Crimson Club Magazine - April 2023

We hope you enjoy the first issue of our redesigned Crimson Club Magazine! Get the details on the ski team's NCAA title run and Pac-12 championships in women's basketball and gymnastics. America First Credit Union is featured in our donor spotlight. Notes on Spring Football and other Utah Athletics news.

M A G A Z I

N E

Women’s Alpine skier Madison Hoffman won both the slalom and giant slalom at the NCAA Championships

APRIL 2023

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M A G A Z I N E

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Rob Clark, Ph.D. Associate A.D. for Development Gavin Van Wagoner Assistant A.D. for NIL and Major Gifts Jared Heldt Director of Major Gifts Sean Farrell Associate A.D. for Sales and Development Mike Lageschulte Director of the Crimson Club Joelle J. Ferguson Associate Director of the Crimson Club Darrell Peters Senior Development Officer Corey Bond Development Officer Garrett Dziedzic Development Officer Joshua Joines Development Officer

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8 Skiing

12 Women’s Basketball

Fourth consecutive NCAA team title and four individual championships

First Pac-12 title and third NCAA Sweet 16 in program history

How to Access Your Crimson Club Membership Card

1. Open Utah Tickets App 2. Crimson Club Member 3. Tap Membership 4. Present your moblie device to receive membership perks

Mailing Address Crimson Club Jon M. Huntsman Center 1825 E. South Campus Drive Salt Lake City, UT 84112

16 Gymnastics

24 Donor Spotlight America First Credit Union supports Utes with Wings

Third straight Pac-12 Championship and on to NCAAs

Phone 801-585-8837

Email crimsonclub@huntsman.utah.edu

Contents Spring Football Update Athletics Department News

Online www.CrimsonClub.Utah.edu

2 4 7

In Memoriam - Don Reddish and Dirk Facer

Sports Updates

20 25 26

U Giving Day Recap

Crimson Club Benefits Chart

Spring Football

Utah Football Opens Spring Drills Two-time defending Pac-12 Conference champions return 18 players who started at least five games last season

will continue to plug holes for the Utes with defensive ends Connor O’Toole, Jonah Elliss and Van Fillinger all returning as well. Mainstays in cornerback JaTravis Broughton and Cole Bishop are back for another year with Sione Vaki and Ritchie also fitting into the mix in a powerful secondary unit. Newcomer Notes Utah signed a top 25 recruiting class during national signing day this year that included nine four-stars and 10 three-stars along with several key transfers. While not all of the signing class will be present during spring practices, linebacker Owen Chambliss, defensive end Logan Fano, offensive lineman Spencer Fano, safety Johnathan Hall, quarterback Mack Howard, wide receiver Mikey Matthews, kicker Cole Becker and cornerback Miles Battle will all hit the gridiron with the Utes this spring.

On the heels of winning its second-straight Pac-12 Championship in 2022, the champs are back at work as Utah football team opened spring practices on March 21. Spring practices will run from March 21 to the spring game on April 22 (tickets and information on page 4). 2022 Season Rewind Back-to-back champs has a nice ring to it as the Utes became just the third team in Pac-12 Conference history to win back- to-back championship games in 2021 and 2022. In 2022, Utah claimed its seventh 10-win season under head coach Kyle Whittingham, finishing the year leading the Pac-12 in eight different statistical categories. The Utes led the Pac-12 and ranked second

in the FBS in first downs offense while averaging 38.6 points per game which ranked 11th in the FBS. On defense, the Utes ranked second in the Pac-12 in scoring defense, rushing defense and total defense, also leading the league in sacks and tackles for loss. Looking Forward Utah has a 12-game slate in the fall of 2023, starting with its season opener against Florida on Thursday, Aug. 31 in Rice- Eccles Stadium. The Utes’ non- conference schedule includes two Power Five programs (Florida, Baylor) with Utah also hosting a total of seven home games this year. Utah has sold out Rice-Eccles Stadium in 76 consecutive games, dating back to the 2010 season opener. Utah has been undefeated

at home the last two seasons and will look to continue that streak against Florida on Aug. 31. Spring Leadership The Utes announced its spring captains and leadership council for camp with Cameron Rising, Brant Kuithe, Cole Bishop and Karene Reid all earning captain status. Kuithe, Bishop, Rising and Reid are joined by Thomas Yassmin, Junior Tafuna, Lander Barton, Ja’Quinden Jackson, Keaton Bills, Bryson Barnes, Devaughn Vele, Connor O’Toole, Sione Vaki, Miki Suguturaga, Sataoa Laumea and Nate Ritchie on the spring leadership council. The Utah Man Kyle Whittingham, the longest-tenured coach in the Pac- 12 Conference and the second- longest tenured head coach at the same school in the FBS, is headed into his 19th season at the helm. He holds an overall record of 154-74 as the all-time wins leader at Utah. Utah has finished with a winning record in 16 of his 18 years as head coach, including in nine straight. He has coached 34 players to All-America teams and 103 first-team all-conference selections with the Utes finishing in the final CFP Top 25 seven times, including Utah’s highest- ever finish at No. 8 in 2022.

Quarterback Cam Rising and Kyle Whittingham will lead the Utes this fall.

mission after he started all five games as a true freshman in 2020. From the offensive side, the Utes bring back weapons all over the field including quarterback Cameron Rising, running backs Ja’Quinden Jackson, Micah Bernard and Jaylon Glover, wide receivers Devaughn Vele and Money Parks, and tight ends Kuithe and Thomas Yassmin. On defense, defensive tackles Junior Tafuna and Aliki Vimahi

New On The Sidelines Utah fans will see a new face on the sidelines this spring with Alvis Whitted starting his first year with the Ute wide receivers. Whitted comes to Utah after spending the past three seasons as the wide receivers coach at Wisconsin, helping the Badgers to three bowl wins during his time in Madison. Whitted has also spent time coaching with the Green Bay Packers and at Colorado State where he coached two Biletnikoff Award finalists and consensus All-Americans Rashard Higgins The Utes return 61 letter winners from last season, including 18 (8 offense, 10 defense) players who started at least five games last season. Along with the returning starters from last season, the Utes will welcome back senior tight end Brant Kuithe from injury and safety Nate Ritchie from his church and Michael Gallup. Reliable Returners

2023 Utah Football Schedule Aug. 31 (Thu) Florida

Salt Lake City Waco, Texas Salt Lake City Salt Lake City Corvallis, Ore. Salt Lake City Los Angeles Salt Lake City Salt Lake City

Sept. 9 (Sat) Sept. 16 (Sat) Sept. 23 (Sat) Sept. 29 (Fri) Oct. 14 (Sat) Oct. 21 (Sat) Oct. 28 (Sat) Nov. 4 (Sat) Nov. 11 (Sat) Nov. 18 (Sat) Nov. 25 (Sat)

at Baylor

Weber State

UCLA *

at Oregon State *

California *

at USC * Oregon *

Arizona State * at Washington *

Seattle

at Arizona * Colorado *

Tucson, Ariz. Salt Lake City

*-Pac-12 Conference game

CRIMSON CLUB MAGAZINE APRIL 2023

Athletics Department News

Ultimate Tailgate Championship Returns

Utah Football Spring Game Named 22 Forever Game

Tailgates of all sizes are welcome with fans able to sign up for small, media or large spots in the West Lot of Rice-Eccles Stadium. The lot will open at 6 a.m. for all tailgaters with those that registered receiving a custom tailgate flag upon entry. The top tailgates will be selected and recognized at halftime of this year’s 22 Forever Game. Fans that have entered the competition will receive a confirmation email with the location of their tailgate spot, which will be reserved on a first- come, first-served basis. The competition is free to all who register in advance. Fans must be registered to be admitted into the lot.

The Utah Football program was met with two tragedies within 10 months of each other in 2020 and 2021, but out of those tragedies, a legacy was born. To be infectiously optimistic, to be 22-percent better every day, to remember them and all of those that we have lost – and to smile.

will be something I keep with me forever.” “22-percent is a reminder not to take life for granted and to make the most out of every day,” defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley said. “Aaron and Ty lived life with a smile, even when it may have been painful to do so. Their legacy is an example of competitive excellence filled with an immense amount of gratitude for the simple things, and because of them, I fight to improve every day.” The Utes continue to honor the legacy of Lowe and Jordan through the Moment of Loudness at home games, even taking the tradition on the road to the Pac-12 Championship game and the Rose Bowl the last two seasons. The phrase 22-percent better was born in the team meeting room and at Lowe’s Celebration of Life in Mesquite, Texas. It was there that cornerbacks coach Sharrieff Shah made a promise. “I will be 22-percent better in all of the capacities that God has placed me in. That’s Aaron to me. That was Aaron to all of his brother that sat here, every single coach that loved him. That was Aaron. So as I sit down, I just want you to remember to please live as Aaron lived. Be infectiously optimistic, not just positive, be infectiously optimistic.” Tickets are available below or by calling or texting the Utah Ticket Office at 801-581-8849. Tickets are 4 for $22 with single tickets also available.

The Ultimate Tailgate Championship is back! On April 22 before the 22 Forever Game, fans can compete for the title once again with the best tailgate taking home the top prize.

Ty Jordan and Aaron Lowe were the epitome of infectious optimism, and because of that legacy, Utah’s annual spring game will be rebranded as the 22 Forever Game. The past two seasons, Utah’s spring game proceeds have gone to the 22 Forever Memorial Scholarship, and that tradition will continue on April 22. The number 22 was officially retired in 2021, but the meaning behind the number has lived on in the fans, the coaches and the players. “22 Forever means that we let Ty and Aaron’s legacy live on by how we live our lives,” linebacker Karene Reid said. “It means that we don’t take this life we have for granted. It is beyond football. It is about family and being there for the ones we love. 22-percent is also a commitment to being that much better in everything we are a part of. It is about showing gratitude in the way that we work.” “For me, 22 Forever and 22-percent better means so much to me about work ethic,” safety Cole Bishop said. “I never got the opportunity to meet Ty, but I did meet and play with Aaron. He was always a hard worker. Him no longer being able to play has motivated me to treat every day like it is my last. It

Jared Heldt Joins Crimson Club as Director of Major Gifts

Palouse, he focused on major gift fundraising efforts for WSU Athletics’ priorities such as upgrading the football locker room and volleyball court in addition to large capital projects including a new basketball arena, indoor practice facility, and an academics and mental health center for WSU student-athletes. Prior to WSU, Heldt served as a development assistant for the University of Nebraska, where he focused on prospect management, data analysis, and donor stewardship for the Huskers Athletic Fund and National Leadership Society. He was also a member of the Nebraska spirit squad as a cheerleader and earned his master’s in business administration specializing in intercollegiate athletic administration. Originally from Cottonwood Heights, Heldt majored in business management at the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business and was a member of the Utah spirit team. He was a SAAC representative, served on the MUSS Board, and interned with the Crimson Club.

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U alum and former spirit team captain Jared Heldt has joined the Crimson Club as the director of major gifts. He is responsible for the development of philanthropic major gifts supporting the 550-plus Ute student-athletes. Heldt joins the Crimson Club after serving as director of development for the Cougar Athletic Fund at Washington State University. While on the

CRIMSON CLUB MAGAZINE APRIL 2023

Athletics Department News

In Memoriam

Women’s Football Clinic Coming May 12

Don Reddish Swimming & Diving Head Coach/Administrator

Reddish coached the Utes to 19 conference championships, winning titles in the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and he added one more in his final season in 1989-90. Under his watch, 27 Utah swimmers achieved All-American status and Reddish also compiled a dual meet record of 267- 84-6, a win percentage of .701. He was recognized as conference coach of the year six times and NCAA region coach of the year three times. The pool in the Utes’ home facility, the Ute Natatorium, was named in his honor in 2018. The honor was particularly special considering the natatorium was initially envisioned by Reddish and was built during his coaching tenure. His name is also on the annual award given to the athletic department’s most outstanding coach in a sport other than football, basketball and gymnastics. In 1990 he continued to serve as an assistant athletics director for several more years. Utah’s student newspaper, the Daily Utah Chronicle. Facer ascended the ranks to become sports editor and then editor-in-chief at The Chrony. Following graduation, he worked as the sports editor at the Davis County Clipper before being hired as a prep sports editor at the Deseret News. Dirk is best known for his reporting on football and basketball at the University of Utah, a beat he covered for nearly two decades. He was also the leader writer for the Utah Athletics Department’s content series celebrating 50th anniversary of Title IX during the summer of 2022. Apart from his accomplishments in his profession, which included winning Utah Sportswriter of the Year five times, Facer was a tireless volunteer and supporter of his family’s interests. Dirk is survived by his wife, Kirsten, children, Austin and Sammy (Nick), and grandson, Kevin.

The Utah football staff is hosting a Women’s Clinic on Friday, May 12. It will be a great opportunity for women all over the state to learn the dynamics of football and experience the culture of the program. The clinic itinerary includes presentations from the coaching staff, a player panel, photo opportunity in Utah football gear, facility tour, silent auction

and giveaways. There are optional on-field football drills and activities, including a flag football game. Additionally, participants will receive a Women’s Clinic t-shirt, swag bag and a sit-down dinner in the dining hall.

UtahUtes.com Feature

Don Reddish, who coached the Utes’ swimming and diving program from 1949-1990, and was inducted into the Utah Athletics Hall of Fame in 1996, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on March 11. Reddish became head coach of the Utah swimming and diving program in 1949 and spent 37 years guiding the Utes’ program.

1998 Final Four Season - An Oral History

Dirk Facer Sportswriter

The 1997-98 University of Utah Men’s basketball team was, in many ways, the pinnacle of basketball here at the U. Sure, the team didn’t end up winning a ring but their run through the Final Four and into the national championship game is still legendary. For those who remember that season it was a magical time to be a fan of the Runnin’ Utes. Just hearing the names - Andre, Doleac, Hanno and Britton, Hansen and Alex - conjures fond memories. We still celebrate that

season and what it meant to so many people. Yes, they fell short. We all know that. But it doesn’t diminish what they accomplished and how they were able to come together as a team. What was it like playing for the legend, Rick Majerus? How did they balance being students and high level athletes? Are they still friends to this day? Now, 25 years later there’s no better group to reminisce about that amazing season than the players who lived it.

Dirk Facer, a U graduate who spent over a quarter century as one of the area’s most respected and beloved sports writers, passed away from an accidental fall and complications related to kidney disease on March 15. After graduating from East High School in 1982 and returning from a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Canada Calgary Mission in 1985, Facer was encouraged by friends to pursue sports writing at the University of

READ

CRIMSON CLUB MAGAZINE APRIL 2023

National Champions Utah Skiing

Championship Celebration

Utes Capture Fourth Consecutive NCAA Skiing Championship Madison Hoffman and Novie McCabe each win two individual titles to power Utah to its 16th national championship

finished fifth. The Ute women Nordic skiers contributed 103 points in the 20K classic, the most by any team in any race at the 2023 NCAA Championships, to secure the title. On Thursday, Luke Jager paced the men in the 10K freestyle and crossed the finish line sixth. In the men’s 20K classic on Saturday, Samuel Hendry led a strong team effort with a fourth-place finish. The men’s Nordic team totaled 65 points in the final race to secure the title. “They come here and they’re under a lot of pressure because we have high expectations and they want to win it, and it makes it definitely more stressful than with a smaller team where you’re able to ski more individually,” Landstedt said. “We have to always make sure we get the most points and ski for the team. That’s what makes it more fun,

By The Numbers

16 National championships won by Utah skiing, including 15 in the NCAA Championships.

finish. Wilhelm Normannseth was the men’s slalom runner-up on Friday. With the downhill events concluded, Utah came into Saturday holding a slim, 1.5-point lead over Colorado, heading into the men’s and women’s 20K classic events. Following a win in the women’s 5K freestyle on day two, Novie McCabe completed the sweep of the women’s Nordic races on Saturday, winning the 20K classic in 1:00:04.3. Sophia Laukli placed third and Sydney Palmer-Leger

30 National team titles won by Utah Athletics all-time.

4 Since the NCAA combined

the way they support each other and they’re cheering other on. We have great camaraderie on this team, and I’m proud of the way they competed.” Madison Hoffman was the national champion in both the women’s Alpine races.

genders in skiing beginning with the 1983 ski championships, the Utes are the first program to win four straight NCAA team titles.

Novie McCabe, Sophia Laukli and Sydney Palmer-Leger finished in the top five of the women’s 20K classic with McCabe winning her second title of the week.

84 Individual national titles in the history of Utah skiing.

The Utah ski team claimed its fourth consecutive team championship and fifth win in the last six NCAA Championships on March 8-11 in Lake Placid, New York. Utah won the title with 526.0 points, followed by Colorado (491.5) and Denver (416.5) in the top three. Utah captured 13 All-American citations over the course of the four-day event. “It’s an incredible feeling to pull this one off,” said Director of Skiing Frederik Landstedt. “It was probably the hardest one in my five years at Utah. Colorado came out and really performed at

a higher level than they have all winter, and it ended up coming down to the wire. I’m very proud of our whole team.” Madison Hoffman was a double national champion in Alpine, winning the giant slalom to open the competition on Wednesday and claiming the win in slalom on Friday. She is the first Ute since Anke Friedrich in 1990 to win both women’s GS and slalom at the NCAA Championships. In men’s giant slalom, Utah’s Gustav Vøllo took home second-team All-America honors after a seventh-place

Wilhelm Normannseth was the runner-up in the men’s slalom.

Samuel Hendry took fourth in the men’s 20K classic.

CRIMSON CLUB MAGAZINE APRIL 2023

Pac-12 Champions Utah Women’s Basketball

Championship Celebration

A Pac-12 Championship and March to the NCAA Sweet 16 for Women’s Hoops All-American Alissa Pili and Naismith Coach of the Year Top 4 Finalist Lynne Roberts lead Utah to an historic season

Gianna Kneepkens and Pili were All-Pac-12 selections, while Kennady McQueen and Jenna Johnson earned All-Pac-12 honorable mention. Kneepkens, who was the 2022 Pac-12 Freshman of the Year, was third in the Pac-12 in three-point percentage (42.3%) and fourth with made three pointers (71). She averaged 15.3 points per game. McQueen has earned All- Pac-12 honorable mention twice in her career. She averaged 9.1 points per game and 3.5 rebounds per game while ranking fifth in the Pac-12 in three point percentage (36.4). Johnson averaged 11.9 points and 4.9 boards per game. Lynne Roberts, in her eighth year at the helm, was named the Pac-12 Conference Coach of the Year and a Naismith Coach of the Year Award Top 4 Finalist.

throws per game (16.5). Utah hit 100 or more points five times, the most in a single season in Utes’ history. Postseason Honors Forward Alissa Pili made an immediate impact for the Utes after transferring from USC. Pili earned WBCA All-America and second team All-America from both the Associated Press and USBWA, becoming the first player in Utah history to achieve those honors. She also picked up the Utes’ first Pac-12 Conference Player of the Year award. Pili led the Pac-12 in scoring at 20.7 points per game and chipped in 5.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. She shoot 59.0 percent from the floor, the 14th-best mark in the nation. Pili scored 20 or more points 18 times and amassed 643 total points this season, the second most in school history.

By The Numbers

2 NCAA Tournament seed was the highest in school history. 3 Sweet 16 appearances in school history (2001, 2006, 2023). 4 Utah’s season-end offensive ranking. The Utes also ranked in the top 10 in four other offensive categories. 13 Weeks Utah was ranked in the Associated Press Top 10. 124 Points scored against No. 16 Oklahoma on Nov. 16 for the most points in a game in school history.

12 history. It was the best start for Utah in the Pac-12 Era. Utah was ranked for 13 consecutive weeks in the AP Top 10 and appeared in the AP Poll 19 consecutive weeks, breaking the program record. Utah posted a 6-4 record over Top 25 ranked teams. The Utes defeated No. 3 Stanford, 84-78, Huntsman Center to clinch its first league title since joining the Pac-12. It was the highest-ranked team the Utes had defeated in the program’s history, and they did it in front of the largest crowd in the Pac-12 era of 9,611. The win vaulted them to No. 3 in the national poll, which is the highest ranking in school history. On Selection Sunday, Utah was awarded with a No. 2 seed in the region, the highest in school history. The Utes hosted NCAA first and second round games in the Huntsman Center, defeating Gardner-Webb, 103-77, and Princeton, 63-56 to move on to the Sweet 16. Once again, Ute fans came out in big numbers as 15,693 were in attendance for the two nights combined. The two postseason wins gave Utah had an undefeated home record at 16-0 for the first time in the Pac-12 era.

Utah lost a tight, 66-63 battle with No. 3 seed LSU—the eventual national champion—in the regional semifinals. Utah finished the season with a record of 27-5, tying for the second- most wins in a season in program history. Utah ended the season with the nation’s No. 4 scoring offense (82.8 ppg). The Utes were ranked in the top 10 nationally in four other major offensive categories: fourth in field-goal percentage (48.4), eighth in scoring margin (+16.8), sixth in assists per game (18.3, fifth in free

Alissa Pili became Utah’s first Pac-12 Conference Player of the Year.

Claiming a share of the first Pac-12 championship in the program’s history and advancing to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2006, it was an historic year for the Utah women’s basketball program. And, with no seniors on the roster, this could be just the start of things. The Utes’ had a 14-0 start for the second-best in program history and tied for the fourth- best start by any program in Pac-

Gianna Kneepkens earned All-Pac-12 honors.

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CRIMSON CLUB MAGAZINE APRIL 2023

Pac-12 Champions Utah Gymnastics

Championship Celebration

Utah Gymnastics with a Three-Peat to win Pac-12 Championship Fifth-year senior Abby Brenner claims the Pac-12 vault title, Jaedyn Rucker and Maile O’Keefe post 10.0 scores at Regionals to help send Red Rocks off to NCAAs

O’Keefe picked up All- Pac-12 honors on bars and beam, as well as All-America honors on beam. Joining O’Keefe with two All-Pac-12 awards was Cristal Isa, who also was a bars and beam selection. Kara Eaker earned conference and national honors on beam as well, while Jaedyn Rucker earned All-Pac-12 and All- America honors on vault for Utah. The quest for an NCAA title begins Thursday, April 13 in Fort Worth, Texas. During the evening semifinals session, No. 5 Utah will compete against No. 1 Oklahoma, No. 4 UCLA and No. 9 Kentucky at 7 p.m. MDT. The Final Four takes place Saturday, April 15 at 2 p.m. MDT. Nationals Preview

By The Numbers

47 National championship meet appearances by Utah. The Red Rocks remain the only team in the nation to have appeared at every championship meet. 34 Regional titles won by Utah in its history. 10 Pac-12 regular-season and post- season titles captured by the Red Rocks. 4 Maile O’Keefe’s 10.0s on beam this season, setting a school record. 3 Jaedyn Rucker’s 10.0 scores on vault in 2003, tying her with Kristen Kenoyer (1993) for the single-season record. She is also tied for the school record of three Perfect 10s on vault in a career.

Utah gymnastics became the first team to win three-straight Pac-12 Championships since the conference expanded in 2012, winning the 2023 post-season meet on March 18 at the Maverik Center. Utah outlasted the competition with a 197.925 to win its third straight Pac-12 Championship and sixth overall. UCLA finished second with a 197.850. With the four Pac-12 Regular Season Championships as well, Utah now holds 10 Pac- 12 titles. Abby Brenner won the 2023 Pac-12 vault title with a

meet-high 9.925. Maile O’Keefe finished second in the all-around with a 39.675, while she finished tied for third overall on beam and floor. Makenna Smith and Jaedyn Rucker also tied as the Pac-12 vault runner-ups. Utah’s 49.525 on beam pushed the team into second place at the halfway point with a 98.900, trailing Oregon State’s 99.000. UCLA and California followed behind tied at 98.750. On floor, Jaylene Gilstrap had a career high tying 9.925 before Abby Paulson added a 9.90. Smith bounced back after struggling on beam with a big 9.925 to continue momentum. Rucker added another 9.90, while O’Keefe upped the rotation with a 9.95. With one rotation to go, Utah’s 49.600 on floor pushed the team ahead by two-and-a-half tenths. Utah punched its ticket to a record 47th consecutive national championship last Saturday night, winning the Los Angeles Regional. Utah posted its second- straight score of 198-plus to finish in first place with a 198.050 over No. 4 UCLA (197.925), No. 13 Missouri (197.600) and Washington (195.650). NCAA Regionals

Utah could not have asked for a better start on Saturday night after collecting three scores of a 9.90 or better in three routines on vault. Maile O’Keefe led off the team with a career-high 9.925. Jaedyn Rucker exploded for her second-straight Perfect 10 on vault at the regional competition. The Red Rocks were able to begin building momentum on beam. O’Keefe continued the hot start with another 9.95 for the group. With the lead sitting at just 0.025 over UCLA and 0.075 over Missouri, the meet would come down to floor for Utah, vault for UCLA and bars for Missouri. Smith posted a career high 9.95 in the fourth spot to get Utah even closer to the finish line, while Rucker clinched Utah’s spot in the NCAA Championships with a 9.925. O’Keefe ended the night with another 9.925 for the floor squad, putting the exclamation point on the evening and pushing Utah to the regional win. Utah advanced to the NCAA Regional Final after winning its session of the second round with a 198.125 at Pauley Pavilion. The Red Rocks led from start to finish, highlighted by season- high scores on vault and bars, and a pair of Perfect 10s. O’Keefe

Maile O’Keefe was named the Pac-12 Specialist of the Year

recorded her fourth 10.0 of the season on beam, improving her school record for most perfect scores on beam in a single season. Later on, Rucker recorded the second perfect score of her career after scoring a 10.0 on vault to lead the rotation. Four Utes collected honors for their efforts in the regular season with each earning All- Pac-12 Conference honors and WCGA Regular Season All- America honors on at least one event. Highlighting the awards, Postseason Honors Maile O’Keefe was named the Pac-12 Specialist of the Year for the second season in a row.

Jaedyn Rucker recorded 10.0s on vault back-to-back days at NCAA Regionals.

Abby Brenner won the Pac-12 vault title at the Maverik Center.

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CRIMSON CLUB MAGAZINE APRIL 2023

Sports Updates

BASEBALL Utah won the final game of its series against USC, 8-3, last Sunday night at Smith’s Ballpark. TJ Clarkson and Davis Cop homered in a four-run fourth inning that swayed momentum to Utah for good. Clarkson, who added a two-run shot in the sixth inning, now has eight homers on the season to go with 22 RBI and a team-best .293 batting average. Cop has gone yard four times this year after his fourth-inning long ball. On the mound, Merit Jones was the winner (2-1) against the Trojans and matched his longest start as a Ute, working into the seventh inning. He allowed three runs on five hits and three walks, striking out three batters. The Utes host Utah Valley on Monday, April 10 at 6 p.m. MEN’S BASKETBALL Branden Carlson earned several honors, including first-team from the Pac-12 coaches and Associated Press, as well as NABC All-District. The South Jordan native, who has one year of eligibility remaining should he elect to use it, finished his senior season averaging 16.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 2.0 blocks. He also ended the season scoring double- digit points in 22-consecutive games with seven games of 20-plus points during that stretch. The 7-0 center closed out the year with 1,279 career-points – which ties him with Alex Jensen (1994-2000) for 24th on the all-time scoring list at Utah. Meanwhile, his 187 career-blocks currently sits at No. 3 all-time at Utah. GOLF In two of their first three tournaments of the spring, the Utah golfers posted their lowest score of the year at the John Burns Intercollegiate with a 19-under-par to place seventh. Then, Garrett Clegg’s crew nearly claimed its first team championship of the season at the Bandon Dunes Championship in Oregon before tying for second. Javier Barcos leads the team with a 71.9 average in 23 rounds. This past weekend at the The Goodwin hosted by Stanford, Barcos rattled off 13 consecutive pars and his total of 42 across all three days put him in the top 10 in that statistic. The Pac-12 Championships are April 28-30 in Stanford, Calif.

LACROSSE Recording its third win over a ranked team in program history, Utah took down No. 10 Jacksonville, 18-15, last Friday night. The Utes were led in points and goals by redshirt freshman Ryan Stines , who scored a career-high five goals and six points. Junior Jared Andreala chipped in a career-best tying four goals. Stines was named ASUN Player of the Week. It is Utah’s third player of the week honor from the ASUN this season with Cole Brams and Colin Lenskold earning defensive recognition the last two weeks. The Utes remain undefeated in ASUN Conference play with a 4-0 record and improves to 5-4 overall with five regular season games remaining. Utah returns home on Wednesday, April 12 against Lindenwood at 2 p.m. SOFTBALL No. 18 Utah picked up a 3-1 win over the California last Friday afternoon before dropping the next two games of the series in Berkeley. Sydney Sandez twirled scoreless ball over the final six innings on her way to a complete game victory in the series opener. She leads the pitching staff with an 11-3 record and a 2.15 ERA. Mariah Lopez is 8-2 2.87 ERA. Aliya Belarde leads the team with a .431 average and seven doubles. Returning All-American Ellessa Bonstrom has eight home runs and 33 RBI. Utah hosts Arizona State at Dumke Family Softball Stadium to open a three-game series on Friday at 1 p.m. MEN’S SWIMMING Andre Unger took fifth in the 100 back at the NCAA Championships. Unger leaves the program after being named an All-American in each of the last three seasons, setting two individual program records and being a part of two record setting relay squads. Diver Luke McDivitt’s career has concluded as well as he placed 29th on the platform at NCAAs. He finished his career after winning the 2020 Pac-12 Diver of the Year award and first team All-America honors on platform in 2021. Jaek Horner put the finishing touches on his own fantastic year at nationals by taking 35th in the 200 breaststroke.

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CRIMSON CLUB MAGAZINE APRIL 2023

Sports Updates

WOMEN’S SWIMMING & DIVING Holly Waxman achieved the highest finish ever by a Utah diver in the women’s 1m at NCAAs and earned All-America status. The sophomore from Leeds, England placed 15th. Kathryn Grant also competed in the 1m and finished 25th. Waxman competed in the 1m, 3m and platform events with Grant contending in the 1m and on the platform. It represented just the second time the Utes have had multiple female divers reach the NCAA Championships. Waxman will head into her third season as a Ute owning the No. 2 scores in school history in both the 1m and 3m, while Grant sits in fourth in the 3m and platform rankings. MEN’S TENNIS It was an historic weekend last Friday and Sunday as the Utes took down both Cal and Stanford for the first time. Utah picked up a 4-1 win over the Cardinal and a 4-2 victory against the Bears at home. Down 2-0 to Cal, Utah’s Francisco Bastias defeated Carl Emil Overbeck 6-4, 6-2 on court four. Soon after, teammate Patrik Trhac also took a victory, finishing 6-4, 6-1. The 2-2 tie was broken on court two as Espin Busleiman downed Golden Bear Ryder Jackson 6-3, 6-4. The match was clinched on court five where Berk Bugarikj took a decisive victory after a three-set match. The Utes are 18-3 overall and 3-1 in Pac-12 play. They host Arizona on Friday, April 14 at 3 p.m. and Arizona State on Sunday, April 16 at 2 p.m. WOMEN’S TENNIS The Utes picked up a Pac-12 Conference win at California in early March. They also took down Portland on March 17. Utah hosts Washington on Friday at 1:30 p.m. and Washington State on Sunday at 10 a.m. Following Sunday’s match, Utah will have a meet and greet as well as the Senior Day honors for Katya Hersch, Katya Townsend, Madison Tattini and Anastasia Goncharova . Tattini has played the No. 1 doubles position with Goncharova and the top three spots in singles. Townsend has been at the top two singles positions.

INDOOR TRACK & FIELD Simone Plourde and Emily Venters were named USTFCCCA First-Team All-Americans. In addition, Utah finished with its highest indoor season ranking ever after tying for 21st in the final rankings. This is the first All-America honor for both Plourde and Venters in track & field and the third for Venters in her career after collecting two in cross country (2018, 2022). They became the fourth and fifth Utes to earn All-America honors in indoor track. Venters finished with a time of 15:59.22 (aa) in the 5000m race to place fifth overall. One day later, Plourde would record the best finish ever for Utah at the NCAA Indoor Championships when she claimed fourth on the 3K with a time of 9:00.93 (aa). OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD Senior Emily Venters was named the Pac-12 Track Athlete of the Week on Tuesday after running the sixth-fastest 10k in NCAA history last Friday at the Stanford Invitational. Venters crossed the finish line at 31:48.35, which was 15 seconds faster that the next finisher, to break both the Utah and Pac-12 records. Josefine Eriksen broke the 200m school record, crossing the finish line at 23.92 to break Alissa Atisme’s record that was set back in 2016. The previous weekend at the San Diego State Aztec Invitational, Utah’s 4x400m relay team beat out USC to capture the crown with a school record-breaking run of 3:36.93 behind the legs of Dee Denise, Harley Daniel, Emily Martin and Eriksen. Utah hosts the annual Utah Spring Open this Friday and Saturday with a bulk of the meet occurring on Saturday at the McCarthey Family Track and Field Complex. BEACH VOLLEYBALL The Utes fell to Boise State 3-2 and defeated Arizona Christian 5-0 last Friday. Amaya Messier and Katie McAlister have been the primary group at No. 1 and picked up wins against Boise State and Arizona Christian. Grace Andrews and Marissa Koch got wins on court two. On Saturday, Utah fell to Boise State 3-2 and lost to Oregon 4-1. Sydney Jacinto and Kylie Pitzak went undefeated on the day. The Utes host Salt Lake Community College on Wednesday, April 12 at 1:30 p.m.

CRIMSON CLUB MAGAZINE APRIL 2023

Donor Spotlight

America First Credit Union Helps Utes with Wings Soar Program benefiting Utah women’s athletics was the recipient of a $100,000 donation from AFCU during U Giving Day

values,” Gallegos said. “It is an honor to be associated with this program.” Gallegos’ time with the board has also helped her formulate some ideas on how America First can expand its role with Utah Athletics in developing men and women student-athletes in the near future and sharing their stories. “Being a part of this community means being able to support and help people succeed in life as a part of their team,” Gallegos said. “Our team is here to serve our members and educate them when it comes to finances and their financial goals. We are capable of doing that with the athletes at the U so they can focus on their studies and on their sport, knowing their finances are

in good hands with America First Credit Union. “There are so many great stories to tell about the individuals and teams at the University of Utah,” Gallegos continued. “Our hope is that we can help create ways for those stories to be shared to a larger audience. As the individuals and teams continue to succeed, we want to be a connection point between those achieving great heights in their sport and the community that is supporting them.” Ute women’s athletics is enjoying one of its best years with skiing winning a fourth consecutive NCAA title, cross country finishing as the Pac-12 runner-up and placing 12th at nationals, women’s basketball capturing its first-ever Pac-12

title and advancing to the NCAA Sweet 16, and women’s gymnastics winning its third consecutive Pac-12 Championship and going to nationals for the 47th straight year. “Seeing the success of the women’s programs in recent years is fantastic and knowing that our contributions are a part of that success is very rewarding,” Gallegos said. “We appreciate all the work of the athletes, coaches, support staff and know that is ultimately the key to the program’s success.” Gallegos said. “We appreciate all the work of the athletes, coaches, support staff and know that is ultimately the key to the program’s success.

difference in its members’ lives. Supporting Utes with Wings has provided America First an avenue to achieve that. “This program has a direct connection to personal development and growth,” Gallegos pointed out. “We strive to find ways to assist our members in achieving their goals in life, and being there to educate and guide them along that path is an important part of our relationship. Partnering with Utes with Wings gives America First Credit Union the ability to support female athletes, which in turn allows us an opportunity to develop the next generation of female leaders and contributors in our community.” Gallegos is a member of the Utes With Wings board, which has allowed her to work with others who advocate for the needs of backing student-athletes and, in particular, those who are committed to supporting female athletes, coaches, and athletic programs at the University of Utah. “Serving on the Utes with Wings board has provided me with valuable leadership experience, networking opportunities, and the chance to connect with other women who share similar interests and

When Utah Athletics established Utes with Wings as a way for donors to provide additional resources to women’s athletics programs, America First Credit Union got involved early on as a supporter. That affiliation has continued over the years as America First stepped up once again during U Giving Day 2023 to contribute $100,000 to the program. Tammy Gallegos, the Executive Vice President, and Chief Strategic Engagement Officer for America First Credit Union, explains that the company’s involvement with Utes with Wings is a natural fit. “America First Credit Union is committed to supporting women in their pursuit of athletic excellence,” Gallegos said. “Female athletes promote a culture of teamwork, leadership,

and perseverance, which are important values in both sports and business. By partnering with the Utes with Wings program, America First Credit Union can help to develop the next generation of female leaders and contribute to the development of the local community.” The mission of Utes with Wings is to elevate women’s athletics programs at the U and foster personal development. Thanks to the support of America First Credit Union, personal improvements are all things Utes with Wings has made possible in recent years. Beyond ensuring the financial well-being of its members, one of the missions of America First Credit Union is to serve the community and make a development workshops, team retreats and facility

Utes with Wings Brings in over $121,000 for U Giving Day

As U Giving Day 2023 has come to a close, Utah Athletics would like to say thank you to everyone who contributed for their generous support of our women’s athletics programs. During the 1850-minute campus-wide fundraising event Marc8 28-29, you helped us raise $121,225 for Utes with Wings! We want to extend a special thank you to America First Credit Union for contributing our lead gift of $100,000. Donations came in from Crimson Club members, Ute fans and alumni from all across the United States and Canada. We had over 40 students come by to see our Crimson Club staff and donate during the U’s Philanthropy Fair. Your donations will continue to enhance the experience of our female student-athletes and financially support numerous areas of need for all of our women’s programs. Facility improvements, team retreats and personal development workshops are all things that have been made possible through this

program in recent years. If you missed U Giving Day but still wish to contribute to Utes with Wings, the giving page is still available for you below.

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CRIMSON CLUB MAGAZINE APRIL 2023

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