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Show SPANISH FORK WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2009 • A l l Covering what matters most New SF hoops coach named SH Softball Namon Bills EDITOR Jeff Cook was born and raised in Lake Shore, graduated from Spanish Fork High School and has spent the past 22 years as a teacher or counselor in Spanish Fork. He loves Spanish Fork High School and he loves basketball, and he'll be combining those interests as the new boys basketball head coach for SFHS. Although he's never coached varsity, Cook has almost 20 years experience both as an assistant and as head coach of the freshman team. He said he was excited to be named head coach for the Dons. "I look forward to this opportunity. I love the school; I love the game of basketball. Spanish Fork's had a pretty good program and I hope to be able to continue it," he said. Cook recognizes that there are challenges coming into this job, coaching a team that played hard this past year, but had a disappointing record. But his philosophy towards basketball is simple. "I think if you love the game and work hard, that's what's needed," he said. Hard work is definitely in the cards for next year's team, starting this summer. Cook said his focus will be on fundamentals and defense, specifically man-to- Namon Bills / Spanish Fork News NEW GUY: The new head basketball coach for SFHS is Jeff Cook, center. Assistant coaches include Matt Christensen, left, and Brian Argyle, right. man defense. 'That's something we really want to try to make the hallmark of our team," he said. Next year Spanish Fork will rejoin Springville and Payson, along with Salem Hills and Maple Mountain, in the 4A ranks. This will bring its own unique challenges with new schools and old rivals. But Cook isn't concerned about other programs. He's confident that by focusing on fundamentals and working hard, everything else will come together. "I want to get the kids to work extremely hard," he said. "If we do that right, other things will fall into place." Cook recognizes that hard work may not always translate into wins, but he's not just interested in victories. He hopes everyone that plays for him will be able to look back on his high school basketball experience as a good one. 'Til hopefully be a positive influence on them," Cook said. SFHS Athletic Director Doug Snell said the school is excited to have Cook as the new head coach. "He's done a heck of a job at the junior high school level " Snell said.^He understands what we need done here. ... We're very excited about this." Alexa Johnson / Spanish Fork News SHUTOUT: The Lady Skyhawks traveled to Orem Monday, March 23, 2009 and tamed the Lady Tigers 15-0. The game ended in five innings due to the mercy rule. The Skyhawks had 16 hits, including a home run by freshman Brooke Ford. Pictured above is Sam Bigler. SF Lacrosse SF Tennis ALA Baseball Namon Bills / Spanish Fork News RESCHEDULED: Due to snow on Thursday, ALA's baseball game against South Summit was rescheduled to Friday, March 20. Down 3-0 in the middle of the third, the Eagles brought the score within one before going down 3-6 in the sixth. The Wildcats scored another run in the top of the seventh and held the Eagles scoreless in the bottom of the inning to take the 7-3 win. Pictured above, ALA's Seth Anderson slides safely into home as the South Summit catcher misses the throw. Samantha Beck / Spanish Fork News SWEEP: On Tuesday, March 24, 2009, Spanish Fork's tennis team welcomed American Fork. The Dons swept the Cavemen 5-0 overall. At first singles, Trevor West, above, won 6-2, 6,2. Colton Sermersheim at second singles, Daniel Soffe at third singles, and Cade Sermersheim and Taylor Christensen at second doubles, all won 6-0 6-0. At first doubles Josh Decker and Tyrel Prior won, 6-0, 6-2. Kate Jar man / Spanish Fork News WINNING WAYS: The SF Lacrosse Warriors have started the season well. The varsity team beat Cottonwood 17-6 and Bear River 14-3. The JV team beat Bear River 2-1. The next home game will be Tuesday, April 7 at 5 p.m. at Spanish Fork High School. Pictured, above is Tanner Porter. SAM'S PREP OF THE WEEK Braden Warren • Senior • Baseball • 3rd base/outfield Braden Warren is feeling good about the baseball season so far, as well he should. The son of Craig and Susan Warren of Salem, Warren has a .680 batting average. Against Taylorsville the hard-hitting senior went 3-3 at the plate, and notched the Dons' first home run of the season. He also had a single and a double, scored three runs and had five RBI. the Oil Change The Crisp family — Alan, Michele, Morris, and Jean are looking forward to meeting you. CASE LOT 552 N. Main • 798-7877 The Spanish Fork News ROCKS Many 'n-Store Regular Hours 6 a.m.-l I p.m. | Closed Sunday 801.723.0500 I 795 N o r t h State Rd. 198, Salem |