Rose Bowl Day 1: Disney & Diving Into Practice
12/29/2022
It was a full day of Disney and diving back into practice for the University of Utah Football program as they wrapped up its first full day in Los Angeles on Wednesday.
With it being a business trip for the Utes, the morning started with their first practice in California with the sun coming out as the team hit the field.
After practice wrapped, the Utes headed for Disneyland to spend time with their teammates, coaches and families, enjoying the rides, food and fun as a team – and a parade celebrating the Rose Bowl.
Quarterback Cameron Rising, wide receiver Devaughn Vele, defensive tackle Devin Kaufusi and safety R.J. Hubert rode in the parade with head coach Kyle Whittingham also representing the Utes during the celebration.
After the parade ended, the four Utes and Whittingham met with the media to talk about the season, their favorite Disney characters, and what the future looks like for the rising program that continues to lead the Pac-12.
I feel like we have a different perspective being here two years in a row. This is a business trip, but obviously we are still having fun. We are invested, and there are great team activities to experience, but the main thing we want to do this year is have a better outcome – that is what is driving us.Devaughn Vele on how the team is looking at this year's Rose Bowl experience
Not just being in the Rose Bowl, but being in it in back-to-back years says a lot about the program that Coach Whittingham has built here. It is among the highest level of post-season football. Coach Whittingham has been saying, ‘don’t just act like champions, act like back-to-back champions.’Devin Kaufusi on what it means to be in the Rose Bowl
We are obviously drawing from last year’s experience and have a pretty good blueprint on what to expect. The key is to have your players understand that when it is time to work, you focus in and get the work done, but when it is time to have a good time, they can do that too. You have to be able to separate the two and I think that is key in performing well.Head Coach Kyle Whittingham on the key to success at the Rose Bowl
Gallery: FB: Rose Bowl Day One (12/28/22)
Thursday will bring new experiences for the Utes with the Lawry's Beef Bowl, another round of practice with updates available on www.UtahUtes.com and on social media throughout the day.
