LeBaronLogic

Utah, BYU Team Camp Shorts (as Opposed to Briefs)

U. of Utah Team Camp - third week of June:

The sophomore AF High Cavemen team comprised of mostly freshmen; Nate Ensign, Tyler Flinders, Grey Lund, Kadan McMurtrey, Brett Miller, Alex Ross, Michael Wells, Josh Wilson and Aaron Hill went 8-2 and captured 3^rd place defeating an excellent Skyline team by 4 points. Against the Skyline Eagles,  the Cavemen jumped out to a 12-4 lead in the intense game, maintained that margin until the waning minutes of the game when the lead dwindled to 5. The Cavemen closed out the close game by making free throws and protecting the ball down the stretch. During the camp the team showed improvement from game to game. They defeated 4 different Pine View teams comprised of various skill levels of freshmen and sophomores. The sophomore Cavemen also downed Carbon, Delta (in overtime) and Granger before Skyline in the tournament. They dropped games to Bingham and Delta. "These players know how to win games, especially close ones.”

The JV Cavemen lost 5 games by a total of 8 points, including 3 OT games. The Cavers defeated a strong Snow Canyon team, Pineview and Teton(Driggs, ID) in the tournament for an upper division placement. "The team lost some close ones, but learned a lot playing together." Players consisted of Jake Blackhurst, Taft Christensen, Ryan Evans , Tyler Gardner, Aaron Hill, Tanner LeBaron, Ryker Matthews and Josh Reynolds. All of the boys stayed in the Olympic dorms, and probably didn't get much sleep and enjoyed the buffet style meals in the cafeteria.

BYU Team Camp - 4th week of June:

Cavemen sophomores went 4-2 in this camp, defeating teams from Alta, Bonneville (ID), Springville and Fremont. They were edged by Provo and Orem . This team consisted of Ryan Evans, Brian Vawdry, Michael Wells, Tyler Flinders, Josh Wilson, Robbie Lee, Alex Ross, Jeff Nelson and Taft Christensen. They advanced to the quarterfinals of the tourney defeating Fremont and dropping a game to Orem in the final eight. “ The team competed with a lot of energy and intensity."

The JV Cavemen defeated Logan and competed in other games against Brighton, Orem , Alta, Payson and Timpanogos. Players included Tanner LeBaron, Josh Reynolds, Kadan McMurtrey, Jake Blackhurst, Aaron Hill, Ryker Matthews, Nate Ensign and Casey Caldwell. "We experienced some adverstiy with injuries and some absent players, but still battled and were in each game."

City Council Retreat

Earlier this week the Mayor and Council retreated (an interesting word, if you consider the slings and arrows that often come our way). But this retreat in the corporate sense is something we do once or twice a year. It lasted over 4 hours at Thanksgiving Point. We discussed among other things adjusted council assignments, strategic planning  and re-prioritization of tasks and projects. Some of these dealt with transportation issues. We are most concerned about the extension of 1120 North, opening of 360 West, West Main I-15 interchange and 1100 East. A more detailed posting of other plans will be forthcoming. Cemetery expansion, park improvements, budget and other quality of life issues were also dealt with. The bottom line is we are listening and working to further the work of the people. Also stay tuned for a posting on Secondary Water FAQs.

Tim LaComb is the Man

BYU has announced the appointment of  Tim LaComb as Director of Mens Basketball Operations, thereby completing its basketball staff.  Click here for the News Release. Coach LaComb is a great hire and good fit for a program on the rise for the following reasons:

1. Tim has a great feel and excitement for the game.
2. He is able to break things down in the simplest of terms and ideas.
3. Coach LaComb inspires confidence in players.
4. He is an organizer and pays attention to detail.
5. Loyalty is one of his best qualities.
6. He looks better in blue.
7. Tim is an American Fork High School alumnus.
8. Coach Tim knows how to win.
9. He is a quality person with a great family.
10. Coach LaComb has energy, works hard and deserves this opportunity.

BYU knows a good thing when they see it. I have personally seen Tim work with young players and teams. It will be a thrill to see Coach Tim contribute to this staff and program. GO COUGS!

When Silver is Gold

The Cavemen Freshmen basketball team MADE IT TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME at the UVSC team camp in the sophomore division yesterday!! (and playing and defeating some Junior players). We finished with an overall record of 11-5 (8-4 in league) against the 16 team field, defeating Bountiful, Payson, Tooele, Madison (Rexburg, ID), Malad (ID), Timpanogos, Union (Roosevelt) and Ogden. We dropped games to Viewmont, Grantsville, Woods Cross and PG.  Players included Tanner LeBaron, Taft Christensen, Michael Wells, Alex Ross, Ryker Matthews, Josh Wilson, Nate Ensign (all Scorch players), joined by Tyler Flinders and Austin Waddoups.

Entering tourney play we blew out Juab in the shortened 1/2 game format in the opening round. (18 min. games).

In the qtrs we beat PG by 1 in thrilling fashion. Down 2, R;yker got a steal,  passed to Tanner who drained a trey with 7 seconds to go, then a partially blocked shot and recovered loose ball by Ryker at the buzzer. Whew, what a game!!! This PG team went undefeated in UVSC camp play and won the freshmen winter league in the Alpine School District last year.

In the semis we downed Viewmont by 1 with a three-pointer by Tanner to go up by 2 with 34 seconds left, but wait..... the three was waved off by a phantom 3 second call. (The count was started before the ball was inbounded). After protesting we did get the ball back, but no 3 points. We then got to the line, Ben Beddes made 2 free throws with 15 seconds to go to lead by 1 and made a stop late to advance to the finals.

In the championship game, despite being gassed, we gave Grantsville with their jrs. a good game, but ultimately lost.

It truly was an increased team effort for the entire week, with everyone stepping up at key moments (and of course making some mistakes along the way), but that is how you learn, particularly in the summer.

We won in so many ways for the week, having had HS school coaches coach our games, teach and give some candid feedback. This experience was the equivalent of playing half a season.

Silver really is Gold.

GO CAVEMEN!

Welcome, Council Member Sherry Kramer

A Special Session of the American Fork City Council was held tonight. The only item on the agenda was "Appointment of Interim Council Member." After a brief recitation of the applicable statute, the Mayor asked for a Motion. Below is that motion by your author:

I have a motion, but have a brief comment beforehand. We recognize the presence, service and dedication of Dalene Cates, wife of the late Councilman Jimmy Cates, whom we all miss. We are impressed with the credentials of the candidates for this position. I personally have gone through this process. It takes a lot of courage to submit ones name, make a presentation and to come tonight. Each one of these applicants can make unique contributions to our community. We encourage those who are not selected to contribute more to our city in volunteer service. With that and after careful consideration and on behalf of the council, I move pursuant to Utah Code Section 20A - 1 - 510 to appoint Sherry Kramer as an Interim Council Member for American Fork City; to serve through December 31, 2007. Further, that Sherry Kramer be administered the Oath of Office by Richard Colburn, City Recorder. Afterwhich we ask her to make a few remarks and then take her seat with her welcoming colleagues on the council.

Council Member Dale Gunther seconded the motion with some brief appropriate comments about the applicants and his personal knowledge of their attributes, acknowledging Mrs. Cates and further requesting the citizens service on behalf of our town. After a request for discussion, Council Member Rick Storrs in a light moment asked if we could vote for all 6, whereupon Council Member Heidi Rodeback retorted with a smile that such would be a good political move (or something along those lines, I was kind of distracted). The vote was called . . . all "yeas". 

Council Member Kramer briefly stated how humbling it was to serve on the council. She committed to work hard, to quickly be brought up to speed and to listen to all sides of the issues. (3 great elements . . . work, study and listening. Three wonderful verbs and action words). She also tenderly indicated she would strive to serve as did Jimmy Cates. Council Member Rodeback moved to adjourn and in her first official act, Sherry seconded the motion to adjourn, but really it was an invocation rather than a benediction. She will bring her life experiences, school community council membership and community service with parks and trails to bear; furthering the vibrant threads that make up the wonderful fabric that is our town.

We live, work and play here.

Interim Council Member Applicants

Six AF citizens have submitted their names for consideration for the City Council vacancy. Below is a brief summary in no particular order:

Deborah John - Homemaker. School Community Council member. Timpanogos Choral member.

Sherry Kramer - Homemaker, Bd of Adjustment member, Community Council, Parks Volunteer. BS in elementary Education.

Gary Jensen - Consultant for SGI, Inc. Involved in performance computing technical leadership.

Ginger Hunter - Former Council candidate. Cemetery Board, Library volunteer. Served on other community boards. Involved in the arts.

George Brown, Jr. - Attorney. Former Council member. Main Street American Fork Trustee. Retired Army reserve. Involved in water issues in the community.

Steven Stoker - Elections Specialist, SL County Clerk's Office. Descendent of early AF settlor.

These candidates will give a brief presentation at City Council meeting this Tuesday. The Council will then meet this Thursday to make the appointment. Both meetings start at 7:30 pm at City Hall.

An Announcement . . .

The following is an edited email sent yesterday to elected officials and key city staff of American Fork:

While I would have liked to have visited personally with each of you (and hope to in the near future), this unlikely forum is the most convenient. (Don't you love the personal touch of the electronic age?) I have been considering a bid for a second term on the American Fork City Council. My work though is becoming more demanding. In addition, my youngest child will be a freshman at American Fork Jr. High this fall and I want to be available to watch him play basketball the next 4 years.

I have however, thoroughly enjoyed my association with the citizens, staff and my fellow elected colleagues the past 3 1/2 years. I believe we are on the right track and making progress as a community. I would like to be involved in completing some of the projects and initiatives we have undertaken, as well as some other priorities that will be talked about in the upcoming weeks. I believe I have helped make a difference.

Hence, I am going to ask the public to give me another 4 years on the council, (hey, you need 8 years to do some real damage, right?) I expect this to be my last term if fortunate to be re-elected. I wanted each of you to be aware of this announcement before coming from a third party. I hope I have earned your support. I respect each of you and love being about the work of the people with you.

Sincerely and with best regards,

Shirl

Stan Lockhart, a Good Choice for State GOP Chair

As a state delegate, add my name to the endorsements for Stan Lockhart, who is seeking the chairmanship of the state republican party at the organizing convention this Saturday. Stan has performed in this role as Utah county chair. He knows how to raise money, is well connected and will strike a good balance between open discussion and maintaining control. Mr. Lockhart is in charge of Public Affairs for Micron and is a registered lobbyist. But not to worry, all of the former state chairs including Democrat Randy Horiuchi were paid lobbyists. Stan is married to Becky Lockhart, a republican State Representative and has been deeply involved in grassroots politics for a long time, presently serving on the State Central Committee.

The state chair is responsible for the interaction between the party and the Lt. Governor's Office with regard to elections, makes party appointments, fund raises and serves as the chair for the activities of the GOP State Central Committee.

Stan Lockhart is the man for the job.

Graduation Tidbits

My third child graduated from dear 'ole AF High on Thursday.  Here are some random thoughts from Commencement as well as advice to the grad:

Left to right: Shirl, Allison, Tanner, Leah, Trent and Mindy LeBaron and Shirley LeBaron

1. How about a white background as the graduates walk through the big A? Black on black and red on black just doesn't do it (especially on the 2 big screens).
2. The shorter the speeches the better. In this case they were.
3. The music was tremendous and the senior video well done.
4. Have a faculty member(s) or someone who can pronounce names as they read the graduate names when they walk.
5. For the graduate: Get a JOB, and . . .
6. Admit your big mess ups in life, resolve them and move on.
7. Keep reading...newspapers, novels and biographies.
8. You still have household chores to do. Now unload and load the dishwasher.
9. While you are 18 and have a HS diploma, rules of the household still apply.
10. It is still ok to get up at 7am. The sleeping til noon got old when you were 16.
11. Get ready for your 5 year reunion in 2012. Better get those permanent addresses from your classmates.
12. Remember your parents and siblings read the comments in your yearbook.
13. All that advice from your parents you ignored the last 13 years, take it now.
14. Enjoy this time in your life before you get old, grey and put on weight.
15. We are proud of you. Remember the good times, the bad times are irrelevant.

Rotary Club of AF on the Move

Several Rotary Activities are in the works or have been done....

• In conjunction with UDOT, UTA and AF city, a new bus stop complete with sidewalks and disability ramps has been completed at State Street and 1100 East. This was a Centennial event project, celebrating 100 years of Rotary circa 1905.
• Tomorrow (Saturday) the American Fork Rotary Club is cooking and serving breakfast (for the 3rd year) to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life participants at Lone Peak High School from 6am to 10am. Come by and say hi.
• In 2 weeks SLC welcomes some 40,000 Rotarians from around the world for the 2007 Rotary International Convention.
• The Rotary Club of American Fork has a fairly new official website. Check it out occasionally.
• The First Annual (shouldn't that be INAUGURAL) Back Pack Attack was a success. 82 back packs were gathered by students at Barratt Elementary, then filled with school supplies for Hope Alliance to take to Guatemala and Peru.