Utah Summer Games

This past week we had the opportunity to travel to Cedar City, Utah for the Utah Summer Games. Not really knowing how big this tournament is we were just excited that the girls had a chance to compete again in their favorite sports. Olivia played basketball with her team from 7th grade, Preston Indians. She also played soccer with her competitive team, Manic ATAC. Shaylee was playing basketball for her team from Ogden, Utah Wildcats.



Olivia's team took the bronze medal in their 8th grade division. She also won a gold medal for 3-point shooting, silver for foul shots, and bronze for a hot shot competition. She played her heart out! The team that beat them in the bronze medal round the Cedar City T-birds won the tournament. Dave was able to coach them because their regular coach is teaching summer school. He was a little apprehensive about coaching, but he did a great job!



Shaylee's team was the only 6th grade team that entered the tournament. Because of that they had to play up in the 7th grade division. They held their own in a few of their games, and only missed the bronze medal round by 1 basket!!!! Way to play Wildcats! The USG committee awarded her team a gold medal for being the only 6th grade team in the tournament. She also won silver medal in her age division for foul shots.


Olivia then turned to soccer. By this point her feet were killing her and she felt sick to her stomach, but she played hard and held her own. They had a heartbreaking loss in their third game that would have taken them into the bronze medal round. The last 30 seconds the other team scored a goal on them, so that sent us out of the medals. The team they beat on the second day and the team that barely beat them both placed in the medal round. We felt that the girls worked hard and stepped it up to play at a higher level. Way to go ATAC!


Shaylee and I also ran the 5K. Sadly I have gotten way out of shape and wasn't sure if I could keep up with Shaylee. She did so good and placed 6th overall in her age division. I ran with her most of the way, but at the end I finally just told her to take off and run as fast as she could. She crossed the finish line about 30 seconds in front of me. I was so proud of her. We both came home with finishers medals.

Dave and a friend from Franklin, Rick Harris, participated in the horseshoe throwing contest. They made it three rounds and lost out by one point. He said they had a great time, even though he isn't a regular horseshoe thrower.


Taite kept busy the entire week swimming, watching ball games, swimming, catching lizards, and swimming some more. He had lots of fun as long as we remembered he needed his own time as well, away from the soccer field and basketball court.


We realized what a big event we were at when we attended the opening ceremonies with our girls. There are approximately 10,000 athletes that participate in the summer games. The opening ceremony was probably the biggest party any 11 and 13 year old girls could ever hope for. The athletes marched in as teams were recognized and Olivia's ATAC team was interviewed on the jumbotron. Then, after all the athletes were in, they were put under the athlete's oath of sportsmanship. Following that there was a great BMX show, which Taite LOVED. Finally, there was a live band, The Party Crashers, and a huge fireworks show. It was a total blast!! So glad we participated.

As I look back over the week I am so grateful for this experience. As far as vacations go, this one would rank at the top of our family vacation list. We aren't sure if the opportunity will arise to attend the games again, but it was an experience none of us will forget. Way to play Indians, ATAC, and Wildcats!