AFHS Football Team and Marching Band Honored at Musial Awards

American Fork High School students recognized for exemplary sportsmanship and community spirit.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The American Fork High School football team and marching band were honored at the prestigious Musial Awards in St. Louis, Missouri, for their outstanding display of sportsmanship and community spirit. The football team was recognized for consistently supporting the marching band at their annual competition, while the band performed at the awards ceremony to celebrate the team's achievement.

Why it matters

The Musial Awards celebrate acts of sportsmanship, kindness, and community spirit, which are often overlooked in the world of competitive sports. The recognition of the AFHS football team and marching band highlights the positive impact that such acts can have on a school and its community.

The details

Every fall, the AFHS football team files into the stands to support the school's marching band during their annual competition. In 2024, a social media post about this event went viral, attracting national attention. The Musial Awards, which honor outstanding sportsmanship, decided to recognize the AFHS football team for their consistent support of their peers. At the awards ceremony, the AFHS marching band performed a jazz arrangement of the Caveman fight song and the theme from the movie 'Rocky'.

  • In 2024, a social media post about the AFHS football team supporting the marching band went viral.
  • In 2025, the AFHS football team and marching band were honored at the Musial Awards in St. Louis, Missouri.

The players

Tim Ryan

Director of Communications for the National Sportsmanship Foundation, which organizes the Musial Awards.

Madden Jensen

One of the captains on the AFHS football team.

Peter Glahn

Principal of American Fork High School.

Aaron Behm

Head Coach of the AFHS football team.

Orien Landis

Band Director at American Fork High School.

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What they’re saying

“We are always looking for things that are a little unique or different than what you're used to seeing when it comes to sportsmanship, and we thought that this one fit that bill perfectly.”

— Tim Ryan, Director of Communications, National Sportsmanship Foundation

“It was a super great experience.”

— Madden Jensen, Football Team Captain, AFHS

“One of my favorite things about American Fork is the camaraderie shared by our faculty and staff. It's even better when students feel like they can cross invisible barriers and appreciate their peers when they excel in different spaces at the school.”

— Peter Glahn, Principal, American Fork High School

“What I find most fulfilling about the experience is that Aaron (Coach Behm) was taken aback by receiving the award. I remember him saying something like, 'We've been doing this for nine years. I don't understand why it's such a big deal now?' And that's why he received the award and what the award represents.”

— Orien Landis, Band Director, American Fork High School

“It helps create a better sense of community within the school and allows one to meet more people.”

— Calan Spens, Senior Band Member, AFHS

What’s next

The AFHS football team and marching band plan to continue their tradition of supporting each other at future events and competitions, further strengthening the sense of community within the school.

The takeaway

The recognition of the AFHS football team and marching band at the Musial Awards demonstrates the power of sportsmanship and community spirit in bringing people together and creating a positive impact on a school and its students. Their story serves as an inspiring example for other schools and sports teams to follow.