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Show Mmh Stite Earnests Antkei? hved By KEITH DUNCAN Journal Sports LAYTON It wasn't a show, according to Kenny Heath, that culminated in him landing a spot on the prestigious Florida State baseball team. Says Kenny about it all, "If there was ever a team effort, it came right one-ma- n here." WITH HEATH'S signature on the letter-o- f intent, it marks the second consecutive year that the Scminoles have transplanted a Layton High baseball player to its program. First it was Alan Gentry, w ho after a brilliant career with the Lancers in 1982, exited Utah and drifted south fora spot with Florida State. ITS PROBABLY the dream of any high school player to get a chance to play major college baseball, and my dream has certainly come true so far," said Heath who leaves for his first trip ever to Florida this Saturday. "But I couldn't have done this by myself. Without some unbelievable support from my parents (Tom and Jan Heath), from Coach (Brad) Hawkins and from Alan (Gentry), I'd still be playing American Legion ball and hoping for the best when Snow College's season rolls around. A lot of people have contributed to this, stated Heath. THERES NO question that Gentrys success with the Florida team enhanced the thoughts of the Florida people that Utah might have another diamond in the rough. "I know Alan has told them I could play defense and hit pretty well, but I think it was the letters sent by Coach Hawkins to Coach Marden and the personal phone calls in my behalf, that swayed Florida State into offering me a scholarship and taking their chances. Kenny Heath is off to play baseball at Florida State. This is his final week in Utah before taking off. He and his good friend, Gwen Greenhaulgh, are pictured here. By KEITH AFTERALL, theyd taken Hawkins word same groove of competition that Jennifer was already a part of. DUNCAN Journal Sports - Two Layton youth. Matt DeLAYTON nning and Jennifer Gooch, make up an interesting athletic story as well as a talented duo that will compete in the upcoming Western Regional Junior Olympics in Provo. THE PAIR, who have become fairly good friends in recent years, qualified at last Saturdays state Junior Olympics track meet at Alta High for the upcoming regional meet at BYU. Both of them perform in the 10 to 11 age bracket and doing top notch in the sprints has become a trademark. Matt claimed first places in three of the states events, including the 100, 200 and 400 meters. Jennifer didnt fare bad either, taking a first in the 200 meters, a second in the 400 and along with three Ogden girls, took first place in the mile relay. BOTH MATT and Jennifer are members of Ogdens Windrunners Running Club, which includes nearly 60 runners on its rosters. Some of Matts and Jennifers friends that just narrowly missed qualifying were Mike Valdez who placed sixth in the 14 to 15 year old 100 meters, Jennifers older brother Mike who placed fifth in the 12 to 13 year old 800 meters, and Kaydee Oviatt who placed second in the 1 00 meter preliminaries but because of a pulled muscle, couldnt run the day of the finals. The first time Matt and Jennifer met was under pretty normal conditions, but by the end of their first meeting, Matt had discovered the "JENNIFER soon found out she enjoyed the sprints rather than the longer races. It seems the 400 meters is just about her limit in distance. Its amazing at how track has helped her coordination, said Mrs. Gooch. Two summers ago, Jennifer excelled in the Hershey competition and earned the right to go back to the national competition in West Virginia. ITS BEEN fun, Jennifer admitted, I just like to beat my old times. Jennifer is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Gooch. running partner through the years has been his own dad. Mrs. Denning explained, Don and Matt have made running a part of their relationship. If they couldnt run in the winter because of cold weather, you would find them at the church. Theyve been getting up at 6 oclock and running for an hour, then coming home to get ready for school and work. THE BOUNTIFUL Youth Track Club earned 695 team points in the meet to becomet the Utah Junior Olympics Championship Team. The Sandy Stnders Club finished second with a team score of 567. The Murray Spartans with 418 points. 10-1- The Bountiful team, under 1 boys, Shane the direction of Head Coach walk; 1500 race walk. 32 in first DuBois, placed Lynn 3 girls, Jerry Ruebel, of 68 team events. Sixty-tw- o Andermembers who participated in 3000 race walk; Ginger son, 80 meter hurdles, 200 the meet placed in the top three meter hurdles; Amy Sessions, in events, which qualifies them 3 3000 meter run. boys, to compete in the five state Re3000 race Scheel, Michael this held be to meet year gion walk; Brian Larson, shot put. m BYU Cougar Stadium. 5 girls, Elizabeth Taylor, FIRST place results for the 800 meter run; Holly Nelson, Kir-kha- 10-1- 12-1- 12-1- 14-1- "THERE WASNT anyone that first year that didn't know we had a great leader to follow. "Personally, hes given me confidence that has molded my life together. He not only taught me how to grow into a baseball player, but also taught me how to be a gentleman in school. "HE ALSO motivated us to work hard. Through the winter wed wonder why we had to work so hard for baseball which was months away, but all of a sudden we were in the state tournament. Each year it got better and better," said Heath. Heath is hoping to continue his wilding hitting and precision defensive tactics into college. His sophomore year at Layton he hit .443, then .575 as a junior and .464 as a senior. All of that included three home runs and four triples in his first four games as a junior. HEATH proved he was valuable anywhere on the field during his Layton days. As a junior he picked up four victories from the pitching mound and could man any other position when he was called to. The next thing on his agenda, is to do it with the big boys. into running competition with the summer began program offered by the Layton City Recreation Department. She and her older brother, Mike, found the running lanes at Layton High to be one fine place to spend the summer vacations. YOUNG MATT has been running since the age of 8 and without much question, his best team were: 9 and under boys, Gavin Malcom, long jump; Scott Keate, 800 meter run and 1 1500 meter run; girls, Charlene Manful, 1500 race "IM HOPING to learn the system quick and prove myself by working hard. Maybe then, everything will fall into place. One hundred thirty games is a lot of games and I think I can fit in there some place, said Heath. Kenny, who under Hawkins, won two of three region championships at Layton High. Now he rebounds into a class college program that year in and year out ranks among the top 20 baseball clubs in America. "They play so many games, they have to be good, said put together. "You know, the guy Ill never be able to repay back is Coach Hawkins. He came to Layton the first year I came and didn't waste anytime in getting our respect and helping us win a region championship. Jennifers sprout The Layton pair have become pretty competitive in the spring races and this Saturday in the states Hershey competition, they should be a threat there too. For the past six weeks, theyve been running together in junior Olympic and TAC (The Athletic Congress) meets every Saturday morning. took third with 476 points, followed by fourth place American Fork North Valley Strid-er- s HEATH leaves Saturday for Florida and after only a few days there, will be off to Atlanta where he'll get a chance to ride a bus with the team as they visit Georgia for a summer tournament. Gentry had followed the same line of entry just a year ago. Heath, who as a youngster lived back east in Washington, D.C., doesn't anticipate jumping in and starting his first year there. He figures however that since the Seminoles play 130 games a year, that no catcher in the league that can do that many games per year. HEATH WASNT offered much in way of scholarships by many Utah colleges, except for Steve Gardner who leads the program at Snow College. Florida State sent him more information on its campus than B YU and Utah self-imag- e. javelin. 5 boys, Craig Carter, shot put. 7 girls. Laura Zaugg, 200 meter run; 100 meter hurdles, 400 meter run; Sharon Anderson, 400 meter 7 hurdles. boys, Jon Warner, 200 meter run; 100 meter run; Dave Chowen; 1 10 meter hurdles; 400 meter hurdles; Ricky Smith, 400 meter run; Mark Law, javelin; David Titensor, shot put and discus. 14-1- The Bountiful Youth Track Club, organized this year by the Bountiful Jaycees, recently competed in the TAC sanctioned Junior Olympics Utah State Track Meet held at Alta High School. "DAD HAS done everything he could to get me down there. It's been a dream of his to see me go to college and play some ball at the same time, said the graduated Layton star. Ken appears a bit relieved that he'll know at least one person in Florida, "because knowing just one guy takes away some of the scary feelings a kid can have," said Heath. Heath. "And they play the best competition around." The Seminoles made it to the NCAA tournament this past spring and summer but were eliminated. "ITS ENJOYABLE to see them so close in something like this." Don and Matt have run in several local marathons in the past few years. Mrs. Denning continued, "I know Eton is really excited about Matts chances at BYU on the 15th and 16th of July. The only thing were worried about is whether Matts foot will bother him. He may have sprained or broken a toe just before the state meet last Saturday, but he ran anyway and won those three races. Were hoping the diagnosis is good. THE DENNINGS are quite pleased with how running competition has helped their sons IT HAPPENED one day that Matt and his dad. Dr. Don W. Denning, were working out together on the Layton track when they met Jennifer and her parents. It all led to an innocent race between Jennifer and Matt, in which Jennifer pulled out a victory. They raced a second time and Matt won that one. They called it even, but in the conversation that ensued, Matt discovered the world of junior Olympic competition and the Ogden Windrunners. It wasnt long after that, before he became involved. Bountiful Track Club Dominates Summers Junior Olympic Meet for it on Alan and look w hat he did. Alan w ent down (here and eventually started in right field, hit over .350 and led the team in stolen bases, Heath continued. "But after Florida sent me a letter and let me know they were interested in what I could do, it boils down to dad and mom forking out a lot of bucks for me to go down there initially. The plane tickets and the rent to get started, aren't cheap. 16-1- 16-1- team of Dave Chowen, Gary Bridges, Ken Jones and Ricky Smith. In the 5 boys division the 4x800 relay was won by the team of Con Fox, Jim Rampton, Darren Dean and Mike Nelson. In the 9 and under girls division Brenda Ward placed 6th in the 200 meter run and 4th in the 400 meter run. 14-1- THE 9 and under boys division Danny Flores placed IN THE 5 boys division, 2nd in the 1500 meter race the 4x100 sprint relay was won walk. Gavin Malcom placed by the team of Matt Bombard, 3rd in the 200 meter run and 4th Craig Carter, Michael Steed in the 100 meter run. Philip and Todd Malcom. In the 9 and under boys division the 4x400 Tate placed 2nd in the 400 meter run. relay was won by the team of Patrick Gee placed 4th in the Paul Servey, Philip Tate, Pat400 meter run and 5th in the rick Gee and Scott Keate. 800 meter run. Paul Servey 3 In the boys division placed 2nd in the 1500 meter the 4x400 relay was won by the run. David Baggett placed 5th team of Tyler Gee, Brian Larin the long jump. Lance Oscar-so- n son, Adam Bombard, and Phil placed 5th in the shot put. Neve. In the 5 boys division the 4x400 relay was won 1 IN THE girls division Melanie Clements placed 6th by the team of Darren Tuttle; in the 400 meter run. Ryan Young, Steve Martinez and Dave Clark. 1 In the boys division Mike Long placed 4th in the IN THE 7 boys division 1500 meter race walk. Chad the 4x400 relay was won by the Buhrley placed 2nd in the pen LN 14-1- 12-1- 14-1- 10-1- 10-1- 16-1- Matt Denning and Jennifer Gooch will participate July 15th and 16th at BYU in the Western Regionals of the TAC sponsored Junior Olympics. Matt took first place in the 10 to 1 1 year olds 100, 208 and 400 meters in the state meet. Jennifer was tops in the 200 meters and in the mile relay with three other Ogden girls. tathlon. Darrell Wright placed 5th in the 100 meter run and 5th in the long jump. David McBride placed 4th in the 400 meter run and 2nd in the 800 meter run. Mike Chamberlain placed 5th in the discuss. 3 IN THE girls division Jerry Ruebel placed 4th in the shot put. Amy Wall placed 3rd in the 200 meter run and 3rd in the 100 meter run. Rachelle Clements placed 3rd in the 400 meter run and 3rd in the high jump. Amy Sessions placed 2nd in the 1500 meter run. Jina Sanone placed 3rd in the long jump. Teresa Janecki placed 2nd in the shot put. 3 In the boys division Tyler Gee placed 5th in the 200 meter run. Adam Bombard placed 3rd in the 400 meter run. Brian Larson placed 4th in the 400 meter run. Joe Doucette placed 3rd in the javelin and 2nd in the high jump. 12-1- 12-1- 5 IN THE girls division Denese Christensen placed 5th in the 200 meter run and 3rd in the 100 meter run. Stephanie Clements placed 2nd in the 400 meter run. Elizabeth Tayler 14-1- placed 5th in the 400 meter run. Holly Nelson placed 3rd in the shot put. In the 5 boys division Con Fox placed 3rd in the stee14-1- ple chase. Michael Steed placed 3rd in the 200 meter run and 4th in the 100 meter run. Matt Bombard placed 4th in the 200 meter run and 2nd irt the 100 meter run. 200 meter run and 5th in the 100 meter run. Bill Vanotti placed 6th in the 100 meter run and 4th in the 100 meter hur- dles. Ken Jones placed 2nd in the 800 meter run. Mike Allen placed 3rd in the 1500 meter run. Morgan Nelson placed 4th in the long jump and 2nd in the high jump. Tim Jones placed 2nd in the pole vault. In the 1 boys division 10-1- CRAIG Carter placed 3rd in the 1 00 meter run and 3rd in the 400 meter run, plus placed 2nd in the discuss. Todd Malcom placed 2nd in the 110 meter hurdles and 3rd in the triple jump. Steve Martinez placed 4th in the 110 meter hurdles, 3rd in the 400 meter hurdles, and 5th in the javelin. Ryan Young placed 2nd in the 400 meter run. Darren Tuttle placed 3rd in the 800 meter run and 5th in the 1500 meter run. Jim Rampton placed 2nd in the 400 meter hurdles. Ryan Handley placed 3rd in the pole vault. Mike Doucette placed 4th in the javelin. Andrew Dity placed 3rd in the discus. THE 7 boys division Gary Badges placed 3rd in the LN 16-1- the 4x400 relay team of Michael Chamberlin, Phillip Martinez, Shane Kirkham, and Darrell Wnght placed 3rd. In the girls 3 division the 4x400 relay team of Ginger 12-1- Anderson, Leslie Nielsen, Amy Wall, and Jina Sanone placed 3rd. IN THE 3 boys division the 4x100 relay team of Adam 12-1- Bombard, Tyler Gee, Brian Larson, and Phil Neve placed 3rd. In the 5 girls division the 4x100 relay team of Denese Christensen, Jan Black, Tina Tuttle, and Elizabeth Tayler placed 3rd. In the boys division the 4x100 relay team 14-1- 16-2- 7 of Bill Vanotti, David Chowen, Gary Bridges, and Jon Warner placed 2nd. |