From teams like Region 1 rival Northridge to nemesis of the past few years, Alta, the message has been the same: "We're here for you."
"It's really amazing," Gunter said. "It shows the true brotherhood that is high school football. You know, these games are really about our community against their community, but this experience has shown how everyone in Utah football really is connected."
"The whole football community has lost a brother."
"I want these other teams, coaches and players to know how much we have appreciated their support and love during this tough time," Gunter said.
Fraughton died in a drowning accident at Bear Lake on Aug. 4.
The Viewmont team, although heartbroken, is honoring Fraughton's memory the way he would want, with hard work and focus for the football season at hand.
"The players have been so willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done because that's what Seth was about," Gunter said. "Last year, another newspaper was trying to do a feature on him and the writer was frustrated because Seth wouldn't talk about himself. It was always about the team and these guys are the same way. It's all about what each of them can do to make the team better."
"Being around our team has motivated me," Gunter said. "They have motivated me to be a better coach, teacher, father and husband."
Gunter did say it will be difficult taking the field for the first game.
"Going out onto the practice field for the first time after Seth died was tough and each experience we face this season will be difficult because we miss him," Gunter said. "But these guys and we as coaches know we are honoring Seth's memory by doing what he would want us to do and that's play football with character."
Family members have set up a scholarship in Fraughton's name for the Davis School District.
Those wishing to donate may send checks to Viewmont High School written to the Seth Fraughton scholarship.
sschulte@davisclipper.com
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