Latest news with #LonePeak
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Golf phenom Kihei Akina shares why he chose BYU (and it wasn't just for golf)
Lone Peak's Kihei Akina competes in 6A boys golf state championship at Riverbend Golf Course in Riverton on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024. Akina won medalist honors and has signed to play his college golf at BYU. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News Standing on the first tee of the Black Desert Championship last October in Ivins, Utah, Kihei Akina caught a glimpse of his future. With a large crowd gathered around him, BYU's prized five-star golf recruit took out his driver and readied himself to make his PGA Tour debut. 'I was fine and felt normal,' Akina told the 'Y's Guys' podcast this week. 'But I put the tee in the ground and as I stood over the ball, my legs went to jelly. I couldn't feel my hands. I couldn't feel anything. I thought, 'Oh crap! Just make contact!' Somehow, I hit it down the fairway.' Advertisement By the third hole, Akina was back to being his confident self and over the course of two days he went toe-to-toe with the professionals and made eight birdies and finished just outside the cut line at 4 under par. 'It was definitely different from junior golf and high school golf,' said the three-time state champion at Lone Peak High. 'I just tried to learn as much as I could from those guys.' Akina hails from an athletic family. His older sister, Kiani, played rugby at Harvard, and older brothers Keanu golfed at BYU and Kawika played basketball at NYU in Manhattan. Now it's his time to shine. When it came time to decide on a college, Akina received offers and NIL pitches from 50 programs, including BYU, which presented a competitive proposal — and an environment that has less to do with golf and more to do with the golfer. Advertisement 'I wanted to surround myself with likeminded people. People in the church who have the same beliefs as me,' Akina said. 'I think it will help build me and help build my testimony of the Savior and help me be a better person and get to where I want to be in life.' Akina also wants to win. Bruce Brockbank's current Cougars are competing this weekend at the NCAA championships in Carlsbad, California, where BYU is chasing its first national title since 1981. 'I also wanted to come in and build the program up and I want to compete for a national championship,' Akina said. 'At BYU you represent so much. You represent the church and this great state of Utah. It's really cool to be able to do that. Hopefully we can make a run next year.' Akina is a big piece of an unprecedented wave of prized prep recruits bringing their talents to Provo, including No. 1 recruit AJ Dybantsa (basketball), No. 1-ranked Jane Hedengren (women's cross-country), No. 1-ranked Daniel Simmons (men's cross-country) and the No. 5-ranked tight end Brock Harris (football). Advertisement 'BYU is on the rise for sure. It's really cool to see. Everything is building up with every sport,' Akina said. 'I'm excited to be a part of it. I've been itching to get to campus for the last year and a half.' Dave McCann is a sportswriter and columnist for the Deseret News and is a play-by-play announcer and show host for BYUtv/ESPN+. He co-hosts 'Y's Guys' at and is the author of the children's book 'C is for Cougar,' available at
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
AM Best Revises Outlooks to Positive for Lone Peak Insurance Company
OLDWICK, N.J., March 28, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AM Best has revised the outlooks to positive from stable and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of B++ (Good) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of "bbb+" (Good) of Lone Peak Insurance Company (Lone Peak) (South Jordan, UT). The Credit Ratings (ratings) reflect Lone Peak's balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM). Also, the revised outlooks reflect Lone Peak's exceptional underwriting performance and operating profitability relative to its peers in the auto warranty segment. The favorable results can be attributed to the company's business model of being a writer of failure-to-perform contract liability insurance policies (CLIP), which ultimately carry minimal risk for the insurer. Under the failure-to-perform CLIP, Lone Peak is obligated to pay claims only in the event that its affiliated obligors default on their contractual obligations related to their auto warranty products. In Lone Peak's six-year history, the company has yet to incur any claims or losses related to its CLIP business, and it maintains moderate expense levels, which have resulted in annual combined ratios that fall well below the industry average. Prospectively, management's projections are in line with its current level of profitability and indicates the company will not deviate from the existing low-risk structure of its policies. Lone Peak's balance sheet is supported by risk-adjusted capitalization at the very strong level, as measured by Best's Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), as well as its strong liquidity and low underwriting leverage. The company's neutral business profile reflects the low-risk nature of its failure-to-perform CLIP, as well as its strong geographic spread. AM Best considers Lone Peak's ERM program to be appropriate for the size and scope of its operation. The positive outlooks reflect AM Best's view that Lone Peak's operating performance metrics will continue to align with, as well as, outperform its peers in the auto warranty composite. The overall balance sheet strength assessment is expected to be maintained at the strong level, supported by its very strong level of risk-adjusted capitalization, with the company's favorable operating performance providing a consistent stream of earnings contributing to future surplus growth. This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best's website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best's Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best's Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Best's Credit Ratings, Best's Performance Assessments, Best's Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best's Ratings & Assessments. AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit Copyright © 2025 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. View source version on Contacts Robert Gabriel Senior Financial Analyst +1 908 882 1789 Christopher Sharkey Associate Director, Public Relations +1 908 882 2310 Vicky Riggs Associate Director +1 908 882 2273 Al Slavin Senior Public Relations Specialist +1 908 882 2318 Sign in to access your portfolio
Forbes
21-03-2025
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
Altra Lone Peak 9 Review: Reliable Traction Meets Roomy Bliss
Some running shoes have become so iconic over the years that they hardly need an introduction, and the Altra Lone Peak is one such shoe. Launched in 2011 during the height of the minimalist running shoe movement, the Lone Peak was built to serve as a trail running shoe. But it didn't take long for the design to win over backpackers, thru-hikers and just about anyone who ventures off the beaten path. For 2025, the Lone Peak 9 stays true to the qualities that made it a fan favorite: a roomy fit, dependable grip and a grounded feel. It doesn't reinvent the wheel—and that's exactly the point. I hit the trails in the Altra Lone Peak 9 to find out if it's still the go-to trail shoe for ... More runners, hikers and backpackers. The Lone Peak became my go-to trail running shoe about five years ago, and since then, it's replaced most of my other trail-ready footwear. So while I am reviewing the Lone Peak 9 primarily as a running shoe, a lot of what I have to say applies to hiking and backpacking, too. I took this shoe out to the trails of southwest Colorado where I encountered mud, rocks and ice, before additional testing on the snow-covered streets of Central Oregon in the dead of winter. Here's my quick take: The Lone Peak 9 is a capable, versatile shoe that's priced right alongside the competition. It's roomy, grippy, comfortable and it's the first shoe I reach for whether I'm trail running, day hiking or backpacking. For this version, Altra tweaked the outsole for better grip and durability, reinforced the upper and updated the midsole foam (though I didn't notice a huge difference there). It's still the same reliable Lone Peak—just with a few small but useful updates. Below, everything you need to know about the Lone Peak 9 to decide if it's the right shoe for your next outing. Altra Price: $140 | Weight: 9.3 ounces (women's), 11.15 ounces (men's) | Drop: 0 millimeters | Stack height: 25 millimeters | Upper: Recycled ripstop mesh | Midsole: Altra EGO foam | Outsole: MaxTrac rubber Best for: Skip if: The Lone Peak 9 stays true to its roots with the brand's original FootShape design, giving it the roomiest toe box in Altra's lineup. The extra space lets your toes move and splay naturally—a blessing over varied terrain, when balance and stability are key. Altra makes it clear that FootShape doesn't mean 'wide,' and after testing a standard-width pair of Lone Peak 9s, I'd agree—though the midfoot does feel a bit roomy. My flat feet had no problem filling the shoe up to the toe box, but if you have narrow feet, you'll probably need to tighten the laces for a snug midfoot fit or consider a different shoe altogether. If you wear standard-width shoes, the extra room shouldn't be an issue. The Altra EGO midsole is also new to improve comfort and ground feel, but I didn't notice much of a difference over the Lone Peak 8. It offers middling impact absorption and rebound, which makes the ride predictable. Because the Lone Peak is a zero-drop shoe, you'll need to account for an adjustment period if you've never worn flat shoes because your legs and feet need to engage muscles in ways they haven't before. The Lone Peak 9's midsole offers enough cushioning to help you conquer long distances. Trail shoes are subjected to extremes, from the terrain they navigate to the conditions they outlast, which explains Altra's decision to refresh the upper with 100% recycled ripstop mesh (previous versions of the upper didn't use recycled ripstop) that boosts durability. When comparing the 8 and 9 platforms side by side to inspect the uppers, I couldn't spot any visible differences, but the overlays around the toe box come up higher on the 9 for added durability, and they might be a tad bit thicker, too. While cold-weather running doesn't lend itself to proper breathability testing, my feet were never hot or uncomfortable on long runs. Given that thru-hikers spend months and thousands of miles wearing Lone Peaks in warm weather, it's unlikely that you'll ditch them because they're too hot. The Lone Peak 9 upper has been reengineered with recycled ripstop. Altra tweaked the outsole's MaxTrac rubber compound to improve grip and durability, and based on my testing, it's capable of handling most trail conditions. When paired with an aggressive tread pattern that wraps up and around the toes, I found it easy to navigate rocky, icy terrain in Colorado, and loose sand didn't pose a problem either. That said, I had trouble finding my footing on snow-packed streets in Oregon, so it has its limitations. If Altra's MaxTrac compound has stopped you from committing to the Lone Peak up to this point, there's good news: The Vibram-soled Lone Peak 9+ made its debut this year. I haven't tested the Megagrip outsole yet but initial reports suggest it's a big improvement. However, you'll have to fork over an additional $15 for the better rubber. Once again, Altra outfits the shoe with a StoneGuard insert to deliver additional protection against rocks and debris, and the GaiterTrap system makes it easy to attach gaiters. Multi-directional lugs help the Lone Peak 9 maintain its grip over most surfaces. The roomy fit that has come to define the Lone Peak isn't for everyone, and the same can be said for the 'zero-drop' design. Narrow feet will have trouble finding a secure fit, so you might have to go down a half size, and if most of your athletic shoes feature some amount of drop (8-10mm is about average), your legs will notice if it's suddenly absent. Even though it's lightweight, the shoe doesn't make use of responsive cushioning or a rocker profile. Instead, it's designed to absorb impact and boost stability, so don't reach for the Lone Peak if you're looking for speed or plush, cloud-like comfort. This is a neutral shoe that feels and performs better over longer distances. Altra separated the extended heel design into two pieces, and the gaiter attachment looks a bit ... More nrrower. Thanks to a few small updates, the Altra Lone Peak 9 is as versatile as ever. It's one of those rare shoes that works for runners, hikers and backpackers, so while it may not be the absolute best at any one thing, that's not such a bad thing. A lot of outdoor products claim to be 'quiver killers' nowadays, but the Lone Peak 9 is one of the few that actually delivers on that concept, even if Altra didn't design it with that in mind. With a roomy toe box, breathable upper and tough outsole, it's a solid pick if you're after stability and predictability on the trail. And if you're grabbing it for one specific activity—whether running or backpacking—don't be surprised if it slowly takes over as your go-to shoe for different activities.
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Teens sound off on proposed law to prohibit cellphones in classrooms
It's lunchtime — and waves of hungry Lone Peak High School students are escaping campus long enough Thursday to snag something at the nearby McDonald's or maybe Taco Bell. Several of the teens seek their midday sustenance in small social packs — chatting and laughing while traversing the school crosswalk. But many others, no surprise, focus on texting or talking on their cellphones. And almost all the kids have devices in their hands. So who better to deliver 'on-the-ground' opinions on proposed legislation creating a 'default' law forbidding Utah students from using their cellphone during class time? After all, it's 2025. Most Utah high school and junior high students have likely owned some sort of cellphone for almost all of their K-12 years. So one could perhaps assume all would be strongly and uniformly opposed to any form of classroom phone prohibition. But the responses from the Lone Peak High lunch crowd were mixed, thoughtful and nuanced. Grayson Mcevoy, a 17-year-old Lone Peak junior, would rather not have the state (or his school district) ban cellphones in class — 'but I can also see the benefits in some ways.' If ratified, SB178 would make Utah's primary and secondary classrooms cellphone 'free zones' — unless local schools or districts opt for a different policy. The bill essentially calls for a 'default' reset of the state's current policy, which allows cellphone use whenever or wherever students want unless local districts or school articulate a prohibitive policy. Lone Peak High School, according to the students who spoke to the Deseret News, manages cellphone policies on a class-by-class basis. Some teachers reportedly restrict phone-use entirely in their classrooms. Others are more flexible. Senior Dalton Riley, 18, said one of his teachers provides designated slots for students' phones during class time. 'And I'm cool with that,' said Riley. 'Personally, I don't mind. There's really no point for me to be using my phone during class.' Taylor Hurley, 17, has learned to be flexible with his classroom cellphone use. 'It's different for each teacher,' he said. 'Each teacher has a different cellphone policy. Some are super-relaxed with phones — and others don't like us using them.' Still, the Lone Peak senior would not be a fan of a broad prohibition. 'Phones are helpful and they help people everyday.' Cellphones are a boon during art and painting classes for sophomore Zoe Roos. She utilizes her phone's search capabilities 'to find inspiration' for her art assignments. But she's quick to add she doesn't otherwise use her phone much in class outside of maybe sending an occasional text. 'For a lot of kids, the most distracting part of cellphones is when they are scrolling through their social media or stuff like that,' said Roos. 'It's not the communication parts (phone calls or texting) that are most distracting to kids.' Senior Natalie Khankan, 17, is a foreign exchange student, so she possesses a broad perspective on cellphones in class rooms. 'In Italy, we're not allowed to use our phones,' she said. 'So when I came here, I found a lot of the teachers didn't really care if we use our phones. So a lot of people go on TikTok or Instagram. 'It can be really distracting — but, yes, sometimes our cellphones can be helpful.' Khankan recognizes both sides of the cellphone/classroom debate — but said she supports SB178. The proposed law allows for cellphone use in classrooms during an emergency. Still, senior Sophia Molina is hesitant about any policy that might prevent her from accessing her phone in a crisis. 'But I do feel there should be some kind of regulation because I sometimes see kids using their phones during the entire class period instead of engaging with others,' she said. Regardless of class-to-class phone policies, Molina said she typically gives little thought to her cellphone during school. 'I usually just put it in my backpack and forget about it,' she said. 'It's good to not have it in my vision.' Any policy prohibiting cellphones in class 'is a bad idea,' insisted Anke Larsen, 16. 'At a certain age, kids should be able to have their phones.' Alyssa Lindsay, a sophomore, said she appreciates teachers who establish clear boundaries on cellphone use in their classrooms — and then trust their students to conduct themselves accordingly. Maxwell Redding, meanwhile, worries a broad cellphone prohibition in classrooms would exact more harm than good. 'I think it's a bad idea,' he said. 'I'd be nervous if I couldn't check my notifications.'
