Local student athletes receive Academic All-state honors
Five local high school student athletes earned Utah High School Activities Association (UHSAA) Academic All-state honors for the 2021-2022 winter sports season.
From San Juan High School, Tyler Bayles was named to the Academic All-state wrestling team. It’s his second Academic All-state honor of the school year, having also been named to the football team in the fall.
Also from San Juan High School, Ladd Ivins received boys basketball honors, Landon Black was named to the Academic All-state wrestling team, and Caroline Crippen was honored in drill.
Madison Keyes was named to the Academic All-state girls basketball team for Monticello High School.
We’re excited to present a profile of each of the honored student athletes here, featuring a photo and comments from their respective coaches or other significant individual in their lives.
Ladd Ivins – San Juan High School Boys Basketball
Head Coach Travis Black: “No matter what Ladd gets involved in, he works very hard and wants to be successful at it. Ladd has always been a great student of football and basketball, as was evident this year where he helped both his teams to state titles. But Ladd is a great student athlete in the classroom as well. School and good grades have always been a high priority for Ladd. As a coach it’s so nice to have players who put a focus on their grades because you know they will always be eligible to participate and play. Ladd was a great example to his younger teammates on how to balance both academics and sports. I have no doubt he will be able to take that discipline into the rest of his life and be successful at whatever he decides to do.”
Landon Black – San Juan High School Wrestling
Assistant Coach Shane Musselman: “Landon is a great athlete and leader. He was always trying to improve and grow as a wrestler. He possesses tons of natural talent and strength but injuries in earlier seasons caused a stall in his growth as a wrestler. He didn’t let that hold him back, however. Landon was the type of kid who moved past the what-ifs and continued to get better with each practice. He was a leader in the room and other wrestlers looked up to Landon. He is also a great student athlete and this is very important to the San Juan wrestling coaches. We strive to make great wrestlers on the mat and in the classroom. Landon had a great season, going 25-13, winning second place at divisionals, and winning sixth place at state to go along with this much-deserved Academic All-state honor.
Tyler Bayles – San Juan High School Wrestling
Assistant Coach Shane Musselman: “Tyler is the type of wrestler every coach wants in the room. He never misses practice, works hard, is a team leader, and does everything he can to be a successful wrestler. He was successful as he qualified for the state tournament, always gave his best effort, and earned Academic All-state honors. I think he was a success in the classroom for the same reason he had success on the mat and on the football field: he always gives his all. Tyler brings a sense of humor and work ethic to practice that is contagious to the coaches and his team. He was truly a joy to coach.
Madison Keyes – Monticello High School Girls Basketball
Madi Keyes will represent Monticello High School as a member of the 2021-2022 1A Academic All-State Team. Madi is a relentless student with lofty goals and impeccable work and study habits. As a student, Madi has strived for perfection, never once earning anything less than an A grade in her course work. She has accepted challenges academically and aspired to achieve at the highest level. She is a Sterling Scholar candidate in English, editor of The Lariat (MHS' publication), and in the 8th grade, Madi became the first junior high student from Monticello to win the Utah National History Day Contest with her documentary on the Treaty of Versailles; earning her a paid trip to Washington, D.C. to compete at the national level. Madi loves basketball. She is a ferocious defender that plays with an intensity that a coach loves. She is a supportive teammate that is concerned with the success of those she shares time with on the court. Coach Marcia Shumway said, "Madi is awesome. She works hard and I absolutely loved having her on my team." Madi brought the same intensity that she uses in the classroom onto the court. She was consistent, dependable, and resilient. Madi plans on attending Utah State University in Logan after graduation and will be studying forensic psychology.
Caroline Crippen – San Juan High School Drill
Head Coach Camie Nielson: “I had the privilege and honor of knowing Caroline for the past several years. She has been a member of our drill team for three years and she’s been a delight to have on the team. I have seen and watched Caroline grow into an outstanding, hard-working, and dedicated leader. She works extremely hard at whatever she does in dance and in life. She is without a doubt a remarkable student and example to both her teammates and peers. I believe these personality traits will carry her far in life. She is truly a wonderful example to me and the people she associates with.
“Leader” is the perfect word to describe Caroline. During her time here at San Juan High School, I have watched her interact with fellow students along with people in the community. She is a very kind individual who looks out for everyone. Caroline is outgoing and a very likable person who makes people want to be around her. She will definitely be missed here at San Juan High School. Caroline has been involved in many aspects of the school climate: Drill Team, Cross Country, FBLA, National Honors Society, and HOSA. She is going to do great things in her life and I’m excited to see what the future holds for her. Caroline is an amazing young lady and I am honored and proud to know her.”
To qualify for Utah Academic All-state nominations, student athletes are required to be seniors with a 4.0 cumulative, non-weighted grade point average (or meet an index score – viewable at uhsaa.org) and be a contributing member of a varsity team.
Congratulations to these excellent student athletes for their hard work and dedication in both scholastic and athletic pursuits.
The UHSAA has presented the Academic All-State Award for over 25 years to recognize students who excel in the classroom as well as in athletic competition. Individuals are selected for the award on the basis of their athletic ability and academic proficiency.
With over 85,000 students participating in high school activities, the Academic All-State Award is the most prestigious honor the UHSAA presents to senior students.
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