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Show SportstoculQf wM QJties October 18, 1979 Page ffiiidhiesm stiAes Stt Btidh by Keith Dnncan Clearfield High's finest seasons in basketball and football produced two of the most talented athletes in the school's history. And the University of Utah couldnt be happier. Back in 1967, it was Kenny Gardner who led the Falcons to the state basketball title and entered the University of Utah ranks. Later he made the Gardner name prominent in the European pro basketball cir. cuit. But now it's Rob Richeson that is doing his thing for the U. of U. each Saturday evening. It was Richeson who led Clearfield to its most memorable football season, an 3 record and a third place finish in state. With that Robbie signed a letter of intent to play four years at the University of Utah. Now in his Junior year he is happy but cant wait for the lid to uncap the best of what he has to offer. I couldnt be happier about coming to Salt Lake, said the former Clearfield ace; 1 wouldnt trade my decision for anything. Presently Robbie alternates with Sam Baldwin at the 8-- fullback position and before injury problems were taken care of, he saw action at tailback. With Tony Lindsey, Del Rogers and Louis Walker back and healthy at tailback, Rob is content to play fullback. I wasnt going to come back last fall because of a few problems but things worked out and Im really enjoying myself. As far as the team goes, we had some injuries early which has hurt our season but were coming back, said Richeson. The Utes will have Lindsey, Rogers, Baldwin and Richeson all back next season, which Richeson says pleases him. I feel confident in what Im doing with the team right now. See in the fall I had the starting fullback position but I lost it by coming back late. Just now Ive felt better about stepping back in and getting my position back, he noted. - ' ' Memorable Days Last season as sophomore Richeson scored the winning touchdown against Utah State and was named the Player of the Game.' - The Utes then got the ball back with five minutes remaining and they gave the pigskin to Rob eight times straight to run out the clock and secure the victory. As far as a personal achievement, that meant a lot to me, said Richeson, but the greatest team moment came by beating BYU last season. ' Richeson feels hes accomplished something by coming to Utah and playing major college football. Youve always got to be on top because there is always somebody that wants to get you out. You can never rest," he said. The former is majoring in commercial physical education and hopefully plans on opening his own sporting goods business someday. I diont particularly want to become a coach, said - Richeson. Thaws a lot of satisfaction in coaching, but the money isnt there and the family life isnt the all-stat- er greatest. Sports has its sacrifices, Im finding that out right Im usually going to school from 8 to 12 in the morning and then practice takes from 3 to 10 some evenings with meetings. It doesnt leave much time for anything else. Loved Clearfield Richeson relived a few memories of playing in Clearfield a few years back and saw the 3 record and the undefeated region season as a goal for future teams to set. Most people know that college football is quite a step from high school. Things go quicker, theres more talent, but the biggest thing is that an offense is offense and a defense is a defense, no one goes two ways, he said. Richeson credits the graduated Mike Mosley with teaching him most about his running. He was great and itll be hard for a lot of guys to forget him, he noted. As far as beating BYU last season, Richeson figures the Utes can do it again this season. Itll be one heck of a game, he said. So regardless of what anyone might say, Richeson is happy and whether it be because of football or the thoughts of someday getting his degree, his face usually carries a big smile. ndw. 8-- and con Edwards. victory over Utah STEADY FACE OF CONCENTRATION is portrayed by BYU's LaVell fidence His Cougars flew to State last Saturday Cougars a 48-2- in 4 Lopan. dip Aggias Continued from PogelO Edwards of the team's performance; Offensively, we played as well as we ever had. I thought we were flawless." Defensively, we kept them out of the end zone most of the time, which is what we had to do," said Edwards in praise of the BYU defenders. The Utah State game also produced another offensive wrinkle for the Cougars. Quarderhack Marc Wilson used the t several times, and that may be BYU of the attack part against Wyoming. Physically, the Cougars came out of the game at Logan without any serious injuries. Cornerback Dave Francis, who also does most of BYUs suffered a painful ankle injury, and for awhile it looked I ike it might be a fracture. But Monday's training room report indicated there was no break, and Francis should see action Saturday in Laramie. . roll-ou- punt-returnin- g, has seen action in all of the Univarsity of Utah's savan games this season, playing as a junior fullback for Coach Wayne Howard. ROB RICHESON 11 |