The Cougars coach shows love for Coach Whittingham and the Utes
Kalani Sitake embraces the journey that has brought him full circle to lead his alma mater in a season marked by both remarkable success and deep-seated rivalry. As the 9th-ranked BYU Cougars prepare to face their longtime rivals, the University of Utah, Sitake reflects on the shared roots and connections between the two programs, a theme he emphasized during a recent press briefing.
Acknowledging his own ties to the Utes, Sitake explained, "If it weren't for Utah, I wouldn't be here. And if it weren't for BYU, coach Whit wouldn't be at Utah." His sentiments reflect the intertwined histories of both programs, with key figures like BYU’s legendary coach LaVell Edwards and Utah’s Ron McBride influencing both schools.
This year’s matchup is especially meaningful as BYU and Utah are both members of the Big 12 Conference, a setting that Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark calls "additive to the conference." This adds a new chapter to the rivalry, making it one of the most anticipated games in the league. Sitake’s team, off to an 8-0 start, is among the country’s top surprises, while the Utes are enduring a challenging season.
Ultimately, Sitake hopes fans and players can balance competition with respect for their shared history. After three years without facing off, he says, “Now that it's back, I think we can really have fun with it."Published
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