Bears News·
Boys Athlete of the Month: September 2018
Boys Athlete’s of the Month: Parker Coombs
Parker was voted as the team captain this season. I can tell you that there are very few who are as competitive as Parker, whether it be in the classroom on the basketball court, baseball diamond or football field. Parker is one of those rare people who lifts everyone around him with his drive and leadership. Parker loves to bare the load for his team but is just as willing to block and decoy so that the team can win as a whole. He is an excellent student and represents this team, his family and the community with honor.
Coach Chris Wise
Head Football Coach
Bear River High School
Parker is one of those dying breeds of 3 sport athletes. What is so impressive though is that he excels in all three. I never got the chance to work with Parker as he was never in my class but I have observed him for quite some time and have been very impressed with two things. First is his ability to compete but to keep his cool and a calm demeanor. Second is his leadership skills. When you watch him play he is going hard the whole time but you don’t see him trying to show off or grab the lime light. He just wants his team to win. You can learn a lot by watching how kids respond to their coach when their coach is talking to them. He always looks them right in the eye and nods then goes out and tries to do what was asked. You can also tell even though he is a quiet leader he is the alpha that teammates look to for leadership and to do the hard things. I also appreciate the respect he gives to me. Even though I am not his coach he always says, ‘Hi Coach’, demonstrating the respect for others that is missing in today’s world. Thanks Parker for representing our school so well and for being such a great leader. I wish you all the best throughout the year.
Van Park
Athletic Director
Bear River High School
Special Thanks to our Sponsors
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Bears News·
Girls Athlete of the Month: September 2018
Girls Athlete’s of the Month: Kelsey and Lindsey Larkin
It has been my great privilege to be given a small part of Kelsey and Lindsey Larkin’s lives over the past few months. I have been truly impressed by their work ethic. Whether in tennis, school, raising pigs for the fair, or their jobs at Kent’s they are hard at work. These are talented girls who have excelled at every sport they have tried out for. As tennis players and doubles partners they both earned a spot on the Varsity team all 4 years at Bear River. That is no small achievement. They demand excellence from themselves in all they do, and they strive for it.
The Larkins are not boastful of themselves, though. I love the quiet manner in which they go about being great. There is no pretension in their manner. They do not hide who they are or try to be somebody they aren’t. These girls lead by example rather than by words. They have earned the respect of their teammates, their opponents, their opponents’ coaches, as well as my respect. I wish I could have them on the team one more year. I will truly miss them next year.
To Kelsey and Lindsey: “Gotta keep it going. Keep it going full steam. Too sweet to be sour. Too nice to be mean.”
Coach Robert Epling
Head Girls Tennis Coach
Bear River High School
I have had the distinct pleasure of teaching both Kelsey and Lindsey in my Health class and I would have to echo Coach Epling in saying that they know how to work and just quietly go about getting work done and not settling for anything but their best. If I was ever having a bad day all I would have to do is talk to one of them and they would always smile and my day was immediately better. They are fun to tease and joke with. I appreciated how they always laughed at my sense of humor, even if it wasn’t very funny! They both have a very unique quality that if everyone had this world would be that much better. They are both ‘right fighters’ standing up for what they feel is right but when you explain something to them and if it can’t be changed they move on and make the best of the situation. I really feel bad for them this year as it is their senior year and they didn’t get any home matches and had less than optimal practice conditions because of the construction we are having, yet they never complained but just made the best of it! I want both Kelsey and Lindsey to know that they have had an impact on me personally and I am a better person because I have associated with them. I know because of their work ethic, their perseverance and their attitude of making the best of the situation they are a going to be a great success. Kelsey and Lindsey I look forward to seeing the great things you accomplish in the future!
Van Park
Athletic Director
Bear River High School
Special Thank You to our Sponsors
Bears Official Sponsor
Bears News·
2017-2018 Athlete of the Month Scholarship Banquet
Generous businesses throughout the Bear River Valley sponsored Bear River High athletes throughout the 2017-18 school year and wrapped up the year naming one female and one male student athlete as Student Athletes of the Year.
This year Colby Hamson and Natalie Cottle, both multi-sport athletes and 4.0 students, were honored as the year end recipients of Student Athletes of the Year and a $2,000 scholarship.
A banquet was held on May 21, 2018, at Bear River High for all student nominees and sponsors and featured guest speakers Scott and Christie Sandall.
The Sandalls are both 1979 Bear River High graduates. They were born and raised in the Bear River Valley and spent only a few years outside of the area to attend college and serve a mission before ultimately settling and raising their family in Tremonton.
Scott, a local rancher and member of the Utah legislature, praised those student athletes for their hard work and talent and reminded them to always thank those that helped them get to where they are.
“It’s much more enjoyable if other people are around you,” Scott said. “Never put yourself ahead.”
Christie also added her thoughts on the importance of support from the community, family and teammates and the importance of giving back.
“Become a giver in society. Give your time and talents,” she said. “If we work hard we will accomplish a lot.”
“The best things in life are done when nobody wants to take credit for it,” Scott added. “It’s not about the credit. It’s about the accomplishment.”
Bear River High’s Athletic Director Van Park added the four words to help one become successful, “I believe in you.” He added, “At the end of the race you’ll know if you’re enough,” quoting the movie “Cool Runnings.”
Starting out the year were Lindsay Schow and Jacob Olsen for September for girls’ soccer and football.
Lindsay did double duty on both the girls’ soccer team and in cross-country and maintained a 4.0 GPA.
“She is always quick to help out with anything that needs done and I have been so impressed with her great attitude,” said Bear River girls’ soccer Coach Andrew Cobabe.
“In working with her, I have seen a young woman that is truly one of the great ones and someone that will accomplish amazing things,” said Park. “In class, she was always so well prepared and engaged but the thing that was most impressive was the friendly smile and great attitude she always brought every day to class.”
Jacob led the 2017 Bear River football team to many great wins while maintaining a high GPA.
“Jacob never gives less than 100 percent both on and off the field. Jacob, is a player that exemplifies what we are trying to bring all Bear River football players to, and that is a true place of self-determination and responsibility,” said Bear River football Coach Chris Wise.
“I have always been impressed with Jacob’s demeanor and attitude,” added Park. “He has a great work ethic to go along with his great attitude which will make him a big success in the future.”
In October Colby Hamson and Brooklyn Harris received the honors of Student Athletes of the Month.
“Colby has been an outstanding part of our cross country program. All the younger boys look to his example and he has been such a privilege to coach and get to know as a young man,” cross country Coach Dan Line said. “Colby is a great student and even a better person. He is the heart and soul of our team.”
“He is everything we look for as an example of what we want from our student athletes,” said Park. “Colby understands what it takes most people way past adulthood to understand and that is ‘success is yours when you work your hardest to become the best you can become.’”
Brooklyn Harris has been a leader on the Bear River girls’ tennis team for many seasons as a singles player and her positive attitude and sportsmanship resulted in an award being named after her.
“Brooklyn has always been a great contributor to the tennis team. She is an example of hard work and responsibility,” said Bear River girls’ tennis Coach Nancy Brough.
“You will never meet a person that is more genuine and kind to everyone than Brooklyn,” said Park. “I have watched her play tennis with awe that someone could be that competitive and still be that kind to her opponent.”
In November, Max Ramsdell and Natalie Cottle were recognized for their contributions to band and girls’ soccer as Student Athletes of the Month.
For seven years Max has been part of band and plays four instruments. He was also this year’s co-valedictorian.
“More than any other reason, Max is nominated for this award because of his genuine friendship and leadership and his devotion to making others around him feel success,” Bear River High band director Wade Walton said.
“Max is someone that from the moment you meet him, you realize you are with someone special and someone you can’t help but just admire and like,” Park said. “He is always positive and treats everyone with respect.”
Natalie was recognized for also being a 4.0 student and an integral member of the girls’ soccer team at Bear River High.
“Natalie has been one of our strongest assets this year in soccer. Both on and off the field, Natalie has shown the attributes of a great leader,” Cobabe said.
“Natalie is incredibly talented and brilliant but she always works hard to be the best she can be and never acts like she’s better than anyone else,” added Park. “She is always so polite and kind off of the floor/field but a fierce competitor as she competes.”
Sami Allen and Alec Chournos took home the honors of November’s Student Athlete of the Month.
Sami, a talented and hard-working cheerleader, has shown spirit and leadership at Bear River High and was awarded the Top All-American at cheer camp in 2017.
“Not only is she exceptionally talented in cheer, dance and tumbling, she has phenomenal grades,” said Bear River cheer Coach Tory Birnkshaw. “If I could clone her I would! She is not only beautiful and talented but above all she is kind.”
“In the many times I have seen her over the years, cheering on our teams or in the halls, I have never seen her without a smile. Her smile is always one of those kind and accepting smiles that make you feel better about the day,” Park added.
The success Alec has had in the pool will be looked upon for years and his impact will leave a mark on future swimmers for Bear River High. With a 4.0 GPA, Alec has succeeded in the classroom as well.
“Alec is a great teammate to everyone on the team. He pushes his fellow swimmers to go faster in practice and in meets. He is encouraging and positive all the time,” Esplin said.
“I think what sets him apart from most is how he always expresses his gratitude and appreciation. He doesn’t act entitled at all, knowing he has to work hard for everything he has and then he recognizes the help given him,” said Park.
January’s Student Athletes of the Month were represented by the a wrestler and a basketball player, Zac Miller and Rachel Fronk.
Zac, a 4.0 student, has had great success in the classroom and on the wrestling mat.
“Zac isn’t one of those kids that needs a lot of recognition, he just quietly excels at everything he does,” Park said. “As you look at his accomplishments and how he acts and how he treats people, Zac definitely does his best each day in everything he does.”
Rachel, a three-sport athlete in volleyball, basketball and track, has maintained success in the classroom and in athletics.
“She holds a high standard for herself and works very hard to achieve her goals,” Corbridge said. “Rachel is both talented and willing to put in the time when no one is watching to be successful. Rachel loves to have fun on the court, keeping everyone happy and smiling. She has become a leader who people gravitate to and look to for encouragement.”
“She always wants what is best for her teammates both individually and collectively,” Park said. “She is what I would call the quiet assassin, she doesn’t say anything but uses her athleticism, competitiveness and determination to dominate her opponents.”
Erin Hornberger and Jake Dahle were given the honor of being February’s Student Athletes of the Month.
As a two year member of the Bear River swim team, Erin has also been a key player on the water polo team.
“Erin is respectful to her coaches and is eager to listen and learn from them,” said Esplin.
“What an example of always working hard, being kind to everyone and being positive in every situation. Erin has had to deal with some very difficult times and has dealt with them better than most adults I know. I can honestly say there has never been a time that I have visited with Erin that I didn’t walk away feeling happy and lucky to associate with her,” Park added.
Jake, a four year member of the Bear River basketball and baseball teams, has shown leadership throughout his high school years.
“Jake’s play on the court, and his attitude and example off of it, has allowed him to flourish as a senior captain and lead his peers and our program in a positive and competitive direction,” said Bear River boys’ basketball Coach Scott Hunt. “Jake has shown that he values his education and has made the necessary sacrifices in his life to succeed in both the classroom and the athletic arena.”
“Jake has had a lot of success both in his basketball and baseball career yet he has remained humble and polite, always crediting his teammates and coaches for his success,” said Park. “It has been fun to watch such a fierce competitor on the field/floor be such a gentleman off.”
The month of March went to student athletes Ryan Hales and Mercedes Call, both multi-sport athletes.
Ryan is a four year member of the Bear River swim team and was able to improve his personal times in the pool as well as excelling in the classroom and as a member of the student body council.
“Ryan is a joy to have on the team and is friends with everyone. He was able to push everyone in his lane to become better swimmers. He is always smiling and positive no matter the situation,” said Bear River swim Coach Danny Esplin.
“I have not only observed him on the golf team and swim team as he consistently demonstrated great sportsmanship along with kindness to both is own team and the opposition but I have watched him on student council as he always jumped in and worked incredibly hard for the students of Bear River,” said Park. “What a great world this would be if we had a world full of Ryan Hales.”
Mercedes has been an integral player on both the softball field and the basketball court throughout high school. She has signed to play softball at Salt Lake Community College this fall.
“Mercedes Call is a tremendous athlete that leads by example,” said Bear River girls’ basketball Coach Mike Corbridge. “Mercedes pushes everyone to work hard in practice and in games and was the ultimate team player.”
“She really is an anomaly as she is a fierce, fierce competitor yet one of the kindest, friendliest and happiest young ladies I have had the pleasure of knowing,” said Park.
The April 2018 recipients of Student Athletes of the Month went to Sydnee Riley and Syrus Miner.
Sydnee was nominated for her performance on the girls’ track team in throwing events, qualifying for state the past two years in the javelin throw. This year she took ? place in the 4A state meet.
“Not only is she a great athlete, but she is an amazing team captain. She continually pushes herself to be better at everything she does. She helps to show others that not only can working hard help them achieve their goals, they can have fun while doing it,” said Coach Chad Hurst.
“She has a real unique ability to be incredibly fierce in competition but yet one of the kindest, friendliest and happiest young ladies I have had the pleasure of knowing,” Park said. “She is the kind of person you want going to battle with because you know she will always work hard and have your back. She is a great leader by both word and deed.”
Syrus Miner is an accomplished athlete football, swimming and soccer and was this year’s captain of the Bear River boys’ soccer team and was a starting right wing.
“As a move in from Gunnison, Syrus has had to integrate into a new school and community his senior year. He looked towards athletics to meet new people and be involved,” Bear River boys’ soccer Coach Gene Wilcox said. “His leadership and maturity have helped guide a young team into playoff contention.”
“In the few times I have visited with Syrus I have been very impressed with his friendly, happy and respectful attitude,” said Park.
Finishing out the 2017-18 school year, Kapri Toone and Nathan Pace received the honor of May’s Student Athletes of the Month.
Kapri has been a four year member of the Bear River softball team, leading her team to two state championship titles and many region titles as a pitcher and one of the top hitters.
“She is a dedicated athlete who knows that success is the result of hard work and commitment,” said Bear River High softball Coach Calvin Bingham. “She has been a tremendous role model for the younger athletes on our team demonstrating what one can accomplished with hard work and a desire to improve. In addition to being an outstanding athlete, she is a friend to everyone.”
“Kapri has destroyed the old adage, ‘Nice people finish last.’ She has shown how it is possible to be kind and still be a fierce competitor and a great success,” Park said.
In cross country and track, Nathan has out-shined the competition but also excels in the classroom with a 4.0 GPA. He has taken home several first place finishes in cross country and track throughout his career including a first place finish in the 3200m event at the Cache Box Invitational this year.
“Nathan is very successful academically and athletically. Not only does he perform well in the classroom and in running but he has a ‘can-do’ attitude which is his overachieving quality,” Bear River track Coaches Chad Hurst and Tyrell Neal said. “His positive contributions to the team are immeasurable.”
“He just quietly excels in everything while remaining very humble, respectful and positive. What a great example of the kind of young man we want representing our school,” Park said.
This year’s business sponsors include Ace Hardware, Archibald Tire Pros, Crump Reese Motors, Capener Lossee Real Estate, American Family Insurance, Cover Up, Chanshare Farms, Member’s First Credit Union, Intermountain Bear River Valley Hospital, Northern Title, Studio R, Valley View Granite, Rudd Funeral Home and Kent’s Market.
Bears Official Sponsor
Bears News·
Girls Athlete of the Month – May 2018
Girls Student Athlete of the Month: Kapri Toone
It has been my pleasure to coach Kapri Toone the last four years on the Bear River High School Team. She is a dedicated athlete who knows that success is the result of hard work and commitment. During the four years that she has participated she has worked hard to hone and perfect her talents. Shae has been a huge part of our success as a team. During her freshman year Bear River placed second in state. As a sophomore she was instrumental in helping us win our 8th state championship. During that state tournament Kapri hit .733 and was the winning pitcher in all five games of that tournament. For her efforts she was named the 3A MVP in softball. Again, last year she was a large part of our success in softball where she was 1st team all-state and helped Bear River win 2nd place in state. This year she has lead the team in pitching and hitting and has served as one of our team captains. We go into the state tournament as one of 4 or 5 teams favored to win 1stplace. Earlier this year Kapri signed a letter of intent to play softball at Utah State University. She has been a tremendous role model for the younger athletes on our team demonstrating what one can accomplish with hard work and a desire to improve.
In addition to being an outstanding athlete, she is a friend to everyone. She is kind and considerate of others and treats everyone with respect. She is the type of person all parents would like their own children to be like. Kapri, we wish you continued success in all of your endeavors.
Calvin Bingham Head Softball Coach, Bear River High School
Kapri has been one of the top pitchers in a long line of pitching greats here at Bear River, which is very impressive in and of itself, but what makes Kapri so great is her overall persona! Without repeating Coach Bingham too much I have been so impressed with how kind and respectful she is to everyone. Kapri has destroyed the old adage, “Nice people finish last.” She has shown how it is possible to be kind and still be a fierce competitor and a great success! A lot of times people who have had her success lose their humility and some of their work ethic but not Kapri! I have obviously been so impressed with her softball prowess but I have been equally impressed with her talent and demeanor on the basketball court. She was almost always outsized as she played the post yet she was a great scorer around the basket and a great rebounding. With rebounding, it is all about desire and heart and she showed these qualities as she led the team in rebounding a lot of the time.
She is also an excellent student as is shown by her 3.931 gpa and her 20 on her ACT.
Kapri has been a great example to me of just quietly going about your business, being kind to everyone and working hard! That is truly what brings self-satisfaction so thanks Kapri for reminding all of us of this! I wish you all the best in your future!
Van Park Athletic Director, Bear River High School
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Bears News·
Boys Athlete of the Month – May 2018
Boys Student Athlete of the Month: Nathan Pace
It is an honor to recommend Nathan Pace as the Athlete of the Month. Nathan is very successful academically and athletically. Not only does he perform well in the classroom and in running, but he has a “can-do” attitude which is his overarching quality.
Nathan Pace has participated in several sports throughout his high school career. He has excelled in Cross Country and Track. Nathan has set several personal records in varying events, but has excelled mostly in the 1600 meter (1 mile) and the 3200 meter (2 mile). His 1600 meter personal record was set this year at The Grizzly Invitational on April 14. He ran a 4:44.71 and took 23rd place. His 3200 meter personal record was set this year at the Morgan Invitational on April 21. He ran a 10:18.91 which earned him 5th place and a place on the podium. Earlier in the year, Nathan took first place in the 3200 meter at the Cache Box Invitational with a time of 10:18.99. Nathan’s times keep improving. He is setting himself up well for region and state. He is ranked first in the 3200 meter for Region 12.
Nathan is a great young man. It is inspiring to watch him run. It is even more inspiring to watch him work at practice. He is positive! His positive contributions to the team are immeasurable. It is neat to watch this young man continue to develop himself in academics, athletics, and life.
Coaches Chad Hurst / Tyrell Neal Head Track Coaches, Bear River High School
It has been a real pleasure to watch Nathan throughout his high school career at Bear River. He just quietly excels in everything while remaining very humble, respectful and positive! What a great example of the kind of young man we want representing our school! As I have observed Nathan these past four years I would say two phrases best depict him. 1st ‘Mr. Integrity’ and 2nd ‘Do Work!’ I open up the BEAR center in the winter in the early morning and I would watch Nathan come in early before school on his own numerous times and then I would watch him running in a cross country meet or a track meet and it was easy to see why he did so well.
As someone who loves to run I am in awe at the times listed by his coaches. His hard work has also shown up in his classwork as he has maintained a 4.0, while taking the majority of the AP and College courses we offer. These things combined with his 28 ACT show what a great success he is going to be. In my opinion he already has learned two traits that many never learn that will make him a great success in all he does. That being always act with integrity and always work hard! Good Luck Nathan in everything you do!
Van Park Athletic Director, Bear River High School
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Bears News·
Girls Athlete of the Month – April 2018
Girls Student Athlete of the Month: Sydnee Riley
I first met Sydnee her Sophomore year when much to our benefit she decided to join track. I was as
impressed then as I still am with how cheerful she is. In the last 2 years she has made it to state
throwing the Javelin, and is on track (no pun intended) to make it again this year. On top of that this
year she has thrown 98 feet in the discus, a 17-foot personal record, and earned her 3 rd place in the
Cache/Box and currently 1 st in the region. Not only is she a great athlete, but she is an amazing team
captain, she continually pushes herself to be better at everything she does. She helps to show others
that not only can working hard help them achieve their goals, they can have fun while doing it. I can’t
think of a time at practice or away from it that she doesn’t have a smile on her face and is laughing and
joking with those around her. She is a wonderful young woman, and will accomplish great things with
her work ethic, and positive attitude. The team won’t be the same without her next year, but we will
enjoy the time we have left with her.
Chad Hurst Head Track Coach Bear River High School
It has been a real pleasure to observe and work with Sydnee in so many different ways. I first met her
when she came to a little girls’ basketball camp I ran before she was in middle school and it only took a
short time to admire her work ethic, her coachability, her competitiveness, her kindness and her great
attitude. I have also observed her in my Health class, as she has played various sports and while she
worked in her family yard care business and there is one constant with each of those and that is, she
knows how to work hard! She has a real unique ability to be incredibly fierce in competition but yet one
of the kindest, friendliest and happiest young ladies I have had the pleasure of knowing! As her coach
pointed out she always pushes herself to be better with no complaints or excuses. She is the kind of
person you want going to battle with because you know she will always work hard and have your back.
She is a great leader by both word and deed. You will never find a more caring, friendly person than
Sydnee Riley.
She is also a very good student maintaining a 3.988 while taking many upper division and college prep
classes and has an impressive 27 ACT. She is a very well rounded individual who not only excels in
athletics but also in orchestra. I want to thank Sydnee for setting an example of what being a great
student, athlete and person is all about! Good Luck in your future endeavors which I know will be a
success.
Van Park Athletic Director Bear River High School
Thank you to our sponsors:
Bears Official Sponsor
Bears News·
Boys Athlete of the Month – April 2018
Boys Student Athlete of the Month: Syrus Miner
Syrus Miner is captain on the soccer team this year. As a move in from Gunnison, Syrus has had to
integrate into a new school and community for his senior year. He looked towards athletics to meet new
people and to be involved. He played football in the fall, was a member of the swim team this winter,
and is the starting right wing and only senior on the 2018 soccer team.
His future plans are to serve an LDS mission next year, and to attend college when he gets home.
Syrus has been a huge asset for the soccer team this year. His 6’4’, 190 lbs frame and his speed make
him a tough matchup for opposing teams. His leadership and maturity have helped guide a young team
into playoff contention. Syrus has played well all year, but scored the winning goal against Green
Canyon, in the Bear 2-1 victory on Tuesday, April 3 rd . The victory moves the Bears up to a solid 3 rd place in
Region XII after the first half of region play.
Coach Wicox
Head Boys Soccer Coach
Since Syrus just moved here this year I haven’t had a lot of opportunities to get to know him but the
fact that he moves here his senior year and gets involved in three sports, football, swimming and soccer
says a lot about Syrus and the type of person he is. It would have been easy to have moved here his
senior year and wait to be accepted or to mope around. However Syrus chose to put himself out there
and get involved and to make friends. In the few times I have visited with Syrus I have been very
impressed with his friendly, happy and respectful attitude. Syrus has maintained a 3.823 and scored a
23 on his ACT. I want to thank Syrus for showing the rest of us the importance of making the best of
every situation. Best of Luck in your future to a great young man. Thank you for being such a great
asset to Bear River High.
Van Park Athletic Director Bear River High School
Thank you to our sponsors:
Bears Official Sponsor
Bears News·
Boys Athlete of the Month – March 2018
Boys Student Athlete of the Month: Ryan Hales
I have had the pleasure of coaching Ryan Hales in swimming since he was a freshman. Ryan is a dedicated swimmer and a dedicated student. He has been able to balance his time as a swimmer and being on student council and be successful in both. Ryan was able to drop 2 seconds in his 50 free this year. He was able to drop 2 seconds in his 100 backstroke and 2 seconds in his 100 free. Ryan is a joy to have on team and is friends with everyone. He was able to push everyone in his lane to become better swimmers. He is always smiling and positive no matter the situation.
Coach Danny Esplin Head Boys Swim Coach
I really didn’t get to know Ryan until this year and boy am I glad that I did. Otherwise, I would have missed out on one of the most positive and friendliest students at this school. I have not only observed him on the golf team and swim team as he consistently demonstrated great sportsmanship along with kindness to both his own team and the opposition, but I watched him on student council as he always jumped in and worked incredibly hard for the students at Bear River. He supported every event that Bear River sponsored and was always so complimentary to those involved. While staying so involved he managed to maintain an impressive GPA of 3.957, while taking many AP, college prep and higher level classes. He also has an impressive ACT of 24. One of the most impressive experiences I have had with Ryan showed great integrity, respect and taking personal responsibility, qualities that are missing in much of our world today. What a great world this would be if we had a world of Ryan Hales. I look forward to watching him have a lot of success in life!
Van Park Athletic Director Bear River High school
Thank you to our sponsors:
Bears Official Sponsor
Bears News·
Girls Athlete of the Month – March 2018
Girls Student Athlete of the Month: Mercedes Call
Mercedes Call is a tremendous athlete that leads by example. She has not only excelled on the basketball court where she was a team captain, but also the softball diamond where she received a scholarship to play at Salt Lake Community College. Mercedes’ pushed everyone to work hard in practice and in games and was the ultimate team player. She was regularly seen doing the dirty work of diving for loose balls and taking charges. Her hard work doesn’t stop with sports. She works hard in the classroom as seen by her being recognized as part of the All-Region Academic team.
Michael Jordan once said, “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.” Mercedes is always going to give her teams a chance to win games through her intelligence and attitude.
Mike Corbridge Head Girls’ Basketball Coach
I have had the distinct pleasure of teaching and working with Mercedes. I first met her when she came to a young girls’ basketball camp I ran before she was in middle school and right away I fell in love with her contagious laugh and smile. I would tell her one of my corny jokes and her laugh and smile would brighten the entire room. She really is an anomaly as she is a fierce, fierce competitor yet one of the kindest, friendliest and happiest young ladies I have had the pleasure of knowing! As her coach pointed out she always does the hard things, which often cause scrapes and bruises yet you would never see her complain or pull herself out. She is the kind of person you want going to battle with because you know she will always work hard and have your back. She is a great leader by both word and deed. What has been very impressive to me is all the success she has had in her high school career she has remained very humble, coachable, hardworking and all about the team!
She is also a very good student maintaining a 3.956 while taking many upper division and college prep classes and has an impressive 27 ACT. I want to thank Mercedes for setting an example of what being a great student, athlete and person is all about! Best wishes at SLCC and the rest of your life.
Van Park Athletic Director Bear River High school
Thank you to our sponsors:
Bears Official Sponsor
Bears News·
Girls Athlete of the Month – February 2018
Girls Student Athlete of the Month: Erin Hornberger
Erin has been a member of the swim team for 2 years. She has been a great addition to our team. Prior to swimming Erin had experience playing water polo so she was not new to the water. Erin is nice to everyone on the team and is a friend to everyone. Erin is willing to swim any event that she is asked to swim. Most often Erin enjoys swimming the 100 Breaststroke and the 50 free style and she has consistently dropped time in those events this year. Erin swims the 50 free in 34.34 seconds and the 100 breaststroke in a 1:38.37. Erin is respectful to her coaches and is eager to listen and learn from them.
Danny Esplin Head Swim Coach Bear River High School
It has truly been a pleasure to be able to teach and to get to know Erin. What an example of always working hard, being kind to everyone and being positive in every situation. Erin has had to deal with some very difficult times and has dealt with them better than most adults I know. I can honestly say there has never been a time that I have visited with Erin that I didn’t walk away feeling happy and lucky to associate with her. As an educator for 30 years it makes me grateful that I chose this profession as I get to rub shoulders and learn from students. There is not another student that I have learned more from and am a better person because of my association with than Erin.
She is an excellent student maintaining an 3.928 GPA, while taking many upper division and college prep classes. I want to wish Erin all the best in her future and I want to thank Erin for being such a great example to me and everyone here at Bear River.
Parker was voted as the team captain this season. I can tell you that there are very few who are as competitive as Parker, whether it be in the classroom on the basketball court, baseball diamond or football field. Parker is one of those rare people who lifts everyone around him with his drive and leadership. Parker loves to bare the load for his team but is just as willing to block and decoy so that the team can win as a whole. He is an excellent student and represents this team, his family and the community with honor.
Girls Student Athlete of the Month: Kapri Toone
Boys Student Athlete of the Month: Nathan Pace
Girls Student Athlete of the Month: Sydnee Riley
Boys Student Athlete of the Month: Syrus Miner
Boys Student Athlete of the Month: Ryan Hales
Mercedes Call is a tremendous athlete that leads by example. She has not only excelled on the basketball court where she was a team captain, but also the softball diamond where she received a scholarship to play at Salt Lake Community College. Mercedes’ pushed everyone to work hard in practice and in games and was the ultimate team player. She was regularly seen doing the dirty work of diving for loose balls and taking charges. Her hard work doesn’t stop with sports. She works hard in the classroom as seen by her being recognized as part of the All-Region Academic team.
Erin has been a member of the swim team for 2 years. She has been a great addition to our team. Prior to swimming Erin had experience playing water polo so she was not new to the water. Erin is nice to everyone on the team and is a friend to everyone. Erin is willing to swim any event that she is asked to swim. Most often Erin enjoys swimming the 100 Breaststroke and the 50 free style and she has consistently dropped time in those events this year. Erin swims the 50 free in 34.34 seconds and the 100 breaststroke in a 1:38.37. Erin is respectful to her coaches and is eager to listen and learn from them.