Student athletes earn Academic All-state tabs

Six local high school student athletes earned Utah High School Activities Association (UHSAA) Academic All-state honors for the 2021 fall sports season.

From San Juan High School, Tyler Bayles was named to the Academic All-state football team, Sofie Hook and Caroline Crippen were honored in girls cross country, and Ashlyn Bake and Elizabeth Pugh received girls soccer honors.

Tate Ramsay was named to the Academic All-state football team for Monticello High School.

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.

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 more than 85,000 students participating in high school activities, the Academic All-State Award is the most prestigious honor the UHSAA presents to senior students.

Caroline Crippen
San Juan High School cross country
Head Coach Holly Walker said, “Caroline Crippen is the daughter of Craig and Miko Crippen of Blanding.

“Caroline was a member of the cross country team her freshman and senior years as well as competing in drill all four years.

“She is graceful, determined, fun to be around, and can laugh at herself one moment while shattering your expectations the next.

“Caroline’s not sure how she got talked into giving cross country a second chance. It was well-known she didn’t love running her freshman year, but our team was infinitely glad she did.

“Caroline is stronger and faster than she thinks, and my only regret was I didn’t get to have her on the team all four years.

“Since her freshman year, Caroline has gained confidence and poise. She understands more of what she can do and is willing to give her best.

“Caroline is an outstanding young lady and a great example of San Juan High’s finest student athletes.”

Elizabeth Pugh
San Juan High School girls soccer
Elizabeth Pugh enjoys playing the piano, playing sports, watching thriller movies, and playing board games.

After high school, she plans to go to Snow College, major in Music, become a Music teacher, get married, and have a family.

One of her favorite memories was when she scored a goal from the middle of the field over the top of the goalie.  

Head Coach Jay Jones said, “Elizabeth was one of our captains this year. She played forward and mid-field and was our leading scorer.

“Though she battles asthma, every game she gave her all, even when it was hard to breathe.

“She was very good with her teammates as well and was very good at communicating. Elizabeth’s presence on and off the field is fantastic. 

She works very hard at school and at all she does.”

Ashlyn Bake
San Juan High School girls soccer
Ashlyn Bake loves  reading and baking.

She plans to attend BYU-Hawaii and major in Business Management after high school.

One of her favorite memories from soccer is the Real Salt Lake camp they were able to attend a few years ago.

Head Coach Jay Jones said, “Ashlyn was one of our captains this year. She is very driven and dedicated to everything she does. 

“She is currently serving as student body president at San Juan High School. 

“A couple of the reasons that she was chosen as a captain is her ability to lead by example and her ability to connect with the other girls. 

“She gave everything she had during the games. We have been very fortunate to have her on our team.”

Tate Ramsay
Monticello High School football

Head Coach Reed Anderson said, “Tate is a great all-around person. He participates in many different parts of the school which is what helps him bring a unique perspective to each of his activities that he participates in.

“In addition to football, he participates in student government, drama, and is a sterling scholar. He puts great effort into understanding the ‘why’ of concepts rather than just memorization which has served him well. 

“Students see him as a leader, so they not only elected him as a student body officer but as a Captain of the football team as well. 

“As part of the football team, I have been able to use him in many different positions over the years as he picks up each individual position well. Having a player that can play any position allows us to make the best changes for the team when someone was hurt, or we needed different matchups or things like that.

“It was always comforting to know that Tate could be put in a different spot and still perform his best. Making Academic All-state is no small feat. You either have to have a 4.0 grade point average or be very high on a matrix that combines ACT score with GPA. 

“The new way they calculate it really limits the amount of entries. Tate is our first in the new system, and dedication to his studies is the reason he was able to perform at a high level academically as well.

“As coach and teacher, you are very grateful for students who put effort into their studies to make sure they understand the material and they aren’t falling behind. Tate certainly is at the top of this group.”

Tyler Bayles
San Juan High School football
Head Coach Barkley Christensen said, “Tyler Bayles is an exceptional young man who is the epitome of a ‘student athlete.’ Everything the kid does he does with 110% effort.

“He always goes that extra mile whether it’s in the classroom, weight room, on the field, or just building relationships with others.

“As an athlete, he stands at 5’9” and weighs 170 pounds (soaking wet). That is relatively small for about any position on the football field other than a defensive back or wide receiver.

“Tyler not only played but excelled at right tackle for us! We had a left-handed quarterback, so the right tackle is his blindside protector. Tyler did a phenomenal job because of his effort and heart that he gives.

“He may not have been the biggest, but that just speaks volumes about how hard he tried and worked every single down.

“He also played with a big heart on the defensive side of the ball, finishing with 16 sacks and 74 tackles.

“Tyler also brings that big heart and 110-percent effort in the classroom. He is a 3.9 student and very well behaved. He asks questions and does whatever is asked of him.

“He is respectful and his character shows in all aspects of his life. I completely enjoyed teaching and coaching Tyler. I hope I receive more kids like him in our program.

“Always give your best effort, be respectful, and do your best with what you have!

“We will miss him next year on the field and in the classroom. Great work on being Academic All-state!”

Sofie Hook
San Juan High School cross country
Head Coach Holly Walker said, “Sofie Hook is the youngest daughter of Jim and LuAnne Hook of Bluff. She is a leader athletically and in student council at San Juan High.

“She was the head girls cross country team captain this season and a co-captain last year. Sophie leads her teammates with a strong work ethic, kindness, and enthusiasm. She is loved by her team.

“She is thoughtful yet organized and was an essential element in bringing together our girls team this year to go to state.

“At the beginning of the season, she was instrumental in helping to recruit new teammates and help them feel welcome, learn the ropes, and feel like important parts of the team.

“Sofie is down-to-earth, smart, positive, and fun to be around. She is a strong and consistent runner who loves to mentor younger members of both the cross country team and the running club.

“She knows how to do hard things like have patience and look for alternative training when injured or ill.

“She’s been a strong part of the team all four years she has run for San Juan cross country and has a maturity far beyond her years.

“Sofie will succeed at whatever she sets her mind to, even if the path is rough and full of obstacles.”