Posted on 03/18/2022 2:09:17 PM PDT by nickcarraway
Barely a freshman with just a redshirt and the COVID-19 impacted year of 2020 under his belt, BYU defensive back Tavita Gagnier is well accustomed to the football program's True Blue Heroes.
In the middle of the week after practice, the Cougars break the huddle a little early and surround an invited guest or member of the community to join them for a short celebration of life. Oftentimes, it's a thank you to a valued member of the BYU family, someone going through hardships or trials, or university staffer who just needs a reason for cheer.
Over the years, the program has helped countless individuals, from cancer victims and their families to others affected by loss and tragedy. It's also helped the players, too: reminding them that while football is incredibly important during this season in life, it is — ultimately — just a game, and a means to an end.
Thursday's True Blue Heroes just after the midway point of spring camp hit differently for Gagnier, though.
Thursday's Heroes were his family. Literally.
The Cougars honored the family of Gagnier's 9-year-old cousin Logan, who died suddenly and unexpectedly last Friday in his sleep at the family's home in Eagle Mountain. The family visited practice less than a week later, being treated as honored guests, and receiving the usual "swag bag" of hats, shirts and jerseys, and tickets to BYU's home opener Sept. 10 against Baylor.
"It's different; I've known these guys my whole life, and what an outstanding family they are, how much they've given to the community," Tavita Gagnier said. "To see this happen, I felt like it would be the best if we gave them the best."
Logan's father, Garth, recalled his son's big personality and how he was a super fan of BYU football and Utah Jazz basketball. A GoFundMe* established for the family mentions his love of snacking on Oreos and Doritos, but it was his love and warm heart that made the youngster stand out, wrote family friend JD Sheppard, who organized the project on behalf of Logan's mother Rebecca.
Thursday's moment might not do much for the family, who is dealing with an unthinkable tragedy involving their young child, in the grand scheme, but celebrating Logan as an honorary member of the football team was a touching moment amid their grief.
There's little doubt it helped, Gagnier said. And not just Logan's family, either.
"It was tough, but it was great," he told reporters after. "It's kind of weird, because I usually lay low (at practice). But it was great to see them and all the support.
"They're always talking about BYU football, and it was good to gain that experience."
Gagnier himself is working back from an injury, an Achilles' injury after playing in just four games in 2020, when he registered four tackles and a tackle for loss while alternating between defensive back and linebacker.
The 6-foot-2, 196-pound Stansbury High product is expected to take on a bigger role this fall, health permitting, as he eases back into full form. A pep talk from former BYU tight end Matt Bushman helped push him further back into recovery mode.
Getting the phone call while he was back home from his uncle's house about young Logan's passing also helped put things — the game, his injury, life — in perspective.
"This is more than just a game; it's touching people's lives," Gagnier said. "BYU football is all about family.
"Kalani (Sitake) always says 'family first, football second.' Whatever way we can reach out and touch people and make a difference in the world is where we need to be."
It's the type of culture that has attracted not just local recruits like Gagnier to the program, but also a handful of Division I and other transfers like former Cal running back Christopher Brooks. That culture was "the biggest deciding factor" for Brooks to spend his final season of eligibility after earning his degree with the Golden Bears, he said.
"Each place and each program have a different culture, a different way of doing things," Brooks said. "But the one here, with loving and learning, it doesn't get better than that. When you compete with your brothers, it really brings out the best in you."
*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
“Suddenly” and “coincidence” are two words most often associated with the so-called “vaccines” .
“Sudden” looks to be the up and coming #1 cause of death!
It seems like those words are never associated with the vaccine.
The dog that didn’t bark
Sudden & rare are the new words that will replace “safe” and “effective”.
You’d think they could explain how the 9-year-old became a hero.
They sure neglected to mention if he was vaccinated.
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