The Transcript-Bulletin looked back at the performances of several top male athletes in selecting its top prep player of the year award. In the process we selected Logan Paulich from Grantsville High School for his significant contributions in three sports. Four others stood out and received honorable mention.

Alex Childs - Grantsville

Childs, a three sport athlete for Grantsville High School, was named first team all-region and an honorable mention all-state in football. He was a running back and safety for the Cowboys making him dangerous on both sides of the ball.

"He was our leading rusher, leading receiver and top three for tackles," said GHS football coach Tony Cloward. "It makes him important and more valuable to our program."

Childs also lead the Cowboys on the basketball court as well, scoring nine points per game.

"He's an extremely good player with raw talent," said Cowboys' basketball coach Larry Sandberg. "He can do it all, score, rebound, run the floor. When he's hot he can be a prolific scorer."

On the diamond for the Cowboys, GHS baseball coach Loren Anderson believes that all of Childs' athletic ability pulls him from different sides for each other sports he plays.

"He's got tons of athletic ability," Anderson said. "It's almost a curse for him because he gets pushed and pulled in all directions."

As an outfielder and pitcher, Childs was named second team all-region and played two years as a starter on the varsity team.

In the classroom, Cloward said Childs is an outstanding student who makes the honor roll.

"He's just as good on the field as he is in the classroom," Cloward said.

Childs will be back as a triple-threat for the Cowboys again in his senior year.

Jordan Clemente - Tooele

Clemente, now a senior at Tooele High School, uses his speed in all three sports he plays for the Buffaloes. On the track, Clemente qualified in four events for the 2008 4A state high school championship: long jump, 110 meter hurdles, 200 meter dash and 4x100 meter relay. He also threw the javelin and did a good job, but the coaches thought he would be better for the relay team.

"He's very coachable and always wants to get better," said Buff track coach Kendra Reed. "He's made a lot of improvements, especially in the hurdles."

Clemente uses the training from track to help him in football and basketball. As a basketball player he's a good defensive post player.

"He's a great athlete who excels on defense," said THS basketball coach Ray Brazier. "He's very fast on offense and getting to the block."

Brazier added that his teammates love to play with him on the court. Clemente averaged five points and three rebounds per game in the 2007-08 season.

On the football field Clemente played wide receiver, running back and corner back for the Buffaloes. Former Buff football coach Sam Elliott said he can't say enough about Clemente.

"Jordan's a great kid, very unselfish," Elliott said. "He's very well deserving of an award like this."

As a football player Elliott believes he has the potential to play in the college ranks.

"Athletically he's big and fast and one of the fastest on the team," Elliott added.

In the classroom Reed said he was a better than average student who worked hard.

"He had excellent attendance and a good work ethic in the classroom as well as on the field," Reed said.

Zac Clausing - Tooele

Clausing showcased his talents on the baseball and football fields and in the classroom at Tooele High School. He also was one of 17 Utah finalists for the Wendy's High School Heisman award.

Clausing was a four-year starter on the varsity baseball team playing third base and center field and pitching.

"He's been a leader and a high quality baseball player," said Buff baseball coach Danny Medina. "He's made a big impact in our program through the years."

He had the second highest batting average and was a captain this past season.

He's received scholarship money through his academic work for Utah Valley University and plans to walk on the baseball team.

"They need pitchers so he'll probably try out," Medina said.

Clausing's academics are also impressive. He was named academic all-region every year for the baseball team and academic all-state for three years. According to Medina, by the end of the summer, Clausing will have his associate's degree because he's been taking college classes.

Clausing was one of the top football players this past season where he carried the ball an average of 10 times per game as a running back. He also played as an offensive linebacker and defensive end.

"He's very gifted athletically and has a really good size with a lot of abilities," said former THS football coach Sam Elliott. "He could probably play anywhere."

Matt Wihongi - Tooele

Tooele High School basketball coach Ray Brazier calls Wihongi a phenomenal athlete who plays football, basketball and tennis for the Buffaloes. He averaged 10 points and four rebounds per game as a captain and guard for the Buffaloes basketball team and was named to the Region 7 second team.

"We relied on his rebounding ability and he always wanted the ball during crucial situations," said Tooele coach Ray Brazier. "He's a great open court player."

Wihongi was ranked fifth in Region 7 tennis with a 4-8 record going into the region tournament and came out third, beating two top players. He was the first singles player. At the beginning of the season, however, Wihongi was trying to play tennis and run track at the same time.

Former Buffalo tennis coach Derek Smith remembers a tennis match and track meet going on at the same time at Payson High School. Wihongi went over to the track, competed in the high jump and cleared the bar at 5 feet 11 inches before heading back over to the tennis courts and beating Payson's top seeded player. He then went back over to the track to mark in the long jump where he took second place. He took first in the high jump.

"In that one afternoon, it showed his athletic ability," Smith said.

Track helped Wihongi on the tennis court where he was able to jump for balls and "have hops" as Smith said.

"He was rarely on the ground even when he hit his shots," Smith added. "This gave him the ability to hit down on the ball. He was able to comprehend the game more than most players because he understands sports."