This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
After 23 years atop the Payson boys' basketball program, Dan Lunt has been named the next coach at Corner Canyon, The Tribune confirmed on Wednesday.
"It has been one of those jobs that's intriguing," Lunt said. "I think it's in a fine location, I think they have some great players, and I think the future is extremely bright at Corner Canyon."
Lunt replaces Tony Cannon, who resigned to focus on his health after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Cannon is the only coach in the Chargers' three-year history.
Lunt led the Lions to the Class 4A quarterfinals last season, ultimately losing to Woods Cross by two points. Ironically, in the first round, Payson defeated Corner Canyon on a game-winning 3-pointer with less than four seconds remaining in regulation in the Chargers' first-ever appearance in the postseason.
Lunt said leaving Payson is a bittersweet endeavor and he could have stated there "for another 20 years and love it to death," but Corner Canyon was "unique situation" he couldn't ignore and that he's "extremely excited to turn a new chapter over."
"Basketball-wise, we've been extremely competitive. I think in 23 years, we've been in the state tournament 18 times. We've been to the Elite Eight 12 or 13 times, we've been to five Final Fours, and we played for the state championship twice," Lunt said. "It's been a good run, and Payson has been very good to me."
Lunt said he intends on maintaining the defense-first philosophy which Cannon installed, but said rather Chargers will play a more up-tempo style on offense rather than the methodical, half-court approach.
— Trevor Phibbs
Twitter: @trevorphibbs