This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Bridger Berrett was here, there, everywhere for the Skyline Eagles this season. He was the man in the middle.
In the middle of the infield, where he played near-flawless shortstop. In the middle of the diamond, where he went 8-2 with a 2.11 ERA as the staff ace. In the middle of just about every run-scoring rally the Eagles put together as the leadoff hitter.
The senior was a key part of Skyline's first baseball state championship and, for that, he earned The Tribune's Class 4A MVP honor.
"He came through in some clutch situations for us," Skyline coach Erik Hansen said. "He was just consistent throughout the entire year, whether it was pitching, hitter or defense, he always gave you a good performance. He just had a great season."
Berrett hit .425 in the regular season, with 20 RBIs and 24 runs scored atop the potent Eagles lineup.
His biggest contributions, however, came on the mound in the postseason, where he baffled Murray in a 7-3 victory, then came back the next day to pitch in relief in the championship-clinching victory against Timpanogos.
Berrett said winning state was the highlight of his baseball career, but there was another achievement that finished a close second.
"I'd say beating Olympus three times," Berrett said of the Eagles' rival and neighbor. "That, and the grand slam I hit against Olympus."
Berrett, who will play next season at Lewiston State in North Dakota, was part of a group of 10 seniors on Skyline's roster. That experience played a big role in the title run.
"I'm going to miss my teammates," Berrett said. "It was really fun playing with nine other seniors, and bonding with them."