ABOUT THE GAMES
The Utah Summer Games is a festival for athletes of all ages and abilities. Since 1986, this event has been conducted at Southern Utah University Cedar City, Utah with an average total of 9,600 participants, 50 thousand spectators, and 1,000 volunteers in attendance each year. Add all that together and you have one of the premier sporting events in Utah.
THE BEGINNING
In the beginning, the Utah Summer Games were a vision. Not a dream, but a vision, and the difference is that of something hoped for versus something to be accomplished, and Dr. Gerald Sherratt never was one for hoping and dreaming. He made things happen.
Jonathan Oglesby has been selected as the new executive director of the Larry H. Miller Utah Summer Games, and will officially begin his appointment on June 1, 2023. As the Executive Director Oglesby is responsible for managing the Utah Summer Games and overseeing the growth and development of the program..
“We are thrilled to have Jon at the helm of the Larry H. Miller Utah Summer Games,” said Southern Utah University President Mindy Benson. “His extensive experience will help the Games reach new heights and elevate our partnerships with sponsors, athletes, teams, and communities across the state.”
An experienced sports director, Oglesby previously worked for the Utah High School Activities Association (UHSAA) where he served as the sport director for basketball, cross country, lacrosse, tennis, and track-and-field. He oversaw Speech and Debate and helped manage the Association’s Unified Sports program.
During his time with UHSAA he operated on several National Federation of State High School Associations committees. These national committees included the Track and Field Rules Committee, Technology Advisory Committee, Speech Advisory Committee and Girls’ Lacrosse Rules Committee. He also played a critical role in the Association’s management of the COVID-19 pandemic, serving as a liaison with various government bodies throughout the pandemic.
“I would like to thank President Benson, Stephen Lisonbee and SUU for the opportunity to serve as the Executive Director of the Utah Summer Games,” said Oglesby. “The Utah Summer Games provide a unique pathway for our state to simultaneously experience unity, opportunity and hope through our programming. Our goal is to create a first-of-class competitive experience that cultivates genuine connection between our participants, our valued partners and supporters, Cedar City, SUU and the state of Utah. I feel humbled and blessed to play a key role in this noble endeavor.”.
Oglesby’s extensive work experience also comprises time spent with the Big Sky Conference, where he served as senior director of communications and external operations. In his role he worked as the primary media contact for the league, and oversaw the league’s promotion of Football, Women’s Basketball and Men’s and Women’s Golf. Oglesby also served as the conference’s marketing and sponsorship manager.
Oglesby holds a Master of Professional Communication from Weber State University and bachelor’s degree in mass communication from Utah Tech University. Oglesby continues work as a freelance play-by-play announcer for college sports on television and radio, along with serving as a communications consultant for various college athletic departments.
“We are ecstatic for our family to become an active part of this vibrant community, and hope to serve the community through this opportunity,” said Oglesby. “The energy, connection and genuine kindness found in Cedar City and within SUU are tangible, and we couldn’t ask for a better place for our family to be at this point in our lives.”
Outside of his professional work, Oglesby serves on the Board of Directors for Special Olympics Utah, serving as the secretary for the SOUT Executive Committee, and is also involved in various faith-based organizations.
Utah Summer Games is one of the premier sporting competitions in the state. With more than 40 sporting events, it draws a numerous variety of teams and athletes to Cedar City. The Olympic style sports-festival has been conducted at SUU since 1986, with a record high of 10,182 participants, 50 thousand spectators, and 1,000 volunteers in attendance.