Best in state: Alta boys soccer soars above the competition for 5A title
By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com
The Alta boys soccer team captured the Class 5A state championship, capping a memorable season for the Hawks.
Heading into the Class 5A state boys soccer tournament, there may have been no clear-cut favorite. But once all was said and done, there was no doubt the Alta Hawks were the top team.
Alta claimed the 5A championship with a 3-2 victory over defending champion Wasatch on May 22 at America First Field in Sandy. Alta finished the season with a glossy 18-2, also tying for the Region 6 title with a 10-2 league record. Alta also claimed its 10th state championship in program history.
“It feels amazing to win the championship,” head coach Mackenize Hyer said. “These seniors had the goal to be champions from the end of last season. They did the work and had amazing attitudes. The players’ reaction was so fun! The last 20 minutes of the game were wild. Everyone stayed calm and just kept doing whatever it took.”
In a hard-fought game, Alta and
Wasatch played to a 1-1 tie after one half. Each team added a goal in the first 24 minutes of the second half. That’s when Alta’s Jack McAllister put the ball in the back of the net on a free kick to give the Hawks a 3-2 lead, one they wouldn’t relinquish. It was McAllister’s 12th goal of the season and undoubtedly the biggest one. Teammates Josh Glazier and Tanner Kunz added goals, with Glazier and Beckham Butler assisting on goals.
The game against Wasatch was no cakewalk, and just getting to the final round required everything the Alta players had.
“We played four tough teams in the playoffs, and our region was stacked,” Hyer said. “Playing against such great teams helped us so much. We were able to learn through adversity and learn to always fight. We went down twice in the final, but the team never
The Alta soccer team holds the 5A state trophy. (Photo courtesy Jana Glass and Rhett Rasmussen)
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Trailblazing twins take on the world of mountain bike racing
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Luke and Alex Mallen are going downhill fast. The 17-year-old twins from Sandy are making an impact in the world of downhill mountain biking and just completed their junior debut at the UCI Downhill World Cup in BielskoBiała, Poland.
They both advanced through qualifying rounds to compete in the men’s junior finals, with Alex finishing 15th and Luke close behind in 17th. The brothers have been racing for several years and work with coach Tyson Henrie, from the Outlaw Bike Team.
“It’s just something fun,” Alex said. “We have an amazing coach who helps us with our training and everything outside of mountain biking. So he definitely helps with our overall life. I love the adrenaline. I love the fact of being outside and traveling the world.”
Their top-20 finishes in Poland earned them an invitation to two additional World Cup events. The first race was June 20-22 in Val di Sole in northern Italy and the second is July 3-6 in La Thuile, an alpine ski town in northwest Italy. Racing under the USA Cycling federation, the twins will represent the United States.
Luke and Alex have won multiple national titles and have been on several international podiums. They have trained diligently to qualify for the junior World Cup series and are working to earn a spot at the UCI World Championships in September. Downhill racing can reach speeds up to 35 miles per hour. Luke said that’s the best part.
“It’s crazy and I love it,” he said. “It’s different. If someone asks you, ‘What do you do for a living?’ I say, ‘Oh, I race down the mountain on a bike.’ That’s pretty cool. When someone asks what sport you play, they don’t think you’ll say, downhill mountain biking.”
Training, competing and international travel are expensive. The twins operate a lawn aeration business in the spring and work for a catering company to help cover costs. They also have a few generous sponsors, but are always looking for financial support. To donate to their journey, visit UtahMountainSportsAcademy.org and leave their names in the
“It’s about building their competence to give them confidence.”
Tyson Henrie
“options comments” section.
Henrie has coached the twins since they were 7 years old. The boys spent years building their skill level, going from easy off-road trails to steep mountain drops. Around the age of 14, all the training began to pay off as they started seeing racing success.
“We took them to Europe to watch the world championships when they were 14,” Henrie said. “It was a big turning point for them. It was definitely what they wanted to do. Having seen it in person, they’re like, ‘Hey, I can go that fast. I want to go that fast.’”
Training consists of endurance and weight workouts, racing in different venues, including California and Vancouver, and developing a strong mindset to combat fear and doubt.
“It’s about building their competence to give them confidence,” Henrie said. “That gives them the motivation to keep going and keep pursuing hard things and challenging themselves with the next step.”
Henrie said Alex’s strengths include a methodical and motivated approach to racing, while Luke’s killer instinct and competitive mindset drive him to work harder. On top of training, competing and working several jobs, the boys are studying through an online platform to finish their senior year next spring.
Follow their World Cup journey on Instagram @thosemallentwins, @alex_mtb11, @lukemallen_1 and @the.outlaw.way.
“My goal [in Italy] is to get a top 10 finish, or a top five,” Alex said. “I’m just excited to be there. I love being in Europe. I think it’s a great place. I haven’t been to Italy yet. I’m just happy to be there.” l
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The boys from Sandy will compete at World Cup events.
Alex Mallen (left) and his brother Luke (right) qualified for two downhill mountain bike World Cup events, where they hope to finish in the top 10. Tyson Henrie (center) has coached the twins for 10 years. (Photo courtesy of Liz Mallen)
Mecham not running for reelection, meet the candidates night set for July 3
Four seats are up for grabs with 15 candidates officially filing for the campaign.
By Travis Barton travis.b@thecityjournals.com
Councilmember Ryan Mecham announced in late May he would not be running for reelection this year.
Mecham, whose District 1 covers everywhere west of 700 East, made a public statement during the Sandy City Council meeting on May 27 announcing his intention to not campaign again due to work obligations.
“A big change is happening at work in the sense of we are doubling our production hours from 10 to 20 hours a day,” he said. “And since I’m responsible for operations, I am responsible for a lot of folks and a lot of time and I just felt a conflict between what I would need to do here and there.”
Mecham is the chief operating officer at Really Right Stuff in Lehi, a camera equipment manufacturer. He will finish out the rest of his term this year and said he looked “forward to serving the city in other capacities.”
“I very much appreciate the opportuni-
ty to serve with all of you,” he said during the meeting. “I am very thankful for my constituents and those I’ve been able to work with and hopefully have done well in serving them and serving the city as a whole.”
Mecham was elected in 2021defeating Katie Johnson by less than 100 votes during the final round of ranked choice voting. Sandy will return to the traditional method of voting for the 2025 elections.
The primary reason Mecham campaigned to be on the council, he said in a city spotlight video, was to “bring people together.”
“One of the challenges we’ve had in the past is not coming together and I wanted to lend my voice in bringing administration and council together so we could solve problems,” he said.
Brooke Christensen and Shana Davis, respectively, filed their candidacy for District 1 in early June. No primary will take place so the two will square off in the November general election.
District 3, which covers the northeast section of Sandy running from Dimple Dell on its southern end to Creek Road at its most northern point, will also see a new face elected this fall as Zach Robinson, the current councilmember, announced in Jan-
uary his intention to step down citing his promise to only serve two terms in office.
His replacement will face stiff competition as five candidates filed in Iva Williams, Kris Nicholl, Derek Matsumori, Mathew Ostrander and Parry Harrison. The race will require a primary election to be held Aug. 12, with primary ballots set to mail July 22.
One of Sandy’s three at-large council seats will be up for grabs. Councilmember Brooke D’Sousa will be running for reelection against Evan Tobin. This also will require no primary in August.
Meanwhile the race for mayor will definitely require a primary as six candidates filed for the election.
Incumbent Monica Zoltanski, McCall Williams, District 2 Councilmember Alison Stroud, Councilmember at-large Cyndi Sharkey, Justin Hilgendorff and Rodger Downward all filed in early June. The mayoral race will whittle down to two after the Aug. 12 primary election is complete.
Prospective voters can meet candidates at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 3 at the Sandy Library (1011 S. Petunia Way). The meet the candidates night will be hosted by the United Women's Forum Salt Lake Chapter.
The event will run until 8:30 p.m. l
Community Hero: How one man won his neighborhood’s heart
From scooter to superstar. Community hero keeps Sandy streets spotless.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Jim
Peery, a familiar sight on Newcastle Drive in Sandy, spends hours each day on his motorized scooter cleaning up trash, raking leaves and clearing pinecones. Drivers honk, bikers wave and many know him by sight if not by name.
His dedication earned him the title of community hero from Chris Haber.
“Sandy resident Jim Peery is a shining example of community spirit,” Haber wrote. “Despite relying on a mobility scooter, Jim takes it upon himself to clean up the roads and sidewalks.”
Haber continued: “His dedication and selflessness inspire those around him and make Sandy a better place to live.”
Neighbor Monica Petersen agrees: “He keeps the area looking clean and nice. He does a great job.”
Peery, who was previously featured in the Sandy Journal in June 2019, was hesitant to be recognized again.
“I don’t do it for notoriety,” he said. “I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve my community doing this. This is something I can do.”
Community members appreciate his efforts, even creating a “Thank You Jim” banner.
“All the comments were full of gratitude and love,” said Jeni Hancey Larsen, who along with her father, Jeff Hancey, mounted the sign where Peery cleans. “Jim keeps our neighborhood immaculate, but the clean street is secondary to having him around as a neighbor and friend.”
Wearing one of his 28 bright orange shirts, Peery maintains Newcastle Drive from Highland Drive to Flat Iron Park, four hours a day, six days a week. He adjusts his routine with the seasons —bagging leaves in the fall, clearing debris in spring, and working early in summer to beat the heat.
“Last fall, I raked everything and had 97 big piles. I got my wife Karla to help me bag them up,” he said. “That’s the hardest thing for me.”
Using a homemade wooden scooter and tools including a shovel, broom, tongs and a leaf blower, he focuses on clearing debris.
“My number one thing is trash. I pick up all the trash— banana peels, apple cores, paper, trash that blows out of cans, candy wrappers when the kids walk home from Albion (Middle School),” he said. “The second thing, I pick up pinecones and rocks, because these bikes are going 30 miles an hour down the hill. If they hit a rock or a pinecone, they're going to be on their hats.”
He’s grateful for the assistance he gets from Sandy City.
“The Sandy City crew does an excellent job cutting the grass and blowing it and then, they pick up my bags. My objective is so people can have a nice walk, drive, bike, skateboard and they can enjoy themselves,” he said.
Even with the clean sidewalks, sometimes Peery will take a spill.
“I’ll take a curb or turn too tight, but I’m never down for long. Usually within two minutes, I have a bunch of people stopping to help,” he said. “People are really kind. By being out here, I’ve gotten to know so many friends in the community.”
While neighbors and his grandkids occasionally lend a hand, Peery said, “It’s really my thing.”
Volunteering for Peery began 20 years ago when he began losing his balance while walking and his position as a computer programmer ceased.
It was after moving to Sandy in 2016, when he was inspired to step up as the city planned to paint fences along Newcastle.
“I thought, ‘Someone should clean that first.’ Then, I thought, ‘I’m someone,’” he said. “I want to help my community. I want to do my part.” l
Sandy City’s council meetings will look a little different in 2026. (City Journals)
Sandy resident Jim Peery regularly cleans leaves and debris along Sandy streets to beautify the neighborhoods. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
From Mexico to Midvale: Canyons’ top teacher’s journey of dedication, resilience and heart
Dual immersion teacher builds a classroom where every student belongs.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
When Lucia de la Cruz Rodriguez first heard Shakira's “Waka Waka” echoing down the hallway, she thought it was part of a lesson.
“I love Shakira,” she said. “I was just leaving a PLC meeting; I thought they were playing the song for a translation and thought, ‘that's fun.’”
But something was different that day. As de la Cruz Rodriguez tried to walk past the school’s grand staircase, she noticed her former students waving.
“I was like, shh, quiet,” she said.
Before de la Cruz Rodriguez could continue, her school’s instructional coach redirected her.
“She said, ‘No, I’m going to have you going that way.’ She turned me, and it's when I realized something was happening. I saw my name on the big banner. Then I saw Ofelia (Wade, Utah’s Spanish dual immersion director), my brother and my husband, all who were behind the banner,” de la Cruz Rodriguez said. “Then, I started crying.”
It was a surprise celebration; de la Cruz Rodriguez had been named Midvale Elementary’s Teacher of the Year, an honor she never expected.
“Surprised? Yes,” she admitted. “It's hard to think I could be the one because in some meetings, when someone else is sharing something, I'm like, ‘Wow, that teacher is doing that, they are amazing, they are doing great things.’”
That recognition was just the beginning— she was later honored as Canyons School District’s teacher of the year as well.
De la Cruz Rodriguez is the first dual language immersion teacher to be honored as Canyons’ top teacher. Other finalists include Albion Middle’s Lauren Nielsen and Diamond Ridge High’s Alastair Wright, who is the first educator from the District’s alternative high school to be named a finalist. There were more than 4,000 nominations submitted for the top award.
Also honored at the ceremony were the Preschool Teacher of the Year, Quail Hollow’s Amanda Kissell and Instructional Coach of the Year, Eastmont Middle’s Susie Young.
A Leap of Faith
Five years earlier, de la Cruz Rodriguez had taken a bold step—leaving behind her home and a nearly decade-long teaching career in Mexico to start fresh in the United States after instructing as part of a cultural arts program in Wisconsin for a summer.
“I was teaching in Mexico for nine years,”
she said. “When I came here the first year, there were new curriculums, new techniques, new strategies, everything new. I was really focused—not to be the best teacher—but to be the best student and start over learning. That was my goal.”
De la Cruz Rodriguez started over, setting aside years of experience to learn new systems and a new language.
“My English was bad,” she said. “I remember reading the emails, and I would copy, Google Translate into Spanish, write a reply and Google Translate it back.”
At the time, de la Cruz Rodriguez lived in an apartment with a landlord who only spoke English.
“So, I was at my computer once again, just typing every single word. I decided, ‘I cannot continue like this,’” she said.
Instead of giving up, de la Cruz Rodriguez accepted the challenge.
“If I'm asking my students to do this effort, I need to do it,” she realized. “It was one of the best lessons of my life.”
De la Cruz Rodriguez admits at times, it was “painfully difficult.”
“I came here during COVID. It was tough, learning the language on top of it, with masks. I was trying to understand they were telling me something with their mouth completely covered and I could not read their eyes,” she said. “Embracing that was one of the most powerful lessons in my life.”
Learning and Leading by Example
De la Cruz Rodriguez’ classroom quickly became a reflection of her values which carried her through that transition: resilience, community and cultural pride. It’s a vibrant environment filled with colorful visuals, hands-on activities and heartfelt connections.
“I spend more time in my classroom than in my house, and I want it to be a place where students are safe, and that's one of my goals,” she said. “How can they develop skills if they are emotionally bad? One of my goals is understanding everyone.”
De la Cruz Rodriguez spends the first two months of each school year observing students closely, both academically and emotionally.
“Every kid likes to be recognized. Maybe by giving hugs or verbal celebrations, or even little notes,” she said. “It builds our community; we are a team. We all help each other; we support one another.”
Her connection to her predominantly Latino school community allows de la Cruz Rodriguez to weave culture into the Spanish dual immersion curriculum. Students celebrate Dia de los Muertos and Latin American Independence Days through dancing, altar-making, and service projects like cleaning up Midvale’s cemetery.
“Day of the Dead is my favorite celebration and one I love to share with my students,”
she said. “These connections with the community are something that is making me feel I belong here.”
A Teaching Legacy
In Mexico, de la Cruz Rodriguez attended an elementary school which was taught by one teacher: her father.
“We had 24 students in elementary school and my dad was devoted to the curriculum; before he retired, he was an amazing teacher,” she said.
Her father was nationally recognized for his teaching, and her brothers also followed in his footsteps—one recently named teacher of the year in the Tooele School District.
“My dad was always very disciplined. That is something I learned from him—to be very explicit and clear with students,” she said.
De la Cruz Rodriguez also teaches her third graders with love. That blend of structure and heart shows up in the smallest details— from positive affirmations to her classroom reward system.
“Every day in Spanish, we do affirmations: I am wonderful. I am super smart, and I’m going to do my best,” she said. “Sometimes, it's not what you do with them, it's the way you tell them things.”
The veteran teacher pours enthusiasm and creativity into every lesson.
“Kids need someone who is teaching them with all the energy, with the love, learning with them. They deserve quality education and someone who is truly coming happy to teach them; I truly love discovering new ways to get
into the lessons and teach them,” she said. “I love third grade. They are kind of mature, but not with an attitude. They are sweet—the hugs they give, the high- fives.”
Her classroom features unique reward systems: students can earn the chance to read with a stuffed animal, sit on the classroom “beach” or visit a pretend “café.” A recognized artist herself, de la Cruz Rodriguez encourages student creativity through an art station option.
With a recent $1,000 award for being named the District’s top educator, she’s investing in next year’s classroom setup, which included a “supermarket.”
“I honestly want to do it with that money and get some things for my kids for next year,” de la Cruz Rodriguez said. “This is something they really love.”
From a Small Town to a Big Impact
De la Cruz Rodriguez’ story began in a village of 34 families. Now the dual immersion teacher is shaping the lives of dozens of students in a diverse, vibrant community—and she remains focused not just on surviving but thriving—and lifting others up with her.
She serves as a model teacher and mentor, welcoming new dual immersion program teachers to observe her class and guides them through their transition.
“I've been doing that since the second year I came here; I want to help them learn ways I’ve discovered,” de la Cruz Rodriguez said. “Kids are super smart. They understand things and they deserve someone who truly believes that.” l
Lucia de la Cruz Rodriguez, who teaches third grade at Midvale Elementary, is the first dual language immersion teacher to be honored as Canyons School District’s teacher of the year. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Volunteers brighten up Sandy nonprofit during 33rd annual Paint-a-Thon
MVP facility was spruced up via the volunteered painting efforts.
ZionsBank employees traded in balance sheets for paint brushes to give a Sandy nonprofit a makeover during the bank’s annual Paint-a-Thon.
About 25 volunteers — including Zions Bank employees and their family members — gathered during the first week of June to spruce up the Medically Vulnerable People Facility, operated by The Road Home, Fourth Street Clinic, and Shelter the Homeless.
Employees completed paint and maintenance projects, brightening the experience for future patients. The facility serves as an interim housing and care program for individuals experiencing homelessness who are aging, have a significant medical condition, or need recuperative care.
The volunteer effort was among 15 projects completed in Utah as part of Zions Bank’s 33rd annual Paint-a-Thon. During the first week of June, more than 1,100 volunteers tackled projects from Brigham City to Bicknell.
From painting classrooms at the Boys and Girls Club of Northern Utah to exam rooms at the Wayne Community Health Center, this year’s Paint-a-Thon projects will
Employees completed paint and maintenance projects, brightening the experience for future patients. (Photo courtesy Zions Bank)
benefit more than 13,000 Utahns.
“Paint-a-Thon is a chance to give back to the nonprofits and individuals who give so much to our communities,” said Zions Bank project leader Ryan Oneida. “It’s one of many ways Zions Bank is focused on investing in the communities we serve.” l
Students turn cereal drive into joyful chain reaction
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Hollow students cheer as the donated cereal boxes for Midvale sister schools topple over, creating a domino effect through the hallways and into the gym.
More than 550 cereal boxes lined the hallways of Quail Hollow Elementary, stretching all the way into the gym. Then, with a signal from a student council member, the first box toppled—and a domino ef-
Parents hit the books at Albion
More than 250 adults join middle school students for a morning of learning.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Itwasn’t a typical school day at Albion Middle—students brought their parents to class.
As part of Family Appreciation Week, more than 250 parents, guardians and grandparents joined their kids for a day of handson learning, sitting side by side in their classes.
“This day they could do hands-on learning with their kids,” Principal Eric Gardner said. “We told teachers, whatever you do, parents should be included. If the students are doing a math problem, make the parent do the math problem. If they're doing a science experiment, make the parents do a science experiment. It’s our way of welcoming parents and being transparent of what we're doing here as a school.”
More than 258 adults came to support their students in class.
the goal was to create a meaningful experience.
“We wanted to include the parents and make it an engaging experience where they would learn firsthand what’s happening in class,” she said. “This way, they have a better understanding of how to support their students and their learning.”
In a science class, eighth-grader Bridgely Wolfe and her dad, Steve, explored how exercise affects chemical reactions.
“The more we exercise, the more energy is released and it makes more CO2 faster,” Bridgely said.
Her dad added: “It’s cool to see how physical change makes that great of a difference in a chemical reaction.”
In a history class, there was an active discussion about the sinking of the Lusitania.
fect rippled through the school, as students cheered, “Knock them down!” But this wasn’t just a fun year-end celebration. The cereal was collected as part of a donation drive to support Canyons School District students in need. “We just wanted to help other students who might not have as much as we do,” one student said. “It feels good to make a difference.” The donations were delivered to Copperview and Midvalley elementaries in Midvale. (Julie Slama/City Journals) l
In STEM class, teacher Barry Johnson kicked things off with, “Welcome fabulous new engineers,” as adults and students teamed up to build chassis and test stability in spinning structures.
Nate Bonney liked that it combined creativity with engineering for his son, Corbin.
“He gets to think through it and use that process and learning for his future experiences in life,” he said.
Brooke Morrison was there to support her son, Theo: “This is more interactive than I imagined; I get to see what he does in school better this way.”
Assistant Principal Amanda Parker said
“It was an interactive lesson where we were moving about the classroom, asking questions and critically thinking,” said parent Jeni Larsen, who along with her husband, accompanied her son, Jake. “The kids were very engaged exploring conspiracy theories into whether the British sunk the ship intentionally. But it was just great to meet other parents because then it really does create more of a community.”
On other days that week, families were greeted with banners, doughnuts, dog treats and a link to a thank-you message.
“We have amazing families here. There’s a saying ‘it takes a village to raise a child,’ and I feel blessed being here at Albion because it’s true. There are great students, terrific teachers and amazing parents, who do so much for us,” Gardner said. “During this week, we wanted to let them know that we're grateful for all their support.” l
In an Albion science class, eighth-grader Bridgely Wolfe and her dad, Steve, along with other families, explored chemical reactions during family appreciation week. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
A celebration of connection: Canyons unified prom brings joy to all students
High school students of all abilities danced the night away at Canyons School District’s unified prom. Canyons’ unified prom, which was held in late spring, was a memorable night for students of all abilities, according to a Corner Canyon High student organizer. Junior Sasha Krull danced with friends and her nonverbal sister,
freshman Savannah. “Everyone is having fun—dancing, wearing balloon hats, playing games, eating—and parents are glowing. It’s great that seniors from all the high schools can meet before some attend Lifetime Skills Academy together in the fall.” (Julie Slama/ City Journals)
STEM Night inspires Park Lane students to engage and
Families bond through hands-on activities that pique curiosity and creativity.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
ParkLane’s STEM Night drew about 200 students and families for hands-on science and engineering activities.
Fifth-grader Isabelle enjoyed the multicolor box art because “I could be creative and it was interactive and fun” while her sister, first-grader Lenora, liked connecting circuits to make lights turn on.
With their dad, Zach, the girls also built a paper boat that held 19 metal nuts before sinking.
“I hope they learn to have an interest in STEM, robotics, electronics, whatever area they may like,” he said.
Each activity station was run by a student council member.
“The student council own their stations and want to give it purpose; I like how they’re being gracious with the other kids,” said kindergarten teacher Katie Walker, who was participating with first-grade daughter Tessa. “I hope students get excited about the elements of STEM and learn problem-solving and critical thinking skills they can ap-
Community turns out for White City’s fifth annual 5K run and walk
All ages lace up for community milestone event.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Around 80 participants gathered on a Saturday morning in June for White City’s fifth annual 5K run and walk. The route began at Big Bear Park, passing Glacier Hills Elementary, crossing the Dimple Dell bridge, looping around the Alta View Elementary and White Towers pool neighborhood and returning to the start. The
event was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic to encourage outdoor activity and celebrate the new bridge, which connects the White City Trail with the Sandy Canal Trail and offers a continuous path for local walkers and runners. This year’s top finishers were Thatcher Olson in a time of 17:21; Clark Hanley, 18:05; and Xavier Howard, 20:04. The top age 12 and under runner was Yoshi Suzuki in 31:17; and the fastest age 65 and up runner was Brad Merrill in 34:26. The race was supported by Salt Lake Running Company, Hydrate IV Bar in South Jordan and the Unified Police Department. l
explore
ply in class and in other things they’re doing. I want them to try on a project and think through it to adapt it and try again and again.”
Principal Justin Jeffery said the event followed a STEM on Stage assembly, funded by a STEM Action Grant.
“We’re wanting students to engage and explore STEM so they can pique their curiosity and apply what they learn,” he said. “They may even discover a new passion.” l
Photo courtesy of Scott Catron
Students and their families create pixel art during Park Lane’s STEM Night. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Continued from front page
faltered. We came back and tied it twice, always believing we would overcome.”
The championship victory and the semifinals win over Bountiful (4-0 on May 19) were significant milestones for Hyer, who just finished her eighth season with the boys team. Those two victories were Nos. 100 and 101 as head coach for the Alta boys. She is grateful for the boys’ efforts in getting those two wins.
“This one included my 100th (semis) and 101st (final) wins with the boys,” Hyer said. “It was super special because the boys were fighting for that for me. These seniors were a part of 61 of those 101 wins; that is incredible! It shows the belief they have in the program, for each other and for me. This team competed hard every day, whether at practice or a game. It’s hard to describe how good it feels to see them get exactly what they worked for and deserve.”
In the semifinals, all four of Alta’s goals came after halftime. Boston Wright and Chase Radford combined in the goal for the shutout. Meanwhile, Kunz scored twice, and Butler and Brady Christensen added goals. Butler, Glazier and Tyler Jordan contributed assists. The Hawks also defeated Maple Mountain 3-1 in the quarterfinals on May 16. Glazier, Zach Lovell and Max Wimmer scored in that contest, while Butler and Aston Glass had assists. The state tournament run for Alta began May 13 with a 3-0 home win over region rival Brighton. Wimmer had two goals in that second-round matchup, with Butler adding the other goal. Christensen had an assist, and Radford recorded a shutout.
Hyer couldn’t say enough about her players. She recognized several standout performers for their contributions in the postseason and throughout the year in leading the Hawks to another championship, her third as head coach of the program. Alta also won titles under her direction in 2018 and 2022.
“All of the players stood out,” she said. “[Radford] in goal was outstanding. Ty Dutcher and [Lovell] in our defense
and Max Wimmer up front (captains) led the team with passion and heart. [Kunz] led the team with 16 goals and is an absolute machine. [Butler] was right behind him with 15 goals. [McAllister] is deadly on a set piece, and his game-winner in the final made it to No. 4 on ESPN ‘SportsCenter.’ Dawson Barney, [Glass], [Christensen], [Josh Glazier], Conner Rasmussen, [Wright] and [Jordan] were all major reasons we won. Maybe that’s the takeaway: they were truly a team.”Hyer said her players battled the typical obstacles that all teams face: heat, cold, injuries and more. But the Hawks didn’t let any of these challenges bother them. As for the next version of the Alta boys soccer team, Hyer is optimistic about what is in store for 2026. The team loses some key players, but the Hawks also have some talent returning next year.
“The 2025 seniors were great leaders and have shown the underclassmen what it will take to win,” she said. “Hopefully, the younger guys were paying attention and have caught the ‘bug’ of being an Alta soccer player and wanting to be a champion. We lose a lot in our seniors, but the juniors were a huge part of the team’s success and have been given a gift in leadership lessons that hopefully they can carry into the 2026 season.”
As head coach of the boys team, Hyer has now compiled a record of 101-28. She is also the girls head coach and has a 65-56 mark with them through seven seasons. Winning this championship is special for her, the other coaches, the players and the community.
“I played soccer for Alta, all my coaching staff played soccer for Alta, my siblings both played soccer at Alta, my daughter played soccer at Alta,” she said. “Continuing the legacy of Alta soccer is a part of me. I am so proud that I get to work with this amazing program and outstanding humans. One of the best parts is the alumni coming back and supporting the current team. We are a family, and it’s hard to put into words what Alta soccer means to me. Winning the 10th title for Alta boys soccer is a dream come true.” l
Eastmont
“How will they make it?” Students face real-life scenarios in Reality Town.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Eastmont
Middle eighth graders stepped into adult roles during Reality Town, a financial literacy simulation where students budget monthly expenses based on assigned careers and family scenarios.
Two students from the Jordan High National Defense Cadet Corps program watched as students earned bonus “money” for their households by doing push-ups at a mock military recruitment station.
“It gave us experience what real life would be like,” Jordan High freshman cadet Brock Johnson said.
His fellow cadet, Brighton High sophomore Flynn Johnson, shared his budgeting experience: “I’d see where I could spend the least money for the best value, like buying a used sedan for the family, so I’d have money at the end.”
Parent volunteers were curious to see how their children handled the challenge.
Bryce Smith wasn’t sure of his son Brysen’s plan.
“We didn’t talk about balancing money in real life or strategies for Reality Town, so this will be his best judgment,” he said.
Juliana Powell’s son Max faced a tough situation.
“He earns $32,000 by doing ski patrol and he has three kids to support,” she said. “He has a wife; I hope she has a good job because he is going to see how little his salary will buy when stretched over 12 months. Plus, he's never been skiing, so careerwise, if he breaks a leg, then how will they make it?”
ly about spending.
“In Reality Town, they’ve basically been transplanted to a new community, at 30 years old, with a randomized family and are expected to set up their household using their monthly income,” she said. “It's a budgeting experiment that gives them perspective.”
Students could earn extra income through second jobs, CTEC or military service, but Gebhard said learning to balance is key.
“We had one student ask if he could ride a horse instead of buying a car, but that’s not learning the idea of compromise,” she said. “We want them to reflect—what did they learn? Were they surprised by anything? How could they do better?”
Eighth-grader Isaiah Chavez, assigned a $3,619 monthly income as a clinical research coordinator, joked: “I could leave my wife and kids and move to Bali and survive on my salary.”
Jordan High work-based learning coordinator Jen Boyd said the exercise is eye-opening: “Some want to save money and others want to spend it all. They realize how much things cost and they do need a good job. It hits them—it’s reality.”
Student leaders from Jordan High helped, including freshman Cadence Cardall, who along with sophomore Sophie Opperman, staffed a station.
Cardall shared practical advice: “Do the important stuff first, then you can spend on fun things later.”
Eighth-grader Clover Taylor found budgeting tough to support her 4-year-old daughter, on her data entry paycheck.
“With one salary, it becomes a challenge to manage,” she said.
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School counselor Megan Gebhard said the simulation encourages students to think critical-
Her classmate, Rylee Zonellner, added: “We’re learning to be responsible and to use our money wisely so in the future, we don’t go broke.”l
During Reality Town, students learn to balance a monthly budget, including visiting the grocery station to purchase food for their mock families. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Carving a future: Polynesian students shape careers at PolyStrong
Leadership summit leaves lasting impact on Polynesian teens.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
About 400 Polynesian high school students, including 30 from Hillcrest and Jordan high schools, attended the Aspire to Be PolyStrong leadership summit, where they were inspired, educated, and empowered to pursue future careers.
Hillcrest sophomore Grady Lavea initially joined his friends for what he thought would be a fun day away from class.
“To be honest, I thought it would be a free day from school, but when I heard successful Poly people outside of sports speak, which isn't very common, that gave me ways to be in their shoes looking at careers,” he said. “We were challenged to introduce ourselves to speakers, to network and make connections. It was easier to connect with the successful people there because they are part of my culture.”
One speaker, graphic artist Sam Mangakahia, left a strong impression on Lavea.
“He’s Māori (indigenous Polynesian people of mainland New Zealand) and carves Māori designs; he did the hook for ‘Moana’ for the promotion for the movie. When he started, he took his dad’s ukulele and a butter knife from the kitchen and started carving it. After he spoke, I introduced myself, and we talked about our roots. I’ve always liked drawing, so he explained to me how to make it a career path,” Lavea said.
The summit also sparked Lavea’s interest in entrepreneurship, a subject he’s now considering studying.
Before the event, students completed aptitude tests to match them with potential career paths. For Hillcrest sophomore Dannica Langi, her results aligned with her existing interests in law and health sciences.
She attended workshops in those fields and already is enrolled to take debate and earn her CNA.
“This inspired me to look what my future might be like, what I want to pursue,” she said. “I learned we’re all here for each other; we're built on the foundation of us being Polynesian. It was cool to see people of my culture be successful in life.”
Hillcrest counselor Pauline Tuitavuki-Smith said that’s exactly what the conference aimed to offer.
“A lot of students don't see people who look like them in successful positions, so this gave them an opportunity to learn how to use their voice, to build relationships and to learn to have humility and confidence at the same time,” she said. “These speakers want to mentor students to succeed.” l
From biomes to bakeries: Lone Peak’s art show dazzles community
Elementary students showcase their creativity and learning at year-end show.
By Julie Slama
j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Third-graders
Mazie Deming and Alison
Jin were excited to find their painted tiles now part of a permanent biome installation in Lone Peak Elementary’s library.
“We painted on these tiles to make ours match the photograph,” Alison said. “It was hard to do the details.”
Mazie enjoyed recreating the photo of Arches National Park, but especially liked the glazed cupcake art.
“We can explore and try new thing in art,” she said. “I like the art show and come to it every year.”
The exhibit was part of Lone Peak’s ninth annual art show, led by Beverley Taylor Sorenson Arts Learning Program Specialist Cassie Walker.
“This art show builds community in our neighborhood, and I feel we need that so much,” she said.
This year’s theme, “Imaginarium,” focused on creativity and storytelling. Nearly 1,000 visitors toured displays, including a student “bakery,” a glowing forest, and a giant map by second-graders. Biome exhibits by upper grades included Arches National Park,
the Pando aspen forest, and the Wasatch fault line.
“Each was tied to a science standard,” Walker explained, noting a $400 Beverley Taylor Sorenson Foundation grant helped fund materials. Her father-in-law built custom frames for the student-created pieces.
Principal Shad DeMill praised the cross-curricular effort.
“It is collaborative effort to reinforce what is taught in the class,” he said.
Upper-grade students gained skills in filmmaking, animation and theater. Fifth graders also designed and created capstone projects and designed their own theater posters.
“They’ve done different projects every year with me since the kindergarten so they have learned the building blocks to plan a project and have the skills to create it,” Walker said, adding students usually complete between nine to 12 projects during their 45-minute weekly sessions.
Former Lone Peak students contributed as well: Sadie Walker, now a junior at Corner Canyon High, designed the event flier, and her classmate Brooklyn Nye, owner of Brooke Mae’s Bakery, sold cupcakes near a display of ceramic ones.
“It was a fun addition to include students on our school’s art committee, and I’d like to expand it next year,” Cassie Walker said,
adding she was grateful for Corner Canyon’s National Honors Society help with the event.
Visitor Greg Phillips attended the show with his nephews Max, Gus and Leo and niece, Lucy.
“I love how students are able to use the creative side of their brain; it builds confidence and skills,” he said. “Without art, life is more boring. Art is the cherry on the cake.” l
At the Aspire to Be PolyStrong leadership summit, high school students had the opportunity to talk with professional Polynesian mentors. (Cher Burbank/Hillcrest High)
During Lone Peak Elementary’s art show, a student admires the new artwork, permanently displayed in the school library. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Mt. Jordan sixth grader leads school effort to regreen fire-ravaged LA
“We can make a difference:” Mt. Jordan students plant hope with environmental relief.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Strangers in greater Los Angeles may owe thanks to a Sandy sixth grader who cared enough to take action.
Madeline Archuleta, a Mt. Jordan Middle School student, was moved by the devastation caused by the LA fires. Wanting to help, she approached her school’s PTSA and student council with a threepage plan to support affected communities.
“It mattered to me because if you see a problem in the world, you should take accountability to go fix it,” she said. “I could get the support to help those people so that they can renew their lives.”
After reading Madeline’s three-page proposal to help the LA fire victims, PTSA president Heather Huish, who also works for Stand4Kind, helped involve both groups in a project to provide seed pods for replanting. Stand4Kind covered supplies and shipping, while 80 students created seed balls by mixing clay, compost, water and wildflower seeds.
After the pods arrived in LA, Huish
joined 500 California youth, who planted them. Splash Media documented the entire service project to share messages of hope and impact.
“These are going to regreen LA to make the landscape be a lot more vibrant and hopefully reinstall some hope in the people by the fire,” Madeline said. “It’s neat that kids in Utah care and can help other kids in California. We can make a difference, I want to leave my mark on the world, and this is my first step in doing that.”
Sixth-grader Boston Smith joined in: “It’s not fair there are people affected by this without homes, foods, resources so if we can help give them a better environment, we’re showing kindness.”
Huish said through this project students learned lessons in developing leadership and student empowerment, kindness and emotional wellness.
“Not only are our students doing a hands-on service project to help with environmental renewal, but they’re also learning the importance of their actions and how they can bring hope and healing to these impacted families,” said Huish, adding the PTSA actively performs community service projects every other month.
Seventh-grader Mikaela Brun was
glad she could help.
“It's cool to do something that's going to affect places that aren't in Utah and we
make it a beautiful place for them,” she said. “We can make other people happy; it’s the right thing to do.” l
Mt. Jordan sixth-grader Madeline Archuleta, center, and her classmates created seed balls for the fire-impacted Los Angeles area by mixing clay, compost, water and wildflower seeds. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Silver Mesa Elementary students spellbound by Harry Potter literacy month
ents a letter and creating her own magical character,” said her mother Marie. “I like that we’re connecting activities to the reading.”
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Third-grader
Eliana brought her mother, Kim Dakis, to Silver Mesa Elementary’s literacy night, capping off a month-long celebration centered around reading.
“I read 15 minutes every night and even more on the weekend,” Eliana said. “I’m on the third book of Harry Potter (series).”
The event marked the culmination of a schoolwide literacy initiative inspired by the world of Harry Potter. During the month, all 500 students were sorted into themed houses, where their reading minutes were tracked in a friendly competition to win the coveted house cup.
The literacy night featured a variety of Harry Potter-themed activities, including a mythical creature word search and a Scales and Tails show, where students got up close with real critters—both of which Eliana participated in.
Meanwhile, second-grader Paris Nielsen chose to dive into wand painting.
“The whole theme is engaging, and she’s done some fun activities such as writing and illustrating a comic strip, writing her grandpar-
Kylee Bartholomew, a Silver Mesa PTA event organizer, explained students could earn additional points for their houses by completing take-home literacy packets.
“All the activities tied into literacy and our theme, such as making up a magical character and writing a story about them or if you were this type of character, write about what you would do,” she said. “The idea is for them to develop their writing as well as their reading, but also, having an opportunity to be creative.”
Bartholomew found students engaged in the literacy events.
“Reading is multifaceted, so it’s fun to be able to combine so many different activities with literacy night. It's about reading, but students can read cookbooks, graphic novels, picture books, how-to books; our literacy night mirrors what reading does for your life. It inspires you to do things. It inspires you to learn. It inspires adventure. A lot of the kids say this is their favorite thing all year,” she said, adding she was thankful for the 30 volunteers who helped with literacy month activities.
Instructional coach Tami Dautel said the monthlong activities drove students to read more than usual.
“We’re getting kids excited about reading,” she said. “We want lifelong learners and readers, and reading can take you places. With reading, there are opportunities and places in your imagination to explore and dream.” l
Care of Magical Creatures was a hit with students at Silver Mesa Elementary’s Harry Potter-themed literacy night. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
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Alta boys lacrosse end season with run to state semifinals
The Hawks capped a 14-7 season with a semifinal loss to eventual state champion Brighton.
By Josh McFadden j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com
Whenthe top teams in Class 5A boys lacrosse were both from your region, you know you were in elite company.
The Alta boys team finished the season third in Region 6 with a 4-2 mark in league play. But that doesn’t tell the whole story. The team finished behind Brighton and Park City, the eventual state finalists. Meanwhile, Alta advanced to the semifinals where it came up just short, losing to Brighton 15-10 in a hard-fought match.
Alta finished the season 14-7, with all of its losses coming against top-notch teams, including Park City and Brighton (twice) as well as against a pair of squads from California.
Head coach Brandon Horoba acknowledged the team didn’t achieve everything it wanted but still put together a nice year.
“We had a good season,” Horoba said. “We came up short from what we wanted and underperformed in a few games, but as a whole, we had a good season. We made it to the semifinals at state. Our goal at the beginning of the year was a state championship, so we fell short of that.”
In the semifinals loss to Brighton, the Hawks stayed within striking distance most of the way but couldn’t overcome a strong Bengals’ offense. Alta got four goals from Beckham Horoba and two more from his brother Braxton Horoba, who also added three assists. Colby Blackham also scored twice. Goalie Colton Tueller made 14 saves.
Brandon Horoba had several players this past season who contributed and led the team.
“Braxton Horoba, a senior, was our
leader on offense and one of the team captains,” Brandon Horoba said. “He led the team in points, goals and assists. We also had sophomores JJ Massi and Beckham Horoba, along with Colby Blackham. On defense, we were led by our senior goalie Colton Tueller, and anchoring the defense were juniors Sam Fredley and Kristian Morris, along with sophomore Spencer Parry.”
Brandon Horoba said the players performed well when they were aggressive and tenacious on both ends of the field.
“I felt like the team meshed well with each other and played hard,” he said. “We are best when we are playing fast and with energy, and when we did that, we were successful.”
Many times this season, the Hawks were dominant, leaving no doubt on the field which team was better.
Alta had three games this season scoring at least 23 goals and seven games of scoring 19 goals or more. The Hawks had eight victories of double-digit margins. In the state tournament, Alta had the No. 4 seed in 5A and posted a pair of wins to reach the semifinals. First, the Hawks crushed Spanish Fork 19-5 in the second round on May 15. Eight players scored for Alta, with Massi leading the way with five goals. Braxton Horoba also scored five goals in the win, and Beckham Horoba added four more goals. Braxton Horoba contributed four assists on the day.
Two days later, in the quarterfinals, Alta had little trouble with Region 5 foe Woods Cross in a 16-6 win. Blackham had four goals, and four other Hawks had two goals apiece. Beckham Horoba assisted on five goals. Defensively, Parry caused eight turnovers, and Tueller had eight saves.
Getting to within one game of the state title match was a memorable highlight for the program. Brandon Horoba was also pleased with how well the Hawks competed
with some out-of-state competition.
“Making it to state semifinals in a tough 5A division is a good accomplishment for us,” he said. “We had a great trip to California with our varsity team, where we played two great teams and got to really know one another away from the field.”
A slew of Alta players lit up the stat sheet this past season and helped guide the team deep into the state tournament. Braxton Horoba had 119 points on the year, scoring 72 goals and dishing out 47 assists. Massi had 65 points, including 51 goals and 14 assists. Beckham Horoba had 32 goals and 30 assists to total 62 points. Blackham was another active player, compiling 56 points—41 goals and 15 assists. Tueller totaled 177
Golden stroke for Waterford crew at nationals
Waterford rowers make history with varsity and JV wins.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Waterford coach Dan Salerno and varsity quad rowers Suzy Reardon, Gillian McLane, Bella Raemisch and Emery Chamberlain repeated Waterford’s second straight scholastic national title in May with three returning rowers—McLane, Raemisch and Chamberlain. Waterford School’s girls’ crew team took home two gold medals at the Scholastic National Rowing Championships held in late May in Pennsauken, New Jersey. (Photo courtesy of row2K)
saves this season and had a lot of help from his defensive teammates. Parry, for example, caused 54 turnovers and had 82 ground balls. Kellen Torina had 114 ground balls to lead the Hawks.
The objectives for Alta boys lacrosse are always high, and Brandon Horoba expects big things from his squad in 2026.
“We expect a championship every year, and next year will be no different,” he said. “We have some big shoes to fill with some of our seniors graduating, but we have capable players ready to step in. The returning players need to continue to work hard away from the field, keeping their sticks in their hands and getting stronger in the weight room.” l
The JV quad of Zoe Chou, Jessica Miller, Emma Molnar and Sophia Wojcikowski claimed gold, Waterford’s first-ever JV win at the Scholastic National Rowing Championships. It’s the first time since 2018 that both varsity and JV quads from the same school have won in the same year. Waterford is coached by Daniel Salerno. McLane and Reardon also were selected for the U.S. Rowing development team. (Photo courtesy of row2K)
Alta Colton Tueller protects the net for the boys lacrosse team. Tueller helped the Hawks advance to the semifinals of the Class 5A state tournament. (Photo courtesy of Brandon Horoba)
Brighton ends sports seasons as No. 1 boys athletic program
Brighton boys athletics tops Deseret News All Sports Award.
By Jerry S. Christensen j.christensen@mycityjournals.com
It was the last day of the 2024-25 UHSAA sports season in late May. Brighton had two teams left in the finals of baseball and boys lacrosse to score points in the annual Deseret News High School All Sports ratings.
Dating back to 1978 this Deseret News tradition highlights the most prolific sports schools across the state. Brighton has the distinction of having the longest streak at the top of the coveted list—11 years from 1980-1991. Brighton, strong in academic ratings (as measured by AP test performance) and typically in the top five of athletic ratings needed a strong showing from the final two sports of the year (boys lacrosse and baseball) to eclipse all other 5A boys athletic programs.
In each of the 25 sanctioned UHSAA sports (12 boys sports and 13 girls sports) 10 points are awarded for a state championship. Eight points are granted to a runner-up team. Six points are given to third-place teams. Five and four points are awarded fourth- and fifth-place finishers respectively. Sixth, seventh and eighth placers receive three, two and one points respectively.
Academic All State student-athletes
Brighton produced nine spring sport Academic All State awardees. These student-athletes not only played varsity-level sports, but also maintained perfect or near-perfect grades: Davis Cook, boys tennis; Miles Layton, baseball; Josh Mawhinney, baseball; Christian Merkley, boys volleyball; Max Pohlman, boys tennis; Cooper Scott, baseball; Gustavo Silvia, boys soccer; Austin Taylor, boys lacrosse; and Leah Tomlinson, softball. Girls golf
Coach Ron Meyer guided his young team to an admirable fifth place finish at the state tournament in May. Most impressive were the two top-10 individual placers from Brighton: Junior Catherine Cook placed fourth and freshman Claire Olafsson place fourth among all 5A golfers. “The future of Brighton girls golf is promising,” Meyer said.
Track and field
The Brighton track and field teams may have provided just enough boost to place the Brighton boys athletic program at the top of the state. Two individual state champions were crowned and promising underclassmen emerged as state contenders.
Senior Beau LaFleur, standout football star who played both sides of the ball, repeated his state champion 300m hurdles title. He added a second place 110m hurdles medal followed by his teammate junior Calvin Hawkins who finished at his heels in third place. Junior Jaxon Nettle had a spectacular state outing by becoming discus state champion by a mere ½ inch.
Bridget Smit, the freshman phenom, ran to third place in 1600m and fifth place in 3200m. Senior Cody Smith added points with a seventh-place finish in the javelin.
The boys track and field team placed sixth in state and were awarded three points in the All Sports Award standings for the school—those three points were the difference between third place and first place in the boys All Sports rankings. Girls Lacrosse
Brighton girls LAX ended the season short of the finals— knocked out for the fifth year in a row by archrival Olympus. For most programs such lofty finishes would be “goal attained.” For Brighton’s coach Melissa Nash it becomes a quest to break into the finals. “We look forward to next year already,” she said with even more resolve.
Four players received USA Lacrosse awards which are the highest awards a high school player can get. Only 11 players in the state are awarded USA Lacrosse All-American and USA
Lacrosse All-Academic. Brighton had three of the 11 All-Academic honorees. And one of 11 All-American honorees. They are: Sophie Nielsen, junior - USA Lacrosse All-American and All-Academic; Emery Gallegos, junior - USA Lacrosse All-Academic; Kennedy Norton, junior - USA Lacrosse All-Academic. Senior Emma Henderson received the USA Lacrosse Jackie Pitts award (only one player per state is awarded the Jackie Pitts award).
The nine departing seniors provided a valuable legacy and leave the program with leadership roles to fill next year. Senior captains were Bella Fisher, Emma Henderson, Annabelle Keefer, and Avery Miller. Many of the seniors will be at the University of Utah where they’ll play on the Utah Women’s Club team. Boys Lacrosse
Coach Chris O’Donnell was clear on his preseason expectations to “compete in every game we play—win region and repeat as state champions.” Refer to the separate Cottonwood Heights City Journal article that documents the fulfillment of O’Donnell’s prediction—a repeat state title.
Austin Taylor was named “Mr. Lacrosse” by the Deseret News designating him as the top boys lacrosse athlete in the state across all categories. His fellow attack teammate Gabe Carrera was named to the Lacrosse “Best 11” team.
Baseball
Last year, Brighton baseball finished the season nearly undefeated with a sizzling 20-1 record. This year, the team matched that record with another 20-1 count suffering the only loss in a three-game series at Alta. The two-year record is 40-2 with a no-loss streak on the new Brighton field. They repeated as Region 6 champions.
In the state tournament the momentum was with the Bengal bats as they swept all the way to the state finals where they met the No. 20 Spanish Fork Dons. Brighton was poised to avenge the 2024 loss in the state finals. “This is an amazing senior class that has earned the right twice to be in the state finals,” coach Mark Kleven said. This is a generational team for Brighton. Not since the 1990s has Brighton been in the baseball state finals twice.
The 2024 defending baseball champions from Maple Mountain were eliminated in the semifinals by the upstart Spanish Fork team. Coming into the state final three-game series, the Dons were still nursing a losing record for the season. Under the solid pitching of Josh Mawhinney the Bengals quickly dispatched the Dons in the first game. Brighton needed just one more game to obtain the elusive state title. That second game went to extra innings where the Dons pull the clutch card and rallied to set up a third and final game. Brighton came out strong with three runs in the first inning of the decisive game.
back-to-back
Brighton coach Mason Brinkman and discus state champion Jaxon Nettleton, a junior. (Annie Selander)
Repeat state champion Beau LaFleur, a senior, and thirdplace 110m hurdles Calvin Hawkins, a junior. (Annie Selander)
However, the determined Dons completed their Cinderella run with a win that made the No. 20 underdogs the improbable state champion. “It's not always the best team that wins, it is the team that plays the best on any given day that wins,” Kleven said.
Easton Fry was named by the Deseret News as one of the Elite Starting Nine for all of baseball in any category.
And as the fall, winter and spring sports seasons culminated in the baseball double header Saturday on Memorial Day weekend, Brighton needed six All Sports points to match Olympus whose state championships in basketball and swimming gave the Titans a formidable edge. The Bengals needed 7 points to match Utah County powerhouse Timpview who topped tennis and finished as a runner-up finalist in track. The Brighton baseball finals performance garnered Brighton eight points which was enough to eclipse all other 5A boys athletic programs. The Bengal boys are the strongest and most diverse athletes in Utah 5A for 2024-25.
Athletic Director Garrett Wilson notes, “What our boys programs accomplished this year is a testament to the depth, heart and balance across all of Brighton athletics. Whether it was another state championship for our lacrosse team, baseball’s run to the finals, track and field piling on critical points with individual state champions, or basketball knocking off the top seed in the playoffs, every team contributed to making us the top boys athletic program in 5A. To edge out great programs like Olympus and Timpview, especially when they had state titles of their own, shows that our success isn’t built on one or two standout teams—it’s built on a culture of excellence across the board.” l
Brighton baseball
region champions and back-to-back state finalists. (Easton Fry)
State lacrosse champions Colt “45” McKean, Austin “Ralph” Taylor, Gabe “Gab” Carrera and Andrew “Biggie” Salinas. (Holly Fairbanks)
Map It Out
Remember maps? Old-fashioned, fold-out paper maps the size of a beach towel? My husband wanted to buy one to navigate our road trip through the Sacramento Valley. I stared at him for 47 seconds before stating, “We have Google Maps.”
“It’s not the same thing,” Tom said, sadly. I reminded him I have the orienteering skills of a baby sea turtle running away from the ocean. Handing me a paper map is the equivalent of asking me to decipher ancient Egyptian. Although, to be fair, Google Maps can be equally confusing. Don’t tell me to turn left in 450 feet. That means nothing to me. You might as well say, “Turn left after 850 toothbrushes.”
Unfortunately for him, there were no road maps to be found. So, with phone in hand, I guided us through Chico, Stockton, Napa Valley and Yosemite. I don’t know which direction we drove. North? West? Up? Sideways? Sure.
Road trips should be a great time to catch up on my reading, but Tom doesn’t know how to sit in silence for longer than 1.3 seconds. Even though he hasn’t lived in California for decades, he had a story to share about every city we passed.
“About 15 years ago, there was a serial killer arrested in Yuba City,” he said. “Look it up.”
I put my book down and switched my phone from Google Maps to Wikipedia to learn about the murderer, Juan Corona. But, dear reader, he was arrested in 1971. Just a touch
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more than 15 years ago.
Tom can hold a conversation with himself for at least 30 miles. It’s a stream of consciousness speaking that is amazing to behold. Let me give you an example:
“This is a great Glen Campbell song. Jimmy Webb wrote a lot of songs for Glen Campbell. Did I tell you Merrilee Rush was the first musician I saw perform live? Can you find yacht rock on the radio? Where does that driver think he’s going? Move over, scumbag! I’ve never been to Yosemite. I’ve heard it’s hill-arious.”
When I noticed a line of cars on our bumper, I suggested he drive a bit faster, although he insisted he was going the exact speed limit. I told him that was the problem.
Remember when you taught your kids to drive and you kept pushing an imaginary brake pedal on the passenger side of the car because you thought your teenager was going to drive you into a building? Well, I have an imaginary accelerator on my side of the car that I press when Tom’s going the exact speed limit.
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But once we hit Yosemite, or any mountain range, my husband turns into Dominic Toretto of “Fast and Furious” fame, Tokyo-drifting off cliffs and taking corners at the speed of sound. I was grabbing the door handle, not sure if I was trying to keep it closed or if I was preparing to jump out if we launched into Yosemite Valley.
On our way through wine country, we stopped at the Napa Valley Welcome Center to get ideas for which wineries to visit and where to get a good Chardonnay. The woman at the counter whipped out a map of the area. Tom’s
eyes widened with glee. He used so many exclamation points, I thought his heart might burst with joy.
“Look!” he said. “She has a paper map! Cartographers really know how to draw the line!”
We did a lot of driving in California, which could be considered relationship bonding or time served, depending on the situation. Tom still swears by paper maps. I’m dedicated to Google. But we always find our way.
