The History of Star Valley High School Football
On the Shoulders of Giants: A Legacy of Excellence, Brotherhood, and Community
Star Valley High School football is more than a program—it is a tradition deeply woven into the identity of its community. For nearly a century, it has reflected the values, work ethic, and unity of Star Valley itself. From humble beginnings in 1928 to its modern-day dominance, the Braves’ story is one of sustained excellence built on trust, love, and commitment.
The Foundation Years (1928–1950s)
The program’s roots trace back to 1928 under the leadership of Coach Newell Peterson. In those early years, football in Star Valley was defined by grit and resilience. Resources were limited, travel was difficult, and the game itself was still evolving. Yet even then, the foundational elements of the program began to take shape—toughness, discipline, and a deep pride in representing the valley.
These early teams laid the groundwork for what would become a defining feature of Star Valley athletics: a team-first mentality rooted in community identity. Players weren’t just representing a school—they were representing families, neighbors, and a way of life.
The Monsen Dynasty (1960s)
The 1960s marked the first golden age of Star Valley football under Coach Lew Monsen. This era established the program as a statewide powerhouse.
Between 1961 and 1967, the Braves captured five state championships (1961, 1962, 1965, 1966, 1967). These teams were known for their physical dominance, disciplined execution, and unselfish play. Monsen’s influence went beyond schemes and strategy—he instilled a culture of accountability and pride that elevated expectations permanently.
This dynasty didn’t just win games; it created belief. Star Valley football became synonymous with excellence, and the standard was set: competing for championships wasn’t a goal—it was an expectation.
Sustained Success and Transition (1969–1981)
Following the Monsen era, Coach Jerry Hart carried the torch from 1969 to 1981. His tenure ensured that the program didn’t fade after its first peak but instead evolved and sustained its success.
Under Hart, the Braves captured state titles in 1972 and 1980. His teams reflected consistency and toughness, maintaining Star Valley’s reputation as one of Wyoming’s premier programs. Hart’s era was defined by stability—he bridged generations and kept the culture intact.
In 1981, Coach Van Hokanson added another state title, reinforcing the program’s ability to transition leadership while maintaining excellence. This period demonstrated that the foundation built in earlier decades was strong enough to endure change.
The Linford Dynasty (1990s)
The 1990s brought a resurgence under Coach Robert Linford, ushering in another dominant era. His teams captured four state championships in 1992, 1993, 1995, and 1996.
This era was marked by disciplined fundamentals, strong line play, and a relentless defensive identity. Linford’s teams played with precision and intensity, embodying a blue-collar mentality that mirrored the community.
Just as importantly, this period reestablished Star Valley as a dominant force for a new generation. The success of the 90s connected past greatness with present achievement, ensuring that the program’s legacy remained alive and relevant.
Modern Era and Continued Dominance (2015–Present)
After years of competitive play, the modern era of Star Valley football has been defined by sustained excellence and an extraordinary championship run.
The 2015 state title under Coach Chris Howell signaled a return to the top. It set the stage for one of the most impressive stretches in program history under current head coach McKay Young.
From 2016 to 2025, the Braves have captured seven state championships (2016, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025). This era has been characterized by:
- Physical, disciplined football
- Strong player development
- Consistent program-wide expectations
- A deep sense of brotherhood
This run has solidified Star Valley as not just a historically strong program, but a modern dynasty.
Core Values: The Heart of the Program
While championships define eras, they do not define the program. The true identity of Star Valley football lies in its core values:
Trust
Players trust each other, their coaches, and the process. Trust allows teams to play fast, selfless, and united. With sayings like “Gained in Drops and Lost in Buckets”, the players are asked to commit to lives of integrity on and off the field.
Love
Love is the bond that connects generations of Braves. It shows up in sacrifice, support, and the willingness to put the team first. Words like Mudita and Ubuntu have come to define the relationships that the players have with each other.
Commitment
Commitment is the standard. From offseason training to Friday nights, excellence is earned through consistency and discipline. “The Pain of Discipline or the Pain of Regret” has been a guiding mantra for the program.
These values are not slogans—they are lived daily. They connect players across decades and create a culture that sustains success.
A Program Rooted in Service
Star Valley football has always understood that its role extends beyond the field. The program emphasizes service to the community—giving back to the people who support it.
Players are taught that wearing the jersey comes with responsibility. Whether through service projects, mentorship, or simply representing the community with integrity, the Braves strive to make a positive impact.
This commitment to service strengthens the bond between the team and the valley, reinforcing that success is measured not only in wins, but in character.
Legacy and Continuity
What makes Star Valley football unique is its continuity. Different coaches, different players, different eras—but the same standard.
Each generation builds on the last:
- The toughness of the early years
- The dominance of the 1960s
- The stability of the 1970s and 80s
- The resurgence of the 1990s
- The excellence of the modern era
The result is a program that honors its past while continually striving for more.
Conclusion
Star Valley High School football is a story of tradition, excellence, and community. From 1928 to today, it has remained grounded in values that transcend the game.
The banners, trophies, and championships tell part of the story. But the real legacy is found in the relationships built, the standards upheld, and the impact made on generations of young men.
And as long as trust, love, and commitment remain at its core, the story of Star Valley football is far from finished.
