Star Valley High School Football Coach McKay Young joined Duke & Dahl during First Bank of Wyoming Sports Friday to discuss the opening season, which opens August 29 at Shelley, Idaho.

(0:00) It is First Bank of Wyoming Sports Friday on the SVI Radio Network. (0:04) Of course, your home for totally free checking at First Bank (0:07) with local branches in Alpine, Afton, Kemmer and Mountain View. (0:11) Star Valley High School football coach McKay Young joining us in studio today (0:15) heading into his, can you believe it or not, tenth season (0:18) as head coach for Star Valley Braves football.
(0:21) That’s kind of wild, coach. (0:22) What do you think? Ten years as head coach. (0:25) Yeah, it doesn’t seem like very long ago we were sitting here, (0:29) I guess 10 years ago, 2016 and having a conversation, (0:33) you know, in that preseason and heading into that group.
(0:35) It’s it’s pretty wild that we’ve been through now ten senior classes. (0:39) Well, we certainly appreciate your time. (0:41) Always a pleasure to have you.
(0:42) Have you talked to us, especially on the verge of another season, (0:45) which there’s always such a fervor for I mean, let’s be honest, (0:49) nothing against baseball, it’s the national sport now. (0:52) And the idea that everybody’s just extra excited, (0:55) whether it’s high school or college or professional, (0:57) everybody’s excited about football. (1:00) What is on your mind as you head into your tenth season (1:03) as head coach of the Braves? (1:06) You know, you’re right, especially this time of year.
(1:08) I think throughout the country, people are excited for Friday (1:11) night lights and Saturday afternoons and Sunday afternoons. (1:14) And everybody’s team’s undefeated right now. (1:17) It’s one of the things that I think we love in this country is just the hope (1:21) that everybody has for their respective football teams.
(1:25) But as far as what’s on my mind, (1:31) just kind of, you know, what are we going to do for practice tonight? (1:35) I guess that’s on my mind. (1:36) We got we did our our defensive emphasis this morning. (1:39) Coach Merritt, you know, getting his guys dialed in.
(1:42) And tonight we’ll have an offensive emphasis. (1:45) So as I was driving over just now, I was just thinking about the different packages (1:49) and where we’re going to plug different players in to hopefully gain some advantages (1:52) and maybe score a point or two. (1:54) Well, you’re coming off a pretty prolific season, to say the least, right? (1:58) Undefeated third time in a row as state champs.
(2:02) Historically, one of the most impressive teams that Star Valley has ever had, (2:06) which even just in your time is 10 years, a coach says a lot. (2:10) But when you go through the history, that says a lot. (2:13) This year’s junior class now senior class, I should say this year’s senior class.
(2:18) Are they feeling pressure? (2:20) I mean, what are they? (2:22) Are they building on that momentum? (2:23) Are they I mean, how how are you keeping them from not over? (2:29) I don’t even know how to answer the ask the question, but I think you know what I’m saying, right? (2:33) How do you keep their they’re kind of grounded and ready to do it again for four times in a row? (2:38) For sure. I was just talking with an old friend of mine, a guy used to coach football with here. (2:41) Some of you remember Chris Abrams.
(2:45) And he asked me essentially the same question. (2:47) He said, are they staying humble? (2:48) Like, how are you keeping them humble? (2:49) You know, coming off a three in a row. (2:51) And I said that the the thing with this bunch is a lot of those guys would have been good enough to not just be varsity starters around the state, (3:00) but they would have been really, really good varsity football players for a lot of programs around the state of Wyoming.
(3:04) And they had to, you know, be patient by their time. (3:08) And they they put together an incredible JV season last year, not just undefeated, but two huge wins over the two best football programs in Idaho and Highland and Rigby. (3:17) So I think you have a now senior group that’s hungry.
(3:20) Like they they’re excited to have their chance. (3:25) A lot of them were in supporting roles and, you know, maybe even a little scout team against those guys last year. (3:31) And this this is their time to write their chapter in the book.
(3:34) And and I think I don’t think there’s any overconfidence. (3:38) I think there’s just a lot of excitement for a lot of those guys to get their chance to to write their story. (3:44) It’s a phrase, actually, I’ve used for a long time.
(3:48) And since Star Valley has been primarily what I’ve who I’ve covered, that’s kind of what I always associate with a Star Valley senior. (3:55) And when there’s programs that have had a long, sustained era of success, there is that meant that there is kind of that you got to wait your turn until you’re a senior. (4:06) And so, yeah, I kind of I’ve always referred to him as as a Star Valley senior.
(4:10) And you got to wait your time. (4:11) And it seems like you have a whole class of them is kind of what you’re talking about. (4:14) And that’s got to be exciting as a staff.
(4:16) This is the biggest senior group we’ve had since I’ve been here, you know, 10 years. (4:20) Monday, I want to say we had 28 seniors, which I’ve heard from Ballard several times. (4:26) You know, Robert Linford used to always say, if you can get 20 seniors, I’m going to stay championship with that.
(4:31) And so to have 28 seniors out for football this week is is pretty exciting. (4:37) And, you know, there’s something to be said for experience. (4:40) And, you know, there’s a different type of hunger in a senior.
(4:43) So we’re excited about this group. (4:45) Let’s tell us about some of these seniors, of course, 28 of them. (4:49) I mean, there’s no way you could you could list them all off the top of your head.
(4:53) But some of the names that we will remember coming back from last year (4:56) and that we’re going to see a lot on the field this season. (4:59) I mean, I don’t know about naming a name specifically, but I was just talking with, (5:03) I think, Coach Merritt or Coach Clove this morning when they were freshmen. (5:08) Coach Hoops, who’s our freshman head coach and does a fabulous job.
(5:11) I mean, he was out like knocking doors, trying to find linemen. (5:14) When this class was freshmen and, you know, a couple of guys (5:18) that have become really good, you know, tight end H-back type Sam Gaskell (5:21) and Will Inford, they were both asked to play on the line as freshmen (5:24) because we just didn’t have linemen. (5:26) Now, looking forward, I think that’s going to be a strength of this team (5:30) that a lot of those (5:33) offensive and defensive linemen, they’ve really developed (5:36) and they really put a lot of time in and grinded.
(5:39) And I think you’re going to see (5:42) really a strength of this team being in the trenches on both sides of the ball. (5:45) One thing that I’ve been asked a lot since last season (5:49) was, are they still going to be good? (5:51) You know, yeah, I’ve gotten that a lot. (5:53) And and then my own opinion, I’ve kind of thrown out there.
(5:57) Yeah, my first answer was, yeah, they are. (5:59) And then my my opinion has been, but it’s going to be a little different. (6:03) And correct me if I’m wrong.
(6:05) Yes, I’m asking you to correct me (6:06) if I’m wrong on this next part, is that I think (6:11) the way this team is coming together and the kids that are coming up through, (6:16) you have just a huge stable of really capable running backs. (6:20) You’ve obviously got some great skill guys, too. (6:23) But I almost feel I’ve used the comparison to like that Peyton Erickson (6:27) when he was quarterback, maybe a little more run heavy, (6:29) a little more physical up front in terms of that’s your go to.
(6:33) Am I wrong on that? (6:34) Maybe a little less passing, a little more running. (6:37) And or he’s already got the looks like, I’m not going to tell you. (6:41) You know, you know, you might be listening.
(6:43) Right. I can see Dow get a little excited when he thinks (6:47) maybe a little more run next in. (6:49) Don’t don’t get me wrong.
I’ve loved it all. I’ve loved it all. (6:51) No, I know you have.
(6:53) I honestly think we’ll be as balanced as we’ve been the last couple of years. (6:56) I think we do have a really good stable of running backs. (7:02) But this this is going to be right up there (7:04) with the most talented group of receivers that we’ve ever had.
(7:06) And I remember sitting in the same chair, I think, three years ago (7:09) talking about that group that Tap McClure threw to. (7:12) I think if Coach Balls was sitting here, our receivers coach, (7:16) he’d tell you that this bunch of receivers is going to give that group (7:19) a run for their money as maybe the best group assembled. (7:21) So that’s getting ahead of ourselves in August, for sure.
(7:26) But running backs and receiver, (7:29) we feel really good about and then and we love the guy (7:32) that we have throwing the football right now. (7:33) Phoenix Hovey is a kid that (7:37) has put a ton of time in to develop in himself as a quarterback. (7:41) And I think when you watch him play very good mechanics, (7:45) very fundamentally sound, super confident kid.
(7:49) And he’s surrounded by a good offensive line (7:51) and a ton of different weapons to get the ball to. (7:54) So I think there’s a lot to be excited about. (7:57) Start by the high school football coach, McKay Young, in studio this morning.
(7:59) First Bank of Wyoming Sports Friday. (8:01) So in a week, it’s the lights turn on on a Friday night (8:04) and that kind of traditional or what at least has become tradition (8:07) as of late first three game schedule. (8:10) Shelly Preston and then that big one against Sugar.
(8:13) What are you seeing in those first few games, especially for what (8:17) is could be a big home opener against the Diggers in Afton? (8:21) So so Shelly and Preston play two nights from now or I guess tonight. (8:28) And so we get a chance to see both of them, (8:30) both with new coaching staffs, so both great athletic tradition (8:35) in both communities. (8:36) You know, Shelly was on a run about 10 years ago (8:38) where they were winning state championship after state championship (8:42) and but both with new staff.
(8:43) So we’ll get an idea of what they want to do. (8:46) But there’s no there’s no mystery. (8:48) And I’d be lying to you if if, you know, as a staff, (8:50) we’re not always looking forward to the Sugar-Salem game.
(8:55) That’s been battle royale. (8:57) And we’ve been on the short end of that stick more often than not. (9:01) Last year, I think that was a big catapult for the rest of the season (9:04) to finally get that one.
(9:06) But, you know, it’s going to be a physical game. (9:08) You know that they’re not going to make mistakes and you got to play air free. (9:11) Like there’s just so many things that prepare us for for the Codys, (9:16) you know, a month or two later in the state championship game.
(9:18) So in many ways for us, that’s that’s a playoff (9:22) atmosphere as far as our preparation. (9:24) And it’s a physical game. (9:25) And it’s put that quite I mean, our our kids, they circle that one.
(9:29) If you talk to the seniors from last year, that was the highlight of the year (9:31) was beating sugar. (9:32) And that’s saying something from a from a team that’s repeated. (9:36) I don’t want this to come off as putting you on the spot.
(9:39) But what are some things you’d like to see from, say, (9:44) fans and supporters this year (9:46) and from a from a from a coach standpoint, from an educator standpoint? (9:50) What are some things you’d like to see (9:53) for lack of better term us do for your program this year? (9:59) I mean, I have no specific request other than just keep doing what you’re doing. (10:04) I I’ve told you several times that I don’t think it’s coincidence (10:08) that kind of this renaissance of Star Valley football over the last 10 years (10:14) coincided exactly with SVI media. (10:17) And I think there’s something to be said for little kids (10:19) that watch the Braves on TV and they listen to Duke and Dow.
(10:24) And I think it gets young kids excited. (10:26) It gets families excited. (10:27) It gets the community excited.
(10:29) So as far as what you guys are doing, more of the same because it’s working. (10:34) And I don’t think you can understate the power that you guys have played. (10:38) And again, in the success that we’ve had over the last decade, (10:42) as far as at home, you know, I was I was just talking to a good friend of mine, (10:45) Mark Lenhart, who’s the head coach at Riverton, (10:47) who I think is going to be a really good, really good team this year.
(10:50) And he said, McKay, you have no idea how intimidating it is (10:54) to come to Afton for a playoff game in November, (10:58) like that atmosphere, those mountains, those fans. (11:03) That is a real thing. (11:05) And it’s something that maybe we don’t appreciate (11:08) because we get to enjoy it all the time.
(11:09) But but it’s sure cool to hear that from a, you know, an opposing school (11:13) that just how good we are at creating that home field advantage. (11:17) I think that’s a feather in the cap of the whole community. (11:21) Coach, you mentioned Mark Lenhart and Riverton.
(11:24) We talked about the program that they could be when you look around the state. (11:28) Obviously, there’s the Cody Bronx. (11:30) There’s the Riverton Wolverines.
(11:31) Who do you see as as maybe some some of the dark horses or someone (11:35) that maybe people aren’t watching right now (11:38) that could be a good competition for star value moving forward? (11:42) I mean, just going through the conference, Cody is Cody and Coach McFadden (11:47) is as good as anybody as far as the culture that he’s developed (11:50) and the athletes that he develops in the weight room. (11:52) And we know that a road to a state championship is going to go through Cody. (11:58) Powell is going to be a young team.
(12:00) I think I want to say only two or three kids have even played varsity football. (12:05) So I think they’re young, but talented. (12:07) Green River with Coach Blaine, I think they are going to continue to get better.
(12:14) Evanston was was was a pretty senior heavy class last year. (12:17) They do bring back their running back. (12:18) So we expect Evanston to be tough.
(12:23) And then obviously Jackson and Jackson as a quarterback (12:28) who is going to sling it around, and I wouldn’t be surprised (12:31) to throw in 40, 50, 60 times a game with some very capable receivers. (12:36) So I know our kids, especially playing Jackson on our home field (12:40) and with the weapons that we know Jackson has, that’s one that we’ve got. (12:44) Got us excited.
(12:45) And then the other side of state, Riverton was young last year. (12:48) Super young. (12:50) And Douglas was young last year.
(12:52) So I think both of them have got to have their eyes on upsetting the Braves (12:56) and making a bid for a state title. (12:58) I just want to touch on this. (12:59) Also, you you shared this this week.
(13:02) Every year your your program, your team does a lift on. (13:06) And it’s the the proceeds from that go towards whatever needs (13:11) whatever needs that you see out there this year. (13:13) So it’s a little closer to home in terms of where you’d like those to go.
(13:17) Coming up with a scholarship for for Kim Choma, Kim, of course, (13:22) a tragic moment this last summer. (13:24) And she means so much to the program and her family in this in this community. (13:28) Kind of talked about how people can become involved with this (13:32) and and what you hope to accomplish with with this fundraiser.
(13:37) I appreciate you asking that question. (13:40) I just would start by saying that we are. (13:44) We’re still heartbroken about what happened with Choma.
(13:48) And I don’t think it. (13:52) The line that I’ve used with so many people since the tragedy (13:55) is I think it’s our tendency as humans to kind of overdo or exaggerate (14:00) how good people were. (14:01) And that’s impossible to do it, Kim, because she really was as good (14:04) as people have said that she was like she really was the epitome (14:08) of just loving people and serving people and being selfless and kind.
(14:12) And she really was that person. (14:14) And I’ve said as long as I’m the coach here, (14:19) she’s going to be honored and she’s going to be remembered. (14:22) And one thing that we’re excited to be a part of with the Choma family is, (14:26) you know, helping them start this scholarship (14:31) and would encourage everybody.
(14:32) We got the links on on our Star Valley football Facebook page. (14:36) I go fund me and it’s all tax deductible donations (14:42) to a nonprofit that will go 100 percent to a scholarship in her memory. (14:47) And something that I hope will keep people talking about her, (14:50) not just until next year, the year after, but but 20, 30, 40 years from now.
(14:54) There’s still people asking, well, who was Kim Choma? (14:58) And and I think as people learn about her, you just can’t help (15:01) but want to be a little bit better yourself. (15:02) So something that that I that I appreciate the Choma family (15:05) allowing us to to be a part of and encourage everyone, (15:09) everyone in the Star Valley football family, if you if you’re able to (15:12) to contribute to that. (15:14) It goes along, coach, with what you’re trying to build in this program, (15:17) not just picking up wins, which you you’ve done a great job doing, (15:21) but preparing your your team and not just the team, (15:24) but everybody around you like Kim was to be ready for the next stage of life.
(15:29) And and I think what you’re doing with these fundraisers (15:32) and those types of things really embodies what that is for this program (15:35) and what it really means to the players. (15:37) No, I and I appreciate that. (15:39) That’s we we try a phrase that our boys hear from us (15:43) all the time is to be a man built for others.
(15:46) And when you talk about Kim and you talk about being built for others, (15:50) like she is that like you look it up in the dictionary, man built for others. (15:54) And there’s your woman built for others, Kim Choma. (15:57) That’s Star Valley head football coach McKay Young this morning.
(16:00) First Bank of Wyoming Sports Friday. (16:01) Coach, as always, thank you for your time. (16:03) And wish you the best of luck against Shelly.
(16:05) Appreciate you, too. A lot. (16:07) And the whole team behind you.
(16:08) It’s First Bank of Wyoming Sports Friday on the SBI radio network.