BOUNTIFUL -- "If you watch the way a lineman puts his hands on the ground or the way a quarterback turns his body just a bit or how the running backs stand, you can often tell what kind of play is coming." Most people would assume such a quote to come from a seasoned football coach. But a mother and grandmother who can be found teaching quilting classes isn't what most would expect.
This, however, is just the case with Bountiful statistician, Robyn Orchard.
"You just learn things after watching so much football," Robyn said. "It's just another part of the game."
Indeed.
Married for 33 years to Terry Orchard, Robyn is as much a reason for the success of the Bountiful football tradition as any player, according to Coach Larry Wall.
"Robyn has been taking our stats in one way or another since 1985," Wall said. "She has everything to me by the next morning. Terry does our video taping and we often forget how great they are because it's always just done."
True to form, however, Robyn gives all the credit to Wall.
"I can't say enough good things about Larry Wall," Robyn said. "He teaches these boys life skills above football and that's the important thing. These kids know they are loved and appreciated."
Robyn was first introduced to football shortly before marrying Terry in 1973.
"I was keeping score for Terry's Little League football team when we were married and as the kids he coached got older and went on to Bountiful High, we became more and more involved, things just sort of happened and here we are today."
Terry may have the wife every man has dreamt, pretty, devoted, a great mother and homemaker who just happens to love football.
"Football is such a great game," Robyn said. "But what many people don't understand is that the game on Friday or Saturday is just a small part of the whole picture."
"I love being around these young people and watching them grow and live wonderful lives. That's really what I love about football."
As a statistician, Robyn keeps track of the offense, defense, special teams and even the opposing squad.
"It's important to know all these things for the coaches," Robyn said. "Obviously our stats are important, but knowing what the other team did tells us what we're not doing. It's all very important."
Her diligence has led to a few harrowing moments over the years. Robyn says she's been knocked over, but never seriously injured due to players charging off the field.
"I'm still pretty quick and I can tell where the plays are going usually anyway."
Watching his wife get clobbered during a game has never scared Terry.
"She's tough," Terry said. "And she knows what she's doing."
With life moving forward and her own children now starting their own teams, Robyn sees her future with a new crop of football players.
"My son started a football team in Kaysville so I keep the score up there on Saturdays," she said. "Football is one of those things that just never really ends. It keeps on moving along with new faces, and it's great."
sschulte@davisclipper.com
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