Feature One

A Family Legacy

For as long as Justin Ence can remember family has always been a huge part of his life. Athletics and competition among the Ence family are as common as the sun rising daily. Justin remembers from a young age competing against his two older brothers, Skyler and Jesse. His grandfather and father would create ways to improve the brothers’ coordination and personal strength. Being the youngest, Justin would normally finish last and would constantly be held to the standard created by the two older brothers.

The Ence brothers were raised always doing things together or making similar choices. The brothers would do whatever they could to help each other excel. At times Justin got the feeling his brothers were trying to kill him instead of make him better. The Ences always looked up to their father for guidance and support. “Our love of sports really came from our father,” Justin said. “He (his father) was always able to get us to give our best effort no matter the sport.” Justin, being able to see his older brothers before him, knew what was expected for himself. It was a benefit to see his brothers succeed as well as fail. Although expectations may have been set, Justin knew he was not living in the shadow of either of his brothers.

Each brother played football and baseball for Pine View High School. They all had moments of great victory as well as bitter defeat. Justin remembers losing in the state championship his junior year. “Regardless of the score I was going to continue and play hard,” Ence said. “I was never going to give up and let my team down.” Athletics made the Ences good young men as they kept the values they were taught. Honesty, integrity and sportsmanship were always stressed by their father and coaches. Each brother remembers the love that was shown by their father through his constant support. “I never remember him missing a game or a practice the whole four years of high school,” Justin said. “He would sacrifice work, sleep and anything he needed to help us succeed.”

A pattern began within the Ence family that would once again shape the future for Justin. As each brother graduated from high school they attended Dixie State College and then served an LDS mission. Justin graduated in May of 2009 just before Jesse returned from his mission to Spain. The timing was perfect, and the three Ence brothers were going to have the opportunity to play college football together as members of DSC. The brothers who had for years fought to become better would now be working to help the same team succeed. The football team underachieved according to Ence standards; however each brother was grateful they were able to play together. The football season ended and Justin received his mission call to serve in the Florianopolis, Brazil mission.

Justin was looking forward to serving for two years even though it meant time away from his family. The new experience was something he had been looking forward to for years and they time had finally arrived. While Justin had only a few months into his mission he received word from home that his father had been involved in a hunting accident. The news coming from home took a while which forced Justin to wait and wonder. A few days later Justin would receive the worst news of his life. Justin was devastated, but more importantly had a huge decision to make. He could choose to remain in Brazil and finish the two year mission he had agreed, or return home to his mourning family. Justin had learned from his father to never give up on anything. After being given the choice Justin decided to remain on his mission and continue what he had started.

Justin recently got engaged to his high school sweet heart Jesslin Jones. The couple started dating when they were both 16 years old. Jesslin said she cannot imagine what Justin went through with the loss of his father. “It must have been so hard being away from family at a time like that,” Jesslin said. “It shows he won’t give up on anything once he has started it.” Jesslin said the lessons Justin learned from his father will benefit our future family. Jesslin also spoke about the impact Justin’s father continues to have on him. “Mr. Ence was such an amazing person,” Jesslin said. “His legacy continues on with each of his sons.”

Scott Brumfield, DSC head football coach, has coached all three of the Ence brothers. Brumfield said it’s always an advantage to have local players who can contribute to the team. “The Ences are smart hard nose players,” Brumfield said. “The brothers played three different positions but had many similarities.” Brumfield also spoke about Justin coming back from a mission and getting used to football again. “Justin broke his hand, but we hope to get him back to after his two year break,” Brumfield said. “He was given a lot of playing time as a freshman and was able to help the team.” The Ence brothers have created a lineage as one brother has been on the football team since 2006.

As Justin continues on through life there are two things that will never change: the love he has for his family and his will to finish whatever obstacle he is faced no matter the circumstance. Dealing with the death of his father has been extremely difficult for Justin and his family. The family has become even closer and each day remembers the father that they loved so much. The family learned from their father how to become successful in life. If the Ences are in school, playing sports or working they continue the legacy created by their father. Hard work, dedication and the will to win will continue as the Ence family grows.