Back in the day, albeit a long, long time ago, Americans embraced cricket.

According to the Utah Cricket Association Web site (www.utahcricket.com), the world's second-most popular participation sport, played in more than 120 countries, reached its golden age in the United States sometime around the late 1800s. Utah's history was particularly rich. Because of its somewhat remote geographic location and the large number of English converts to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who resided in the territory, it was "one of the last mainstays of cricket in America."

At one point, there were reportedly 19 clubs in the state — residing in communities such as Coalville, Plain City, Sandy and Wellsville.

With the passing of time, however, cricket's popularity with Americans waned. Sports such as baseball, basketball and football moved to the forefront.

Nowadays, depending on the generation, cricket is more apt to be associated with a cell phone company, a disposable lighter or a cartoon insect named Jiminy.

Among several groups or individuals taking aim at the identity crisis is Kaysville resident Steve Hooper.

The 45-year-old equipment specialist at Hill Air Force Base fell in love with the game while serving an LDS Church mission in London. Time in Kuwait , where the sport has remained popular, added to his appreciation in 2000.

"I was in seventh heaven," said Hooper, who formed the non-profit UCA as a means to re-establish cricket in Utah.

Under a program endorsed by the State Office of Education, Hooper and his organization have visited more than 50 schools in Davis and Weber counties. The cricket presentations have led to 35 equipment purchases. He's currently looking for help to create development manuals, one on how to play cricket, another more academically based, for classroom use — Americanizing materials that already exist in England.

"That's my mission. I want to bring it to the youth," said Hooper. "I want kids to learn the game."

Cricket, he believes, offers valuable lessons in skill, patience, discipline and endurance. Such values are helping the sport resurface.

For the past 20 years, the Salt Lake Cricket Union has provided such an avenue. Members are regulars at 11th Avenue Park each Sunday when weather permits.

Nasir Khan, a former professional cricket player, said the sport promotes peace throughout the world. In Salt Lake, for example, immigrants from India and Pakistan play together. Khan, a native of Pakistan, said it proves that much of the world's problems are caused by politicians.

A cooperative spirit exists in Utah, where Khan said Salt Lake City officials have been great in terms of maintaining a space for cricket to be played. In turn, the cricket union has been able to teach the sport to several locals, including a doctor and a former baseball player.