BEAR RIVER HIGH – By Jessica Tanner – March 11, 2020
For the past two years the Bear River lacrosse team has had the distinction of a club sport but all of it changed recently when the Bears made school history.
In the Bear River boys’ lacrosse team’s first game of the 2020 season also meant it was their first game as a sanctioned Bear River High sport with the Utah High School Athletics Association.
Just to make it even sweeter, the Bears took home a victory.
“It’s exciting to have the support of the school,” said Bear River boys’ lacrosse head coach Coj Miller. “It was good to lay the foundation, but now it is officially part of the school and that brings legitimacy to the program. It gives the kids better opportunities for exposure and future opportunities in college.”
On March 7, the team kicked off their season with a big win over Provo High 7-0. The Bears then took on Mountain Ridge High later that day and lost 11-3. Story continues below...
Miller was thrilled with their start—winning their first match up and then playing well against a tough 6A school.
“They had some strong players and a lot of weapons, but we did our best and the boys played hard. They fell a bit short, but we got better from it. Those types of game help you get stronger and better as a team,” he said.
Senior Tyler Howard leads the Bears in scoring so far this season with four goals. Carson Grover is close behind with three. Hayden Lewis, Gavyn Haws and Kase Avery all have one.
Howard has led the team offensively for the past two years and is expected to do the same this year.
Junior Corbin Kierstead is the Bears' top midfielder and on the defensive side be sure to watch for Caeden Miller and Bracken Bjorn. The Bears goalie is Braden Munns. Story continues below...
This year 40 athletes join the team, which is led by Coach Miller and his two assistant coaches, John Howard and Colt Kierstead.
Region foes for lacrosse include all five of the Cache Valley schools, as well as Box Elder and Utah Military Academy.
“Sky View has a really strong program, so they are on our radar. Box Elder has been good the past couple years and Green Canyon had a great team last year. We expect them to be highly competitive,” Miller said.
He added, “We have good team leadership this year. Several of our kids have played the past few years and are strong. We should finish in the top half of our region. We look forward to getting better every week and then playing our best.”
Bear River will travel to West Jordan today, Wednesday, March 11. Their region opener will be on March 18, against county rivals, the Box Elder Bees. The Bears will then host Mountain Crest on March 20.
Bear River Live will have coverage of that game against the ‘Stangs. If you cannot make it, visit www.brlivestream.com/live to watch all the action.
Games are played at Sally Bo Field in Garland.
“We have a good group of young men and it is an entertaining sport. Anyone who is curious about seeing it is encouraged to come and check it out,” Miller added.
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