American Fork High School’s color guard team has captivated audiences and judges alike with their mesmerizing performance, “The Winchester Mystery,” securing significant victories both at the state and national levels.

The show is a tribute to the enigmatic Winchester House, known for its sprawling architecture and the legends of its eccentric former owner, Sarah Lockwood Pardee Winchester. In a poignant portrayal, the team’s dance soloist embodies Sarah, guiding viewers through her continuous, labyrinthine home renovations with a mix of dance and color guard techniques.

The performance begins strikingly with a soloist summoning the ensemble in a captivating flag feature, leading them up the stairs to a symbolic door, representing the endless modifications Sarah made to her residence.

At the state preliminaries in Salt Lake City, the team’s excellence was undeniable. They clinched the open scholastic category title with an impressive score of 78.9. Buoyed by this success, the group advanced to the national stage, competing at the prestigious 2024 Winter Guard International (WGI) Guard World Championships in Dayton, Ohio, which started on April 11. Here, they showcased their exceptional skills among hundreds of groups from across the nation, ultimately earning an outstanding third-place finish with a score of 94.350.

Winter guard, often described as the sport of indoor color guard, involves a dynamic combination of flags, sabers, mock rifles, and dance. It is traditionally associated with educational institutions like high schools and universities; however, independent groups linked to geographical areas or drum corps also participate.

This achievement not only highlights the dedication and talent of American Fork High School’s color guard but also underscores the significance of performing arts in fostering teamwork, discipline, and artistic expression among youth. The community and school are immensely proud of their achievements and look forward to future performances that continue to raise the bar in the world of color guard.

As we cross the finish line of the fifth week of the 2024 high school track and field season, American Fork High School’s Cavemen have once again set a precedent of excellence. The team’s athletes have delivered some outstanding performances across the many events this season. Let’s sprint through the accomplishments that have marked American Fork’s journey on the track and field.

Boys’ Highlights:

• 800 Meters: Noah Nielson set the pace with a blistering 1:52.69 at Pine View, seizing the top spot in the state. Close on his heels were Ryker Bement and Kaden Evans, showcasing depth in the team’s middle-distance prowess.
• 1,600 Meters: Senior Daniel Simmons nearly edged out the state’s best with a close second-place time of 4:04.78, while Kaden Evans secured the third spot. American Fork athletes, including Ben Jaster and Ben Bradshaw, dominated the event with impressive sub-4:15 times.
• 3,200 Meters: Daniel Simmons shattered records with an 8:42.47 run, a stark improvement from the previous state record, which he himself set in 2023.
• Relays: The 4×200 and 4×800 teams clinched top 3 state rankings, with the 4×800 squad leading the state rankings.
• Field Events: David Houle’s 155 feet discus throw was a highlight in field events, showing American Fork’s all-around athletic capabilities.

Girls’ Achievements:

• Sprints: Desirae Riehle proved to be a force in the 100 and 200 meters, with times that tied her for second in the state and a strong fourth in the 100 meters.
• 400 Meters: Riehle also captured the third-fastest time in the state, while teammate Cambria Hasler put up a commendable sub-60 second performance.
• Distance: Avalon Mecham led the 800 and 3,200 meters, boasting the state’s fastest times this year. The 1,600 meters saw Victoria Stratton break the 5:01 mark.
• Relays: The 4×100, 4×400, and the 4×800 relay teams sprinted to top 3 state rankings, with the 4×800 team currently first.
• Field Events: Presley Gray soared in both the high jump and long jump, tying for the top high jump spot and landing a notable long jump mark. In shot put, Clara Baker’s throw has her currently holding the state’s top position. The discus events also saw impressive throws from Mary Cummings and Clara Baker, while Aleah Godfrey showcased potential in pole vaulting.

Presley Gray receiving her 3rd place medal. Photo Credit – Timo Mostert

With such a remarkable roster of athletes, American Fork High School is not just competing but setting the standard for track and field in the state. These Cavemen have proved their mettle with every throw, jump, and sprint. As the season progresses, we look forward to more record-breaking performances and the indomitable spirit these young athletes bring to the field.

Stay tuned for more updates as American Fork High continues to chase after victory and glory, one event at a time. Whether on the track or in the field, the Cavemen have left an indelible mark on the 2024 season, and they’re just getting started.

In their most recent games, the American Fork High School Boys Soccer team has demonstrated why they remain undefeated in the 2024 season, improving their record to an impressive 6-0. The Cavemen’s prowess on the field is a testament to their strategic gameplay, teamwork, and individual skill, particularly highlighted in matches against Skyridge Falcons and Westlake Thunder.

Against the Skyridge Falcons, American Fork showcased an early lead with a goal just seven minutes into the game, setting the tone for what would become a dominant performance. Lewis Knecht’s exceptional playmaking abilities were on full display as he dribbled through the Skyridge defense to set up an initial shot, which, after being saved by the Skyridge keeper, was finished off by Preston Osborne. Knecht’s distribution and creativity were crucial, earning him five assists in the game, contributing to American Fork’s commanding victory.

American Fork’s head coach, Casey Waldron, praised Knecht’s evolution as a player, noting his increased willingness to share the ball and his creativity in making runs, which have become key to instilling fear in their opponents. Knecht’s performance, along with critical saves from keeper Sebastian Barreda, who thwarted a potential momentum shift with a miraculous save on a bicycle kick shot from Skyridge’s Gavin Christenson, underscored the Cavemen’s solid defense and dynamic offense.

The Cavemen continued their winning ways against the Westlake Thunder in a closer contest, emerging victorious with a 4-3 win. Despite Westlake’s strategic three-pronged attack and goals from Jack Heninger, Ty Christensen, and Grady De Vries, American Fork’s offense proved too much to handle, maintaining their undefeated streak.

Highlighting individual achievements, Lewis Knecht and Preston Osborne have emerged as standout players. Knecht dominated the field with 8 goals and 13 assists, while Osborne impressed with 10 goals and 1 assist. Their exceptional performance, along with the solid contributions from the rest of the team, has been pivotal in the Cavemen’s success.

The roster is filled with talent. The team has 9 different players that have a goal so far this season and 11 different players who have registered an assist. While the offense has scored 31 goals in just 6 games this season, the defense has been very tight and stingy in only allowing 8 goals with two games being shutouts.

Photo credit: Tyler Staten

Looking forward, American Fork faces a challenging schedule but remains confident. The team’s average of over five goals per game and a stout defense that has allowed only 8 goals all season speak to their readiness for the upcoming matches. With the support of their home crowd and a strategy that leverages their offensive muscle and tight defense, the Cavemen are well-positioned to continue their success.

As American Fork prepares to host Lehi in their next game, the excitement and anticipation build for what promises to be another thrilling match in their remarkable season.

By: Beky Beaton

The Utah High School Activities Association (UHSAA) has announced “a groundbreaking decision to officially sanction esports as an activity, marking a significant milestone in the Association’s efforts to provide increased opportunities for student engagement,” according to an official news release.

Sent out Monday (April 1) afternoon, the release continued as follows.

“Following a unanimous vote by the UHSAA Board of Trustees on Thursday, March 28, esports has been formally recognized as a sanctioned activity beginning with the 2025-2026 school year. This decision underscores the UHSAA’s commitment to adapting to the evolving interests and needs of today’s youth while embracing emerging trends in extracurricular participation.

“Starting with the 2025-2026 school year, high school students across Utah will have the opportunity to compete in organized esports competitions under the auspices of the UHSAA. The inaugural season will run from January through April, offering students the chance to showcase their skills in a variety of popular video games while representing their schools with pride.

“’We are thrilled to announce the sanctioning of esports as an official activity within the UHSAA,’ said Rob Cuff, Executive Director of the Utah High School Activities Association. ‘Esports provides a unique avenue for student engagement and competition, and we believe it has the potential to enrich the high school experience for a wide range of students.’

“The decision to sanction esports as an activity comes after careful consideration and collaboration with stakeholders across the state, including educators, administrators, students, and community members. The UHSAA remains committed to ensuring that esports participation aligns with the Association’s core values of sportsmanship, integrity, and inclusivity.

“’We believe that esports has the power to bring students together in new and exciting ways, fostering teamwork, strategic thinking, and leadership skills,’ added Cuff. ‘By embracing esports as an official activity, we hope to provide students with opportunities for growth and personal development both on and off the virtual battlefield.’

“The Utah High School Activities Association looks forward to the positive impact that esports will have on high school communities across the state and invites students, educators, and parents to join in this exciting new venture.”

Esports already exist in many Utah high schools as a club activity. The delay in implementation will allow time for schools to engage appropriate adult supervision and better organize efforts to prepare for sanctioned competitions.

Brynn Carnesecca

For the past year at American Fork High School (AFHS), coach Shantell Shoell has been preparing for a historic feat—the first sanctioned boy’s volleyball team. While the school has had a girl’s team for many years, 2024 marks the first year the boy’s team will play for a state championship title. 

The team has been in development for months, with potential players attending open gyms every week. On Feb. 26, tryouts were held, and the team was created.

“It’s historical. This is the first year AF has boy’s volleyball, and we get to be a part of that first-ever team in history. It’s great to be a part of that,” said Maxim Hale, an outside hitter for the team. 

AF’s team is also unique in that many players are new to volleyball at this level. 

“The most challenging part is that we have a lot of players who have never played the sport before, at least not on a competitive team,” said Coach Shoell. “In many ways, we are starting from the ground up.”

With the varying levels on the team, daily practice is a must. Players on both the varsity and junior varsity teams practice serves, plays and, most importantly, their comradery. 

“I like seeing all the new faces,” said libero and outside hitter Evan Olmstead. “You don’t see these faces if you’re playing club. They have this energy that you can learn something from. Everyone is different in how they want to learn, and it’s cool to see and learn from them.” 

As a first-year team, they have many goals and visions in mind. 

“I have two goals with the team,” Coach Shoell expressed. “I want them to enjoy the growth that comes with adversity and to love their teammates. If we win some championships along the way, that would also be nice!” 

Many of the players, including right-side hitter Jared Shepherd, shared their goal of “winning the state championship.” Visit http://www.afhs.alpineschools.org for the team’s schedule.

The American Fork High School softball team, known for their tenacious Caveman spirit, recently ventured to St. George to compete in a series of five challenging games, returning with a commendable three wins under their belt.

Head Coach Riley White, in a candid interview, shared his insights on the team’s performance and the journey ahead. “The first game was a significant learning experience. It’s a new team; they’re learning me, they’re learning how to play together,” said Coach White. He praised the team’s resilience, especially when they bounced back from a rough inning without losing spirit. “The second two games… it was fun to get the first win with all of us as a new team in a new program. We keep taking one step at a time, one bite out of the elephant,” he added, emphasizing progress.

The Cavemen are a young team, budding with new talent and building experience. Coach White described them as a fun group eager to build a strong program. When discussing the region’s competitive landscape, he noted, “Historically it’s been dominated by Sky Ridge. But this year, it’s up for grabs. There’s a lot of opportunities to be successful in our region this year.”

Patience is the keyword for the Cavemen this season, according to Coach White, who believes it to be the key to their success.

In their opener, the Cavemen faced a tough opponent in Beaver High School. Despite a valiant effort, the Cavemen fell 12-6 after Beaver’s strong second inning, featuring nine runs. Miah Walters shone brightly for American Fork, hitting a double that brought in runs. 

The Cavemen’s resilience was on full display in their next game against Northridge, securing a 6-5 victory. A pivotal moment occurred in the fourth inning when Miah Walters was hit by a pitch, resulting in a run, followed by her twin sister Mazie extending the lead to 6-3.

Their winning streak continued against the Milford Tigers with a 6-4 win, overcoming a deficit with strategic plays and back-to-back triples from Kennedy McKinney and Camber Hancock.

The final victory in St. George was claimed against the White Pine Lady Cats of Nevada, with a close 7-5 score. The Cavemen amassed ten hits, with Abby Hall, Mazie Walters, and Miah Walters each bagging two hits and contributing to the runs batted in. Their defensive prowess was also on display with a double play turned during the game.

The American Fork Cavemen return home with not only victories but valuable experience and lessons to carry them through the season. Coach White and the team remain focused on building, learning, and taking it one game at a time with unwavering patience and Caveman spirit.

The Cavemen have their first home game of the season on Tuesday the 19th of March against the Mountain View Bruins. The Varsity game starts at 3:30 pm followed by Junior Varsity.

In the heart of American Fork, where the echoes of cavemen past still reverberate through the high school halls, Spencer Johnson once roamed as a star on the basketball court. The journey from local legend to Brigham Young University standout has been anything but orthodox, but then again, when has following the beaten path ever yielded a story worth the retelling in the annals of American Fork lore?

On a Senior Night that was as poignant as it was celebratory, Johnson, the erstwhile American Fork Caveman, bade farewell to the Marriott Center court—a court that bore witness to his evolution from a defensive specialist to the undoubted heart and soul of the BYU Cougars. It was a night that saw Johnson walk onto the court with his wife Issy and newborn son, Joey, cradled in his arms—a moment so tender, it could soften the heart of even the fiercest caveman ancestor.

But let’s rewind the tape to April 2022, a time when Johnson stood at a crossroads. With teammates fleeing the BYU program for greener pastures and the Cougars coming off a season that fell short of expectations, Johnson could have walked. No one would have blamed him. The program seemed destined for a rebuilding phase, and Johnson, who hadn’t started a game yet, was faced with the daunting prospect of leading a youthful squad through the trenches of collegiate basketball.

Yet, in a move that surprised many, Johnson stayed. He took to Instagram, not with a farewell, but with a declaration of faith in his team and coaching staff. “I believe that we are going to win here at BYU,” he proclaimed, “and we are going to be incredibly successful!” That belief wasn’t misplaced. Fast forward to the present, and Johnson has started 52 games, becoming the linchpin of a Cougars team that made a resounding statement in its first year in the Big 12 Conference.

Ranked No. 20 nationally, BYU, under Johnson’s stewardship, has shown it’s not just here to participate; it’s here to compete, and compete fiercely. In the crescendo of his college career, against Oklahoma State, Johnson’s game was a tale of two halves. The first half saw him unusually quiet, scoreless, and uncharacteristic of the player known for his all-around contributions.

Yet, the hallmark of a true leader is resilience, and Johnson personified this in the second half. Emerging from the locker room with renewed vigor, he unleashed a performance that turned the tide of the game. Scoring all of his 14 points in the second half, Johnson’s resurgence was a spectacle, igniting his team and the BYU faithful.

It would be a mistake, however, to think Johnson wasn’t playing physically because he ended the game without a single personal foul. In the trenches of the second half, Johnson took hard hits that drew offensive fouls, displaying a physicality that belied his clean foul record. His ability to stand firm and absorb contact, turning the momentum with crucial defensive plays, underscored his importance not just as a scorer but as a complete player willing to do whatever it takes to secure victory.

During a post-game interview, Johnson was asked about the key to his team’s exceptional performance. His response encapsulated the essence of their unity and camaraderie. “Together,” he began, “This team is more involved in each other’s lives. We know what’s going on—who we’re dating, what classes we’re in. We all have these inside jokes, and we laugh and have a really good time. So, you know, I would say that’s been the biggest thing. Just how together this team is, how much we communicate with each other. That’s really what’s special.”

Johnson’s story is one of unwavering belief and sheer determination. From his days at American Fork, through a mission in Italy, stints at Weber State and Salt Lake Community College, and finally, as a leader at BYU, Johnson’s journey is a testament to the power of faith—in oneself, in one’s team, and in the path laid out before one.

As he reflected on his time at BYU, Johnson’s thoughts were a blend of nostalgia and gratitude. “There’s been a lot of ups and downs along the way, but man, this year has been incredible,” he shared. The culmination of his collegiate journey, walking onto the court on Senior Night, wasn’t just a personal victory; it was a moment of realization for a community that has followed him every step of the way—from American Fork to Provo.

The narrative of Spencer Johnson is not just a sports story; it’s a life lesson wrapped in the leather of a basketball. It’s about embracing the challenges, celebrating the victories, and, most importantly, never forgetting where you came from. As the American Fork community looks on, they don’t just see a basketball player; they see one of their own, a Caveman, who dared to dream, stayed the course, and carved his legacy into the hardwood of BYU history.

In the game of life, it’s not how you start that counts, but how you finish. And if Senior Night and the triumph over Oklahoma State were any indication, Spencer Johnson is finishing strong, leaving behind a legacy that transcends the game of basketball. It’s a legacy of resilience, belief, and an unwavering commitment to one’s roots—a true Caveman through and through, embodying the spirit of American Fork with every play, every game, and every hard-earned victory.

If there were any doubts about Daniel Simmons’ place in the pantheon of high school running legends, the American Fork senior obliterated them faster than you can say “new national record.” On a chilly Saturday that saw Boston’s Reggie Lewis Track and Field Center come alive with anticipation, Simmons transformed it into a coliseum of speed and determination, breaking the national high school indoor record for the 5,000 meters at the New Balance National Indoor Championships.

The Brigham Young University-bound Simmons didn’t just beat the record; he made the previous mark seem like a footnote in his burgeoning legacy. Clocking an eye-watering 13:38.86, Simmons demolished Tyrone Gorze’s former record by a stunning 18 seconds. Yes, you read that right—eighteen seconds. For perspective, that’s about the time it takes to read this paragraph aloud.

Simmons’ historic run wasn’t just a victory lap for the prodigious talent; it was a statement. The performance ranked him 38th-best in the NCAA this year, a remarkable feat for a high schooler. Even more jaw-dropping? He was a mere second shy of Connor Burns’ outdoor national record, which dethroned the long-standing mark set by distance-running royalty Galen Rupp.

The secret to Simmons’ success, it seems, lies in a combination of raw talent, unyielding perseverance, and an inner voice that refuses to let him settle for anything less than his best. “I felt this voice in my head believing in me and telling me I could keep going,” Simmons revealed. It’s that blend of physical prowess and mental fortitude that has made him a force to be reckoned with on the track.

But Simmons’ journey to this pinnacle wasn’t without its hurdles. After a disappointing 13th-place finish at Nike Cross Nationals in December, some questioned whether he deserved his National Player of the Year honor. Yet, with his record-smashing run in Boston, Simmons has silenced his doubters and then some. His coach, Timo Mostert of American Fork High, could hardly contain his pride. “Training has been going well,” Mostert noted, highlighting Simmons’ recovery from an illness and his consistent performance leading up to the championships.

Simmons’ achievements extend beyond individual accolades. Alongside teammate Ben Jaster, he qualified for the 10,000 meters at the USATF U20 Championships, underscoring the depth of talent at American Fork High. Their success, including a historic performance in the 4xMile relay, paints a bright future for American Fork’s distance running program.

As Daniel Simmons prepares to take his talents to BYU, he leaves behind a high school career that’s nothing short of legendary. His name etched in the record books, Simmons is not just a local hero; he’s an inspiration to young athletes everywhere. In a world that often tells us to temper our dreams, Simmons’ story is a reminder that with enough grit, determination, and a little voice inside telling us to keep pushing, the impossible might just be within reach.

What do you call the opposite of a barn burner?

The American Fork Cavemen were able to come away with a victory Friday night over Bingham in an absolute slugfest, 48-37.

The game was the second matchup of the season between these two teams. The Miners beat the Cavemen back in early January, 73-67. American Fork got its revenge when it matter most, holding Bingham to nearly half of what they scored against them earlier in the season.

If you love high offense basketball, you should probably look away. 37 points is far and away the Miners worst offensive performance of the season: 15 points less than any other game they played all season.

The Cavemen weren’t exactly flying off the walls either. Their 48 point performance is their second lowest total of the season, behind only their very first game of the year against who many consider the best team in the country, Montverde Academy.

It was pretty obvious what type of game it was going to be early on. After an impressive defensive display from both teams, the first quarter ended in a 9-6 American Fork lead.

Both teams continued to struggle finding a rhythm offensively in the first half. After trading a couple three-pointers and more stalwart defense, the two teams headed into the locker room with the Cavemen leading just 21-18.

The third quarter was all American Fork. Tiger Cuff started to find his shot and open up shots for his teammates; especially Jared Shepherd and Blake Rawson. Both finished with 10 points apiece, while Cuff lead the team in scoring with 16.

On the other side, Bingham came out of halftime colder than the top of Mount Timpanogos. The Miners just couldn’t hit a single shot in the third quarter. Literally. Their one point in the quarter came off of a free throw.

Both teams’ best offensive quarter came in the fourth. Bingham more than double its points in the fourth quarter alone, making a late push to make American Fork uncomfortable. The 14-point Cavemen lead had been whittled down to just six.

Cuff and Shepherd hit huge shots and a pair of free throws to put the lead back up to nine and American Fork never looked back. Free throws and defense sealed the game, and the Cavemen found themselves in the quarterfinals.

5-seed American Fork will matchup with 4-seed Corner Canyon Monday morning with a trip to the semifinals on the line. The Cavemen will need that stellar defense again, as the Chargers put up 90 points against Pleasant Grove Friday night.

The game will be played at 9:30 a.m. in the Huntsman Center.

Photo Credit: Tyler Staten

In a riveting display of basketball prowess, the American Fork Cavemen clinched a hard-fought victory against the Lone Peak Knights, ending the game with a score of 75-67 on the evening of February 9, 2024. This victory at the American Fork arena not only bolstered the Cavemen’s season record to an impressive 13-8 but also showcased their strategic gameplay and resilience on the court.

From the onset, the game was a testament to the competitive spirit of both teams. The Cavemen set the pace with a solid start, gaining an early lead in the first half through a combination of strategic plays and defensive rigidity. The score by halftime reflected American Fork’s dominance, with the team building a significant lead thanks to their aggressive offense and tight defense.

However, the Lone Peak Knights, standing at a 10-10 season record before the game, were not ready to back down. In an electrifying third quarter, the Knights mounted a formidable comeback, scoring 24 points in a display of sheer determination and skill. Thom Kramer, the Knights’ standout player, was a force to be reckoned with, scoring a massive 26 points, including a 3-pointer that kept the hopes of a Lone Peak victory alive.

Despite Lone Peak’s valiant effort and Kramer’s exceptional performance, American Fork managed to maintain their lead, underpinned by the stellar play of Tiger Cuff. Cuff, who led the Cavemen in scoring, tallied 20 points over the course of the game, including two crucial 3-pointers. His leadership on the court was evident, as he steered his team through the challenging moments of the game.

Supporting Cuff, Blake Rawson contributed significantly with 17 points, showcasing the depth of talent within the American Fork squad. Xander Hale and Diego Mulford also made notable contributions, scoring 12 and 10 points, respectively, further emphasizing the team’s collective effort in securing the win.

The game’s statistics provide a glimpse into the closely contested nature of the matchup. American Fork demonstrated efficiency at the free-throw line, making 19 out of 22 attempts, while Lone Peak was close behind, scoring 17 out of 23. The Cavemen also edged out the Knights in field goals, a testament to their sharp shooting and offensive execution throughout the game.

Looking ahead, the Cavemen are set to face Westlake at their school on February 13th. Despite Westlake’s challenging season record of 6-15, they are entering the game with momentum, having secured a narrow victory over Pleasant Grove (11-10) by 3 points. This recent win signifies that Westlake is not to be underestimated, and the American Fork team will need to prepare diligently to continue their winning streak.