Big Stories

In this episode of BYUradio's Big Stories, Cleon Wall tells three stories of Kansas Jayhawk's love. In the first tale, Kansas play-by-play announcer Brian Hanni had a great job after graduating from the University of Kansas, but he wanted to impact the world more than talking about sports. Hanni shares why he started the Rock Chalk Roundball Classic and how it helps kids with cancer. Story number two focuses on Darius and Kwinton Lassiter, two brothers who play for two different teams. Darius is a wide receiver for BYU, and Kwinton plays cornerback for Kansas. But Darius may not be in this position if he weren't adopted by Kwinton's family when he was young. Finally, we pay tribute to John Hadl, a Kansas football legend who loved Lawrence and his alma mater.

Guests:

Brian Hanni - Voice of the Jayhawks

Tyrel Reed - Former KU Jayhawk Basketball Player

Nicole and Taylea Vannicola

Darius Lassiter - BYU Football Player

Kwinton Lassiter - Kansas Football Player

Ericka Lassiter

David Lawrence - KU Jayhawks Football Color Analyst and Former Football Player

Steve Young - Former BYU Quarterback

The Wild Band of Razorbacks statue outside Reynolds Stadium at the University of Arkansas is massive. Each hog represents a positive trait like relentlessness, courage, or integrity. This podcast episode focuses on three Hogs who live those traits. Joey Sua almost died of meningitis and lost the majority of his hearing. But now Sua is fighting for playing time on the Razorbacks football team. Will Lambley's blindness has led him to help others find greatness. And Arkansas football player Cam Little is kicking field goals for a cause, helping to raise money for the Down Syndrome Connection of Northwest Arkansas.

Guests:

Joey Su'a - Arkansas Razorbacks Football Player

Joseph and Nalo Su'a

Jody Grant - Bentonville High School Football Coach

Will Lambley - Arkansas Student and Motivational Speaker

Melissa Lambley

Chad Morris - Clemson Football Offensive Analyst

Cam Little - Arkansas Razorbacks Football Player

Lindsay Dover - Down Syndrome Connection of Northwest Arkansas Program and Member Coordinator

Liam Meza

Southern Utah University has been the right place for so many students. That includes Brad Sorensen and Donald Long. Sorensen was a walk-on quarterback at BYU with almost no shot of playing time. But he bet on himself, transferred to SUU, and became the first T-Bird drafted in the NFL. Long's journey to the university was not a direct one out of high school. It included service in the Air Force, being stabbed in a fight, and homelessness. But Long bet on himself, started his college career at Southern Utah and is now a cancer research scientist at Cornell University.

Guests:

Brad Sorensen - Former SUU Football Player and Wealth Advisor

Dylan Flowers - BYU Football Player

Fesi Sitake - BYU Football Coach and Former SUU Football Player

Steve Clark - BYU Football Coach and Former SUU Football Coach

Justin Ena - BYU Football Coach and Former SUU Football Coach

Donald Long - PhD Candidate at Cornell University and Former SUU Student

Bruce Howard - SUU Chemistry Professor

Sam Houston's football team is joining the big boys this year. The Bearkats are moving from FCS National Champions to new members of the FBS. Head Coach KC Keeler leads the charge into Conference USA with the mantra "love and trust." In this podcast, Keeler reveals the origins of the mantra and how he was able to move past personal pain to lead his team to national prominence. Keeler and his players also share the amazing story of their 2020 championship season. And Sam Houston alum Michelle Williams has lived up to the school's motto, "The measure of a life is its service." Hear how she has helped to grow the Boys and Girls Club with the assistance of Sam Houston students.

Guests:

K.C. Keeler - Sam Houston Football Head Coach

Ife Adeyi - Sam Houston Football Player

Zach Hrbacek - Sam Houston Football Player

Ethan Hagler - Sam Houston Football Player

Trevor Williams - Sam Houston Football Player

Michelle Spencer - Boys and Girls Club of Walker County Executive Director

Dr. Lee Miller - Sam Houston Sociology Professor

Big Stories is a show dedicated to the incredible tales surrounding the opponents of the BYU Cougars. You'll hear from people associated with Sam Houston, Arkansas, and the Big 12 teams BYU will play this season. Big stories is hosted by Cleon Wall.