The state of Utah lost one of its true legends this past weekend when Dave Kragthorpe died at age 93 in Montgomery, Texas, where he lived in an assisted living facility near his grandson, Christopher.
His son Kurt recently retired from the Salt Lake Tribune after a long career as a sportswriter and sports editor for the state’s major newspapers, including the Deseret News.
Dave Kragthorpe, a former Utah State football player for the Aggies, was one of the first hires made by the late legend LaVell Edwards, who made him offensive line coach and assistant head coach. He was the head coach at Oregon State from 1985 to 1990.
Coach Kragthorpe will be remembered not only for his tremendous football knowledge but his kindness, humility and lifelong friendships. He was a man without guile, a God-fearing man who followed the counsel to love others as he would himself.
Kind, always giving, Kragthorpe’s influence on others bridged decades not only in the sports business, but in the communities he lived. He was approachable, trustworthy and as dependable as the tides, a Swiss watch, and gravity.
You can find his résumé and obituary elsewhere. Please do.
But, in this short space, let’s examine his actual mark.
I first met Dave’s son Kurt when I first worked at the Provo Daily Herald as a reporter in the late 1970s. Kurt was going to Provo High and would come in before the sun rose to roll and file Associated Press ticker tape off the wire.
Kurt is the epitome of his father in every way that counts and later became one of the state’s top sports personalities, an accomplished journalist. Today, he remains the state’s most respected sports historian, especially with golf.
Dave Kragthorpe’s passing is a milestone for Utah sports, especially in Logan, where he spent a good part of his life. He will be missed.
Almost every time I’d see Kurt, I’d ask about his father. Kurt often answered that his father had aged and the end was close. He always spoke of his father with respect and reverence, as he should. Both are first-class human beings.
I first learned of his passing from a former player, an all-time great BYU running back in the ’70s, who was recruited to Provo by coach Kragthorpe. His name is Jeff Blanc.
I’ve spoken to Blanc over the years, dialing him up for stories or reunion information or numbers of players in his era, and he’d never fail to talk about coach Kragthorpe. He spoke of him like he was some kind of Greek god, a man who literally changed his life.
This week, Blanc’s words about his former coach were impactful and heartfelt.
“It was 1973 and I was in my senior year at Borah High School,” said Blanc. “During my English class, I was summoned to the principal’s office. My English teacher asked, ‘Jeff, what have you done?’ I answered that I hadn’t done anything wrong.”
Blanc headed down to meet with the principal and he was scared to death.
“As I walked in there, there was this tree of a man standing in the corner. My principal, Mr. Jamison, introduced me to Dave Kragthorpe. Mr. Jamison said this man was the assistant head coach at BYU and he wanted to offer me a four-year scholarship to play football at BYU.”
Blanc said that day started a relationship with Kragthorpe that has lasted 53 years — most of his life.
“He has always been like a father to me ever since I met him. His sons Kurt and Steve were like brothers to me. Two of my daughters went to Utah State and lived with Dave and his wife Barbara in their basement.”
Blanc got a phone call from Kurt after his father’s death. He said the announcement broke his heart.
“He was one of the most Christ-like men I have ever known. I have shed many tears this week. I can’t quit crying. Barbara called me as well to make sure I knew. She didn’t know Kurt had already contacted me. Kurt was in Texas.
“A true legend has left us. I am so sad.”
In 2019, Blanc was inducted into Borah High School’s Football Hall of Fame.
“Guess who drove to Boise from Logan? Dave and Barbara Kragthorpe,” Blanc said. “I will never forget that night. They have supported me and my children ever since, never missed a wedding or special event. I don’t know many players that have been as blessed as I have. Dave Kragthorpe and LaVell Edwards, both of Utah State fame, have always had my back. Those two men are from the same mold.”
Blanc is just one.
He’s just one story, part of a chapter in the life of Kragthorpe. Imagine how many other stories of young men, young women, players, coaches, friends and associates who have tales to share of their personal relationship with a man who had the golden touch like Kragthorpe.
The chapters would pile up, the book would grow thick and heavy.
Relationships are everything,
Repeat. Relationships. Relationships. Relationships.
They are the fabric that makes life worth living. And when you have woven your way into the life-space of others, you’ve created a mosaic that lasts forever, and won a great battle on terra firma.
This is what should be remembered about this master weaver, Dave Kragthorpe.
We can all learn from his fine life. He lived the sermon, walked the talk.
And remember this in his passing.
Prayers go out to Kurt, Kurt’s mother Barbara, and the rest of the family.
