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Show - Page46A THE HERALD, Provo, Utah, Thursday, August 30, 19S4 Local Players to Aid Rebels Defend ICAC Crown By RAY SCHWARTZ Herald Sports Writer ST. GEORGE - Dixie College's faces a football team big challenge in 1984, but coach Greg Croshaw and his Rebel troops are confident they 'll be equal to it. The Reb, in 1982, capped a brilliant year in 1983 by tying for the Intermountain Colleerte Athletic Conference title . a then went on to whip Phoenix College, in the Valley of the Sun 5-- 5 17-1- 0, Bowl. Croshaw figures the road could be tougher this year, simply be- cause of last year's success (some fans called it the Rebels' best season ever) and that means the Dixie club won't be able to sneak up on anybody. "Last year was kind of a surprise," says the former Green Bay Packer, who is going into his third year as the Dixie mentor. "We came off a so-s-o season with basically the same team. The results were very rewarding." But he thinks his team will have as good a shot as any other to win the ICAC title and receive another bowl bid. "The race for the crown looks wide open this year," he emphasized. "Ricks will be excellent, Snow College should be very good and I think we can become a fine football team. I don't see anyone as the clear cut favorite." Still, the fact remains the Rebels have their work cut out for them after losing several key players off last year's outstanding club. The offensive unit was particularly hard-hi- t, losing three top wide receivers. Joe Boxley, the nation's leading pass catcher in the junior college ranks last season, is gone, while Ron Wade has taken time off to go on an LDS Church mission and John Smiley has left as well. As far as the wide receiver spot is concerned 9 Croshaw will start from scratch with not a single letterman returning. And the three best runners on last year's team, Marcus Brown, Jorden Christenson and Fine Unga, all have departed. Christenson is a former Timpview High player and Unga came out of Provo High. There is a bright side, however, which is the reason for the optimism at the Dixie grid camp. For one thing, Todd Reeves, fourth in the nation in total offense last year on the jaycee level, returns alson with 11 other starters. The Rebels look tough defensively, thanks in a large measure to a Utah County connection. The defensive leader this year is expected to be Dave White (6-275), a Lehi grad who was and last year. "No doubt about it," says Croshaw, who has an overall record of 14-- 7 at Dixie, "Dave will be our defensive leader. He's tough just a hard-nose- d player." White is already being courted by several big time college teams, including some Pac-1- 0 powers. Mike Busch, a Mountain View alumnus, returns at free safety. "Mike is a very steady performer," Croshaw says. "He'll be our quarterback in the second- ered a fine wide receiver. Mike Turner, a 5 offensive guard, and Doug Sendobry of Woods Cross, a defensive standout, are expected to be two more Dixie mainstays. Dixie also has added two players to its coaching staff this season. Pete VanValkenburg, a former standout runner for the Cats, will coach the running 6-- backs while Dlito l 1M4 riiMc: 1 BYl J St at Kdslrfn Anuxu sept tftnltra Srpt i at Mrs community College Stv ?2 Spt Ti at 1.1.1 wide receiver Kent Tingey will handle the -- ex-C- quarterbacks. The Rebels open their season at home against the BYU Junior Varsity on Sept. 1, but then play three of their next four weekends on the road. They will open their Ort "twt l conference season against the College of Eastern Utah on Sept. 29 in 'V 3 Thuf ' - at lullegtr mmt - (TL at Snw l!tf:e - Klrti iMlrt Stale JV t I 4intefM f (Minn Hume. 4,4inr in buidlare C n ary." Other Utah Valley players, who could play major roles for the Rebels are Orem High's Mike Gammell, Mountain View's Aaron Vaetoe, and Springville's Chris Child and Darren Cluff. Gammell (6-190) is the top 1, freshman quarterback prospect on the team with an extremely powerful throwing arm and could develop into one of the better passers in the ICAC. Vaetoe could be an anchor on the offensive line and Croshaw feels he could be a starter. Vaetoe stands 5 and weighs 270. d deChilds is a fensive back and Cluff is consid- - I 6-- highly-regarde- Lassie,- Calling all customers! Toyota Truck prices may never be lower. Special incentives from Toyota on 4x4s, Xtracabs and Standard Beds can save you big bucks! It's a crime the way we're moving them out. Steal Youi Toyota Truck Deal Now Offer is for a limited time only. 7T"iW rt ( S X S f on JL r"Vn kW mm H 1 I m I m ES m I mm I 1 1 TOYOTA t Sales. 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