WINNERSUTAH.COM | JULY / AUGUST 2018 | VOL. 2 N0. 3
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MISSION Humble Utah receiver Britain Covey is back and ready for action p. 18
College Football PREVIEW Utah BYU WSU USU, p. 8 Utah Warriors Rugby Now in the Majors, p. 32 July I August 2018 • Winners Utah |
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CONTENTS 8 18
In the Running
Preview & predictions for local college football: Utah, BYU, WSU & USU JOHN COON, ANDREW FRONCE AND ROBERT MCCOMBS
A Measure of Quality
Britain Covey’s return to Utah football ALEX MARKHAM
20
Tailgate
22
X-Factor
24
Hot Shots
27
Health and Wellness
30
Performance
32
Overtime
35
Time Out Photo
Stadium grub to stand in line for ELENI SALTAS
Minor league baseball’s toil & trouble JOSEPH SILVERZWEIG
Standout Utah high school athletes MIKEY SALTAS
Injury prevention to stay in the game JACKILYN ROCK
Parents’ swag guide to football gear GEOFF GRIFFIN
Utah rugby is now a major league sport
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Alex Tucci enters Rio Tinto Stadium PHOTO BY DAVEY WILSON
2 | Winners Utah • July I August 2018
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WINNERSUTAH.COM | JULY / AUGUST 2018 | VOL. 2 N0.3
WINNERS
CONTRIBUTORS
THE LOCAL SCOREBOARD
STAFF PUBLISHER EDITORIAL CO-EDITORS MANAGING EDITOR COPY EDITOR PROOFREADER CONTRIBUTORS
PHOTOGRAPHERS
JOHN SALTAS ALEX MARKHAM, MIKEY SALTAS JERRE WROBLE SARAH ARNOFF LANCE GUDMUNDSEN JOHN COON, ANDREW FRONCE, GEOFF GRIFFIN, ROBERT MCCOMBS, JACKILYN ROCK, ELENI SALTAS, JOSEPH SILVERZWEIG DAYNE DURKA, CHAD HEYBORNE, NICK LUCERO, DAVEY WILSON
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Over the past decade, ALEX MARKHAM cut his teeth in sports journalism covering high school and college sports for the Associated Press, Sports Xchange and The Salt Lake Tribune. Markham is currently a publisher at Rivals.com and can also be found on a 1280 the Zone podcast.
A trusted journalist, JOHN COON has written for a variety of sports publications locally and nationally, including Associated Press, Sports Xchange, Deseret News, The Salt Lake Tribune and Athlon Sports. Follow him on Twitter: @johncoonsports
SAMANTHA SMITH ERIC GRANATO SAM URIE JENNIFER VAN GREVENHOF PETE SALTAS ANNA PAPADAKIS DOUG KRUITHOF, KATHY MUELLER ANNE BAILEY, ALEX MARKHAM, MIEKA SAWATZKI, JEREMIAH SMITH
ROBERT MCCOMBS has become a trusted source for the Cougars’ sites on SB Nation, Fansided, and now Rivals.com. He’s also spent some time on the radio as a contributor for ESPN 960 Sports.
COVER PHOTO: UNIVERSITY OF UTAH UTE RECEIVER BRITAIN COVEY COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF UTAH Distribution is complimentary throughout the Wasatch Front. Additional copies are available for $4.95 at the Winners offices located at Copperfield Media, 248 S. Main, Salt Lake City, UT 84101 • 801-575-7003 • Winnersutah.com Email editor at msaltas@winnersutah.com Advertising contact: sales@winnersutah.com COPPERFIELD PUBLISHING COPYRIGHT 2018. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
4 | Winners Utah • July I August 2018
A senior writer for the UteNation.com—a part of the Rivals network—ANDREW FRONCE also shares his sports knowledge and insights on the Ute Nation Podcast, found on 1280 the Zone.
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BY ALEX MARKHAM
H
ope springs eternal. No matter how your team finished last season, you’re sure they have what it takes to win this year—nevermind that they play a tough schedule or that they seem almost cursed when it comes to winning their division title. This year it’s going to happen—you can just feel it. For the four college football teams along the Wasatch Front—Utah, BYU, Utah State and Weber State—the 2018 season promises a new beginning. What should you be looking for? Should you be excited? Are your expectations too high? In this edition of Winners Utah, our experts weigh in on what you can expect. As the Utes enter the 2018 campaign, they’ll be re-introducing a not-
Rio Tinto stadium 6 | Winners Utah • July I August 2018
these players just getting by? They’re X-Factors to the Major Leagues and deserve some respect. Utah is a state that has embraced some of the smaller yet riveting sports. Not only does the Rio Tinto Stadium host soccer, it’s now home to Major League Rugby and the Utah Warriors, as John Coon mentions in his Overtime feature. While rugby is not funded as a NCAA college sport, the sport thrives in the Beehive State and boasts numerous national championships. Be sure to take in Winners’ other features including Eleni Saltas’ list of mouth-watering venue eats and Geoff Griffin’s guide to football gear and swag. Player safety continues to be of the utmost importance, and the newer gear is built to provide more protection. With fall fast approaching, hope is on the rise. Whether you’re content watching the games in front of your television or you’re a diehard who treats the tailgates and games like a religious holiday—I know, I understand, I get it—this is your team’s year.
PHOTO COURTESY RSL DIGITAL
GAME
so-secret weapon: freshman AllAmerican and fan-favorite Britain Covey. I was able to catch up with Covey for this month’s Measure of Quality feature. The former LDS missionary is eager to get back into the game with personal training by former Cougar and respected trainer, Jordan Pendleton. What Pendleton preaches is what Jackilyn Rock writes about in her Health and Wellness feature, “Shape Shifter.” Injury prevention can help you stay in the game. Many fitness buffs want to see immediate results, but by following her advice, you’re likely to see more long-lasting and positive changes in your body and fitness level. In this month’s X-Factor feature, Joseph Silverzweig looks at challenges faced by minor-league baseball players. The minor leagues have a grueling schedule—many teams play more than 100 games in a season. Entering 2018, the minor leagues are approaching $10 billion in revenue over a 15 year period. This begs the question: Why are
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July I August 2018 • Winners Utah |
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IN THE RUNNING
SEASON PREVIEW & PREDICTIONS FOR COLLEGE FOOTBALL BY JOHN COON, ANDREW FRONCE & ROBERT MCCOMBS 8 | Winners Utah • July I August 2018
July I August 2018 • Winners Utah |
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BYU LOOKS FOR SUCCESS BY ROBERT MCCOMBS PHOTOS COURTESY OF BYU ATHLETICS
Coming off a 4-9 season that saw BYU field one of its most inept offenses in school history, the Cougars still have their sights set on a postseason bowl game in 2018. With the return of freshman All-American tight end Matt Bushman and addition of Hawaii graduate transfer Dylan Collie, the quarterbacks will have ample weapons as BYU looks to rebound from a historically bad season. All eyes will be on the quarterback battle come fall camp as BYU’s four-man race heats up. Senior Tanner Mangum is the veteran and most experienced quarterback, but he will be pushed by junior Beau Hoge, sophomore Joe Critchlow and true freshman Zach Wilson. The signal callers should be supported by a solid run game and offensive line. BYU returns the bulk of its rushing production, led by senior running back Squally Canada, with 10 former three- and four-star recruits. A strong defensive line has always been the calling card of head coach Kalani Sitake, and defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga and edge Corbin Kaufusi will look to anchor that unit. Converted cornerbacks Dayan Ghanwoloku and Troy Warner headline the secondary at safety, and linebackers Butch Pau’u and Sione Takitaki add to what will be an experienced defense.
2017 freshman All-American tight end Matt Bushman
Newcomer to Watch: Zach Wilson, quarterback
True freshman Zach Wilson vying to start at quarterback 10 | Winners Utah • July I August 2018
The quarterback position is wide open, and true freshman Zach Wilson will have every opportunity to be the starter come Sept. 1 at Arizona. An early enrollee and a dual-threat quarterback, Wilson’s physical tools and leadership abilities shined during spring camp. With Tanner Mangum coming off a lackluster 2017 season and an Achilles tendon injury, as well as Beau Hoge’s injury concerns, Wilson stands a good chance at being BYU’s starter. Offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes brought in Wilson with the chance to compete for playing time right away, and Wilson has the physical tools and intangibles to seize the starting job away from more experienced players.
Matt Bushman eludes a defender
Success Depends on Matt Bushman, tight end
A tight end is rarely a team’s most valuable player, but Matt Bushman’s impact cannot be overstated. With a new offense and lack of a clear-cut starter, the 6-foot-5, 240-pound Bushman will relieve some pressure on the quarterbacks and lead the offense to success. One of BYU’s best NFL prospects, Bushman will be counted on early and often as a safety blanket for a BYU offense that’s in desperate need of playmakers. If Bushman improves on his impressive freshman season and becomes a bigger redzone and downfield threat, BYU’s offense will be much more effective and have some bite to it. With a challenging early schedule that includes Arizona, Cal, Wisconsin and Washington in the first five games of the season, Bushman will need to bail BYU out against “Power Five” conference competition.
Offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes has big plans
Bottom Line
As has often been the case during the independence era, BYU will have a frontloaded schedule. The September slate includes Arizona and Heisman candidate Khalil Tate, and road matchups versus pre-season Top 10 teams Wisconsin and Washington present challenges. The key opening-month game is Sept. 8 versus Cal in Provo—if BYU wins that game, bowl eligibility is much more likely. Lose that, and it could be another long season. If BYU can get back to boasting at least an average offense, the team should be able to count on a good defense to carry them on to a bowl game.
Predicted Record: 7-5 July I August 2018 • Winners Utah |
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WSU BUILDING OFF OF 2017 BY JOHN COON PHOTOS COURTESY OF WSU ATHLETICS
Building on a historic season is Weber State’s next challenge. The Wildcats are now the Big Sky team in everyone’s crosshairs in 2018. Weber State has made incredible strides since Jay Hill took over the program in 2014. It culminated in a 2017 campaign where the Wildcats shared a conference title with Southern Utah and then reached the FCS Playoffs for a second straight season. Weber State ultimately fell to No. 1 James Madison 31-28 in the quarterfinals and finished with a school-record 11 wins and a Top-10 FCS national ranking. This season, Weber State will be going back to the drawing board in many ways. The Wildcats are replacing a host of key contributors on both sides of the ball. On offense, Weber State is replacing its quarterback and top receivers from a year ago. Braden Miles, Kaden Jenks and Boise State transfer Rathen Ricedorff carried a three-way battle for starting quarterback into fall camp. The Wildcats also must fill a massive void left by several defensive standouts, including all-American cornerback Taron Johnson. Johnson, the school’s all-time career pass breakups leader, was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in April.
Running back Treshawn Garrett ranks 11th in WSU history in career rushing yards
Cornerback Eddie Heckard
12 | Winners Utah • July I August 2018
Newcomer to Watch: Eddie Heckard, cornerback
There are some big shoes to fill in Weber State’s secondary. Taron Johnson, Xequille Harry and Jordan Preator were big-time playmakers for the Wildcats last season. They combined for a dozen interceptions as seniors and gave Weber State a formidable defense. With so many spots to fill, Eddie Heckard has a chance to step in and contribute right away after a redshirt season. He’s a bit undersized but has enough quickness in coverage to get things done at cornerback. Heckard showed potential during the spring camp, and the Weber State coaches were satisfied with his progress. Heckard showcased some of his playmaking potential at Desert Pines High School in Las Vegas. He set a state record with a fourth-quarter 100-yard interception return to help Desert Pines capture a state title with a 39-6 win over Spring Creek in 2016.
Success Depends on Treshawn Garrett, running back
Head coach Jay Hill shouts instructions
With so many question marks in the passing game, new offensive coordinator Dave Schramm is going to install a more run-oriented attack in contrast to other Big Sky teams. That will put a bigger share of the offense on Treshawn Garrett’s shoulders. The senior seems up to the task. Garrett spearheaded a running back by committee approach a year ago. He totaled 698 yards and six touchdowns while averaging 5.4 yards per carry as a junior. And he averaged 49.9 rushing yards per game while splitting time with Kevin Smith and David Jones in the backfield. Garrett is entering his fourth season as one of Weber State’s primary running backs and he has been a starter in all four seasons. He established himself as a steady performer over his previous three seasons, totaling 1,791 yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground during that stretch.
Bottom Line
Winning a second straight Big Sky title might be a bit much to expect for Weber State. The Wildcats suffered losses at too many key positions not to take a step back. The good news for fans is that Weber State will still be one of the league’s top teams in 2018. Hill has built a winning culture in Ogden, and the schedule is favorable for keeping it going. After opening with an in-state battle against Pac-12 foe Utah, the Wildcats’ toughest remaining road game is at Southern Utah in November.
The team strategizes with offensive coordinator Dave Schramm
Predicted Record: 7-4
July I August 2018 • Winners Utah |
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UTAH STATE HOPES TO SURPRISE BY JOHN COON PHOTOS COURTESY OF UTAH STATE ATHLETICS
USU quarterback Jordan Love
Could Utah State emerge as a surprise contender for a Mountain West Conference championship? Odds seem favorable for the Aggies to take a leap forward after returning to a bowl last season. Depth and experience are strong on both the offensive and defensive lines. Several returning receivers and running backs such as Gerold Bright and Savon Scarver seem poised to become explosive playmakers based on how they finished last season. Sophomore quarterback Jordan Love also appears to be the sort of dynamic playmaker the Aggies need to give their offense a jolt. Playing in the Mountain Division is never easy in the Mountain West. The Aggies will face an uphill climb overtaking league favorite Boise State. Other teams in the region are in flux, though, opening the door for Utah State to put itself in striking distance to challenge the Broncos. “Every year is a new year, but I feel good about this team going into the 2018 season,” USU coach Matt Wells says. “I know we’re healthier. We got more depth, especially among the front seven on both sides of the ball. So, I’m excited to watch our guys compete and have a good year.”
Newcomer to Watch: Tipa Galea’i, linebacker
Tipa Galea’i in one-on-one drills
14 | Winners Utah • July I August 2018
Utah State is already flush with depth and experience on defense—especially up front. This will only make Tipa Galea’i more dangerous. The TCU transfer is one of two former Big 12 players joining the Aggies on defense this year. Former Oklahoma State defensive tackle Fua Leilua will also be in the mix, but Galea’i has the ability to make a greater impact than any newcomer simply because of his natural pass rushing abilities. He’s big enough to penetrate the line to sack the quarterback and speedy enough to cover receivers. Galea’i appeared in 17 games with TCU over two seasons before transferring to Logan after his sophomore campaign. In his final year with the Horned Frogs in 2016, he finished fifth on the team in tackles for loss (5.5) and sacks (3.5).
Aggie Jordan Love brings a dynamic threat
Success Depends on Jordan Love, quarterback
Jordan Love got a chance to show what he could do late last season. He leapfrogged Kent Myers on the depth chart and started the final six games. Utah State went 3-3 in those games and Love showed some flashes of big play potential at quarterback. By season’s end, he tallied 1,377 yards, eight touchdowns and six interceptions while completing 54.5 percent of his passes. Wells says that Love built on last season’s game experience in the spring and is poised to take a significant leap forward this fall. “He’s improved his footwork,” Wells says. “He’s improved his leadership, his pocket demeanor and presence. Still has a long way to go and still will continue to make improvement, but I like where he’s at so far.” Having his top two receivers, Ron’quavion Tarver and Dax Raymond, back will only help Love’s progression. Tarver totaled 569 yards on 48 catches last season. Raymond tallied 456 yards on 41 receptions.
Head coach Matt Wells has a reason to smile in Logan
Bottom Line
Close losses and near misses have been a hallmark for Utah State over the past three seasons. This time around, the Aggies have all the right ingredients to cook up a different recipe. The team has the tools to dramatically improve an offense that generated 30.2 points and 397.4 yards per game a year ago. If it happens, the Aggies will end up being even tougher to deal with on defense. Utah State produced 29 turnovers last season—the second-most among Mountain West teams. The schedule is favorable for Utah State to build momentum. Only two opponents— Michigan State and Boise State—feel like definite losses. Expect the Aggies to return to a bowl game and lock in a winning record for the first time since 2014.
Predicted Record: 8-4 July I August 2018 • Winners Utah |
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UTAH AIMS FOR THE ROSES BY ANDREW FRONCE PHOTOS COURTESY OF U OF U ATHLETICS
Utah had plenty of ups and downs in the 2017 football season, flashing potential but also making some costly mistakes on their way to a 7-6 record. Despite a few close losses, as well as laying eggs against Arizona State and Oregon, the Utes showed progress by the end of the season. They capped things off with a big win over Colorado in the regular season finale, and a blowout victory against West Virginia in the Heart of Dallas Bowl. After signing a recruiting class that ranked 38th nationally, the Utes held their annual spring camp where the offense appeared to be more comfortable in its second year of offensive coordinator Troy Taylor’s system. The defense showed once again that they don’t rebuild—they reload. Utah finished spring camp with no serious injuries to any key players and will receive additional reinforcements in summer when the rest of their signing class arrives. If they can use the spring camp success as a springboard, 2018 could finally end with a Pac-12 South Championship.
Utah quarterback Tyler Huntley
Newcomer to Watch: Mika Tafua, defensive end
Mika Tafua, left, at the spring game
16 | Winners Utah • July I August 2018
While there are many exciting new players joining the Utes this year, perhaps nobody will have a bigger impact in his first year than defensive end Mika Tafua. Tafua originally committed to BYU before leaving on an LDS mission. He returned in September 2017 and joined the Utes midway through the season. Although he needed a redshirt year to add weight, Tafua made an impression from the moment he stepped on campus and is an immediate contender to start at defensive end. Due to Kylie Fitts’ graduation, finding depth at defensive end was one of the most important goals to accomplish in spring camp, and Tafua’s emergence will help the Utah defensive line tremendously in 2018.
Zack Moss is looking for another 1,000-yard season
All-Pac-12 cornerback Julian Blackmon
Success Depends on Tyler Huntley, quarterback
Although many players will be key cogs on this team, no one will be more important to Utah’s success than quarterback Tyler Huntley. Troy Taylor’s system relies on a savvy quarterback to be able to make quick reads in both the run and pass game. Last season, Huntley tried to do too much at times, often choosing to keep the ball on run plays instead of handing off to Zack Moss. Despite that, he had solid production, accumulating 2,948 yards of total offense, along with 21 touchdowns in just 10 games. In spring camp, he appeared to be more comfortable with Taylor’s system. His decision-making seems to have improved while his live reps were extremely limited. If he has indeed taken a step forward in that category, along with his athleticism and arm strength, Huntley could end up being one of the most dangerous players in all of college football this season.
Bottom Line
It’s difficult to predict exactly how the Pac-12 South will play out in any given year because of the parity in the division. However, it looks as if Utah has the talent and, more importantly, the depth to beat any team on their schedule. The Utes will face their first big test of the year early in the season when the Washington Huskies come to town. That game will say a lot about how good this team can be. If Utah can pick up a victory against the pre-season No. 7 ranked team, the Utes faithful should be filled with high expectations for this squad.
Offensive coordinator Troy Taylor, center, has his eye on the prize
Predicted Record: 9-3 July I August 2018 • Winners Utah |
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A MEASURE
of Quality
“Our goal is to get him faster, stronger and more durable than he was before.” —Jordan Pendleton, trainer
Back from his church mission, Britain Covey is ready to ball out
H
e came in like a tease. In three short months in 2015, the University of Utah’s Britain Covey electrified the fan base, all while tormenting and humiliating Pac-12 defenses. The Utes’ future seemed bright with their sure-fire wide receiver. Unfortunately, Covey soon departed the team for an LDS mission in Chile. From the moment he left, Ute fans aware of his promise and potential were counting down the days until his return. Now, the wait is finally over. Having returned from his mission, Covey is working to reacclimate to Salt Lake City and his football team. “I love soccer,” he says, “but after two years of it [in Chile], you just want to hit someone without getting a yellow card.” Returning home 20 pounds lighter than when he left, Covey has taken it upon himself to get back into football shape. “Then there’s the emotional adjustment, the mental adjustment, the spiritual adjustment,” Covey notes. “It’s just a big change in your life.” He lifts five days a week for an hour and a half, plays basketball for an hour, catches punts or passes for nearly another hour. To get back in the football mindset, Covey catches 150 passes off of a jug machine. If he doesn’t perform to his liking, Covey sets certain levels of punishment for himself. “If I drop a couple passes, then I have to run a mile. If I drop two more, I have to run three miles,” he says. “Doing that, it just gives you a little bit of pressure to work with.”
18 | Winners Utah • July I August 2018
PHOTO COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
By Alex Markham
Covey knows there’s a lot of expectation and he’s going to have to prove himself again. “I don’t want to come back and have people think that I feel entitled to anything, including my teammates,” he says. “I’m going to work as if I’m coming in as a walk-on.” In preparation for summer workouts, Covey reached out to an unlikely ally, former BYU Cougar Jordan Pendleton. “He’s able to pick things up so quick, because he moves so well,” Pendleton says. “For him, I tried to tell him when he got back to not rush into things so quickly. I’ve seen a lot of people come [home from a mission], and they want to get back to where they were before they left. You see a lot of injuries happen that way, because two years off is a long time.”
It’s all about being patient
For the first month under Pendleton, Covey focused on light weights, balance, stabilization and secondary muscles. Next came increasing weight. The final stage was getting him in game mode, while focusing on his explosion. Also incorporated into his lifting during intervals, Covey would mix in shooting a couple basketball foul shots. If he fell under 90 percent, he had to run more. According to Covey, training in multiple sports replicates a stressful, highpressure environment. “Our goal is to get him faster, stronger and more durable than he was before,” Pendleton says, adding that it’s all about being patient.
“I really appreciate Jordan,” Covey says. “I’ve learned more here in the two months training with him—about the body and the correct [lifting] form—than I had my whole life. He puts that big emphasis on the foundation.” It hasn’t been easy because Covey wants to get there in a hurry. “Two weeks after I got home,” Covey says, “I wanted to run five miles, then go catch passes, then go play basketball every day.”
Eager to build a legacy
As Covey and Pendleton’s bond has formed, the mentor is eager to support his student. “I don’t really view Utah as a rival,” Pendleton says. “Deep down, I cheer for them when they’re playing other teams. I want the state of Utah to do good at football because it represents us well as a whole. I’m excited to go to some Utah games and cheer on No. 18.” Similarly, while Covey will always respect BYU, the University of Utah is where his heart is. He’s eager to build his legacy—one that will be remembered by the fans. “I just love being a Ute,” Covey says. He says Coach Whittingham is consistent; he knows exactly what he’s going to get from him. “That’s all you really need in a coach.” Whatever happens this year, the prize that Covey wants most is a Pac-12 Championship. “I genuinely think we can do it,” he says. It’s now time to sit back and watch Covey’s legend grow. “I’m pumped, I’m excited,” he says. And the rest of the PAC12 is on needles and pins.
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19
Gating
TAIL
VENUE EATS
This tasty, gooey, finger-lickin’-good grub at local stadiums is worth the wait in line By Eleni Saltas
Whether cheering for your favorite team or attending a rocking concert, your food choices at any given venue are all part of the experience. On the heels of Winners’ overview of Vivint arena food offerings in the spring issue, we checked out what’s fresh and delicious at Smith’s Ballpark, Rio Tinto Stadium and the Maverik Center. As a bonus, for those wanting to grab a bite before your event, we’ve included local restaurants near each venue.
Smith’s Ballpark: Not just peanuts anymore Ballparks are home to classic snack foods such as hot dogs, nachos, pretzels and peanuts. Smith’s Ballpark (77 W. 1300 South, Salt Lake City, 801-325-2337, MiLB.com/salt-lake), home of the Salt Lake Bees, is upping its game with new menu items throughout the stadium’s wraparound concourse. Fans can enjoy a pulled-pork sandwich from Smoke and Pour (Concourse 13) or a taste of Philly at Steakadelphia (Concourse 13 with Philly-style cheesesteak sandwiches, as well as chicken or steak nachos. The Hive, located at Concourse 1 by first base, serves specialty pretzels and salads, and for those arriving with an appetite or with a group of friends, the 6-4-3 Double Play is the way to go. This massive sandwich can feed up to six and includes six types of meats, four kinds of vegetables and three cheeses. Take a seat, dig in and enjoy the fabulous views of the Wasatch Mountains as you cheer on your team.
Nearby bite: Lucky 13 133 W. 1300 South ∙ 801-487-4418 ∙ Lucky13SLC.com
Lucky 13 is home to award-winning burgers and fries, has a great selection of local beers, plus it’s only a stone’s throw from Smith’s Ballpark. What more can you ask for from a food-oriented sports bar? For those that can handle some spice, order the Ring of Fire, made with roasted jalapenos and roasted habaneros and is topped with grilled onions and house-smoked bacon. Be sure to save room for their aromatic rosemary-garlic fries, too.
20 | Winners Utah • July I August 2018
Rio Tinto Stadium: Family fare
The grub at Rio Tinto (9256 S. State, Sandy, 801-727-2700, RioTintoStadium.com), ranges from simple to specialty. The multiple Real Faves concession stands are perfect spots for nachos, pretzels and churros. Feeding a family? Deep-dish pizza from Little Caesars and jumbo hot dogs from Pass the Dog are great options that don’t break the bank. A more filling food stop that will rock your taste buds is the Four Corners Smokehouse where you can choose from numerous options, such as barbecue-style nachos or tender pork sandwiches. They even offer banh mi sandwiches, made with a toasted baguette and shredded pork and topped with Asian salad toppings. Wherever you dine, patrons can agree the atmosphere of Rio Tinto Stadium is spectacular.
Nearby bite: Crown Burgers 9604 S. State, Sandy, 801-562-4444, Crown-Burgers.com
With seven locations throughout Utah, Crown Burgers is a Utah staple for quick and quality burgers and Greek fare, making for the perfect stop before or after any event. Firsttimers should try the namesake sandwich made with a quarterpound patty and a heap of pastrami topped with tomatoes, onions, lettuce, melted American cheese and sauce, all held together by a toasted sesame-seed bun. Pro tip: Watching your waistline? Ask to have your burger wrapped in lettuce. This saves extra calories for fries and fry sauce—or a beer or two at the game.
Maverik Center: A step up
When it comes to venue food, Diamond Concessions at the Maverik Center (3200 Decker Lake Drive, West Valley City, 801-988-8800, MaverikCenter.com) goes above and beyond. As home to the Utah Grizzlies and as a venue for concerts and comedy shows, Maverik Center’s Metro Deli, Funnel Cakes and El Pasado are local favorites. Also a winner: the famous meatballs or zesty Italian sausage sandwich— served on a fresh hoagie—at Angelina’s Fresh Pasta (Concourse 122).
Nearby bite: ’Bout Time Pub & Grub Sports Bar 3318 Decker Lake Drive, 801-975-0528, BoutTimepub.com Careful, you might miss your show when you step into ’Bout Time. With more than 25 large TVs playing every sporting event, and good food to match, this spot is every sports fan’s dream. Pub favorites include soft-shelled tacos, the fish and chip basket and the pork green chili. July I August 2018 • Winners Utah |
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Minor-league baseball’s turf of talent, sweat and tears BY JOSEPH SILVERZWEIG
W
hen you settle in to watch a game on the grassy hill overlooking the outfield at Smith’s Ballpark, your mind is on a lot of things: the perfect spot to sit, not spilling your beverage, which direction your kids are running off in—maybe even the game itself. We rarely pause to consider the intense and usually thankless grind experienced by the athletes on the field, the sacrifices they must make to get close to their dreams, and the obstacles to achieving them. Although we think of athletes as wealthy and famous, minor league ballplayers are anything 22 | Winners Utah • July I August 2018
but. Baseball isn’t a sport reserved for giants, and it doesn’t require a flawless physique. A minor league ballplayer can easily fade into the background of your average neighborhood supermarket or dentist’s office. They make little money—lawsuits occasionally crop up alleging teams pay players less than minimum wage. They seldom travel in comfort or style, instead riding in buses with little notice of where they might be headed next. Their families can’t afford to follow with them, which causes considerable strain. Without job security or quality union representation that major league athletes are afforded, they’re often an injury or a string of bad
luck away from being out of a job forever. Very few ever make it to the big leagues. Only 10-11 percent of minor league players are estimated to ever participate in a Major League Baseball game. Those harsh numbers are worse for the so-called “journeymen” who make up sizeable portions of every minor-league roster. These players have talent but didn’t meet expectations, are often overlooked or are never in the right place at the right time to take a major league field. They bounce from league to league and team to team for years, taking up pitches and at bats for other players. It’s a hard life that just gets harder.
Training grounds
The game itself has also begun to change, with MLB managers relying on advanced statistics and analytics to prepare shifts, pitching plans and other strategies to handle the game’s best players. In the low-budget world of minorleague ball, none of that exists, so there’s no way for journeyman players to learn it. When you add that to profoundly different strike zones, park dimensions and other variables, there’s an enormous adjustment between being in the minor league and coming up to the show. It’s an unfair system, but that’s part of why it works very well for the major teams that run the minor leagues. The minor leagues are training grounds for new draft picks and exciting prospects. The best players, in an imaginary perfect
world, are expected to fly through the ranks, spending a few weeks or months in each league before being promoted to the next and, then the next. Ultimately, they’re promoted to the majors just in time for the stretch run to the playoffs.
A petri dish for prospects
This quick learning curve can’t happen without plenty of opponents—and the opponents have to be competent baseball players. Having teams full of good-but-not-great players striving for a big break serves this system well. General managers are able to feel confident their top prospects will see the best pitches, defense and bats their minor leaguers can muster, because those minor leaguers are holding on to their jobs for dear life and trying to prove that they are ready for the show.
This stable, unchanging base of players allows the minor leagues to serve as a petri dish for intriguing prospects—it’s a controlled environment with enough for the successful player to thrive and the player who doesn’t have what it takes to falter. It’s an effective method for clubs to feel confident about their personnel decisions, and it creates an entertaining on-field product that brings baseball all over the country to places like Salt Lake City that would not otherwise get to see many swings. But, for a sport that’s enjoyed 15 consecutive years of growth and has now hit $10 billion in revenues, questions continue to arise about whether minor league ballplayers are given a fair share of that growing pie and a fair chance at earning their place in the show.
PHOTO NIKETH VALLANKI
The prospects of a call-up grow dimmer for a lot of reasons. Baseball, like most sports, is driven by conservative decisions. MLB general managers would rather have a mediocre player they know, understand and can predict than take a risk on an unproven journeyman from a developmental team. Politics also play a role—the front office is under a lot of pressure to make good use of the latest hot prospect, the blockbuster trade or the flashy free-agent signing, and they’ll often continue to give those players time even if they aren’t producing.
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NICK LUCERO
By Mikey Saltas
CHAD HEYBORNE
NICK LUCERO
HOT Shots
High school student-athletes on the rise
Junior Tafuna Bingham High School South Jordan Football
Perennially a Top 25-ranked team in the nation and with seven state championships, Bingham High School is considered a football powerhouse. One of the key cogs for the 13-0 and 2017 6A state championship team is 6-foot-3, 220-pound linebacker Junior Tafuna. The productive player has scholarship offers from the likes of BYU, Nebraska and Oregon, but there’s a clear favorite in his football recruitment. “It would be Utah, definitely,” Tafuna says. “They’re the only ones that have met my family. They keep in touch with me—all the schools do, but when I went up there, the love was just real.” 24 | Winners Utah • July I August 2018
Puka Nacua Orem High School Orem Football
The seven siblings of the Nacua family are an athletic breed, with BYU grad Kai Nacua on the Baltimore Ravens roster and Samson Nacua playing receiver for the University of Utah. On deck is Orem High School star wideout Puka, who tallied 1,692 receiving yards (141 yards per game) and 24 touchdowns his junior year. Puka is a highly touted recruit, garnering offers from BYU, Cal, USC and Utah, though more offers are bound to be rolling in as the 6-foot-2, 190-pound receiver is a hot commodity for programs nationwide.
Siaki Ika
East High School Salt Lake City Football
How many 6-foot-3, 350-pound people do you know? How many are 17-yearold, four-star athletes? Allow me to introduce you to behemoth defensive tackle Siaki Ika. The tackles are usually the strongest on the gridiron as they hold the point of attack or penetrate the line, which is Ika’s bread and butter. With scholarship offers galore from top-tier programs, Ika is looking for a college that feels like home. “I’m going to be away from home, whether it’s a couple miles down the street or hundreds of miles across the country,” he says. “Wherever makes me the most comfortable is the biggest thing for me.”
As Utah’s high schools prep for a new school year, the state’s star-studded athletes are gearing up for another year of standout performances, championships and dramatic finishes. Utah has become one of the most visited Western states among college coaches looking to fill their rosters, second only to California. In each of our issues, Winners Utah acknowledges the accomplishments of those student-athletes, as they give everything they can in the classroom and on the field to make all Utahns proud. This issue’s honorees are poised to become household names in the Beehive State and beyond.
Dayne Linton
Brylee Rudd
Chris McTeague
Spanish Fork High School Spanish Fork
Grantsville High School Grantsville Soccer
Softball
As a junior on Grantsville High’s soccer club, Dayne Linton burst on the scene in his first season starting varsity at forward. The soccer standout compiled spectacular stats—he recorded 17 goals (second most in the state), five assists and 39 total points (fourth most). Grantsville went a forgettable 7-8 (0-8 in region) for the year, and if they are going to turn things around in 2019, Linton will need to bear a heavy load. Linton is also a Grantsville football field goal kicker and responsible for kickoffs.
COURTESY GRANTSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
COURTESY JUDGE MEMORIAL
A 2018 graduate from Judge Memorial, Chris McTeague was a bright spot on the baseball diamond in his final season with the Bulldogs. A three-year letterman, McTeague led the team in batting average, hits and RBIs as well as a 3A division playoff berth. McTeague struck the ball for an impressive .413 average (28-for-68), rounded the bases for 23 runs and batted in an additional 20. His play at shortstop, where he only recorded 3 errors on the year, earned him All-Region honors.
The Spanish Fork softball program is known across America as a juggernaut—year after year, they continue to crack the national rankings, steamroll opponents and stockpile state championships. When top slugger Brylee Rudd steps into the batter’s box, opponents sheepishly take a few steps back and pray the ball doesn’t come near them. And for good reason—in 2018, Rudd slugged an insane 1.403, led the state with 13 home runs and two grand slams for good measure. Graduating in 2019, Rudd has more time to improve her 130 career hits, 108 RBIs and 30 home runs.
COURTESY SPANISH FORK HIGH SCHOOL
Judge Memorial Catholic High School Salt Lake City Baseball
If you know of a high school student-athlete to consider for Hot Shots, write to msaltas@winnersutah.com. July I| August 2018 • Winners Utah |
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Shape
Shifter
Preventing injuries to stay in the game By Jackilyn Rock
Injury-prevention has become the focus of many coaches and sports medicine professionals as new information, research and developments are made within the athletic industry. Whether you are a weekend warrior or a seasoned athlete, sports-related injuries can occur at any time. Follow these simple guidelines to spend more time playing and less time sitting on the sidelines nursing wounds.
Ease Into It
Proper Technique
Cross Train
SCOTT WEB
Proper movement and analysis of the human body is known as biomechanics. Basic principles such as lifting heavy objects with your legs instead of your back and sitting in an ergonomically correct chair at a desk job are both recommendations resulting from the study of biomechanics. A qualified athletic coach or trainer can educate athletes on proper body positioning and movement to help them perform their sports effectively and efficiently. Good form is important during any kind of physical training, from a casual jog to playing on the field. Repetitive movements with bad form can result in overuse injuries by placing unnecessary stress on joints, tendons and ligaments. It all starts with our posture. Too much slouching at desks and hunching over electronic devices contributes to bad form in our most basic movements. When bad posture becomes a habit, it affects physical training. A good trainer or coach assesses and corrects posture before training the body to move correctly.
Weekend warriors have a high risk of injury, not only because they generally fail to condition themselves to the specific sport, but they often play extensively within a one- or two-day timespan. Don’t fall into the mindset that the game will get you into shape. Train adequately and steadily for the sport you play. If you are just starting out for the season, ease your way into training with one or two days of sport-specific training and general conditioning each week, increasing gradually over several weeks.
Cross training simply makes better athletes. Research shows that athletes who cross train have better balance and are stronger, faster and less prone to injury than those who don’t. Instead of training at only one sport or activity and resting upon fatigue, use varied training methods. This will increase aerobic capacity and stamina by allowing the athlete to continue training with different exercises while avoiding body parts that are recovering.
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Recovery
Train more, play better, right? This is true to an extent—but rest is crucial and needs to be timed wisely. Too many consecutive days of training can have an adverse effect. Once fatigue sets in, poor form becomes a risk. Avoid playing while tired or in pain, as this can result in poor judgement and a careless injury, which can be extra frustrating. Research has shown that recovery days reduce rates of injury by allowing the body’s connective tissues and muscles time to repair between training sessions. Another point worth mentioning: Don’t play injured, as tempting as it might be.
Gear
Play with proper gear. It isn’t for the weak, it’s for the wise. Properly fitted attire from shoes to mouthguards, helmets and the like can spare the knees, ankles and head from injuries. Modern technology has made huge strides in sport-specific injury prevention so make sure your gear is up to date. This goes for non-athletes as well. In other words, avoid jogging in your Vans or hiking in flip flops.
Warm up
CLEM ONOJEGHUO
Warm, pliable muscles are less susceptible to mishaps. In an effective warm up, the heart rate rises gradually, muscles and connective tissue become warm, mobility increases and all movements of the body should function properly. The result is fewer occurrences of strains.
Cool Down & Stretch
Sometimes taking 10-15 minutes to cool down and stretch seems like time we just don’t have. And, yes, the body will eventually lower its heart rate and return to its pre-workout state on its own. So why bother? Allowing proper time to cool down and thereafter stretch will reduce muscle soreness and prevent future injury. Developing and maintaining flexibility should not be overlooked. Limited flexibility is one of the primary causes of soft tissue strains. When our muscles are tight and shortened, they are vulnerable to damage during sporting activities. After cooling down from the workout or sport, stretch the main muscle groups just exercised. As an ongoing strategy, develop a stretching program with stretches for the entire body as well as stretches specific to the needs of your unique body. If you cannot touch your toes, for example, additional stretches focusing on the hamstrings, calves, hips and glute muscles are in order. Jackilyn Rock is owner/operator of Rock Fit Training & Fitness and a certified personal trainer. Follow her on Instagram at @rockfittraining.
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Performance
The parents’ guide to head-to-toe football gear By Geoff Griffin
At one time, the question of what football equipment to purchase focused on performance and effectiveness. Over the past few years, with rising concern about the long-term effects of brain trauma, the focus has moved to safety and protection, particularly in the area of head injuries. Football-equipment companies have spent recent years focusing their efforts on creating products that combine safety and performance. Consider the following five products for outfitting your youth football player for the coming season. Three are focused on safety, while two will let your kid look like a pro on the turf.
Riddell SpeedFlex Helmet
This youth football helmet (also available in varsity sizes) came about after Riddell combined its research of over 2 million on-field data impact points with the latest in helmet technology. The result is a product that earned 5 stars (the best possible rating) from Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings. SpeedFlex is part of Riddell’s Smarter Football initiative that’s also led to the development of other safety products and equipment grants to programs around the country to test those products. Flexibility is the main goal as the shell, face mask and face-maskattachment system reduce the amount of force that is transferred to the athlete. Five-point custom inflation allows for air inflation and a custom fit in the crown, back, side, jaw pads and occipital lock, improving both fit and security.
$324.99 Riddell.com Beam.VT.edu/helmet
Prevent Biometrics Head Impact Monitor Mouthguard
Parents, coaches and teams can know in real-time not only when a player has suffered a head impact, but also its force, location and direction when using this mouthguard system. The Prevent Biometrics system places a traditional mouthguard within a mouth-shaped, flexible, shock-resistant circuit board that measures force. The mouthpiece has wireless syncing technology so that a parent, coach or trainer can download an app on their phone and see when a player has a head impact. Adults can pre-set an impact threshold that will provide a warning when an impact reaches a certain level, and team personnel can immediately pull the player for treatment protocols.
Boil & Bite Mouthguard $99 Custom Fabricated Mouthguard $299 PreventBiometrics.com 30 | Winners Utah • July I August 2018
Schutt Mid Flex 4.0 All Purpose Shoulder Pads
While shoulder pads are made for specific positions at higher levels of football, at the youth level, players might not have a specialty yet. The Schutt Mid Flex 4.0 is designed to let them try a number of different spots. The highly rated pads combine dual density padding for protection along with breathable mesh and vent holes to keep players cool and comfortable. The arch design on the back allows for freedom of movement while still cushioning against impact.
$95.99 SchuttStore.com
UA Hammer Mid Rubber Molded Jr. Cleats
Under Armour has taken over the sports world with its clothing but has also made a splash in youth football with its UA Hammer Mid Rubber Molded Jr. cleats. Available in youth sizes 2-13 and adult sizes 1-7, the lightweight 9.5 ounce shoe has rubber molded cleats that give good traction on a variety of natural and artificial surfaces. The high-top style provides for extra ankle support. The synthetic upper portion of the shoe is durable and supportive, but most importantly to the player in your life, looks so cool everyone will think he’s faster than he really is.
$44.99 UnderArmour.com
Nike Vapor Jet 5.0 Gloves
Anyone who handles the ball, particularly receivers, need all the control they can get. They can secure that pigskin with a set of Nike Vapor Jet 5.0 football gloves. The unique combination of breathability and grip comes in black, red, blue and white, with the famous Nike Swoosh on the back. Nike’s Magnigrip is a tacky, coated, surface that covers both the fingers and palms of these gloves. The breathable mesh on the back lets hands stay comfortable between plays. There’s lightweight padding to cushion the thumb and an adjustable closure strap.
$35 Nike.com
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OVERTIME
Field!
Take the
Warriors aim to bring elitelevel rugby to Utah BY JOHN COON PHOTOS BY DAVEY WILSON
The Warriors’ inaugural match drew a crowd of more than 9,000
B
uilding a thriving pro sports team from scratch isn’t an easy task, but it’s a battle the Utah Warriors plan to win. With one Major League Rugby season in the books, Utah’s newest pro rugby team already has a cadre of loyal fans. Drawing fans to home matches didn’t prove to be a problem for the Warriors. Their opening exhibition game against the Glendale Raptors at Rio Tinto Stadium brought out 9,186 fans. When Utah made its official debut at Zions Bank Academy Stadium two weeks later, 3,143 fans turned out to witness an 80-12 victory over Alberta in the final exhibition match before the start of MLR play. “The support for the Utah Warriors by the Utah community has just been absolutely awesome,” Warriors head coach Alf Daniels says. “I can’t say enough for it. I come from a country 32 | Winners Utah • May July I August June 2018 2018
where rugby is our religion. I’ve coached teams in front of crowds that have sometimes been twice the size of what we’ve had here, but nowhere near the noise, the excitement and the energy.” Rugby planted deep roots in the Beehive State long ago. Nationally dominant rugby programs at the high school and college levels helped put the sport in the spotlight. Highland emerged as the nation’s top high school rugby program under head coach Larry Gelwix, shortly after the club’s formation in 1976. The Rams posted a 418-10 record during Gelwix’s tenure and claimed 20 national high
school championships from 1985 until he retired in 2011. BYU emerged as a national power in college rugby during the 2000s and have remained one of the top college teams in the sport. The Cougars have claimed five national championships since 2009. Players on the Warriors’ 2018 roster embraced the chance to put their stamp on a pro team that could one day do similar things. They take the opportunity to build a winning culture and traditions in Utah very seriously. “I consider it a huge honor and a huge privilege to be capped as the first Warrior going forward,” team captain Paul Lasike, a former BYU running back, says. “When this league builds, and more teams come along and a future generation of Warriors come through, it will be something that I’ll be able to hold onto. I consider it a real
privilege. It’s real fun and exciting.” The past successes of these other teams opened doors for the local community to embrace a new professional team. It has also given the Warriors a natural talent pipeline to fill out the team’s roster. Many BYU and University of Utah alumni earned spots on the Warriors’ roster during the inaugural MLR season. Because the recruits had already played together and were familiar with one another’s styles, the team was infused with a natural chemistry. “Coming together is just an easy mesh,” Warriors player and BYU alum Jared Whippy says. “We have a lot of fun together. We like hanging around each other. Just being here locally just gives us more sense of pride because we’ve been here so many years. We want to give big rugby to Utah and show what Utah has.” One thing working in Utah’s favor for a viable future beyond this season is the media exposure it is receiving compared to other teams in smaller pro leagues. Rugby fans across the country got to
see the Warriors and the other six MLR teams in action early and often. Before playing a single match, MLR secured national and regional broadcast deals with CBS Sports Network, ESPN and AT&T Sports. CBS Sports Network broadcast 13 games—including all three postseason matches—during the league’s debut season. ESPN broadcast 18 additional regular season games across various platforms. AT&T Sports carried 17 games not broadcast by CBS Sports or ESPN. Utah’s home and road regular season matches were broadcast in one form or another as a result of the three deals. “The game of rugby is a great game, but it’s a sport that is not as wellknown as we would like it and not as well understood as we would like it,” MLR CEO Dean Howes says. “The best vehicle to overcome those two things is to have all of our games broadcast and have good broadcast partners. We’re thrilled. It makes all the difference in the world.”
Warriors Lock/Flanker, John Cullen tapes up pre-match.
“I consider it a huge honor and a huge privilege to be capped as the first Warrior going forward.” —Paul Lasike, center & team captain
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Co-captain Saia Uhila
BYU alumni Jared Whippy
Lock Matt Jensen
Warriors teammates John Cullen and Joseph Nicholls
Team huddle at the close of the inaugural Warriors match.
The league is structured under a single entity ownership model like Major League Soccer. Howe says MLR operates under that model to help reduce costs and allow parity, to give it a solid foundation to build on, so it can have staying power beyond a season or two. MLR is already making plans for a controlled push into other markets, which bodes well for teams like Utah in having a secure future. The league is set to add two more teams with New York and Dallas coming aboard in 2019. Potential expansion teams in Toronto, Boston, Chicago and Vancouver are also under consideration for the future beyond 2019, and the league hopes to have as many as 16 to 20 teams within 10 years.
Utah Warriors Zions Bank Stadium 14787 S. Academy Parkway, Herriman 801-935-4045 WarriorsRugby.com 34 | Winners Utah • July I August 2018
PROP ALEX TUCCI ENTERS THE RIO TINTO STADIUM PITCH FOR THE FIRST TIME PHOTO DAVEY WILSON
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