Coaches looking for ways to showcase football players in spring

The state's high school football coaches would like to be able to run drills without pads a couple of weeks earlier.

"College coaches are coming to the schools, and it would be good for them to see the kids actually doing something," said East head football coach Aaron Whitehead, who is the past-president of the Utah Football Coaches Association. "We don't want to interfere with spring sports at all."

That's why the association is putting forth a proposal to make the change after the state track meet each spring. This year, the state track meet is scheduled for May 16 and 17. Whitehead said that would still give college recruiters a couple of weeks to see players running drills against their teammates, albeit without pads.

The group approved a proposal at this weekend's annual meeting and coaches clinics which will go to the state's athletic directors. If they approve, then it will be presented to the Utah High School Activities Association.

Also as part of the annual gathering, Weber State University coach Ron McBride was honored with a lifetime achievement award.

"He was honored for his tremendous support of and impact on football in the state of Utah," said Whitehead, whose term as president ended Saturday. Judge head football coach James Cordova is the group's new president.

LOCAL ATHLETES SIGN: Jordan stand-out Bev Smith signed a letter of intent to play basketball for Westmister College last week.

"Westminster was my first choice," said Smith, who was named to the 2008 All-Tournament Team after helping Jordan to the semifinals. "It is where I wanted to go the most. It is a really, really good four-year school. I wanted to stay in-state, and with a four-year school, I won't need to worry about transferring after two years, so this worked out perfect for me."

Smith said the Griffins' two national appearances in the last four years impressed her, and she will likely continue to play the three or four position, which "is where I feel most comfortable. I feel this is a great fit for me."

Joining Smith at Westminster is Salt Lake Community College's McKenzie Jessop, who graduated from Murray High. She committed to Westminster last week after averaging 5.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game for the Bruins.

Rich High point guard Brittani Groll signed a letter of intent to play basketball for Central Wyoming College next year. The two-time first-team all-state award winner chose the junior college because she was impressed with the program's coach.