Note: Timpanogos finished with a 1-8 overall record in 2014 and was seventh in Region 7 with an 0-6 record. It did not qualify for the playoffs.
OREM — New Timpanogos coach Daniel Tervort is young, energetic and excited for the opportunity to be a head coach at the 4A prep level.
The former BYU receiver threw his hat into the ring when the Timberwolves went looking for a new coach after the departure of Joe DuPaix after last season. Despite not having a lot of coaching experience, Tervort was given the reigns of the program and is working hard to reestablish a winning tradition at Timpanogos.
"I love coaching and I love teaching and I decided a few years back that it's what I want to do," Tervort said. "I love football and I've had the opportunity to play for some great coaches who have helped me out a ton in my own life. So I decided I want to try and do the same."
Tervort played for BYU from 2006-2007 before transferring and has since taken to teaching and coaching at the prep level. His experience includes coaching stints at Spanish Fork and at Salem Hills.
"I don't know if I expected to become a head coach this early, but I'm confident and real grateful for the trust and the opportunity given to me," Tervort said. "We're going to try and turn the corner here and build up great young men and a winning tradition."
However, building Timpanogos into a winning program doesn't look to be an easy task.
Last season the Timberwolves struggled to a 1-8 record without a single win in Region 7 play. This year Tervort has a very young team that will work to improve on last year's disappointment.
"Yeah, we're young, but I'm real optimistic about our player's future here," Tervort said. "We're working hard to establish a good culture here and good attributes. That's a big key — protecting a culture and not let anything get in the way of that. I believe if you work to establish quality young men and character that the winning will come, so that's what we're working on."
Working with Tervort to establish a good culture are former BYU player Jason Speredon, who will coach the offensive line and defensive coordinator Dave Smith, who previously coached at Pleasant Grove.
"I'm very happy with how our staff came together and how willing everyone is to help," Tervort said. "They all have a passion for it like I do and things are coming together fast."
As for Timpanogos this year, Tervort understands his young team will experience growing pains, but feels the players can make good strides.
"I want every player to learn to enjoy playing football, to walk off the field every week being grateful to the game and the work they've put in," he said. "If they do that, the winning will come."
As for expected standouts, the young staff was still working to identify many of them, but a few names did pop up, including linebacker Mote Siufanua.
"He's a player and a guy we knew immediately would help and he looks like he'll be a great leader for us," Tervort said.
Other expected standouts include linebacker/defensive end Adam Ahmu along with linemen Sioeli Uluave, Liona Iereneo, Hunter Gear and Carlos Bermudez, among others.
Tervort will handle the offensive coordinating duties and plans to run a spread offense. His quarterback will likely be Jaxson Smith and his primary running back looks to be Gage Heward. Casey Hamilton will likely lead the receiving corps.
On defense, the Timberwolves plan to run a 4-2-5 defensive alignment and will be coordinated by Dave Smith. Many of the same players expected to take the lead on offense will be asked to do the same on the defensive end.
"We're real young, but players are excited and we think we have the potential to surprise some people," Tervort said. "There's still a lot of work, but I feel we're progressing well and guys have a great attitude about what we're doing so far."
Timpanogos Timberwolves at a glance
Head Coach: Daniel Tervort is in his first year coaching at Timpanogos. He previously coached for Salem Hills and Spanish Fork. He played football for BYU and Southern Utah.
Offense (Spread; 4 returning starters)
Offensive Coordinator: Daniel Tervort
Returning starters on offense
Mote Siufanua (RB)
Gage Hward (RB)
Sioeli Uluave (OL)
Adam Ahmu (OL)
Offensive newcomers to watch
Jaxon Smith (QB)
Casey Hamilton (WR)
Defense (4-2-5; 4 returning starters)
Defensive Coordinator: Dave Smith
Returning starters on defense
Mote Siufanua (LB)
Sioeli Uluave (DL)
Carlos Bermudez (DL)
Adam Ahmu (DL)
Coaches preseason Region 7 straw poll: Seventh
Deseret News Region 7 prediction: Seventh
Bottom Line: There's a lot of work to do in order to make Timpanogos competitive again and the 2015 team certainly has its work cut out. The Timberwolves will also be playing in what looks to be an improved Region 7 which adds to the work the program has ahead of it. A new, energetic coaching staff could play dividends immediately and propel Timpanogos to surprise some teams this coming year.
Last 5
2014 — 1-8 (0-6 in Region 7 -- Missed playoffs)
2013 — 6-5 (3-3 in Region 7 – 4A First round)
2012 — 7-4 (4-3 in Region 8 – 4A First round)
2011 — 4-7 (4-3 in Region 8 – 4A First round)
2010 — 6-5 (2-4 in Region 7, Missed playoffs)
...
Timpanogos coaching history
2015 — Daniel Tervort (0-0)
2014 — Joe Dupaix (1-8)
2010-2013 — Ed Larson (26-27)
2009 — Brad King (3-6)
2006-2008 — Brad Molen (13-18)
2004-2005 — Frank Bramall (8-13)
2003 — Darren DeGracie (4-5)
2001-2002 — Frank Bramall (13-10)
1996-2000 — Marc McKenney (7-40)
….
Deseret News First Team all-staters the past 10 years
2007 — Christian Stewart, QB
2007 — Grant Jimenez, WR
2007 — David Kruger, DL
2007 — Taylor Lyons, DB
To view second team and honorable mention all-staters through the years, check out the Deseret News All-State Archives.
Email: bgurney@desnews.com
Twitter: @BrandonCGurney