These are the guys that set the standard and established the tradition. To be supported by them is pretty special. – BYU quarterback Tanner Mangum, on Alumni Day
PROVO — As the final practice of spring ball concluded at LaVell Edwards Stadium on a sunny and crisp Friday morning, BYU players and coaches turned to the east stands and serenaded the 300 former players in attendance with an enthusiastic rendition of the school fight song.
And with that, the Cougars capped their first spring practices under first-year coach Kalani Sitake.
The last practice was held in conjunction with annual Alumni Day festivities. Many more former players were expected arrive on campus later in the day and spend time around the program for various activities.
Sitake was happy to see so many former Cougars supporting the program.
“It’s huge for us. They built this place. We’re in the stadium because of all of the hard work and sacrifice they’ve made,” he said. “I want our players to be thankful for the people that came before them and be grateful for everything they have. It also helps with recruiting. A lot of these guys are good examples of what this program puts out. It’s exciting to have the alumni back.”
Friday marked BYU’s 15th practice of the spring, and the players soon will participate in summer workouts before reconvening in August for the start of fall camp. The Cougars kick off the season against Arizona at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sept. 3 in Glendale, Arizona.
Sitake said holding a couple of practices this week after last Saturday’s spring game was important in terms of his team’s development.
“They’ve been really big for us, especially being able to evaluate the spring game and see what we can do differently and preparing for the season,” he said. “We were able to put together our game plan going into Arizona. There’s a little bit of excitement in these last three practices because our players know this is the stuff we’ll be working with once we start the season.”
Overall, Sitake saw improvement from his team, which was able to enhance its depth. “We were able to develop young guys and get them some valuable reps,” Sitake said. “It was a really good, productive spring for us.”
Quarterback Tanner Mangum agreed that the post-spring game practices have helped the team.
“Just being able to see the spring game at game speed and be able to learn from that and make some adjustments so we can finish talking about that and take it into the offseason and focus on those things,” he said.
Sitake was particularly impressed with the offensive line Friday and the way it performed throughout the spring with its blocking schemes in the run game.
“(Friday) was our best day so far as our O-line blocking. They’ve surprised me with the progress and development and technique we’re asking them to do,” Sitake said. “Overall, I’m happy with where the team stands right now and I think we’re right on track of where we need to be.”
After practice, BYU players and alumni milled around on the field for an impromptu reunion.
“I’ve got to find guys from my era — the guys who are balding,” offensive coordinator Ty Detmer joked between handshakes and hugs.
Among the former players in attendance were Max Hall, Eric Drage, Andy Boyce, Daniel Coats, Matt Payne and David Nixon. Of course, most of BYU's new coaching staff is comprised of Cougar alums.
For linebacker Harvey Langi, the support his team received from the alumni was inspiring.
“Seeing all these guys who have come out here and played amazing games and done amazing plays,” he said, “those are the films that we still watch. To see them in person, shake their hands and give them a hug, it’s humbling. I’m way grateful that all of them are here. It’s an amazing experience to have them all here.”
“These are the guys that set the standard and established the tradition. To be supported by them is pretty special,” Mangum said. “I picture myself 20 or 30 years down the road coming back and still having this brotherhood. It’s pretty cool that, regardless of how long that we’ve played, you’re a brother. You’re part of that BYU family. I’m lucky to be part of it. We all are. It’s cool to gather together like this and have that connection.”
EMAIL: jeffc@deseretnews.com