Green River High held their Homecoming the week they played Whitehorse at home. During the half-time of the boys game they honored Conner Newland. Newland was a long-time coach at the school. The Pirates basketball team signed a team flag with a Pirate on it to present to Conner’s parents Jeff and Valerie Newland. All of the people who had been coached by Conner came out of the stands to stand with the team as he was honored.
Also in the girls game the Lady Raiders presented a poster they had made and signed to the Green River girls basketball team in honor of Taylor Johnson who passed away from a car accident in November. The Lady Raiders expressed their sadness and remembered what a great volleyball and basketball player she was.
Conner was born May 21, 1992 in Price, Utah to Jeff and Valerie Newland. He lived an awesome life in spite of the challenges due to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Conner grew up in Green River and was a proud Green River Pirate graduating in 2011. He attended USU-Eastern following high school.
Conner loved to do many things and accomplished much: coaching, riding mules, hunting, hanging out with friends, traveling with cousins, the Utah Jazz, and being with family. He was a great listener, and always made you laugh.
He was an Elder in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Conner touched the lives of all those around him and he will be remembered and greatly missed in Emery County.
Taylor was born on March 14, 1996 to Keith and Skya Johnson, later to be adopted and sealed to Keith and Amy Johnson.
Tay lived in Green River through most of her life. She was attending USU Eastern in Price at the time of her death.
Taylor spent her high school days playing volleyball, basketball, running track and attending Drama Club. She was an Honor Student and on the Student Council. She participated in pageants.
Taylor loved to draw, eat pizza, play sports, dance and sing. Her talents are endless. Everyday was an adventure in her world. She loved her family and friends, she would do anything for them. Taylor is loved, and she will be missed greatly and never forgotten in her Green River community.
Green River Pirates honor Coach Newland
"The Green River Pirate basketball team honors Coach Conner Newland at the Homecoming game. Chance Pfander and TJ Hughes hold the flag which all team members signed to present to Conner's family."