In Utah, it’s no different. The rivalry game between No. 23 BYU and Utah has come to be known as “The Holy War” for the connection BYU has with the LDS Church (Mormon). With the schools located only 40 miles apart, pranks from each school have heated up the rivalry to fever pitch for years. Last year’s late-game heroics by now-NFL quarterback John Beck has only added fuel to the fire. There’s been nothing but trash talk between SLC and Provo for almost 12 full months now.

Here’s the clip that fueled the fire:

This year’s game should be even better. Each team is riding a seven-game win streak, with BYU looking to secure the top spot in the Mountain West Conference with a win, and the Utes looking to share a piece of the top spot with a win and a BYU loss at San Diego State.

If this year’s game is anything like last year’s, it will be awesome! Go Cougs!

(This game will be televised live on CSTV at noon MT.)

What happened while they were standing at the locker room entrance is a testament to the classiness of long-time head coach Sonny Lubick. My dad reported that nearly 80 percent of the players gave high fives to the fans even though they lost. He said one player walked along the line and slapped everyone’s hands. When he came to my nephew, he slapped his hand, and then (almost turning around) he stopped, looked down at my nephew and asked, “Do you want these?” as he pulled off his wrist bands. It goes without saying that my nephew was elated.

Today’s sports world is filled with classless individuals, with A-Rod and Scott Boras leading the charge. They have their millions, yet they demand more, not only in monetary compensation, but in the attention they want from the world. They are the epitome of the “gimme-gimme” syndrome.

Yet, this young CSU football player, who may or may not be on a scholarship and who most likely won’t end up going professional in football, took the opportunity to reach out to an impressionable young boy, even after losing the game. His coach has taught him how to show sportsmanship regardless of the outcome.

Sadly, Coach Lubick will probably be fired at the end of the year because he’s had a bad season after a successful 15-year stint at CSU. But in my eyes, and in the eyes of my family (all staunch BYU fans), he’s a hall of famer in our book. Not just any sports hall of fame, but in the Class Act Hall of Fame.

I’m bummed. The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency found Landis guilty of doping (see AP story here). I haven’t ridden regularly in a while, but I’m still an avid fan of cycling and racing. My wife and I cheered loudly at the TV during Stage 17 of the 2006 Tour, only to stare silently again later while learning that Landis was accused of doping.

I’m not even going to pretend to understand the facts surrounding the case and spout my opinion here in this post. I’m just bummed for Landis, racers in general and for recreational cyclists and potential recreational cyclists who might think twice about participating in a tainted activity.

The news about Landis will make for an interesting next few weeks, especially with the industry’s largest trade show, Interbike, and the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) World Championships taking place at the same time. I’m sure everyone will be talking about the verdict and will have an opinion.

If you’re interested in seeing what members of the bicycle industry will be saying about doping and other subjects at Interbike, go to InterbikeTimes.com to see live streaming video from the Media Center on the show’s main floor. From 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. media outlets such as BicycleRadio.com, BicycleWorld.tv, Bicycling Magazine, BMXer, Crooked Cog Network, Cycling.tv, Dirt Rag, Mountain Bike, QuickRelease.tv, Road Bike Action, Swagger, The Spokesman, VeloNews and VitalBMX will be interviewing industry heavy weights, former pro racers, product managers and the like. Besides talking about 2008 product, I’m sure doping will be discussed.

My friends have occasionally goaded me to get back on my bike, and I will. Last summer I literally dusted off the trusty, old 9-speed Dura-Ace equipped Landshark, pumped up the tires, adjusted the shifting with the intent to ride, but got lazy. This year we bought a 1950’s house here in Salt Lake City, but you know what that means – lots of remodeling projects.

I love cycling. Not just for racing, but for the fun and freedom it brings. Those nice cool solitary morning road rides up the canyons or a fun day chairlift mountain biking at Deer Valley with friends and family helps slow down life a little.

Bikes are fun. They will always be about fun. I hope everyone can get past the sadness of doping in the professional ranks, and even in the amateur ranks, and just get on the bike and ride.

I’ll post more soon.

Chip

No time of the year is more exciting to me than the period of time between the end of August to the end of December. Most people would call it Fall, but it’s more than that. It’s football season.

I grew up playing and watching football. Now I mostly watch, but I play too…Fantasy style. In high school, I played tight end for our team, which was pretty good. And in college, I played intramural at BYU. Our team was awesome! Over two years, we went 22-0, winning the championship both years.

And now it’s that time of the year again. We’ve got football in the air, even in the office. Poppa P’s son plays tight end for a local high school, so it’s fun to talk football with Poppa P. We’ve even brought a football into the office to toss around on occasion–I think it helps get the juices flowing.

I’ve also got my fantasy league draft this weekend, which I’m really excited about. I just love the game, the ins and outs of what makes certain plays work. I owe that to my high school football coach. He had a mind for the game unlike any other I’ve ever known. He understood how it worked and instilled a love for the game in most everyone he coached.

So, here’s to Friday night lights, Saturday morning hype and continuing to live the dream. And here’s a little clip to get you exctied…one of my personal favorites.