Rec Sports

Second-year coach Kevin Young is all about family – Deseret News

The sticky notes were the idea of Kevin Young’s mother-in-law, Tammy Bailey. She handed them out a few months ago, and encouraged family members to write “cool thoughts and words of encouragement” for others on them and leave them around the house. Young’s three children — 12-year-old Jude, 10-year-old Van and 7-year-old Zoey — took […]

Published

3 weeks ago

June 14, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The sticky notes were the idea of Kevin Young’s mother-in-law, Tammy Bailey.

She handed them out a few months ago, and encouraged family members to write “cool thoughts and words of encouragement” for others on them and leave them around the house.

Young’s three children — 12-year-old Jude, 10-year-old Van and 7-year-old Zoey — took their grandmother’s directive to heart.

Special Collector’s Issue: “1984: The Year BYU was Second to None”

Get an inclusive look inside BYU Football’s 1984 National Championship season.

Young’s BYU basketball team was struggling a bit when it hit Big 12 play in January, losing badly at Houston and starting 1-3 in conference games and looking nothing like the NCAA Tournament team it would become.

The morning before one important home game, Young got in his car and noticed a sticky note attached to his steering wheel, written by one of his sons.

“Let’s get this win tonight, dad,” the note read, followed by the word “PROvo,” a reminder that Young promised in his introductory news conference last year that he would establish BYU as a pipeline to the NBA.

The Cougars lost that game, Young remembers, but the next morning he woke up to find another note on his bathroom mirror, written by a different son, saying, “Hey dad, it is OK, we will get the next one. We are good.”

Young’s voice caught a bit when he relayed the story last week to the Deseret News in response to a question about some of the greatest joys of fatherhood.

“That was pretty cool,” he said. “It was a ‘you got this’ type of thing, and honestly, I get emotional even talking about it. But those notes were pretty awesome. … They are all-in, man. Fully invested. My oldest one, Jude, is locked in to our success, and his little brother (Van) is right behind him.”

The same can be said of Kevin Young when it comes to fatherhood and family. The 20th men’s basketball coach in BYU history, for all the success he achieved on the hardwoods in his first season in Provo, is just as locked-in as a husband to Melissa and father of Jude, Van and Zoey.

The couple’s fourth child, and second daughter, is due in late September — before Young and the Cougars embark on his second season in Provo and the most difficult schedule in BYU basketball history with what is expected to be one of the best teams in school history, led by No. 1 prep recruit AJ Dybantsa and returning all-Big 12 wing Richie Saunders.

“Coaching is just what I do. It is not who I am,” Young said. “Being a dad is definitely who I am. … I love being a dad, man. It is my favorite thing about what I get to do. It really shapes who I am. Where it intersects with my career is it really has driven my career choices. It is the thing that matters most to me.”

Featuring Kevin Young before Father’s Day

Every June, the Deseret News profiles a father in the Utah sports community, a dad who has successfully balanced his professional and family life in an extraordinary manner. We’ve featured former Utah basketball coach Craig Smith, the father of BYU football coach Kalani Sitake (Tom), the father of BYU defensive coordinator Jay Hill (Ferrell) and the father of BYU and NFL quarterback Zach Wilson (Mike Wilson).

Young, 43, is this year’s choice.

Kevin and Melissa Young pose for a picture with their children. — Kevin and Melissa Young pose for a picture with their children, Jude, Van and Zoey. | Courtesy Kevin Young family

He met Melissa Bailey — almost everyone calls her Missy — when she was a student at BYU and he was a volunteer assistant coach at Utah Valley University, and they married in the Salt Lake Temple in 2011. He became a father for the first time in 2013, four months after he was fired as the head coach of the Iowa Energy of the NBA’s D-League (now known as the G-League).

Young credits his own parents, Melissa’s parents, and “many, many” fellow coaches along his career path who instilled the importance of fatherhood into him. Men like John Bryant, who was a fellow assistant with the Chicago Bulls, and current St. Joseph’s head coach Billy Lange were there along the way.

So were Todd Wright, now director of player performance for the Los Angeles Clippers, and Todor Pandov, head strength coach of the Orlando Magic.

More recently, NBA head coaches who Young has worked for, including Brett Brown, and Monty Williams, have been big family guys who encouraged Young to stay close to his family.

“A large part of it is I was lucky about who I was around as a young coach,” Young said. “I could list four or five other guys who were instrumental. … Monty Williams is a huge family guy. Brett Brown is, too. That was probably as critical as anything. … If I worked for other coaches that didn’t have that, I don’t know if my desire to remain a coach would have been as high as it is. So that was something I feel fortunate about, for sure.”

Young said that prior to accepting the BYU job, he did a lot of research on a college coach’s lifestyle and ability to spend more time with his family, and talked to a lot of guys who had coached at both levels to make sure becoming a head coach would not have a negative effect on his family.

BYU Cougars head coach Kevin Young watches his players warmup during a practice held at Ball Arena in Denver, Colo., on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

“They all felt strongly there was definitely more time at home in the college game, and (there) is. It has been cool. I have been able to be at a lot more of my kids’ games,” Young said. “Part of that, though, too, is being a head coach. Being an assistant, you are at the mercy of the schedule. When you are the head coach, you get to make the schedule out. So there is a lot that goes into that.

“But it has played out nicely, and probably even more so because we are at BYU. You have family importance here, and the welcoming of families and stuff like that,” he continued. “So that has been something we have thoroughly enjoyed.”

‘A legacy to live up to’ — Brigham Young is in his roots, literally

Kevin Young can trace his roots back to Brigham Young — he’s the fourth great-nephew of the second president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the man whom BYU is named after.

Brigham Young’s brother, Lorenzo Dow Young, is Kevin Young’s great-great-great-great-grandfather.

“That’s quite a legacy to live up to,” he said.

It is a legacy that he wants his children to always remember, as well.

Young’s father, Phillip Young, said that of his six children — five sons and a daughter — Kevin, the third-oldest child and second-oldest son, has “always been the one that appreciates family history the most.”

Two years ago, Kevin and Melissa rented a recreational vehicle and drove from their home in Phoenix to Melissa’s family’s farm near Omaha, Nebraska, and then back through Utah so the kids could see where there ancestors lived in Huntington, Emery County.

They checked out the Stuart Guard Station in Huntington Canyon, which was built in 1930 and where Kevin’s grandfather, Jonathan Dee Young, and great-grandfather, Lee Young, lived during the summer months.

“We were able to go through the cabin, and Kevin took it as a real teaching moment to help his boys realize where they came from,” Phil Young said. “That’s always been very important to Kevin, where our family has been, who we are, and exposing his family to that, and teaching them that they have a great history.”

Establishing family atmosphere in BYU basketball

It is not uncommon to see a lot of kids running around the Marriott Center court after games, or during other times at the BYU basketball practice facility on campus (Marriott Center Annex). There’s a reason for that.

The coaching staff Young has assembled in Provo has more than 20 kids combined — although some of those kids are also in college. Chris Burgess, John Linehan, Doug Stewart, Will Voigt, Brandon Dunson, Nate Austin and Jordan Brady all have children. Burgess and Brady lead the way with five apiece.

Chief of staff Doug Stewart and his wife, Lindsay, have three.

Young’s emphasis on family and fatherhood is “tremendous,” Stewart said.

“What he does with his family carries over to our basketball team, and that becomes family. So that’s probably the biggest testimonial you could put out there,” Stewart said. “The time, energy and effort he puts into his immediate family, he brings that forth to our basketball family as well.

“When you make a nice run like last year, you don’t do it unless there is that culture, that chemistry, that energy, things of that nature. He brings what he does as a father at home to the gym, and that’s what makes it special.”

Kevin and Melissa Young pose for a picture with their children during a football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium. | Courtesy Kevin Young family

Young said during the offseason when his kids are still in school, he likes to help with breakfast, get lunches ready, and drop them off at school before heading into the office. During the season, there are more early mornings and it is 50-50 whether he gets to help out before driving to work.

“That is one thing I am big on, even with the other coaches. I am not a big office guy,” he said. “So we come in, we try to be efficient with the work that we do, so that if there are things going on at home everybody can get to them without feeling guilty or whatever. So that is a huge thing for me.”

Yes, the Young boys are fully involved in team sports — baseball, basketball, soccer and football — and Zoey is currently taking tennis lessons.

“We are a huge sports family. Games are always on TV. A lot of my wife’s brothers played football and basketball, and all of my family played sports, too,” he said. “So our kids have taken a natural liking to it.”

Young said the Utah County youth sports scene “is pretty crazy,” and he often consults with his staffers, such as Stewart, to compare notes and find the best opportunities for his kids. He said he is “pretty hands-off” at games and athletic events, not wanting to “make things feel weird” for other coaches.

“I definitely make it a point to try to get to their games. That is something that I didn’t realize as a young father — how awesome it is to watch your young kids play sports,” he said. “Like, a few years ago, I am in the NBA watching the best players in the world, and I would much rather go watch this 5-year-old soccer game. I love going to watch my kids play.”

Guiding forces: Gospel and the ‘really good dad’

No story on Kevin Young’s fatherhood would be complete without a mention of how much his own father, Phil Young, and his wife, Melissa, have contributed to his success, he said.

He called his father the person he is closest to in his life, outside of his wife.

“He is the guy I call when I just gotta run something by him, regardless of the topic, whether it is a career decision, or something with the kids, something with my wife, financial stuff, whatever it might be. He is always the first call for me,” said Young. “Although he traveled a lot when I was a kid, he did such a good job of just being present, even though he was traveling quite a bit. I just always admired him for that.”

Kevin Young and father Phillip Young. — Kevin Young poses for a picture with his father, Phil Young, at Manti-La Sal Forest. | Courtesy Kevin Young family

Phil Young was a traveling salesman, so he knows what it is like to be away from home for long stretches, like Kevin is during the season.

“As it relates to my career, the funny thing is my dad did not grow up a sports guy, which is kinda funny.

“My brothers are all into sports, too. But he is a car guy, and that is kinda his thing. He was not super athletic, so he has obviously gotten into sports a lot later, having athletic kids and so forth,” Kevin said.

The coach said that his upbringing in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his relationship with Jesus Christ has been the foundation behind it all.

“That is a testament to my dad, and all the lessons he taught me. The vehicle with which he taught me a lot of life lessons was the gospel, and I think partially why he and I are so close,” Kevin continued. “You know, I didn’t go on a mission, so I am probably not the prototypical Mormon guy, or whatever. But my relationship with my dad is what helped me stay in line with the gospel. A lot of who I am is because of my dad. He’s just a really good dad.”

Will Young grow old at BYU?

Young has proven to be a really good coach, having recently signed a “long-term” contract extension that BYU said in a news release should keep him in Provo “for the foreseeable future.”

The Cougars went 26-10 overall, and 14-6 in Big 12 play, in his inaugural season. That’s the most wins by a first-year head coach in program history.

He spoke to the Deseret News a couple of hours before that contract extension was announced, but didn’t mention it in the interview. He did speak candidly about having some interest in the Phoenix Suns’ head coaching job, which was filled the day before the extension was announced.

“Our quality of life is definitely the No. 1 thing (keeping him at BYU),” he said. “Not to get super philosophical about it, but it is not about the dollar amounts for me. It is about what money allows you to do from a quality of life standpoint, what you prioritize. So that’s sort of how I view how I have steered my career as it relates to money and how that ties into my long-term goals. That’s a whole ‘nother topic. But that’s how I navigate that space.”

New BYU basketball coach Kevin Young and family members have a FaceTime call with Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid at the Marriott Center on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. | Nate Edwards, BYU

Link

Rec Sports

Jury finds former Springfield youth basketball coach guilty of multiple sex crimes involving children

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – A jury found a former Springfield youth basketball coach guilty of multiple sex crimes involving children. Antwuan Looney faced two counts of child molestation and multiple counts of first-degree sodomy, first-degree rape, and statutory rape. A judge will sentence him in September. Investigators said Looney had at least five juvenile victims and […]

Published

3 hours ago

July 3, 2025

Your Sports Nation

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – A jury found a former Springfield youth basketball coach guilty of multiple sex crimes involving children.

Antwuan Looney faced two counts of child molestation and multiple counts of first-degree sodomy, first-degree rape, and statutory rape. A judge will sentence him in September.

Investigators said Looney had at least five juvenile victims and three other suspected victims. Investigators say the abuse started as early as 1995 and in some cases lasted for years. In a police report filed in 2004, a 13-year-old girl claimed that Looney was her basketball coach and he touched her inappropriately in her bedroom.

Investigators say another victim recounted several incidents where Looney raped or sexually abused her, all when she was around nine-years-old.

When he was questioned by detectives, Looney denied all of the allegations against him.

To report a correction or typo, please email digitalnews@ky3.com. Please include the article info in the subject line of the email.

Link

Rec Sports

Kendall Young Library has youth events in July | News, Sports, Jobs

Throughout July, the Kendall Young Library will be hosting a number of different events and story times for all ages. Students should attend the programs based on the classes they will attend in the fall of 2025 Children’s Summer Reading Program — Patrons, birth to fifth grade, can join in a variety of “Level Up […]

Published

3 hours ago

July 3, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Children’s Summer Reading Program — Patrons, birth to fifth grade, can join in a variety of “Level Up at your Library” summer programs. There is a reading challenge, activity bingo and great programs each week. The deadline is July 31 for the reading challenge entries for the summer drawings.

Children’s Special Events — Tuesday, July 8, 5-7 p.m., Family Pool Party at the Webster City Outdoor Pool, free event for the whole family

Thursday, July 10, 10:30-11:30 a.m. — Fonziba Drums (ages 8+) at Kendall Young Library

Thursday, July 17, 6:00 p.m. — Family Foam Party at Webster City Market Night — sponsored by Kendall Young Library

Children’s Weekly Programs –Wild Things 1 (PreK-K) will meet on Monday, July 7 and 14 from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Wild Things 2 (first to second grade) will meet on Tuesday, July 1, 8 and 15 from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Fuzzy Ducklings (Under 3 years) will meet on Wednesday, July 2, 9 and 16 from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Tween’s Time (third to fifth grade) will meet on Thursday, July 3, 10 and 17 from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Hungry Caterpillars (preschool) will meet on Friday, July 11 and 18 from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Teen Summer Reading Program–Patrons who will be in grades six to 12 this fall can join in a variety of “Level Up at your Library” summer programs. There is a 10-day reading challenge along with both scheduled and “on your own time” programs each week. Detailed information is available at the Adult Checkout Desk or in the Teen Area. Please make sure to get all entries in by July 31.

Game of the Week — Each week throughout the summer there will be a new game featured as the “Game of the Week”. Mondays from 10-11a.m. the game will be presented with the rule and an opportunity to play with friends. The game will also be available all week if you want to stop-in, try it out and vote how you liked the game.

Teen Lounge — Patrons in grades 6-12 are invited on Tuesday from 10:00-11:30 a.m. Join us weekly for video games, snacks, crafts, board games, and more.

Special crafts in the theme of “Level Up At Your Library” will be provided each week.

Teen Games — “Fun before the Sun…Thursdays” is time for games and adventures. Each Thursday from 10:00-11:30 a.m. Teens activities will include games, movies, a scavenger hunt and mini golf which will be held inside the library.

Teen Crafternoons — Kendall Young Teen area will have a Crafternoon Station throughout the summer. Each week, beginning on Wednesdays, a new craft will be presented. This activity is available whenever the library is open.

The Teen Area STEM Cart is available for the adventurous builder. There are a variety of plans and materials will be provided. Stop at the reference desk to get more information any time this summer.Community Lego Build — Students are invited to participate in building the Lego Disney Villain Icons. This project is available during all open hours of the library and it is located in the Young Adult Area.

The Teen area located in the Kendall Young Library offers a variety of board games, community Lego build, Chromebooks, video games, books and activities that are always available.

Link

Rec Sports

Orcutt sails into championship round; Lompoc eliminated | Youth Sports

The Orcutt 14U All-Stars scored 36 runs total in their first three tournament games, and they did not slow down Tuesday. The host team roared into the championship bracket of the Central California Babe Ruth 14-Year-Old Tournament, beating Madera 16-0 on Morrison Field at Morrison Park, Orcutt’s home site. Orcutt will face the Madera-Hanford winner […]

Published

4 hours ago

July 3, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The Orcutt 14U All-Stars scored 36 runs total in their first three tournament games, and they did not slow down Tuesday.

Link

Rec Sports

Sports calendar: July 4–13, 2025

Edmonton Riverhawks at Bellingham Bells 6:35 p.m. Wednesday, July 9 Joe Martin Field The Edmonton Riverhawks return to Bellingham after the Fourth of July weekend for a three-game series against the Bells July 8–10. Bellingham is 4-1 this season against the Riverhawks, and both teams are competing for the top spot in the North Division. […]

Published

5 hours ago

July 3, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Edmonton Riverhawks at Bellingham Bells

6:35 p.m. Wednesday, July 9

Joe Martin Field

The Edmonton Riverhawks return to Bellingham after the Fourth of July weekend for a three-game series against the Bells July 8–10. Bellingham is 4-1 this season against the Riverhawks, and both teams are competing for the top spot in the North Division.

Tiny Tykes Tuesdays

10 a.m. Tuesday, July 8

Lee Memorial Park

Keep the kids busy this summer with a series of classes that provide them a positive introduction to team sports. Coaches will lead activities, drills and mini-games to build basic skills along with sportsmanship and community. The featured sports include baseball, football, track and soccer.

Cascade Connections Cornhole Tournament

5:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 8

District Brewing

Gather friends or compete by yourself in some backyard, easygoing corn hole at District Brewing in Ferndale. The cost is $10 to enter, and the event will last until approximately 8 p.m.

Friday, July 4

WCL

Port Angeles Lefties at Bellingham Bells, 4:05 p.m.

Pro league

Pittsburgh Pirates at Seattle Mariners, 1:10 p.m.

Recreation

Bioluminescense Kayak Tour at Larrabee State Park, 9 p.m.

Saturday, July 5

WCL

Port Angeles Lefties at Bellingham Bells, 6:05 p.m.

Pro league

Pittsburgh Pirates at Seattle Mariners, 7:10 p.m.

Recreation

Chuckanut Foot Race at 100 Harris Ave., 9 a.m.

Lummi Island Full Day Kayak Tour, 10:30 a.m.

Sunday, July 6

WCL

Port Angeles Lefties at Bellingham Bells, 1:35 p.m.

Pro league

Seattle Storm at New York Liberty, 10 a.m.

Lake Whatcom Triathlon at Bloedel Donovan Park, 7 a.m.

Northwest Tune-Up festival on the Bellingham waterfront, all day

Sunday, July 13

WCL

Bellingham Bells at Kamloops NorthPaws, 2:05 p.m.

Pro league

Seattle Mariners at Detroit Tigers, 10:40 a.m.

Washington Mystics at Seattle Storm, 3 p.m.

Recreation

Northwest Tune-Up festival on the Bellingham waterfront, all day

CDN’s sports calendar is published online Thursdays and in print Fridays. To submit an event for consideration, email nickzellersingh@cascadiadaily.com. News Producer Eric Trent compiled the featured listings.

Nick Zeller-Singh is CDN’s sports reporter; reach him at nickzellersingh@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 104.

Link

Rec Sports

Plenty of youth activities in Northeast Michigan | News, Sports, Jobs

Jackie Krawczak Having been involved in a career in the Alpena area community for nearly 20 years there is one pattern of comments that shows up repeatedly that I just cannot make sense of. What I’m talking about is the perception that there is not enough for young people and […]

Published

6 hours ago

July 3, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Jackie Krawczak

Having been involved in a career in the Alpena area community for nearly 20 years there is one pattern of comments that shows up repeatedly that I just cannot make sense of.

What I’m talking about is the perception that there is not enough for young people and children to do in the area.

Not only have I been living and working in this area for almost 20 years, I also grew up in this area, living here until the age of 20 before heading off for college.

The experience I had growing up and the perspective I have about the community do not align with the common perspective that there are limited options for young people.

Sure, there might not be access to the same number and diversity of options as you might find in a bigger city, but there is plenty for children to do. So why is there a disconnect?

I am not certain, but I suspect the solution lies with parents or caregivers and not the community itself.

I do not have children, but I was a child who grew up in Northeast Michigan, and I have spent lots of time with children of all ages, and I really do not understand the complaint that there is very little for young people to do. There is so much to do and experience. Perhaps the parents or grandparents who don’t think there is much available need to do some research or explore a bit.

There are plenty of things to do at home or outside in the community. Some are free and others have related expenses.

The following is not an exhaustive list. Beaches. Rock hunting. Hiking. Exploring one of many different natural areas. Playgrounds. Splash pad. Fishing. Biking. Museums. Children’s plays. Children’s movies. Mini golf. Dinosaurs. Sidewalk chalk. Library. Art classes. Art projects (search online for ideas – there are thousands). Grab a book that helps identify leaves, trees, flowers, birds or something else in nature and explore. Build forts. Join a sport.

Children are creative if we foster that and allow them to be. If we plop them in front of a screen instead of finding something fun and creative for them to do, then yes, we may feel there is very little for them in the community. But that just simply is not true.

When my siblings and I were growing up, I remember my sister and I had what we called, “junk jars.” We would collect bits and pieces of things we found around the yard or inside, like buttons, feathers, or cool rocks, and put them in a jar. Then, when we felt like it, we would get our jars out and, “make stuff.” That meant we simply created whatever masterpiece we wanted with the items in our jars, some paper, glue, string, and whatever else we had.

I also recall hours of fun in buckets of water with empty dish soap bottles we used as squirt bottles.

We often explored the woods and created forts and games with each other and friends. We rolled down hills, sometimes in large cardboard barrels that I am not sure where they came from. We climbed plenty of trees. The older kids sometimes created games for the younger kids. We learned to bake and cook. We read. We looked for frogs and turtles and toads. We found chrysalises and kept an eye on the progress until they turned into beautiful butterflies.

There was so much to do. All the time. It was because our parents allowed us to create and explore freely. They had boundaries but they weren’t so strict that we couldn’t learn on our own. They took us on adventures as well. Camping, an event at a fair, a movie occasionally.

We didn’t need someone else to constantly entertain us.

Before you complain that there is nothing, or very little, for young people to do in your community, take a step back and spend some time thinking about all the things that do exist. Think about ways to encourage creativity and free play. Think about ways to let children interact with each other and learn to solve problems on their own. Think about places in the area you’ve never been and head out for the day. Explore.

It might change your perspective not only on what exists for young people but also your view on what a great place this region is for adults as well.

Jackie Krawczak is president of Jackie Krawczak LLC. Her column runs every three weeks on Thursdays. Follow Jackie on X @jkrawczak.

Today’s breaking news and more in your inbox

Link

Rec Sports

Booster Days, with parade, carnival and fireworks, releases 2025 schedule | Local News

Booster Days, which starts Thursday and runs until Sunday’s finale with fireworks, announced its 2025 schedule. If you have trouble seeing this image on your device, please click this link. As a nonprofit organization, Hudson Boosters uses the event’s proceeds to support youth sports in the area. It sells beer and food at Lakefront Park […]

Published

6 hours ago

July 3, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Booster Days, which starts Thursday and runs until Sunday’s finale with fireworks, announced its 2025 schedule.

If you have trouble seeing this image on your device, please click this link.

As a nonprofit organization, Hudson Boosters uses the event’s proceeds to support youth sports in the area. It sells beer and food at Lakefront Park while entertaining through a carnival, hot dog eating contest, music, bingo and parade.

On Saturday, the parade runs through downtown, which in past years has featured local organizations, politicians and other fixtures in the community.

The Hudson Boosters announced more information on the parade below:

Parade route: 2nd Street, downtown Hudson

Parade start time: 11 a.m.; Entries begin lining up at 10 a.m.

Hudson Boosters said on its website that the lineup number assignment during the parade and the generic lineup location will be posted in the build-up to the event (final spots posted the day of the parade by 9:00 a.m.).

The boosters said on Facebook that the group is still looking for volunteers to check I.D.s and hand out wristbands during the event. Community Volunteers can use this link and the organization will reach out regarding your available times. Hudson Boosters and DIBS Volunteers can go here to sign up.

Link