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The University of Utah Athletics
Playing A New Role
12/21/2001 12:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Dec. 21, 2001
By Melissa Yack, Sports Information Publications Coordinator
When Trace Caton was being recruited out of Alamosa High School in Colorado, he decided he wasn't going to become a Ute. "I wanted to avoid the brother shadow because my brother Ben played at the U.," says Caton. "I just didn't want the coaches and fans comparing me to him." Despite the hesitancy, Caton realized Utah and head coach Rick Majerus was the right choice for him. To this day, he has no regrets about the decision he made and is enjoying his stay in Utah.
"The more I thought about it, the more I realized I just couldn't turn down the opportunity to play at Utah," tells Caton. "The Utes have a winning tradition and then there's Majerus. He is the coach I need to be playing for. Coach is always trying to get the best out of you and in return he works his hardest to put the team in a position to win night in and night out. His system is the prime one for me, and in my three years here he has never once compared me to my brother. He realizes we have different games and he respects that."
Never in Caton's wildest dreams did he envision the amazing ride he would experience in his first season at the U. "I knew we had a pretty good team, but I didn't dare to dream that I would be playing in the NCAA Championship game that March," says Caton. "We took the 1998 season one game at a time and everything worked out for us. Everybody had a different role on the team and that clarity helped each of us compliment each other and work well together."
In that debut season Caton enjoyed experiencing different "firsts." His first tough task would be replacing Alex Jensen after he fouled out against Brigham Young in Provo. Caton performed well, playing 23 minutes and scoring 10 points off the bench.
The next first would be one he shared with his teammates on their journey to the Final Four. Utah upset No. 1 seeds Arizona and North Carolina on the way to meeting national powerhouse Kentucky in the title game. The Wildcats beat the Utes 78-69 for the 1998 championship, but Utah surprised many by staying with Kentucky throughout the game. "Playing for the championship was unbelievable," shares Caton. "It would have been even better if we had won, but the experience was still a dream come true."
Caton was rewarded for his freshman campaign by being named the Top Sixth Man in the Western Athletic Conference by the media. He averaged 4.0 points and 14.3 minutes per game. But as great as his debut season was, Caton saw his playing time diminish as he rejoined the Utes last season after serving a two-year LDS Church mission in Mexico City. "I struggled last season to understand my role on the team," admits Caton. "I will never regret going on my mission, but it took me some time to return to the mental and physical levels I was at before I left."
Caton believes the mission experience helped him gain a perspective for what is important in life, and also helped him become more outspoken. He credits the mission for allowing him to recognize the good and to help him get past the bad times.
This season the 6-5 forward has blossomed into ,a major contributor after averaging under 10 minutes per game a year ago. Caton started the first four games, and has averaged 5.3 points and 2.2 rebounds in 21 minutes through the first nine games. "If you know Majerus' system, then you understand starting doesn't mean anything," says Caton.
The Colorado native bulked up and worked hard during the off-season to become a stronger and more dominant player. He has the best front squat on the team at 327 pounds. "I wanted to have a stronger board presence," admits Caton. "Anytime you can gain strength it is an advantage to help you guard the larger players. I think if I rebound and continue to defend well, then I'm going to continue getting minutes."
The junior believes this Utah team has the ability to win the Mountain West Conference championship and return to the NCAA Tournament. "We have the talent to be good this season," says Caton. "The key will be our chemistry and if we play hard all of the time."
When asked what he enjoys most about the game, Caton replies: "the screaming fans and a big win." The forward believes there's nothing better than playing well and gaining a big win. He also loves to hear the crowd go nuts and scream after he drains a big shot or makes a big play.
"My number one fans are my family, especially my parents and my brother Ben," says Caton. "Ben supports my role on the team and never tells me what I should be doing. He loves to watch me play and gets so excited because he loves the game so much. My parents travel all over to watch me. It's amazing to me that they drive hours and hours to support me. I'm thankful for their cheering."
This season Caton is most excited to return to "The Pit" in Albuquerque, N.M., because his friends and family will be able to see him play. "That place is loud, but it's fun for me to impress my family and friends," says Caton.
This Ute is also proud of his academic achievements. Caton is a two-time academic all-conference selection and a multiple Dean's List recipient. "I'm a realist and admit I don't know what my options will be to continue playing basketball after college," tells Caton. "I want to receive a good education and am doing that at Utah."
Caton believes his choice to come to Utah was definitely the right one. "I love Salt Lake and Utah basketball," admits Caton. "I fit into my role well as a Ute and enjoy playing that role." The forward is willing to testify that he enjoys Utah because he loves showing off his smile. "I like to laugh at other peoples' jokes," says Caton. "Our team has some cool guys and we love teasing each other. These guys know how to take the teasing and they definitely know how to give it."
Though Trace Caton was hesitant to become a Ute at first, he has emerged from his brother's shadow to become a necessary element of this team. His commitment to becoming a better player and a successful student illustrate he has picked the right program to help him achieve his goals.
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