BYU gridders enjoy record success in New Mexico

Missionary-themed fireside sets tone for bowl victory

23 Dec 2010, 12:00 a.m. MST

Jason writes for the Deseret News’ Politics and the West team covering education, the military and faith-based sports stories.

Hours before claiming a decisive victory in the Dec. 18 New Mexico Bowl, members of the BYU football program celebrated matters of eternal worth at a special fireside in Albuquerque.

Several hundred visiting Cougar fans, local members and their friends squeezed into the Albuquerque New Mexico West Stake Center on Dec. 17 to enjoy an evening of music and inspirational messages. The fireside included remarks from BYU football coach Bronco Mendenhall, along with players/returned missionaries Jameson Frazier and B.J. Peterson. Cougar defensive back Travis Uale and his wife, Lotomata, sang a duet together.

BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall, center, celebrates victory with players Brian Logan, left, and Matt Marshall in the closing seconds of the New Mexico Bowl. The coach participated in a fireside on the eve of the Dec. 18 college football game. | Associated Press

BYU President Cecil O. Samuelson of the Seventy also attended the fireside. The football team has a tradition of participating in firesides whenever the team plays on the road.

"It was a very enjoyable evening," said Keith Mortensen, an Albuquerque resident and a die-hard Cougar fan.

BYU quarterback Jake Heaps looks downfield for an open receiver during the early moments of the New Mexico Bowl. | Associated Press

Brother Mortensen said he was especially impressed by the counsel offered by Coach Mendenhall, who was an assistant coach at the University of New Mexico before moving to BYU. "He's not from New Mexico, but he's kind of a hometown favorite."

The fireside helped round out the bowl experience for Cougar fans living in the Albuquerque area, along with many visitors in town for the game.

UTEP's Trevor Vittatoe, left, gets sacked by BYU's Corby Eason during the first quarter of the New Mexico Bowl. | Associated Press

"Bronco is a great leader, and it was wonderful to hear from the players and see their spiritual sides," said Brother Mortensen.

BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall gets carried by his players after the Cougars defeated UTEP 52-24. | Associated Press

The Cougars demonstrated their prowess on the gridiron the next day at University Stadium, manhandling the University of Texas-El Paso 52-24 in the annual Albuquerque bowl game. BYU dominated on all aspects of the game, setting a school bowl record and New Mexico Bowl record for most points scored. Freshman quarterback Jake Heaps claimed bowl offensive MVP honors after tossing four touchdown passes. His senior teammate, safety Andrew Rich, was named the bowl defensive MVP after recording two interceptions and a sack.

With the bowl win, the Cougars finished their 2010 season with a 7-6 record — an impressive result given the team's 1-4 start.

"It's a great way for this team to finish the season," said Coach Mendenhall. "It's a great way for them to remember the 2010 team and I'm proud of them."

Next season promises new opportunities for the BYU football team. The Cougars are moving from the Mountain West Conference to independence next fall.