Diana Betsworth attended UTHS from 1997 until 2001. Diana is the most decorated swimmer in the history of UTHS.  While swimming for UT, Diana received all state recognition in the 200 freestyle and 500 freestyle events. She also holds the school records in the 100 freestyle, the 200 freestyle, and the 500 freestyle.  Diana was also accorded the prestigious High School Academic All American honor in 2001.

While her high school accomplishments were tremendous, Diana made an ever bigger impact in the NCAA Division II as a swimmer at Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri. Diana was a 28 time Division II All American. She was also a four time Division II Academic All American. From 2002 until 2005, Diana was a member of the Division II National Championship team at Truman State.

While at Truman State, Diana was the holder of school records in the 100, 200, 1000, and 1650 yard freestyle individual events. She also was a team member of the following records: 400 yard freestyle relay, the 800 yard freestyle relay, and the 400 yard medley relay. Diana capped her magnificent college career by holding Division II national records in the 1,000 yard freestyle, and the 400 and 800 yard freestyle relays.

In 2002, Diana received her highest individual award by being named the Division II National Female Swimmer of the Year.

Jeff Skillett attended UTHS from 1984 until 1987. While at UT, Jeff excelled in football, basketball, and baseball. In football, Jeff was a three time all Western Big 6 first team selection, and a three time All Quad City first teamer. He was awarded a full football scholarship to the University of Iowa in 1987.

Jeff was a three year varsity basketball player at UT. In baseball, he was a three year starter at catcher. In total, Jeff earned nine varsity letters. For his all around athletic and academic accomplishments, Jeff was awarded the Don Morris Western Big Six male athlete of the year honor in 1987.

At the University of Iowa, Jeff was a four year letter winner as a place kicker for the Hawkeyes. He was a team captain in 1990 when Iowa was the Big Ten Football Champion. Jeff appeared in the 1991 Rose Bowl. At the time of his graduation, Jeff was the # 6 all time scorer in Iowa football history.

Jeff also was a national champion in the 1979 Punt, Pass, and Kick Competition.

Kevin Skillett attended UTHS from 1987 until 1990. He earned seven varsity letters while competing in football, basketball, and baseball. In 1989-1990, Kevin was first team All Western Big 6 in football, basketball, and baseball. Kevin was awarded the Don Morris Western Big Six Male athlete of the year honor in 1990. In 1990 he was named as a first teamer on the Quad City All Metro football, basketball, and baseball teams.

After graduation, Kevin played one season of basketball at Augustana College. He was named to the first team All CCIW basketball squad in 1990-1991. Kevin transferred to the University of Iowa for his last three years of college. At the University of Iowa, Kevin was a three year letter winner in men’s basketball. He was a member of the 1993 NCAA Tournament team. Kevin was team captain in1994-1995, and was the team leader in free throw percentage and out side shooting percentage.

Kevin has had a successful career as a coach at Bettendorf High School. In boy’s tennis, Kevin led the Bulldogs to a state title in 2004.  Kevin was also named Iowa Coach of the year in tennis in 2004. In boy’s basketball, Kevin has led Bettendorf to a third place finish in 2003-2004, a second place finish in 2006-2007, and a state championship in 2004-2005.

John Perez graduated from UTHS in 1968.  While at UT, John participated in four years of football, four years of track, three years of wrestling, and one year of basketball. He was in the Letterman’s Club for two years.

The Quad City area knows John best for his work with youth sports.  He is legendary for his support of kids in a variety of different sports. John started the Jr. Panther Football Program in 1969. John coached in the organization from 1969 until 1991.  This program gave literally thousands of young men in the community their first experience in football. The Junior Panther Program flourishes today through the time, effort, and dedication that John put into the organization.

John also coached numerous youth baseball and basketball teams. In 1982 he also started the community tradition of the East Moline Firecracker Run. John served as race director of this 4th of July event for eight years.

John Perez has been active in many area charity events, often times making his contribution behind the scenes. He has always found time to be involved with social concerns that would help benefit the kids of the community. For his tireless community efforts and his spirit of giving, John was named the 1993 East Moline Citizen of the Year.