Bart Peery Inducted into the Nebo Athletics Hall of Fame

At the Payson vs Spanish Fork football game, Mr. Bart Peery was inducted into the Nebo Athletics Hall of Fame for his service as an athlete, mentor, football coach, and teacher.

Bart started teaching and coaching at Payson High School in 1985.  During this time he served in many athletic roles including but not limited to, athletic director, head football coach, head track coach, head soccer coach, and assistant boys and girls basketball coach.  From 2002-2011 Bart was an administrator at PHS where you could count on seeing him at every PHS sporting event. 

Bart is the son of Lou Dene and Rex Peery. He was born and raised in Payson. Athletics have always played a big role in his life. Bart received seven varsity letters in three sports: football, basketball, and track during his time at Payson High School. He was the captain of the Region Champion Football Team. He was also a member of the relay track team setting a school record in the 400 meter relay.

After graduating from Payson in 1977, he played football at Snow College. He then served an LDS mission in Paris, France. Upon returning home, he returned to school at BYU where he graduated in secondary physical education.

“Payson High School athletics was the foundation of my life when I was in high school.  I learned so much from great coaches like Jim Durrant and Brad Bevan. They influenced my life for the better at a crucial time for me.  I decided that I wanted to try and have the same kind of impact on the youth of Payson,” said Bart.

“For thirty years I was involved in Payson High School athletics.  It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I was able to work with thousands of young men and women; every one of them helped me become a better person.  My favorite color is still green, even though I don’t get to wear it as much as I would like anymore! Go Lions!”

Thoughts from former assistant coaches and players:

Jeremy Chapman said, “Coach Peery has been one of the biggest influences in my life. As a player, he always made me want to be my best on the field but more importantly off the field as well. He was at all times a perfect example of leadership and integrity. He gave me my dream job here at Payson High and has been a mentor for me throughout. I often find myself asking the question, ‘what would Coach Peery do’ and there is no doubt I will be doing that throughout my life.”

Chad Beck said, “I coached with Bart for several years. Spent thousands of hours with him spanning the full range of emotions--Elation to utter defeat. Not once, not one single time (there were thousands of chances) did he waiver from who he is. Bart is the most sincere, finest, truest to himself, beliefs and those around him person I have ever been around. I can say with all sincerity that Bart Peery is the finest human being I have ever been associated with. Simple words cannot describe just how great of human being he is.”

Shawn Johnson said, “Coach Peery is someone that I have all the respect in the world for. He has taught me as a coach, coworker, and friend to expect more of myself and find the good in people. Congrats Coach!”

Brett White said, “It was 30 years ago, but I remember it all pretty clearly! His voice demanded respect and his style of coaching deserved it. I remember having so much fun on the football field and basketball court when he was coaching me. I always felt and knew he had my best interests at heart! If you could see my yearbook basketball photo of Coach Peery and Griffin laying on the floor, GQ style, in front of the team it would define the type of experience you'd have playing for Bart/Coach Peery: FUN MEMORIES! It would be awesome if all kids could have a Coach Peery in their lives at some time. I know it made a huge difference in mine!! I love you Coach!!”