Beyond the Game Podcast

Brian & Mark Santiago: From Provo High Dynasty to Building BYU's Athletic Future


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Get ready for an inspiring episode of Beyond the Game as host Mike Lacey sits down with brothers Mark and Brian Santiago. From their early days as standout basketball players at Provo High School to their current roles in athletics, the Santiagos' journey is a testament to the power of family, faith, and dedication to sports. Their path was both challenging and rewarding. Growing up in a Puerto Rican-Utah household with seven siblings, they developed a deep appreciation for hard work, sacrifice, and the importance of relationships.


Throughout this episode, Mike and the Santiago brothers dive into the defining moments of their storied careers. From their days playing pickup basketball at the Smith Fieldhouse to Brian's current role in BYU's athletic administration, they discuss the evolution of BYU athletics, the legacy of coaches like LaVell Edwards and Roger Reid, and the exciting future ahead in the Big 12 Conference. They share insights about their father's journey from the Bronx to BYU, their mother's roots in rural Utah, and how their parents' sacrifices shaped their values. From the basketball court to the administrative offices, the Santiagos' story is one of perseverance, brotherhood, and a genuine love for BYU athletics.


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Video Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction

01:30 - Discussion of Provo High School basketball tradition and legacy

2:46 - Memories of Saturday youth basketball leagues at Provo High

4:38 - Memories of tournaments in Farmington, New Mexico

6:25 - Reflections on Provo High basketball culture and expectations

7:07 - Recollections of growing up watching BYU basketball stars like Danny Ainge

9:05 - Brian's experience with Danny Ainge as youth basketball coach

10:56 - Experiences playing pickup basketball at BYU Smith Fieldhouse

13:15 - Discussion of basketball championships and rivalries

14:54 - Memories of BYU football games and legendary quarterbacks

17:54 - Discussion of quarterback succession at BYU under LaVell Edwards

19:00 - Discussion of current BYU basketball team and coaching changes

21:27 - Observations from recent basketball practice sessions

25:17 - Reflections on team culture and player development

27:25 - Discussion of Kalani Sitake's coaching approach

29:00 - Discussion of BYU football's 100th anniversary celebration

31:56 - The Santiago family background and heritage

34:20 - Story of their father's conversion to the LDS Church in Alaska

35:51 - Their mother's background from Tooele, Utah

37:58 - Family values and sharing resources among siblings

39:24 - Brothers playing basketball together at Utah Valley

42:03 - Parents' influence on treating people with respect

43:05 - Mark's experience playing basketball at BYU under Roger Reid

44:34 - Brian's 27-year career in BYU Athletics administration

45:45 - Current state and future of BYU Athletics

47:05 - Discussion of BYU athletes representing the institution

48:02 - Discussion of fan support and funding for BYU Athletics

49:47 - Importance of broad-based fan support

50:36 - Closing thoughts

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Beyond the Game PodcastBy Beyond the Game