Whittingham explains sportsmanship and LDS beliefs

While it may be his rival coach down south who has made noise for doing

firesides weekly before football games, University of Utah head

football coach Kyle Whittingham has plenty of experience in talking

about his beliefs as well.

      Whittingham and a pair of Ute players took advantage of such an

opportunity Sunday night as they spoke to a gathering of Salt Lake Utah

Region youths and leaders.

      "I am always excited to get up and talk about how I can relate

things from my team into teaching experiences to help guide my fellow

brethren and sisters," Whittingham told the congregation.

      The fireside was put together for the LDS Church sports program

in the region, so it was only fitting that the major theme to the

players' and coach's message was of teamwork and sportsmanship and how

they can be applied into one's LDS beliefs, and how taking and applying

those teachings are the keys for success in everyday life as well as on

the football field

      Offensive tackle Tony Bergstrom, who played locally at Skyline

High School and recently returned from serving in the Sacramento

California Mission, stressed the importance of attitude and how it is a

reflection of faith. To be successful requires an attitude, or a faith

that one can succeed.

      Tight end Brad Clifford, who served in the Guadalajara Mexico

Mission and played at Olympus High School, talked about the teachings

of New Testament apostle Paul in his letter to the Corinthians about a