Bronco Mendenhall was just a little tyke when he first met Davis Knight.
It's been more than 25 years but the new BYU defensive coordinator, who is known for his intensity at building unity among players, remembers that day as if it were yesterday.
"I was playing on a little league all-star team from Alpine," Bronco recalls." "And we were playing in a tournament in Grantsville. I made a play at second base. After the game this man came up, took my hand in his bigger hand and shook it. He said, 'That was a great play you made out there.'"
The voice came from Davis Knight, who later became Bronco's head football coach at American Fork High. The moment is frozen forever for Bronco. It made his day, his summer, his life.
This past week, Knight finished 36 years as a football coach and educator at American Fork High. He'll still be at it in years to come. They say Knight's never missed a day of work — with the exception of personal leave days for funerals, coaching clinics and the like.
Knight's seen a myriad of outstanding athletes go through his teams, including Mendenhall, the Hansen boys (Brian, Bruce, Regan, Troy and Travis). He's developed major college coaches like Mendenhall and Northwestern's Darrell Vest. His players have been team captains in major college programs including BYU, Hawaii, Utah, Arizona and Oregon to name a few. He's had NFL players like Derrick Smith (Redskins) and has had baseball players drafted into the majors, including his son Brock. Another son, Colby, will be the head coach at Payson High next fall.
Knight epitomizes what a coach and leader of young men should be. He respects the game and balances what it provides with what it teaches.
Mendenhall and Knight's son, Brock, became lifelong buddies. Brock could get his father's keys and get into the school gym to work out. He got to see coach Knight close up. And he learned his profession from a master.
"It wouldn't surprise me a bit that he's put in 36 years without missing a day," Mendenhall said. "I don't think there is a coach anywhere in that time that has the player's best interest at heart more than coach Knight. He does a fantastic job of creating experiences and teaching lessons that you never forget."
Knight, who watched the class of 2003 walk on Friday, has taught social studies, speech, English, weightlifting, history, psychology, law, U.S. history and has been a debate coach.
He doesn't like cutting kids from his roster. It has nothing to do with avoiding being the bad guy. When they get to be juniors and seniors, he goes out of his way to make room for players "so they can get a taste" of football.
"I've been fortunate to be involved with a great community over the years and I've cherished my experiences," Knight said.
American Fork is lucky to have Knight. He's been a rock for so long. He started as an assistant to Don Mower who later moved aside and became Knight's assistant.
Knight is currently serving in an LDS Branch Presidency at the Mission Training Center in Provo. "When you speak there, those guys take notes," Knight said, laughing.
With 36 years racked up, you'd think he'd be worn down and tired, keeping summers for himself. Nope, not Knight. He's already got players for next fall signed up with summer camps from Utah State to SUU, the first in a couple of weeks.
"He builds a real toughness and discipline I'd consider his strength," Mendenhall said.
Knight believes sports can provide good, solid lessons, building blocks for youth. But it doesn't have to be football. "There are lot of kids who feel football isn't for them. They've got the auto shop, the band or other activities that are just as important."
But Knight loves football. He understands the dynamics of what it brings to the minds and souls of young men.
"Only a few will ever get a college scholarship or make it to the pros," Knight says. "But kids can be exposed to experiences that will teach them and it takes a lot of intelligence and skill."
Many times, when former players come up to Knight and start talking about their wives, kids or careers, they always tie it into some experience they had in a game. It may be a last-minute winning drive, stopping an opponent at a critical time, or a challenge overcome. "They draw from it, refer to it and they've learned," he said.
In simple terms, the puzzle comes together — this sports and manhood thing. And Knight's got it figured out. Just ask around.
Bronco certainly got it.
"Coach Knight taught me things I'll use for the rest of my life in whatever I do and they've been valuable to draw upon over the years," Mendenhall said.
As the school year ends, it's time to take some time to credit coaches/teachers like Davis Knight, people who contribute far more than they are paid to our local sports scene.
So, Knight's got a streak of 36 years going. Good, Knight, here's a salute for you and others like you: Keep adding these seasons up for many more to come.
E-MAIL: dharmon@desnews.com