High school football: Ogden's Muniz seizes second chance

OGDEN — For the first time in years, the Ogden Tigers have started the season out with a bang instead of a whimper. No longer a pushover on the gridiron, Ogden currently has the highest-scoring offense in the state and finds itself relevant once again, sporting a 5-2 record and a chance to make some noise in the postseason.

One of the main contributors is senior receiver Shawn Muniz.

The 5-foot-9 wideout is the state's co-leader in touchdown receptions with 11, including four against Logan. Not only is Muniz a force on offense, he also leads the Tigers in interceptions as a defensive back.

Muniz, however, has a secret — a secret that makes all this success a dream come true.

Last year, Muniz was involved in numerous troubling situations, which eventually led to his expulsion from Ogden High.

"I got in trouble," Muniz said. "I didn't care about things. I just cared about whatever made me happy. I didn't care about the team last year. I was selfish."

Muniz found his life spinning out of control. Due to a series of situations, many of which were beyond his control, Muniz found himself homeless, without an outlet to turn things around.

As he was entering his senior year of high school and on the brink of losing everything he loved because of a few bad decisions, Muniz turned to what he knew best — football.

At certain schools, players who attend an alternative school, such as Washington High where Muniz is currently enrolled, are still allowed to play on athletic teams. Knowing this, Muniz knew he had a shot to turn his life around.

Second-year Ogden coach Eric Eyre and his brother, Ian, were aware of his situation when he showed up for football tryouts, and what they did next shocked a community.

The Eyres looked deep within their hearts and graciously offered to take him in.

"Me and Eric sat down and decided this was probably what was best for him in the long run," said assistant coach Ian. "You can't really count on someone else's parents enforcing rules with someone who's not their kid. Eric told him that it was the best thing for him, and I stood behind it."