Similar to you, I can’t remember ever missing any football or basketball games. Even growing up in SLC, my dad and I would drive down for football and basketball games and on the way home we would listen to KSL 1160 to rehash every detail of the game. I remember in elementary school hiding a handheld radio in my backpack so my friends and i could listen to the BYU game when we were in the NCAA tournament. Simply put, my family and I have always been obsessed with BYU sports.

A lot of what I am going to say next is likely due to my situation in life—married, now have a baby, etc—but I no longer have as much interest in BYU sports. (And sue me for saying this, but the Olympic sports are only worth getting excited about every four years). This year was the first time in my life I have left games early and with basketball, simply decided not to go (I got free tickets through a family connection this year... that’s another story). I don’t remember being so disgusted with BYU football. Even during the Crowton years my dad and I would stick it out to the bitter end. Maybe it’s because my dad isn’t with me at most of the games encouraging me to stay but I left just after the start of the second half of the Utah State game. The last two years have been a terrible product in both football and basketball and I don’t see things getting better.

I don’t see our situation improving because the world of college sports is changing. And yet, BYU is not willing to make the necessary commitments to their sports programs. I will admit though, I don’t think BYU should get in an arms race to compete in college athletics. The church just won’t do it, and I don’t think they should—even when sports like football and basketball can bring in a good amount of money and not necessitate the use of “church funds.” With the type of money schools are paying coaches, stadium renovations, etc BYU will soon be left far behind. As the original post said, we might have the occasional win at Wisconsin to brighten our year as fans, but I just don’t see anything changing for the better or any return to the “glory days.”