The South Summit Wildcats took on Morgan High School in Kamas Friday evening, August 25, 2017. The Wildcats took down the Trojans with a 57-7 win. (Tanzi Propst/Park Record)

Link to full gallery here: https://parkrecordphoto.smugmug.com/PHOTOS-South-Summit-High-School-vs-Morgan-High-School/

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Growing up, Eli Alford dedicated his life to football. The Park City High School lineman was bigger than most kids his age, and by the time he was full grown at 6 feet 1 inches tall and 275 poounds, it was clear football was in his future.

But he was also engulfed in the sport from a young age. Pretty much since the day Alford was born, his father, Aaron was coaching football at the collegiate level. From Southern Utah (1999-2000) to Western Illinois (2001) to Wyoming (2002) to Akron (2004-2006), Aaron’s job had taken him all over the country before accepting a position as a running backs and defensive backs coach at the University of Utah from 2007-2010.

Looking up to his father, the younger Alford always dreamed of growing up and playing college football.

“My dad was a college football coach, so that’s all I’ve known,” Eli said. “It’s what I grew into. I’ve always wanted to play college football. This is my craziest dream come true.”

His craziest dream would be that Alford signed his National Letter of Intent on Wednesday afternoon, National Signing Day, to continue playing football at the Air Force Academy.

He just wishes his father would have been around to see it, too.

In 2013, Alford’s dad passed away from a sudden heart attack at the young age of 39. No one saw it coming, including a completely blindsided Alford. This incident, though tragic, motivated him to achieve his ultimate dream of playing college football.

Almost four years later, Alford finally reached his goal. While signing a letter of intent is a meaningful and emotional day for any athlete, it means much more to the Park City player, Alford said.

“It’s definitely meant a lot more,” Alford said. “It’s been a rough couple of years, but it’s made me become a better person in general.”

So with his mother, Linda, and his two brothers, Sam and Max, by his side on Wednesday, along with a large contingent of friends, Alford signed on to be a Falcon within the confines of the PCHS lobby. Alford was overwhelmed with the support received, though the crowd was missing one important person, his father.

“It means a ton,” Alford said. “These are all the kids that I’ve played with and have helped me become the guy I am today. It just means a ton that they all came here for this moment. It’s really special to me.”

Alford was pursued by a couple other schools, but in the end, it came down to Air Force and Akron, the school his father used to coach at. After having discussions with his family, Alford decided it was in his best interest to join the Air Force. He knows it will be hard work, on and off of the field, but it was an opportunity he couldn’t refuse.

“There’s a lot of benefits, but it’s going to take a lot of work,” Alford said. “It’s definitely something me and my family thought about for awhile, but ultimately, I decided that that’s something I want to do. I see myself being a part of the Air Force.”

He also cited the coaching staff and the atmosphere on the campus as two other big reasons why he decided to become a Falcon.

Though Alford suffered through the loss of his father for nearly the last four years, he has also learned a great deal and become a better man. He’ll head off to the Air Force in the early parts of summer, and while his father won’t be there to send him off, Alford has plenty of support from loved ones in Park CIty.

“It feels amazing,” Alford said. “This moment just came up so fast. I’m just glad all my friends and family could be here to see it.”

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The North Summit High School Braves hosted the annual rivalry matchup against South Summit High School Friday evening, Oct. 14, 2016. The Wildcats prevailed, winning 41-13 over the Braves. (Tanzi Propst/Park Record)

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The Park City High School Miners faced off against the Tooele Bulldogs Thursday evening, Oct. 13, 2016. The team celebrated their seniors and their final home game, which ended in a 35-14 loss. (Tanzi Propst/Park Record)

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In this week’s collection of portraits from For The Record, we asked people at the USC marching band parade on Main Street what their favorite college sports rivalry is what who’s side they’re on. (Tanzi Propst/Park Record)

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In anticipation of the USC vs. Utah college football game this evening, the USC marching band paraded down Main Street Thursday afternoon, Sept. 22, 2016. Fans and locals turned out to support the crimson and gold and also to cheer for the Utes. (Tanzi Propst/Park Record)

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The Park City High School Miners faced off against Ben Lommond at home Friday evening, Sept. 9, 2016. The Miners won 35-23. (Tanzi Propst/Park Record)

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The Park City High School Miners faced off against the South Summit High School Wildcats at South Summit Friday evening, Sept. 2, 2016. The Miners fell to the Wildcats, 31-28. (Photos by Tanzi Propst/Park Record)

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The Park City High School Miners faced off against Cyprus during their home opener game Friday evening, August 26, 2016. The Miners came away with a 19-8 win over the Pirates, remaining undefeated this season. (Photos by Tanzi Propst/Park Record)

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