UHSAA's Bovee takes college job

After 12 years of advocating for prep sports as an assistant director of the Utah High School Activities Association, Jerry Bovee is graduating to the college ranks.

Instead of supervising state tournaments in wrestling and football, as well as negotiating contracts with television, radio and other sponsors, Bovee will work for Weber State University over administrative support services.

"It's really just a better situation for my family," he said. "It's no nights and weekends, the pay is better and the commute is better. This allows me to still be involved in athletics but at the university level. Ultimately, though, it came down to more time at home."

So instead of overseeing officiating for high school sports, Bovee will be coaching the teams of his own children. He said he's loved his job the past 12 years with high school sports and felt a lot of fulfillment in doing great things for student athletes.

Bovee leaves his position in three weeks, and the UHSAA is already taking applications for his replacement. All applications must be received by noon on April 23, and interviews will be conducted the week of April 30-May 4. Bovee's replacement will tentatively start June 1.

Anyone interested can visit the UHSAA Web site at www.uhsaa.org.

ANOTHER ACCOLADE: Brighton standout Tasha Dickey was named the Gatorade 2006-2007 Utah Girls Basketball Player of the Year. She is now a finalist for the National Gatorade Player of the Year Award to be announced later this month. Dickey was named Ms. Basketball by the Deseret Morning News March 14.

Dickey led the Bengals to a playoff berth and was one of the state's top scorers with an average of 16 points per game. She also averaged eight rebounds, four assists and two steals per game.

The honor student also runs track for the Bengals.

State winners are selected for academic and for exemplary personal character, as well as athletic ability. She is a longtime volunteer in her school's special education program. She also volunteered her time last month for a charity walk sponsored by her church.

Dickey earned a scholarship to play basketball at the University of Arizona.