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About Siletz news / (Siletz, OR) 199?-current | View Entire Issue (April 1, 2012)
Sweet headed to Shrine Game, then college; credits family for success Jeff Sweet and Corey Loving will play in the all-star game in August By Natasha Kavanaugh The 60lh annual Oregon East-West Shrine Game will take place in Baker City, Ore., on Aug. 4. Football players from 4A, 3A. 2A and 1A schools from throughout Oregon were chosen, including two of our very own Siletz Tribal members from Siletz Valley Schools. Seniors Jeff Sweet, receiver, and Corey Loving, center, both will play at the 2012 Shrine Game. The game will be played at Bulldog Stadium at 2 p.m.and will be televised on Root Sports Northwest. Loving was the first to receive his invitation. Sweet said. “I was like. man. I wish I got one of them and like three days later I got one. We were so happy." Sweet is the son of Aleatha (Levi) Simmons and grandson of Arliss Chatter son. Chatterson has attended every single game and is one of his biggest fans. “My mom goes to every game and helps me out a lot,” he said. Sweet has lived with his grandma for most of his life and says this has really helped keep him on track. Sweet started playing football five years ago as a receiver, his favorite posi tion. The 2011 season, however, brought something totally different. Sweet says Coach Reggie Butler asked the team. “Who would like to play quarterback this year?” Sweet smiled and said, “I just volunteered, being a senior.” It was a big step for him to move from receiver to quarterback, but Sweet says he was told by many that he did a good job. Sweet shared that his school credits initially tell short of the requirement to play, but he quickly took care of that and got into the next game. “I remember the first game 1 played was against Alsea and the first play we were at the 20 yard line and third down. 1 promised Reggie I would get the touchdown if he let me run it. There was a guy at the one yard line and 1 wasn't gonna let him stop me, so 1 While he was looking into college, little did Sweet know three of them were looking into him. He has been offered scholarships to Western Oregon Univer sity in Monmouth. Ore.; Pacific Univer sity in Forest Grove. Ore.; and George Fox University in Newberg. Ore. It was pretty cool,” Sweet recalled. When Sweet makes his decision, foot Also coaching this year were Lee But ball will not be the only factor. Video tech ler, Mark Pullam, Willie Worman, Dave classes and business also are in the mix. Morgan and Vance Lindstrom. He would like to stay close to home and During the offseason. Sweet spends says his grandma has been very influential time working with Pullam. who also in helping him choose a college. brings in help from Western Oregon Uni “I just want you to know' I'm really, versity. Pullam has known Sweet for many really proud of him,” said Chatterson. years and a couple of years ago he “had When Sweet received his minor's trust the rare privilege of being able to train fund money last year, the first thing he him for football. Jeff endured countless did was surprise his grandma with a yurt. hours of training under my direction over “Everyone wants my yurt, but they the summer two years ago.” said Pullam. have to have my grandson first, but they “We go up to the Tribal center, run can t have him." said Chatterson proudly. down the hill, throw a log down, chase it. “He has his grandma's respect. Jeff him pick it up and carry it. It's called cradle the self and who he is. I love him very much.” baby,” laughs Sweet. “He (Pullam) calls More influence and strong ties have them the old-school native drills.” formed between Sweet and the DeAnda “Mark does good, really works with family, especially Isaac and Sheila. They the kids' self-esteem, he really does,” have attended all of his games and have added Chatterson. been supportive in his choice for college. Pullam also says Sweet is one of the “Isaac's really pushing me to go to col most skilled and tenacious athletes he has lege, said Sweet. “I think just coming up had the privilege of training. from g<xxJ family, that’s what made me who “He was always willing to not just try. I am. living with a good family. Isaac and but succeed. Jeff did everything I asked of Sheila is so key for me in keeping on track.” him and more. He is a true athlete, trust Sweet s positive attitude comes not ing to his mentor to know what to do and only from family, but also from kids in the doing it," said Pullam. community. He helps referee the younger "I’m really glad that I came from youth and enjoys helping Angel DeAnda here, really glad 1 stayed at Siletz," said with his football as well. Sweet. “A lot of people think ‘Oh, we “I’m really into helping out the should go to a bigger school’ mainly to younger kids," Sweet said get into college. I was going to do that my sophomore year, wanted to go to Taft, and then thought to myself, ‘You know, I’m just gonna stay here and show people that they could go to college from a smaller school,' and then it happened.” Photo by Natasha Kavanaugh Jeff Sweet He also participates in the Siletz Youth Film Project, plays basketball and this year will play baseball. Sweet's brother, Jeremy, also was a good athlete in high school. “He was my biggest idol. Awhile back, he told me that I was his biggest idol." said Sweet, who would like to thank “m\ grandma, my mom, Isaac and Sheila, Mark Pul lam. and coaches Reggie, Lee. Vance and Morgan” for all they've done for him. “I cannot be more proud of Jeff, both on and off the field,” added Pullam. As for his future, Sweet said, “I'm just gonna play my game and whatever happens, happens.” “You'll be ready, you'll just shine,” said Chatterson. An interview with Corey Loving will appear in a future issue of Siletz News. Siletz Diabetes Talking Circle Third Thursday of every month • Noon-1:30 p.m. Tillicum Fitness Center April 19 Nadine Grzeskowiak, RN CEN Gluten Intolerance and Celiac Disease April 19 Sky Schroeder, Optometrist Diabetic Retinopathy Come if you have diabetes or want to help control or prevent it in your family. Free lunch is followed by roundtable and special speakers. want to learn the basics of beading? Free of charge! Supplies and light meal will be provided! Who: People who want to learn how to bead What: Beading Class When: April 19 @ 5 p.m. Where: Siletz Behavioral Health Contact Tasha Mason 541.444.9659 tasham@ctsi.nsn.us April 2012 • Siletz News • 7
