955 yards gained this season was the most in
at least five years.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Anthony Schoenfeld was a hard worker and one of the
biggest leaders of the team,” Jones said. “He and Coleman Meier made me know
that I would always have to work hard and I knew I would be counted on to get
get the toughest yards.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jones said the defense also had players it could count
on. While playing on the defensive side, he learned who else he could count on.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Our defensive coach – Coach (Brandon) Burt – was really
observant. He’s a great coach and knew the right things to call. Tanner Goates
has a high football IQ and he knew everything that was going on. We were young,
but had a lot of speed. A lot of teams couldn’t match up.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jones said it was a thrill to play football at Olympus
and hoped to continue playing after he served an LDS Church mission. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10148122755194765206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5247793683329518170.post-16876001757449067542013-02-02T19:11:00.000-08:002013-02-02T19:11:36.460-08:00Mtn. View football: Lane Chadwick profileIn early February, I interviewed Lane Chadwick. Well, kind of. He's an interesting guy that is incredibly talented in football and wrestling. He was the dominant factor in the Mountain View (Idaho) Mavericks' defense. Here is the article that will appear in the team's 2012 yearbook.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lane Chadwick:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mavericks’ top tackler let
his actions<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">talk for him – and awards
followed<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">By Bruce Smith<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Matchup<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 6pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Lane Chadwick was an enigma, except perhaps to his friends.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For the last two years, the 6-foot, 200-pound middle linebacker
was a dominant force. He was Mountain View’s leading tackler, but you would
never know talking to him.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Coming into the 2012 season, Mavericks coach Judd
Benedick was looking for a defensive leader, and Chadwick did it not by
talking, but by example. He anchored the Mavericks’ defense and graduated with
six school records. He was named first team all-SIC twice, made second team
all-state as a junior and first team as a senior.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Opposing coaches called him big and physical and honored
him this year with the SIC’s Defensive Player of the Year award. Chadwick
accomplished all of that without tooting his own horn. It wasn’t his way.
Actions, however, speak louder than words and there were plenty of others who
did that for him.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“He is a tackling machine,” described Benedick. “Just
really solid and steady. He was a presence for us and I knew he would be there
and make a tackle. He’s not a big hitter, just a really sure tackler.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Benedick felt Chadwick became that way because he was
also a wrestler. Once he grabbed hold of someone, he never let go.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And as soon as football ended, Chadwick was again on the
mat, joining several other football players. Chadwick dropped weight quickly,
and was soon down to 170 pounds. He was expected to be a big factor his senior
season after taking third place (winning the consolation title) in the A-1
District 3 meet last year and taking sixth at state.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Chadwick claimed the two sports often went hand-in-hand.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I use a lot of my football mentality and apply it to
wrestling,” he said, simply.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Chadwick had 130 tackles as a senior, including three
sacks. He spent much of his time in opposing backfields. He said the best games
of his career came against Eagle – both this year and in 2011. Not
surprisingly, both were Mountain View’s biggest wins of the season. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It seemed he saved his best efforts for the best
opponents.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I play at the best when everyone on my team is playing
at their best,” Chadwick said. “In last year’s Eagle game, Eagle was suppose to
be big giants, but we ended up destroying their team.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Those memories helped make up for a disappointing year in
2012. The Mavericks won their last three games, including a 48-22 decision over
Eagle, but still missed the postseason.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It went really well,” Chadwick recalled. “We all knew
everyone wanted a good season, and that’s what we got. Even thought we didn’t
get a shot at the playoffs, we still had a great season.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>What made it great for Chadwick was just playing with his
teammates. The long practices and weekly games playing alongside his friends
are what he is going to remember most in the future. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I just went to practice every day with a good mentality
and I was always thinking about football and how I could better.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Chadwick said he started playing football in fourth grade
because he had been playing in his yard for many years with his dad and his
older brother, Brock, who played football and graduated from Mountain View in
2011. He said he grew up playing the game and jumped at the opportunity to play
for the Mavericks. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When it ended, following the Mavericks’ 53-20 victory
over Vallivue, it marked the end of an era.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I was really sad to see the season come to an end. Even
though we didn’t make our goal, I still had the best season of my life with my
friends.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10148122755194765206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5247793683329518170.post-29324462143825756072013-02-02T11:25:00.002-08:002013-02-02T11:25:45.537-08:00Stansbury football: Jackson Clausing profileIn late January, I spoke to Stansbury High School's Jackson Clausing. He is a remarkable athlete who made several plays they keyed the Stallions 11-1 football season. Here is the article that will appear in the Stansbury 2012 football yearbook.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="WordSection1">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jackson Clausing:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 6pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Football, baseball
challenged his mind<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">and he influenced
Stansbury’s success<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 8pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">By Bruce Smith<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Matchup<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 6pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Stansbury Stallions football team took a big step
forward in 2011. The way it ended – with a 26-7 loss to eventual runner-up
Desert Hills in a 3A playoff game burned in Jackson Clausing’s head for a long
time afterward.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He remembered thinking about the game even during the
baseball season, where he pitched and played virtually wherever the coaches
wanted him. Clausing said he liked baseball because it challenged him more
mentally. As a junior he helped the team to a 20-6 overall record and a Region
7 title.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>But in Week 7 of the 2012 football season – and facing
Desert Hills again – he was challenged just as much.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Beating Desert Hills this year was the high point,” he
said. “It put a hop in our step. After that, we thought we could really do it
(win a championship) this year.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Clausing was the leading rusher (68 yards) in the 2011
game. As a senior, he became more of a two-way threat. Playing linebacker and
fullback, he was the Stallions’ second-leading tackler (75) and No. 2 rusher
(690 yards). Perhaps just as impressive was that he averaged a phenomenal 9.1
yards per carry.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I was on the field all the time unless they put the JV
in,” Clausing recalled. “On offense, I split time with Jesse Horowitz, so it
would keep me fresh on defense.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Clausing said his best game was against Tooele, when he had
scoring runs of 79 and 64 yards and ended up with a career-high 187 on just
eight carries. But it was his defensive play that made the biggest difference
in the Stallions’ season.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Stansbury’s defense was special, holding opponents to a
school record 10.5 points per game. The big feather in the Stallions’ cap was a
12-7 win over Desert Hills, a 29-28 overtime victory at Morgan and, of course,
a 14-13 decision at county rival Grantsville.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Stansbury finished the regular season undefeated, but
that may not have happened if not for Clausing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Against Grantsville, Clausing was moved to noseguard and the
Stallions were locked in a tough game. The Cowboys actually took a 13-7 lead in
the second quarter. The PAT, however, ended up being the difference.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We had just changed that (kick-block play) that very
week,” Clausing said. “We had (Allen) Havili and (Iosua) Opeta push the guards
away and me and (Jaron) Moon would shoot over the center. We had a lot of
success in practice, but (in practice) there are always blocked kicks.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No one really knew it was me that blocked it because it
happened so early in the game. I didn’t get much credit for it because we
didn’t know it would be the game-decider.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Chase Christiansen, however, tied the game with a short
touchdown run in the final period and Darius Johnson’s kick cleared the
uprights. Grantsville later had a chance to win the game, but a 25-yard field
goal sailed wide right, perhaps due to the earlier block.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Our biggest rival had to be Grantsville,” Clausing said.
“After that, we went out and celebrated.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Clausing said the biggest difference on Stansbury’s team
this year was its speed. Rarely could an opposing player outrun the Stallions’
defense. Immediately after last year’s loss to Desert Hills, the Stansbury
coaching staff made that a priority.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Speed really helped us,” he said. “It wasn’t that we had
the fastest kids. It’s just that every position we had was faster. We didn’t
have kids that would blow you away, but every kid was fast. We would speed and
agility training with one of the track coaches (Steve Allen), and I definitely
got faster.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Clausing hoped his added speed would benefit him again
when baseball began in the spring. At press time, he had one school (Southern
Virginia University) talk to him about playing football, but he wanted to keep
his options open. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He hopes to attend college and major in physical therapy.
He wants his college education to challenge him as much as sports did in high
school.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br clear="all" style="mso-break-type: section-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span>Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10148122755194765206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5247793683329518170.post-87236768697766231232013-02-02T09:39:00.002-08:002013-02-02T09:39:52.015-08:00Olympus football: Will Christensen profileOn Feb. 1, I interviewed Olympus offensive lineman Will Christensen, who was the Titans' only member of the all-state football team (Tribune) this year. Here is the article that will appear in Oly's 2012 football yearbook.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Will Christensen:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: 6pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He had confidence in
Titans’ offense<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">and they learned to rely
on him, too<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">By Bruce Smith<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Matchup<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Will Christensen had been looking forward to the 2012
Olympus football season for a long time. Three weeks into the regular season,
he didn’t let the Titans’ 0-3 record bother him.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We’re feeling more confident than ever,” he told the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Salt Lake Tribune</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Christensen was an anchor on Oly’s offensive line, which
had battled but never really felt burned. The Titans moved the ball, even in
difficult losses to 5A powers Northridge and Alta. It was just a matter of time
before they were able to consistently reach the end zone.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We had a rough start and it was frustrating,”
Christensen said. “We felt pretty good about how we played in the second half
against Alta, but we turned things up and started winning.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We beat Skyline, our rival, and won a share of region
and that made up for what happened at the start.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Titans won their first game against Taylorsville, but
Christensen pointed to the Region 7 opener at Westlake to being the start of
the reversal. Oly won 26-6, but Christensen remembered the game for other
reasons.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I had a really fun time playing them (Westlake),” he
said. “The only statistic I would keep is how many pancakes (blocks) I would
get. It was usually 2-3 per game.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“In our first drive, we came out and I had two in a row,”
he added. “Matt Steffensen had one on the same play. That was really great.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It was those kinds of blocks that attracted attention.
Christensen, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound senior, was named first team by the Salt
Lake Tribune and was second team in the Deseret News. He was a good reason why,
with just three returning starters and a predicted third-place finish, the
Titans were able to fare so well.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The “Senior Night” game, at home on a cold, rainy night
against Skyline, was the difference. Trailing 9-0 after the first quarter,
Olympus rallied for a 27-9 win.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That was our team’s
best game,” Christensen said. “</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We were playing at our peak.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had come together and everyone was
feeling good. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It was a little bit scary at the beginning. It was hard
for us to comeback after we had fallen behind. I was really proud of the way we
came back, got strong and then pounded them in the second half.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Olympus went on to beat Woods Cross the next week in a
non-region contest, but then dropped a hard-fought battle to Highland in the
first round of the 4A playoffs. The loss was disappointing. However, the win
over Skyline (Oly’s fourth straight) helped them deal with it over time.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“When we beat Skyline, I started to get really excited in
the third quarter when we started to score and Skyline couldn’t do anything.
When the clock finally got down to zero, I remember feeling like I was on a
cloud. I had never been so happy in my life. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The rivalry is what you think about growing up. I felt
like we lived up to that expectation and all that pressure lifted. Being on the
field was so crazy. I felt amazing.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For Christensen, who had been playing football since he
was 8 or 9 years old, it was also a crowning achievement. His Little League
teams were always good, but never great.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We would always make it to the semifinals or something
close, but nothing really stood out. As soon as we won the Skyline game, it
felt like a championship.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Despite his on-field success, college recruiters weren’t following
him. Christensen said he planned to go on an LDS Church mission after graduation
and then attend BYU or the University of Utah. There are more members of the
family in the pipeline and Christensen said they are all athletic.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>So, Olympus should be feeling just as confident in the
Christensen clan as he was in the school.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10148122755194765206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5247793683329518170.post-85537863943473929812013-02-01T07:57:00.000-08:002013-02-01T07:57:06.634-08:00Olympus football: Tanner Goates profileIn late January, I interviewed Olympus High School (Utah) linebacker Tanner Goates, who concluded a remarkable senior season. He stopped playing football in junior high, but his friends convinced him to return and he ended up being one of the team - and the region's - best players. Here is the article that will appear in the Olympus 2012 football yearbook.<br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tanner Goates:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Oly’s talented LB finally
got a chance<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">to show his abilities during
senior year<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">By Bruce Smith<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Matchup<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 6pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The year – 2012 – went far better than Tanner Goates
expected.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For starters, the Olympus boys basketball team tied for
the Region 7 championship and made it all the way to the 4A title game.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Then, during football season, the Titans again tied for
the region crown and Goates was named the region’s defensive MVP and second
team all-state.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Not bad for a guy who skipped playing football during
junior high and, if not for a few friends, may not have played again.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I was as surprised (to win the region award) as everyone
else,” Goates said. “I never did get into the recruiting thing. It wasn’t my
goal to play in college. I never really looked at football as being part of my
future.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It probably won’t be, but there’s no doubt Goates went
out on a high note. Listed at 6-foot-2 and 185 pounds, he led Olympus with 82
tackles. His resume also included 5.5 sacks, two pass interceptions and a
blocked punt.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This came after he played sparingly as a junior.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We had a lot senior linebackers who were playing ahead
of me and I only got in occasionally,” he said. “We had a young group of
linebackers this year and coach (Aaron Whitehead) told me I needed to take a
leadership role.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It was a lot of fun playing with my friends. It’s a
dream come true to play with your best buds.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Goates said his best game came in the Region 7 opener at
Westlake when the Titans held the Thunder to only two rushing yards and won,
26-6. Goates was credited with just five tackles, but two sacks, a pass
interception and the blocked kick.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The highlight of the season, however, came a few weeks
later on a rainy, cold October night when Olympus defeated rival Skyline 27-9
to force a three-way tie for the region championship. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Goates, Tate Benson and Matthew Steffensen anchored the
defense, which limited Skyline’s high-power running game to 154 yards and no
points after the first quarter. It was also “Senior Night” and the opening of
the west-side bleacher section of the new stadium, creating a capacity crowd.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It was an emotional game,” Goates recalled. “I know a
few of those guys. It’s nice to have that over them.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Goates said events associated with the Skyline were among
his best memories.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>* - “Everyone coming up to me and wishing me good luck in
the game all week. The students and faculty were all excited.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>* - “I always liked how Coach Whitehead told the story of
The Rock. He had his own rendition and he got excited about it and it got us
pumped up. He had some great speeches throughout the year.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>* -“I had a tackle behind the line of scrimmage. That
will stick out because it was Skyline and it was fun to hear all the fans
cheer.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The cheering continued for Goates after the football
season when he made the varsity basketball team (after playing on the JV squad
a year earlier). He got some playing time, coming off the bench, and Oly
quickly became the favorite to win region and challenge again for the state
title.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The end of the basketball season, however, might also be
the end of Goates’ glory days. After graduation, he planned to work for a few
months before going on an LDS Church mission.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Goates name may reappear, however, on Oly rosters. He
has three younger brothers and he said all are pretty good athletes.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10148122755194765206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5247793683329518170.post-26165156968004646512013-01-31T20:21:00.000-08:002013-01-31T20:21:20.586-08:00Bingham band: Jared Edwards profileIn late January, I interviewed Jared Edwards, the section leader of the Bingham High School Marching Band's Front Ensemble group. They played to their own tune, so to speak. Here is the article that will appear in the Bingham 2012 Marching Band yearbook.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 86.25pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jared Edwards:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They didn’t mind the jokes
because<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">they had their own musical
agenda<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 8pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">By Bruce Smith<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Matchup<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 6pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Front Ensemble group of the Bingham Marching Band was
primarily in their own world. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Their instruments were too big – and bulky – to join the
rest of the group. They became “The Pit” and accepted their role with a smile.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Percussion was going all summer,” said section leader
Jared Edwards. “By the time we got to Band Camp (in early August), we had most
of the songs memorized and were working on specific details. We didn’t have
much time off. The most I had off was when I got my wisdom teeth out (three
days).<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yet everyone still called us lazy,” he added. “We had to
live with stuff like that.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Edwards wasn’t totally serious, of course. He and the
other 10 members of the group relished their time together. He called it a
great year, starting with Camp and ending with Bingham’s finish at the Bands of
America competition.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“In 30 years, the thing I’ll remember most was the Bands
of America. It was a long trip (to California, with a return stop in St.
George), and it was cramped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a
lot of camaraderie.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The camaraderie started early in the summer and, with the
help of instructor Jake Van Weezep, the group was more finely tuned by the time
Camp began on Aug. 9. Edwards said they felt more comfortable with what needed
to be accomplished.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“There was quite a bit of goofing off, but that’s what
made it the most fun,” Edwards said.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It also resulted in a lot of advantages.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We got to stay inside. It was great,” he said. “Everyone
else was outside (in the 90-degree heat). We were excused from the morning
warm-ups. We came in at noon and were only there for eight hours. We had to set
up and be ready to play at noon and then we’d play until dinner. At that point,
we would move our stuff to be outside with the band.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Edwards’ role in the Bingham band actually started a
little late. Most of his family are musically talented and he got interested in
playing an instrument in seventh grade. At first, he chose the drums, but soon
realized he liked instruments that involved mallets and started mastering the
vibraphone. He became aware of the Marching Band his sophomore year and joined
as a junior.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He said he didn’t know many people in the band outside of
his group, which also included his younger sister, Rachel. He said it was nice
having her in the group, even though she sometimes told embarrassing stories
about him to her friends.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It was also nice having her at the team’s late-season
trip to Disneyland. The group spent one day there (Halloween) when the crowds
were relatively thin. Edwards said he liked the roller coasters best, but it
was difficult to get motivated at first became they arrived there after an
all-night bus ride from South Jordan.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Now that the season is over, Edwards said he turns 18 on
July 3 and planned to go on an LDS Church mission shortly afterward. After
that, he’d like to go to college and major in engineering. Music will likely
just be a hobby.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10148122755194765206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5247793683329518170.post-27988282015853747292013-01-31T19:03:00.003-08:002013-01-31T19:03:37.838-08:00Bingham band: Anthony Olivares profileIn late January, I interviewed Anthony Olivares, who was the section leader of the Bingham Marching Band's drum line. He had a lot to say about the creative talents and abilities of his group and they had a fun year, even if they weren't always understood by others. Here is the article that will appear in the Bingham 2012 Marching Band yearbook.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="WordSection1">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anthony Olivares:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He led a creative group that
wasn’t<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">understood except by
themselves<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">By Bruce Smith<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Matchup<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 6pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The drum line section was always in the middle of the
Bingham Marching Band performances. Handling one of the most well-known
instruments, the group was often the center of attention.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>If not for their play, then for their actions.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The section, including its leader, Anthony Olivares, wasn’t
always understood by the rest of the formation. For much of the season, they
were on their own and developed their own attitude.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We typically did our own thing,” Olivares said. “We
often were doing things we weren’t supposed to. Sometimes the rules are a
little too strict. Everybody (in his group) was complaining and I would try to
keep them happy and keep (band director Darin) Graber happy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Spencer (Lepley, the head drum major) didn’t like that. He
wanted us to conform to every rule.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In a long season, discipline frequently keeps team’s
focused. There was no doubt the Bingham band had that, as shown by its
season-long improvement that eventually resulted in a third-place finish among
the larger Utah schools at the Band of America competition in St. George.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That was our best (performance),” Olivares said. “It was
so good that there people crying over it. I didn’t celebrate, but for a lot of
people, this was their very last competition and it was a great way to end.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For this 13-member group, though, sometimes it was the
means that justified the ends.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“For us, the highlight was midseason,” he said. “Things
were flowing and there wasn’t much commotion. I liked to keep us more of a
section and be unified so we can learn how to deal with each other better.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We had a lot of fun,” he added. “We had a guy from
California (Jake Goehring) come and and took our co-captain’s spot. He was the
most creative and spot-on funny guy. In any situation, he could come up with a
witty comment. Being with him made it a lot more fun.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Olivares also pointed to Andrew Smith, who sometimes
showed his funny attitude.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Andrew was one of the tenor players. The bases didn’t
talk much. They were the silent, but favorite group,” he said. “It was mostly
the tenors and snares that were obnoxious, but it was pretty funny to us.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Olivares said the unifying factor for the drum line was
Larry Edvalson, an experienced percussion instructor who, in his first year, provided
a lot of good advice to the squad. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“He was a big help and we learned a lot from him,”
Olivares said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Olivares said he hoped to continue learning after the
season ended. Besides band, he said another highlight of his schooling has been
working with special needs kids.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He also wants be active in music. He started playing the
drums in seventh grade and now has experience in virtually all the percussion
instruments. He planned to perform with the South County Percussion drum line
in Provo and try to earn a music scholarship to the University of Utah.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’d really like to make a career out of it,” he said. “
I don’t know in what way, but I’ll find something.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br clear="all" style="mso-break-type: section-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span>Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10148122755194765206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5247793683329518170.post-34628660059773925472013-01-30T08:14:00.000-08:002013-01-30T08:14:08.910-08:00Stansbury football: Colton May profileIn late January, I interviewed Stansbury (Utah) linebacker Colton May, who led the Stallions' defense and was a big part in the team's success in only the school's fourth season. Here is the article that will appear in the Stansbury 2012 football yearbook.<br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Colton May:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He came into the season
motivated<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">and led Stallions’
best-ever defense<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">By Bruce Smith<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Matchup<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: 6pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Colton May left the Stansbury football program as one of
its most well-decorated. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It almost didn’t happen that way. But because he approached
the 2012 football season so motivated, success couldn’t help but follow – for him
and the team.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As a junior, the 6-foot, 200-pounder was a stalwart on
the Stallions’ 2011 team, which won their first region title, finished the
season with a 9-2 record and made it to the second round of the 3A playoffs.
Even though Stansbury had an impressive run in only its third year of
existence, giving up just 12 points per game, only Jeremy Café made first team
all-state.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>May had a team-high 103 tackles and made three
interceptions but, surprisingly, he didn’t even make honorable mention. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He put that snub to good use.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I felt deprived,” he said. “It was one of my goals to
get all-state and break my record of tackles that I had last year. I also
wanted to average in double figures in tackles per game.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I worked very hard this year to get that recognition,”
he added. “Being elected first team all-state was my best highlight.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>May played almost entirely on defense. At linebacker, he
was all over the field, and was often able to relax late in games after
Stansbury built comfortable leads.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>However, he appreciated the close games more, and that’s
where he made his mark. That was never more noticeable during a midseason
stretch of games. It started in the Stallions’ 29-28 overtime win over Morgan,
where May broke his own record with 16 tackles.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The following week, he achieved even more as Stansbury
defeated Desert Hills 12-7, avenging the playoff loss from the year before. That
win gave the Stallions a lot of confidence.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Revenge was sweet, that’s for sure,” May said. “But our
team really came together at that point. It was very memorable.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“He had a great season,” said Stansbury coach Clint
Christiansen. “He was our leader on defense and had a great attitude. We had a
lot of team speed and he was part of it.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Another memorable moment for May came at Grantsville,
even though he wasn’t part of it. On the Cowboys’ “Senior Night,” the Stallions
averted a loss when Iosua Opeta and Ronnie Hill blew open a hole on an
extra-point kick and Jackson Clausing blocked it, which led to Stansbury’s
eventual 14-13 victory.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>May grew up playing many different sports. He began
playing competitive football in fourth grade with guys like Clausing, Chandler
Staley and Cole Merseth and became great friends with them. Together, they
helped the Stallions go from a low-level squad to a 3A championship contender.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It was really exciting to see what we could accomplish,”
May said.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He said he could see Stansbury’s potential during his
sophomore year. Playing sub-varsity against 4A teams at the time, he relished
the challenge of going up against the bigger schools. He said Christiansen kept
most of the underclassmen off the varsity at that time to prepare them better.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Coach was kind of grooming us,” he said. “Coach broke us
down and made us more disciplined. He made it so we wanted to work harder.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>On defense, there was no harder worker on the field. May
finished his Stansbury football career with an amazing 234 tackles, a record
that likely will be difficult for anyone to break. As a team, the Stallions
also improved. They won another region crown, finished 11-1 and the defense
held opponents to an average of 10.5 points per game.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There were also four shutouts, including a 55-0 pounding
of county rival Tooele. May said the only lowlight was Stansbury’s 20-13 loss
to eventual champion Dixie.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>With football over, May said he planned to compete in the
short sprints (100, 200 meters) on Stansbury’s track and field team. After
graduation, he hoped to go on an LDS Church mission and then earn a scholarship
to play football at Dixie State in St. George.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“They showed a lot of interest and I like the coaches
down there,” he said. “The weather is great and I’d like to stay in state close
to my family.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10148122755194765206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5247793683329518170.post-5870328035375977612013-01-25T15:37:00.000-08:002013-01-25T15:37:56.083-08:00Brighton football: 2012 season recapThe Brighton (Utah) High School Bengals finished the 2012 season with an 8-5 record. Here is the article that will appear in the team's 2012 football yearbook.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Making history<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hot start gives Bengals
momentum, but it was <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">the way they finished that
will be remembered<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">By Bruce Smith<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Matchup<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: 6pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In Brighton High School football lore, it will just be
remembered as “the play.” There may be others in Brighton history, but now there’s
certainly another.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Fourth down and 12 yards to go. The clock was winding
down with just over a minute remaining. The Bengals were playing West Jordan in
a play-in game on a comfortable Monday afternoon at Hillcrest High’s field and
trailed 7-6. The winner would go to the playoffs, the loser went home.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Bengals had a good season going. They would eventually
finish with an 8-5 record. They started the season winning their first five
games, including an impressive 21-14 comeback victory over Davis in the opener.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We had a very successful year. Best since 2005,” said
coach Ryan Bullett. “Winning at Davis … I had been trying to do that for a long
time and we talked about it a lot. But if we hadn’t beaten West Jordan, I don’t
know how important it would still be.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>On that memorable play, freshman quarterback Drew Jensen
couldn’t rely on his best runners – Uaea and Osa Masina. The Bengals’ backs
averaged almost six yards per carry during the season running behind a talented
line. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>On this play, Jensen’s only option was to hurl a deep “Hail
Mary” pass. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We were dead in the water, but a lot of kids kept
believing that something would happen,” Bullett recalled. “The play was 89-Jet
and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">he had</i> to catch it.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Alec McArdle leaped between two defenders to catch it
about the 10-yard line. He took two steps toward the goal line, but suddenly
dropped the ball and it scooted into the end zone. As fans from both sides of
the field screamed as loud as they could, McArdle caught up to the ball and dove
on it with about a foot to spare.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It was McArdle’s second reception of the season and his
only touchdown. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I
didn’t know what to think when I caught that ball; I just ran,” McArdle said.
“Then I dropped it and thought, ‘Oh crap, I have to get it, no matter what.’
When he (the nearby official) signaled touchdown, it was just happiness. We’re
going to state.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It was the fourth time in the last five years Brighton
had been forced to play an extra game to make the postseason, and the first
time the Bengals won. Despite injury problems to the Masina brothers, Brighton
was in every game. The season finally ended in the first round of the 5A
playoffs when the Bengals lost 24-17 to defending champion Lone Peak.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We had a tough schedule, and our region was really
tough,” said Bullett. “In the first five games, we were plus-10 (in turnovers)
and had a lot of momentum. Overall, the kids really battled.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Offensive lineman Jackson Barton, a 6-foot-8, 270-pound
junior, was named first team all-state. Osa Masina made second team in one
newspaper and Uaea was in the other. The two brothers played both ways and combined
for almost 1,300 rushing yards. Uaea also had two kickoff returns for
touchdowns and received a scholarship from the University of Utah.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The strength of the team was clearly the line – on both
sides of the ball. Led by Barton (who also accepted an offer from Utah), Josh
Menna, Ethan Finlinson, Lowell Groberg, Tyson Aldridge, Aaron Sleight, J.J.
Mahe and others, they had a great size advantage. In most games, Brighton’s
running game controlled the clock and kept the pressure off Jensen, who rarely –
if ever – hurt the team, despite his youth.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“He had a good season,” Bullett said. “He did everything
we asked him to.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isaiah Kaufusi, Chandler Gee and Tyson Reid were capable
receivers. On defense, Kekoa Kane easily led the team in tackles. Kaufusi was
also a force. He and McArdle topped the team in interceptions.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Bengals didn’t win state. They didn’t win region and,
in fact, barely made the playoffs. But they did it, and in a memorable fashion.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10148122755194765206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5247793683329518170.post-83019117303511156642013-01-25T08:50:00.001-08:002013-01-25T08:50:53.206-08:00Brighton football: Uaea Masina profileIn mid-January, I interviewed Uaea Masina, Brighton's talented RB/LB, who played a big role on the Bengals' football team. Here is the article that will appear in the Brighton 2012 football yearbook.<br />
<br />
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<div class="WordSection1">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Uaea Masina:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Injuries forced him and
the Bengals<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">to adjust their game to
find success<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">By Bruce Smith<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Matchup<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 6pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>If it hadn’t been for injuries, Uaea Masina might have
been one of the most prolific players in Brighton football history.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Growing up, he played football, soccer and basketball and
was always among the best players. Now, at 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds, he focused
solely on football. The University of Utah recognized this and offered him a
scholarship after his junior year.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Playing behind Brighton’s talented line, everything was
set for a great senior season.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It was a fun year, but there were some letdowns,” he
said. “Getting hurt and losing some games we shouldn’t have lost.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It started with a rush. He had 129 yards in the opener at
Davis, including a 28-yard touchdown run that was the deciding score. After the
season, he said it was his favorite game, but for another reason.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I
got to play with my brother (Osa),” he admitted. “I don’t know how many times
we ran that quarterback draw where he would take the ball and just ran free. I
was blocking for him on those plays.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For the season, Uaea rushed for 622 yards. He averaged
just over six yards per carry and his blocks probably accounted for a lot more.
A knee injury in Brighton’s win at Sky View the third week of the season,
however, ended up being a big deal. He reinjured it against Jordan six weeks
later. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In all, he played maybe half of the Bengals’ games.
However, it was the confidence he gave others that was missed the most.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“When Uaea was on, everybody else raised their game,”
said coach Ryan Bullett.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Like most players, Uaea often relived the injury as he
stood on the sidelines. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I was playing defense. It was right after half,” he
recalled. “A guy came across and tripped against my knee and just took it out. I
couldn’t even practice. I had to go visit a physical therapist.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Brighton adjusted by giving more playing time to Osa.
Just a sophomore, Osa had showed potential in the Bengals’ earlier games and he
ended up leading the team in rushing. When Uaea returned, their combined experience
made the Bengals even better.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We knew what each other was thinking,” Uaea said. “We
could just look at each other and know. We had great chemistry.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When the Masina brothers were both in the game, Brighton
had one of the best 1-2 running tandems in the state. When Uaea returned
against Alta, Osa had become such a force that Uaea could focus his talents
more elsewhere. Even though he was still hobbled at Alta, he gave the Bengals a
big momentum boost by returning a kickoff for a touchdown. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Two weeks later, Uaea made the play of the game on
defense, wrestling the ball from a West Jordan ball carrier in the fourth
quarter that helped seal a 20-14 victory.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I tried to do as much as I could,” Uaea said. “I didn’t
want to miss (playing) Alta. The Thursday before the game, I was finally able
to run. I tried to get back in shape and get my lungs back, but that was about
it.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In retrospect, Brighton had become two teams – one with both
Masina brothers and one without. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“When Uaea was out, we realized we couldn’t rely on him,”
said Bullett. “But we built a lot of team chemistry. Even when we weren’t
winning all of our games, we still believed in ourselves.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Part of that was because Brighton felt it could run the
ball on anybody. The Bengals often controlled time of possession, giving their
defense some rest and relieving the pressure on freshman quarterback Drew
Jensen. For the season, the Bengals averaged 5.8 yards per carry and Uaea and
Osa combined for 1,328 yards and 15 touchdowns.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It also gave them valuable memories, even if they weren’t
able to reach their potential.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I was just getting a feel for the game,” Uaea said. “But
I’m going to U. to play some more. I can’t wait.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br clear="all" style="mso-break-type: section-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span>Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10148122755194765206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5247793683329518170.post-36370599732224691522013-01-24T15:23:00.000-08:002013-01-24T15:23:01.002-08:00Brighton football: Ethan Finlinson profileIn mid-January, I interviewed Ethan Finlinson, a lineman for the Brighton (Utah) High School football team. He was in a good mood and his laugh is catching. He had a good season, and even a shoulder injury didn't dampen his spirits. Here is the article that will appear in the Brighton 2012 football yearbook.<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ethan Finlinson:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: 6pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Late injury put a damper
on his season,<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">but Bengals’ success kept
his spirits up<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 8pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">By Bruce Smith<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Matchup<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Ethan Finlinson was introduced to football rather late
– in the eighth grade. And, in retrospect, it was his senior year at Brighton
High School that – by far – had the biggest impact.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Finlinson was part of Brighton’s dominating line. At
6-foot-2 and 235 pounds, however, he was considered the lightweight. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I brought down our average (size),” he said, laughing. “But
we all worked together and had fun. That’s what was important. We had fun the
whole year.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It started in the summer. Playing in local 7-on-7
tournaments, Finlinson said it was pretty obvious that the Bengals would be
pretty good in 2012. He ended up playing both ways. He broke his shoulder,
however, in Brighton’s game at Jordan and spent the rest of the time on the
bench.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Watching the remaining games was difficult, but it didn’t
dampen his spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“My favorite memory was beating Davis on their home turf,”
he said. “The last couple of seconds, taking a knee and letting the clock run
down. We celebrated on the bus, going crazy. It was our best game and Davis was
always a tough game for us.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>All during summer workouts, Finlinson said the Bengals had
been looking forward to playing Davis. The 21-14 victory allowed the team to
start to live up to its preseason hype.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We wanted to trash them. Every day in the weight room during
the off season we would break in with a ‘Beat Davis’ cheer, and then we did it.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Finlinson was a big part. Although his statistics didn’t
show it, he was part of the offensive line that helped the running game average
over 200 yards per contest – and 5.8 yards per carry. The defense also had its
share of good games, especially early in the year when the Bengals won their
first five games.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Davis was the first victim. Then came Fremont, Sky View,
American Fork and Pleasant Grove. Finlinson said his best game was at American
Fork. However, his best individual memory was at home vs. West Jordan, when he
teamed with Lowell Groberg to sack the Jaguars’ quarterback.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It was early in the game and it was just one of those
key shots,” he said. “I blindsided him right in the back. I was going for a
kill shot.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It also ended up being one of his last memories because
he was hurt the following week. He still went to practice, and dressed in full
uniform for the games, but was unable to play. He still remained involved, and
will never forget the team’s best memory – Alec McArdle’s “Hail Mary” catch in
the play-in game against West Jordan.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I saw the whole thing,” Finlinson said. “I couldn’t
stand not to watch it. When he dropped it (the ball), I almost crapped myself.
I saw him dive on it and I saw the refs signal touchdown. It was crazy after
that. I was yelling so loud. I was so happy.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Bengals’ season was a big change from previous years.
He made a lot of friends playing football. In 2011, he got a lot of playing
time on Brighton’s junior varsity team, and was used sparingly on varsity. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I remember some of the players … how they played. It was
inspiring to be like them,” he said. “We only had 15 or so kids on our JV team,
so I had to play both ways.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Finlinson is the second oldest of four kids. After high
school, he planned to go on an LDS Church mission and then attend the
University of Utah. He hadn’t decided on a major, but his favorite high-school
classes were science, math and commercial art. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10148122755194765206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5247793683329518170.post-34830086990466177142013-01-23T19:13:00.001-08:002013-01-23T19:13:11.001-08:00Brighton football: J.J. Mahe profileIn mid-January, I interviewed J.J. Mahe, who was a talented lineman for the Brighton football team. Here is the article that will appear in the Brighton 2012 football yearbook.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;">J.J. Mahe:</span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">His physical play on the
defensive line<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">forced teams to make him
their focus<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">By Bruce Smith<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Matchup<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 6pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Wearing uniform No. 53, J.J. Mahe had a big impact on the
Brighton football team.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The offensive line got most of the preseason hype but, in
practice, they had to go up against Mahe. In games, it was the defense that frequently
kept the Bengals alive. It started in the season opener against Davis, when the
Darts were held scoreless in the second half on their home field.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The following week, Brighton blanked Fremont 27-0 and,
afterward, at least one Bengal coach exclaimed, “now that’s Brighton football.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Tough, tenacious, physical. Twenty one players weighed in
at 200 pounds or more. Mahe was one of the heaviest – at 310 – and the most
athletic. He said coaches often noted that he had quick feet, and that he never
gave up on plays, which set him apart from other players.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It was a great year. We did so much. Probably one of the
best years we’ve had here since 2005,” said Mahe. “I’ll never forget those
times.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“The best part was the excitement we felt even before the
season started. It was the biggest line we had in a long time. All of our line
were returning starters. We knew it would be a better year. I don’t think other
teams knew. We were unexpected.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Mahe finished with 32 tackles – ranking fifth on the team
– but those statistics didn’t show how his true value. His quickness often
forced opponents to adjust their plans. He frequently disrupted plays, even if
he didn’t get in on the tackle.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In Brighton’s first five games, the Bengals allowed just
11.6 points per game. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Mahe said there were two turning points for the Bengals.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>* - The first came at halftime of the Davis game, when
Brighton rallied for a 21-14 win.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“After that game, we knew it was going to be a long, fun
year,” Mahe said.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>* - The second came two months later. Brighton had lost
to Cottonwood 20-0 in a play-in game and faced West Jordan for the final
playoff spot at Hillcrest High’s field. Some of the players were dejected, but
it was the beginning of what would be a momentous day.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“The coaches started tell us great (inspirational)
stories and all of the seniors starting cheering up and got excited,” he said. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The contest’s deciding play came with about a minute left
when Alec McArdle made a leaping catch of a “Hail Mary” pass and scored the
go-ahead touchdown. Mahe was on the sideline when it happened, but will always
remember the scene.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I saw Alec jump up and catch it,” he said. “Then he
dropped it. I just fell on my knees and said, ‘Thank God’ when he got it (the
ball) back.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Mahe’s career at Brighton started his freshmen year. He
lived in the East High boundaries, but followed his father, Sione, who was an
assistant coach with the Bengals. J.J. is the oldest of five children, but so
far it seems his siblings will all be Leopards.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Besides football, Mahe played on Brighton’s rugby team,
which made it to the state championship game two consecutive seasons. He
suffered a dislocated shoulder his junior year, which forced him to miss rugby
in 2012 and play in pain during most of his senior football season.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Mahe said he had surgery shortly after the football
season and had high hopes that his play would eventually result in a college
football scholarship.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He planned to go on an LDS Church mission shortly after
graduation. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10148122755194765206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5247793683329518170.post-10387716349925604482013-01-13T16:42:00.000-08:002013-01-13T16:42:15.340-08:00Bingham band: Spencer Lepley profileIn early January, I interviewed Spencer Lepley, the drum major for the Bingham High School (Utah) Marching Band. He was a class act and turned a potentially negative situation during the season into a positive one - and record success for the team ensued. Here is the article that will appear in the Bingham Marching Band's 2012 yearbook.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Spencer Lepley:</span></b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 6pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">His huge efforts advanced
his character<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">and gave him high hopes
for his future<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">By Bruce Smith<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Matchup<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: 6pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spencer Lepley had a whirlwind senior year at Bingham
High School.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It probably started the previous April when, at the
Bingham band’s end-of-the-year banquet, he was named to be the Marching Band’s
Drum Major. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>That meant long days of practice, often arriving 45
minutes before and staying 45 minutes after most everyone else. He also had to
know the music better than anyone and was involved in instructing others to
keep the proper tempo.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I thought it would be more fun,” he said. “It was
definitely more challenging. Probably the most challenging of anything I’ve
ever done.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>That’s saying a lot because one of the prerequisites to
hold the band’s most-highlighted position is that smiling is not allowed, even
while accepting a trophy following a performance.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Lepley also did it all while carrying the burden of
trying to be accepted into the Merchant Marine Academy. His schedule also
included volunteer work at the Veterans Administration Hospital and he had
off-campus studies to earn a pilot’s license.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And, oh yes, he had his Bingham High classes.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>But of all those activities, he wouldn’t trade his band
experience for anything.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It was a lot of hard work and, overall, the season was a
success. We only came up in the 5A class a couple of years ago and we got third
in state. We just kept progressing. We were all thrilled at how it ended,
especially the seniors because it was their last year. It felt great to
accomplish something.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There was some drama along the way. Midway through the
season, he and his good friend Anders Evensen, the Senior Drum Major, switched
positions on the field. Lepley, however, admitted the move actually helped the
band and the way he handled the move impressed a lot of people.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Spencer knew his job solid. The night we moved him, he
was not feeling well,” said band director Darin Graber. “I told him to go take
a break and we made a change. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Spencer was still in charge. It was his band,” Graber
added. “He accepted it and they both did a great job when we needed them.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Anders had a better tempo than I did,” Lepley explained.
“The music is the biggest part of our score and we really noticed it during
practice run throughs. It wasn’t the greatest thing to happen to me, but it
didn’t kill me. I still had the same amount of responsibility. It just meant I wasn’t
on the biggest ladder.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Perhaps more importantly, he became a bigger person.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Lepley is the oldest of three children. He joined the
marching band in ninth grade, with experience playing the bari sax. He and
Evensen were selected to be junior Drum Majors last year. His sister, McKenzie,
is also part of the band.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After the marching band season ended, he was part of the
pep band and jazz band. He also continued his volunteer efforts.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I help transport patients,” he said. “Some of them are
in gurneys or beds. Initially, I got involved because it looked good on college
applications, but I really have a lot of fun. Some of those guys are veterans
and they’ll tell me stories about Vietnam and Korea (wars).”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At press time, Lepley said he still had a lot of work to
do to reach his goal of attending the Merchant Marine Academy in Long Island,
N.Y. He still must write an essay and pass a physical fitness test that
included running, throwing a basketball (for distance) while on his knees,
pushups, chin-ups and more. After that, he hopes to go into flight school.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And all that he has learned as the Bingham Marching Band’s
top man should help.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10148122755194765206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5247793683329518170.post-52003763325383910792013-01-11T10:31:00.000-08:002013-01-11T10:31:11.872-08:00Bingham band: Anders Evensen profileIn early January, I interviewed Anders Evensen, who was the senior drum major for the Bingham High School (Utah) marching band. Here is the article about him that will appear in the Bingham 2012 band yearbook.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anders Evensen:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">His ability to keep
Bingham in tempo<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">boosted the band closer to
the top<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">By Bruce Smith<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Matchup<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Anders Evensen had a knack – or a rare ability – that was
discovered early in the Bingham Marching Band’s 2012 season.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After years of playing the clarinet, Evensen thought the drum
major “looked pretty cool” and, late in his sophomore year, decided to pursue
that spot. Fortunately, for the first time, Bingham decided it needed two drum
majors in his class, and he and Spencer Lepley were selected.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We went to three because of the size of the band, and
they all did well,” said band director Darin Graber. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Evensen became the senior drum major this year, but
Graber said “he knew his stuff and did a great job when we needed him. He was
there and prepared.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“The best part was learning that the band director trusts
you a lot,” said Evensen. “It was really a great leadership experience for me.
You don’t get something like that often … to be in charge of 130 people.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I got to know a bunch of people and they got to know
me,” he added. “I didn’t miss playing an instrument because I was playing in
the symphony orchestra and the wind symphony. I wouldn’t trade it.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>During practice and Bingham’s performances, Evensen had a
reserved seat on a ladder overlooking the field. His job was to memorize the
music, develop the tempo for the show and get everyone into a rhythm. He also
had to always be composed, regardless of how he felt.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s hard to fit into words,” he said. “You have to show
discipline and be an example. It’s just what we do.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Evensen is the second youngest of five children. Both of
his parents encouraged their children to get involved in music. Evensen chose
the clarinet because his older sister played it. Besides music, Evensen is also
involved in Bingham’s Academic Decathlon team and plays recreational league
soccer.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He said his best memory of the marching band season was
how Bingham finished in the Bands of America competition. He also had recalled
some of the small, but fun moments, the team had getting there.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>* - “In my junior year, somehow my ladder was broken. I
had to stand on it very carefully and it was the scariest show of my life.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>* - “There also one practice where we had sent off all
the (band) equipment practice off with the trailer and we didn’t have any
equipment. It was a weird practice.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Evensen said that, after graduation, he planned to play
in Salt Lake Community band in various parades during the summer and then
attend college. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10148122755194765206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5247793683329518170.post-39291428341706952832013-01-11T09:36:00.000-08:002013-01-11T09:36:39.736-08:00Bingham band: Rachel Colton profileIn early January, I interviewed Rachel Colton, who served as mellophone section leader and was the actual president of the Bingham High School (Utah) marching band. She is a talented young woman that also had to deal with a rare setback. Here is the article that will appear in the Bingham 2012 band yearbook.<br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rachel Colton:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">One of team’s most
talented players<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">led Bingham’s surge to
raise the bar<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">By Bruce Smith<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Matchup<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: 6pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In so many ways, Rachel Colton stood out in the Bingham
Marching Band.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Her red hair is just one. In her case, though, that trait
is low on the list.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Colton was the mellophone section leader, but she was
also the band president.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her creativity
is off the charts. She is on the school honor roll and is already an
accomplished artist. As a senior, she also had to deal with an unusual curse.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>An allergy to the sun. That’s right. That big orange ball
in the sky.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“If I got more than a couple of hours in the sun, my
ankles would swell,” she said. “It was painful, but I got to sit in the shade a
lot and watch from a different point of view.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Last spring, her condition caused her to swell shut for a
couple of days. Colton, however, had a positive, even confident, outlook. She
dealt with the brief disfigurement well, and survived having to explain her
rare diagnosis.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It made marching a lot harder,” she said. “Other than
that, it wasn’t a big deal.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Her attributes were quickly noticed by band director
Darin Graber and last year’s council, which voted her into the band’s top
position.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“She had already been in leadership,” Graber said. “She
played the mellophone, which is difficult. You have to live with its
imperfections and they (the mellophone group) knew their parts cold. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“She was on our ‘disabled list’ and had to deal with kids
dropping (out),” he added. “To finish as strong as we did, that speaks volumes
for this ensemble. They were solid.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Colton’s musical career started young. She is the oldest
of four children. Both of her parents played in their high school band. Colton
began playing the piano at age 5 or 6 and then developed a strong interest in
the drums. In middle school, that instrument wasn’t offered so she chose the
French horn. Now, she teaches piano lessons, but also has experience with the
flute, cello, clarinet, trumpet and even the guitar.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I have a lot of interests,” she said. “(In the future),
I can always change to different careers.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Colton played in the marching band for three years. She
said she noticed a “drastic change” in the band’s attitude this year and loved
the fact that the group “raised the bar.” Her primary highlight of marching
band was like everyone else’s – finishing in third place at the Bands of
America competition and walking past many of the other teams and having them
stand and cheer.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She also had fond memories of the meals. Before each
competition, the band’s booster club would provide a meal to the group. Last
year, she said there was a food fight with a heavy dose of grapes.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“This year, we were always cautious about grapes,” she
said. “I’ll never look at grapes the same way.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Colton also had another impressive highlight, but it
didn’t involve band. She has always had a strong interest – and talent – in art
and had some of her work published in a Bingham High literary magazine called
“Ambience.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“They had a contest and I won,” she recalled. “I did the
cover and each of the beginning of each chapter. That was cool to be
published.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Colton said she will turn 19 years old next October and
planned to immediately serve an LDS Church mission. Upon returning, she hoped
to attend Utah State University and major in either music or art.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10148122755194765206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5247793683329518170.post-11161252604729956782013-01-09T09:46:00.001-08:002013-01-09T09:46:20.028-08:00Bingham band: Scott James profileIn early January, I interviewed Scott James, the tuba section leader for the Bingham High School (Utah) Marching Band. As a junior, he was young to be a section leader but handled the job well. Here's the article that about him that will appearin the Bingham 2012 Marching Band yearbook.<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Scott James:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">His resume continues to
grow<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">with a season full of
success as a leader<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">By Bruce Smith<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Matchup<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 6pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As the youngest of nine children, Scott James had
listened to a lot of his advice.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This year, as the tuba section leader for the Bingham
Marching Band, he got to dispense a lot of it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Just a junior, James was asked to become the group leader
in mid-summer and now considers the advancement to be an important part of his
resume.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Sure, there was a brief bout with nerves, but he adjusted
and the tubas became an invisible benefit that added to Bingham’s season-long
successes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“He had to be an instant replacement,” said Band director
Darin Graber. “He’s a good tuba player and the kids respect him. He handled the
situation well, even though over half of his section was new.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>How did he do it? Like most things, he used his brains.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>James comes from a musical family and has a high grade-point
average. He was already a member of the school’s National Honor Society and has
hopes of graduating with honors with a promising future.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He spent a portion of the summer playing in various bands
and marching in summer parades. He said he didn’t have a long time to think
about how he was going to handle his leadership role, but dove right into it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m going to remember Band Camp (the most),” he said. “We
were able to split off into our separate sections and I had some time alone
with my section. We were able to talk and get through stuff and not worry about
other people.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>James began playing the tuba in seventh grade. He had watched
one of his older brothers learn the instrument and quickly recognized it was a
good idea. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“The first three kids (in our family) did choir. The last
six were all involved in band,” he said. “In middle school, my parents wanted
us to get involved in music - to do something other than art classes and get
credit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“My beginning band teacher told me that it’s easier to
get a scholarship for college if you play an instrument that isn’t widely
played.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>James thought the tuba’s role in this year’s marching
band performance was pretty easy, although it took the group a while to learn
it because there were so many new faces. Several people from last year’s squad
had quit. The group had fewer numbers (eight), but morale was much higher
because everyone wanted to be there.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“When we started doing our competitions, it helped a lot,”
he said. “The first month and a half, we were just rehearsing and had nowhere
to perform. After that, we knew we had to work harder to beat the competition
at performances.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Near the end of the season, they knew they were at their
best. James said they felt relaxed at Disneyland, and then put on a fine show
in St. George.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>That was also a highlight, but not for the reasons you
would think.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“During our last practice, me and two other junior tuba
players (Garrick Poulson and Jordan Treglown) switched spots in somebody else’s
dot,” he said. “It was fun figuring out how to do it. Some of the people around
us were freaking out.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Like Graber, James said he likes to combine work and fun with
the band. He expects to be a section leader again as a senior and play an even
bigger role with NHS. After graduation, he plans to serve an LDS Church mission
and go to college.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10148122755194765206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5247793683329518170.post-10197420314502291782013-01-08T12:11:00.001-08:002013-01-08T12:11:33.314-08:00Bingham band: 2012 season recapThis is the article recapping the Bingham High School Marching Band's 2012 season that will appear in the team's post-season yearbook.<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">By<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bruce Smith<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Matchup<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: 6pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After a season of countless practice sessions in all
kinds of weather, classroom sessions, football games and competitions, the
Bingham Marching Band’s season came down to one day.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It was Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012. The entire group was in
St. George and had already finished its show in front of the crowd at Desert
Hills High School. The worst part was the waiting.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“They didn’t announce us until last,” said band director
Darin Graber. “It’s a big deal to make it to BOA (Bands of America) regionals
and make it to the finals. Huge, huge, huge.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It was a day of celebration for Bingham. Later, while the
group was walking en masse to its final show, they had their most emotional
moment.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We were walking down the street and all the bands (who
hadn’t made the finals) stood up and started clapping for us,” recalled Lisa
Forsyth, the flute section leader. “It was the best moment in my while life. I
had chills running down my spine that (those) people actually thought about us.
It was an amazing moment.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“The kids felt like they were six inches off the ground,”
said Graber, who felt the same way.“<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Bingham finished fifth overall at BOA, but made history
by taking third place among the 5A Utah schools. Graber said Bingham hadn’t
competed at BOA before because it took place on a different date than the Red
Rocks Invitational (also in St. George).<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In 2012, they were pared together so many schools,
including Bingham, didn’t have to make two trips.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It was considered the actual state championship,” Graber
said. “It was big for us to beat Sky View when it counted. We also beat
Mountain Crest, and destroyed Lehi.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“These kids are a different breed. Kids outside of band
don’t know what it’s all about, but it was a big deal.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Graber said that 12 years ago, the marching band had just
40 members and to have this much success was unthinkable. American Fork and Davis
were always at the top, but Bingham set a precedent by eclipsing the other 5A
schools. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“The attitude is changing,” Graber said. “Finally, we’re
getting the reputation for this school and for the students. Marching band is
hard and the kids deserve a lot of credit. You have to put together a musical
program, play and march. It’s a lot of work and a lot to remember.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The season actually started shortly after school was
dismissed. In mid-June, Bingham took part in the annual South Jordan Parade and
some students also represented various groups in other summer parades.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Band Camp was a two-week event at the school that kicked
off the team’s fall hopes. Under the hot sun, they began learning the music and
the steps of their show. The grueling effort wasn’t for everyone, and
the team had to make adjustments.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>But then the fun started. There were nine competitions, a
half-dozen football games (and one performance at Rice-Eccles Stadium),
fundraisers and a bus ride to Disneyland that felt almost like it was the
finishing touch and led to a lot of lasting friendships that were built on the
way.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>With all due respect to the “Happiest Place on Earth,”
there was a better memory built for the Bingham Marching Band, and it may lead
to more soon.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10148122755194765206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5247793683329518170.post-23649682854143876692013-01-06T20:29:00.003-08:002013-01-06T20:29:49.988-08:00Bingham band: Marc Lund profileIn early January, I interviewed Marc Lund, the senior section leader of the group's baratone section. Here is the article that will appear in the Bingham 2012 Marching Band yearbook.<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Marc Lund:<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="WordSection1">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">His efforts with the
section’s players<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">motivated them to be among
the best <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">By Bruce Smith<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Matchup<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When Marc Lund and the baratone section was on the
practice or playing field, they weighed in six pounds heavier than normal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It wasn’t them, of course. It was their instrument. By
the end of the Bingham Marching Band’s season, Lund said the workouts made him 15
pounds lighter. In two years, he had lost 35 pounds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It was a lot of hard work,” said Lund, who was section
leader for two years. “We did Jazz running. It was a way to run while keeping
your upper body still. With the baratone, you have to hold it up and it’s a
heavy instrument. You have to have good back and shoulder muscles.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The baratones probably just looked at the flute section
and rolled their eyes, but their hard work paid off. Besides the extra
conditioning, most of the group learned a new instrument. While Lund was
proficient with it, most of the others were not.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“People don’t realize is that almost 80 percent of our
section consists of trombone players and they had to learn the (baratone)
instrument when they came in. (Bingham band director Darin) Graber doesn’t like
the marching trombone in our band. It’s a long instrument and I assume that’s
why we don’t have it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There were nine people in the section. Graber said what
set the group apart was its discipline. Last year, they had perfect attendance
and this season was near-perfect.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Their record since Marc has been section leader has been
great,” he said. “He works them hard, but they enjoyed being there.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I was really impressed with the rookies this year,” Lund
said. “A lot of my baratones did incredibly well. The group we had were more
devoted and had higher morale. They seemed more motivated every time we did
something.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Lund’s musical career has also been impressive, and came
to fruition this year. He comes from a musical family. His dad is a singer, and
mom plays the piano. He started playing the baratone in seventh grade, the trombone
in ninth grade and tuba the year after.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He was named the baratone’s section leader because the
group did not have a senior. This year, he teamed with his good friend, Alex
Ford. He said one of the team’s biggest issues was trying to motivate some of
the newer kids, but as the season progressed, they all got better.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Graber said many of the baratone players were involved in
other activities – soccer, choir, theater and more. However, they arranged
their schedules that worked out for everyone. Even Lund had other interests –
Mountain Biking Club, woodworking – that weren’t affected.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That kind of
teamwork helped Bingham reach a goal – third place at the Bands of America
competition in St. George. Lund said that was easily the team’s season
highlight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It was exciting for all of us, especially because of the
way we finished,” he said. “We had a great group of players and strong
performers.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Marching Band season ended on a high note for
everyone. After high school, Lund said he planned to serve an LDS Church mission
and then go to a Utah college, majoring in business with perhaps a minor in
art.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Not sure how much music I’ll be playing,” he said. “If I
minor in music, I’ll still play and I hope to be part of a band.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10148122755194765206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5247793683329518170.post-29806601587330585342013-01-06T10:48:00.000-08:002013-01-06T10:48:37.283-08:00Bingham band: Holly Bennett profileIn early January, I interviewed Holly Bennett, who was the Junior Drum Major for the school's marching band. She recently moved from California and was almost immediately recognized as someone who could help Bingham keep moving up in the local ranks. Here is the article that will appear in the Bingham 2012 band yearbook.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Holly Bennett:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Her California background should
<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">help Bingham become even
better<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Bruce Smith<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Matchup<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 6pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Holly Bennett’s potential to help the Bingham Marching
Band was noticed almost immediately.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Bennett moved to South Jordan from San Diego in Dec. 2011
and approached band director Darin Graber shortly afterward.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I figured she would be fantastic,” Graber said. “She
knows when it’s time to be serious and when to have fun. The kids gravitated to
her right away.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Two of Bennett’s older sisters were drum majors in high
school. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I didn’t want to do it,” she said. “It’s about leading
the band that you can’t do from any other position. I also got to know
everyone, instead of a small group. It introduced me (to Bingham) in a positive
way.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Bennett came to Bingham’s late-summer band camp with a
specific goal: to learn and remember every member’s name.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The rest is history and, since she is a junior, Bennett’s
full impact on the band won’t be completed until next year when she finishes
her term as the Senior Drum Major. Her family moved to Utah when her father
received a new job. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Bennett can play the piano, guitar, flute and tuba. She
said she played in her school’s tuba section and the move was delayed until the
California marching band season ended. She said the bands there are competitive
and she hoped her experience there could help Bingham to even higher standards.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What makes a good band is real unity,” she said. “They
have to feel what they’re playing, not just going through the notes. When they
do that, the audience can feel it, too.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Bennett felt that Bingham’s success at the Bands of
America competition in St. George was the highlight of the season, and she was
overwhelmed – and almost came to tears – when the other teams gave Bingham a
rousing overation.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She said it was difficult to tell if the BOA show was Bingham’s
finest performance.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s hard to pinpoint the best one,” she recalled. “Maybe
it was all the adrenaline I was feeling at the time, but it was one of our
best.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10148122755194765206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5247793683329518170.post-38181395022492337102013-01-06T10:16:00.001-08:002013-01-06T10:16:39.825-08:00Bingham band: Lisa Forsyth profileIn early January, I interviewed Lisa Forsyth, the flute section leader of the Bingham (Utah) High School Marching Band. She always had a lot of energy, and came up with good ideas to improve the group's morale until it became one of the group's best assets. Here is the article that will appear in the Bingham 2012 band yearbook.<br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lisa Forsyth:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Her energy helped the
section improve<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">and become a huge overall
asset<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">By Bruce Smith<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Matchup<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: 6pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Lisa Forsyth was a remarkable addition when she became
Bingham Marching Band’s flute section leader.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Her outgoing personality helped turn the section around, and
the flutes became a popular part of the 130-person team. She always showed a
lot of energy.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“She did an awesome job,” said band director Darin
Graber. “She built section unity and they locked in together. It was such a
180-degree turn from what we had.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Her exuberance wasn’t limited to band. Forsyth also
competed on the track team in the 100 and 200-meter sprints, which she
practiced as a ninth grader when she rushed from South Jordan Middle School to Bingham
to make it in time for practice.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Her role on the band this year was no fluke. To Forsyth,
it seemed more like destiny. Her musical story began in seventh grade, when she
started playing the flute. She said there had been no real musical background
in her family. That year at South Jordan Middle School, she just had to choose
an elective and her options were art, band or orchestra.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Band sounded kind of cool,” she said. “It’s the best
thing I’ve ever done. Ever since I was little, I liked the sound of the flute.
It was elegant and it fit me and my personality.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It has determined my whole life.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Forsyth remembered the scene that changed everything. It
was the day the Marching Band visited South Jordan Middle.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“They played in front of me. It was a whole, big sound
and it was amazing,” she said. “It gave me goose bumps and I wanted to be part
of it. It was like a big family.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">She has never lost that excitement. She recognized
there were problems in the flute section last year, but she changed it by
becoming fast friends with the 10-person group. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It started at Bingham’s late-summer band camp. Forsyth
said it was one of her favorite memories of the year. She tried to figure out
each person’s personality and make a connection with them.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It felt great in my heart,” she said. “Mr. Graber wanted
us to be more united and good.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>They group often met outside of school and “hung out.”
She said they became a separate family. They had breakfast together before
competitions. They played yard camps. During camp, Forsyth even invited the
group to her home nearby for lunch and dinner.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We didn’t do anything that cost a lot of money,” she
said. “We just had fun together.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The section actually included seven flutists, two
piccolos and one oboe. Zach Weber was the oboe player and his talents were so
impressive that he even had a separate microphone.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“He was our main soloist and was like a rock star,” said
Graber.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Like most band members, Forsyth said the highlight of
this season came at the Bands of America competition in St. George.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We were walking down the street and all the bands stood
up and starting clapping for us,” she said. “It was the best moment in my
entire life. I had chills running down my spine that those people actually
thought about us. It was amazing moment.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She hopes those kinds of feelings continue. She said she
plans to attend the University of Utah. She wants to major in the medical
field, but minor in music and be part of the Utes’ marching band.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I talked to the band director and he said it would be
the best experience ever,” she said. “You need something to lighten you up and
it’s a lot of fun … like a big family.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Don’t be surprised if Forsyth, and perhaps other Bingham
band members, join to continue the moment.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Does that sound familiar? Don’t be surprised if Forsyth
becomes a remarkable addition there, too. Time will tell.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10148122755194765206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5247793683329518170.post-55663471534270057282013-01-05T13:11:00.000-08:002013-01-05T13:11:14.525-08:00Bingham band: Nathan Swallow profileIn early January, I interviewed Nathan Swallow, who was the section leader of the Bingham High School (Utah) tuba group. He has found an instrument he really likes to play and it has been a huge part of his life for a long time. Here is the article that will appear in the Bingham 2012 Marching Band yearbook.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;">Nathan Swallow:</span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 6pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once he started playing
the tuba, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">he has found it hard to
put it down<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">By Bruce Smith<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Matchup<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 6pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nathan Swallow’s mother is a middle school choir teacher.
It’s only natural that her offspring would have musical talents, too.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I have a really musical family,” said Swallow, the
Bingham Marching Band’s tuba section leader. “It has been around my whole life.
My brother plays the violin and my sister plays the cello. It’s awkward that
none of us are singers, but that’s how it has worked out.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Swallow can sing, and has been part of his Ward choirs, but
it’s not as big of a priority as playing the tuba. He started in the fifth
grade at Murray’s Twin Peaks Elementary and, these days, it’s rare that he’s
not holding it. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s not a marching band without trumpets, and Nate was
one of the best players in the building,” said band director Darin Graber. “His
was a pretty young section and had a lot of new kids. He was a monster player
and is on the horn non-stop.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>While his main interests are the tuba and being involved
in Bingham’s political science club, the musical aspect of his life has taken
the most hours. He spent countless hours practicing while being part of the
Jordan (School) District’s Honor Band and symphony, Bingham’s Jazz Band and Wind
Symphony. He has played at Abravanel Hall in downtown Salt Lake City and even has
stood alongside a Granite District group.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I have a lot of songs in my book,” he said. “At any
given time, I’m playing 10 or 11 songs, depending on how many groups I’m in. I
like to go out and see what I can play in the community.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Swallow was a good candidate to be the section leader because
he was one of just two seniors this year in the group. He said the highlight of
the marching band’s season was definitely at the Bands of America competition.
He felt Bingham’s rise to 5A’s upper echelon is the first of many to come.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“We were super excited to make the BOA finals,” he
said. “People would ask if we would make it and we were never really sure. We
would sometimes talk a little bit about beating Davis and AF (American Fork),
but we mainly talked about trying to beat own scores. As long as we showed
growth in the competition, that’s all that mattered. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We can beat those teams but we just need people to come
back and want to be here and try. I don’t think it’s the number (of members) that
matter, but the people who want to be there. You can get the same sound from
135 people as 230 or however many you have.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Swallow said his best friends in the band were Annie
Ahlstrom, Nicholas Lilly and Alex Romero. He also admitted that, Ahlstrom is
not really his twin sister. Some people might think they have similar looks,
but it’s not true.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We started to tell people that we were twins as part of
a prank,” he said. “For a while, the entire guard believed it. It was funny to
have them look at it us and say, ‘Oh, I see it now,’”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Swallow said he will continue to follow the Bingham
Marching Band’s rise, but expects to leave on an LDS Church mission by next
Fall. He also planned to attend college somewhere in Utah afterward, and focus
on music, perhaps studying to be a music teacher.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I can’t see music not being part of my life,” he said. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10148122755194765206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5247793683329518170.post-53345602989528912532013-01-05T09:24:00.001-08:002013-01-05T09:24:55.566-08:00Bingham band: Annie Ahlstrom profileIn early January, I interviewed Annie Ahlstrom, the section leader of the Bingham Marching Band's clarinet section. Her family has played a big part in the Bingham band for years and she was instrumental (sorry, couldn't help the pun) as the group continued to advance toward the state's highest-ranked teams. Here is the article about her that will appear in the Bingham band yearbook.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Annie Ahlstrom:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p>Following a family tradition, she held</o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p>her section to a higher standard</o:p></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">By Bruce Smith<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Matchup<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It has been a long time since a member of the Ahlstrom
family wasn’t playing a big part of the Bingham Marching Band.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>First it was Bryan, then came Camille. This year was 17
year-old Annie’s turn. Following in the footsteps of her older siblings, she
led a group of almost 20 clarinet players as Bingham built more respect among
its state competitors.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That was the largest section of the band,” said band
leader Darin Graber. “Clarinets are a great voice. It was a young section and
they had to work hard because the music challenged them, but the full section
was there (at practices, rehearsals, etc…) most of the time. Part of that is
leadership.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Annie always had high aspirations. She started playing
the piano at age 7, and music always seemed to be playing somewhere in the
house. But besides band, Annie also showed some athletic ability. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At one time, she hoped to also play basketball at
Bingham. She said she had “a great four months” with the ninth-grade basketball
team at Elk Ridge Middle School. However, there wasn’t enough time in the day
for both, and she eventually chose band. Besides being the clarinet section
leader, she was also the band council’s event chairman this year. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Her mother, Marta, was the booster club president. Her
younger sister, Hannah, was also a clarinet player and will likely keep moving
up the ranks.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We’ve always been really involved,” Annie said. “There
always seems to be music playing at home, too.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Annie started playing the piano at age 7, and learned the
clarinet in junior high. She has been going to Bingham band concerts for as
long as she could remember. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Graber calls the clarinet, ‘the viola of the band,’” she
said. “It’s always a major part.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The clarinet players are also among her closest friends.
They sat together on the bus rides throughout Utah and on to Southern
California. Part of Ahlstrom’s role as section leader was to take roll and hand
out the dot groups. The clarinet members were always well behaved.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“They were very smart … very cerebral,” said Graber. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ahlstrom said her high-school highlight came at the Bands
of America Competition in St. George. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We were sitting in the bleachers and we didn’t think we
made the cut,” she recalled. “They didn’t call us until the last and then we
were freaking out.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Other highlights were her clarinet solo at this year’s
Christmas concert. She also spent a lot of time with the Bingham Pep Band at
basketball games.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I like playing, ‘Hey Baby’ because everyone sings really
loud,” she said. “It’s actually the trumpet players that are loudest, so I get
to clap and sing.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ahlstrom admitted that, while her musical interest may
never wane, the long hours probably would. After graduation, she planned to
attend Snow College and eventually earn a degree in elementary education.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’ve loved it through high school,” she said. “I might
play in a pep band in college. We’ll see.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10148122755194765206noreply@blogger.com0