Teen branches out from family tree

Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Feb 25, 2005 by Jody Genessy Deseret Morning News

WOODS CROSS -- One of the first things people learn about Matthew Edwards is that his last name is written in big letters on a football stadium in Provo.

But the fact that he has a famous grandpa, who used to coach BYU back when the Cougars were good, isn't what impresses his high school basketball coach the most about him.

No, what's more impressive about LaVell Edwards' grandson to Woods Cross High coach Todd Street is that his senior-year activities include the following: He's the football captain, a varsity player on the basketball and soccer squads, the class president, a Madrigal, a trombone-tooting member of the jazz band and, not to forget, nearly getting all straight A's.

"He is just an amazing kid," Street said. "To cap it all off, he's the ward organist."

Edwards is so good at multitasking he could probably be the LDS ward music leader at the same time, but somebody else needed a calling and he occasionally needs his foot on the pedals.

A normal school day for Edwards begins with band practice at 6:30 a.m. and doesn't end at the earliest until his coach has mercy at 5 p.m. or so depending on the sports season. When he gets home, there's still a lot of homework to do and coach Rebecca (his mom) makes sure he does his chores, too.

"Sadly, but true," he jokes about his house-cleaning duties.

Other than doing the dishes, Edwards simply enjoys staying busy playing games and music.

"I just like being involved in different things," he said. "I think it's fun."

Though he was an all-region tight end in football, his best sport, Edwards isn't sure if he'll pursue collegiate athletics or not. He plans on following in the career footsteps of his grandpa's son as he wants to be an orthopedic surgeon like his father, John Edwards (no, not that one).

Street has no doubt his post player will be a success at whatever career he chooses.

"He's an overachiever," his coach said. "He just makes the most of his abilities. He's just so talented at everything he does . . . whatever he puts his mind to."

Edwards' rise to becoming a starter on the Wildcats' varsity team is proof enough for Street that the all-American kid can accomplish great things.

Throughout junior high, Edwards tried but never made the school hoops team. He finally earned a spot on the high school squad as a sophomore, but he was about as far down the bench as you could go without being team manager.

Over the next two years, Edwards kept busting his tail and made the most of his scant playing time before eventually earning a starter's spot. He won't lead the state in scoring, but he is a true success story, his coach believes.

Though he's put some bulk on his body in the weight room, Edwards is described by Street as being a "6-foot-3 string bean." But he's the Dennis Rodman of Region 5, minus the tattoos, body jewelry and wedding dresses. His coach lauds him for his much-improved scrappy defense and calls him "a phenomenal offensive rebounder" who "never gives up on the play and just plays his heart out all game."

A couple of weeks ago, Edwards made a key shot to help Woods Cross regain the momentum against Bountiful in a key win.

Edwards admits he spreads himself thin sometimes, but he's equally devoted to his commitments. Proof of that came a few weeks ago when his nationally acclaimed singing group had a competition in Los Angeles a day before his basketball team's important game against West High.

Edwards and Dane Barton, another talented multitasker, flew down on Thursday, the day of the vocal competition, instead of busing down on Tuesday with the Madrigals. They sang their hearts out and then flew back to Utah in time to play their hearts out in Friday night's game. Woods Cross won, sparking the Wildcats to qualify for the playoffs.

"He's a great example of a well-rounded person. He has much more going for him than athletics," Street said. "Sometimes we just admire the kids who are phenomenal athletes, and that's not necessarily what Matt is . . . although he is a good high school player. He's probably better musically than in athletics, but he plays with such a passion for the game."

And Street has no doubt Edwards, the grandfather, is as proud of Edwards, the grandson, for his musical abilities as he is for his athletic accomplishments.

Grandpa Alvin Price, a former BYU child development professor, might even be more proud of his grandson's nonsporting talents.

After all, Matthew Edwards said, "That's where I get the musical talent from" -- a fact his ward benefits from every Sunday.

E-mail: jody@desnews.com