EDUCATION & SCHOOLS

Some student-athletes to miss graduation because of sports schedules

May 23, 2023, 5:53 PM | Updated: May 24, 2023, 7:52 am

TOOELE, Utah — Mixed emotions from student-athletes and their families as state playoffs overlap with graduation ceremonies this week.

“The seniors are a little are a little torn, they’re a little frustrated,” said Lauren Spendlove, head softball coach at Tooele High School.

As the Buffaloes face off against the Olympus High School Titans in the 5A state playoffs Tuesday, they do so knowing that if they advance, five seniors will miss their graduation ceremony on Wednesday.

“We’re trying to talk them up, let them know they’re going to have on-field festivities for them and it will be special even though they might be able to walk with their class,” Spendlove said.

The conflicting schedule the Buffaloes potentially face is one many Utah seniors and their families are facing this week as the Utah High School Activities Association hosts state playoffs in multiple sports.

KSL TV has heard from parents in multiple school districts, including the Cache County School District, where the graduation ceremony for Green Canyon High School in North Logan and Ridgeline High School in Millville conflict with the state semifinal in 4A boys lacrosse. The teams have petitioned the UHSAA to relocate the game so students can attend their graduation ceremony and still play in the game, but that request has been denied.

In a statement, UHSAA assistant director Jon Oglesby said, “The UHSAA and Cache School District are working together to create a special graduation experience for these student-athletes and their families at the tournament venue.”

In the Tooele School District, communications director Brett Valdez said they’re doing what they can to ensure that if the Buffaloes advance and have to miss their graduation ceremony, they’ll feel celebrated at the game.

“We want to make it special for them, we know it’s a big day for both events,” Valdez said.

As for making sure the overlapping schedule doesn’t happen to families in the future – he’s said that’s more complicated because those schedules are made years in advance.

“We set our calendars so far in advanced — it’s two years basically for the district calendar — so it’s really limited on what we’re able to do that way,” Valdez said. “We would love to, but our priority is making sure we get the right school days and hit all those breaks, so it’s a little challenging that way.”

During practice on Tuesday, the Buffaloes continued to stay focused, determined to advance in the state tournament despite the potential disappointment for their five seniors.

“I understand as a student wanting to be there after having gone to school for 12 years but I’m also trying to remind them of how special of an opportunity it is to make it this far in the state tournament,” Spendlove said.

KSL 5 TV Live

Education & Schools

Naomi Peña Villasano poses with a sash of the Mexican and American flags. (Daisy Jasmin Estrada Bo...

Rebekah Riess

Judge rules Colorado student cannot wear a sash with Mexican and American flags

A federal judge has ruled for a Colorado school district after a student sued to wear a sash reflecting the Mexican and American flags at graduation Saturday.

1 day ago

Actor Tom Hanks delivers a commencement address during Harvard University commencement exercises on...

Associated Press

Tom Hanks urges Harvard grads to defend the truth and resist indifference

Tom Hanks told graduates of Harvard University on Thursday to be superheroes in their defense of truth and American ideals, and to resist those who twist the truth for their own gain.

3 days ago

The Davis Behavioral Health building sign (KSL TV)...

Shelby Lofton

Mental health professionals encourage conversation after West Bountiful teen death

Mental health experts are asking parents to keep an eye on their children and provide support for them after traumatizing accidents.

4 days ago

American Fork High School Threat...

Eliza Pace and Shara Park

Student with gun detained at American Fork Jr High School

Students at American Fork Junior High School reported seeing a handgun on campus, causing the school to go on a "hold" with secured classrooms. 

4 days ago

FILE - American poet Amanda Gorman recites a poem during the Inauguration of U.S. President Joe Bid...

Associated Press

Amanda Gorman’s poem for Biden’s inauguration restricted by Florida school

A poem written for President Joe Biden's inauguration has been placed on a restricted list at a South Florida elementary school after one parent's complaint.

4 days ago

Madoline Morley...

Debbie Worthen

Girl, 16, who died after accident at pool party attended Viewmont High

The family of a 16-year-old killed in a tragic accident Tuesday afternoon was a student at Viewmont High School, her family told KSL TV.

5 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Asian little girl playing arcade game on the computer machines at the shopping mall outlets...

Get Out Pass

Family Fun Activities in Utah You Have to Try This Summer

These family fun activities will entertain you all summer, so if you ever feel stuck in a rut wondering what to do, refer to this guide!

Woman IT specialist in elegant suit working on notebook computer in data center next to server rack...

Les Olson

Your Complete Guide to Outsourcing IT Services

This guide covers everything you need to know about the different benefits of outsourcing IT services to meet your small business needs.

diverse group of friends dance outside under string lights...

Lighting Design

5 Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Lighting

Read for the most frequently asked questions about outdoor lighting to help narrow the search for your home.

Stack of old laptops with dark background...

PC Laptops

Old Laptop Upgrades You Need to Try Before Throwing it Away

Get the most out of your investment. Try these old laptop upgrades before throwing it out to keep it running fast and efficient.

Happy diverse college or university students are having fun on their graduation day...

BYU MBA at the Marriott School of Business

How to Choose What MBA Program is Right for You: Take this Quiz Before You Apply!

Wondering what MBA program is right for you? Take this quiz before you apply to see if it will help you meet your goals.

Close up of an offset printing machine during production...

Les Olson IT

Top 7 Reasons to Add a Production Printer to Your Business

Learn about the different digital production printers and how they can help your company save time and money.

Some student-athletes to miss graduation because of sports schedules