OGDEN — "Soccer is my passion," said St. Joseph Catholic High School senior Colter Gilliland, who has already received a soccer scholarship to Albertson College in Caldwell, Idaho. He not only plays for the high school team, he is also a member of the Advantaged La Roca Club, a state sanctioned team. They play different clubs throughout Utah, and also travel to play clubs in other states. "In playing soccer, I have developed leadership abilities serving as team captain and being the most valuable player (MVP)," said Gilliland. "When I was younger I thought I wanted to play on an Olympic team, but now I would love to coach." He teaches 7- to 12-year-old soccer players the skills of soccer, and likes working with them because they work so hard. He would like to train players who already know the skills, so they can learn to play as a team. "Coaches only recruit players who play in tournaments," said Gilliland. "I would like to develop teams so the doors of opportunity would be open to them. When he graduates from college, he hopes to start his own soccer training business. Senior Julianne Laure has been playing basketball since she was 6 years old, and strives to be really good at the sport. "Basketball teaches you patience and understanding of your teammates," said Laure. "Through practice and perseverance, you learn the necessary skills in life to be successful. She also is a distance runner, and likes running because it helps her relieve stress in her life, and allows her time for herself. Shane Nemetz, a senior, plays basketball and track for St. Joseph Catholic High School. He said if he had to choose between them, he would choose track. He likes playing basketball for the team dynamics, but in track he said it is easy to know when you are doing things rights. "I like to lift weights and work out because you do not have to be born with a lot of natural talent," said Nemetz. "I throw the shot putt and discus, and working out gives me strength. Track is more about constantly trying to better myself and be mentally focused. It requires you to focus your energy, and when you do, you receive immense rewards." Nemetz said learning to focus also helps you remain focused in academics. It affects all aspects of life. Once you put yourself in a mind set, you can accomplish anything. "My sister was very involved and very successful in track," said Nemetz. "Coach Ray Franklin, the athletic director at St. Joseph, helped me work out in the weight room, and I enjoyed it. Weight lifting is really important in track as is speed and quickness. I generally try to keep my body in shape and remain balanced physically." Senior Lindsey Cozzi plays both basketball and volleyball, but prefers to play volleyball. She received a volleyball scholarship to Carroll College, a Catholic college in Helena, Mont. At 5 feet 9 inches, she is the shortest player recruited by the college. The average height of a volleyball player is 6 feet tall. She said she loves hitting the ball and spiking. "In playing team sports, you really learn to become organized and not procrastinate. The team practices early in the morning, and we are usually up late when we have games," said Cozzi. "You to do your assignments when they are first assigned." Senior Carl Ward plays baseball, basketball, and throws the javelin in track. Baseball is his favorite and is something he loves. He is a pitcher, and is in the process of trying to get a scholarship in either baseball or track. He likes playing basketball, but plays it mostly for fun. "Playing sports is an escape from my academic work and from the stress of life," said Ward. "I get a lot of satisfaction from playing and it helps me focus." He enjoys playing baseball in the spring, summer, and fall. He also lifts weights for an hour and a half each day, which helps him in throwing the javelin.
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