Tabiona Treasure
The small town of Tabiona is about two hours from Price and is situated between in the middle of its own little paradise. It has everything the everyday hunter needs to enjoy a day out in the woods. However, for Tabiona natives, hunting comes second in the running. The first? Basketball.
The small 1A Tabiona High School Tigers have community support that some 5A schools only dream of. It is in the blood to be a true fan of the athletics. Above all, it’s almost ritualistic to be seen every Friday night at the high school basketball games.
This archived article was written by: Dyana Thurgood
The small town of Tabiona is about two hours from Price and is situated between in the middle of its own little paradise. It has everything the everyday hunter needs to enjoy a day out in the woods. However, for Tabiona natives, hunting comes second in the running. The first? Basketball.
The small 1A Tabiona High School Tigers have community support that some 5A schools only dream of. It is in the blood to be a true fan of the athletics. Above all, it’s almost ritualistic to be seen every Friday night at the high school basketball games.
In 2007, Tiger fever spread like an epidemic as the women’s basketball program began to make history. Two of the College of Eastern Utah’s Eagles helped bring home a state title. Savana Gines was the starting point guard and Stacy Stringham was the starting center for Tabiona. They were like the “Stockton and Malone” of 1A basketball.
Gines and Stringham pounded that hardwood every game with determination and desire. Through all the sweat and tears, they outplayed their opponents in the final four games of the state tournament.
After winning state, Stringham finished high school and graduated from Tabiona. Although basketball was where her heart laid, she decided to attend Snow College purely for academic purposes. She participated in all sorts of activities while attending her first year. However, he heart never stopped beating for basketball.
When the opportunity aroused to attend the CEU, Stringham took it by the horns. She had one year of college under her belt, but started new as a freshman on the women’s basketball team.
She says, “It’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made, to play at CEU. I love Coach Paur, Coach Allen, and the girls. I wouldn’t trade these last two years for anything.”
She has been a major asset to the team and made a mark on and off the court. “She was always the sweetest person, but wasn’t scared to give it her all in a game,” teammates say of her. Stringham always is willing to pick up her teammates and go the extra mile to help one of them out.
Although the lady Eagles had a trying year, the friendships made along the way were well worth it. Maddi Hind, a teammate and close friend said, “She has been a great friend to me, she is so friendly and positive.” Stringham is well known for her bubbly personality and is always seen with a big smile.
Her future hopes are to become an elementary school teacher and settle down when the time is right. Above all, being a mother is what Stringham looks forward to most.
