From Deseret News archives:
2006 Top 10 local sports stories
From the day coach Bronco Mendenhall took over BYU's program two years ago, he vowed that the program would return to glory. In 2006, the Cougars did exactly that, posting one of the finest, and most memorable, seasons in school history.
After starting the year 1-2 with close losses at BCS-conference opponents Arizona and Boston College, BYU finished the year with 10 consecutive wins, including a last-second thriller over archrival Utah to cap a perfect Mountain West Conference record and a rare blowout bowl victory, over Oregon, in the Las Vegas Bowl.
Late in the season, the Cougars, who finished 11-2 and claimed their first Mountain West Conference title since 2001, returned to the national rankings for the first time in years.
While the BYU offense produced the type of explosive scoring expected from a group of playmakers like quarterback John Beck, running back Curtis Brown and tight end Jonny Harline, it was the defense that took most observers by surprise.
Last year's top story included the first-pick selection of U. quarterback Alex Smith in the NFL draft. The Utes' undefeated football season was the top local sports story of 2004.
Whether among state legislators, Sandy City officials or parents at youth soccer games, Real Salt Lake's pursuit of a soccer-specific stadium for which construction has not yet begun was a hot topic.
In May, Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon denied a funding plan that called for $35 million in hotel-room taxes. A month later, Sandy City pitched a revamped funding proposal, which was rejected by the County Council. A month later, Corroon revived RSL's stadium plans and a verbal agreement was reached, enabling Real Madrid superstar David Beckham to assist with the ceremonial ground breaking on Aug. 12.
Comments
- Arts survey finds drops in attendance 11:03 a.m.
- Palestinian files suit over 'Bruno' 11:01 a.m.
- Alexa Joel 'devastating heartbreak' 10:56 a.m.
- Actress got close to the president 10:55 a.m.
- Scuffle doesn't stop 'Wicked' in Ohio 10:54 a.m.
- Swine flu toll includes a few pets 10:52 a.m.
- Mistake vs. repeat affairs probed 10:49 a.m.
- Overweight pets, health problems 10:46 a.m.
- Eastwood, Freeman back in 'Invictus' 10:44 a.m.
- Party security? Come down South 10:43 a.m.
- Crash landing next to I-15
- Palin signs books, chats with fans
- Nude bathers cited for lewdness
- Psychologist: Mitchell schizophrenic
- Panel passes BCS playoff bill
- Jazz fall apart late at L.A.
- Max Hall wants to look ahead
- Few details on missing W.V. mom
- Hot Rod behind mic for Lakers
- I-15 expansion barreling south
- Letters: Global warming a lie
239 - TCU to play Boise in Fiesta Bowl
206 - BYU football: Bronco weighs in on Hall
188 - Cougars going back to Vegas
150 - Utah/BYU rivalry can be more civil
148 - Andersen apologizes for Jordan hoax
140 - Palin signs books, chats with fans
125 - Max Hall wants to look ahead
122 - Revive full food tax?
102 - Panel passes BCS playoff bill
99
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