Classes and homework may have taken a break, but BYU sports sure didn't. Here are five things in sports that went down between semesters:
1. Kalani Sitake named head football coach
Former BYU football player Kalani Sitake was named BYU's 13th head football coach on Saturday, December 19 following the Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl game. The former Oregon State defensive coordinator replaces Bronco Mendenhall, who left to fill the head coaching position at the University of Virginia.
New football head coach Kalani Sitake poses with his former coach LaVell Edwards at a press conference on Dec. 21. Sitake took over as head coach following Bronco Mendenhall’s departure to Virginia. (Kristen Kerr)
2. BYU falls to rival Utah 35-28 in Las Vegas bowl game
BYU battled back against rival Utah from a 35-0 deficit and five turnovers in the first quarter. Despite the initial loss, the Cougars came back with four touchdowns in the final three quarters, including two in the final quarter. But the Utes held on to win the Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl 35-28.
Tanner Mangum looks to throw the ball at the 2015 Las Vegas Bowl. BYU lost to Utah 35-28. (BYU Photo)
Francis Bernard runs into the end zone for a touchdown. Bernard led BYU rushing with seven attempts for 58 yards. (BYU Photo)
3. Heisman Trophy winner Ty Detmer returns to BYU as offensive coordinator
BYU head football coach Kalani Sitake named 1990 Heisman Trophy winner Ty Detmer as the Cougar's offensive coordinator. Detmer is considered to be powerful ammunition in Sitake's recruiting arsenal. He played in the NFL for 14 years (1992-2005), held 59 NCAA records and tied three others by the end of his BYU career.
Former BYU quarterback Ty Detmer receives the 1990 Heisman Trophy. Detmer returns to BYU as the offensive coordinator. (Twitter/@TyDetmer14)
4. Chase Fischer scores career-high 41 points
BYU basketball senior guard Chase Fischer scored a career-high 41 points against New Mexico in the Diamond Head Classic on Dec. 23 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Fischer also scored on nine of his 13 three-point attempts, including five in the first half, tying Jimmer Fredette for second-most three-pointers in a game.
Chase Fischer dribbles the ball against Utah State. Fischer scored a career high 41 points against New Mexico. (Natalie Bothwell)
Chase Fischer goes for a layup against Utah State. Fischer scored a career high 41 points against New Mexico. (Natalie Bothwell)
5. Kyle Collinsworth records eighth triple-double
BYU basketball senior guard Kyle Collinsworth recorded his eighth triple-double, garnering a total of 12 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists against Central Michigan on Dec. 18. He also extended the NCAA career triple-double record.
Kyle Collinsworth shoots the ball against Weber State at the Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City on Dec. 5, 2015. (Ari Davis)
Kyle Collinsworth drives to the hoop against Utah State. Collinsworth recorded his eighth triple-double against Central Michigan. (Natalie Bothwell)