BYU fans get to see the human side of athletes at Cougar Kickoff
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- BYU fans pose for a photo with Cougar defensive end Tyler Batty at the Cougar Kickoff in Provo on Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023.
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- Kerry Olsen, of Sandy, looks out onto the field during a timeout during a game between Brigham Young University and University of Wisconsin on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017, at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo.
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- BYU defensive coordinator Jay Hill tosses a beanbag in a game of cornhole with some of the Cougar players at the Cougar Kickoff in Provo on Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023.
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- BYU fans pose for a photo with Cougar cheerleaders at the Cougar Kickoff in Provo on Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023.
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- BYU football players sign autographs at the Cougar Kickoff in Provo on Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023.
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- A BYU fan runs the football through some obstacles at the Cougar Kickoff in Provo on Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023.
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- Cougarettes and Cosmo teach the audience some choreography at the Cougar Kickoff in Provo on Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023.
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- BYU fans pose for a photo with Cosmo at the Cougar Kickoff in Provo on Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023.
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- A BYU fan tries to make a field goal at the Cougar Kickoff in Provo on Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023.
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- A BYU fan runs the football while wearing a helmet and pads at the Cougar Kickoff in Provo on Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023.
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- BYU fans head into the Cougar Kickoff in Provo on Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023.
Kerry “Crazy Coug” Olsen of Sandy is one of BYU’s superfans. His face paint and wild blue hair combined with his front-row seat have made him a camera favorite at Cougar home games.
But as passionate as he is about cheering his team on to victory, he also likes getting to know the young men who look so imposing when they don the helmets and pads.
“I like getting to know them and having them know me,” Olsen said Wednesday evening. “I tell them that I’m pulling for them, that I want them to cream their opponents. I couldn’t play football so I do what I do for them. I can’t play, so I’m being a fan.”
One of the ideal opportunities to bridge the gap between athletes and fans is at the annual Cougar Kickoff, which took place on Wednesday evening at the outdoor football practice facility in Provo.
Athletes from the football, basketball, volleyball, soccer, golf, track, tennis, gymnastics and swimming teams were all there to mingle with fans at the free event, as were Cosmo, the Cougarettes and the BYU cheerleaders.
There were plenty of activities as well, including photo opportunities, interactive games, sports drills, skills games and face-painting.
BYU junior defensive end Tyler Batty said he’s come to see the value of being able to interact as people instead of being separated by who is on the field and who is in the stands or watching on TV.
“I think it’s a cool opportunity just to get to know the fans on a little bit more personal level,” Batty said. “It’s a cool experience for us as athletes and also for them as fans. I think it is important for people to realize that these guys have lives. They have passions, maybe outside of football. Yeah, they’re actual people.”
He said that he has come to enjoy the chance to meet so many of the supporters who are so passionate about Cougar football.
“Personally I do I really look forward to it,” Batty said. “It’s a lot of fun. Just being able to interact with the fans is always a good time.”
As Olsen looked around the crowded field at the Cougar Kickoff, he quipped, “I chose the right team.”
He went on to explain, “There are a lot of passionate BYU fans who feel the same way I do. I like to wear the makeup to get other people pumped up and excited. I cheer for all the people who can’t come to the games.”
He said the best part of coming to games and to events like the one on Wednesday is the sense of belonging.
“This is a family thing,” Olsen said. “There is a feeling around this place that draws me in. I’ve been going to games for 22 years and I’ll probably keep going until I’m 80 or 85-years-old. It’s a dream come true for me.”
