Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SANDY — When Wasatch's senior class was in fifth grade, they made a goal: to make it to Rio Tinto Stadium on the final day of the season and win a state championship for the boys' soccer program.
The witness to that goal? Their P.E. teacher Jared Hendry, who also happened to be the Wasps' coach this weekend.
Wasatch rallied from a 1-0 deficit to take a 2-1 win over Skyline and clinch the program's first title since 2013 Friday afternoon at Rio Tinto Stadium, cementing an 18-2 season with the program's third state championship.
"It's kind of surreal," Hendry told the Deseret News after winning the championship game. "We're here and we've won it? These boys have worked so hard, you could see their emotions afterwards. ... They love their team and they love Wasatch soccer."
The Wasps had to survive extra time and a nerve-wracking penalty kick in Monday's semifinal against Maple Mountain, then fell behind Skyline early. But Wasatch never panicked in either scenario.
On Saturday, Taylor Dummar equalized in the first half and an own goal from the Eagles sealed the deal to lift Wasatch to its first championship in seven seasons.
"They've been getting together 2-3 extra times per week," Hendry told KSL.com on Monday. "When they talk, they're like brothers. They really are upbeat and talk to each other how it's supposed to go. Then they all just take it on themselves to do that.
Next stop for Wasatch? A ride down Main Street in Heber City on the town's firetruck, with sirens blaring and horns blasting to welcome home the newest 5A state champs. Just like the 2013 squad before them — the one that inspired those fifth graders seven years ago.
"A small-town win is awesome," Hendry said. "Our community was here, I had people who were (texting me like), 'How do I get tickets?' from people I didn't even know. ... It means so much for the community and for soccer in our community."
