Utah School for the Deaf Spotlight: Football

Utah’s nationally respected School for the Deaf stems back to its origin in 1884, where it then operated on what was known as the Deseret Campus in Salt Lake City. Recognized as a critical public institution, the School for the Deaf was included in the Enabling Act of 1894. This act granted land to the state to generate revenue to perpetually support 12 specific institutions. These lands are known as trust lands. The proceeds earned from all of these trusts have collectively grown to over $3.2 billion dollars.

A portion of the investment earnings from the School for the Deaf are annually distributed to help fund the enrichment programs at the School for the Deaf. These enrichment programs are designed to introduce activities and skills in the lives of students that add value and meaning. These enrichment programs include culinary arts classes, travel, and sports to name a few. Funding a football team for the students was recently added.

Despite not winning any games during their 2022 debut season, it was a tremendous success for the school's football program. Male and female athletes alike discovered and continue to develop their love for football. Providing an opportunity to meet new people is essential for the students to build community connections. Coach Brian Tingley-Carr taught his players to “build connections with other people who are deaf or hard of hearing.” Participating in sports has helped teach the players to work hard, compete in a respectful fashion, and rely on each other. As they worked together toward a common goal, each player discovered they needed one another. Interdependence is an invaluable tool to these student athletes as they navigate challenging situations now and in the future.