BYU head coach Kalani Sitake during Big 12 NCAA college football media days in Las Vegas, Wednesday, July 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Lucas Peltier) | Lucas Peltier
LAS VEGAS — A jovial, wise-cracking Kalani Sitake stole the show at the Big 12 football media days a year ago in Arlington, Texas, using his typical self-deprecating and easygoing style to introduce himself to media members who cover the league.
It was a different Sitake, in that respect, who showed up Wednesday at this year’s conference talk-fest at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
BYU’s nine-year boss was a bit more defiant, more resolved, and more serious this time around. That’s what an 11th place finish and the accompanying 2-7 record that produced it in a Power Four league will do to a guy, apparently.
A year after the Deseret News reported that Sitake “charms, entertains reporters” at the home of the Dallas Cowboys, he was still affable and playful at the home of the Las Vegas Raiders, but also solemn and resolute.
Asked about that subtle change of demeanor as the two-day event was winding down Wednesday, Sitake said it wasn’t by design.
“I crack jokes all the time, man. Last year, we were kind of the new guys still. That was our first time being in media day,” he explained. “So I still got jokes. You just have to ask me the right questions. Maybe you guys are the ones that are more serious, asking me more serious questions.
“But no, I feel like I am the same person still. Yes, there is definitely a sense of urgency now that we know what we are up against in the Big 12. I am excited, more than anything. I may look serious, but I am excited,” he continued. “I have a hard time just talking about it. Talk can be really cheap. I just want to get to the season, get to the games, and see all the hard work (pay off) for our guys.”
Said…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/more-resolved-somewhat-defiant-kalani-004238053.html
Author : Deseret News
Publish date : 2024-07-11 00:42:38
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
