Sports

Local athletes competing at the next level part two

We missed three 2026 graduates in our August 5 story on local athletes competing at the collegiate level. Keezie Flannery graduated from San Juan High School and will begin her volleyball career at Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne, Wyoming this fall. Monument Valley graduate Dakotah Cly...

The scene after the San Juan Bronco football team earned their fifth straight 2A state championship on November 15, 2026. Boston Bowers photo

San Juan football team opens season with sights set on a sixth straight championship

by Rhett Sifford Sports Editor The standard for the San Juan High School football team has become almost impossible to raise. For the past five years the Broncos have finished their season the same way – as 2A Utah State Champions. Now, with a new group of players stepping into prominent roles, San...

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...