The History of Utah Deaf Sports

The History of
Utah Deaf Sports

Compiled & Written by Jodi Becker Kinner
Edited by Valerie G. Kinney

Published in 2014
Updated in 2024

Author's Note

The Utah School for the Deaf has been a pioneer in offering sports programs since the early 1900s, setting a standard for other state schools for the deaf across the country (Roberts, 1994). The school's achievements in this area have played a significant role in promoting sports within both the Utah and national Deaf communities.

I am honored to write a history of Deaf sports in Utah and to highlight its importance to the Deaf community in the state. I greatly appreciate the Utah School for the Deaf's ongoing commitment to providing athletic programs that benefit Deaf students.

When writing about individuals for our history website, I choose to use their first name to acknowledge all individuals who contribute to and advocate for our community's causes. Our patriarchal culture often expects to recognize women's advocacy, contributions, and achievements using their husbands' last names instead of their own. However, in the spirit of inclusivity, equality, and recognizing each individual's unique identity, I have decided to use their first names throughout the website. This decision reaffirms our commitment to these values and highlights the significant role of women's advocacy in our community.

Our organization, previously known as the Utah Association for the Deaf, changed its name to the Utah Association of the Deaf in 2012. The association was known as the Utah Association of the Deaf from 1909 to 1962. The association changed its name to the Utah Association for the Deaf in 1963. Finally, in 2012, the association reverted to its previous name, the Utah Association of the Deaf. When writing the history website, I use both "of" and "for" to reflect the different eras of the association's history.

Thank you for taking an interest in this topic.

Enjoy!
Jodi Becker Kinner

Utah Deaf Sports Organizations

Since its inception, the Utah School for the Deaf has offered athletic programs that play a crucial role in the lives of Deaf individuals. Our community has a rich history of sports participation, marked by numerous achievements and successes. Engaging in sports helps develop physical, social, and leadership skills. Through participation, individuals can enhance their ability to communicate effectively, interact with others, and work cooperatively as a team. Additionally, sports foster strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. Most importantly, participating in sports builds confidence, and winning a game gives athletes a sense of accomplishment, further boosting their self-esteem.

We will explore the following six diverse programs and clubs dedicated to sports for Deaf individuals in Utah. Each program offers unique opportunities for Deaf individuals to engage in sports and develop their skills.

Athletic Programs at the Utah School for the Deaf;
Utah Athletic Club for the Deaf;
Golden Spike Athletic Club for the Deaf; and
Wasatch Golf Association for the Deaf
16th Winter Deaflympics in Utah
Dennis Platt as Torchbearer

The Athletic Programs at the
Utah School for the Deaf

As mentioned, the Utah School for the Deaf (USD) has been offering sports programs since the early 1900s, similar to other state schools for the deaf nationwide (Roberts, 1994). Sports have consistently been an essential aspect of the Deaf community in Utah and nationwide.

In 1921, Arthur W. Wenger, a sports enthusiast and a graduate of the Utah School for the Deaf in 1913, founded the Arthur Wenger Athletic Association. Arthur observed that the Utah School for the Deaf had students with mixed abilities. Some were too aggressive or clumsy, while others were too timid. Arthur believed that playing sports helped these students learn to interact with each other and, in turn, softened their rough edges. Arthur mentioned that some students came from fields and found it challenging to catch a ball, but after learning to play sports, they could do so. The Utah School for the Deaf taught various sports, including baseball, volleyball, soccer, basketball, and medicine ball, as shown in the photos below (Wenger, Silent Worker, January 1921).

Arthur W. Wenger

Arthur pushed for athletic programs that incorporated games with unexpected situations, challenging players to think and move in sync with the game's rhythm, akin to a piano rather than a music box. This approach, which was made possible by the dedication of educators and administrators, instilled in the students a sense of balance and composure (Wenger, Silent Worker, January 1921, p. 3).

The Sports Photos at the
Utah School for the Deaf Span from 1903 to 1958

Football team at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1902. L-R, front: Arthur BeBee, Rile Carter, Billy Coles, Fred Low, center: Ole Pettit, Verdie Smith, Joe Keeley; back: James Frogner, Hazel Clark, Joe Cameron, John Alvey, Elgin Jacobsen, Joe Bush. Source: J Willard Marriott Library

Football team at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1902. Source: The Utah Eagle, December 15, 1902

The Utah School for the Deaf students played basketball at the gym in 1903

The basketball team at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1907. L-R: Rufus Briggs, center; George Powell, guard; Fred Low, forward; Alfred Keeley, guard, and Loran Savage, forward. John Bush was coach. Source: J Willard Marriott Library

Basketball team at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1907. L-R: Nettie West (Carter), Emma Emmertson (Jorgenson), Elsie M. Christiansen, John P. Bush - Coach, Elizabeth Eggingston (Buck), Ivy Griggs (Low)

Basketball team at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1911. Front row L-R: Ray Wenger, Loran Savage, and Arthur Wenger. Second Row L-R: Alfred Keeley and Leonard Daraney. Back row L-R: Mr. Lewis, Otto Farley, and Mr. Thurman

Basketball team at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1913. First Row L-R: Earl Lewis, ___, Kenneth Olsen, ____, Alma Wild. Back Row L-R: Loran Savage, Ray Wenger, Allen Holden, Supt Frank M. Driggs, Arther Wenger, Cyril Jones

Basketball team at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1913. First row L-R: Loran Savage, Ray Wenger, Kenneth Olsen, Alma Wild. Back Row: L-R: Allen Holden, Supt. Frank M. Driggs, Arthur Wenger

Basketball team at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1916. Back Row L-R: Milo Cutler, Ora Duce (of Canada), Cyril Jones, Carlos Seegmiller, Earl Lewis, ___Thurman. Front Row L-R: Alma Wild, ______, Kenneth Olsen

Basketball team at the Utah School for the Deaf Basketball Team in 1918

Basketball team at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1920

Basketball team at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1921

Basketball team at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1924

Basketball team at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1926

Basketball team at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1926. Kneeling L:-R: Coach A. LeRoy Stour and Manager Max W. Woodbury. Standing L-R: _ Despain, Wheelock Freston, Ferdinand Billiter, Arnold Moon, Andrew Loga, Charles Fowbae, Kenneth Burdett, Heber Christensen, Donald Robinson, George Laramie, Ross Thurston (Won 16 games. Lost two)

Basketball team at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1926. L-R: Joseph Burnett, Verl Throup, Virgil Greenwood, Alton Fisher, John (Jack) White, Earl Smith, Arvel Christensen, William Woodward, Wayne Stewart

Basketball team at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1929. L-R: John F. White was the captain of the team

Basketball team at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1930. L-R: Coach____, Verl Throup, Joseph Burnett, Virgil Greenwood, Arvel, Christensen, Max Woodbury (Coach). Front L-R: Alton Fisher, John (Jack) White, Wayne Stewart, Earl Smith, William Woodward

Basketball team at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1935-36

Basketball team at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1931. Front, L-R: John White, captain, Wesley Perry, Wm. Woodward, Arvel Christensen, Earl Smith. Back L-R: Alton Fisher, Max W. Woodbury, manager, Elmer Farrar, coach, Verl Thorup

Basketball team at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1937-38. Front Row, L-R: Paul Baldridge, Forward; Paul Wood, Guard; Jesse Hales, Guard; Bill Watson, Caption, Forward; Phil Thornton, Center; David Wallace, Guard; Victor Lyon, Forward; Paul Gines, Forward,. Back Row, L-R: Kenneth C. Burdett, Coach; Eugene Plumby, Forward; Wayne Christiansen, Guard; Done Jacobs, Guard; Monroe Pedersen, Center; Joseph B. Burdett, Manager

Basketball team at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1944. In the front row: Kenneth Burdett, coach, kneeling at the left side, front row; Superintendent Boyd Nelson standing behind Kenneth Burdett Player 2 Marlo Honey Player 7 Mike Patterakis Player 7 Kirk Allred Player 2 Merrill Bauer Player 4 Pete Koukasatkis In the back row, Superintendent Boyd Nelson, standing at left side; Max Woodbury, standing at right side Player 3 Bruce Eyre Player 8 Lloyd Perkins Player 9 Tony Jelaco Player 4 Paul Loveland Player 5 Melwin Sorenson Player 6 Sam Judd

Basketball team at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1948. Source: The Utahan, 1948

Basketball team at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1953

Cheerleading team at the Utah School for the Deaf in the 1950s

Cheerleading team at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1953

Basketball team at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1954

Volleyball team at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1955. First row, L-R: Elaine Sprouse, Dixie Lee Larson, Laura Williams, Afton Curtis Burdett, Instructor; Romona Vasquez, Lawana Simmons. Second Row, L-R: Carola Sell, Lois Williams, Virginia Brown, Darlene Green, Beverly Squire, Dorothy Mahoney. Third Row, L-R: Sue Wessman, Betty Jo Alldredge, Judy Jenkins, Gayle Marlow, Ilene Coles, Lucile Simmons

Basketball team at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1955-56

Basketball team at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1957

Basketball team at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1958. Source: Utah Eagle, January 1958

For a while, the Utah Association of the Deaf (UAD) had expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of coaches at the Utah School for the Deaf. Finally, in April 1959, the school hired Jerry Taylor as its physical education and athletic coaching director. Jerry recently graduated from Gallaudet College, where he majored in physical education. The Utah Association of the Deaf was hopeful that Jerry's appointment would pave the way for progress, as success in sports requires excellent equipment and strong coaching. Despite Idaho and Colorado having excellent athletic students and outstanding coaches, Jerry's drive and enthusiasm for progress remained strong. He impressed the UAD and became the school's athletic director, successfully leading USD's athletic programs.

Over the years, the Utah School for the Deaf has offered various sports, including cross country, volleyball, basketball, baseball, football, soccer, cheerleading, track, and pep club, as shown in the photos below. The games were initiated by a drum's vibration.

Jerry Taylor

Did You Know?

In the late 1800s, the Utah School for the Deaf became affiliated with the University of Utah. During this time, deaf school boys and university students participated in several football games. Since both groups shared the same campus, athletic events became the primary way for students from the Utah School for the Deaf and the University of Utah to interact. After the Utah School for the Deaf relocated to Ogden, Utah, the boys continued to play football among themselves. On at least one occasion, they invited the team from the Agricultural College in Logan, Utah, to play in Ogden (Roberts, 1994).

The Impact of the "Y" System on Athletic Programs
at the Utah School for the Deaf

Under the leadership of Dr. Grant B. Bitter, a firm advocate for oral and mainstream education, Utah's groundbreaking movement to mainstream all Deaf children began in the 1960s. Dr. Bitter's efforts earned him the title of 'Father of Mainstreaming.' This movement was in stark contrast to the historical significance of Dr. Martha Hughes Cannon, the country's first female state senator and a member of the Board of Trustees of the Utah School for the Deaf and Blind, who in 1896 spearheaded a proposal for the 'Act Providing for Compulsory Education of Deaf, Dumb, and Blind Citizens,' which mandated attendance at the Utah School for the Deaf and Blind in Ogden, Utah (Martha Hughes Cannon, Wikipedia, April 20, 2024). Her legislation led to its successful passage in 1896 and marked a turning point in the education of Deaf and Blind children. However, Dr. Bitter advocated for mainstreaming all Deaf children, paving the way for widespread acceptance of this approach in 1975 with the passage of Public Law 94-142, now known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Martha Hughes Cannon. Source: Utah State Historical Society, Deseret News Archives

Dr. Grant B. Bitter. Source: The Utah Eagle, October 1962

In the fall of 1962, the Utah Deaf community was surprised by the revolutionary changes at the Utah School for the Deaf, which introduced the dual-track program, also commonly known as the "Y" system. The unexpected change had a profound impact on the education of Deaf children, evoking a sense of empathy within the community. The Utah Association of the Deaf, which advocated for sign language, was unaware that the Utah Council for the Deaf had spearheaded the change, advocating for speech-based instruction and successfully pushing for its implementation at the Utah School for the Deaf in Ogden, Utah (The UAD Bulletin, Fall-Winter 1962). It is believed that Dr. Bitter was a member of this council. The dual-track program provided an oral program in one department and a simultaneous communication program in another department, which was later replaced by a combined system. However, the dual-track policy mandated that all Deaf children begin with the oral program (The Utah Eagle, February 1968; Gannon, 1981). The Utah State Board of Education, a key player in educational policy, approved this policy reform on June 14, 1962, with endorsement from the Special Study Committee on Deaf Education (The Ogden Standard-Examiner, June 14, 1962; Wight, The Ogden Standard-Examiner, October 19, 1970). The newly hired superintendent, Robert W. Tegeder, accepted the parents' proposals and initiated changes to the school system (The UAD Bulletin, Fall-Winter, 1962; Grant Bitter: Everett L. Cooley Oral History Project, March 17, 1987). This new program not only affected the lives of Deaf children but also their families.

The "Y" system, part of the dual-track program, imposed significant restrictions and challenges on students and their families. This system separated learning into two distinct channels: the oral department, which focused on speech, lipreading, amplified sound, and reading, and the simultaneous communication department, which emphasized instruction through the manual alphabet, signs, speech, and reading. Initially, all Deaf children were required to enroll in the oral program for the first six years of their schooling (The Utah Eagle, February 1968). Following this period, a committee would assess each child's progress and determine their placement (The Utah Eagle, February 1968). The "Y" system favored the oral mechanism over the sign language approach, limiting families' choices in the school system. The school's preference for the oral mechanism was based on the belief that speech was crucial for Deaf children's integration into the hearing world. Parents and Deaf students did not have the freedom to choose the program until the child entered 6th or 7th grade, at which point they could either continue in the oral department or transition to the simultaneous communication department (The Utah Eagle, February 1968; Dr. Grant B. Bitter's Paper, 1970s; Deanne Kinner Montgomery, personal communication, May 4, 2024).

The placement of transferred students in the signing program labeled them as "oral failures" (The UAD Bulletin, Spring 1965). There was a discussion about the age at which students can transfer to a simultaneous communication program. According to the "First Reunion of the Utah School for the Deaf Alumni Program Book, 1976," this would be when they were 10–12 years old or entered sixth grade. However, according to the Utah Eagle's February 1968 issue, students must remain in the oral program for the first six years of school, which may be in the 6th or 7th grade. So, I am using between the 6th and 7th grades, rather than based on their age. Their birth date, progression, and other factors could determine their placement.

On June 14, 1962, the Utah State Board of Education approved the dual-track program, which led to the division of the Ogden campus into two parts during the summer break (The Ogden Standard-Examiner, June 14, 1962). The dual-track program also divided Ogden's residential campus into an oral department and a simultaneous communication department, each with its own classrooms, dining halls, dormitory facilities, recess periods, and extracurricular activities. The school prohibited interaction between oral and sign language students (The Utah Eagle, February 1968; Wight, The Ogden Standard-Examiner, October 19, 1970). However, due to low student enrollment in competitive sports, the athletic program combined both departments. The team had oral and sign language coaches to communicate with their respective students (The Utah Eagle, February 1968). This unique situation highlights the challenges and complexities of implementing the dual-track program.

At the time, Jerry Taylor was the coach of the signing team, while Bert Chaston, a staff member of the oral department, was the head coach of the oral team (Ruth Taylor, personal communication, February 11, 2015). For more information on the dual-track program at the Utah School for the Deaf, please visit the "Dr. Robert G. Sanderson's Dream" webpage.

The 1962 and 1969 protests were sparked by dissatisfaction with the dual-track program's "Y" segregation system, the separation of oral and sign language situations, and the school administration's dismissal of their outcry.

Dr. Robert G. Sanderson. Source: The UAD Bulletin, Winter 1965

Following the 1962 protest against social segregation between oral and sign language students on Ogden's residential campus, Dr. Grant B. Bitter, a steadfast advocate for oral and mainstream education, and his oral supporters suspected that the Utah Association of the Deaf had organized the student strike. The Utah State Board of Education conducted an investigation but found no evidence of any connection between the students and the Utah Association for the Deaf (Sanderson, The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963; Kenneth L. Kinner, personal communication, May 14, 2011). In the face of societal segregation, the simultaneous communication students demonstrated their unwavering determination and courage by staging their own protests.

Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, who served as the president of the Utah Association of the Deaf from 1960 to 1963, denied any involvement in a strike during his tenure. He maintained that the strike was a spontaneous reaction by students who felt that the conditions, restrictions, and personalities at the Utah School for the Deaf had become intolerable (Sanderson, The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963). In the Fall-Winter 1962 issue of the UAD Bulletin, the Utah Association of the Deaf expressed its support for a classroom test of the dual-track program at the Utah School for the Deaf. However, they openly opposed complete social isolation, interference with religious activities, crippling the sports program, and intense pressure on children in the oral program to comply with the "no signing" rule (UAD Bulletin, Fall-Winter 1962, p. 2). The dual-track program's implementation marked a dark chapter in the history of Deaf education in Utah.

Kenneth L. Kinner, a 1954 Utah School for the Deaf graduate and father of two Deaf children, Deanne (Class of 1979) and Duane (Class of 1991 from the Idaho School for the Deaf), shared an incident from the 1970s. The mother of an oral girl insisted on her daughter's transfer to Ben Lomond High School, part of the USD extension program, situated between 7th and 9th Streets and Harrison Blvd. Other parents also expressed their desire for their children to participate in daily social activities and sports alongside their hearing peers. They urged their best-prepared children to integrate into mainstream society. As predicted by the Utah Association of the Deaf, this resulted in the crippling of the Utah School for the Deaf's athletic programs, a significant blow to the Deaf students and the Utah Deaf community. When Ben Lomond High School grew overcrowded, some students transferred to Ogden High School for two years, from 1973 to 1975. Some oral students participated in hearing sports teams, while others did not. Only Bruce Aldridge, an oral student, had his parents' consent to participate in USD sports (Kenneth L. Kinner, personal communication, 2010).

Kenneth L. Kinner

The Sports Photos at the
Utah School for the Deaf Span from 1959 to 1976

Basketball team at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1959

Basketball team at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1961-62

Basketball team at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1962-63

Basketball team at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1963-64

Football team at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1967

Basketball team at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1967-68

Football team at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1968

Basketball team at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1968-69

Basketball team at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1969

Basketball team at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1969-70

Football team at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1970, won 2nd place

Track team at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1970. Jerry Taylor (L), Total Communication Coach and Bert Chaston (R), Oral Coach

Basketball team at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1970-71

Basketball team at the Utah School for the Deaf in the 1970s

Track team at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1976. Bottom L-R: Pat Lein, Jim Jenkins. Middle L-R: Jerry R. Taylor, Eddie Olson, David Hermanson, Steven Coomb, Bruce Aldridge, Jay Barker. Back R-L: Bobby Shupla, Fred Eddgers, Eddie Foster, Bill Stricklen

The Utah School for the Deaf Participates
in the Western State Basketball Classic Tournament

During the late 1970s and early 1980s, a unique opportunity unfolded for a small group of basketball players from the Utah School for the Deaf's Total Communication Department. They were able to participate in the Western State Basketball Classic (WSBC), a pioneering basketball tournament exclusively designed for teams with Deaf players. The WSBC drew teams from renowned schools such as the California School for the Deaf-Riverside, California School for the Deaf-Fremont, Oregon School for the Deaf, Washington School for the Deaf, Arizona School for the Deaf and the Blind, and Phoenix Day School for the Deaf. Other schools, including the Idaho School for the Deaf and the Blind, Marlton School, the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind, and the New Mexico School for the Deaf, had also participated in previous years. Each school took turns hosting the competition, marking a significant milestone in the history of Deaf sports.

The tournament was more than just a competition; it was a celebration of the Deaf community. It provided an opportunity for the Utah School for the Deaf's basketball teams to interact with their peers from several state schools for the deaf before, during, and after games. In addition to basketball games between the eight boys' and eight girls' teams and cheerleading competitions between the participating schools, WSBC also offered social events for the participants. The superintendents of the eight participating schools and the athletic directors of the institutions convened for a meeting, further strengthening the sense of community. Furthermore, fans from the Deaf community flocked to watch the games, adding to the warmth and camaraderie of the event. Every year, Deaf school students eagerly anticipate competing against their peers while communicating in American Sign Language, their natural language.

The Impact of Mainstreaming on
Athletic Programs at the Utah School for the Deaf

During the 1980s, the number of students at the Utah School for the Deaf decreased due to mainstreaming. After Jerry Taylor retired as athletic director in 1987, Mike Hillstrom took over as coach and eventually phased out all sports except basketball and volleyball. In 1986 and 1987, the sports program only had a junior varsity basketball team, with Tintic High School serving as the varsity team. The team competed against other small schools across the country, including teams from Tintic High School, Rowland Hall High School, Dugway High School, and Rich County High School. Despite being among the few basketball teams with perfect records, USD lost all ten games. The following year, in 1987–88, USD's low numbers and struggling situation led to its expulsion from the Utah High School Athletic Association. The team relocated to the Christian Athletic Association (CAA), hosting games at the USDB campus in Ogden. The CAA also organized a volleyball league, in which the Utah School for the Deaf participated. According to Mike Hillstrom, the athletic programs closed due to the ongoing decline in numbers (Mike Hillstrom, personal communication, May 30, 2014). You can find more information about 'Dr. Robert G. Sanderson's Mainstreaming Perspective' on this webpage.

Mike Hillstrom

The closure of the athletic program in 1989 had a devastating impact on the Utah Deaf community. Since the 1960s, the trend toward mainstreaming led to increased integration within Utah's educational system. The introduction of the dual-track program and the push for mainstreaming in the early 1960s also played a significant role in the eventual closure of the Ogden residential campus in the early 1990s. In 1993, the Utah School for the Deaf and the Utah School for the Blind merged and relocated to a new campus at 742 Harrison Boulevard in Ogden, Utah (Leers, November 1, 1988, p. B1; Deseret News, November 4, 1988; Bannister, UAD Bulletin, February 1989). Unfortunately, all of the school's sports trophies went missing during the move, and their current whereabouts remain unknown (Jerry Taylor, personal communication, February 2012).

After the closure of the athletic programs at the Utah School for the Deaf, the local Deaf community, especially former mainstreamed students, demonstrated remarkable perseverance. They took the initiative to continue participating in Deaf sports outside of school, showcasing their unwavering spirit. Many Deaf individuals in Utah joined local sports organizations, such as the Utah Athletic Club of the Deaf and the Golden Spike Athletic Club of the Deaf. Additionally, members of the Utah Deaf community competed at the regional and national levels. They actively participated in four main organizations: the Far West Athletic Association of the Deaf, the Northwest Athletic Association of the Deaf, the American Athletic Association of the Deaf, and the USA Deaf Sports Federation.

Did You Know?

In about 1895, the Utah School for the Deaf added a physical education program in Salt Lake City, Utah. After moving to Ogden, Utah, in 1896, the school built a gymnasium and hired a physical education instructor (Roberts, 1994).

The Rebirth of the Athletic Programs
at the Utah School for the Deaf

Julio Diaz, a sports enthusiast, 1983 graduate of the Florida School for the Deaf, husband of JMS co-founder Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz, and father of three Deaf children, requested a restatement of the athletics program shortly after the Jean Massieu School of the Deaf (JMS) merged with the Utah School for the Deaf in 2005. Linda Rutledge, superintendent of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, approved this request.

Julio Diaz, Jr.

In 2006, Julio Diaz's hard work finally paid off when the Utah High School Activities Association board of trustees, recognizing the need for inclusive sports, decided to revive activities and athletics for Deaf and blind students, irrespective of where they attended school. This decision marked a significant development. The new rule permitted the Utah School for the Deaf and Blind (USDB) teams to utilize students from any high school, provided the board designated them as students using their services. However, building athletic programs from scratch proved daunting, and it took a long time for the USDB to establish them. Mike Hillstrom, a long-time teacher at the Utah School for the Deaf and activities director, says that when the Utah School for the Deaf had 200 students living in a residential setting, they used to field relatively large teams. However, in the late 1980s, an increasing number of students began attending public schools, and the Utah School for the Deaf started providing its services and teachers in those high schools rather than requiring students to live away from their families on an Ogden residential campus. As a result, the school's residential section became increasingly smaller, leading to the decline of activities and athletic programs as students moved away from the campus (Donaldson, Deseret News, March 6, 2007).

Julio was hopeful that sports opportunities would increase despite the mainstreaming situation. However, during the 2008-2009 school year, the USDB faced a significant budget cut of $2.25 million under the administration of Interim Superintendent Timothy W. Smith. This cut had a profound impact on the athletic programs, threatening their existence. At that time, Superintendent Smith did not recognize the value of these programs and moved to discontinue them. Members of the Utah Deaf community, understanding the importance of these programs, urged him not to close them. Eventually, Superintendent Smith agreed to reinstate the athletic program, and Deaf volunteers stepped in to help with volleyball, basketball, and track and field.

Timothy W. Smith

After two years of planning, the Utah School for the Deaf's boys' and girls' basketball teams finally competed in a national tournament in Oregon in 2008. According to Jen Byrnes, a graduate of the Idaho School for the Deaf and the head coach of the girls' basketball team, the event provided a unifying experience for the athletes from the Utah School for the Deaf. "The girls were in a national environment," she explained. Many of them had never witnessed conversations among the Deaf community before. "Hey, they're teens just like us," they remarked. "They're talking about boys and school." This experience allowed them to connect with a larger community.

Craig Radford, the head coach of the boys' team, noted, "Some students have identity issues. Being part of a larger community helps them build more confidence as Deaf individuals." Both Jen and Craig agreed that the teams' skills improved during the tournament and that the students received exceptional community support. This reflects the power of unity, as individuals connected to the school became accustomed to the idea of sports, returning to the Utah School for the Deaf (Sights & Sounds, May 2008).

Craig Radford

The Utah Deaf community has finally achieved its long-held dream. Despite facing budget constraints and a shortage of students, the Utah School for the Deaf and the Jean Massiue School of the Deaf were able to participate in sports programs. With the assistance of more coaches, even more mainstream students could practice and play games at the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Fortunately, they had access to the gym!

Basketball team at the Utah School for the Deaf in 2008-2009 with Craig Radford, Head Coach (far left) and two Assistant Coaches, Brain Thornberry and Keith Mischo (far right)

Craig Radford, the Head Coach speaking with his Utah School for the Deaf team in 2008-2009

Basketball team at the Utah School for the Deaf in 2009 with Craig Radford as head coach and Keith Mischo as an assistant coach, 2009-2010

Basketball team at the Utah School for the Deaf with Jen Byrnes as the Head Coach in 2009-2010

Basketball team at the Utah School for the Deaf with Craig Radford as head coach and Matt Cesar as an assistant coach in 2011-2012

Did You Know?

Sports have always played a significant role in the Deaf community. Deaf children attending state deaf schools across the United States, such as the Utah School for the Deaf, enjoyed participating in sports with their peers. The older Utah School for the Deaf graduates, who had participated in sports on the Ogden residential campus, expressed a desire for mainstream students to have the same opportunities. The Utah Deaf community proposed the inclusion of a gym in the construction of the Utah Community Center for the Deaf (later renamed the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing) in Taylorsville, Utah. The committee tasked Norman Williams, a 1962 graduate of the Utah School for the Deaf, with finding the ideal gym for the facility. Norman visited several gyms in the area, but none of them met his expectations. He later visited the Idaho School for the Deaf, where he saw a new full-size basketball court with bleachers and was impressed with its size. He recommended that the center adopt a similar approach, leading to the construction of a basketball court with movable bleachers in the gym (Kenneth L. Kinner, personal communication, 2008; Norman Williams, personal communication, May 8, 2012). Their goal was to provide sports opportunities to individuals who would not have equal access to public school athletic programs.

Norman Williams. Source: Utah Athletic Club of the Deaf: 50th Anniversary Celebration 1947–1997 Program Book

The Rebirth of the Western States Basketball Classic
at the Utah School for the Deaf

Since the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Western States Basketball Classic (WSBC) has been an annual tournament featuring teams from eight schools for the deaf. This event holds significant importance in the Deaf community as it provides a platform for Deaf students to compete in sports, socialize, and establish life-long friendships. After a long absence due to a lack of students to form a team, the Utah School for the Deaf returned to the tournament in 2007 and has since competed in four classics. However, maintaining a spot at the WSBC is challenging, as only eight schools receive invitations annually. If one school leaves, another takes its place. The teams that played at the Sanderson Community Center gym were open to students from the Jean Massieu School of the Deaf. The WSBC invited Utah School for the Deaf in 2009, allowing students to connect and learn while competing against other state schools for the deaf. In the March 2009 issue of the UAD Bulletin, Mike Hillstrom reported that twenty-five students attended WSBC, describing the event as worthwhile and life-changing (Hillstrom, UAD Bulletin, March 2009).

During the Great Recession of 2008–2012, Julio Diaz reported that the Utah School for the Deaf and the Blind faced significant financial challenges in 2012. Dr. Jennifer Howell, the then-associate superintendent of the Utah School for the Deaf, informed Jill Radford, then-principal of Jean Massieu School, that the Utah School for the Deaf would have to withdraw from the 2011 WSBC tournament. Jill Radford, a graduate of the Idaho School for the Deaf, stepped up in a moment of need and offered to volunteer to take over the 2011 WSBC rather than have USDB cancel it despite her other responsibilities, which included being the only full-time administrator in charge of 97 students from preschool through high school. Jill's dedication and belief in the event saved the 2011 WSBC, ensuring a valuable experience for Deaf students. She also considered WSBC a terrific way for Deaf students to compete in sports, socialize, and establish life-long friendships that would help them thrive, just like the rest of the Utah Deaf community. She also stated that the students and superintendents who met during the event benefited from WSBC. It provided opportunities for Deaf students from small towns to interact with Deaf students from other areas, allowing them to recognize that there was a bigger world out there for them (Julio Diaz, personal communication, October 2010).

Jill Radford

Despite the financial challenges that USDB faced, Julio Diaz noted that Jill Radford and two chairpersons, Brian Thornsberry, USD Athletic Director and 1991 graduate of the Idaho School for the Deaf, and Craig Radford, a long-time volunteer high school basketball head coach, were able to host the 35th Annual Western States Basketball Classic in 2009. Their great effort and meticulous planning led to the successful execution of the event, reassuring all participants. Julio said that it worked absolutely perfectly (Julio Diaz, personal communication, October 2010).

Brian Thornsberry

Julio Diaz believed that the Utah School for the Deaf should have the same opportunities as public high schools to participate in the Utah High School Athletic Association (UHSAA) and compete against other high school teams. However, in order to compete in the Western States Basketball Classic (WSBC), the Utah School for the Deaf needed to become a UHSAA member. Julio cautioned Dr. Jennifer Howell that leaving the UHSAA would make rejoining difficult and would complicate the scheduling of games for the USD's players. Even if a new superintendent were to revive athletics and restore funding, the lengthy and selective application process of the UHSAA would still limit their participation (Julio Diaz, personal communication, October 2010).

After considerable persuasion, Dr. Howell agreed to keep the athletic programs running. However, in 2009, Steven W. Noyce, a former student of Dr. Bitter's oral training program—which advocates for the integration of Deaf and hard of hearing students into mainstream education—became the superintendent of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. Steven Noyce was not fond of athletic activities and believed that Deaf and hard of hearing students should participate in public school sports programs instead. This led to speculation within the Utah Deaf community that Superintendent Noyce pressured Dr. Howell to cancel sporting events. Fortunately, the Utah Deaf community persevered and succeeded in saving the sporting programs at the Utah School for the Deaf.

Steven W. Noyce. Source: Twitter

In 2015, the Utah School for the Deaf hosted the Western State Basketball and Cheerleading Classics from January 28th to January 31st at the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center and Taylorsville High School. The event was a success, thanks to months of planning and preparation. Under the guidance of Deaf coach Wade Hester, the Utah School for the Deaf boys' team won the WSBC championship. In the final game, the USD boys' team defeated the Phoenix School for the Deaf with a score of 59 to 40 (Tanner, UAD Bulletin, February 2015; Montalette, UAD Bulletin, February 2015).

Craig Radford, who was the Director of Business Development at ZVRS at the time, traveled from Florida to Utah to support the team. Having coached these boys for ten years, he knew them from a young age, and they regarded him as a mentor, teacher, and friend. Craig must have been ecstatic to see such talented players win the championship match.

Basketball team at the Utah School for the Deaf. The athletic director and coach, Wade Hester (far right), is pictured with his boys' team. Source: UAD Bulletin, February 2015

Following Steven W. Noyce's tenure in 2013, Joel Coleman, a former Utah State Board of Education member, assumed the role of superintendent of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. He also appointed Michelle Tanner as an associate superintendent, responsible for overseeing the academic and extracurricular activities. Their leadership was instrumental in the continued expansion and success of the school's athletic program.

Since 2006, the Utah School for the Deaf has run a sports program, participating in UHSAA-sponsored activities in the 1A region and the Western States Basketball and Cheerleading Classic yearly. The inclusive design of the program, which encompasses three deaf schools: Jean Massieu School of the Deaf (Salt Lake City), Kenneth Burdett School of the Deaf (Ogden), and Elizabeth DeLong School of the Deaf (Springville), enables students to compete against teams both within and outside the state. These athletic programs are integral to motivating student-athletes and are a significant part of their deaf experience. Moreover, all-deaf sports provide an opportunity for Deaf students to compete against their peers from state schools for the deaf across the western United States and connect with other Deaf and hard of hearing students as well, fostering a sense of community and inclusion.

Michelle Tanner, USD Assoc. Supt; Joel Coleman, USDB Superintendent; Carolyn Lasater, USB Assoc. Supt. Source: Twitter

Basketball Team at the Utah School for the Deaf in 2021-22. Source: USDB website

Volleyball team at the Utah School for the Deaf volleyball team in 2021-22. Ben Lee (far right) is the head coach. Source: USDB website

Conclusion

In conclusion, the success of the athletics program is mainly due to the dedicated efforts of volunteers such as Julio, Jill, Craig, and many others. Their contributions have been crucial in achieving the program's current status. Although athletics is not part of the formal curriculum, students deserve opportunities comparable to those of their non-hearing peers. Participation in sports teaches valuable lessons in discipline, sportsmanship, and physical control, among others. More importantly, the social aspects of athletics help students develop leadership skills, work as a team, cultivate the discipline needed for regular practice and training, and understand the importance of good sportsmanship. These skills are just as essential, if not more so, than physical abilities. Thanks to the support of volunteers and school administrators, the athletics program at the Utah School for the Deaf continues to thrive today.

Utah Athletic Club of the Deaf

Author's Note

Deaf athletes from Utah, representing The Silent Club, participated in the first competition of the Far West Athletic Association of the Deaf. This event led to the establishment of the Utah Athletic Club of the Deaf in 1945. A significant figure in preserving the club's history is John "Jack" F. White, a sports enthusiast whose dedication and passion led him to collect much of the historical material featured in the program book for the 'Utah Athletic Club of the Deaf: 50th Anniversary Celebration 1947–1997.'

Jack White is greatly appreciated for his dedication to the sports in Utah. His role in preserving the historical material of the sports events, including collecting photographs, newspaper clippings, and personal accounts, has been instrumental in documenting the history of Deaf athletics in Utah.

Thank you, Jack White!

Jodi Becker Kinner

The Salt Lake Silent Club is Formed

John "Jack" F. White, a graduate of the Utah School for the Deaf in 1932, played a pivotal role in the history of Deaf athletics. He founded the Salt Lake Silent Club and sponsored a basketball team, a significant contribution to the Deaf sports world. His team would compete against other teams from Fort Douglas, a military training base near the University of Utah, the Salt Lake City Fire and Police Departments, and the Utah School for the Deaf. They received the chance to participate in out-of-state and regional competitions alongside other Deaf athletes in 1945. Jack then formed the Far West Athletic Association of the Deaf (FAAD) to unite and compete with other Deaf athletic clubs. Art Kruger, a well-known Gallaudet College graduate, founded the FAAD, covering Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona, Idaho, Utah, and the rest of the western United States. In March 1946, Art asked Jack White if the Salt Lake Silent Club would participate in the FAAD basketball competition in Los Angeles, promising $350 if they agreed to compete against other Deaf club teams. Seeing this as a great opportunity, Jack convened a meeting of basketball players from Salt Lake City and Ogden (White, 1997).

John ("Jack") F. White

The Establishment of the
Utah Athletic Club of the Deaf

Jack White convened a special meeting for Ogden and Salt Lake City ballplayers, informing them of Art Kruger's request. During the meeting, he emphasized the crucial role each member plays in the formation of a new club and outlined how it would help the squad create a competitive relationship with FAAD. He proposed renaming the team "Salt Lake Athletic Club for the Deaf," but some players from Ogden felt that the name did not accurately represent them. After discussing potential team names, they finally agreed on "Utah Athletic Club of the Deaf," or UACD. George L. Laramie was chosen as the president and coach, while Jack was selected as the vice president and assistant coach. Larry Anderson was named the secretary and treasurer (White, 1997).

George L. Laramie. Source: The UAD Bulletin, Spring 1969

A newly formed club needed a gym to practice in before the upcoming tournament in Los Angeles, California. Jack approached a hearing acquaintance, John M. Knight, who happened to be the Salt Lake Police Commissioner, and requested permission for the UACD basketball team to practice and play games at the police precinct's basketball gym on State Street and First South. After the request's approval, the team practiced and played games with various teams, such as the Salt Lake City Police Department, the Salt Lake Fire Department, and Fort Douglas (White, 1997).

As the tournament date approached, several UACD players dropped out, leaving the team with only six members. However, Jack, with his characteristic dedication, didn't panic. He recognized a few potential candidates in the 'woods' and sought out Edwin Ross Thurston. He also sought out Hooper, Alton Fisher from Utah, and Jack Downey from Boise, Idaho. His proactive approach to recruiting new players is a testament to his commitment to the team (White, 1997).

Edwin Ross Thurston

The club coach, George Laramie, couldn't join the team in Los Angeles, California. Jack White took his place. However, the team faced a problem; they didn't have enough money to cover the cost of the trip and their stay in a hotel. Jack White wanted his team to take advantage of the opportunity to compete in an out-of-state tournament. So, he decided to take $200 from his savings to support the team and cover the costs of a $22 round-trip Greyhound bus ticket and hotel bookings. Larry Anderson's car carried three players, and Jack chose Ross Thurston as the team's delegate during the tournament. On their way to Los Angeles, the team stopped in Las Vegas, a small town with a general store and a motel. They boarded the bus to Los Angeles, excited to compete against other Deaf clubs (White, 1997).

Despite the setback of losing four of its top players to the Los Angeles Club for the Deaf, the UACD team showed resilience. Their victory over the Utah team in the first game set the tone for their subsequent wins. They went on to win the next two, earning the consolation title. The tournament secretary, Art Kruger, kept his word and gave UACD $350 in tournament cash. Jack received $200 of the sum, with the remaining $150 going to the UACD Treasury (White, 1997).

In 1947, Oakland, California, hosted the FAAD basketball tournament. The UACD team, under the guidance of coach Jack, showcased their prowess. They won the consolation bracket, triumphing over Hollywood 46-44 and San Francisco 32-15. Despite not clinching the championship, UACD's performance was commendable, securing the bid to host the 1948 tournament in Salt Lake City on February 27 and 28. This victory is a testament to their potential for future success (White, 1997).

The Utah Athletic Club of the Deaf team in Oakland, California in 1947

Ross Thurston was appointed chairman of the 1948 FAAD competition in Salt Lake City, Utah. He then formed a committee, which included Larry Anderson (secretary and program), John "Jack" F. White (entertainment), Rodney Walker (treasurer), Eugene Plumby (trophies), George L. Laramie (reservations), Earl P. Smith (concessions), Joseph Burnett (entertainment for the Ogden Division), and Earl Rogerson (entertainment for the Ogden Division). Verl W. Thorup (chairman), Catherine J. Morgan, and Gladys Hind were also members of the UACD Board of Trustees. Deseret Gymnasium, located at 37 College Place, hosted the tournament. The committee, demonstrating their dedication and resourcefulness, paid $200 to book the gymnasium for two nights. In addition, they sold many raffle tickets and organized several parties and dinners to raise funds for the tournament. These events took place on the plaza where the large water fountain stands today, between State and Main Streets and South and North Temple Streets, behind the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, and near the current Church Office Building (White, 1997; Gary L. Leavitt, personal communication, 1995; Walker, 2006).

The Utah Athletics Club of the Deaf Team at the Far West Athletic Association of the Deaf Tournament in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1948. Standing L-R: Eugene Phumby (Coach), Lloyd Perkins, Larry Anderson, Clem Sefvy, Phil Thornton, Don Jacobs, Shirley Barney, Jack White (manager). Seated L-R: Ronald Bess, Paul Gines, Paul Wood, Kird Allred, Bruce Eyre

In 1957, the Utah Athletics Club of the Deaf (UACD) departed from the FAAD region and joined the newly established Northwest Athletic Association of the Deaf (NWAAD). The players were responsible for arranging their own transportation, hotel accommodations, and meals. In 1957, the team traveled to various locations, including California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Canada (White, 1997).

Source: John F. White’s Utah Deaf Sports Records

Curiosity and an invitation to attend a UACD meeting led to Rodney W. Walker being elected president of the Utah Athletic Club of the Deaf in 1958, a position he held for ten years. A significant step he took during his presidency was proposing the launch of a UACD newsletter, with his first wife, Georgia Hendricks Walker, serving as the editor and publisher. The annual membership dues were just one dollar, and the club's activities, including basketball, bowling, and softball, were open to everyone, including new members. The newsletter played a crucial role in the club's growth, increasing membership from 175 to three or four times that number (Walker, 2006).

Rodney W. Walker. Source: The Utah Eagle, April 1955

Gerogia Henricks Walker

The Utah Athletics Club of the Deaf team at the Northwest Athletic Association of the Deaf Tournament in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1962. Front row L-R: R: .J. Christensen, R. Bess, R. Potter, K. Stewart, R. Kerr; 2nd Row L-R: R. Johnston, R. Bonnell, V. Jones, A. Valdez; 3rd row, L-R: R. Loveland, K. Nelson, L. Curtis, B. Harvey, John F. White (manager/coach)

With minutes to go and Seattle coasting along with a comfortable lead, Utah's basketball team takes time out. Coach John "Jack" White offers Jerry Schwab, left, solace in the orange segment; Arthur Valdez strikes a pensive pose; Paul Loveland sinks in despondency; Leon Curtis wants the crying towel; and Jay Christensen holds his head, trying to forget the whole thing. Cheer up, boys, it's Seattle in '63, and revenge can be sweet! Photo by Keith Nelson. Source: The UAD Bulletin, Spring 1962

The Utah Athletics Club of the Deaf basketball team at the Northwest Athletic Association of the Deaf Tournament, pose with trophies in Philadelphia, Penn, in 1964. Kneeling L-R: R. Per·kins, E. Bell, B. Harvey, R. Cochran, Standing, L-R: L. Curtis, E. Pzybyla, N. Williams, R. Bonnell, J. Christensen, J. Murray, John F. White (asst. coach/manager)

The Utah Athletics Club of the Deaf basketball team at the Northwest Athletic Association of the Deaf Tournament in Philadelphia, Penn, in 1964. Jay Christensen (standing) and Robert Bonnell (sitting)

The The Utah Athletics Club of the Deaf basketball team in 1964. District champs of Northern Athletic Association, pose with trophies: front from left, Roy Cochran, Roy Milborn, Carl Obson, middle: Bruce Harvey, Ronald Perkins, Leon Curtis, coach: Ed Bell, John White, manager: back, Norman Williams, Robert Bonnell, Jay Christensen, Eric Przybyla, and John Murray. Source: The UAD Bulletin, February 1964

'Utah Team Nabs Casaba Title In Coast Meet.' Source: The Salt Lake Tribune, February 25, 1964

The Incorporation of the Utah Athletic Club of the Deaf into the Utah State Laws

Under Utah law, the Utah Athletic Club of the Deaf was incorporated in 1970. It currently maintains affiliations with various regional and national organizations and actively promotes several Deaf sports in Utah. The UACD sports program has expanded to include softball, volleyball, flag football, golf, and skiing/snowboarding.

The Utah Athletics Club of the Deaf basketball team at the Northwest Athletic Association of the Deaf Tournament, pose with trophies in Philadelphia, Penn in 1964. Kneeling, L-R: R. Perkins, E. Bell, B. Harvey, R. Cochran, Standing, L-R: Leon Curtis, E. Przybyla, N. Williams, R. Bonnell, J. Christensen, J. Murray, John F. White (asst. coach/manager)

The Utah Athletics Club of the Deaf basketball team in the 1960s

In the 1960s, the Utah Athletics Club of the Deaf had a basketball team. Front Row L-R: Jay Christensen, Randy Sobieski, Norman Williams. Middle Row L-R: Robert Kerr, John O'Neal, John Murray, Eric Przybyla, Robert Cillespie, Steve Marlock, Paul Loveland. Back row L-R: Thomas Adams, Jack Imhoff, Jerry Roach, John "Jack" White, Leo Duran, and Lynn Losee. Source: UAD Bulletin, Winter 1970

The Utah Athletic Club of the Deaf's bowling team. The members of the UACD gathered to watch him bowl

The Utah Athletic Club of the Deaf's basketball Team in the 1970s

The Utah Athletic Club of the Deaf Team's basketball team in the 1970s

Presidential Awards Given
to Utah Athletic Club of the Deaf

On September 27, 1997, Nancy O'Brien chaired a significant event at the Ramada Inn in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Utah Athletic Club of the Deaf (UACD). The ceremony paid tribute to the club's rich history and presented five awards to outstanding athletes. In a gesture of deep respect, the Utah Association for the Deaf honored the UACD's 50-year journey by presenting it with a Presidential Award, which UACD Secretary Nancy O'Brien graciously accepted.

Nancy O'Brien. Source: Utah Athletic Club of the Deaf: 50th Anniversary Celebration 1947–1997 Program Book

In 2002, the Utah Association for the Deaf awarded the UACD women's basketball team the President's Award for their exceptional performance at the USA Deaf Basketball National Tournament held in Indianapolis, Indiana. This historic achievement marked the first time a Utah women's basketball team had competed in the national tournament, highlighting their dedication and skill (UAD Bulletin, May 2002). Andrea Garff Anderson, a 1995 graduate of the Idaho School for the Deaf and a key player on the UACD women's basketball team, proudly accepted the award on behalf of her teammates (UAD Bulletin, September 2002).

Justin and Andrea Garff Anderson

President Justin Anderson of the
Utah Athletic Club of the Deaf Shares His Vision

"My vision is to keep the legacy of strong and rich history of Utah Athletic to carry on and pass the traditions and success to the new leaders and athletes.

We want to keep the name of the oldest active Deaf athletic club in the USA.

We want to have a strong amateur sport organization for the Deaf people, especially for the youth."

Conclusion

In conclusion, John "Jack" White has been a pivotal leader of the Utah Athletic Club of the Deaf, making substantial contributions beyond sporting events. Under Jack's leadership, the UACD has flourished, showcasing his vision and dedication. This organization has united athletes, promoted health, and provided invaluable opportunities to meet and connect with other Deaf individuals. Deaf sports have played a vital role in the development of the Utah Deaf community and continue to do so today.

Golden Spike Athletic Club of the Deaf

Discussions about the Golden Spike Athletic Club of the Deaf (GSACD) took place in the locker room of the Utah School for the Deaf in Ogden, Utah, in the fall of 1971. After spending several years with the Utah Sports Club of the Deaf in Salt Lake City, Utah, a group of basketball players explored starting their own athletic club in the Ogden region. By commuting to Salt Lake City and back to Ogden, a new club in Ogden would save time and money for Ogden players. The vision and dedication of G. Leon Curtis and Dennis R. Platt led to the club's founding. Dennis suggested that a new club be named Golden Spike Athletic Club of the Deaf (GSACD) for the region where Ogden was under the Golden Spike Empire (Tenth Anniversary Celebration Program Book; Golden Spike Athletic Club of the Deaf: 25th Anniversary Celebration Program Book).

G. Leon Curtis. Source: The UAD Bulletin, Winter 1964

On January 20, 1972, the GSACD held its first meeting at the Weber County Library, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s history. During this meeting, C. Roy Cochran was elected as the first president, Ronald Johnston as vice president, Dennis Platt as secretary, and Tom Starkey as treasurer. Their leadership was instrumental in shaping the club's early direction. On that first night, they raised $25.00, according to the Tenth Anniversary Celebration Program Book.

Much like the Utah Athletic Club of the Deaf, GSACD became one of the most well-known clubs in the NorthWest Athletic Association of the Deaf (NWAAD) region. This area includes Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Northern California, and western Canada, encompassing Vancouver, B.C., and Edmonton. GSACD’s presence significantly influenced the region, and its importance was further underscored by its long-standing membership in the American Athletic Association of the Deaf, highlighting its role in the broader deaf sports community (Tenth Anniversary Celebration Program Book).

GSACD hosted various events for its members, fostering a vibrant and inclusive sports community. These events included horseshoe, volleyball, softball, and golf competitions. For many years, club members, both men and women, participated in the Ogden City softball league, demonstrating their dedication and passion for sports. This league served as a training ground for the annual NWAAD softball tournament, where GSACD members showcased their skills and sportsmanship (Golden Spike Athletic Club of the Deaf 25th Anniversary Celebration Program Book).

Dennis Platt, UAD President. Source: UAD Bulletin, Winter 1970

The 1974 NWAAD softball tournament, hosted by the UACD, was a significant event in the history of the GSACD. This occasion marked the introduction of a new sport, softball, by the NWAAD. GSACD's journey to the finals, where they faced the defending champions from Seattle, showcased their skill and dedication. Although they lost the match and had to settle for second place, their performance was highlighted in the Tenth Anniversary Celebration Program Book.

GSACD has been a cornerstone of our community and proudly hosted five Northwest Athletic Association of the Deaf (NWAAD) tournaments. These tournaments took place in 1978, 1986, 1992, and 1996 for softball and in 1980 for basketball, as noted in the Golden Spike Athletic Club of the Deaf 25th Anniversary Celebration Program Book. Each event represents significant milestones in our club's history, highlighting our commitment to the sport and the community.

The 1980 basketball tournament tested GSACD's resilience. Despite losing their first game to Sacramento 57-54, in which Nathaniel Cannon scored an impressive 40 points, they managed to bounce back. GSACD went on to secure the consolation trophy, finishing in 5th place. Nathaniel Cannon's total of 92 points throughout the tournament earned him a spot on the First Team NWAAD All-Star team, and he was just one vote away from being named MVP of the tournament, as recorded in the Tenth Anniversary Celebration Program Book.

Source: Tenth Anniversary Celebration: Golden Spike Athletic Club of the Deaf: 1972-1982

GSACD eventually became a social hub for families and athletes to have fun together. The club had two main goals: to promote physical activities and sports for people of all ages. Monthly activities included attending ice hockey games, tubing, roller skating, and bowling, as well as playing volleyball, basketball, softball, swimming, and camping. Additionally, club members enjoyed picnics, holiday parties, and movie screenings.

Source: Golden Spike Athletic Club of the Deaf: 25th Anniversary Celebration: January 20, 1972-January 18, 1997

Wasatch Golf Association of the Deaf

The Wasatch Golf Association of the Deaf (WGAD) came into existence on September 13, 1980, at Schneiter's Riverside Golf Course in Ogden, Utah. "Why don't we establish a deaf club for golf?" One day, George Wilding proposed to his friends Robert DeSpain, Dennis Platt, and Fred Bass. That was something they all agreed on right away.

The goal of forming this organization was to capture the interest of the Utah Deaf community in golf. The monthly golf outings took place at various golf holes in northern Utah, the Salt Lake area, and Eagle Mountain.

The Robert G. DeSpain Memorial Tournament is named after Robert G. DeSpain, one of the WGAD's co-founders. Anyone can join the WGAD for fun, but players must play five rounds with a WGAD member to qualify for the Robert Despain Memorial Tournament.

WGAD organized the tournaments, and competitors also competed in the DeafNation Golf Classic for a chance to win a reward.

George Wilding

16th Winter Deaflympics in Utah

The 16th Winter Deaflympics was held in Utah from February 1 to 10, 2007. The United States Deaf Sports Federation (USADSF) played a crucial role in choosing Utah as the host for the Deaflympics for three main reasons: first, the availability of world-class venues for winter sports competitions; second, Utah's reputation for having the best snow on earth; and third, the strong support from both Deaf and hearing communities (Ingham, 2007).

Source: 16th Winter Deaflympics: Salt Lake 2007: February 1-10, 2007

The Winter Deaflympics, the world's second-oldest international sporting event, began in 1924. In 2007, Dr. I. King Jordan, the president of Gallaudet University and honorary co-chairperson of the 16th Winter Deaflympics, made a significant statement. During a press conference at Governor Jon Huntsman Jr.'s Mansion of Utah, he declared that athletes cannot compete in the Paralympics due to their classification as able-bodied under Olympic Committee rules (Jarvik, Deseret News, February 17, 2005). This highlights the need for inclusivity in sports. Communication barriers prevent Deaf athletes from fully participating in the able-bodied Olympics, a situation that calls for empathy and understanding.

Dr. I. King Jordan. Source: Wikipedia

Jeff W. Pollock, a snowboarder who has participated in several Deaflympic events, explained in 2005 that being a Deaf athlete in competitions like ski racing and ice hockey is challenging. The physical hurdles they face in tournaments such as what some refer to as 'the hearing Olympics' are significant. They can't hear the referee's whistle or the starting gun that signals them to exit the gate, and they are guided through flashing lights, hand signals, and flags. Jeff's experience as a Deaf snowboarder in a race with hearing racers was described as 'lonely', a feeling that calls for sympathy and understanding (Jarvik, Deseret News, February 17, 2005).

Jeff Pollock relaxes at Brighton Ski Resort. Photo by Keith Johnson for Deseret Morning News

The Deaf community holds the Deaflympics in high regard. Edward Ingham, who was the Secretary-General of the Organizing Committee at that time and resided in Utah, stated, "The Deaflympics, along with the World Federation of the Deaf Congress, are the two largest international events for the Deaf, fostering connections through the exchange of interests and experiences." Unlike attendees at international events who often require interpreters, participants in deaf events can communicate effortlessly with one another. This unique mode of communication is crucial for building strong friendships at the Deaflympics and the World Federation of the Deaf Congress. These events inspire and nurture deep bonds through shared experiences (Ingham, 2007).

Edward Ingham. Source: 16th Winter Deaflympics Program Book, 2007

At that time, the 16th Winter Deaflympics Board of Directors appointed Dr. Robert G. Sanderson and Ronald C. Burdett, both residents of Utah. In addition, the committee was joined by Utah Deaf residents Dennis and Shirley Platt, Valerie Kinney, Eleanor "Eli" McCowan, Wendy Osterling, Justin Anderson, Jonathon Hodson, Scott and Adele Sigoda, Keith Mischo, Susan Stokes, and Barbara Bass, all of whom were Deaf volunteers.

Dr. Robert G. Sanderson. Source: 16th Winter Deaflympics Program Book, 2007

Ronald C. Burdett. Source: 16th Winter Deaflympics Program Book, 2007

Dennis Platt. Source: 16th Winter Deaflympics Program Book, 2007

Shirley Platt. Source: 16th Winter Deaflympics Program Book, 2007

Valerie G. Kinney. Source: 16th Winter Deaflympics Program Book, 2007

Jon Hudson. Source: 16th Winter Deaflympics Program Book, 2007

Wendy Osterling. Source: 16th Winter Deaflympics Program Book, 2007

At the 16th Winter Deaflympics in Utah, 400 participants from 25 countries competed using various sign languages. According to Jeff Pollock, these athletes communicated through International Sign Language, a unique form that combines signs and motions from different signed languages. This language was designed to reduce communication barriers and played a crucial role in the event's success (Jarvik, Deseret News, January 31, 2007).

Athletes from around the world contended for gold, silver, and bronze medals in five popular winter sports: Alpine skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, ice hockey, and curling. Ben Soukup, chairman of the 16th Winter Deaflympics Board of Directors, described this event as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the world's best Deaf athletes to strive for world-class status (Soukup, 2007).

Ben Soukup. Source: 16th Winter Deaflympics Program Book, 2007

Utah proudly hosted the 16th Winter Deaflympics, a historic event that highlighted the state's renowned 'Greatest Snow on Earth.' Salt Lake City made history by becoming the first city in the world to host all three International Olympic Committee-sanctioned games: the Olympics, the Paralympics, and the Deaflympics. This significant milestone in the city's history left a lasting positive impression on visitors from around the globe.

Jeff Pollock rides his slalom snowboard at Brighton. He won medals in 1999 and 2003 Deaflympics. Photo by Keith Johnson for Deseret Morning News

Dennis Platt as Torchbearer

In 1996, a panel of community leaders from Ogden and Weber County selected Dennis R. Platt to carry the Olympic Flame. Dennis was a well-known leader in the Utah Deaf community and had long served as an officer of the American Athletic Association of the Deaf (AAAD). He was chosen out of 5,500 people who were considered for the role of a torchbearer because he met four key judgment criteria set by the Ogden region.

Outstanding volunteer work,
Community leader, role model, or mentor,
His numerous acts of generosity or kindness have touched the lives of many, and he has achieved extraordinary feats or accomplishments, either locally or nationally (UAD Bulletin, February 1996; Shirley Platt, personal communication, January 6, 2015).

Source: 1996 Olympic Torch Relay: Dennis R. Platt of Ogden, Utah

On May 10, 1996, Dennis carried the Olympic torch from 34th to 37th Streets on Washington Boulevard in Ogden, Utah. This brought the Olympic spirit to the Deaf community in the area. During this time, his granddaughter, Marissa Tarbet, flew the Olympic flag in front of the American Athletic Association of the Deaf (AAAD) offices on 36th Street (UAD Bulletin, July 1996, p. 11).

Dennis has shown a high level of dedication to the AAAD by providing many voluntary services to the organization. As a result, in 1999, Dennis was inducted into the AAAD Hall of Fame as a leader. Over the past twenty-five years, Dennis has served on AAAD committees and in various offices. His ongoing efforts have helped turn the AAAD into a powerful, dynamic national organization that benefits Deaf athletes who participate in AAAD sports events (UAD Bulletin, December 1999, p. 5). Some of his many contributions to the AAAD include:

AAAD Vice President of NSOs (1991-1994)
AAAD Vice President for Financial Affairs (1994 – 1997)
AAAD Ad Hoc Committee to establish women’s softball
AAAD Restructuring Committee
AAAD Law Committee member (eight years)
AAAD Board of Director member (1980 – 1997
AAAD Basketball/Softball Commissioner
AAAD Regional President’s Round Table (three years)
AAAD Grants and Planning Committee member
AAAD Audit Committee member
AAAD Games Preparation Committee member

Dennis Platt

During the difficult restructuring period, when many National Sports Organizations (NSOs) faced "banned" status and the AAAD's finances were in jeopardy, Dennis played a crucial role in the organization. Instead of taking opposing political positions, he discreetly continued the organization's "housekeeping" duties, completing the tasks necessary to keep the organization running while others were in the spotlight supporting one political agenda or the other (UAD Bulletin, December 1999, p. 5). Dennis was also a leader in the Northwest Association of the Deaf (NWAAD). Between 1978 and 1997, he served as the recording secretary, president, and chairman of two regional basketball tournaments and one regional softball tournament. He was the first person in any region to use computers to record tournament results. He received the NWAAD Hall of Fame induction in 1990 (UAD Bulletin, December 1999, p. 5). After twenty-eight years of dedicated service to Deaf sports, Dennis retired in 2002 (Shirley Platt, personal communication on January 6, 2015). The Utah Deaf community was fortunate to have Dennis's outstanding leadership in the sports field.

Dennis Platt carrying the Olympic torch

Dennis deserves recognition for his extensive history of voluntary contributions to organizations like the American Athletic Association of the Deaf, the Northwest Association of the Deaf, and the Golden Spike Athletic Club of the Deaf. He always approaches his work with humility and a low-key demeanor. Apart from participating in sports organizations, he also served on multiple committees and in various offices for the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf's Ogden Division #127, the Utah Association for the Deaf, and the USDB Institutional Council. We owe Dennis a debt of gratitude for his selfless contributions to the Utah Deaf Community.

Utah Deaf Athletes

Marvin J. Marhall, Deaf Boxer

Marvin J. Marshall, a Deaf boxer, began his boxing journey in 1930. Despite facing challenges due to his hearing loss, he remained captivated by the sport and showcased his skills at various events across the country, such as county fairs, festivals, boys' clubs, and athletic shows. In 1936, he emerged victorious, winning the Utah Golden Glove 112-pound title. After he graduated from the Utah School for the Deaf in 1942, he continued his boxing career at Gallaudet College, where he also took on the role of a coach for a group of Gallaudet boxers. After he graduated from Gallaudet College, he retired from boxing, firmly believing that a deaf person should always prepare before stepping into the boxing ring, as a single punch could potentially lead to the loss of an eye (Strassler, Recreation & Sports).

Marvin J. Marshall. Source: Utah Eagle, 1942

In the 1940s, Marvin won the local Golden Gloves boxing title and competed in the national Golden Gloves tournament in Washington, D.C. During his boxing career, he participated in approximately 500 amateur boxing fights. In 1995, the Gallaudet Athletic Hall of Fame inducted Marvin in recognition of his boxing achievements at Gallaudet College. Furthermore, in 2001, the USA Deaf Sports Federation Hall of Fame honored him for his athletic contributions (USDeafSports.org).

The boxers under charge of Marvin Marshall who entered the Golden Golves are, from left to right: Edward bowman, Paul Kulas, Marvin Marshall, Bruce Eyre, Tony Jelaco, Donnie Warnick, Jerry Ryan and Lee Shepherd, 1938

Paul Franklin Baldridge, Gallaudet's Athlete

Paul Franklin Baldridge was a Gallaudet athlete in the 1940s. He graduated from the Utah School for the Deaf in 1938. Paul was a member of the famous "Five Iron Men" basketball team at Gallaudet College in 1943, and he served as team captain from 1942 to 1944. Paul was an exceptional athlete who lettered in various sports at Gallaudet College (GallaudetAthletics.com).

Paul Baldridge. Source: GallaudetAthletics.com

In 1944, he received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Gallaudet College. He was also a member and officer in several academic and social organizations. Paul graduated from the University of Arizona in 1953 with a Master of Education degree. He started a 46-year career as a teacher and coach at Gallaudet College, the Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind, the Missouri School for the Deaf, and the Indiana School for the Deaf. He influenced and inspired numerous young Deaf people during his career (Obituary: Paul Baldridge). In recognition of his coaching achievements, the American Athletic Association of the Deaf inducted Paul into its Hall of Fame in 1998 (GallaudetAthletics.com).

The Five Iron Men—Don Padden, Earl Roberts, Paul Baldridge, Roy Holcomb, and Hal Weingold—played for the 1943 Gallaudet team, which finished last in the Mason Dixon Conference. Amazingly, they seized victory in the conference tournament with only these five players, hence their nickname. Source: Instagram: gallaudetu

Connie Johnston, Deaf Trackster

Connie Johnston of Ogden, Utah, was a remarkable track and field Deaf athlete in the United States. She achieved incredible feats by winning the heptathlon, 4x400 relay, and high jump events at the 1985 World Games for the Deaf held in Los Angeles, California. Connie's outstanding performance earned her three gold medals and four world records for deaf athletes, which she later broke in 1988 (UAD Bulletin, November 1988). In 2005, the USA Deaf Sports Federation Hall of Fame inducted Connie as a track and field athlete in recognition of her remarkable achievements (USDeafSports.org).

Connie Johnston

Deaf people participated in a broad range of sports and recreational activities. The cover features Connie Johnston at its center. Julius Donovant, a graphic artist, designed the cover. Source: Gallaudet Today, Winter 1992-93

Jeff W. Pollock, Deaflympics Snowboarder

Former Deaflympics Snowboarder Jeff W. Pollock enjoys snowboarding, skiing, skateboarding, wakeboarding, waterskiing, motorcycling, and any other sport that requires him to stand or sit on something while moving quickly! He relocated to Utah from Michigan in 1994 to pursue his passion for outdoor activities. Since its inception in 1998, Jeff has been a member of the U.S. Deaf Snowboard Team. He has won four medals in the last three Winter Deaflympics, as well as other medals in local and national USASA championships. Jeff has also competed in three Deaflympics (1999 in Davos, Switzerland; 2003 in Sundsvall, Sweden; and 2007 in Salt Lake City, Utah) and would have competed in 2011 in Vysoke, Slovakia, if it hadn't been canceled.

Jeff W. Pollock. Source: Sorensen VRS

"To be a Deaf snowboarder in a race with hearing racers is, in a single word, lonely," Jeff said in 2007 when the 16th Winter Deaflympics took place in Utah. "There are physical challenges to being a Deaf athlete at competitions like what some refer to as "the hearing Olympics," he noted (Jarvik, Deseret News, January 31, 2007). He emphasized the challenges that Deaf athletes encounter during competitions, commonly known as "the hearing Olympics." In sports like skiing and ice hockey, Deaf athletes cannot hear the referee's whistle or the starting gun, making them physically disadvantaged. Instead, they rely on guiding signals such as flashing lights, hand signals, and flags during the competition, according to Jeff (Jarvik, Deseret News, February 17, 2005).

Jeff W. Pollock, former U.S. Snowboarding Olympian. Source: Instagram: usdeafskiandsnowboard

Jacob Buzianis, Deaf Kiteboarder

Deaf kiteboarder Jacob Buzianis fell in love with the sport during his first lesson on a Maui beach. Since then, he has been seizing every opportunity he gets. After returning to Utah, he worked on finding year-round kiting and snowkiting opportunities. Despite the wind pushing him all day, he explored nearby areas, trading long lift lines and expensive season passes for vast open areas, endless terrain, and powder. Jacob is always looking for new kiting and snowkiting spots across the United States. His favorite places include Strawberry Reservoir, Powder Mountain, the Uintahs, Wasatch, Park City, Alaska, and Wyoming. His enthusiasm for the sport has remained as great as on his first day out, and he loves pushing himself to new boundaries and taking on new challenges every day. He invites others to join him on the ride, saying, "There is nothing better than feeling the wind behind you and sharing epic sessions with friends." Jacob's fantastic kiteboarding website features lots of photographs and videos.

Jacob Buzianis. Source: utahsnowkite.com

Aimee Walker Pond, Deaf Gymnast

Aimee Walker Pond, a former United States gymnast, has been doing gymnastics since she was seven years old. She is Deaf and half-blind, one of the rare gymnasts with disabilities who has competed at national and international levels. She graduated from Brigham Young University. Aimee owns Champions Sports Center, a multi-sport and leisure center in Saratoga Springs that also offers fitness programs. In 2015, Aimee Walker's book "No Pond's Excuses: The Story of Elite Gymnastic Aimee Walker-Pond" was published by Impact Publishing. "Attitude is everything," she remarked, "and that's part of the challenge" (Taylor, Deseret News, January 26, 2016).

Aimee Walker-Pond. Source: The Daily Universe

Conclusion

Although I am not an athlete, I am privileged to work on the history of Deaf sports in Utah and to highlight the profound significance of sports for the Deaf community. I have also digitized and uploaded historical materials about the Utah Athletic Club of the Deaf and the Golden Spike Athletic Club to this webpage. This digitization brings our rich history to life, and I invite you to explore the fascinating journey of our athletic clubs!

ARCHIVES

We have digitized and uploaded the following historical materials about the Utah Athletic Club of the Deaf and Golden Spike Athletic Club to this webpage. Enjoy exploring the rich history of our athletic clubs!

Utah Athletic Club of the Deaf 50th Anniversary Celebration 1947-1997

Golden Spike Athletic Club of the Deaf 25th Anniversary Celebration January 20, 1972 - January 18, 1997

Notes

Dale R. Cook, Paul Arthur, and Linda (Snodgrass) James, e-mail message to Jodi B. Kinner, May 29, 2011.

Gary L. Leavitt, personal communication, 1995.

Jerry Taylor, personal communication, February 2012.

Julio Diaz, personal communication, October 2010.

Kenneth L. Kinner, personal communication, 2008.

Kenneth L. Kinner, personal communication, 2010.

Norman Williams, e-mail message to Jodi B. Kinner, May 8, 2012.

Mike Hillstrom, e-mail message to Jodi B. Kinner, May 30, 2014.

Ruth Taylor, personal communication, February 11, 2015.

Shirley Platt, personal communication, January 6, 2015.

References

“A Chance to Compete.”  Sights & Sounds (May 2008). 12.

“Awards/Honors.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 23.7 (December 1999): 5.

Bannister, Thomas. “USDB Update.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 12, no. 10 (February 1989): 2.

“Combined Ogden campus for Deaf, blind is sensible.” Deseret News. (November 4, 1988): A10.

"Connie Johnston: Athletes Inductees." USA Deaf Sports Federation. https://usdeafsports.org/about/hall-of-fame/athletes/

“Dennis Platt as Torchbearer.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 20.2 (July 1996): 11.

“Dennis Platt Named One of Community Hero Torchbearers for 1996 Olympic Torch Relay.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 19.9 (February 1996): 1.

Donaldson, Amy. “USDB reviving athletics.” Deseret News (March 6, 2007): DO2.

Gallaudet University, Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gallaudet_University

Golden Spike Athletic Club of the Deaf: 25th Anniversary Celebration. January 20, 1972 – January 18, 1997.

Hillstrom, Mike. “Western States Basketball Classic.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 32.10. (March 2009). 1.

Jarvik, Elaine. “Utah to Host Deaflympics.” Deseret News, February 17, 2005.

Jarvik, Elaine. “Deaf World Games in Utah.” Deseret News, January 31, 2007.

Leers, Twila V. “Consolidation of Schools for the Deaf, Blind ok’d.” Deseret News (November 4, 1988): B1.

"Martha Hughes Cannon," Wikipedia, January 22, 2019. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martha_Hughes_Cannon

"Marvin Marshall: Athletes Inductees." USA Deaf Sports Federation. https://usdeafsports.org/about/hall-of-fame/athletes/

Montalette, Philippe. “President’s Corner.” UAD Bulletin, February 2015, vol. 38-09: 2.

“New Developments in Utah’s Educational Programs for the Deaf.” The Utah Eagle, Vol. 79, No. 5 (February 1978): 13 – 15.

"Paul Baldridge." Gallaudet Athletics. https://www.gallaudetathletics.com/hof/bios/baldridge_paul?view=bio

Paul Baldridge: Obituary

Tanner, Michelle. “Utah School for the Deaf Make History. UAD Bulletin, February 2015, vol. 38-09: 1 & 3.

Taylor, Madison Swensen. "No Excuses' tells gymnast Aimee Walker-Pond's story of faith, success despite trials.” Deseret News, January 26, 2016).

Tegeder, Robert W. “Presenting New Faculty Members.” The Utah Eagle, vol. 70, no. 8 (October 1958): 2.

Tenth Anniversary Celebration: 1972-1982. (1982, January 23). Golden Spike Athletic Club of the Deaf, Ogden Utah.

Roberts, Elaine, M.  The Early History of the Utah School for the Deaf and its Influence in the Development of a Cohesive Deaf Society in Utah, circa. 1884 – 1905, August 1994. A thesis presented to the Department of History: Brigham Young University.

Sanderson, Robert, G. “Sports Notes.” UAD Bulletin (April 1959). 2.

Strassler, Barry. "Gallaudet Had a Boxing Golden Glove campion." Recreation & Sports.'

“UAD Honors Night.” UAD Bulletin, Vol. 26.4 (September 2002): 1.

“Utah Women Excel at USADB.” UAD Bulletin, Vol. 25.12 (May 2002): 1.

Walker, Rodney W. (2006). My Life Story.

Wenger, Arthur. “Distinctive features of schools for the Deaf; No. 11 --- The inspirational side of the Utah School.” The Silent Worker vol. 33 no. 4 (January 1921): 111 – 113. http://dspace.wrlc.org/view/ImgViewer?img=3&url=http://dspace.wrlc.org/doc/manifest/2041/38266

Wight, Ray. “Deaf Teaching Methods Debated.” Ogden Standard-Examiner, October 19, 1970.

White, Jack F. “Utah Athletic Club of the Deaf: 50th Anniversary Celebration 1947 – 1997” Program Book.

“Who’s for the Deaf?” The UAD Bulletin, vol. 2, no. 8 (Fall-Winter 1962): 2-3.