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

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