A Love Story

I was born into being a Ute fan the ways some kids are born into money, or 20/20 vision.

Genetics, and environment.

From the time I was an infant I was exposed to college athletics. Dad frequently talks about how when it was his turn to wake up with me in the middle of the night we'd sit there watching football or sports center together.

When I was just a year and a half old I was already completely enamored with my team.

Exhibit A

And it continued- from the time I was about 3 I went to Utah football and basketball games. I remember when Utah basketball won the Mountain West conference title and brought out the ladder to cut down the net. Some of the older people around us were surprised that Dad would bring three young girls to such an important game.

We weren't though.

I remember touring Rice Eccles as soon as it was completed. I was ecstatic to attend the games, and Dad never stopped bring us to those either. There were times when it was cold, and my sisters who may have come most excited for dip n dots were tired, and done with the game.

I wasn't though.

Dad was patient with me. Explaining everything from offsides to pass interference and how exactly teams get into those rigged BCS games. And before he and I knew it, he had at least one daughter that loved the game.

I bet when we were little Dad thought he'd probably have a son to take to the games someday. Obviously he never did. He could have been disappointed by this.

He wasn't though.

Of course I remember being there when Utah beat out BYU solidifying a spot in the Fiesta Bowl. Of course I was smitten by the always attractive Alex Smith during the heyday of the Urban Era.

Of course I cheer for Utah.

When I got into BYU Dad always reminded me of the example of my cousins, who graduated from the Y but remained U fans. He got a lot of slack at work for letting his daughter go to the rival school for which he cheered. He could have called me a traitor.

He didn't though.

So here I am, fourth BYU season I've been a student there-and the fourth season I've cheered for Utah at that rivalry game. Every other BYU game I cheer for them, for my school, because I do love them. However, I will always love my Utes more.

And I thank my Dad for that!

PS-Dad helped give out the game ball with some great people!