Utah Football Gets Out In Community Over Father’s Day Weekend
Jun 20, 2022, 11:10 AM | Updated: Jul 8, 2022, 10:04 am
The Utah Utes take the field prior to a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Rose Bowl Game at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 01, 2022 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY- It was a busy few days out in the Salt Lake community for Utah football over Father’s Day Weekend. On top of another busy weekend hosting recruits, the Utes spent their time giving back at the Utah Social Open, All Poly Camp, Kids on the Move, Utah Foster Care, and giving one fan a Father’s Day to remember. The efforts say a lot about head coach Kyle Whittingham’s program that not only prides itself on winning on the field, but winning off of it as well.
Utah Social Open
On Thursday a slew of Utah football players participated in a fan-created “golf tournament” called the Utah Social Open. What originally started out as a bit of joke with 36 players who were sick of being stuck in the house during the Covid-19 pandemic has grown into one of summer’s most anticipated events in just two short years. Headed by Connor Schone and Andrew McCullough, the Utah Social Open brings fans of all the local sports teams here in Utah together for a day of golf and now an opportunity to hangout and meet some of their favorite sports figures.
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Heavy hitters for the Utes like quarterbacks Cam Rising and Bryson Barnes, tight end Dalton Kincaid, running backs Tavion Thomas, Micah Bernard and Charlie Vincent, offensive lineman Braeden Daniels, wide receiver Solomon Enis, and defensive linemen Devin Kaufusi and Miki Suguturaga all came out to support and have a good time with fans. Even the NFL turned out for the USO with former Ute turned Philadelphia Eagle Britain Covey making his second appearance at the event.
All Poly Football Camp
Wide receiver Devaughn Vele spent Thursday, Friday and Saturday lending his services to the All Poly Football Camp. On Friday Vele was asked to speak by founder Alema Te’o because of his unique journey to being a significant piece of Utah’s offense. The former, under-recruited, walk-on receiver is expected to have a big year for the Utes in 2022, being a testament to working hard, and never giving up.
.@all_poly founder, Alema Te’o also had some wise thoughts on Vele’s rise through the college football hierarchy. #GoUtes #UteProud pic.twitter.com/2qChjMI68X
— Michelle Bodkin (@BodkinKSLsports) June 18, 2022
Kids On The Move
Saturday morning had Kaufusi, Hayden Erickson, and Karene Reid up early for Kids on the Move’s one mile walk/run for autism. The event had about three hundred people come through and even got a special visit from Utah tight end coach Freddie Whittingham who came out to support his guys.
Proud of these guys for their involvement in the community, coming together for a great cause! #WalkForAutism @kidsonthemovehc @hayden7232 @devskaufusi Karene Reid @Utah_Football pic.twitter.com/SzFIvHiJDO
— Fred Whittingham Jr. (@FWhittinghamJr) June 18, 2022
Utah Foster Care and OblockCares
Later Saturday evening, members of Utah football’s offensive line showed up to the Gateway for the Utah Chalk Art Festival in support of Utah Foster Care. The effort was part of the position group’s OblockCares initiative where the Utah offensive line is dedicated to going out in the community for good causes. Tyler Knaak, Kolinu’u Faaiu, Johnny Maea, and Paul Maile were all in attendance bringing awareness to Utah Foster Care and their upcoming Sunday Supper event on July 10th.
Loved having the opportunity to meet you both! https://t.co/Ltf3xjVAh0
— OblockCares (@OblockCares) June 20, 2022
A Father’s Day To Remember
Last, but certainly not least, Kaufusi and Kincaid gave a Utah fan the morning surprise of his life on Father’s Day going to visit him in the hospital as he battles cancer. Wes is a dedicated father and a Twitter favorite among users from all fan bases here in the state. Unable to attend the Utah Social Open like Wes would have liked, Kaufusi and Kincaid brought a taste of the fun to his hospital room on Father’s Day instead.
I had a very unexpected surprise this morning. I want to give a huge shoutout to @_DaltonKincaid and @devskaufusi for coming to visit me at the hospital! I can’t even express how grateful I am that you did I that, I really needed a boost of energy. #GoUtes #FamilyOn3
— Cancer Slayer (@wes_pace) June 19, 2022
