Sports

High school graduates represent San Juan County in collegiate competition

by Rhett Sifford Sports Editor Many elite high school athletes currently call San Juan County home or did so at one time. There are 13 graduates of San Juan County high schools who are currently competing at the collegiate level or will soon begin their collegiate careers. The oldest on the list is...

Sweet hangs on for Hideout Amateur victory, Toneys win Shootout

by Jeff Simon Hideout Golf Course PGA Professional It was a come-from-behind victory for Michael Sweet in the Hideout Amateur this past Saturday, August 8 in Monticello. The St. George resident, despite a hiccup on the final hole, shot a one-under-par 71 Sunday to capture the annual tournament...

Lisa and Dave Anderson (left) defeated Isaac Boone and Dylan Knight to win the pickleball tourney. Courtesy photo

Pioneer Day Activity Results

Results from a fun weekend of events at the Monticello Pioneer Day Celebration:

Victory Martial Arts Monticello brought home a host of awards and accolades from the United States Karate Alliance World Championships and finished ninth in the nation in their first competitive season. Members of the team include: (top row, left to right) Jaylynn Mooneyhan, Taylynn Christensen, Tina Christensen, Ben Christensen, Cael Christensen, Michelle Trevizo, Vic Mooneyhan, Dillon DeMille, Daniel DeMille. Bottom: Grace Bushore, Skyler Mooneyhan, Carol Van Steeter, Sensei Mark Colgan, and Jill Pearson

Victory Martial Arts Monticello shines at World Champs

Less than one year after opening its doors in August 2025, Victory Martial Arts Monticello completed an exceptional first competitive season in the United States Karate Alliance (USKA). Competing against athletes from across the United States and around the world at the 2026 United States Karate...

Wyatt Toney, who hails from Moab, has won the annual Monticello Pioneer Day Long Drive Competition every year he has entered the contest. This year was no exception as he was victorious with a 377-yard drive. Courtesy photo

Wyatt Toney continues long-drive dominance

It’s the same old story every year. Wyatt Toney makes the drive from hometown Moab down to the Hideout Golf Club and wins the annual Pioneer Day Long Drive Competition. Toney has won the annual contest every year he’s competed in it, but this year was his best effort ever. The Westminster College...

Zlotoff, Carling win fast, competitive Monticello Pioneer Day 5K race

Phinees Zlotoff cruised into Monticello from Gilbert, AZ, this past Saturday, July 25, pacing the field of 79 to win the annual Blue Mountain Pioneer Day 5K, crossing the line in a blistering 17:42.7. Zlotoff’s time was nearly a minute quicker than the 2025 champion’s run and was also tops among...

San Juan High School running back Jagger Nieves made a huge impact for his team on the football field, not only in 2025, but throughout his high school career. He was named the top running back in the state of Utah for 2025 by the Deseret News on June 8. Boston Bowers photos

Nieves earns top running back honors at Deseret News High School Sports Awards

by Rhett Sifford Sports Editor Jagger Nieves was the best running back in the state of Utah in 2025. That’s according to the Deseret News, which named him the top running back in its list of football most outstanding athletes. Nieves was among more than 170 student athletes representing 64...

San Juan ranked first in 2A preseason coaches poll, Monticello and Whitehorse top 5 in 8-player classification

by David Boyle News Director Three San Juan County teams are in the top five preseason coaches rankings for football. Leading the way are the San Juan Broncos who are looking for a sixth straight title in the 2A classification. The Deseret News published the coaches rankings, noting the Broncos...

San Juan earns second place in 2A All-Sports Awards, Monticello finishes fifth in 1A

by Rhett Sifford Sports Editor San Juan High School teams combined to earn second place in the Utah 2A classification this season in the Deseret News 2025-26 All-Sports Awards competition. The Broncos won state championships in football and boys track and field, tallying 69 total points to finish...

Adilyn Huber aims for a hole-in-one during a summer junior clinic at the Hideout Golf Club. Kids ages 6-14 can learn the game of golf in a fun environment in the final junior camp of the season August 3-5. Jeff Simon photo

Gear up for several competitions at the Hideout Golf Club in coming weeks

by Jeff Simon Hideout Golf Club PGA Professional Everybody digs the long ball, especially on the golf course. Golfers forever have been on a quest to hit the golf ball as far as they possibly can. On Saturday, July 25 they can compete for prize money to do just that – hit the golf ball farther than...