1 hr. ago
Editor's note: Third in an occasional series exploring LaVell Edwards' legacy of leadership.
LaVell Edwards was much more than a football coach. He was also a fortune teller, a prognosticator, a weatherman and a visionary, and — most of the time — his inclinations were right.
Defensive tackle Chris Hoke came to BYU in 1994. With his mission call to Brussels, Belgium, in hand, he sought out some advice from his coach. Hoke was worried a mission would rob him of his athletic edge for a football future.
"He was rock solid on me serving a mission," remembered Hoke. "He said, 'This is something you've got to do. The Lord has asked you to serve, and you are serving. I've done this long enough to know that if you go and serve the Lord, you're going to come back and you're going to come back bigger, stronger and faster than you were before you left.' He was right. Everything did work out."
After completing his mission, Hoke returned and played four seasons at BYU and 11 seasons with the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers, where he won two Super Bowls.
#mission #lavell
LaVell Edwards was much more than a football coach. He was also a fortune teller, a prognosticator, a weatherman and a visionary, and — most of the time — his inclinations were right.
Defensive tackle Chris Hoke came to BYU in 1994. With his mission call to Brussels, Belgium, in hand, he sought out some advice from his coach. Hoke was worried a mission would rob him of his athletic edge for a football future.
"He was rock solid on me serving a mission," remembered Hoke. "He said, 'This is something you've got to do. The Lord has asked you to serve, and you are serving. I've done this long enough to know that if you go and serve the Lord, you're going to come back and you're going to come back bigger, stronger and faster than you were before you left.' He was right. Everything did work out."
After completing his mission, Hoke returned and played four seasons at BYU and 11 seasons with the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers, where he won two Super Bowls.
#mission #lavell
2 days ago
Dave Hanna was there when it all began.
He'd just started his senior year at BYU in the fall of 1972, helping defray the costs of higher education by working for Dave Schultess in the sports information office, when an unproven ***** istant named LaVell Edwards took over as the Cougars' head football coach.
Up close and personal, Dave watched Edwards' inaugural season and then, after being accepted into graduate school, the next two seasons as well. His job with the SID department was to go to the BYU locker room after games to gather quotes for the media.
Thus he was there in the locker room at the old Cougar Stadium (capacity 30,000) on Nov. 9, 1974, after BYU defeated 16th-ranked Arizona State 21-18 — one of the biggest wins, if not the biggest, to that point in the Cougars' rather meager football history.
He was gathering quotes when LaVell walked in and started addressing the players … and then stopped. The coach was unable to continue because emotion overtook him. All he could do as he struggled without success to gain composure was give the team a thumbs-up and stand down.
#Football #room
He'd just started his senior year at BYU in the fall of 1972, helping defray the costs of higher education by working for Dave Schultess in the sports information office, when an unproven ***** istant named LaVell Edwards took over as the Cougars' head football coach.
Up close and personal, Dave watched Edwards' inaugural season and then, after being accepted into graduate school, the next two seasons as well. His job with the SID department was to go to the BYU locker room after games to gather quotes for the media.
Thus he was there in the locker room at the old Cougar Stadium (capacity 30,000) on Nov. 9, 1974, after BYU defeated 16th-ranked Arizona State 21-18 — one of the biggest wins, if not the biggest, to that point in the Cougars' rather meager football history.
He was gathering quotes when LaVell walked in and started addressing the players … and then stopped. The coach was unable to continue because emotion overtook him. All he could do as he struggled without success to gain composure was give the team a thumbs-up and stand down.
#Football #room
12 days ago
Thinking about taking your family to a college football game in Utah this year? Be prepared to pay. How much depends largely on the opponent.
The University of Utah opens the season Sept. 3. at home against the Idaho Vandals, a Football Championship Subdivision or FCS school in the Big Sky Conference. A single-game ticket starts at $38 on SeatGeek.
But when BYU plays Utah in Salt Lake City in November, the cheapest seat starts at $331.
Fans yell during the first quarter of the game between BYU and Utah at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
And speaking of BYU, you could see the Cougars take on the Utah Tech Trailblazers, also a Big Sky team, in the first game of the season, for as low as $88 per ticket, according to SeatGeek.
#starts
The University of Utah opens the season Sept. 3. at home against the Idaho Vandals, a Football Championship Subdivision or FCS school in the Big Sky Conference. A single-game ticket starts at $38 on SeatGeek.
But when BYU plays Utah in Salt Lake City in November, the cheapest seat starts at $331.
Fans yell during the first quarter of the game between BYU and Utah at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
And speaking of BYU, you could see the Cougars take on the Utah Tech Trailblazers, also a Big Sky team, in the first game of the season, for as low as $88 per ticket, according to SeatGeek.
#starts
18 days ago
After BYU football coach Kalani Sitake put his team through a 102-play scrimmage Saturday morning at LaVell Edwards Stadium, he ******* ounced the offense a slight winner, and neither quarterback Bear Bachmeier nor linebacker Cade Uluave disagreed.
The 11-on-11 scrimmage, which Sitake likes to refer to as "sparring," was a mixture of "live" plays, in which ball carriers are taken to the ground and "thud" plays, where contact is supposed to stop after the initial hit. Usually, defenses are ahead of offenses this early in camp, but that was not the case in the first scrimmage, apparently.
The scrimmage was closed to the media, and Sitake spoke to reporters via Zoom after the proceedings, along with Bachmeier and offensive lineman Bruce Mitchell from the offensive side and Uluave from the defensive side.
"I thought (both sides) had some moments," Sitake said. "I probably give a slight edge to the offense today, because I thought the offense had more big plays than I would like to have seen from the defense.
"A lot of big plays came because of guys that made them happen," Sitake continued. "I know all the questions will be about the receivers. I thought the receivers had a really good day today."
#bachmeier
The 11-on-11 scrimmage, which Sitake likes to refer to as "sparring," was a mixture of "live" plays, in which ball carriers are taken to the ground and "thud" plays, where contact is supposed to stop after the initial hit. Usually, defenses are ahead of offenses this early in camp, but that was not the case in the first scrimmage, apparently.
The scrimmage was closed to the media, and Sitake spoke to reporters via Zoom after the proceedings, along with Bachmeier and offensive lineman Bruce Mitchell from the offensive side and Uluave from the defensive side.
"I thought (both sides) had some moments," Sitake said. "I probably give a slight edge to the offense today, because I thought the offense had more big plays than I would like to have seen from the defense.
"A lot of big plays came because of guys that made them happen," Sitake continued. "I know all the questions will be about the receivers. I thought the receivers had a really good day today."
#bachmeier
25 days ago
JUVENTUS (4-3-3): 16 Di Gregorio; 15 Kalulu, 3 Bremer, 6 Kelly, 27 Cambiaso; 12 Douglas Luiz, 5 Locatelli, 22 McKennie; 11 Zhegrova, 30 David, 10 Yildiz.Subs.: 1 Perin, 23 Pinsoglio, 42 Nava, 2 Celik, 7 Conceicao, 8 Koopmeiners, 9 Kolo Muani, 13 Boga, 14 Milik, 17 Alajbegovic, 21 Miretti, 24 Rugani, 29 Arthur, 32 Cabal, 41 Owusu, 43 Puche, 45 Oboavwoduo, 46 Licina, 47 Durmisi.Coach: Luciano Spalletti.
INTER (3-5-2): 49 Provedel; 28 Pavard, 46 Bovio, 95 Bastoni; 11 Luis Henrique, 23 Barella, 20 Calhanoglu, 22 Mkhitaryan, 32 Dimarco; 94 Esposito, 14 Bonny.Subs.: 1 Martinez, 12 Di Gennaro, 5 Stankovic, 7 Zielinski, 16 Frattesi, 17 Diouf, 30 Carlos Augusto, 31 Bisseck, 48 Mosconi, 52 Iddrissou, 53 Lavelli, 54 Marello, 56 Maye, 58 Topalovic, 60 Farronato.Coach: Cristian Chivu.
Referee: Tim Danaskos.Linesmen: Brad Wright - Andrew Meimarakis.Fourth official: Liam Barclay.
The Derby d'Italia will bring the Internazionale Summer Tour to a close, with Inter taking on Juventus in the second friendly scheduled in Perth and the final match of the Italian champions' Asian tour before returning to Milano.
Chivu's side will face the Bianconeri at Optus Stadium in Perth on Saturday 8 August at 19:00 local time (13:00 CEST).
#subs #Perth #gregorio
INTER (3-5-2): 49 Provedel; 28 Pavard, 46 Bovio, 95 Bastoni; 11 Luis Henrique, 23 Barella, 20 Calhanoglu, 22 Mkhitaryan, 32 Dimarco; 94 Esposito, 14 Bonny.Subs.: 1 Martinez, 12 Di Gennaro, 5 Stankovic, 7 Zielinski, 16 Frattesi, 17 Diouf, 30 Carlos Augusto, 31 Bisseck, 48 Mosconi, 52 Iddrissou, 53 Lavelli, 54 Marello, 56 Maye, 58 Topalovic, 60 Farronato.Coach: Cristian Chivu.
Referee: Tim Danaskos.Linesmen: Brad Wright - Andrew Meimarakis.Fourth official: Liam Barclay.
The Derby d'Italia will bring the Internazionale Summer Tour to a close, with Inter taking on Juventus in the second friendly scheduled in Perth and the final match of the Italian champions' Asian tour before returning to Milano.
Chivu's side will face the Bianconeri at Optus Stadium in Perth on Saturday 8 August at 19:00 local time (13:00 CEST).
#subs #Perth #gregorio
1 month ago
Taysom Hill may be done playing football for New Orleans, but his on-the-field performance and his off-the-field persona have earned him Sainthood among the Who Dats for years to come.
"He's the guy that a lot of our guys can look to as an example of growing in the NFL and finding roles and finding opportunities," said Saints coach Kellen Moore after Hill announced his nine-year run in New Orleans was over. "Everyone, for the last few years, has been chasing to find the next Taysom. But there really is just one Taysom."
That "one Taysom" was going to be Jim Harbaugh's Swiss army knife quarterback at Stanford prior to Hill's two-year church mission to Sydney, Australia. When the 49ers lured Harbaugh away, Hill redirected his post-mission plans to Provo.
BYU figured it had someone special, but it wasn't until Sept. 7, 2013, that the Cougars knew for sure. Facing No. 15 Texas and following a two-hour weather delay, Hill produced one of the single greatest performances in program history.
BYU quarterback Taysom Hill (4) runs away from Texas linebacker Steve Edmond (33) Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013, at LaVell Edwards stadium. BYU won 40-21. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
#taysom #texas #finding
"He's the guy that a lot of our guys can look to as an example of growing in the NFL and finding roles and finding opportunities," said Saints coach Kellen Moore after Hill announced his nine-year run in New Orleans was over. "Everyone, for the last few years, has been chasing to find the next Taysom. But there really is just one Taysom."
That "one Taysom" was going to be Jim Harbaugh's Swiss army knife quarterback at Stanford prior to Hill's two-year church mission to Sydney, Australia. When the 49ers lured Harbaugh away, Hill redirected his post-mission plans to Provo.
BYU figured it had someone special, but it wasn't until Sept. 7, 2013, that the Cougars knew for sure. Facing No. 15 Texas and following a two-hour weather delay, Hill produced one of the single greatest performances in program history.
BYU quarterback Taysom Hill (4) runs away from Texas linebacker Steve Edmond (33) Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013, at LaVell Edwards stadium. BYU won 40-21. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
#taysom #texas #finding
1 month ago
NWSL Week 13 saw an old storyline play out again, and the two sides involved end up top of table. Both expansion sides earned well-won victories, and Seattle will be wondering how they let a match get away from them. Racing Louisville were eyeing their first victory in a spell, only to see it vanish late.
The league's goal-scorers are doing what they are supposed to do, and new stars are emerging. Rose Lavelle brings the drama twice for Gotham, while Bay FC's Karlie Lema is making people take notice. Utah's terrific turnaround continues, and Portland stumbles again. In disheartening news, one of the league's young stars went down with a season-ending injury.
NWSL Week 13 featured joy, triumph, heartbreak and disappointment.
Gotham and Rose Lavelle have had Washington's number lately, and that number is 1-0. In last season's championship, the Gotham star scored late to give her side the ****** le. In the two team's latest meeting, Lavelle struck again for the only goal of the match.
This match was a highlight for the league this season. Gotham will be moving from New Jersey to the new Etihad Park in New York City in 2028, and this match showcased the new digs. To showcase what women's football can be in NYC, Gotham hosted the Spirit in front of more than 42,000 fans, the second largest regular-season crowd in NWSL history. While conditions were less than ideal, the teams put on a show for the fans in attendance.
#gotham #nwsl #sides #only
The league's goal-scorers are doing what they are supposed to do, and new stars are emerging. Rose Lavelle brings the drama twice for Gotham, while Bay FC's Karlie Lema is making people take notice. Utah's terrific turnaround continues, and Portland stumbles again. In disheartening news, one of the league's young stars went down with a season-ending injury.
NWSL Week 13 featured joy, triumph, heartbreak and disappointment.
Gotham and Rose Lavelle have had Washington's number lately, and that number is 1-0. In last season's championship, the Gotham star scored late to give her side the ****** le. In the two team's latest meeting, Lavelle struck again for the only goal of the match.
This match was a highlight for the league this season. Gotham will be moving from New Jersey to the new Etihad Park in New York City in 2028, and this match showcased the new digs. To showcase what women's football can be in NYC, Gotham hosted the Spirit in front of more than 42,000 fans, the second largest regular-season crowd in NWSL history. While conditions were less than ideal, the teams put on a show for the fans in attendance.
#gotham #nwsl #sides #only
2 months ago
SAN DIEGO, Calif - San Diego Wave FC defeated Gotham FC, 2-0, on Saturday, July 4, 2026 at Snapdragon Stadium. The Sporting Tribune's Edwin So was there to capture the following images.
Edwin So - The Sporting Tribune
San Diego Wave midfielder Kenza Dali (10) battles for possession against Gotham FC midfielder Jaelin Howell (7) during an NWSL match between Gotham FC and San Diego Wave on Saturday, July 4, 2026 at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego California
Edwin So - The Sporting Tribune
San Diego Wave defender Kennedy Wesley (2) puts pressure defense on Gotham FC midfielder Rose Lavelle (16) during an NWSL match between Gotham FC and San Diego Wave on Saturday, July 4, 2026 at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego California
Edwin So - The Sporting Tribune
San Diego Wave midfielder Kenza Dali (10) battles for possession against Gotham FC midfielder Jaelin Howell (7) during an NWSL match between Gotham FC and San Diego Wave on Saturday, July 4, 2026 at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego California
Edwin So - The Sporting Tribune
San Diego Wave defender Kennedy Wesley (2) puts pressure defense on Gotham FC midfielder Rose Lavelle (16) during an NWSL match between Gotham FC and San Diego Wave on Saturday, July 4, 2026 at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego California
