Middle Schoolers Learning Lessons For Life In the Classroom & on the Field

A Story of the Middle School Experience at Intermountain Christian School

As a private Christian school in the Salt Lake City area, Intermountain Christian School helps middle school students grow through strong academics, Christ-centered discipleship, and meaningful opportunities in athletics and leadership. This archived Lionheart story highlights how ICS middle school students are learning lessons for life in the classroom and on the field.

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Middle Schoolers Learning Lessons For Life — In the Classroom & on the Field

Originally published in the fall 2025 edition of Lionheart Newsletter

Middle school is a time for change, where students are growing into who they were created to be. This comes with challenges as they test boundaries, begin to think more critically, and decipher truth from lies. For ICS middle schoolers, Mr. Joel Salankat is one of the influential figures positioned to guide them through this key phase of adolescence. He does this as the middle school lead teacher and the middle school soccer head coach. In everything he does, Mr. Salankat aims to impart life lessons that help young students grow into mature, hardworking, God-fearing individuals.

“The work ethic and discipline Mr. Salankat expects on the field is the same in the classroom,” says middle school student and athlete, Reed Gutzwiller. Reed and his teammates are convinced that hard work, excellence, discipline, and respect are expected from Mr. Salankat.

Hard work is a key concept woven throughout Mr. Salankat’s lessons. On the soccer field, Mr. Salankat expects his athletes to train as they play, and play as they train. He cares more about the athletes giving their best than he does about the game’s final score. In the classroom, he’s less concerned about all A’s and more hopeful that the students apply themselves to learn, and deeply understand the concepts he teaches.

Mr. Joel Salankat often quotes Jim Elliott: “Wherever you are, be all there. Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God.” When the soccer team is at practice or in a game, there is nowhere else they need to be. Mr. Salankat expects them to LOCK IN. Nothing else matters for the minutes that they are on the field. In the classroom, he discourages distractions and expects his students to engage fully in the lectures, class discussions, and homework assignments.

Collin Reist joined the middle school soccer team in 5th grade. He was quiet and rarely talked to his teammates. Now, Collin is in 7th grade and is a leader on the team. Mr. Salankat credits Collin’s leadership with carrying the team and building excitement and unity. Students are growing into who they are created to be more and more every year under the guidance of Mr. Joel Salankat. 

It’s not unusual for teachers and staff at ICS to serve in more than one area. Mr. Salankat is a strong example of utilizing his gifts for leadership, teaching, and coaching at ICS. He’s a well-loved fixture among middle schoolers. His position as lead middle school teacher provides him with the opportunity to mentor and lead the middle school team. Following the example of Mr. Salankat, the culture at ICS nurtures students into mature, well-rounded individuals.

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Want to Learn More? Schedule a Tour

If you are looking for a Christian middle school in the Salt Lake City area where students are known, challenged, and encouraged, we would love to welcome you to campus. Schedule a virtual or in-person tour to meet our team, see our classrooms, and learn how Intermountain Christian School helps students grow through strong academics, a biblical worldview, and a supportive Christ-centered community.

Schedule a Tour

Discover the New ICS Athletics Experience

Discover the New ICS Athletics Experience

Stay Connected, Stay Informed

At Intermountain Christian School, our commitment to excellence extends beyond the classroom. We believe in nurturing not just academic growth but also the holistic development of our students through athletics. That's why we are excited to announce a new chapter in our sports program: the introduction of live streaming, highlights, and more—made possible by teaming up with Hudl.

What is Hudl?

Hudl isn't just a tool; it's a game-changer for our athletics community. We’re using new cameras and technology to bring you closer to the action, whether you're in the stands or cheering from home. With Hudl, you can access:

• Schedules: Stay up-to-date with game times and locations effortlessly.

• Scores: Instant updates on how our teams are performing throughout the season.

• Live Streaming: Can't make it to the game? No problem. Watch live broadcasts right from your device.

• Highlights: Relive the best moments with game highlights available on-demand.

• Player Development: Coaches can use Hudl to analyze games and provide personalized feedback to players, enhancing skill development.

Changing the Game at ICS

This partnership with Hudl marks a significant step forward in how we engage with athletics at ICS. Here's how it enhances your experience:

1. Accessibility

Whether you're a student-athlete, parent, or fan, Hudl ensures you stay connected to ICS athletics like never before. No more missing games due to conflicting schedules or distance—Hudl brings the excitement to you.

2. Real-Time Updates

Say goodbye to waiting for scores or game summaries. With Hudl, you'll get real-time updates, ensuring you're always in the know about our teams' performances and achievements.

3. Immersive Experience

From live-streaming games to watching highlights, Hudl offers an immersive experience that captures the essence of ICS athletics. It's more than just scores; it's about sharing the moments that define our teams' successes.

4. Support and Engagement

Whether you're supporting our Lions on campus or from across the globe, Hudl strengthens our community by bringing together students, families, and alumni in celebration of our shared love for our athletes.

Get Involved

We invite you to explore and embrace this new era of ICS sports. Follow our teams, watch games live, and celebrate victories together as a united community. Want to know more about how Hudl works or have questions about its implementation at ICS? Reach out to our Athletics Director, Randi Hillaker, who will be happy to assist you.

We’re Advancing the Mission

At ICS, athletics isn't just about winning games—it's about instilling values, fostering growth, and glorifying God through every competition. Now, we're enhancing our ability to support our student-athletes in their journey to excellence, both on and off the field.

Thank you for your continued support of ICS athletics. Together, let's make this season on Hudl one to remember!

Go Lions!

Read more about our Athletics Program

Follow our Athletics Social Media Accounts

Glorifying God through Competition

Glorifying God through Competition

By Randi Hillaker, athletic director

ICS high school cross country team prays together before a meet.

This year in athletics we are working on achieving our department’s mission: “to create opportunities for student-athletes to glorify God through competitive excellence while honoring Christ and serving others.” In a culture where winning is everything, the ICS athletics program aims to teach our students how to glorify God, honor Christ, and serve others. Our student-athletes have lived out our mission this year in many ways.

After a volleyball game in early September, a player from the opposing team suffered an injury while leaving our school. After confirming she had help, members of the ICS team didn’t hesitate to begin praying for her. No teacher, coach or parent asked our athletes to pray. Rather, their hearts were evident in their immediate action to pray for an injured peer.

“In serving and loving each other well, ICS athletes are honoring God, giving him the glory for their wins, and learning through the losses.”

— Ms. Hillaker

Keaton O. (12th) pitches during his senior year season on the ‘23 ICS baseball team.

Our baseball team recently faced an opponent that was very inexperienced. The school had not had a baseball team in 15 years. When set to play ICS, they had never played baseball and had only practiced once. We quickly took the lead, but remained humble and encouraging toward the other team. A player was sent in to pitch that needed more pitching experience. ICS’ pitchers took the time to provide practice and pointers to the new pitcher. Other Lions offered tips to their catcher as well. This team’s coach was very grateful for our understanding and encouragement. He commented that he was sure they would not meet another opponent this season who would be more willing to help his team improve.

Within ICS’ teams, there is a noticeable effort to build one another up and solidify relationships. They regularly serve each other on and off the field. In serving and loving each other well, ICS athletes are honoring God, giving Him the glory for their wins, and learning through the losses.

December 2023 Employee Spotlight - Mrs. Biel!

ICS December 2023 Employee Spotlight

Congratulations, Mrs. Biel, ICS P.E. and Health Teacher

How long have you been at ICS and what do you do?

This is my second year at ICS as the P.E. and Teacher. I teach kindergarten all the way through high school!

Mrs. Biel and her husband, Coach Biel (ICS boys varsity basketball coach), on their wedding day.

What brought you to ICS?

I went to ICS for my senior year of high school and loved my experience. I always enjoyed coming back to support friends in sports or in the arts. When I saw that the P.E. teaching position opened, I thought it would be a neat opportunity to come back to ICS and invest in the community in a different way. I have enjoyed being a teacher at ICS!

What is one encouraging thing that has happened at school recently that you'd like to share?

One reason I am thankful to be at a Christian school is the opportunity I have to encourage students in their relationships with Jesus. I have had some good conversations with students about things that are happening in their lives and I enjoy when I get the opportunity to bring it back to Jesus. It is also very encouraging when they do that for me and push me to grow in my relationship with the Lord.

What is your deep hope for your students and/or our school this year?

My deep hope for my students is that they would be champions for God and others by loving Him first and others second - and that they would bring glory to God through the gifts He has given them.

Building Leaders on and off the Green: Noah Hillaker Wins the 2023 Lester Taylor Leadership Golf Award

Building Leaders on and off the Green: Noah Hillaker Wins the 2023 Lester Taylor Leadership Golf Award

Noah Hillaker, a sophomore at Intermountain Christian School, has been awarded the esteemed 2023 Lester Taylor Leadership “Leading by Example” Golf Award. 

Noah Hillaker

Dr. Lester Taylor, DDS, a successful dentist in Southern California loved the game of golf. He thrived on competitions by playing on the Hacienda golf traveling team playing in matches all over Southern California. He often spoke about the parallels to hard work and life that the game teaches. In fact, Dr. Taylor had 7-holes-in-one during his life-time. 

Dr. Taylor grew up in Spanish Fork, Utah. His parents had limited means; but he worked hard to be a contributor to his family and to the community. Throughout his life, Dr. Taylor mentioned many times that he wanted to support golf for junior players and schools someday. To this end, the family wanted to grant his wishes to support junior golf and started the Lester Taylor Memorial “Leadership-Leading by Example” Award in 2021.

“Noah is an outstanding athlete and young man who excels in sports, school and as a leader,” said Coach Douglas C. Taylor, son of Dr. Lester Taylor.

Coach Douglas is ICS’s Golf Head Coach. The Lions took 3rd place in Region 22 of Utah’s 1A schools this year. Also, Noah competed in the individual competition of the Utah State-Wide 1A Championship in Richfield, Utah and came in 14th place out of a vast field of excellent golfers from all over Utah. 

Noah Hillaker with Coach Taylor

Noah not only received the Lester Taylor Leadership award, but also the MVP Award for Lions’ Varsity Golf Team during the 2023 season. 

“It was clear who the next recipient should be because of Noah’s outstanding leadership skills and being such a great example among his peers both in the community, school and the golf course. Congrats, Noah!,” said Coach Taylor.

Balancing Academics and Athletics: 5 Tips for Success

Balancing Academics and Athletics: 5 Tips for Success

At ICS, we are thankful that our students have so many great opportunities outside the classroom. Whether it be theater, Student Council (Stuco) or athletics, our students have the chance to serve God in many ways while growing in their knowledge through extra curricular activities. Although this is a blessing for our students, participating in these additional opportunities can be a challenge when it comes to academic success. Here are five key points to help our students balance academics and athletics at ICS:

1. Communication with teachers and coaches.

   Our coaches and staff always strive to work together with students to help them succeed. We encourage athletes to be constant and consistent in their communication as they seek to balance both their school work and after school activities.

2. Get ahead and avoid procrastination.

   Putting assignments off can always lead to challenges for student athletes. We suggest finding ways to get ahead on assignments, and not waiting until the last minute to get something done. This will help students from feeling overwhelmed, as their responsibilities increase.

3. Prioritize academics.

   We love our athletic teams and activities. We also want to encourage students that academics is their number one priority at ICS. We will always help students seek success in the classroom first, and see athletics as a privilege.

“We will always help students seek success in the classroom first, and see athletics as a privilege.”

4. Write down important details.

As students begin to participate in multiple activities, it can be challenging to keep everything straight. A great way to make sure students balance activities is to keep a planner (either written or online) where they can manage their dates, events and assignments.

5. Keep a positive attitude.

Lastly, we encourage students and families to keep a positive attitude. It is a blessing and privilege to be able to participate in activities, and it should be fun. There may be tough times, but remembering to keep a positive attitude is essential.

Meet Coach Taylor!

Meet Coach Taylor!

What’s your new ICS position?

​I am the new head golf coach!

Where are you from?

I am from La Habra Heights, California. I was born in Idaho Falls and lived in La Habra Heights from 7-17 years old. I graduated from the University of Utah! After college, I worked for a major airline in Los Angeles. Though, I always wanted to move back to Salt Lake City. After many years in L.A., we found a beautiful place in Draper and moved back to the Wasatch Front in 2016.

Where do you go to church?

We attend Corner Canyon Church in Draper.

Tell us about your family!

I got married in 1992 to the beautiful Suzanne Marie. We have two children: London (24) and Suzie (21). Suzanne loves theatre, commercial theatre, and helping others. Suzie "Q" (we call her) goes to school on-line at Arizona State University and works full-time in Studio City at Beverly Glen Deli. She has a ball there and will finish college in May! London went to college in England and graduated in 2019 in International Relations. He is very successful working for two international corporations, one in Canada and one in England.

What is something most people don’t know about you?

Our family loves to travel. We postponed our travelling during the pandemic; but have made up for it this year with trips to Panama, Hilo Hawaii, Germany, Wisconsin, Mexico, and Orlando. Phew! That's a lot of places in one year!

What are you looking forward to most in your new role at ICS?

I am looking forward to helping our ICS students strive to develop strong Christian character through sports (especially through the sport of golf)!

What else would you like for the ICS community to know about you? Fun fact?

I love western movies, the mountain west, Yellowstone, and Zion. I love the outdoors! I think that is why I love golf so much!

ICS Volleyball Wins State!

By Amy Florell,  ICS volleyball assistant coach

Utah high school girls’ volleyball has a new state champion. Intermountain Christian School launched an unprecedented title for their school when it won only the second high school athletic championship in the history of the institution (the first was boys’ golf in 2008). There are not many things that can compare to the thrill, fanfare, and school-wide bonding that accompany winning a state championship, especially when it is a FIRST in a long time.

Although you will find much written on “what it takes” to win at this level, there is some mystery and providence involved that cannot be denied. Generally speaking, a volleyball state title involves having talented players, staying healthy, and getting a few breaks along the way. Additionally, championships are won when your team is at their best when it matters and the athletes have a special chemistry that propels them to unite: two necessities that are gifts from God and cannot be manufactured and two realities that were present for our 2021-22 girls volleyball team.

Under the leadership of a coaching staff that provided many years of experience, technical/strategic support, and valued unity, the team pushed through challenges that included two varsity starters being sidelined for serious injuries for a good portion of the front end of our season. The charge and harmony between those on the court and the bench never wavered and the chemistry that had been developing over the years amongst the seniors steadfastly held the culture of this team.

ICS won the championship game because it did to Panguitch what it did to Rich and various other schools within the tournament. With all six senior varsity starters back on the court, we were a different team which allowed for game-altering momentum and runs. The Lions found their gear and took it the distance to bring home the big WIN.

In a way, ICS won the trophy twice. The injuries that plagued the beginning of our season might have crippled a lesser team, but their fortitude, faith, and God’s providence served toward championship caliber in every respect. It was an epic end for a team that now has their names in the history books of ICS.

Meet Mrs. Pethtel!

Meet Mrs. Pethtel!

What’s your new ICS position?

My position will be elementary S.T.E.M. teacher for Pre-K through fifth grade. S.T.E.M. stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. This class will be very interactive with a focus on hands on learning. Our topics will include rockets, circuits, coding, building and architecture, chemistry, forces and motion and so much more!

Where are you from?

I grew up in the midwest and I have had the privilege of living overseas as a missionary and around the US working for Christian schools.

Where do you go to church?

Attending Hope Church!

Tell us about your family!

I have a wonderful husband and four great kids (three boys and one girl). Our oldest is a pilot in the Air Force, our next son is a senior at Baylor University and in Army ROTC, our third child is Emma who is a junior at ICS and our youngest is Hudson who is in the second grade at ICS.

What is something most people don’t know about you?

I am passionate about encouraging students to explore the wonders of God's creation in such areas of science, technology, engineering, and math.

What are you looking forward to most in your new role at ICS?

I am looking forward to meeting my students and their families. I love seeing student’s faces light up when they complete a challenge and learn something new.

What else would you like for the ICS community to know about you? Fun fact?

I enjoy listening to music and doing Zumba. I love water skiing and being on the water either a lake or an ocean. I am enjoying hiking and getting to know Utah!

Meet Coach Heckman!

Meet Coach Heckman!

What’s your new ICS position?

​I am the new High School Cross Country Head Coach.

Where are you from?

My husband and I are from Nashville, TN.  We moved our family out here 6 years ago, following my husband's job in Lehi.

Where do you go to church?

Our family attends Prince of Peace Lutheran in Taylorsville, and Good News Lutheran in Lehi.

Tell us about your family!

My husband, Tom, is the Head of Treasury for Atlas Renewable Energy, an international solar company.  We have 4 children: Elizabeth and Katherine, our 21 year old twins who attend Lee University in Cleveland, TN, and NAU in Flagstaff, AZ, respectively.  Both have been running since middle school, and Elizabeth runs on the Lee University cross country and track teams. Our nine year old daughter, Tyler, loves horses and riding. Our eight year old son, Walker, loves hiking and exploring, and enjoys horseback riding as well.  Both attend Prince of Peace Lutheran School in Taylorsville.  I have a Masters in Music Composition, and I write, arrange, and teach music when I'm not coaching running.  Our family truly enjoys being outdoors in God's creation.

What is something most people don’t know about you?

I'm fairly level-headed in an emergency, but unexpected questions from my children, especially when they were younger, tend to throw me off or fluster me! They have stories of parent fails when I couldn't think of a good explanation fast enough for their little brains.

What are you looking forward to most in your new role at ICS?

​I am looking forward to seeing how each of the athletes develop over the season, as young athletes as well as young Christians. It's fun to look back and see where you've come from to where you are now, and reflect on all of the challenges that brought you there.

What else would you like for the ICS community to know about you? Fun fact?

I couldn't come up with anything; my brain is still in summer mode and that's a lot of work to think of an answer to apparently!

Meet Coach Lusk!

Meet Coach Lusk!

What’s your new ICS position?

I am the new High School Girls Basketball Coach.

Where are you from?

I am originally from Jackson, Missouri. I went to college in Rolla, Missouri and met my husband Braden. After college, we lived in Cleveland, Ohio; Hutchinson, Kansas; Lexington, Kentucky; and returned to Rolla, Missouri in 2016. In 2018, Braden accepted a position at Dyno Nobel which is headquartered in Salt Lake City.  We made the move to Utah in 2020.

Where do you go to church?

My family attends Grace Lutheran in Sandy, UT.

Tell us about your family!

As mentioned above, my husband is Braden and he works for Dyno Nobel which is an explosives manufacturer.  Braden has a PhD in Mining Engineering with an emphasis in explosives engineering.  We have been married for 21 years.  We have been blessed with two amazing daughters Kendrick and Gillian.  Kendrick and Gillian both attend ICS.  Kendrick will be a freshman this year, and Gillian will be in 7th grade.   The final member of our family is our 10 year old goldendoodle, Thunder, who thinks he is just one of the kids.

What are you most passionate about?

As a current stay-at-home mom, most people don't know that I have a BS in Civil Engineering and a PhD in Mining Engineering. I am also a registered Professional Engineer in Kentucky.  I am a big supporter of STEM education. 

What are you looking forward to most in your new role at ICS?

I am so excited to be a part of the ICS Athletics Team!  I am most looking forward to getting to know the girls basketball players and hope to share with them some of the life lessons/skills I learned from basketball, such as mental toughness, being a good teammate and strong competitor, setting and achieving goals, and having fun playing sports. Most importantly, I want to help the players enjoy and utilize the gifts and abilities that God has given them.  I look forward to seeing how we come together as a team and use these gifts to glorify God.

What else would you like for the ICS community to know about you? Fun fact?

My family loves boating and the lake! We boat on Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri.

Meet Coach Peek!

Meet Coach Peek!

What’s your new ICS position?

I am the new Assistant Varsity Basketball Coach.

Where are you from?

We moved out here from Colorado in 2018 because this is where Jesus wanted us to be and he made that VERY clear to us!

Where do you go to church?

We are involved at The Point Church where I serve as a fill-in preacher and help lead the men's group.

Tell us about your family!

My wife Tara and I have 5 kids: AJ, Vivy, Shaya, Arie, and Emmet; and 2 dogs, Jovie and Roo.

What are you most passionate about?

I work full-time in the printed packaging industry and host the world's largest packaging podcast along with having a decent TikTok following @packagingpastor. I have also given a TED talk!

What are you looking forward to most in your new role at ICS?

Basketball is the only sport ever invented with the sole intent of bringing people to a saving knowledge of Jesus. I love coaching the game I've grown to love because it can reach young men some incredible life lessons and bring them closer in vertical relationship to God and horizontal relationships with their teammates, coaches, and students.

What else would you like for the ICS community to know about you? Fun fact?

In 1982, my mom entered me into the the Santa Clara County Baby Pageant and I took second. The judges said I was 100% healthy and only 98% beautiful. Good things Jesus loves me 100%! Oh yeah, I have 2 hip hop songs on iTunes and I'm working on making an EP with a friend of mine as well. Stay tuned! I'm so excited to serve the ICS community, go win some basketball games, and teach people about Jesus through basketball!

Meet Coach Hubbard!

Meet Coach Hubbard!

What’s your new ICS position?

I am the new Girl’s High School Volleyball Coach.

Where are you from?

I was actually born in Salt Lake, but was raised and married in Nampa, Idaho before moving back to Salt Lake to work for a commercial building contractor in 1989.

Where do you go to church?

Rosewood Lane Church of the Nazarene in Layton, UT.

Tell us about your family!

My wife, Diane, and I are retired and are coming up on our 46th Anniversary! We have two sons, two daughters, and six grandchildren.

What are you most passionate about?

I love spending time with my family and helping with construction/maintenance projects at our Church. I also never turn down an opportunity to go on a river float trip.

What are you looking forward to most in your new role at ICS?

I am looking forward to developing a volleyball program for middle school thru high school, that is competitive year in/year out, reflects the values of ICS, and allows student athletes the opportunity to discover their unique talents and abilities, as well as become strong lifetime disciples (on and off the volleyball court).

What else would you like for the ICS community to know about you? Fun fact?

I enjoy camping, driving in the backcountry, photography, and woodworking (though that has been more of a work than a hobby). Fun fact? I am somewhat of a real-life Mike Wazowski. I ran a pre-install door shop for 5 years before retiring.

Mr. H Takes Boston. Again.

For many, the dream of competing in the Boston Marathon is just that, a dream. Getting to participate in this historical race is not just signing up and paying an entrance fee. There are stringent qualifying times that need to be met in order to even be considered. There are ways to run the race without a qualifying time, but this requires large sums of raised funds to approved charities. It’s fair to say that running the Boston Marathon is for only the most dedicated and elite athletes. Many dream of participating in the event even just one time, but ICS’ very own PE teacher, Mr. Hulin (Mr. H), just got back in town from participating in it for the 5th time. Mr. H took place in the wheelchair division and was one of just 41 wheelchair athletes to participate in the 2022  Boston Marathon.

Mr. H first garnered an interest in completing the Boston Marathon because for many runners and athletes, this race is a bucket list race. He first competed in Boston in 2012. He qualified for Boston during the Utah Valley Marathon with a time of 1:53.  Year after year it’s been a goal for Mr. Hulin to qualify for Boston and to experience all that is the Boston Marathon.

Mr. H went back to compete again in 2013, which was the year of the Boston Marathon bombing. This obviously had a great effect on all the athletes, and he knew he wanted to return after that awful event.

Coming back in 2014 and participating the year after the bombing was a powerful experience for Mr. H. To see the city and the athletes rebound and persevere after the awfulness from the year prior is something that will stick with him for a long time. A large part of the Boston experience is the spectators that show up and cheer on the participants. It is a large, rowdy crowd, with the entire city realizing the excitement and importance of this race!

Mr. H took a break from returning to Boston for a few years, but he was not sitting still. He completed an Iron-Man, which he says doesn’t even compare to completing a marathon.  After this massive achievement, Mr. H decided to go for a Boston qualification again. Of course, he made it. This was 2020, and this race was virtual, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr. H returned to Boston in person this year for the first time since 2014. Experiencing the camaraderie of one of the oldest marathons in the country is a feeling he is willing to pursue year after year. Mr. H is accomplishing athletic feats that many able bodied people will never even consider attempting. He has to keep moving. He desires to do so to stay in shape and to just keep pushing himself physically. Mr H’s “no excuses” attitude translates into his gym classes as he pushes the students to try their hardest to remain active.

When asked what’s next for Mr. H he answered, “Stay in shape and see what happens!”

Your ICS community can’t wait to see what you do next, Mr. H!

High School Volleyball Wins 2021 1A State Championship

Intermountain Christian School’s High School Volleyball team victoriously brought home a 1A Championship title over the weekend. On the way to the championship, our lions beat Rich and Panguitch, which is a massive triumph for ICS Athletics. We are incredibly proud of our Lady Lions’ hard work and determination on the court, our coaches’ commitment to the team, and our community’s support along the way. To read more about the team’s journey to the title, check out Deseret News’ coverage of the championship game.

Go, Lions!

State Championship Gallery

Meet Athletic Director Ryan Behmer!

Meet ICS’ New Athletic Director Ryan Behmer

What's your new ICS title and position?  Athletic Director

Where are you from? If you're not originally from UT, how did you end up here? Growing up we often moved and never really settled in one location. I ended up living all over the US and enjoyed living in many places. Chicago is where I consider home when asked. God has led me to many places throughout life and brought my wife and I to UT in 2019 after living in Shanghai for a few years.

 Where do you go to Church? My wife and I are members of Gospel Hope Church in Riverton, UT.

Tell us about your family! God has blessed me with a beautiful wife who was born and raised in Hong Kong. She is a very talented musician and worked as a teacher in Shanghai.  Together we have two beautiful children. Our little girl Juliet is around 18 months old and her little brother Moses is around 3 months old.

What is something most people don't know about you? OR What are you most passionate about? I have a passion for leading others to grow in their talents God has given them. It really brings me joy to see and help others serve the Lord with their gifts.

What are you looking forward to most in your new role at ICS? It is very exciting to be back in Christian education where we have the opportunity to help students see the world from a biblical perspective. Sports gives us a great opportunity to grow in our Christian character and I look forward to helping create a culture of Christian excellence within ICS Athletics.

What else would you like the ICS community to know about you? My wife and I look forward to becoming a part of the ICS community and are thankful for the support we have experienced since I started here!

Welcome to ICS, Ryan! We are excited for you to be a part of the lion community!

OUR CHAMPIONSHIP

“Do we want to win the State Championship? YES. But, really, we already won.” That is what basketball coaches, Tim Drisdom and Josh Longoria, relayed throughout the interview regarding this unique 2020 season. A week out from the State Tournament, ICS was ranked by Deseret News as the #1 team in the state. This ‘19-’20 basketball season has without a doubt been unprecedented in its success, and I’m not even referring to their 17-5 regular-season record or the 1,000 point hurdle Caleb Koski achieved in only two years (27.0 ppg is 1st in Utah 1A & 3rd in all classes). Instead, the higher premium of spiritual growth is evident on this team. This growth is where the coaches have rooted their perspective in regards to the success of this season. 

When Caleb came to Coach Longoria in December with a tattoo idea of Jeremiah 29:11, his response was, “Do you believe this is true, and do you believe the rest of the Bible is true?” These questions and Caleb’s responses define the success of the season. Coach Drisdom went on to say, “I’ve known Caleb personally for 10 years. Last year was a culture shock and was hard for him. But now I’ve never seen him happier. He’s a different dude. I know what’s happening in his heart.” Caleb confessed Christ is Lord this basketball season. In regards to that moment, Caleb said, “I’ve been saved.” Tim replied after a pause, “This has been our championship.”

These athletes are full of passion for their sport and coaches oftentimes share an influence on them that is unmatched outside of parents and pastors. These ICS basketball coaches are committed to an authentic relationship, transparency, challenge, accountability, and being a part of each individual’s transformation. These athletes are not fed inauthenticity, but real, face-to-face challenge to a life of pursuing Christ. Now we know. Now we see the victory. Beyond the stats, beyond the championship, this victory is eternal. 

Written by Rachel Larson, Marketing Director

Steadfastness in the Midst of a Most Unusual Marathon

Years ago while training for a half marathon, I heard often about the “runners high.”  It’s the experience that many in the world of long-distance running have when the prefrontal and limbic regions of the brain spew out endorphins, a God-given hormone that masks pain or discomfort, and allows the athlete to feel more relaxed and euphoric when their physical body is being pushed.  I believed in the phenomenon, I desired to experience this relief, and yet it took months before I was able to personally profess this sensation. Come to find out, research suggests that there is a sweet spot where one’s pace isn’t easy nor is it gut-busting. Sauntering too casually won’t produce enough discomfort to trigger a rush.  Pushing too aggressively will overwhelm you past the point of being able to feel good. Finding the sweet spot is necessary in order to achieve relief. As the world continues to settle into new routines in the context of COVID-19, I am reminded and challenged to find my sweet spot in the midst of this crisis. Keeping in mind that this is a marathon, not a sprint, I have reflected on three specific areas to help us process our new circumstances:  personal characteristics that preamble success, spiritual disciplines and habits that affect long-term change, and contrasting sprinter versus marathon perspectives toward daily life.

As I reflect on what it looks like to successfully complete a marathon-like race in life, I sought out data that revealed the character traits of marathon finishers and non-finishers.  In short, the findings identified one characteristic that stood out: steadfastness.

Miriam-Webster defines steadfastness as “firm in belief, determination, or adherence.”  Said in another way, steadfastness is dedicating and committing oneself to the task at hand.  In the context of COVID-19, one helpful functional tool to develop is to learn to “live life backward.”  Athletes are trained to visualize meeting milestones, both short-term and long-term. Sports psychologist, Dave Caldwell, theorizes “if you are able to imagine yourself meeting your goals, you can silence the devil (negative self-talk) no matter the level of discomfort you experience.”  This principle is Ecclesiastical, one designed to change your perspective by learning to live today in light of the end. Knowing that the COVID-19 crisis will eventually end, working backward from that point into all of the details, decisions, and attitudes of our lives today helps us determine a realistic, maintainable stride for daily life.

In the same vein, we call upon spiritual disciplines or daily habits as a means toward the desired end.  John Mark Comer offers a standard definition of discipline as “any activity I can do by direct effort that will eventually enable me to do that which, currently, I cannot do by direct effort.”  For example, a student in Strength & Agility may want to bench press a certain weight but can’t. Comer contends that they don’t yet have the power or the muscle to do so. It’s not that they can’t, it’s that they cannot do it yet.  They need access to more power through the discipline of regular training, and in the end, they become the person who can do something they couldn’t previously do. The process and the principle are similar to spiritual disciplines, but with the nuance of drawing on the Holy Spirit’s power in addition to our own commitment.  As we follow the core practices of Jesus himself: quiet time to pray, reading our Bibles, living in isolated-community, practicing Sabbath, and tithing, we are drawing on supernatural strength to help us cope and enable us to sit with suffering for a bit. Also, developing strategies to weather the storm and emerge with a stronger resilience, renewed relationships, and a regenerated appreciation for life.

As we enter into the 4th week of social distancing, it's likely that you are already realizing that running a marathon feels and looks very different than sprinting a race.  While relentless work is noble and understandable (especially in western culture), it is not sustainable. It’s interesting to note that at their peak, distance runners have a significantly higher cardiac index than sprinters.  Meaning that at the peak point of a race, the distance runners experience more efficient pumping action and increased cardiac output due to their specific type of training. During a sprint, adrenaline keeps the runner going, there is legitimate urgency, and everyone around them is running at full speed.  This environment is not true for the distance runner where pace and rhythm are necessities and the goal is to remain in a comfortable aerobic zone. And so it is with us during this time when the end to our current crisis is unclear. May we seek inspiration from Jesus who steadfastly lived one day at a time, remaining in a comfortable measured zone that allowed him to be present and aware of each moment and the opportunities that might be part of it.

In summary, as you move forward into the first few miles of this COVID-19 marathon, I encourage you to seek to find your sweet spot.  First, determine to work backward living life today in light of the end. Second, do this by committing to regular spiritual disciplines to keep you grounded and stable.  Third, function practically at a sustainable pace. May each of us be very present in each day of this pandemic, intentionally seeking to make each mile matter. This season is a historical event that cannot be rewritten.  Prepare today the narrative that you will share with future generations about the One who is faithful and steadfast to those who call upon His name. 

Written by Amy Florell, Strength and Agility Teacher

Photography by Khloe Begg, ICS HS Junior

I AM CONFIDENT: SPEECH AND DEBATE

“’This class covers the essence of good writing and this first essential element is the thesis statement”, the college professor stated on the first day of class.  

“What’s a thesis statement?” The girl sitting next to me leaned over to ask.  And not only did I know, but I knew everything else in the class! This is just one example of how I was completely prepared for college. The joy in the ICS graduates’ voice was evident as the success was shared.  The shoulders, the walk, the voice, all displayed confidence from a difficult task attempted and fulfilled. This may seem a small thing until one knows the rest of the story. This 2018 graduate came to ICS at the age of 14 from a foreign country with very limited English. In four years, he not only learned English and completed all of the requirements to graduate ICS; he also took 3rd place in the State Speech and Debate tournament in Extemporaneous Speaking. 

Confidence comes from attempting something difficult and being encouraged to pursue it until success is achieved.  There may be setbacks and failures along the way, but the encouragement of others can restore confidence when the inner self desires to quit.  Whether it’s our youngest friends who are first learning their ABC’s or our oldest students who are writing for Advanced Placement and SAT exams, ICS teachers are creating challenges, supporting students, and celebrating their successes. 

“I took Speech and Debate because I have a stuttering problem and Mrs. Phinney said this was the best place to work on it”, said a freshman.  “What do you want to talk about?” I asked, and we began writing his speech. He found his passion and wrote and practiced his speech. On the way to the first tournament, he hardly spoke at all.  He went, delivered his speech three separate times to three separate judges, and won a trophy! The whole team celebrated with him and from then on, he was hooked. He kept writing, practicing, and competing. By the end of his sophomore year, that stutter had disappeared and, in his senior year, he was a respected and confident contributor in classes. This young man morphed from a quiet and shy freshman with a stuttering problem to a confident young man currently attending college.

These are two small examples of how ICS builds confidence in students. Every day, students walk into a building where their teachers, classmates, and most importantly, God, have their back. Students can come out of a speech or a test thinking they have completely failed, but then God has worked in a way that only He can to bring about His results. For example, when a competitor from another school mocked one of our female debaters, she chose to trust God and not respond. Not only did she win the debate, she won the entire tournament! She learned a valuable lesson to put her confidence in God. 2 Corinthians 3:5 reminds us that our confidence comes from God and our purpose is to serve Him in love. Every day, ICS teachers at every level are committed to equipping and inspiring students to thrive confidently in God’s world. 

A few of our 2019/2020 Speech and Debate team members

Written by Jacqueline Croswhite, Speech and Debate Coach, HS English, Social Sciences, and International Program Coordinator

COURAGE TO RUN THE (STATE) RACE

I am typically not the optimist.  I tend to see the worst before I see the best.  It’s definitely not the trait I’m most proud of, especially in light of parenting.  Josephine is my 5th grader, and to see her now, you’d see her giggling with her friends in the hallways, dressing up her cat at home, making mug brownies on a Friday night, and very occasionally cleaning her room.  I have memories of a very small underweight baby Josie who was very meek, mild and at times even listless. A series of tests as part of a “failure to thrive” diagnosis showed that Josie had a severe kidney issue, indicating her kidneys were permanently scarred and function only at 60% and 40% capacity.  She eventually needed surgery, days after her second birthday, landing her a 2-week stay at the Children’s Hospital in Buffalo, NY.  

Praise God, Josie’s issues are no more, and she quickly returned to life as an active toddler.  Her personality, however, was still a bit reserved as I think she had so much to overcome from the constant infections she endured since birth.  Josie was very slow to talk and had speech therapy for a year to bring out simple words like “red” and “bed.” Finally, she spoke. Clearly. And it turns out she had a lot to say.  

Josie is part of an active family and has participated in various team sports through the community.  This year, her 5th-grade year, she was excited to join the Middle School Cross Country team at ICS. My pessimistic mind admittedly was often more focused on my 7th grader and her efforts as I viewed the 5th graders participating more for the experience than actual competition.  But as the season wore on, Josie stepped it up. She showed courage at each race, putting in her best and ending red-faced. The regional race determined who would go to the state meet. Josie’s time qualified her to represent her team at the state level. Her reaction to this accomplishment made my mom's heart soar.  She was very meek and didn’t want a big deal made of it. She wanted to remind others that it is a team sport. Her humility almost melded into embarrassment when talking about it with peers, teachers, and others.  

We showed up at the state meet where the competition was bigger in numbers and in literal size.  I could sense Josie’s trepidation. She was frolicking with the team waiting for the race to start, but there was definitely some reservation and thought as she prepped to run her heart out.  I couldn’t help but reflect back to her earlier seasons of childhood and to think of my timid Josie now out there bravely giving everything she had to a brand new sport. The team ended up taking first place in the state.  I had two daughters on that winning team, and as they were accepting their trophy, I looked at my friend and fellow cross country mom, Becky Schumacher, and felt a shared unspoken wave of gratitude and pride. I’ll let my kids sit in humility over their accomplishments.  But as their mom, for this season, I’m going to be optimistic and proud. Not just for their academic or athletic achievements, but for all the times they choose courage in the face of the unknown, courage to compete against older kids, courage to stand up for what is right and courage to run the race that is set for them.  I don’t typically love surprises, but I loved it when Josie surprised me this past cross country season with an attitude full of bravery and courage.  

By Jennifer Adema, ICS Mom, and ICS Admissions Coordinator