Deseret News | Reader comments: Bronco, Kyle take hot seat for good cause

Reader comments
Dick Harmon: Bronco, Kyle take hot seat for good cause

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Surprised | 11:21 p.m. June 1, 2009

I didn't think I'd ever see Bronco wearing a hat of a BCS champion.

Guess I was wrong.

Howard | 11:47 p.m. June 1, 2009

Bronco didn't sing the Utah Man words. I love it that Bronco chooses not to compete and then when he loses, he refuses to keep his end of the bargain.

Classy.

Anonymous | 1:00 a.m. June 2, 2009

What do you mean that he chooses not to compete? By loading his team with pro golfers? What was the original deal--to bring your current players or bring the best golfers you can find? I'd like to know the details. And I can't see this man not competing. Seems to me that bringing non-golfers is a bigger attempt to compete. Personally, I don't care who won. I think it's just great that these coaches are smart enough to know that it isn't all about football.

Comments continue below

Take it easy, Howard | 1:38 a.m. June 2, 2009

I'm a Ute fan, and I'd say Mendenhall showed a LOT of class. He broke the tradition of using pros on his team and brought some football players instead(which I think is how it should be in the future).

Besides, since the vast majority of Utah fans, myself included, don't have the Utah fight song memorized, I don't think we can blame Bronco for not knowing the words. Kudos to both coaches for participating- clearly they have a better perspective on what really matters than many of us fans.

Anyone who thinks hatred is an acceptable or a necessary part in this rivalry is sorely mistaken.

burger and milkshake? | 1:56 a.m. June 2, 2009

sounds like a violation to me. :) Good to see both coaches out in the community for a good cause.

Utah Fan!! | 7:07 a.m. June 2, 2009

Bronco showed a lot of class!!!!

Re: 1:00 and 1:38 a.m. | 7:08 a.m. June 2, 2009

The man agreed to sing if he lost.

He lost and refused to sing.

That's not class. The words were provided to him and he chose not to sing.

It's all for charity and in good fun, but if you agree to sing, then sing.

I'm singing | 7:19 a.m. June 2, 2009

Rah, Rah, Rah! Utah and alittle Byu. There I sang for him. Satisfied now Howard? Rah, Rah, Rah, for charity! Way to go Whittingham and Mendanhall!

Remember | 7:20 a.m. June 2, 2009

And Jonny Harline is STILL open!!!

(And thanks for the BSC check. Are you going to whine about that, too?)

re: RE: 1:00 and 1:38 a.m. | 7:20 a.m. June 2, 2009

you have obviously missed the spirit of the event. I played for Coach Mac from 92 - 94. His personality was his trademark, as is Bronco's. Mac would ham it up, because he was the center of the attention. Bronco prefers not to be. Both great men, both willing to help in a cause. For those of you that are going to berate a coach with class for not singing, GET A LIFE! Bronco does things the right way. What other coach would get more while sticking to the honor code down south? Those in the profession have the utmost respect for him. It's the "fans" that really need a reality check.

Oh, and I am a Utah Man Sir! Ki-yai!

Bear Laker | 7:25 a.m. June 2, 2009

I watched the news clip of the singing and Bronco definately tried to sing. The same old crap from yewts, well most yewts. Couple of ute posterd were classy. By the way, a yewt hat is not the hat of a BCS champion, a second place that will be remembered only by yewt fans. Winners on the field but loser fans.

Bloote | 7:32 a.m. June 2, 2009

This was a dumb article - just like Ute fans. P.S. Coach Mac was and is a bafoon.

Re:Bear Laker | 7:39 a.m. June 2, 2009

Agreed! Sugar Bowl Champions? Yes. Bc$ champions? NO! National Champions? Never! Whether 25 years ago or yesterday, BYU still has something Utah NEVER WILL HAVE! Go Cougs!!!

Re: re: 1:00 and 1:38 a.m. | 7:42 a.m. June 2, 2009

This is an event for charity! They're trying to get a few laughs. They're not taking the golf side that serious. Hence, he has 3 football players playing with him, not pros.
Take off the Red blinders JUST for a minute, and appreciate what both these coaches are doing.
Believe it or not, there are some things more important than a college football rivalry. I know, it's hard to believe, but its actually true.
Saying he's not classy when golfing for charity is ridiculous.

Anonymous | 8:00 a.m. June 2, 2009

I am BYU fan that takes exception to the comment about Mac. He is class act. I've only met him once but that was enough to know he is genuine and great to have in our community. I think anything these coaches do for our community should be welcomed.

Ernest T. Bass | 8:02 a.m. June 2, 2009

Coach Bronco Mendenhall is so very humble.
He's so humble he tells everyone how humble he is.

Anonymous | 8:06 a.m. June 2, 2009

I am a BYU fan that takes exception to the comment about Mac. He is a class act. I've only met him once but that was enough to know he is genuine and great to have in our community. I think anything these coaches do for our community should be welcomed.

andrewute1 | 8:07 a.m. June 2, 2009

Remember-

Kruger is still open!!! Oh and that happened last year, not 3 years ago! I love byu fans right now, they are so jealous they cant even live with themselves.

Hat | 8:10 a.m. June 2, 2009

At least Bronco finally got to put on a hat of a team who has been to the BCS.

And sing their fight sing.

And take a chunk of their BCS winnings.

Bronco is a true thinker. He knows he can't beat Utah at anything, so he brings along his players to have an excuse when he losses. Makes him look like a great guy, when in reality he just didn't want to try and compete against the Utes. At least his golf squad got closer than his football team did to beating the Utes.

RE: Remember | 8:11 a.m. June 2, 2009

One thing Bronco forgot to mention is that the Burgers and Milkshakes would be provided by Mr. Harline as he is now managing an Iceberg drive in..Yep, he is stil WIIIDE open!

AZ Coug | 8:12 a.m. June 2, 2009

Holy Hawkeye! Ripping on either coach for participating in this event is ridiculous. I know you are probably trying to raise a response and get the dander up. Just like when yewt fans post stupid posts about how great BYU is just to get people excited. Don't be a bonehead. Enjoy the charity event for what it is. I say both coaches deserve credit.

Funny Thread | 8:18 a.m. June 2, 2009

As a Ute grad who attended several games at rice eccles, I don't have the slightest clue what the words to the Utah fight song are and I probably would slaughter them even if I had them written in front of me. I'm sure Kwhitt, as a graduate and lifelong fan of BYU (until the last decade), could sing the BYU fight song a lot better than the other way around. I keep trying to take Howards comment seriously but I can only chalk it up to stirring the pot or sarcasm. Or maybe he's just that stupid...who knows. I can only hope he didn't graduate from my school and became a Utah fan after droping out of SLCC. :)

Ute Fan | 8:19 a.m. June 2, 2009

I think that both teams should be comprised of current players, or at least guys who have played football at some time for the school. People shouldn't be jumping on Bronco. This is one thing that I think is pretty cool that he has done.
But also, the people who are jumping on Ute fans need to loosen up. A lot of Ute fans are showing support for Bronco and the response is to call the whole fanbase dumb and try to tear them down. Come on everybody, this was a charity event! Congrats to both coaches for showing the support and congrats to Bronco for not taking it too seriously.

DRLL | 8:25 a.m. June 2, 2009

Why does Mendenhall always have to act like he is taking the high road? He gets beat in the the competition two years in a row so he brings in his football players and then acts like this is the way it should be done. Come on. This thing has been going for 20 years and the teams are always loaded with ringers. Now Mendenhall is trying to change the rules and make himself look like the hero who is always doing things the right way. What a guy.

Burgers and Milkshakes | 8:34 a.m. June 2, 2009

Can you say NCAA violation? ha ha

Ute4Ever | 8:35 a.m. June 2, 2009

Ute fan here and I think that what Bronco did was a good idea. I like the idea of bringing some of the current roster to play the round. I'm not faulting Whitt, because he is only doing what has been done for years and years by bringing pro's and whatever, but its a good switch to bring the players.

I'm as critical of BYU and Bronco as anyone. And, I'm a season ticket holder to Utah, so I'm definitely a fan. Both coaches show class by participating in this event. I appreciate the rivalry and hope that Utah creams BYU again on the field!!!

Re: Re Bear Laker 7:39 a.m. | 8:37 a.m. June 2, 2009

Hey, wait a minute. You know full well (or at least you should) that the rules of the corrupt college football system were different in 1984 than they are now. BYU sneaked up on the big boys and, because they were the only undefeated team, were awarded the national championship before the big boys (BCS) could change the rules so the little guys (non-BCS) would have basically no chance to earn a national title.

Had the U of U had this year's season back in 1984, they, too, as the only undefeated team in the country, would have been awarded the national championship. And, conversely, had BYU had its 1984 season this year, they would have been denied the title.

Come on, Bear Laker, show a little more objectivity.

Class | 8:43 a.m. June 2, 2009

Was exhibited by the coach who stayed within the spirit of the event, by bringing football players. This competition will only remain friendly if it's a golf match between a football coach and his players. If Bronco has to sing every year because he brings players, he will. If Kyle has to avoid singing by bringing in ringers, he will.

Wait a minute | 8:58 a.m. June 2, 2009

The Utah players and Mendenhall don't know the words to the Utah Fight Song. Let me share with you. "A Utah man, a Utah man, a Utah man am I.A Utah man, A Utah man a Utah man am I. (repeat numerous times.) You don't know that song? Oh please. And this Ute fan doesn't know the words. Lets see we have an IQ of 4.

Scott | 9:13 a.m. June 2, 2009

Kinda childish and silly to proclaim them the best coaches in the MWC.... TCU has a great coach, so does Air Force... Can't really say one of the 4 is better than the other.

Herb Gravy | 9:48 a.m. June 2, 2009

To Bloote:

Were you trying to spell "baboon" or "buffoon"? Or, "C.", "None of the above"? I think most of us are confused.

re: Scott | 9:49 a.m. June 2, 2009

BCS Trips and Victories...

Kyle - 1
Everybody else - 0

I think the argument is including Bronco with Kyle as the best coaches. That mountain top has been scaled by only 1 of the MWC coaches.

HAHA | 9:55 a.m. June 2, 2009

"spirit of the event".
How sad for you. The 'spirit of the event' is raising money, it doesn't matter to anyone with maturity (excludes 'Class') who won.

True Colors | 10:10 a.m. June 2, 2009

Where shown here by the players each coach brought along. Enough said.

Scott | 10:25 a.m. June 2, 2009

I'm a Ute fan, but I don't think you can say one coach is better than the other.

Bronco took over a program that was shattered by sex scandal, steriod scandal, losing seasons etc.. He's done a great job in turning things around at BYU.

Kyle has done a great job and finished the season with a better record, but he took over a program that was already a class act.

TCU and Air Force have great coaches too.

Don't think anybody could go wrong with any of the 4.

BYU Fan | 10:29 a.m. June 2, 2009

I think this whole comments section has become a little ridiculous and shows the mentality of the fans. It was for charity!!!! But if you want to start looking at PGA golfers that attended BYU and those that attended Utah, BYU has better golfers. Mike Weir being the best. Also Dean Wilson. Johnny Miller and sons. All of the Summerhays kids. So do we really want to go down that road of turning this charity event into a pro-am?

uteowl | 10:33 a.m. June 2, 2009

Come on guys! This is a freakin' charity event. Who really cares who wins this trophy or has to sing who's song. It's meant to be fun. Let's at least wait until fall practice begins before we start trash talking.

Both are good schools even though I detest the thought of my daughter applying to the TDS for grad school. Fortunately she doesn't care about sports so I don't have to worry about that; unless she ends up meeting and marrying a Zoob. Perish the thought.

Utah Man am I | 10:38 a.m. June 2, 2009

This is a great event! Both coaches show a lot of class in their willingness to participate. My hat is off to them both. Since I lost a kidney to cancer just over 19 years ago this, for me, this is especially a great cause. Also, to Bloote above, Coach Mac is a very genuine and sincere advocate for the game of football. I have had the great pleasure of meeting and talking football with Coach Mac. It is great to have him back in the state of Utah. I'm looking forward to a great football game this year and hope the outcome is the same as last year. Go Utes!

Scott is Right | 11:07 a.m. June 2, 2009

Yeah, between Patterson, Whittingham, and Mendenhall, it is probably too close to call. Whittingham has achieved the most, but Bronco has been more consistent, less of a learning curve than Whit, so to speak. Troy Calhoun probably does the most with the least in the conference, if not in all of college football. And who knows what Patterson has in store for TCU.

But at this point, I think most any A.D. looking to hire, including BYU's, would pick Whittingham(remember, they already did once).

Throw Up | 11:28 a.m. June 2, 2009

If I read one more time that Harline is still open I am going to throw up, Get the heck over it Utah has 2 BCS wins in the last 5 years but yeah I know Harline is still open, I wonder what ever happened to him after that game and catch maybe he works with Luke Staley selling cell phones while Utah is putting guys in the NFL and actually signing guys and missing out on the like BYU did with Te'o.

Here's the Deal... | 12:34 p.m. June 2, 2009

Kudos to both coaches for taking time to participate in such an event, and to put their mugs on freeway billboards to remind the public about it all year 'round.

This kind of cooperation is rare in the college-football rivalry world and we should all be thankful LaVell and Ron started it and the current coaches keep it going.

As for the format -- since everybody knows this event will happen each June, why not let the "host" school decide the format. Play in Salt Lake and bring your ringers. Play in Provo and bring golfers from the football team or the football program (other coaches?). Whatever. Not that hard. Still fun. Still a charity event.

Question | 12:59 p.m. June 2, 2009

Looking at what Bronco has done with this event, is it safe to say that if he continues to lose to Utah on the field, and watch them in the BCS, he will start bringing only non-scholarship athletes to the BYU-Utah game? That way when he losses he has a built-in excuse and can talk about how hard they played.

Gotta hand it to Bronco, he is always thinking.

GridIron Sam | 1:20 p.m. June 2, 2009

Whether it was truly Bronco's idea or someone else fed him the idea, the sponsors of this tournament should make that format change for future years and inform both sides in advance to bring a team of the coach and three players to play. For the simple reason that it would make the event more appealing to participants, donors and sponsors. People want to see and rub shoulders with the coaches and players. That change would ultimately raise more money for the charity, which both coaches understand and would support.

Utes are National Champions | 1:23 p.m. June 2, 2009

There is a National Championship trophy up on the hill so guess what....THAT MAKES THE UTES NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!!! So that is two BCS trophies and one National Championship, what's next?

utah_man18 | 1:32 p.m. June 2, 2009

Hey, that's funny--Utah has as many BCS wins in the last five years as byu has over Utah. Oh, and check out the way Utah wins their games over byu: close ones in provo, and BLOWOUTS on the hill.

Now, back to what the story was actually about. I must say, bronco is very clever to bring along football players as an excuse for losing this year. Maybe he should start fielding golfers for football games so he has an excuse for losing them, too....

Anyway, good for both coaches for helping a good cause. As for all you supposed Utes who don't know the words to the fight song, how about you show some dedication and learn them? (Just the first two verses would be fine, although a true Ute would know all four)

re: Throw Up | 1:33 p.m. June 2, 2009

HARLINE IS STILL OPEN!!! You know what to do. Glad I could help. If you need any more help just let me know, I'll be right here.

TheHailstorm | 1:42 p.m. June 2, 2009

Rise and shout the cougars just pout !
I will be watching the Oklahoma game and count the body bags pile up on the blue blood side. Don't for a minute think that OU. isn't going to ravage the YBU side after losing the National championship game. Sur You'll get 3 million for the farce.. 10% for the powers above and 90% for hospital bills . This should knock the eliteness fantasy out of all of Utah County. Then the can be a team that plays in the present and not in the glory days of 20 years ago.
Let's see all of the excuses and cat csat the coug faithful have when they walking wounded.

Class act | 1:46 p.m. June 2, 2009

Thank you Coach Mendenhall for doing this the right way, as you have also done for BYU with many other things since becoming head coach. It's sad to see kyle's great lack of sportsmanship both on and off the field and how he plans on depriving his football players every year of the chance to participate in this charity event. Maybe some day kyle will grow up and lose his immaturity and stop being such an insecure little boy.

A little fun | 2:30 p.m. June 2, 2009

If you can't win the game, change the rules ;)

Re: Class act | 2:30 p.m. June 2, 2009

It is hard to hear someone point out what they think is class when they display absolutely none of it themselves.
It is not a lack of sportsmanship to show up to a charity event and bring some ringers with you (which has been done long before either coach was going to the event).
This is the first year that Bronco has done this in the four that they have come.
I think it was a nice thing that Bronco did, but it certainly wasn't classless for Whit to do what he did either.

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