One State, Two Teams, One Guard

Official Statements

• Utah National Guard Public Affairs, November 9: “LEHI, UT — For generations, Utah families have been divided by two colors: red for the University of Utah Utes and royal blue for the Brigham Young University Cougars. When the two teams meet on the football field, the rivalry divides communities across the state.

  Rooted deeply in Utah culture, the rivalry is one of the state’s most recognizable sporting traditions. This year, the University of Utah brought thousands of fans together at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Nov. 7, 2026, for this game. Among these thousands of fans are Soldiers and Airmen of the Utah National Guard - men and women who have also taken an oath to serve and protect their country, state, and communities.

  The game also recognized military veterans and those currently serving. Outside the stadium, fans gathered for tailgates near a Utah National Guard AH-64 Apache helicopter displayed on campus as part of the day’s activities. Within the stadium, the seats began to fill, the energy was rising, and anticipation for this game was beginning to peak.

  As the countdown to kickoff drew closer, the Utah National Guard’s aviation crews flew high in the distance outside of Rice-Eccles Stadium. As the final note of the national anthem was played, a formation consisting of an AH-64 Apache, a UH-60 Black Hawk, and a UH-72 Lakota helicopter flew over the stadium and the fans seated below.

  “The Utah National Guard is fortunate to be part of such a supportive community, and opportunities like this flyover allow us to give something back,” said Utah Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer 4 Clint Webb, pilot with the 97th Aviation Troop Command. “It’s an honor to represent the Guard, showcase our aviation capabilities, and connect with the people who support us throughout the year. At the end of the day, we’re not just a military organization operating within Utah - we’re part of the communities we serve.”

  That service was recognized and applauded by the fans as Utah Army National Guard Col. Andrew Owens, assistant adjutant ge neral of the Utah Army National Guard, and Utah Army National Guard Command Sgt. Maj. Spencer Nielsen, command senior enlisted leader of the Utah National Guard, joined the ROTC cadets from both colleges in presenting the official game ball to the referees kicking off the start of the rivalry game.

  After the handoff and the game was in full swing, members of the flyover crews and command team cheered alongside University of Utah ROTC cadets. As the teams moved towards the endzone plays created an atmosphere of excitement as the cadets readied the cannon in anticipation of a touchdown. Nielsen and Owens shared experiences and memories with cadets as they reminisced about canon duties and ROTC assignments, while also cheering each team with the energy of the crowd. From the game ball presentation to cannon pulls after each touchdown, the shared moments between senior Utah National Guard leaders and ROTC cadets built connections that extend beyond the football field.

  “It was an honor to be able to be on the field with all the energy and excitement of a game that means so much to so many people,” said Nielsen. “It was humbling to see the love and support the people of Utah have for our service members. We are proud to represent military service around the globe through military appreciation events such as these. The Utah National Guard has the finest men and women I know, and I was honored to represent them today.”

  As the game progressed to halftime, the University of Utah and BYU marching bands coordinated with the Utah National Guard’s 23rd Army Band for a military appreciation halftime show. With all three bands sharing the field, they played songs that represent our military and our great nation.

  “It was amazing to see how well the musicians and other performers worked together with the common goal of delivering an entertaining halftime show, while paying great tribute to the armed forces of our great country," said Utah Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Quentin Hendriksen, a bassoonist assigned to the 23rd Army Band. “I was further amazed to see how many fans remained in the stands through the end of our portion of the half-time show. As everyone there stood for the performance of ‘America, The Beautiful’, they were no longer Ute fans or BYU fans; they were all Americans.”

  The 23rd Army Band has a strong connection to both bands, as there are multiple members who are part of both the 23rd Army Band and are current members or alumni of each school. “It’s not very often that I get to represent BYU as a music student and the Utah Army National Guard as a member of the 23rd Army Band in one performance,” said Utah Army National Guard Spc. Casey Harris, a trumpet player in the 23rd Army Band. “Having the opportunity to be on the field at the University of Utah surrounded by musicians from both schools was a really special experience. Despite the intense rivalry between these two schools, we were there together united under one purpose, to recognize and honor all military who serve and who have served in the United States military.”

  She added, “This experience was a fantastic reminder that despite our school colors, we are more alike than we realize and there’s a lot that can bring us together.”

  One of the Utah National Guard’s greatest strengths is that its service members are active neighbors, friends, and members of Utah communities. Whether supporting a major game day, responding to an emergency, participating in a parade, or helping at a patriotic event, the Utah Guard stands ready to support its fellow Utahns. No matter the occasion or which team is taking the field, that commitment remains the same: serving the people and communities that make Utah a great place to call home.”