MVHS alumnus expanding Utah Summer Games

By JIM LUKSIC

The Progress

The Larry H. Miller Utah Summer Games (USG) operates as the official games for the Beehive State.
Don’t be fooled by the word summer: activities aren’t limited to the hottest season. In fact, USG has already included the likes of wrestling and water polo this spring.

“We have continued to expand our programming to meet needs throughout the year,” said Jon Oglesby, who since last summer has served as executive director of USG, described as an “outreach department” through the Division of Community Outreach and Engagement at Southern Utah University (SUU).

When June rolls around, the games will put a charge into host Cedar City, home to SUU.
“We are frankly close to rebranding as a department to one day be known just as ‘State Games of Utah’,” Oglesby said.

At that point, the organization would be allowed “to have out-of-state residents with our charter under the National Congress of State Games (NCSG),” he said.
What’s more, Oglesby has set his sights on Nevada for valid reasons.
“We offer so many sports that are so popular in Southern Nevada – including pickleball, high school boys’ volleyball, and cheer and dance,” said Oglesby.

Oglesby is a Moapa Valley native raised in Logandale. He graduated from MVHS circa 2009. He reported on Pirate sports for The Progress from 2007-09 and also served as the Pirates’ radio voice.
Oglesby asserted that he recognizes the “natural cultural fit” between northeast Clark County and Utah, which helps Moapa and Virgin Valley teams and residents have an “outstanding experience” connected to the sporting activities.

The games’ namesake refers to Utah native and late businessman Miller, who co-founded The Larry H. Miller Company with his wife Gail and died in 2009.

All told, more than 40 different activities are offered, along with managing SUU’s relationships with sports partners such as the Utah High School Activities Association (UHSAA).

Participants receive a T-shirt, gift bag, and free admission to the opening ceremony, slated for Friday, June 7. Country Star Morgan Evans will perform; the showcase also features fireworks.
From start to finish, Oglesby will have no shortage of responsibilities.

“My tasks involve oversight of the games and our year-round programming, including strategic planning and oversight of the department,” he said. “I’m also involved in community relations and revenue growth, including fundraising and corporate partnerships.”

Before taking over USG, Oglesby worked for a half-dozen years at UHSAA and served in various capacities for college and professional sports.

As part of Utah Summer Games’ designation through the NCSG, Oglesby and his crew are able to welcome guests from around the country – particularly neighboring states – to participate.
“One of our departmental goals through SUU is to promote economic development for Cedar City and Iron County, a goal that is boosted through out-of-state participants traveling to participate in our activities,” he explained.

The USG has been operating for almost 40 years, dating back to its debut in 1986.
Participants range from elementary school students to senior citizens, depending on the activities.
More information is available at www.utahsummergames.org.