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An Up-Close Look Inside Classrooms and an Historic Touchdown on the Football Field
Description
On this episode of the Supercast, we take you inside some classrooms with Rich Saunders, Interim Executive Director of the Utah Department of Health. Mr. Saunders stopped by to see first-hand how teachers and students are doing and learning during the pandemic.
But first, Superintendent Anthony Godfrey heads out to the Herriman High football field to meet the young man behind a history making touchdown.
Audio Transcription
Superintendent Godfrey:
Hello, and welcome to the Supercast. I'm your host, Superintendent Anthony Godfrey. We take you inside some classrooms in Jordan School District on a tour with Rich Saunders, executive director of the Utah Department of Health. Mr. Saunders stopped by to see first-hand how teachers, students, and administrators are doing during the pandemic.
But first we head out to the Herriman High School football field to meet the young man behind a history making touchdown. We are here at Herriman High School with running back Nu'u Tafisi. In August, the entire nation was hungry for sports, and the first football game in the nation was played at Herriman High School. And you were the first one to score a touchdown in the nation this year. How did that feel?
Nu'u:
Ah, you know, so good. Just going out to play football with my boys. We had to wear face masks on the sideline and, you know, just going through everything with the COVID is just something that we had to adapt to. And we did, as you can see in the film. I celebrate with my line, you know, we had it every time.
Superintendent Godfrey:
I like how you talked about celebrating with your line. Nobody does it alone. There are a lot of people that participated in that, but you got to carry the ball across the line.
Nu'u:
The line is everything to me, you know. Without a line, I can't do anything as a running back.
Superintendent Godfrey:
Well, there's a lot for us to all learn from. We're relying on each other more than ever just to get through the pandemic and make sure that everybody has as much opportunity at school and athletics and activities and in the classroom as well. So, it's a great example of what we're all trying to do. Has being part of football helped you through the pandemic because we were all isolated for a long time? Did it feel good to be back with everyone?
Nu'u:
Yes, definitely. You know, being at home and quarantined is really waring and, just to get something for the people to watch, you know, some sort of entertainment is good.
Superintendent Godfrey:
So, do you get energy from the fact that people are watching and cheering you on? Is that an important part of what you're doing on the field?
Nu'u:
Yes, definitely. Without the fans, I don't even think that'd be playing football.
Superintendent Godfrey:
Thanks to Nu'u Tafisi for stopping for an interview. I know you've got to get there and practice for tomorrow night's game. So, good luck out there.
Nu'u: Thank you.
Superintendent Godfrey: We're here with Brock Hollingsworth at Herriman High School. Brock, tell us what sports do you play? What positions do you play?
Brock:
I play football. I would play track to get ready for football, get my speed up, but mainly football. I play safety, corner, receiver, return kicks, or return punts, you know, just wherever coach needs me. Just get a little burst going. That's where, that's where I like to go and just get some energy going in the field.
Superintendent Godfrey:
I rely on people like you, people I can put anywhere to do what needs to be done. So that's awesome. How did they feel to get to return as an athlete this fall, after being cooped up in the spring because of the pandemic?
Brock:
Oh, it was amazing. Like you're just aching to play football. I've been playing football since I wa