On Saturday April 30, the track teams attending the Morgan High “Pocket Change” Invitational found snow laying on the field and one inch of snow in the stands. But some blue sky and sunshine was also a welcome guest. Everyone pitched in with snow shovels and cleared the stands and the throwing areas of the snow and the thirteen teams that made the trip began the days competition.
On May 6 and 7, Trojan Track athletes loaded the bus and made the annual trip to the BYU Invitational. This was the 101 year of the meet. To get to BYU athletes have to meet certain qualifying standards set by the invitational. It is always a great place to be and this year the weather was warm and inviting. Many PR (personal records) were attained and the weather could have contributed to the good performances. This was the warmest track meet of the year and a welcome change from the 40 degree rainy, cold, meets of March and April.
Shay Hatch, Whitney Titus, Hannah McDermott, Eden Farnsworth and Talisha Bambrough played their last regional game at Wilkinson Recplex against Judge Memorial on Thursday, May 5, 2011.
A man who can wear many hats (or in this case many uniforms), Zane Gray is finally hanging up one of them. Over the last three years Zane has served as the Regional Commissioner for Morgan County American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), but in June he will be retiring. AYSO serves approximately 550 of Morgan County’s finest youth soccer players, ranging from four to nineteen years of age. These players can be seen each weekend in the spring and fall on the fields of the Morgan North Stake Bowery and Kent Smith Park in Mountain Green. It is probably the largest athletic organization in the county, yet little has been said about the man who has lead these efforts with no remuneration for his work.
Morgan played Grantsville at home on May 4 2011. The Lady Trojan’s played hard against the Cowboys. The first inning neither teams scored and in the second inning Grantsville got two runs in and three runs in the third inning.
Morgan traveled to Bear River the 27 April 2011. The Lady Trojan’s came out strong and ready to play ball and finally the weather was not a factor in the game. The Lady Trojan’s battled back and forth with the bears, with some great defensive plays from Hannah McDermott in the field and Whitney Titus pitching at the mound with Raqeal Jensen catching. Shay Hatch had some spectacular catches at shortstop and throw outs to first. Aimee Sowder, Raqeal Jensen, Shay Hatch and Talisha Bambrough had a singles and Whitney Titus had a double, but Morgan could only bring in three runs. Bear River capitalized on Morgan’s errors and won the game 13 to 3.
The Morgan Stars, a Special Olympics team made up of athletes from Morgan County, competed in the Northern Area Regional Track and Field games at Utah State University on Saturday, April 30.
On Saturday July 30th the Inaugural Morgan Valley Marathon will make its mark! This exciting event will include the 26.2 Marathon, a half marathon and a 5k fun run.
The Morgan High School Track Team has traditionally attended the Logan High, Grizzley Classic, Invitational for the last decade. It is a large meet with over twenty schools from 1A-5A classifications competing.
On April 7, 8, and 9 the first Morgan High Alumni Basketball Tournament was held to help raise funds for the Boys Basketball program and the Morgan Education Foundation to help with the New Century Sports Building that will begin construction this Spring.
On April 7, 8, and 9 the first Morgan High Alumni Basketball Tournament was held to help raise funds for the Boys Basketball program and the Morgan Education Foundation to help with the New Century Sports Building that will begin construction this Spring.
This Saturday, April 30, will be the fourth annual Morgan High School Track and Field State Qualifying Invitational. Fourteen teams from the Northern Utah area will be attending the meet that begins at 9:00 a.m. and will run until approximately 4:00 p.m.. The meet is again sponsored by Julie Duerden, owner of “Pocket Change”, our local dollar store in Morgan. At a state qualifying track meet , athletes whose times or marks reach those set by the state of Utah are then qualified to participate in the State Track Championships held on May 20-21 in Provo.
The Morgan Girls Golf team traveled to Tremonton last Thursday for their final regular season tournament. The tournament was delayed one hour while one storm passed, and once play began, it was just a matter of time before the next storm rained down on them. Soaking wet, they managed to finish nine holes of golf.
The following is the 5th part in a series of “The History of baseball in Morgan County”. Most of the information is taken from book by Paul Stewart called “Baseball in Morgan County: The Early years”. The only exception was the April Fools day edition that was from the mind of the author.
The sun finally came out long enough for Morgan to play softball at Juan Diego on Tuesday 19th April 2011. The Lady Trojan’s played tough defense through the third inning keeping the score 0 to 0. When the Eagles took advantage of the Trojan’s errors, and got one run in the fourth inning, four in the fifth inning and two in the sixth inning.
The Lady Trojan’s traveled to Grantsville on Friday to play the Cowboys. Morgan held Grantsville to 0 to 3 until the fourth inning when errors over took the Lady Trojan’s and the Lady Cowboy’s soared to a 10-0 victory defeating the Lady Trojan’s. Shay Hatch Senior hit a line drive down the third baseline getting a double for Morgan, but wasn’t able to make it home. Whitney Titus also hit a double, but was unable to score. The Trojan’s had some great defensive plays, but just couldn’t get there bats’ working offensively.
At Ben Lomond last Wednesday the Lady Trojan’s soared for a victory against the Scot’s in five innings. Senior right hander Whitney Titus threw a four hitter with 8 strikeouts walked one and hit one batter.
This past September, the Utah State Horse 4-H program held their annual Individual State Finals horse show at the Equestrian Park in South Jordan. Approximately 250 4-H members traveled from all over the state to compete for top prizes and awards. The show was held over a two day period with the written test and judged events being completed on Friday, September 17 and all the timed events being held on Saturday September 18.
Back row left to right: Bryan Porter, Bryan Smith, Keaton Cox, Boman Caldwell, Jacob Caldwell, Cameron Thompson, Colton Carter, Josh Abplanalp, Kade Loveridge, Cole Wilkinson, Morgan Kotter, Sam Wakeham.
The Lady Trojan’s played Bear River for their first home regional softball game on Tuesday April 5 2011, at Morgan. The Bears gained a 7 to 0 lead in the first three innings. The Trojan’s tried to turn the game around in the fourth inning, but was only able to bring in one run. Shay Hatch was 2 for 3, Amiee Sowder had a double with one RBI and was 1 for 2, Raqeal Jensen had a double, Whitney Titus was 1 for 2 and Brook Pierce was also 1 for 2 and was the only one that scored this game. Morgan only had six hits this game, but continued to battle, but unfortunately Morgan could never recover and Bear River won 16 to 1
The Lady Trojan’s played Bear River for their first home regional softball game on Tuesday April 5 2011, at Morgan. The Bears gained a 7 to 0 lead in the first three innings. The Trojan’s tried to turn the game around in the fourth inning, but was only able to bring in one run. Shay Hatch was 2 for 3, Amiee Sowder had a double with one RBI and was 1 for 2, Raqeal Jensen had a double, Whitney Titus was 1 for 2 and Brook Pierce was also 1 for 2 and was the only one that scored this game. Morgan only had six hits this game, but continued to battle, but unfortunately Morgan could never recover and Bear River won 16 to 1
In the early years of baseball in Morgan County almost all of the communities had teams. One such team was from North Morgan. I don’t think there is a parent who doesn’t like to watch their son or daughter play sports. Can you imagine an entire team comprised of 10 of your boys? The North Morgan team were all the sons of the LDS Stake President Daniel Heiner. His sons were Sylvester, Brent, Charlie, Henry, Roswell, Hamner, John, Moroni, George and Heber. Apparently none of his boys could throw hard or straight enough because they had to bring in Thomas Fry and Arthur Francis Jr. and another young man from Ogden to fill the position.
April 6 was a little relief from the snow and rain that has been plaguing spring sports at Morgan High, and was a pleasant break to have no bad weather other than a wind that seemed to blow continually, for the afternoon of track competition in a tri-meet at Bear River.
The first home track meet of the year was held March 30 at Morgan.
The Trojans hosted the Grantsville Cowboys. With one meet under their belts the Morgan track team was eager to get back on the track and see what another week of practice had done.
Track season got into full swing Wednesday, March 23, when the Trojans traveled to Ben Lomond to compete with the Scots, the St. Joseph Jays and the Judge Memorial Bulldogs.
Baseball history in Morgan County is rich with history. With transportation sketchy and teams several hours away along the Wasatch front it was a great sacrifice for these men to leave the farms to go play a game they loved.
he Morgan High softball season has been rather slow this year due to the weather.
The Lady Trojan’s have missed five of their pre-season games and one JV tournament, but they didn’t let the snow we received on Sunday stop them this time.
The Lady Trojans traveled to St George last Thursday and played a softball tournament over the weekend. The girls came out ready to play, but looked a little rusty due to weather conditions at home. The Trojans have been practicing every day, but have not been able to practice on their field due to the snow and rain.
As I mentioned in last weeks article baseball gradually made its way west in the late 1800’s. The Cincinnati Red Stockings went on a tour of the western United States and played exhibition games. As a result of these games many people were introduced to the sport of baseball.
Baseball in Morgan County has roots that go back to around the first of the 20th century. Before we look at that history lets take a look at the beginning of baseball in America. Baseball in the 19th century is loaded with interesting history and facts.
With winter finally releasing its grip on Morgan Valley, we will witness an amazing transformation. Many of us trade our snow shovels in for garden shovels. Some store their snowmobiles for the winter and load up four-wheelers for a trip to the dunes. Still others will trade snowboards and ski’s for their hiking boots and backpacks.
First of all, congratulations to all of you who have signed up for either the 5k, half-marathon or full marathon that will take place in our beautiful Morgan Valley this summer! For those of you who haven’t, it will be an exciting experience, a first for Morgan Valley and I definitely encourage you to participate. I’ve hoped one day there would be a marathon in this amazing place to run and it’s about to happen for the first time in less than five months!
It was an alumni reunion in the stands last Saturday night. Many Trojan fans made the trip to Salt Lake City to watch our Morgan boys basketball team play for the state 3A title. Everyone expected a close game but I don’t think anyone expected a 44 to 33 final score.
Wow, what a game! Morgan fans got their moneys worth last Friday night as the Trojans took on the Desert Hills Thunder in the state 3A semifinals. There was never a dull moment from tip off to final buzzer.
Round two, Morgan Trojans vs. Richfield Wildcats. Bright and early Thursday morning, February 24, 2011, and the Trojan Boys find themselves playing a big game in a big stadium.
A strong turn out of Morgan fans sat ready as the jump ball was tossed. Tip goes to the wildcats. A quick pass underneath to Richfield’s big man and the Wildcats are on the board. Morgan works for an open shot against a feisty defense.
The Morgan Lady Trojans entered the State playoffs last week riding a 13 game winning streak after winning their initial first round game vs. North Sanpete by a whopping 51 points. All signs pointed to a strong run to the 3A championship, or at least getting to the championship game and letting the chips fall where they may.
STANDINGS WINS LOSSES
1- Head Over Heels 28 4
2- Morgan Drug 19 13
3- Gordy’s Girls 17 15
4- Morgan County News 15 17
5- Eagle Rock Construction 15 17
6- Western Automatic Sprinkler 14 18
7- Rees Fur Farm 12 20
8- Crandall Ford 8 24
HIGH GAMES
Becky Wilde 178-197- Misty Spendlove 160- Judy Judd 166-166- Gloria Marcellin 198-152- Pat Bird 150-160 Connie Rees 154-188- Lynette Bosworth 191-157-181- Lisa O’Brien 176- Connie Whiting 156-176-176- Margaret Bowman 153- Cleone Hortin 160- LeeAnn Rudd 165-160- Cathy Friery 168. High Game HCP goes to Rees Fur Farm with a 865 and they also took High HCP Series with 2475. Team members are LaVaun Vernon, Connie Rees and Lynette Bosworth. Great bowling ladies. Our fun game this week was low game and it was won by Karen Henri with a 79 but there were a lot of ladies who tried for this. We wanted to get the candy from the basket. Becky Wilde bowled 51 pins over average and Connie Rees bowled 64 pins over her average way to go ladies.
With basketball season done and the weather getting warmer it will be spring and will be having baseball games soon.
So here is a little history about Morgan High’s Baseball.
Trojans started baseball in 1948 !
This season will be 57 season for Trojan baseball!
They hold six region championships in baseball: 1951, 1956, 1961, 1966, 1969, 2009!
Their only state baseball championship was sixty years ago! They record was 22 wins 0 losses!
Remember who they played when they won that game? The answer was South Sevier! Morgan ranks 43rd in all time wins for baseball, according to the Utah High School Activities Association
Their first baseball game will be at Roy High School on March 7 at 3:30 p.m.
What was Roy’s record last season in baseball ? The Royals record was 11 wins 12 losses and 1 tie! Doug Johnston, the editor of The Morgan County News went to Roy High but likes Morgan more!
I think the Trojan Baseball record will be 22 wins 2 losses this season!
This is my pre season Baseball region 11 poll
1st Morgan
2nd Juan Diego
3rd Bear river
4th Judge
5th Grantsville
6th Ben lomond
Also my preseason 3A state wide baseball poll
1st Morgan
2nd Juan Diego
3rd Desert Hills
4th Canyon View
5th Cedar
6th Park City
7th Wasatch
8th Judge
9th Emery
10th Delta
11th Bear River
12th Hurricane
13th Juab
14th Manti
15th North Sanpete
16th Carbon
17th Richfield
18th American Leadership
19th Union
20th Ben Lomond
Local mom and fitness enthusiast, Karen Nelson will be starting a running club for kids of all ages. While helping with the initial planning of Morgan’s first Annual Marathon, Karen was inspired to fulfill her dream of working with kids in the fitness arena. She has always wanted to do some kind of running type activity that involved children and a running club seems to be the perfect fit.
Above, Boston Saunders leaps high against the Manti Templers. Below Ashley Garfield makes a left handed layup against North Sanpete in the first round of the playoffs.
Both the boys and the girls teams are currently in Salt Lake City playing in the 3A tournament.
It’s that time of year for high school hoops players, win or report to your spring sports coach. Last Friday our Trojan Boys showed they would like to keep it indoors for a few more games!
I had a chance to catch up with coach Jim Wiscombe on Thursday before the game. We discussed briefly the Region 11 champs season and how the team is feeling as they move into the state playoffs.
There was a slight but noticeable wind blowing in Morgan County Saturday evening, and there’s a good chance it was the collective sigh of relief coming from Morgan girls basketball coach Brad Matthews and his staff.
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