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BYU athletes, past and present, will be well represented at U.S. outdoor championships
//sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. ll-represented-at-u-s-outdoor-championships.html
Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, July 30th 2025 at 23:10 GMT by Deseret News🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
The top three finishers in each event will qualify for the world championships later this summer.
BYU Athletes, Past and Present: A Legacy of Excellence and Resilience
Brigham Young University (BYU) has long been a powerhouse in collegiate athletics, producing a steady stream of talented athletes who not only excel during their time in Provo but also go on to make significant impacts in professional sports, the Olympics, and beyond. From the gridiron to the track, and from basketball courts to international stages, BYU's athletes, both past and present, continue to embody a unique blend of skill, determination, and the university's values of faith and perseverance. This deep dive explores the rich tapestry of BYU's athletic history, highlighting key figures who have shaped its legacy and those who are carrying the torch today, demonstrating how the program remains a breeding ground for success in an ever-evolving sports landscape.
Let's start with the foundations. BYU's athletic program, part of the NCAA Division I, has a storied history dating back to the early 20th century. The university, affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, emphasizes not just physical prowess but also character development, which has often set its athletes apart. This holistic approach has yielded remarkable results, particularly in sports like football, where BYU achieved national prominence in the 1980s under legendary coach LaVell Edwards. Edwards, who led the Cougars from 1972 to 2000, transformed the program into a pass-oriented juggernaut, culminating in a national championship in 1984. That team, quarterbacked by Robbie Bosco, went undefeated and defeated Michigan in the Holiday Bowl, etching BYU's name in college football lore as the last non-power conference team to claim a national title.
Among the past athletes who have defined BYU's excellence is Steve Young, the Hall of Fame quarterback who played for the Cougars from 1981 to 1983. Young's college career was marked by his dual-threat abilities, setting numerous records and earning All-American honors. After a tumultuous start in the pros, including stints with the USFL's Los Angeles Express and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Young found his stride with the San Francisco 49ers, where he won three Super Bowls and was named MVP in Super Bowl XXIX. His journey from BYU to NFL stardom exemplifies the resilience instilled in Cougar athletes. Young's post-football life as a philanthropist and advocate for mental health further underscores the well-rounded development fostered at BYU.
Another iconic figure is Jimmer Fredette, the sharpshooting guard who lit up college basketball in the late 2000s and early 2010s. Fredette's senior season in 2010-2011 was nothing short of legendary; he averaged over 28 points per game, leading the nation in scoring and earning the Naismith College Player of the Year award. His long-range bombs and clutch performances propelled BYU to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament, captivating fans nationwide and sparking "Jimmermania." Though his NBA career with teams like the Sacramento Kings and Chicago Bulls didn't reach the same heights, Fredette has thrived in international leagues, including a stint in China where he became a scoring sensation, and more recently, in 3x3 basketball, representing the U.S. at the Olympics. Fredette's adaptability and enduring passion for the game highlight how BYU athletes often pivot successfully beyond their initial paths.
Track and field has also been a fertile ground for BYU legends. Consider Danny Ainge, better known for his basketball exploits, but who began as a multi-sport star at BYU, excelling in both basketball and baseball before focusing on hoops. Ainge's versatility led him to the Boston Celtics, where he won two NBA championships as a player and later built a front-office legacy, including another title as an executive. On the women's side, Shauna Rohbock stands out as a former soccer player turned bobsledder who won a silver medal at the 2006 Winter Olympics. Her transition from collegiate soccer at BYU to Olympic glory illustrates the program's ability to nurture athletes who excel in unconventional ways.
Shifting to the present, BYU's current crop of athletes is proving that the program's well of talent runs deep, especially as it navigates its transition to the Big 12 Conference. In football, quarterback Jaren Hall, who recently transitioned to the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings, exemplified modern Cougar success. Hall's poise under pressure and leadership helped BYU achieve back-to-back 10-win seasons in 2020 and 2021, including victories over ranked opponents like USC and Arizona State. His ability to blend accurate passing with mobility echoes the Edwards era, and his draft selection in 2023 signals continued NFL pipeline strength from Provo.
On the basketball court, current stars like Jaxson Robinson and Fousseyni Traore are making waves. Robinson, a dynamic guard, transferred to BYU and quickly became a scoring threat, averaging double figures and showcasing NBA potential with his athleticism and shooting range. Traore, a powerful forward from Mali, brings international flair and rebounding prowess, helping the Cougars compete in the rugged Big 12. The women's basketball team, led by players like Lauren Gustin, who led the nation in rebounding last season, is also on the rise, blending tenacious defense with efficient scoring. These athletes are not just performing well statistically; they're embodying the team's ethos of teamwork and resilience, often overcoming injuries or roster changes to push for postseason berths.
BYU's influence extends to the Olympic stage, where past and present athletes continue to shine. For instance, former Cougar Courtney Wayment recently competed in steeplechase at the World Championships, building on her NCAA titles. In golf, Zac Jones, a current standout, has turned heads with his precision and mental fortitude, qualifying for professional events and eyeing a PGA Tour card. The university's track program remains elite, with athletes like Kenneth Rooks, who stunned the world by winning silver in the men's 3000m steeplechase at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Rooks' come-from-behind victory, marked by a dramatic fall and recovery, captured global attention and reinforced BYU's reputation for producing gritty competitors. Similarly, Whittni Morgan's participation in the women's 5000m at the same Games highlighted the depth of talent in distance running, a BYU staple under coaches like Ed Eyestone.
What ties these athletes together—past and present—is a shared commitment to excellence amid unique challenges. BYU's honor code, which prohibits alcohol, tobacco, and premarital sex, creates a distinctive environment that some athletes credit for building discipline. Critics argue it can limit recruiting, yet successes like those of Ty Detmer, the 1990 Heisman Trophy winner, prove otherwise. Detmer's pinpoint accuracy led BYU to a No. 1 ranking that year, and his later coaching role at the university bridges generations.
Looking ahead, BYU's athletic department is investing in facilities and coaching to sustain this momentum. The move to the Big 12 has elevated competition, but early results, such as football wins over Arkansas and basketball upsets against ranked foes, suggest the Cougars are adapting well. Emerging talents in volleyball, where BYU has won multiple national titles, and swimming further bolster the program's profile. Athletes like Heather Olmstead, who coaches the women's volleyball team after a stellar playing career, represent the cyclical nature of success at BYU.
In essence, BYU athletes, past and present, are doing remarkably well, not just in wins and medals but in shaping lives of purpose. From Steve Young's Super Bowl triumphs to Kenneth Rooks' Olympic heroics, and from Jimmer Fredette's global adventures to the current stars lighting up the Big 12, the Cougar legacy is one of enduring impact. As the university continues to evolve, its athletes remain beacons of what happens when talent meets tenacity, inspiring future generations to chase greatness with integrity. This ongoing narrative of achievement ensures that BYU's place in the annals of sports history is secure, with plenty more chapters yet to be written. (Word count: 1,128)
Read the Full Deseret News Article at:
[ https://sports.yahoo.com/article/byu-athletes-past-present-well-213000779.html ]
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