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Timpview head coach Donny Atuaia (center) talks to his team during the 5A state championship game against Bountiful at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023.

Jared Lloyd, Daily Herald

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Timpview head coach Donny Atuaia asks for an explanation on a official's call during the 5A state championship game against Lehi at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Friday, Nov. 18, 2022.

Jared Lloyd, Daily Herald

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Utah Valley University guard Bradley Kitchen (20) reacts after one of his fellow teammates “broke the ankles” of a California Baptist University player on a play during a game between the Utah Valley Wolverines and the California Baptist Lancers held at the UCCU Center on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020, in Orem. Isaac Hale, Daily Herald

Isaac Hale Daily Herald

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It’s been a very busy summer for the Timpview High School administration.

Not only is the school in the final stages of a five-year long major facilities rebuild but heading into the 2025-26 year it is replacing both its boys basketball and football head coaches.

High profile jobs, for sure, but definitely challenging ones.

In April, boys basketball coach Israel Ingle left to head up the Lone Peak program. Timpview responded by hiring Snow College assistant Brad Kitchen, according to the program’s Instagram page.

On Sunday, football coach Donny Atuaia indicated on Facebook that he was stepping down from his post.

“What a rough week it has been,” Atuaia wrote. “A lot of emotions have crossed my path as I have made the decision to not coach at Timpview HS. Without going into detail, there were many factors that led to this decision. But the main reason being that it was good for me and my family.”

The former BYU fullback is also a special education teacher at Timpview.

Atuaia took over the T-Birds football program in 2022 and posted a 29-8 record in three seasons. Timpview advanced to the 5A state title in Atuaia’s first season, losing an epic three-overtime affair to Lehi 29-23. The T-Birds won a state title in 2023, topping Bountiful 23-15 in the championship game. Last season, the T-Birds advanced to the semifinals before losing to Roy 29-19.

“When I first started this job, I was told to focus on the kids,” Atuaia continued. “And that’s what I’ll do with this post. With all the “drama” going on, I am humbled and reminded of an experience I had as I served as a bishop in the Orem 9th Ward. My priest quorum had students from 5 different high schools. These priests competed on the weekly in basketball and football and other extracurricular activities. And when they got together, they were able to get over all that drama. They chose to THINK CELESTIAL.

“I just attended a ward where two of my former players spoke as they are leaving to serve a church mission. The program also had a departing Missionary from another school. The chapel was full of the same scenario as my priest quorum. The kids welcomed to each other as if they were on the same team.

“I have learned from a mentor of mine a long time ago that KIDS WILL WILL BE FINE. IT’S THE ADULTS THAT MESSED THINGS UP. This rings true for many things in our lives. This rings true for my situation right now. And as one of the adults in the situation, I am choosing to be like the kids. I am choosing to help the kids by following their example. I know my Timpview team (despite my departure) will heal and move on. I know they feel defeated and need a boost. My hope for them is for us as a community and the ADULTS, to THINK CELESTIAL. The kids (Current TBird team) need the adults to be kind and move on because that is what THEY NEED!!

“I am fine. I am enjoying the extra time with my family and I am good. Thank you to all who reached out and thanks to all who supported me. I love Timpview. I love the community. I love the way these young men can be examples of resiliency. Let’s help them by following their lead. #BeTheTeam.”

The T-Birds return the talented Pula brothers (wide receiver Jaron and defensive back Kennan), who have both committed to UCLA, rising junior offensive lineman Ian Aloisio and rising senior athlete Aisa Galea’i.

The current BYU roster includes seven former Timpview players (receiver Tei Necua, safety Raider Damuni, running back Pokai Haunga, receiver Rowen Reay, running back Sione Moa, offensive lineman Sonny Makasini and linebacker Siale Esera).

Kitchen, meanwhile, takes over a basketball program that is loaded for the 2025-26 season. Last year, the T-Birds reached the 5A semifinals with a team comprised of almost exclusively underclassmen, including the top rising senior in the state in 6-foot-8 Dean Rueckert.

Kitchen played high school basketball at Springville and walked on at Utah Valley, eventually making the roster after starting out as team manager. He served as a grad assistant for Mark Madsen with the Wolverines before moving on to Salem Hills High School as an assistant, then coached under Andrew May at Snow.