Unfortunately .................

Unfortunately our friends at HR are not responding to recent questions about the end of the season recruit from Australia and Uniteds offer to limit the import players to three on the field at any one time. I was hopeful that we were establishing a connection and mutually respectful line of communication with Jenny and Tim.

This is a good example of how, over the years, the inner circle at HR has done a very good job of keeping the details about their recruiting efforts and use of the Utah Public School system under the radar. Even keeping their own loyal supporters, like Jenny and Tim in the dark. Tim adamantly denies such activity so late in the season. It's not his fault, he is only passing on what he is told. Perhaps this news of these eleventh hour recruiting efforts, such as calls to Mr Harris in New Zealand, have caught Jenny and Tim off guard.

What is going on? My opinion. HR had six imports last year. Other Utah teams had zero. With the recent U-19 rule changes the field has been leveled. HR now needs to have more confidence in their local players. They are hard workers and good young men. Put your faith and confidence in them and they will surprise you. The days of the blow out scores are gone and you may lose a few games now and then, and that's ok.

Deep character transformation, Kia Kaha warrior type character, comes only by trail and tribulation or losing on occasion, not by winning every single game. It is only at these moments when a team discovers or exposes its weaknesses to itself. Then a plan can be crafted to mold those weaknesses into strengths. Growth and change without losing is a myth. Losing every time with honor and giving your best efforts is a victory and an indication of great courage and persistence. Is winning to much and to easily HR's refiners fire?

All of the other Utah teams have been in the heat of the refiners fire for years. Skyline, Kearns, United, Davis, Murray, Park City etc. They are now slowly emerging much the better, stronger, confident, united, focused and fearless.