My basketball world started as a gym rat at the Edgehill gym in Sugar House. Then it was playing some ball at Highland High. Later, I lived vicariously through my brother-in-law who played for the Runnin’ Utes on the Billy McGill team that went to the Final Four. Then I was an avid b-ball season ticket holder for over 30 years stretching into the wonderful Rick Majerus years.
Now, some 25 years later, along comes a University of Utah basketball team that brings back the glory of old. The women’s Ute team not only won the PAC 12 title, but clawed their way to NCAA sweet sixteen, losing a nail biter that could have gone either way in the final seconds.
This team was (and still is) the most exciting and entertaining sports team since the Majerus era. A scrappy defense combined with a swaggering motion offense, every player, not just their superstar, reminded us what basketball is all about. And they all return next season. I’m a proud Ute basketball fan once again. Go Utes!
Tom Day, Cottonwood Heights