The Utah Experience Utah Football Polynesian Pipeline the UTAH EXPERIENCE

The Utah Experience Utah Football Polynesian Pipeline THE UTAH EXPERIENCE

Front Row (L-R): Ray Stowers, Kenape Eliapo, Kepa Gaison, Isley Filiaga, Neli A’asa. Middle Row (L-R): Loma Olevao, Daniel Bukarau, BJ McKensie, Leki Katoa, David Cravens, Nano Tonga, Malakai Mokofisi. Back Row (L-R): Ammaron A. Wolfgramm, Aaron Tonga, Koa Misi, Peter Tuitupou, Kalani Sitake, Doug Elisaia, Zeke Tuinei-Wily, Pauli Latu, Vilisoni Kotobalavu, Corey Seiuli.

Family Ties

25,000 Pacific Islanders living in metro Salt Lake City 22 Polynesians on the 2007 Ute football Team 8 Former Ute Polynesians currently on NFL rosters 5 Kaufusis to letter for Utah (Doug, Henry, Jason, Jeff, Sonny) 3 Kemoeatus to letter for Utah (Chris, Ma’ake, Tevita) 2 Polynesian coaches on the 2007 football staff

Now Playing In The NFL

Jonathan Fanene Steve Fifita Chris Kemoeatu Ma’ake Kemoeatu Cincinnati Bengals Miami Dolphins Pittsburgh Steelers Carolina Panthers Steve Fifita was the MVP of the 2005 Fiesta Bowl.

Sione Pouha Paul Soliai Kelly Talavou Tavo Tupola New York Jets Miami Dolphins Atlanta Falcons Houston Texans

www.UtahUtes.com 15 Utah Football Utah Traditions

Band Arnie Ferrin (NBA) • Robert Jarvik, inventor of the Jarvik-7 artificial The University of Utah Marching Band began Jordan Gross (NFL) heart in the 1940s as a military band that performed Lee Grosscup (NFL) • Alan C. Kay, credited with the concept of the for university events and ceremonies. In 1948, Ma’ake Kemoeatu (NFL) laptop computer University President A. Ray Olpin recruited Ron Missy Marlowe (Olympic gymnast) • Frederick Kempe, Assistant managing editor and Gregory from Ohio State University to form a Andre Miller (NBA) columnist, Wall Street Journal, New York. marching band fashioned after the great collegiate George Seifert (NFL) • Willard Marriott, founder of Marriott International bands of the Midwest. But in the turbulent ’60s, Chris Shelton (MLB) Inc. support for the band dwindled and in 1969, the Barry Sims (NFL) • Charles K. Monfort, chairman and CEO of the Associated Students for the University of Utah Alex Smith (No. 1 NFL Draft pick) Colorado Rockies, president of Monfort International (ASUU) discontinued its funding. The band was Steve Smith (NFL) Sales Corporation revived in 1976 after a fund-raising effort. Since then, Keith Van Horn (NBA) • John Naisbett, author of the bestseller Megatrends the “Pride of Utah” Marching Utes have performed Larry Wilson (NFL) • David Neeleman, founder and CEO of JetBlue at all home football games, as well as numerous NFL Airways Famous Alumni and college bowl games. • Raymond Noorda, founder of Novell Inc. Rocky Anderson, mayor of Salt Lake City • • Jody Olsen, Deputy director of the Peace Corps. Beehive Boot Terrel Bell, former U.S. Secretary of Education • • Simon Ramo, chief scientist in the development of The Beehive Boot, • Nolan Bushnell, co-founder of Atari and inventor America’s intercontinental ballistic missiles which signifies instate of Pong • Wallace Stegner, Pulitzer Prize winning novelist football supremacy, was Ed Catmull, co-founder of Pixar Animation Studios • • Terry Tempest Williams, author and conceived in 1971. The shared an Oscar in 2001 for the development of the environmentalist authentic pioneer boot software used in Toy Story, A Bug’s Life, Jurassic Park, • John Warnock, co-founder of Adobe Systems Inc. is awarded annually to Titanic and Gladiator • Evelyn Wood, speed reading innovator. the Utah school with the • Jim Clark, founder of Netscape best record against its • Stephen Covey, author of the bestseller The 7 Habits Fight Song instate NCAA Division of Highly Effective People I foes. The schools who After every game, the Utah football players—along THE UTAH EXPERIENCE THE UTAH • Keene Curtis, Tony Award winning actor with the band and cheerleaders—honor their fellow compete for the boot are • Spence Eccles, chairman of Wells Fargo & Utah, Brigham Young students by serenading the student section with Company and former chairman and CEO of First the school fight song,Utah Man (lyrics below). and Utah State. In its 36-year history, the Beehive Security Corp. Boot has been awarded to Utah 10 times (1978, 1988, Although the origins of Utah Man are unclear, the • Jake Garn, former U.S. Senator 1993, ‘94, ’95, ’99, 2002, ’03, ’04 and ’05), BYU 20 general consensus is that the lyrics were written • E. Gordon Gee, chancellor of Vanderbilt and times and Utah State six times. in 1904 by the football team and its coach, Harvey former president at Colorado, Ohio State and Brown Holmes. While their words were original, the music Block U • Bill Gore, inventor of Gore-Tex was not. The tune is Solomon Levi, an old burlesque The Block U has overlooked the University of Utah • Gordon B. Hinckley, president of the LDS Church song, which supports the theory that Utah Man was from its perch at 5,300 feet above sea level for 102 originally a drinking song. In fact, the original third years. Lighted primarily for athletic events, the line of the first verse read: We drink our stein of lager 100-foot tall Block U notifies everyone in the Salt and we smoke our big cigar. It was later changed to Lake valley and beyond that the Utes are playing the current version, Our coeds are the fairest and each at home – and the lights flash after a victory. The one’s a shining star. While Utah Man won the hearts Block U, originally built of lime in 1905, was poured of the students, the administration frowned on it in cement in 1907. In 1969, the design was modified and, in 1942, acknowledged Hail, Utah as the school’s and lights were installed. A fund-raising campaign official song. Nonetheless,Utah Man will always be in 2006 raised $400,000 to renovate the aging U. Slabs the song of the students and alumni. of concrete and steel rebar now reinforce the 5,000 feet of surface area. Another major improvement was Fight Song Lyrics the installation of light emitting diode (LED) red and I am a Utah Man, sir, and I live across the green, white lights, which are controlled through a wireless Our gang it is the jolliest that you have ever seen. system. Our coeds are the fairest and each one’s a shining star, Our yell, you’ll hear it ringing through the mountains Conference Affiliation near and far! 1910-37 . . . Rocky Mountain 1937-48 . . . Big Seven We’re up to snuff, we never bluff, we’re game for any fuss. 1949-61 . . . Skyline No other gang of college men dare meet us in a muss. 1962-98 . . . Western Athletic So fill your lungs and sing it out and shout it to the sky, 1999-present . . Mountain West Conference We’ll fight for dear old crimson for a Utah Man am I! Ki-yi! Famous Alumni Athletes Jamal Anderson (NFL) And when we prom the avenue, all lined up in a row, Mike Anderson (NFL) And arm in arm and step in time as down the street we go. Andrew Bogut (No. 1 NBA Draft pick) Former Ute Steve Smith is now one of the top No matter if a freshman green, or in a senior’s gown, Michael Doleac (NBA) receivers in the NFL, playing for Carolina. The The people all admit we are the warmest gang in town. Andre Dyson (NFL) Pro Bowler led the NFC in receiving, receiving Luther Elliss (NFL) yards and touchdowns in 2005 and was named We may not live forever on this jolly good old sphere, “Comeback Player of the Year.” But while we do we’ll live a life of merriment and cheer,

16 2 0 0 7 M e d i a G u i d e Utah Football Utah Traditions

And when our college days are o’er and night is drawing nigh, With parting breath we’ll sing that song: “A Utah Man Am I”.

Chorus Who am I, sir, A Utah Man am I! A Utah Man, sir, Will be ‘til I die. Ki-yi!

Homecoming Utah’s all-time record in Homecoming games is 52-

30-4. The first Homecoming game was held at the U. THE UTAH EXPERIENCE on November 12, 1921 against Colorado and ended in a scoreless tie.

Internet The Utah athletics department made its first official appearance on the Internet in August of 1996 with a site that was managed and supported in-house. In 1997, the U. contracted the services of what is Participants in the Muss, Utah’s student fan club, number in the thousands and stand the entire game. now College Sports Television Online to manage its athletics website. Listed under the URL www. Muss Ouray reservation. They operate their own tribal UtahUtes.com, the Utah website contains current The Student Fan Club at the University of Utah, a government, oversee approximately 1.3 million acres information on all 18 of its varsity athletics teams. longtime basketball tradition, began participating of trust land and operate several businesses. at football games in 2002 and members renamed themselves The Muss. Currently, Muss members Television have reserved seats at the front of the student section One of the earliest nationally televised games was at all home football, men’s basketball and women’s between Utah and BYU on Thanksgiving Day, 1953. gymnastics events. Originally derived from the It was the first of 12 games selected by the NCAA school fight song (…No other gang of college men dare television committee for national broadcast in the meet us in a muss), the Utah student fan club has since 1953 season. An estimated 60 million people tuned used Muss as an acronym for “Mighty Utah Student into NBC and saw Utah edge BYU 33-32 in old Section.” The Muss, who began overflowing their Ute Stadium. Impressed with the beauty of Salt section in the 2003 football season, pride themselves Lake City, NBC decided to mount two cameras in standing for the entire football game in support of on the press box to capture the panoramic views. the team. The Utah football helmets began sporting a Sportscaster Mel Allen handled the play-by-play and Muss sticker on the center back in 2004. Lindsey Nelson did the color for the broadcast. Since then, Utah football teams have made regular local, Nickname regional and national television appearances. Utah In the earliest days of University of Utah recorded was part of the Mountain West television package history, the students and alumni referred to their with ESPN from 1999-2005. In 2006, the MWC began athletic teams as both the Utes and the Redskins. a long-term partnership with CSTV. Utah’s local The dual nickname was officially dropped in favor television partner, KTVX-ABC 4, is in its first year as of Utes in 1972, when college campuses became host of the Coach’s Show. sensitive to the concerns of tribal members. The Swoop, a caricature of a red-tailed hawk, is Utah’s University of Utah uses Ute as its nickname with athletics mascot. permission from the Ute Tribal Council. What is a Ute? Leadership Committee A Ute belongs to an Indian tribe whose members The Utah Football Leadership Committee is elected are identified as the first people of Utah. While annually and was initiated in spring of 2003. The there is disagreement in history and reference books committee is comprised of sophomores, juniors and regarding the meaning of the word Ute, two of the seniors who are elected by their teammates. The more common definitions are “top of the mountains” members serve as team spokesmen, contribute to and “people of the mountains.” Other references forming team policy and participate in the decision- have Ute defined as “land of the sun.” The Utes refer making process on issues like rule violations. to themselves as “Noochew,” meaning the People. There are four Ute tribes: The Northern and White Mascot Mesa Tribes are based in Utah, while the Southern The University of Utah introduced a mascot in 1996, and Ute Mountain Tribes are in Colorado. The with permission from the Ute Tribal Council (see Northern Utes are affiliated the most closely with the Nickname). “Swoop” represents a red-tailed hawk, a University of Utah and have a tribal membership The University of Utah proudly uses the nickname bird indigenous to the state of Utah. of 3,157, of which over half live on The Uintah and Utes with the permission of the Ute Tribe.

www.UtahUtes.com 17 Utah Football Ute Athletics History

ntercollegiate athletic teams at the National Athletic Highlights I University of Utah have run with the leaders since their start in the late 1800s. 1900-1979 • Men’s basketball wins 1916 AAU Championship Utah’s first national title came in 1916, • Men’s basketball wins 1944 NCAA when the men’s basketball team won the AAU Championship Championship. Men’s hoops would win the • Football wins 1938 Sun Bowl 1944 NCAA and 1947 National Invitational • Men’s basketball wins 1948 NIT Championship Tournament championships as well. Football also • Men’s basketball makes 1961 NCAA Final Four had some early success, winning the 1938 Sun • Football wins 1964 Liberty Bowl Bowl. • Men’s Basketball makes 1966 NCAA Final Four • Women’s skiing wins 1977 AIAW Championship • Softball team goes to 1979 College World Series

1980-1989 • Women’s gymnastics wins 1981 AIAW Championship • Women’s gymnastics wins 1982-86 NCAA Championships • Ski team (coed) wins five NCAA Championships • Softball team goes to 1982 and ’85 College World Series Andre Miller led the Utes to the 1998 NCAA Basket- 1990-94 ball Championship game against Kentucky. THE UTAH EXPERIENCE THE UTAH • Women’s gymnastics wins 1990 NCAA Championship on the sidelines. The Ute women skiers struck • Ski team is 1990 NCAA Runner-Up gold at the 1977 AIAW Championships and • Women’s gymnastics is 1991 NCAA Runner-Up sandwiched that title with a trio of silvers from • Men’s basketball goes to 1991 NCAA Sweet 16 1976-79. And, what would soon become the • Softball makes 1991 College World Series dominant gymnastics team in the land placed • Women’s gymnastics wins 1992 NCAA The Utah volleyball team made the 2001 NCAA 10th at the 1976 AIAW Championships. The Championship Sweet 16. • Men’s basketball makes 1992 NIT Final Four women’s basketball team averaged 20 wins per • Football goes to 1992 Copper Bowl year in the 1970s—a figure that still holds true. In In 1961 and ’66, the men’s basketball team • Ski team wins 1993 NCAA Championship the spring of 1979, the Ute softball team went to advanced to the NCAA Final Four. In 1964, the • Football goes to 1993 Freedom Bowl the College World Series. • Women’s gymnastics wins 1994 NCAA football team went 9-2 and crushed West Virginia The 1980s saw athletics at Utah become even Championship 32-6 in the Liberty Bowl. more visible on the national scene. The women’s • Ski team is 1994 NCAA Runner-Up In the mid-1970s, women’s athletics earned gymnastics team won an unprecedented six • Softball makes 1994 College World Series varsity status and quickly made up for time lost straight national titles from 1981-86. The softball • Football beats Arizona in 1994 Freedom Bowl team qualified for the 1982 • Football finishes year ranked in Top-10 and ’85 NCAA College World Series. Also in 1983, 1995-97 skiing became a coed sport • Women’s gymnastics wins 1995 NCAA Championship and Utah won the NCAA • Ski team is 1995 NCAA Runner-Up title—the first of five in the • Men’s basketball makes 1996 NCAA Sweet 16 ’80s. • Ski team wins 1996 NCAA Championship Utah athletics became • Ski team wins 1997 NCAA Championship a household name in the • Football plays in 1996 Copper Bowl 1990s. In the 1996-97 season, • Men’s basketball makes 1997 NCAA Elite 8 the men’s basketball team made the Elite Eight and set the stage for a Final Four appearance the next year. The Runnin’ Utes played for the 1998 NCAA Championship against The Utah gymnastics team placed second at the 2007 NCAA Champion- Kentucky, falling to the ships — its second-straight runner-up finish. Wildcats after beating No. 1

18 2 0 0 7 M e d i a G u i d e Utah Football Ute Athletics History seed North Carolina in the semifinal game. The men’s National Athletic Highlights basketball team won seven conference championships 1998-2000 in the ’90s. • Men’s basketball is 1998 NCAA Runner-Up The decade also • Ski team is 1998 NCAA Runner-Up marked the emergence of • Volleyball makes 1998 NCAA 2nd Round Utah football as a national • Men’s basketball makes 1999 NCAA 2nd power. The football team Round • Football beats Fresno State in 1999 Las Vegas played in five bowl games Bowl and its victory over Arizona • Women’s gymnastics is 2000 NCAA Runner-up in the 1994 Freedom Bowl helped the Utes finish in 2001-04 THE UTAH EXPERIENCE the top 10 in the country. • Women’s basketball makes 2001 NCAA Utah shared the conference Sweet 16 football title in 1995 and • Volleyball makes 2001 NCAA Sweet 16 1999. The Ute ski team has won 11 national championships. • Football beats USC in 2001 Las Vegas Bowl The women’s • Soccer makes 2002 NCAA 2nd Round finished the season 12-0 and ranked No. 4 in the gymnastics team added more championship • Ski team wins 2003 NCAA Championship nation, and capped their historic season with a hardware to its trophy case, winning NCAA • Football beats Southern Miss in 2003 Liberty Fiesta Bowl victory over Big East co-champion titles in 1990, 1994 and 1995, while the ski team Bowl Pittsburgh. Quarterback Alex Smith was a • Ski team is 2004 NCAA Runner-Up won the 1996 and 1997 NCAA Championships. Heisman Trophy finalist and the No. 1 pick in The softball team qualified for College World the NFL Draft. The men’s basketball team, on 2004-05 Series twice, the women’s basketball team made the shoulders of Consensus All-American and • Football earns historic BCS berth National Player of the Year Andrew Bogut, made • Football beats Pittsburgh in the Fiesta Bowl the Sweet 16. Bogut was the first pick in the 2005 • Women’s gymnastics third at NCAA Championships NBA draft, making Utah the first school in NCAA • Men’s basketball makes NCAA Sweet 16 history to boast a No. 1 pick in the NFL and NBA • Alex Smith is the No. 1 NFL draft pick in the same year. • Andrew Bogut is the No. 1 NBA draft pick Other highlights of the new millennium include a 2003 NCAA Championship by the 2005-06 ski team, NCAA Championship runner-up • Football beats Georgia Tech in 2005 Emerald finishes by the gymnastics team in 2000, 2006 Bowl and 2007, back-to-back MWC championships • Gymnastics is the 2006 NCAA Runner-Up by the football team in 2003-04 (as well as a 5-0 • Women’s basketball makes the NCAA Elite bowl record), an Elite Eight appearance by the Eight women’s basketball team in 2006, a Sweet 16 trip 2006-07 for the volleyball team, four NCAA Tournament • Football beats Tulsa in 2006 Armed Forces invites for the women’s soccer team, and Bowl conference titles for both the men’s and women’s • Gymnastics is the 2007 NCAA Runner-Up swim teams.

The 2005-06 Utah women’s basketball team advanced to the NCAA Elite Eight before losing in overtime to eventual national champion Maryland. six NCAA appearances, the volleyball team advanced to the NCAA Tournament second The 2004 Ute football round in 1998 and 1999, and the men’s swim team team went 12-0, earned a won six conference titles to raise its total to 22. BCS Bowl berth, defeated Utah is now firmly entrenched among Pittsburgh in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl and finished the nation’s leaders. The 2004-05 Utah athletics No. 4 in the final AP rank- season was one of the finest by any school ever. ings. First, the Utah football team broke new ground when it qualified for a BCS bowl. The Utes

www.UtahUtes.com 19 Utah Football University of Utah

he University of Utah, a hub for higher A Closer Look T education from the Rockies to the • Founded in 1850 Sierras, boasts an academic reputation that is • Classified by the Carnegie rivaled only by its breathtaking location. To the Foundation for the Advancement east rise the 11,500 foot, snow-capped peaks of Teaching as a Research I of the Wasatch Mountains. To the west, the University Great Salt Lake shimmers beneath the Oquirrh • Enrollment of 28,619 Mountains. The 1,500-acre campus, nestled • 172 degrees (undergraduate/ in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains, is graduate) a beautiful collage of native and exotic trees, • Campus is located on 1,500 acres fountains, flowering malls and pedestrian • Backdrop is the 11,500-foot walkways. peaks of the Wasatch Mountain Range Founded in 1850, the U. has established itself • Medical and Law Schools • Nation’s first American Indian as an international center for scientific, medical and Social Work program engineering research. Among the nation’s public • U.S News & World Report 2002 research universities, the U. ranks 14th in significant Honor Roll of College Sports. awards to faculty and 23rd in the number of faculty members elected to the National Academy of Sciences, Institute of Medicine or National Academy of Engineering. Scientists from the University of Utah have identified more genes with diseases than out of 127 major public research universities according anywhere else in the world. to the Lombardi Program for Measuring University THE UTAH EXPERIENCE THE UTAH The University of Utah is one of only 88 Performance. universities in the United States classified by the The U. also provides a lively residential living Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching experience in beautiful Heritage Commons, a multi- as a Research I university—defined by its full range purpose residence complex located in historic Fort of undergraduate programs, commitment to graduate Douglas on the eastern edge of campus. Opened in education and the high priority given to research. The 2000, Heritage Commons served as the Athletes Village U. is recognized for “Very High Research Activity” by for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. Approximately the Carnegie Foundation. It is ranked 28th nationally 2,500 students live on campus in residence halls and

The sprawling Univer- sity of Utah medical center features the Huntsman Cancer Institute. It was opened in the fall of 1999 and was funded by a $225 million pledge from Utah businessman Jon M. Huntsman.

20 2 0 0 7 M e d i a G u i d e Utah Football University of Utah THE UTAH EXPERIENCE

apartments. The Princeton Review ranked the Institute, the Eccles Institute of Human Genetics faculty. The U. has had a presence on the Internet University of Utah No. 7 for “Best Campus and the Moran Eye Center. The Huntsman since 1970, when it became the Internet’s fourth Environment” in 2006. Cancer Institute houses the largest genetic node. The University offers 77 undergraduate database in the world and is the only National Outside the classroom, Utah students enjoy majors, 80 minors and certificates, and 95 Cancer Institute in the Intermountain West. Gene unparalleled outdoor diversions, from skiing and graduate majors. Academic opportunities at the targeting was developed at the Eccles Institute. snowboarding at any of eight world-class resorts U. include schools of law, medicine, architecture, The Moran Eye Center is considered one of the in nearby canyons, to backpacking, mountain pharmacy, business and engineering, among top eye centers in the world. biking, fly fishing and river running. others. The U. also boasts the nation’s first The U. is also noted for technology transfer The U.’s location in the largest city in the American Indian social work program. Utah and its Center for High Performance Computing Intermountain West also provides a metropolitan draws its 28,000-plus student population from all serves as a link to major aerospace industries, charm. The 36th-largest metro area in the nation 50 states and more than 100 foreign countries. high-tech manufacturers and research companies. (population 1,333,914), Salt Lake is home to Research Park, which is located on 320 acres It manages one of the three most successful professional symphony, ballet, modern dance, adjacent to the campus, features the Huntsman technology parks in the U.S., with more than opera and theater companies, as well as five Cancer Institute, the Howard Hughes Medical 40 high-tech companies created by University professional sports teams.

TRAX light rail is a popular means of transportation free to University of Utah students.

www.UtahUtes.com 21 Utah Football Campus Life

niversity of Utah students live in U a magnificent mountain setting in Heritage Commons—a living-learning community of 3,500 students that opened in 2000. Heritage Commons received world-wide acclaim in 2002 when it served as the Athletes Village during the XIX Olympic Winter and Paralympic Games, hosted by Salt Lake City. The residential center is the heart of campus activity and exudes a vibrant, energetic “college town” atmosphere.

Game and exercise rooms, computer labs, Internet connections in every room, and a dining room that is open all day and serves up freshly cooked meals on request are some of the reasons behind the School of the Year award delivered Heirtage Commons residence halls served as the Athletes’ Village at the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. by the Intermountain Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls. Residence hall students also thrive academically at Utah: More foot residential complex boasts picturesque rooms, four multipurpose rooms, a mail center than half of them maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. views of Salt Lake City and the surrounding and more. The student “village” also contains a Situated in historic Fort Douglas at the mountain ranges. Heritage Commons consists University Bookstore branch, University Copy mouth of Red Butte Canyon and located on of 21 buildings–20 residential and one for dining Center and the University Guest House, an on-

THE UTAH EXPERIENCE THE UTAH 70 acres of land, the expansive 912,000 square and support services. Eight of the buildings are campus hotel. apartment style, with 235 Transportation is another benefit of Heritage one-, two- and three-bedroom Commons. A U of U parking permit allows apartments. residents to park close to their hall, but a car is First-year students not necessary. Free campus shuttles run every live in Gateway Heights, a 10 minutes and the Utah Transit Authority and hall with furnished, double light rail (TRAX), free to U. students, combine semi-suites, an advanced to traverse 21 routes to and from campus. TRAX telecommunications system extends to downtown Salt Lake and outlying (voice, video and data), an areas as well. The residence halls are also easily ethernet connection to the accessible to main campus by foot and are U. student computer system, connected via the George S. Eccles 2002 Legacy cable TV connections, a Bridge. large community lounge, study rooms and indoor bike storage. Each floor has a kitchenette. Chapel Glen is home to both first-year students and upperclassmen and offers the same amenities as Gateway Heights, along with Heritage Commons a fitness area. Sage Point is reserved for upper division students and has single, double and • 912,000 square foot complex deluxe suites. Sage Point also has computer and • 20 residential buildings and one for dining technology labs and an international area. and support services Benchmark Plaza is an apartment complex • Eight apartment-style buildings allocated for single students who have earned 60- • Advanced telecommunications system (voice, plus credit hours. Shoreline Ridge, which offers video and data), ethernet connections, cable both furnished and unfurnished apartment units, TV, community lounge, study rooms and is reserved for students with families and single indoor bike storage graduate students. • Chase N. Peterson Heritage Center The Chase N. Peterson Heritage Center, contains a central dining facility seating open 24 hours a day, seven days a week during 600, a convenience store, computer and peak demand periods, is the hub of activity in technology labs, fitness and game rooms, the student housing village. It contains a central four multipurpose rooms and a mail center. dining facility that seats 600, a convenience store, computer and technology labs, fitness and game Residence Hall living provides all sorts of activities

22 2 0 0 7 M e d i a G u i d e Utah Football Academic Support

s an academic institution, the University Her assistants include Rob Rainey, in his 15th year, and A of Utah enjoys a richly deserved Rachel Lassiter, in her second year. Another advisor Academics At Utah reputation for excellence in education. The will be on board for 2007-08. The Ute academic team monitors the studies of Research Utah athletics department works to ensure that The U. is classified as a Research each of its student-athletes takes advantage of each student-athlete to ensure he or she is making progress toward a degree. The academic advisors I university and is an international the academic opportunities offered. also dispense their knowledge of departmental and center for medical and engineering research. Research Park, which The U. employs four full-time academic advisers University requirements, and assist with course is located on 320 acres adjacent for its student-athletes. The department is under the registration and the exploration and selection of majors. to the campus, encompasses the direction of director of athletic- Huntsman Cancer Institute, the academic services JoAnn Hulbert- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Eagan, winner of 2002 Perlman Eccles Institute of Human Genetics Award for Excellence in Student and the Moran Eye Center.

Counseling. Hulbert-Eagan, who THE UTAH EXPERIENCE oversees the academic counseling Grants for the football and gymnastics One of the leading universities in the teams, is in her sixth year on the nation in federal research grants, athletics staff and 13th at the U. the U. received $301 million in grants and contracts in 2005-06. The School of Medicine received over $85.5 million in research grants and JoAnn Hulbert-Eagan (left), awards for the development of new coordinator of academic technologies, treatments and cures advising, counsels the in 2005-06. Utah football team on all academic matters. A Great Place to Learn The Princeton Review ranked the Academic Support Programs At The U. University of Utah No. 1 for learning environment in 2005 (based on a Study Table Life Skills Center survey of students). Available to all student-athletes, regardless of year or Provides student-athletes avenues for personal GPA. development, community service and leadership Programs resources. Offers student-athletes information on The University offers 77 majors, Tutorial Program possible career choices through the Strong Interest 70 minors and certificates, and 95 Individual tutors, drop-in tutoring, and exam reviews. Inventory given to all freshmen in the Life Skills class. graduate majors. Its colleges include a college of law, medicine and Internships Summer School The “Partnering with U.” program offers career architecture. Financial aid for summer school is available to Ute mentoring, shadowing and internship opportunities student-athletes who meet the criteria. with area businesses. Computer Services Priority Registration The Burbidge Athletics Academic Fifth-Year Senior Program U. student-athletes are given priority registration, Center features the latest in Provides financial assistance to student-athletes whose which allows them to schedule classes around practices computer technology and a lab with eligibility has expired before they have finished their and training. 25 computers. Laptop computers degrees. are also available for team travel. The U., which was one of the first schools to go up on the Internet, offers free electronic mail accounts to all students.

Ute football players have access to an expansive computer lab in the Burbidge Family Athletics Academics Center.

www.UtahUtes.com 23 Utah Football Academic Support

Burbidge Center Facts • 11,000 square feet of space • Lab with 25 computers • Student-Athlete Lounge with pop-in email computers • Academic advising offices • Life Skills/Career Resource Center • Group and one-on-one tutoring rooms • Large study table area • Multipurpose room for workshops, seminars, etc. • Staff conference room

he student in student-athlete got a big Natatorium and the Huntsman Center, the Burbidge T boost in spring 2001 when the Kenneth P. Center is central to Utah’s classrooms and athletic Burbidge Jr. Family Athletics Academic Center venues. opened on the U. campus. The full-service academic facility, utilized by all 18 varsity Utah athletic teams, was underwritten by a

THE UTAH EXPERIENCE THE UTAH Designed solely to accommodate the U.’s varsity generous $2 million gift from the Kenneth P. Burbidge student-athletes, the Burbidge Center is without peer Jr. family. The center consolidated Utah’s athletic-aca- in terms of aes- demic efforts, both in terms of computer labs and study thetics, technol- space, and academic counseling. The upper level also ogy and academic provides a social gathering place for the student-ath- service. letes. The 11,000 The mission of the Burbidge Family Athletics square foot facil- Academic Center is to provide an integrated learning ity is already a environment that will enhance the academic and per- campus landmark, sonal development of all student-athletes. The objective with its sweeping is to accommodate the diverse needs and schedules of floor to ceiling, Utah’s student-athletes through a wide range of indi- curved glass wall vidual and group support services, computer technolo- on the two-story gies and independent study opportunities. north side. Its Director of Student-Athlete Support Services Mary location is ideal Bowman, Director of Athletic Relations Manny Hendrix for the population and Academic Services are housed in the building, it serves: Situated as is the award winning NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills between the U. program.

24 2 0 0 7 M e d i a G u i d e Utah Football Academic Support

Ute Classroom Success

2006 Academic All-MWC Zane Beadles Kenape Eliapo Casey Evans Brian Hernandez Clint Mower Brady Phillips R.J. Rice Louie Sakoda Ameen Shaheen Steve Tate Jason Voss THE UTAH EXPERIENCE J.J. Williams Mike Wright

Utah Football Academic Alex Smith - 2004 NCAA Academic All-American Of The Year All-Americans • 2004-05 CoSIDA Academic All-American of the Year 1964 Mel Carpenter • 2004 CoSIDA Football Academic All-American of the Year 1970 Scott Robbins • 2003-2004 First-Team Academic All-District 1971 Scott Robbins • 2003-2004 Academic All-Mountain West Conference 1973 Steve Odom • Graduated in May 2004 after just two years in college 1976 Dick Graham • Bachelor’s degree in economics 1984 Andre Guardi • Undergraduate cumulative GPA was 3.74 1985 Andre Guardi • Began work on a master’s in economics 1996 Chad Folk 2000 Kimball Christianson 2002 Brooks Bahr 2003 Morgan Scalley* 2004 Morgan Scalley* 2004 Alex Smith* 2005 Spencer Toone *First-Team

“The University of Utah was an excellent place to go to college for many reasons. The facilities, the faculty and the overall campus experience made it possible for me to reach my goals of getting a college degree and playing in the NFL.”

Jordan Gross Carolina Panthers

www.UtahUtes.com 25 Utah Football NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills

t the University of Utah, a student- relationships, sexual responsibility and conflict Program Facts A athlete enjoys much more than the resolution. Also popular with Utah’s student-athletes is the • Community Service chance to participate in a winning program and Student-Athlete Mentor Program (SAMS). Each team • Career Development graduate from a prestigious school. selects two representatives to participate in SAMS. • Ute Speakers Bureau The U. athletics department employs a full-time Those representatives are given formal training by the • Resume Writing Workshops director of student-athlete support services, associate staff of the U.’s Alcohol and Drug Education Center. • Interview Workshops athletics director Mary Bowman, whose job is to SAMS participants relay information on referral • Nutrition Seminars provide guidance to student-athletes in the areas of services regarding personal issues, including substance • Stress Management Seminars career development, academic support, • Conflict Resolution Seminars community outreach and personal • Student-Athlete Mentor Program development. Bowman and her staff • Student-Athlete Advisory help enable Utah’s student-athletes to Committee make the most of their undergraduate years, while also interacting with the community and preparing for life after college. Ute director of athletic relations Manny Hendrix runs the Ute Varsity Club and Partnering with U. program, which provides internships and summer jobs. The U. varsity athletic teams have been active participants in the NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills Program since 1996. Bowman and her student- THE UTAH EXPERIENCE THE UTAH athlete participants have put their personal Members of Utah’s football team participate in community service activi- stamp on the program, ties such as visiting children’s hospitals. an award-winner that offers regularly scheduled workshops on abuse, to their teammates and other athletes. The topics like resume writing, interviewing student organization has been tremendously successful. skills and transition into the work force. Utah’s SAMS program was the recipient of an NCAA The Utah athletics department was one grant for its measures against substance abuse. The of just three recipients of the 2004-05 grant was one of just 15 nationwide awarded by the Program of Excellence award for its NCAA CHOICES program in 1997. Another program CHAMPS program. Bowman directs is the Student-Athlete Advisory Another important aspect of Utah’s Committee (SAAC), which, like SAMS, is comprised of Life Skills program is the volunteer work representatives from all of Utah’s 18 varsity teams. its student-athletes contribute to the Participation in the CHAMPS/Life Skills program community. The Ute Speakers Bureau complements the outstanding educational and athletic trains select student-athletes in public experience already firmly in place at Utah. At the U., speaking, then schedules them to speak preparing for success after college is a big part of the at local elementary and junior high game plan. schools on topics such as drug abuse, goal setting, the importance of education, making smart choices and Utah Director of Athletics Dr. self esteem. Utah student-athletes reach Chris Hill and Associate A.D. out to more than 5,000 young students in for Student-Athlete Services the Salt Lake valley each year. Ute teams Mary Bowman accept a coveted NCAA Program of Excellence also participate in community service Award for Utah’s CHAMPS Life projects such as the Special Olympics, Skills Program. LifeCare, Project Youth, the Utah Autism Society, the Utah AIDS Foundation, the Boys and Girls Club and the Utah Chapter for the Prevention of Child Abuse, to name just a few. The personal development facet of Utah’s Life Skills program involves workshops in nutrition, stress Glade Ellingson of the U. counseling center talks to Utah student-ath- management, diversity, eating disorders, letes about what they should consider when choosing a major.

26 2 0 0 7 M e d i a G u i d e Utah Football Rice-Eccles Stadium THE UTAH EXPERIENCE

ice-Eccles Stadium opened its gates Rice-Eccles Stadium, an imposing concrete, steel and R for Ute football games in 1998 to rave glass edifice that dominates the Salt Lake skyline. Stadium Facts reviews and a Utah victory over Louisville. The first football game in Rice-Eccles Stadium was played on September 12, 1998. Utah won that game, • First Game: Sept. 12, 1998 Four years later, it made its world-wide debut • Seating Capacity: 45,017 – serving as the stage for the Opening and 45-22, over Louisville before 44,112 spectators, a school attendance record at the time. • Largest Crowd: 46,768 Closing Ceremonies for the 2002 Salt Lake In 1996, Utah Director of Athletics Dr. Chris Hill • Chair Seats: 16,000 Olympic Winter Games. set the wheels in motion for the construction of a new • Suites: 25 stadium by initiating a fund-raising campaign and • Surface: FieldTurf The international television coverage from Rice- hiring Salt Lake architectural firm FFKR. Hill originally • Cost: $50 million Eccles Stadium during the 2002 Olympics allowed the envisioned the project as a three-year undertaking. The world to see what Utah players, fans and opponents Eccles Foundation changed all that. already knew: It is perhaps the most beautiful stadium In May 1997, former Ute All-America skier Spence in the country – one whose amenities are enhanced Eccles announced by its 4,600-foot perch in the foothills of the towering that the George Wasatch Mountain Range. S. and Dolores The 45,017 seat architectural masterpiece Dore Eccles encompasses the grounds once occupied by Rice Foundation Stadium, namesake of Robert L. Rice, who contributed would contribute $1 million in 1972 to renovate what was then known as $10 million to the Ute Stadium. His monies went to replacing the turf and construction of lighting, and to creating the Scholarship Box. It marked a new stadium. a major restoration of Ute Stadium, erected in 1927 as Once the lead a timber and concrete construction with dirt fill and gift was in place, christened with a 40-6 Utah win over Colorado Mines. the timetable for Only the south end zone bleachers still remain the stadium’s of the old stadium. Two days after Utah concluded completion was its 1997 season with a 31-14 win over Rice on Nov moved up from 15, wrecking crews moved in and demolished Rice three years to just Stadium. In its place – less than 10 months later – rose 15 months.

www.UtahUtes.com 27 Utah Football Rice-Eccles Stadium

of concrete to create the footings, foundations, “Voice of the Utes”), rooms for the public address press box towers and bowl seating, and placed and scoreboard operators, a statistics room, a 2,470 tons of structural steel and 3.7 million kitchen and a spacious dining area. Overhead, the pounds of rebar. roof does more than protect occupants from the The stadium’s progress soon became elements: It can hold 200 television cameras. apparent throughout the valley. One reason was “Clear down” at 4,657 feet above sea level the elevator towers on the west side, which were is the stadium floor, whose field matches the poured continuously 24 hours a day for seven stadium for its beauty and practicality. FieldTurf, days, and eventually rose to a height of 177 feet (the equivalent of 14 stories). Not long thereafter, a three-story, glass-enclosed “stadium box” connected the towers. The stadium box – encased behind a 400-square foot expanse of tempered glass – is serviced by four high-speed elevators. Stadium box ticket holders are treated to a sweeping panoramic view of the Wasatch Mountains to the east and downtown Salt Lake City, the Great Salt Lake and the Oquirrh Mountains to the west. The stadium box begins at level four with the Cleone and Spence Eccles Scholarship Box. Larry H. and Gail Miller donated $1.6 million for a It seats 450 people and features indoor-outdoor video display board that measures 22-feet-7-inches seating, as well as eight suites. Level five, the by 38-feet and allows for live video of game action, Mezzanine, is designated entirely for suite holders instant replays and graphics. and contains 17 suites. The suites have a roomy, THE UTAH EXPERIENCE THE UTAH comfortable seating area and are equipped with The total construction costs ran $50 million, televisions and refrigerators. They overlook the of which $10 million came from private gifts, $10 field behind a 10 foot high glass wall. Level six million from athletics department bonding, $12 boasts the Varsity Reception Room, which seats million from the University of Utah and $8 million 400. from the 2002 Salt Lake Olympic Committee. Also on level six is an expansive press area Layton Construction began the actual that can accommodate more than 150 media Suite holders enjoy a pre-game banquet on the rebuilding and expansion in June 1997 – working representatives. The John Mooney Working Press first level of the Scholarship Box (seats 450). around previously scheduled events like the Area, named in honor of the late Ute football entire 1997 Utah home football season. More than writer and Salt Lake Tribune sports editor, contains a synthetic product that feels and plays just like 900 construction workers and 45 sub-contractors three levels of seating. There are two television natural grass but is much more durable and were employed over the course of the project. booths, three radio booths (including the Bill weather resistant, was installed in 2002. The Utes Construction workers poured 30,000 cubic yards Marcroft Radio Booth, named after the former played on natural grass in 2000 and 2001 after experimenting with SportGrass (a hybrid natural grass and artificial turf) from 1995-99. From 1972- 95, Rice Stadium utilized AstroTurf. Utah’s home field record on the various surfaces: 237-109-15 on grass, 76-44-1 on artificial turf, 18-10-0 on SportsGrass and 22-6 on FieldTurf. The south end zone bleachers, built in 1982, contain the locker rooms, the Gary L. Crocker Stadium Club suite and a band room. The plaza behind the south end zone was renovated as Olympic Cauldron Park and dedicated on August 21, 2003. The 2002 Salt Lake Olympic Winter Games’ memorial contains the original cauldron that held the Olympic flame during the games; a 6,000 square foot visitor center, which includes a gallery, theater and ticket office; and Hoberman Arch, the famed backdrop for the awards ceremonies held downtown during the Olympics. Hoberman Arch is 75 feet long, 40 feet high and 5 feet wide. In June 2003, the final piece fell into place when Larry H. and Gail Miller donated $1.6 million for a video display system and new

28 2 0 0 7 M e d i a G u i d e Utah Football Rice-Eccles Stadium

Attendance Records Rice-Eccles Stadium Top Crowds 1. California 2003 46,768 2. Brigham Young 1998 45,634 3. Arizona 2005 45,528 4. Texas A&M 2004 45,419 5. Brigham Young 2006 45,330 6. Brigham Young 2004 45,326 7. North Carolina 2004 45,319 8. Utah State 1999 45,224 9. Boise State 2006 45,222

10. Brigham Young 2002 45,167 THE UTAH EXPERIENCE 11. Brigham Young 2000 45,064 12. Oregon 2003 44,676 13. Utah State 2005 44,639 14. Colorado State 2004 44,222 15. Louisville 1998 44,112

Utah Season Attendance Averages 1. 44,112 2004 2. 43,279 2006 3. 41,536 2005 4. 41,478 2003 Utah attracted its second-highest season attendance average of 43,279 fans per game in 2006. 5. 39,249 1999 6. 39,121 2000 scoreboards. The video display board measures home schedule. Teams like Arizona, Washington 7. 39.060 1998 22-feet-7-inches by 38-feet. The ProStar VideoPlus State, California, Oregon, Texas A&M, Louisville 8. 35,429 2002 LED display provides live video of game and North Carolina have already visited. Coming 9. 34,458 2001 action, instant replays and graphics. Including in the next two years are UCLA and Oregon State. 10. 32,310 1994 a scoreboard display and sponsor panels, the With the high profile opponents have come complete south end zone video display system new attendance marks. Eleven standing-room measures 44 by 58 feet. The existing auxiliary only crowds have exceeded Rice-Eccles Stadium’s scoreboards in the northeast and northwest corners official capacity of 45,017. In 2003, the Utes beat of Rice-Eccles Stadium were also upgraded to LED California 31-24 before a school-record 46,768 fans scoreboards. and a national ESPN television audience. The 2004 The new, larger stadium has allowed Ute Utes came close to filling the stadium every game, officials to craft an impressive non-conference averaging a school-record 44,112 spectators.

Mountain West Stadiums By Capacity

Brigham Young New Mexico Edwards Stadium seats 64,045 University Stadium seats 38,634

Air Force UNLV Falcon Stadium seats 46,551 Sam Boyd Stadium seats 36,800

San Diego State Colorado State Qualcomm Stadium seats 54,000 Hughes Stadium seats 34,000

Utah Wyoming Rice-Eccles Stadium seats 45,017 War Memorial Stadium seats 32,580

TCU Amon G. Carter Stadium seats 44,008 Rice-Eccles Stadium has a spacious press box that can accommodate 150 media representatives.

www.UtahUtes.com 29 Utah Football Football Practice Facilities

Spence Eccles Field House

• Groundbreaking: June, 2004 • Opened: November, 2004 • Cost: $6 million • Funding: Private ($2 million from Spence Eccles) • Size: 74,000 square feet • Field Dimensions: Regulation size • Height: 60 feet • Surface: FieldTurf • Location: Guardsman Way • Amenities: Reception area, restrooms, netting and batting cages for softball and baseball THE UTAH EXPERIENCE THE UTAH

McCarthey Practice Fields

• Two regulation sized fields, end-to-end • Surface: Natural grass • Funding: Private (Thomas K. McCarthey family)

30 2 0 0 7 M e d i a G u i d e Utah Football Smith Athletics Center THE UTAH EXPERIENCE

Dee Glen Smith Center

• Opened: Spring of 1991 • Location: Guardsman Way • Size: 33,000 square feet • Contains: Coaches offices, strength/conditioning, training/injury rehabilitation, equipment, meeting rooms, football locker room • Player Lounge Addition: 2004 • Locker Room Renovation: 2005 • Auditorium Renovation: 2005 • First Floor Renovation: 2007

www.UtahUtes.com 31 Utah Football Smith Athletics Center THE UTAH EXPERIENCE THE UTAH

32 2 0 0 7 M e d i a G u i d e Utah Football Smith Athletics Center THE UTAH EXPERIENCE

www.UtahUtes.com 33 Utah Football Strength & Conditioning

Strength & Conditioning At Utah THE UTAH EXPERIENCE THE UTAH • Elite training facility • Top level coaches • Four-member staff includes Director Doug Elisaia • 7,500 square foot glass enclosed facility • 16 full racks with Olympic platforms • Large dumbbell training area complete with 12 • 0-90 degree incline walk-up benches • Large cardiovascular area complete with tread- mills, cross trainers, stair steppers and spin bikes. • Various hammer strength accessory machines • Sports specific strength training equipment that includes two Austin leg drive sleds and two Gilman indoor rambacks. • Over 12,500 pounds of bumper plates • Over 12,000 pounds of free weights • Over 6,000 pounds of dumbbell weights • Over 2,000 pounds of dumbbell weights

Utah Strength and Conditioning Staff - Front Row (left to right): Jon Webster, Evan Simon, Greg Argust. Back Row: Director Doug Elisaia.

34 2 0 0 7 M e d i a G u i d e Utah Football Strength & Conditioning

Alex Smith Donates To Strength & Conditioning Center Expansion Principles Of The Program Utah’s strength and conditioning center is headed Strength Training for an expansion and renovation The idea is centered on accelerating quicker than thanks to a generous donation by our opponent. We will do this by concentrating on 2004 Heisman Trophy finalist Alex quick and explosive lifts, combined with quick and Smith. Smith, who quarterbacked explosive agility, sprint and plyometric drills. the University of Utah to the best season in school history before Speed Development becoming the NFL’s No. 1 draft Each running session will include accelera- pick in 2005, donated $500,000 for tion drills more than any other drills. The most the planned $1.5 million project. important aspect of speed development is the

When complete, the Alex athlete must work at maximal effort in each and THE UTAH EXPERIENCE Smith Strength and Conditioning every drill. Facility will encompass 11,000 square feet in the Dee Glen Flexibility Alex Smith returned to the University of Utah campus to announce Smith Athletics Center and will It is a traditional part of every strength and con- his $500,000 gift to help fund the expansion of the Utah strength feature new lifting stations and ditioning program. When the athlete is not able and conditioning center. cardiovascular conditioning space. to put a body joint through the proper range of motion, it can affect performance in various ways. What They Said “Utah is the only school that gave me a chance “Alex’s generosity and desire to help his Mental Toughness out of high school and this is where I developed college football team continue to be successful These weight training or conditioning sessions into what I am today. Even though I was only epitomizes his career as a student-athlete push the body way beyond comfort levels, and here for three years, I got my degree and I gained - second to none. Alex was not only a great in some cases, to utter exhaustion. This allows a lot of life experiences as well. I wanted to give football player, he was also an outstanding the student-athlete to develop capacity to push back to the school and people who changed my scholar, teammate and leader. I am thrilled that through barriers created by pain and fatigue. life.” Alex’s experience at Utah was such that he wants Conditioning - Alex Smith, Former Ute Quarterback to remain a part of our program.” Conditioning is best obtained by working the - Dr. Chris Hill, Director of Athletics energy system with volume. Conditioning should “This gift illustrates one of Alex’s greatest be cycled with light, medium and heavy days to characteristics – that of leadership. He clearly “Alex’s leadership – both on and off the field avoid over-training. Recovery is often better than demonstrated that leadership at Rice-Eccles – helped bring unprecedented success and work. Stadium. He continues to demonstrate it at recognition to the University during his playing Monster Park. And now he’s leading once again days here. I sincerely appreciate Alex’s continued Injury Prevention as a young alumnus giving back to his alma commitment to the success of the athletic mater. We are deeply grateful and very proud of programs and student-athletes at the University The Utah athlete will be expected to work harder Alex.” of Utah.” than anyone else when he/she is injured. We will work with the athletic training staff to coordinate - Michael Young, University of Utah President - Kyle Whittingham, Head Football Coach efforts to bring the athlete back to the playing field as quickly as possible.

Motivating We will coach in a very positive manner, always reinforcing our belief in an athlete as a champion in the making. No one out-works, out-hustles or has more ability than a Utah student-athlete.

www.UtahUtes.com 35 Utah Football Strength & Conditioning

Doug Elisaia Director of Strength & Conditioning

Doug Elisaia is in his second year as director of strength and conditioning at the University of Utah. Elisaia (pronounced ellee-sy-a), a member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association and the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association, spent one year as a Ute assistant before

THE UTAH EXPERIENCE THE UTAH his promotion in January of 2006. He came to Utah after three years at the University of Kentucky, where he was the head baseball—and assistant football—strength and conditioning coach from 2002-04. Prior to joining the Wildcat staff, Elisaia spent the 2000-01 seasons in a dual capacity at Wayne State as the defensive line coach and football strength and conditioning coach. He served in a similar capacity at McPherson College for the 1998-99 seasons. Elisaia played defensive tackle at Iowa Wesleyan from 1991-95—leading the team in tackles as a senior with 76 and earning NAIA Academic All- America honors. The three-year team captain graduated in 1996 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education and a minor in athletic training and coaching. Born in Redwood City, Calif., Elisaia was raised in Pago Pago, American Samoa. As a senior, he was named the American Samoa High School Athletics Association’s Scholar-Athlete of the Year. He was recognized by the government of American Samoa as the Outstanding Offensive Lineman at the Samoan Goodwill Games, held in Honolulu. The 35-year-old and his wife Leata have three daughters: Safua, Seleisa and Colleen, and one son, Samuelu.

36 2 0 0 7 M e d i a G u i d e Utah Football Competition Venues THE UTAH EXPERIENCE

Utah Competition Venues

• Rice-Eccles Stadium (football) • Huntsman Center (basketball, gymnastics) • Crimson Court (volleyball) • Ute Soccer Field • Ute Softball Field • Ute Natatorium (swimming, diving) • Eccles Tennis Center • Franklin Covey Field (baseball) • Ute Baseball Field

www.UtahUtes.com 37 Utah Football Salt Lake City

alt Lake City, home to the University Salt Lake City also joins forces with the nearby Great Weather S of Utah, merges the amenities of a resort town of Park City, Utah, to host the annual major metropolitan area with beautiful natural Sundance Film Festival. Sundance is the largest • 237 days of sunshine per year surroundings. With 181,743 residents, Salt independent film festival in the United States and • 15 percent humidity average Lake City is the largest city in the state and attracts movie stars, celebrities, and thousands of film buffs to the area every year. Average Temperature Highs its metro population of 1,333,914 ranks Professional sports provide yet another source of August 91 36th in the nation. However, Salt Lake City entertainment. Professional franchises in Salt Lake City September 80 maintains the charm of a small western city. include the Utah Jazz of the NBA, Real Salt Lake (Major October 66 Scenery, location, and cultural and recreational League Soccer) and the Utah Blaze (Arena Football November 50 opportunities help Salt Lake draw major events League). Other pro franchises in the city are the Salt December 38 Lake Bees (AAA baseball) and the Utah Grizzlies January 36 like the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. (hockey). February 42 One of the most beautiful cities in the world, Recreational opportunities abound and 10 national March 51 Salt Lake City offers majestic views in all directions. parks are a day’s drive from Salt Lake City. Fly fishing, April 61 To the east are the 11,500-foot peaks of the Wasatch backpacking, mountain biking and river running are a May 72 Mountains (“mountains of many waters,” as named by part of life in Salt Lake City. With four distinct seasons, June 84 the Paiute Indians), which are part July 93 of the Rocky Mountain range. To the west soar the Oquirrh Mountains (pronounced Oaker and meaning “the shining mountains”). The lowest point within the boundaries of the city is 4,210 feet near the Great Salt Lake, and the highest

THE UTAH EXPERIENCE THE UTAH is Grandview Peak, at 9,410 feet. The Great Salt Lake—which is 48 miles wide and 90 miles long—ranks as the world’s second largest saltwater lake and the largest lake in the western United States. Its unique geography is just one of Salt Lake City’s many impressive elements. Salt Lake City a humidity average of 15 percent and mostly sunny boasts the nation’s highest literacy rate, highest days, Salt Lake City offers pleasant weather conditions percentage of high school graduates and highest- year round. percentage of college-educated people. Salt Lake City’s charms are easily accessible National and international business even to those from out of state. Salt Lake International magazines have described Salt Lake City’s Airport is situated within a two and a half-hour flight economy as “visionary, vibrant and vigorous.” of half of the United States’ population. There are over City and State, which is published for local 800 scheduled daily flights serving more than 100 cities government officials, ranked Salt Lake No. with non-stop flights. The airport is located just 15 1 among 195 cities in terms of economic minutes from the University of Utah. strength. Salt Lake is the financial, educational, distribution, warehousing, commercial, cultural Karl Malone led the Utah Jazz to and communications hub of the Intermountain region. two NBA Finals and earned two It is the center to world-renowned medical and MVP awards before retiring in technological industries. 2005. Tourism is also a huge economic boon to the state, with the travel and tourism-related industries providing over 112,000 jobs. Many of those are associated with the eight world-class ski resorts located less than 40 miles from downtown Salt Lake. Cultural and ethnic activities flourish in Salt Lake City. Downtown is home to art galleries, professional symphony, opera, theater and dance. It is a stopover for numerous Broadway shows, as well as ethnic festivals throughout the year. Some of the annual cultural events are the Blues Festival, Greek Festival, Hispanic Fiesta Ten national parks are within a few hours’ drive of Salt Days, Bluegrass Festival and Living Traditions Festival. Lake City.

38 2 0 0 7 M e d i a G u i d e