Mr. Soccer: Alta's Derek Boggs was the engine that made Hawks soar

SANDY — Derek Boggs has always felt a connection to the Alta High soccer program.

Growing up near the high school, there were always older neighbors who played for Alta, and Boggs tried to go watch the big kids play whenever possible.

By the time his freshman year rolled around, Boggs was one of the big kids and he had no problem cracking the Hawks' varsity starting lineup. Four years later, Boggs is leaving Alta as one of the best players in school history, and he's also leaving the program in great shape.

The 6-foot, 180-pound midfielder scored 13 goals and added numerous assists to lead Alta to its first state championship since 2006.

"We played through him. He was kind of the catalyst and engine we played through," said Alta coach Lee Mitchell.

For his many accomplishments, Boggs was the obvious choice for the 2011 Deseret News Mr. Soccer award, becoming the fourth recipient. The previous three awards went to northern Utah players: Viewmont's Colton Cook (2008), Davis' Daniel Hernandez (2009) and Davis' Casey Black (2010).

Whether he was playing attacking midfield when the Hawks needed a goal, or sitting in at defensive mid when they were protecting a lead, Boggs was a beast for his opponents.

For Boggs, leading Alta to the state title was a dream nearly a decade in the making, and another incredible addition to his sparkling resume.

In addition to finishing as a four-year starter at Alta — one of just a handful in school history — Boggs has been a captain of Utah's ODP team for the last five years, and was also captain of the region team a couple of times.

"He grew early so he was fairly mature for a freshman. He was always able to handle himself physically and he's smart enough to understand the game. He's done a good job for us all four years," said Mitchell.

Two years ago, he was an integral part of the Real Salt Lake Under-17 team that finished third at the SUM Cup in Colorado.

Regardless of the situation, Boggs has always been a player who could keep his emotions in check, never getting too high or low. His teammates fed off the calm demeanor.