We interviewed Pat Nugent, Head Footballl Coach of Mica Mountain 2024 4A State Champions! We asked him the following questions and here are his answers:
You are the 4A state high school championship head coach. How does that feel after 34 years of coaching?
After 34 years and 27 as a Head Coach, winning the championship has been a huge weight off
my shoulders. I have worked so hard for so many years and now to say that we were 14-0 and state champions is just an unreal feeling.
When you were younger did you have a goal of being a coach one day?
When I was younger my Dad was a HS football coach and there was no way I was going to do what he did. Then in my college years I started working for the U of A football team as a student manager with Dick Tomey and my love for the game and coaching started then.
This program is only 3 years old..What made this year’s team so special?
Many of the players on this team started the program. We had 5 guys that played their freshmen year on the 1st Mica team that played a JV schedule with a few varsity games then another 5 that have played the full 3 seasons. So this group has been special because they believed in the program and came to Mica and have worked extremely hard to put this program on the map. They have done everything we have asked of them and they are now finishing on top.
The offense headed up by quarterback Jayden Thoreson and Josiah Thornwell. Talk to me about the importance of way they played.
Jayden and Josiah have been there since the start and have played many games in Mica History. Jayden has set records as a QB that will never be broken because of his talent and the number of games he has played. He had an amazing tournament and to watch what he did in the championship was amazing and proved his legacy at Mica Mountain. As for Josiah he was also on that first team and to watch him grow as a player and have 4 TD in that game is just a credit to the work he has put in and can’t be more happy for him and how great he is as a young man.
Mica is new school to have an incredible victory. The community was behind you all the way. What does the support you have from the community mean to you and the team?
To be such a new school but to look into the stands at ASU and see all those people supporting us was amazing. Vail has always been supportive of all their schools. But to have that community support and the parents that put so much into our program will never be forgotten and very much appreciative.
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We also spoke with Josiah Thornwell, senior running back for the team. Here are his answers:
What does this championship win mean to you?
It means a lot coming from a school that’s not really known. I remember when I first chose Mica people told me is that the best decision for myself. But I trusted in Nugent and the amazing staff and admin we have at the school, and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else!!
What drives you to want to be the best?
My friends and family. I know they will always have my back and I look for them in times of need. They really care for me and only wish the best for me.
As you think about your future, do you want to play at the next level and if so what is you dream college?
I will not be back this was my senior year, but I do plan on trying to play football at the next level!
Who would you say has been your rock throughout this season?
My rock has been that loss we took in semis last year. That left a really sour taste in my mouth that I never wanted to feel again.
I’ve seen interviews, articles, our congressman even mentioned you. How do you stay grounded?
You know I’m just like everyone else. I shower the same, get ready the same, and bleed the same. There’s nothing that makes me different, I’m just blessed and grateful for this opportunity I was given.