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SALT LAKE CITY -- This has been an eventful year for sports news. 2010 brought so many memorable moments and electric events in our world of sports in Utah. Right at the top is the seismic shift in the national landscape as both BYU and Utah traded up and out.
BYU & Utah
After years in the planning, BYU's bolt to football independence boasts an eight year partnership with ESPN, bringing a spike in exposure and broadcast revenue.
ESPN's Dave Brown said, "The great thing about BYU is the other big schools love playing them just because of everything BYU represents."
BYU basketball and other sports will call the West Coast Conference home next season, too.
After two perfect seasons but no sniff at a national championship, Utah's now got a clear path to a title game, but they'll have to get past powers like USC and Oregon in the PAC 12 starting next season.
Utah President Michael Young said, "We have no doubt it will give us enhanced athletic and academic opportunities as this university takes its rightful place among the greatest universities, not only in the United States but indeed in the world."
The rivalry football game will live on, but it'll be moved to September.
The last November meeting between BYU and Utah football came down to the last play...again.
Jazz
It was also a transcendent year for The Mailman. Karl Malone followed right behind Stockton and Sloan, powering his way into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
"I never dreamed of doing this, and now that it's here, I'm just going to enjoy the moment," Malone said.
His Jazz may play more like mail this season. Boozer bounced to the Bulls with a 5 year, $80 million contract. Even so, the Jazz got tougher, fleecing Al Jefferson out of Minnesota, bringing battle-tested Raja Bell back and snagging another second round steal in frequent flyer Jeremy Evans.
The unprecedented roster turnover looks good, and top it off, the Jazz are winning on the road, too.
Olympics
Park City's Steve Holcomb completed an eight year ascent to the top, piloting U.S.A One to the first Olympic bobsled gold medal in 62 years.
