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
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Siletz News
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