Sports

Orlan Anderson was part of the group that spearheaded the effort to build the Diamond Mountain Speedway.

Austin Pierce is a proud father of three sons and all of them compete in the Basin Junior Rodeo Association.The Neola family participated in several different events at the Uintah County Western Park.“It’s busy to have three sons in the BJRA,” Pierce said.

Fans packed the stands for an emotional and action-packed Altamont Rodeo July 26.The annual tradition is in injunction with the Altamont Longhorn Days.One of the supporters at the rodeo was Brittany Lazenby.“For us the Altamont rodeo is everything,” Lazenby said.

Richard Henderson was the Uintah High School cross country assistant coach for the past 21 years.

Blake Rollins called participating in the Transplant Games of America humbling and eye-opening.

Alex Long has been a leader on and off the field for the Uintah High School boys soccer program the last few years.The 2024 graduate has dedicated a large portion of his life to playing college soccer after turning in a successful career in high school.Long’s next stop is at Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas.

Francisco Llanos likes what he sees from the Utes.Llanos was hired as the new head football coach at Uintah High School in February.He has jumped into his position head on and hasn’t stopped running with all eyes focused on the upcoming 2024 football season.“I think the summer has been really good,” Llanos said.

Mark Ralenkotter has been a race car driver at the Diamond Mountain Speedway for the past five years.He was motivated to get into the racing spirit because of the fast-paced environment.“The sounds, smells and the fans make it an easy going place,” Ralenkotter said.Ralenkotter is in the IMCA Northern SportMod Division.The division offers the drivers the opportunity to hone their open wheel skills at the lowest possible cost.Since 2005, the division has seen its numbers grow as tracks look for a class that allows budget-minded dives to get on or stay on the track.“I started way back in the little cars,” he said.

MaKaylee Riding has centered her life around dancing.She was a pivotal member of the Union High School drill team the last four years.Riding, who graduated from Union in May, signed a national letter of intent to dance at Southern Utah University in Cedar City. “I honestly couldn’t be more excited to dance in college,” Riding said.