COLLEGE FOOTBALL
BYU, USU Football Help Families In Need At Utah Food Bank
SALT LAKE CITY – The Battle for the Old Wagon Wheel between BYU and Utah State is a heated rivalry on the field. But off of it, the two in-state programs can come together to help their communities here in Utah.
In partnership with Smithfield Foods, the Utah Pork Producers Association, and the Fredette Family Foundation, BYU and Utah State football teams unloaded a 30,000-pound truckload of protein to give to the Utah Food Bank in South Salt Lake (3150 South, 900 West).
BYU & Utah State deliver 140,000 servings of food for families in need
The donation stems from each point scored by the two teams scored during their 2021 college football seasons. Both teams combined to score 886 points in 2021, so the donation averaged 33 pounds of protein per point.
@USUFootball and @BYUfootball players helping the community at the Utah Food Bank today with @UtahPork ! Go Aggies!! pic.twitter.com/gjTmPHNmZS
— Ryan Olson (@ryanguyolson) April 21, 2022
The 30,000-pound semi-truck load will equal 140,000 servings and help the ultimate goal of the cause, fighting hunger in Utah.
“One in seven children in Utah face food insecurity,” said Ginette Bott, president and CEO of Utah Food Bank. “We are incredibly grateful that this program generates nutritious protein donations to help us feed families facing hunger while driving awareness of the significant need that exists in our communities.”
Along with unloading the truckload, players from both teams made hygiene kits to go to families in need.
Thank you @USUFootball Aggies for teaming up with our @BYUfootball players at the Utah food bank and making a difference in our community one family at a time.
GO COUGS!!! GO AGGIES!!! pic.twitter.com/D8RG9ypcWx— #IamJackDamuni 🇫🇯 (@JackDamuni) April 23, 2022
BYU football had seven players participate in the efforts to help the Food Bank. Puka Nacua, Joe Tukuafu, Atunaisa Mahe, Lorenzo Fauatea, Earl Tuioti-Mariner, Brooks Maile, and Samson Peaua.
Utah State had 11 players, including Lofa Fonoti-Maikui, Frank Jacobsen, and Sione Moa.
Wagon Wheel Rivalry renews on Thursday Night Football in 2022
Last season, BYU and Utah State finished ranked in the final AP Top 25 poll. BYU was No. 19, while Mountain West champ Utah State was No. 24.
The Wagon Wheel rivals will square off against each other again for the 91st meeting on Thursday, September 29. BYU has won the last two meetings, both in Logan. Utah State won the previous meeting in Provo in 2018.
Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and host of the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturday from 12–3 p.m.) on KSL Newsradio. Follow him on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper.
