Through the years, most everyone who ever worked at, attended or followed BYU knew the Cougars were fortunate. How could anyone have known he would take them, as the movie line goes, to infinity and beyond? BYU acquired a man who not only won games, but remained there, just a streak pattern away from the orchard farm where he grew up. Though he has traveled the world and loves few things more than a warm day and an early tee time, he never chased any of the Sun Belt dream jobs that came his way. He always came back to the stadium at the base of Y. mountain, where he was as much a part of the land as the scrub oaks dotting the foothills.

The man who once said he would rather lose and live in Provo than win and live in Laramie actually meant it. But Laramie need not have been offended. He would rather have lived in Provo than anywhere.

He stayed, as an assistant, through the sometimes racially tense games of the '60s. That was followed by the long sideburns, plaid sportcoats and polyester golf shirts of the '70s. He survived the escapades of Jim McMahon, Lenny Gomes, Rob Morris, various player suspensions, five university presidents and eight University of Utah coaches. He even persisted despite those annoying radio callers, wanting to know why he didn't throw more often to the tight ends.

He stayed to lead the Cougars to home wins over some of the nation's most revered programs — Miami, Texas A&M, Pittsburgh, Penn State, Texas. He fashioned, for BYU fans, a thrilling ride, a joyous trip.

He stayed because he didn't want more accolades; he wanted to drive home to the same house he has returned to for 33 years. And because every game day for the past 29 years, Patti cooked a good-luck beef stew for him to come home to, and he figured he was living the good life.

He stayed because he never got tired of watching sun rise over Rock Canyon on his way to work, or looking down the hill to the stadium where he made his name.

"This is where he wanted to be," said Patti.

He stayed because he found his time. And his dream. And his place.

We should all be so lucky.

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