High school sports: Academic all-stars receive honors

OREM — Bill Anderson never got the chance to play high school sports.

Growing up in the depression, just surviving became his focus. But after he'd achieved success as a Utah County businessman, he made sure the young people of Utah had the opportunities that might not have been his.

For his efforts to champion youth sports, Anderson was honored with the Contribution to Amateur Football Award at the 2010 Scholar-Leader-Athlete Awards Banquet, presented by the Utah Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame. In addition to Anderson, San Diego Chargers and former Utah football player Eric Weddle was awarded the Distinguished American Award and former Delta coach Dean Fowles and official Richard Lohmeyer were honored with the Outstanding Service to High School Football Award.

But the highlight of the banquet held on April 27 at UVU's McKay Event Center was the 14 seniors who were honored for their accomplishments on and off the football field. They received rings, a plaque, an iPod and a $1,000 scholarship for their leadership, academic excellence and athletic efforts.

Anderson was one of the organizers of youth football and baseball in Provo and Orem. He helped organize the Provo City Baseball Council and coached for many years. He also helped organize the Utah Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, helping keep it afloat during tough times.

Anderson summed up the spirit of the event when he quoted legendary coach John Wooten, "You can never have a perfect day without having done something for someone who can never repay you."

Then he admonished the scholar-athletes to do something great with the opportunities that will come thanks to their hard work.

"This is the beginning," he said. "They've laid a great foundation ... Find ways to serve the world."

He said that the scholarships were possible because of the work of thousands who supported organizations like the Utah chapter.

"It takes millions to make it all possible," he said, after thanking his wife of 62 years, Norma Tucker Anderson, and his four children. "In most every case it's because somebody cares about somebody else."