A Personal Plea During Holy War Week
In a personal column, a University of Utah alumnus argues that college athletic rivalries can thrive without crossing the line into personal animosity or hostility toward an opponent’s faith.
The essay, shared during Holy War week leading up to the matchup between the University of Utah and Brigham Young University, examines how fan culture distorts sportsmanship. The author recounts attending Utah’s undefeated 2004 season with 50-yard-line seats in row 8 of Rice-Eccles Stadium, an unforgettable athletic run for the Utes that nonetheless highlighted darker elements of stadium behavior.
Derogatory Chants in the Stands
During multiple home games that season, fans around his seats began chanting slogans disparaging BYU even when Utah was playing entirely different opponents. Those chants frequently devolved into derogatory remarks targeting members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The author, a member of that church, found himself surrounded by people expressing open hatred for the faith he belongs to.
Shared Religious Roots Link Rivals Utah and BYU
The essay points out a striking historical irony within the rivalry. The University of Utah was founded by Brigham Young, the historical figure for whom BYU is named. A significant number of players and coaches wearing Utah red across the decades have also been members of the same church targeted by hostile chants in the stands.
The author writes that experiencing this dynamic firsthand caused him to lose respect for certain fellow Ute fans that season. However, he notes that looking back, he is grateful for the perspective it provided. He realized that holding onto genuine animosity toward a rival school was entirely unnecessary to maintain loyalty to his own team.
The Shift From Partisanship to Respect
By shedding the hatred, the author felt a mental shift. He recognized that a strong, successful BYU program actually benefits the University of Utah when the two teams ultimately meet on the gridiron. With age and experience, his outlook evolved from bitter partisanship to a perspective that respects the opposing institution while maintaining fierce allegiance to the Utes.
Separating Competition From Malice
Today, the author maintains personal ties with friends and family members who attended BYU, developing a deep respect for what the institution stands for. Yet when the annual Holy War rivalry game arrives, his loyalties remain firmly with Utah.
The core message of the essay challenges sports fans to separate competitive enthusiasm from genuine malice. The author argues that enjoying a great sports rivalry does not require hating the opposing team, a lesson forged in the stadium seats more than twenty years ago that he continues to apply across other areas of life.
