San Juan County student athletes receive Academic All-State honors

Four high school student athletes representing San Juan County earned Utah High School Activities Association (UHSAA) Academic All-State honors for the 2022 fall sports season.
To qualify for Academic All-State nominations, the student athletes were required to be seniors with a 4.0 cumulative, non-weighted grade point average (or meet an index score – viewable at uhsaa.org) and be a contributing member of a varsity team.
Congratulations to these excellent student athletes for their hard work and dedication in both scholastic and athletic pursuits.
The UHSAA has presented the Academic All-State Award for over 25 years to recognize students who excel in the classroom as well as in athletic competition. Individuals are selected for the award on the basis of their athletic ability and academic proficiency.
With over 85,000 students participating in high school activities, the Academic All-State Award is the most prestigious honor the UHSAA presents to senior students.
From San Juan High School, Garrett Young was named to the Academic All-State football team, Leah Castellon and Saylor Perkins were honored in girls cross country, and Castellon also received girls soccer honors.
Caden Davis was named to the Academic All-State football team for Monticello High School. We’ll present a profile of each of the honored individuals here, featuring a photo and comments from their respective coaches.

Leah Castellon
San Juan High School Cross Country and Soccer

Head Cross Country Coach Holly Walker: “Leah Castellon is the daughter of Julie Castellon of Blanding. Leah was a member of the cross country team her senior year as well as competing in drill,  track, and soccer each year and doing drama. She is determined and fun to be around, yet has a powerful drive for personal excellence.
“After her first race she was disappointed in her performance but didn’t let that discourage her. She determined she wanted to do better and put her heart and soul into becoming her best cross country runner self and finished the season leading the team at region.
“This girl has both grit and grace and a hilarious sense of humor. There are no boring moments with her on your team.”
Head Girls Soccer Coach Orlo Knight: “Leah is a great leader on and off the field. She shows great character. She is confident, funny, and uplifting of others. She put in the extra effort at ever game. She really cared about her grades and stayed on track even during the soccer season.”

Saylor Perkins
San Juan High School Cross Country

Head Coach Holly Walker: “Saylor Perkins is the youngest child of Decker and Nicole Perkins of Blanding. Saylor was the head girls cross country team captain this season and a co-captain last year.
Saylor ran all four years for the team and does drill, drama, and track. She is an extremely hard worker and pushes herself to do more and be better in every aspect of her life. She’s kind, caring, and smiles even when life is at its toughest.
“She’s the first to volunteer and the last to leave when a project needs to be done. Saylor is a friend to everyone. She dislikes being publicly recognized for her achievements but excels in the classroom and on the course, track, stage, field, or anywhere else she shares her many talents.”

Tug Davis
Monticello High School football

Head Coach Reed Anderson: “Every coach needs a player like Tug on their team. They need a senior leader to set the example both on the field, off the field, and in the classroom. Tug gives all his effort in everything he does, the standard he sets for himself is seen by others, and his teammates want to reach his standard as well. 
“He is very diverse in his education, taking challenging courses as well as excelling in the CTE and hands-on courses. Tug has set himself up for a very successful future with his work ethic and desire to be great. As a football player Tug was early to practice, worked hard, and helped the younger players.
“As a coaching staff we appreciated the example he set on how to be a senior who leaves a legacy. We are proud of his accomplishments!”

Garrett Young
San Juan High School football

Head Coach Barkley Christensen: “Garrett Young was a huge asset to us as a football player and a leader in our program. Garrett made some of the most clutch catches I have ever seen and always seemed to come up big when we needed a big play.
“Garrett is a kid who I have enjoyed coaching because he soaks up everything you coach him to do. Garrett displays this ability to learn and get better not only on the field, but in the classroom. It is no surprise to me that Garrett was named to Academic All-State because of his eagerness to always learn and get better at whatever task he does.
“Garrett is a three-sport athlete and excels at all three all while maintaining a GPA that qualified him for this honor. Our program will miss Garrett, but he is destined for great success after high school. Congrats, Garrett on receiving Academic All-State! Way to be a leader for the players in our program!”

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