I love BYU.
There’s just something about it. The Blue and White, the history behind it all, the traditions, what it takes in personal sacrifice to be a part of it. All of it combines to make me passionate about the Y. It’s hard for me to understand how anyone who’s Mormon can NOT like the Y. It especially bothers me that good hearted people somehow thinks it’s OK to like the University of Utah. I recently found out that one of my best friends from high school ended up going to the UofU and not only admits it but actively roots for them. Can you imagine? I feel weird just admitting that he was one of my best friends. Ugh.
There’s not many people that I’ve met over the years who share my same love. On the day I saw Camille for the first time in over a year she had just washed a big painted “Y” from off her forehead. Only she’d been sitting in the sun during the game and now had a nice “Y” tanned into her forehead. It was awesome. We also have neighbors two doors down who are just as passionate (perhaps even more) about watching the Cougars pass the ball. It’s fun to get together and cheer on the team like they can hear us, and like our voices travel back in time since were watching it on Tivo. I can’t help but to jump up and scream at Unga and Hall. Speaking of jumping up. I’m famous in my family for getting so worked up during a game that when BYU pulls it out (aka Beck to Harline, search for it on YouTube if you don’t know what I’m talking about) I’ve been known to jump up, scream at the top of my lungs and subsequently pass out. It’s happened numerous times. I leave nothing on the line, give it all up for my cougs.
I was thrilled to learn that BYU scheduled a game against the University of Washington this year. We got tickets and made it a family affair.
BYU did not disappoint. They took their time winning, making me literally ill for most of the game (seriously, I actually thought I was coming down with something and was planning for who was going to teach Sunday school for me the next day until, after the game was over, I realized that I felt fine). I have to hand it to UW, they drove down and scored with 2 seconds left to potentially tie the game. Their QB threw the ball into the air after scrambling into the end zone and scoring, automatic penalty. The extra point had to be kicked from the 35 and BYU blocked it. Game over, BYU wins 28-27. I was already standing so no fainting. I did tackle my dad though.
Since then they spanked UCLA 59-0 and today they beat Wyoming 44-0. I’m looking forward to a good season.
One of the main reasons they are so good is Coach Mendenhall. The link below is to one of the best interviews of a coach I have ever heard. This is why I love BYU.
http://www.byucougars.com/Filing.jsp?ID=11130
One more thing. One of my “friends” is actually Mormon AND a Husky fan. He and his wife decided it would be funny to hang a UW sign on my house and the homes of 7 other Y fans before the UW game a few weeks ago. My True Blue neighbor found it early Saturday morning and disposed of the filth before anyone saw it. Well, I couldn’t let that go. Especially once BYU had won. So I snuck over and returned the favor, +1.
I used a paint I found at Lowe's that supposedly washes off easily with water. For the grass I just used watered down bleach. I wish I could have seen his face the next day. Probably looked just like it did when BYU blocked the extra point.
Actually, all I really did was decorate his yard a little. The poor guy got up and mowed his grass before church to get it off. Not as cool as painting his house but I felt like a rebel nonetheless. By the way, I'm admitting to doing this but I must confess that I do NOT own any blue or white spray paint and haven't for some time.
6 comments:
I can't believe my family has lived away from the home of the Cougs and not been all decked in Y t-shirts like that. It is a shame I tell you! I loved this post, thanks for the smile! Oh, and the big news Camille is that we are moving back to Utah next month. Yep you heard me, next month! Like maybe by the 20th. William is trying to kill me off I think! It will be great if I just survive!
Yeah, BYU is on my very short list of things I love most. Not that you didn't already know that. But hearing you profess of your devotions just gets my own tender feelings stirring! And speaking of feeling ill, I'm already beginning to feel nauseous about playing those dastardly dudes in red!
I am not passionate about that many things, but I have to agree with you that I am passionate about BYU. Bronco Mendenhall has done a great job with the program, and I think things like a 14 game win streak and a ranking of 11 in both AP and coaches poll are just a byproduct of having the players buy into his belief that playing football at BYU is much more than just wins and loses. He truly teaches that they must be first and foremost outstanding members of the church and community. He has prepared these players to "totally invested" in something bigger than themselves in their "quest for perfection"!
By the way, while I do not condone the act, (because I am mostly just talk and no action) when asked if we had any blue and white paint, I did remember the last pine wood derby car that Caleb and I made was called the "Cosmobile" and was BYU blue and white.
(I love the blue van in the picture!... and the door!) Awesome!
That is so cool how you painted the Evan's house and yard. Wish we could have seen it. We drove by Sunday on our way to church but it was already gone.
Okay...I'm a little slow. You didn't paint his house but the "Y" is still cool.
haha!!! This is the best ever! I am a personal witness of your passion for the Blue and White so I can't imagine what it must have been like to see you at the UW game. I wish I could have gone! I will be a legitimate fan soon enough though. In the meantime, Go Cougs!
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