BYU Football Head Coach Kalani Sitake addressed the Marriott Center crowd during half time of BYU Basketball’s game against LMU.
PROVO – Saturday is the final day for football recruits to make official visits before National Signing Day on February 1st. The BYU Football team and recruits attended Saturday night’s basketball game as part of the weekend’s events.
Linebacker Butch Pau’u and Quarterback Tanner Mangum thanked fans for their support during the football season and promised “big things to come” for the upcoming season.
Following their remarks, BYU Football head coach Kalani Sitake spoke to the crowd. He thanked them for being a part of the ride in his first year as the head coach and also talked about the past, present, and future of BYU football.
“First, I want to thank the seniors for all their hard work and dedication to this program. We wish them all the best of luck in their future endeavors and they will ALWAYS know that BYU is their home,” Sitake started.
“With that said, we are really excited about our returning roster,” he added. “They’ve been working really in the weight room, getting ready for spring ball, and August will be right around the corner.”
And with the recruits in attendance, Sitake mentioned his excitement for the future.
“We’re excited for the new faces that we get to join the family here soon,” Sitake said as he pointed to the recruits in the stands.
Sitake then honored his friend, coach, and mentor, LaVell Edwards who passed away one month ago.
“I just want to thank Coach Edwards and his family for all the hard work and everything they’ve done for BYU that we get to enjoy today,” said an emotional Sitake. “We hope to continue the tradition and the legacy that he established here decades ago and we’re going to enjoy doing it in his stadium.”
To close out his remarks, Sitake recognized all those who have supported BYU from fans, to administrators, to the athletes from other teams.
“Finally, I just want to speak on behalf of the team. We have our players, our coaches, our support staff, and all of our families and tell everyone involved with BYU – whether you’re an administrator, faculty/staff, a fan, and especially a member of the best student section in the world – the ROC, the rowdy, rowdy ROC – we are all BYU, we are all BYU fans and you have the power to make things great. You are what’s good about sports. Thank you to our BYU family,” said Sitake.
Until football begins, Sitake encouraged fans to support all of BYU athletics and bring the same passion that is brought in support of the football team as it’s unlike any other program in the country.
“Our time will come in August, but in the meantime, support all of our athletic teams, all of our men’s and women’s teams that need our support because YOU guys motivate us. No matter whether we play in Provo or anywhere else in the country, home is always where we play because we have the best support and the best fans everywhere. Thank you.”
