Held Tuesday night at Utah Valley University’s UCCU Center, the banquet honored Thompson as one of four award-winners, along with 13 student scholar-athletes.

The National Football Foundation, founded in 1947, is a nonprofit organization that aims to promote amateur football at all levels and to foster leadership, character, and community service among young athletes. The Utah chapter was founded in 1994.

Thompson received the Outstanding Service to Amateur Football in Utah award during Tuesday’s proceedings. After the 2024 season, he stepped down after 21 years as a head coach as he continues to battle ALS.

Thompson was 78-60 in 13 seasons as head coach with Northridge, with 10 playoff appearances, and lifted Ogden to 38-51 over eight seasons, including playoff wins in 2023 and 2024, after the Tigers were winless for three straight seasons before his arrival.

Davis senior quarterback Tradon Bessinger was also recognized, one of 13 scholar-athlete winners across the state. Bessinger was named Standard-Examiner All-Area Player of the Year for the 2025 season and is signed to play at Iowa.

Two NFL players were also recognized. Utah native and Utes alum Cody Barton was given the Distinguished American Award, and former BYU player and athletic director Tom Holmoe accepted the Contribution to Amateur Football Award.

Long-time official Bart Longson was also recognized for Outstanding Service to Amateur Football.

BYU tops Utah in baseball thriller

BYU and Utah squared off for the first time at the Utes’ new America First Ballpark on Tuesday night and the Cougars escaped 6-5 in the Big 12 battle.

BYU (11-12, 2-4 Big 12) scored four runs in the final three innings to go up 6-3. Ryder Robinson, who finshed 4 for 4 with two RBIs, led off the top of the ninth being hit by a pitch, stole second, and scored what turned out to be an important run on a single.

Utah (13-9, 3-3) answered when Jake Long hit a towering two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth to make it 6-5. The Utes then added two more baserunners on two singles, putting the winning run on first base. But Bradley Navarro flew out to left field to an on-the-run Keoni Painter.

Utah’s Cal Miller then hit a drive to the right-center gap seemingly to win the game but BYU right fielder Tu’alau Wolfgramm made a diving catch on the warning track to end the game.

USU announces second $2.5M donation

Utah State announced a $2.5 million donation to the athletic department, the school announced Wednesday, marking the second donation of that amount this month.

Kent and Donna Alder made their latest donation, part of USU’s “Show Me” initiative aimed at raising funds as the Aggies enter the remade Pac-12 Conference. Premium space on the west side of Maverik Stadium will be named the Alder Champions Club.