This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2007, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Hillcrest's Jordan Butterfield acknowledges there were things he did last year as a captain that he wishes he would have done differently.
But Butterfield won't have to dwell on that for long. He's returning for his senior year, and second as team captain, with the Hillcrest boys' soccer team.
"There were a few times last year where I got mad and started yelling," Butterfield said. "Now I know I should have just pulled them to the side and talked to them. This year, I'm going to be a lot more calm and positive."
And that's the attitude Hillcrest coach Brett Davis thinks will help bring the Huskies to a higher level. Last year, Hillcrest finished 4-12-0 in a region that includes powerhouse programs Alta and Brighton.
"His passion for the game, the desire to see those around him do better," Davis said. "Those are the qualities that stand out. He's looking to raise other people up."
Davis thinks the central midfielder's attitude has helped change the team's attitude.
"The team is very different this year," Davis said. "They're believing they're getting better, and that has to do with the leadership."
Butterfield's leadership is evident in his flexibility. He'll adjust his game to benefit the team. He likes to play midfield, but he is willing to play defense.
"I like to play midfield because I feel like I can have more impact on the game," Butterfield said. "But I'll play wherever they need me to go."
Butterfield likes to lead by example.
He tries to be on time to every practice, and when he can, he likes to come early. And after practice, he'll stay behind to help clean up after most of his teammates have gone home.
"It doesn't stop on the field," Butterfield said. "I want to be a role model."
And as a role model, Butterfield's new attitude will help the team play to its potential, whether it's Alta or Brighton or any other team from Region 2.
"I'll just tell them to take every game one at a time," Butterfield said. "And just go all-out playing."
In a preseason team meeting, the players agreed they would strive for two goals: make the playoffs, and never be outworked by another team.
"This year, our team is focused," Butterfield said. "And we have a common goal."
Prep boys' soccer
Strong start
* The Hillcrest boys' soccer team is on pace to better its record from last year, when it finished 4-12-0.
* Entering the week, the Huskies were 2-1, with wins over American Leadership Academy and Dixie.