Jace Brooks, an 18 year old Eagle Mountain resident and 2019 graduate from Westlake High School is currently representing Eagle Mountain and Team USA at the Junior World Championship in Ermelo, Netherlands. The Junior World Championship is the Olympics for equestrian vaulting.
Jace is a vaulter. Equestrian vaulting is often described as gymnastics and dance on horseback. Vaulting traces its roots back to the ancient Roman Games. Jace was the first equestrian vaulter from the state of Utah to ever qualify to compete in 2017. Jace is currently ranked 16th in the world in his division. He is currently part of Team USA, and the only male in the United States to qualify for this honor. The Team USA vaulting team consists of Jace and 13 American girls. Each country can bring the top 3 females (+1 alternate), top 3 males (+1 alternate), top 2 Pas-de-Duex (pairs) and the top squad (6 members +1 alternate).
Jace has been self coached since the Vaulting club was formed in 2015. In April of 2019 he was given the opportunity to have a recent seasoned coach, Todd Griffiths. Todd started to help Jace when Todd moved to Utah. Jace was an active member and FFA (Future Farmers of America) officer. He worked a job throughout high school while helping his dad run Cedar Valley Stables. He trains horses and founded and became the head coach of his own equestrian vaulting club, Wasatch Peak Vaulters at the age of 14.
If you want to find out more details on the event in Ermelo, Netherlands (July 24-28) you can visit the Vaulting World Championship website: https://www.vaulting2019.com/. They have a live stream if you are interested in watch it and learning more about vaulting.
Mike Kieffer – Editor-in-Chief, Cedar Valley Sentinel
Mike Kieffer is a dynamic leader and community advocate based in Eagle Mountain, Utah. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Cedar Valley Sentinel, a local publication dedicated to informing, inspiring, and elevating the Cedar Valley community through honest and accurate journalism. With a passion for fostering connections, Kieffer has made it his mission to highlight local businesses, provide reliable news, and support community development.
Beyond his editorial role, Kieffer is the owner of Lake Mountain Media, LLC, a company specializing in media and communications, and the co-owner of Quail Run Farms, which focuses on sustainable farming and community engagement. He also actively contributes to the local economy and culture as a member of the Eagle Mountain Chamber of Commerce.
Kieffer’s dedication extends to preserving and promoting the history and heritage of the Cedar Valley area. He often participates in community-centered events and media, including podcasts that explore the unique aspects of life in the region. Through his varied endeavors, he remains a steadfast advocate for the growth and enrichment of the local community.