When Bonneville High's Sam Hall next steps to the plate for a little home run derby competition, he'll do so in an impressive setting.
Hall earned a chance to compete in the 2011 Triple-A Home Run Derby on July 11 at Spring Mobile Ballpark, topping the state's best last week in a high school competition.
Eighteen prep sluggers met Maty 11 for a late night of home run derby action following the Bees doubleheader.
After two rounds, Hall (12 dingers) and Spanish Fork's Kayden Porter (11) both advanced to the July 11 event, as part of the Triple-A All-Star game weekend.
Leading the first round was Hall and Juan Diego's Ryan Taylor, both tied at seven. Hall added five homers in the second round.
Hinds headed to All-American Bowl
Three of Utah's top senior football players have been nominated to play in the 2012 U.S. Army All-American Bowl, joining an elite group of student-athletes. Those nominated will have the chance to showcase their talents on Jan. 7, 2012, in the annual East vs. West matchup, televised live on NBC.
The group is led by Davis High defensive end Troy Hinds. Hinds is a highly recruited senior-to-be still considering his options
The others are Lone Peak's Chase Hansen and Pleasant Grove's Brandon Fanaika.
Of the more than 440 nominees, 90 are ultimately selected and invited to the Bowl.
The next step for the nominees occurs in September, when the U.S. Army All-American Bowl Selection Tour begins.
Local coaches to earn Hall honor
The Utah Sports Hall of Fame Foundation will honor four former high school coaches and three former college coaches during an annual ceremony June 1 at the South Towne Exposition Center in Sandy.
Ralph Johnson of Randolph, Don Wayne Nelson of Grantsville, Sonny Sudbury of West Valley City and Bart Thompson of Centerville will receive Distinguished Utah High School Coaches awards.
Ted Chidester of Panguitch, Steve Gardner of Spanish Fork and Gary Gardner of Highland have been named Coaches of Merit for their work at the college level.
The event includes a 6:15 p.m. reception and 7 p.m. dinner. For reservations ($40), call Ward Armstrong at 801-393-4881, or Fred Thompson at 801-731-4702.
Rio Tinto to host USA Rugby finals
Rio Tinto Stadium will serve as host for a quartet of USA Rugby's National Championships, set to take place Saturday and Sunday.
During the full weekend of action, Rio Tinto will play host to championships in four divisions -- College Premier Division, Boys High School, and both Boys and Girls U19 -- across Saturday (May 21) and Sunday (May 22), while Murray Field will also be utilized during the opening rounds of the competitions on Friday and Saturday.
Tickets for the USA Rugby National Championships all-day event on Saturday, May 21 at Rio Tinto Stadium can now be purchased at www.RioTintoStadium.com.
BYU won hits college division semifinal, while Cal defeated Utah in the other semifinal.
Highland, Snow Canyon and Utah County will send teams to the boys high school tournament.
For a full scheduled of games, visit www.USARugby.org.
Clearfield looking for swim coach
Clearfield High School is looking for a swim coach. If interested, send contact information and resume to athletic director Bruce Trimble at btrimble@dsdmail.net.
To contribute to Prep Insider notes, call 801-625-4261 or send information to prepsport@standard.net



Comments