By Stephenson Beck
stephenson@newsroom.byu.edu
In a brief ceremony before BYU's 37-13 victory over New Mexico, President Hinckley announced that Cougar Stadium would be renamed LaVell Edwards Stadium: Home of the BYU Cougars.
Although rumors of the change had circulated among BYU fans, President Hinckley's announcement caught Edwards by surprise.
'I had no idea. This whole evening had been such a stunner to me,' Edwards said. 'I just can't express enough appreciation.'
After the game, Edwards and President Merrill Bateman presented the seniors with senior blankets, followed by several organizations presenting gifts to Edwards.
A short video accompanied by a rendition of 'Thanks for the Memories' highlighted Edwards and his accomplishments.
A fireworks display concluded the ceremony.
'I think it was a fitting tribute and end to his reign here,' Pella said.
But the way the team played was the real tribute to Edwards, said assistant coach Robbie Bosco.
'Nothing beats winning, especially with fashion we did. Our offense, our defense and our special teams all played well,' Bosco said.
Edwards finished with a 133-33 record in Provo. His career record improved to 256-101-3, and he moved past former Nebraska coach Tom Osborne and became the sixth-winningest college football coach.
Saturday's win also kept hopes alive of preventing a losing season. Edwards' last and only losing season was in 1973.
See related story:
Newly named stadium brings new life to Cougars 11/19/2000