Zach Wilson Writes Letter Thanking Kalani Sitake For Time Together At BYU
Jan 6, 2021, 5:30 PM
Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake and Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Zach Wilson (1) celebrate the win over the UCF Knights with fans during the Boca Raton Bowl in Boca Raton, Fla., on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. BYU won 49-23. (Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News)
(Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News)
PROVO, Utah – The relationship between Zach Wilson and Kalani Sitake has always been strong, dating back to when Wilson was a young kid. When the former Corner Canyon High star de-committed from Boise State in 2017, Wilson, a lifelong Utah fan, gave BYU a chance because of Sitake.
With Wilson’s career at BYU now over, the star quarterback wrote a letter that he shared on social media thanking Kalani Sitake. The heralded prospect continues his preparations for the next phase of his football career.
Kalani Sitake era! Thank you coach! pic.twitter.com/lFIB5bEFZB
— Zachary Wilson (@zachkapono) January 7, 2021
Zach Wilson writes letter thanking BYU coach Kalani Sitake
“The first time I met you I was 8 years old. We were at the Utah football camp decked in red. Who could have ever predicted we’d be reppin the Y, dressed head to toe in b lue? I don’t believe in coincidences. You came into my life for a reason. There have been so many coaches, that didn’t believe in me, but you could see my potential from day one. Even when it got rough, you never gave up on me. You held my future in your hands and you helped me spread my wings.
“Most people don’t realize, a head coach is not only responsible for winning games, he has a huge influence into the type of men we become. Coaches help shape our character and can teach us to be better husbands, fathers and brothers.
“Some of the greatest lessons I learned from you, were off the field. You taught me to be kind, generous and humble. You taught me that football doesn’t last forever, but the relationships we make along the way do.
“I hope BYU and our fans, realize how fortunate they are to have you. They should hold onto you as long as possible.
“I’m so sad our time at BYU together is coming to a close. But we’ve built a relationship that will last a lifetime.
Love you coach,
-Zach”
*****
Strong endorsement for Sitake from Wilson. Back on November 18th, Wilson wrote a tweet that read, “Extend this man!” If it wasn’t for Sitake, the Zach Wilson chapter at BYU never happens.
Extend this man! https://t.co/DBjiOrwXBc
— Zachary Wilson (@zachkapono) November 19, 2020
Wilson faced adversity with the Cougars. He battled difficult losses and injuries that led some fans and spectators to voice their displeasure with Wilson as the starting quarterback. But Sitake never wavered and the Cougars put together their best season in over a decade with Wilson and Sitake leading the way.
In 2020, Wilson passed for 3,692 yards, 33 touchdowns, and completed 74 percent of his passes. Those eye-popping numbers have now put Wilson in a position to be one of the top players in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturday from 12–3 p.m., KSL Newsradio). Follow him on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper and the KSL Sports app.
