Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah football coach Kyle Whittingham says he’s never met anyone in football with more passion for the game than BYU coach Kalani Sitake.
Sitake says that when Whittingham finally does retire, he should be admitted into the Hall of Fame at both Utah and BYU, the school for which Whittingham played.
When these coaches of rival football programs in the Beehive State — schools that belong to the same conference, the Big 12 in this case, for the first time since the 2010 season — say they are best friends, they really mean it.
That was evident at Monday’s golf competition at Hidden Valley Country Club in Sandy to raise $50,000 for the National Kidney Foundation of Utah and Idaho.
“Oh yeah, he is my guy. We are the closest of friends, and that will never change — hopefully,” Whittigham said.
Added Sitake: “I am glad we are in the same conference, and I am glad we are still really good friends. I love this guy.”
Master of ceremonies Scott Mitchell asked each coach to name one thing they have learned from, or respect about, the other, and the answers were emotional and heartfelt.
The responses have been edited for clarity:
Whittingham on Sitake: “He was my second hire when I (took over for Urban Meyer). The first was Gary Andersen, who was already on the staff. We elevated him to defensive coordinator.
“Gary was bragging about Kalani and encouraging us to take a hard look at him, because Kalani was with Gary at SUU.
“And so I brought him up for an interview, and it was very evident from the first interview that this is a guy that we needed in the program. He talks about him not being here if it wasn’t for me. I probably wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him. He helped lay the groundwork at Utah for what we have been able to accomplish.
“He did a great job as the…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/close-friends-kalani-sitake-kyle-181500938.html
Author : Deseret News
Publish date : 2024-06-07 18:15:00
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