On November 10, 2022, Piute High School held its annual “Meet the T-Birds” night. This special night is put on as a fundraiser for the girls basketball, but it also allows all winter sport athletes and clubs to introduce themselves to the community.
Meet the T-Birds Choir and Cheerleaders
The event started off with Piute High’s cheerleaders presenting the flag, which was then followed by a performance from the school’s choir.
Piute’s choir has been known to give great performances as they have sung the national anthem at the 1A region basketball tournament as well as at last year’s state basketball championship game. The choir also has an annual winter show which will be held December 12 and 13 this year in the school’s auditorium. The show, directed by Tyrel Ivie, is a wonderful program. The choir also has a rock and roll show every year, which is the highlight for these choir students. Ivie hasn’t said what the choir will perform in the spring but viewers should be ready for an amazing show with lots of energy, as always.
After the national anthem and some questions about the school’s choir were asked, the cheerleaders danced to the school song. The squad of eight introduced themselves to the community and then performed cheers with stunts.
And Now for Girls and Boys Basketball
After the cheerleaders’ performance, the girls basketball team was introduced and then the boys basketball team. The girls basketball team are back-to-back state champions looking to add to that title this year. The boys basketball team grew this year with 10 freshmen joining the team.
The girls and boys played a quick game of musical chairs with a little spin. Seeing that there are so many freshmen this year, the freshman from the boys and girls teams played first. When the music started, all players had to dribble a basketball while walking on the outside of the circle. When the music stopped, the athletes had to make a basket, however they wanted to, and then run back and sit down on a chair to stay in the game. Janey James was the last girl standing, but was beaten out by the winner of the freshman group, Braige Millett.
Next the group of sophomores, juniors and seniors played. It was a long round, but the last two standing were Cooper Fautin from the girls team and Daxon Morrill from the boys team. They presented a showdown, but Fautin was the overall winner.
After the basketball teams’ little game, the cheerleaders once again took the floor showing one of their new dances.
Wrestlers Introduce Themselves
After the cheerleaders’ dance, the wrestling team was introduced. They lined up by weight category. This year’s wrestling team has a returning three-time state champion, McKray Gayler. Returning with him are last year’s 2nd place contenders, Jesse James, Monty Morrison and Kade Sevier and other amazing wrestlers. New additions to the wrestling team from freshman up to seniors look promising adding to the amazing team and program. Head coach Jared Sevier had all the wrestlers introduce themselves and the weight category they will be competing in.
For a short little intermission all the kids got to play a little game. A paper airplane contest started. All kids from ages of 1 to 14 years old participated in making the best airplane and seeing which one would fly the farthest.
Finally, Dance Company
Last but not least Piute’s dance company gave their hip-hop performance. The dance company will be performing more at halftime during basketball games and can be found collaborating with the choir. The dance company also attends a competition at Lagoon in the spring which they always do well at. The dance team also has their own class hour. This will be the fourth year since the dance company program started up by head coaches Carol Springer and Carrie Davis.
Meet the T-Birds Night a Success!
After all the winter clubs and sports were presented, all who attended the “Meet the T-Birds” night headed to the school’s cafeteria to eat some Navajo Tacos made by Holly Westwood. The girls basketball team served everyone. All in all, the “Meet the T-Birds” night was a success! Not only did it succeed as a fundraiser but it allowed all winter sports and clubs to present themselves and have their five minutes of fame.
– by Ari Hurdsman (17) Junction
Feature image caption: Meet the T-Birds Night includes introductions from all the winter sports and clubs at Piute High School.
Ari Hurdsman – Junction
Ari Hurdsman is a junior journalist at the Byway. She just recently moved to Ephraim, Utah, where she is a freshman at Snow College. She enjoys writing about Piute sports, and she’s really good at it! In her free time, she enjoys singing, dancing, reading and hanging out with friends and family.