Editor:

This letter is written to recognize a fantastic person, who has devoted his life to Viewmont athletics. Jed Neilson has been involved in Viewmont athletics for 25 years as their statistician. He has faithfully kept stats for the basketball and baseball programs for all those years.

His wife and three daughters have supported him and sacrificed their own interests so that he could help out Viewmont doing something he seems to have a passion for. He not only does this at home games, but travels wherever the team plays -- even at tournaments. There have been games when Jed not only kept the stats but also was the announcer. He could fill any position he was asked to and do it well. Many depend on the numbers he tracks and generates and they know they will be accurate and produced quickly.

He also keeps stats for the Jazz and has put Viewmont games above Jazz games on many occasions and that is a true sacrifice. There just isn't a better statistician anywhere and we know no dollar amount would be high enough to compensate for his talents -- he is priceless! I believe I can speak for the coaches, players, fans and community when I say Jed, you are the best! Thanks to your wonderful wife, Mary, and your sweet daughters who have shared you with us for so many years.

Shauna Smith

Centerville