Brigham Young High School had many talented athletes over the years, and many were honored as all-state, and some few were honored nationally.

The most accomplished athlete in our school's history was Alma W. Richards, BYH Class of 1913. In 1912 he won an Olympic gold medal for the high jump, and that was just the beginning of his spectacular athletic career.

Although B.Y.H. was consistently one of the smallest high schools to participate in competitive sports -- usually with only 60 students (including boys and girls) in the senior class -- the school was always well represented in athletic competitions.

The job of manning a “big” football team year after year was a challenge for BY High coaches, but the courageous Wildcats always fielded a full team and made their stand.

In 1940, 1941, and 1959 the “Y” took 2nd place in the state football tournaments.

In golf, Bob Swenson tied for top honors in the State in 1948.

Basketball, with its smaller teams, was always the strength of the Wildcats. The record of basketball accomplishments is particularly worth noting.

In Class B competition, the BYH basketball team took the Region and State basketball championships in both 1948 and 1949.

In 1952, BYH placed second in state basketball competition.

The 1960s were filled with winning titles. In 1962 the Wildcats took Consolation at State.

In 1963, the BYH basketball team, coached by Courtney Leishman and and Jed Gibson, took the State Class B Championship, and received the high honor of being recognized with the Region 7 Sportsmanship Trophy.

In 1967, the BYH basketball team won the Region IV Class A title.

Many singular honors have been won for BYH in tennis competition. The 1940s and 1950s were specially noted for outstanding accomplishments in this sport.

In baseball, the Wildcats won the Region title five times: 1957, 1958, 1959, 1965, and 1967. For an eyewitness account of the 1967 season, click here.

Yes, BY High teams were always small, but each one was built with a strong spirit and a determination to rise to every challenge that faced them.