SALT LAKE CITY — It’s been an entertaining year for the athletics department of the University of Utah, with several programs reaching new heights in the Pac-12.

It’s hard to rank everything that happened in 2016, but here’s my best attempt at some of the most important/entertaining/inspiring stories surrounding Utah athletics this year. In the comments section, share with us your top stories of the year.

10. Runnin’ Utes make first-ever Pac-12 championship

The men’s basketball program had great success following Delon Wright’s departure the season before. Sophomore center Jakob Poeltl and several veteran players claimed a win over Arizona in the regular season and extended their success in the Pac-12 Tournament. The Runnin’ Utes would make their first-ever appearance in the Pac-12 championship game, only to fall to Oregon. The Utes would then go into the NCAA Tournament as a No. 3 seed but would fall to Gonzaga in the Round of 32.

9. Poeltl named Pac-12 Player of the Year

It was hard to deny the talent of Jakob Poeltl and his impact on the men’s basketball program. Poeltl was a game changer for the Utah program and opened up the effectiveness of the offense. Whether it was his dominant post play or his great passing, the Utah offense was significantly better with Poeltl in the game. As a result, the Pac-12 saw no other way than to give the Player of the Year award to the big who had dominated Pac-12 play.

8. Women’s soccer finishes with program’s best postseason success

The women’s soccer program had a great season, finishing with its best record since joining the Pac-12. The program earned a bid to the NCAA Tournament and got wins over Texas Tech and No. 10 Florida State before losing 1-0 to eventual national champions No. 7 USC. The three games in the NCAA Tournament rank as the best postseason in program history. Additionally, the program finished No. 16 in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America rankings.

7. Kyle Whittingham/Larry Krystkowiak get win No. 100

It was the year to break the century mark for two of Utah’s most prominent head coaches. Football’s Kyle Whittingham got his 100th win in his 12th season as head coach against Arizona, making him the 24th active head coach with 100 career wins. Basketball’s Larry Krystkowiak notched his 100th win at Utah in a win over Montana State.

6. Women’s basketball goes undefeated in non-conference play

Since joining the Pac-12, the women’s basketball program has had a roller-coaster ride feel to it. There have been some ups but mostly downs. However, with the hiring of Lynne Roberts, the program has only gone up with several reasons to be optimistic about the team’s success. Last season, Roberts’ program was over .500 and has started the 2016-17 season undefeated in non-conference play. The real test will be conference play, but there are reasons to remain optimistic about the future of women’s basketball.

5. College Football Playoff rankings success

The Utah football program has been one of the most consistent programs of the Playoff era. The Utes are one of five teams — Alabama, Clemson, Florida State and Ohio State — that have been ranked every week in the College Football Playoff rankings. The committee has, no doubt, seen the Utes as a consistent program and continues to keep them in the rankings, despite times Utah could have been dropped.

4. Utah signs 10-year deal with Under Armour

In October, the University of Utah signed a new contract with athletic sponsor Under Armour, valued at $65 million for the next 10 years. The contract doesn’t take effect until July 1, 2017, but the sponsorship will infuse a significant amount of cash into the university that goes beyond athletics.

3. Devontae Booker/Jakob Poeltl drafted

Two star athletes at the University of Utah, running back Devontae Booker and center Jakob Poeltl, were drafted to their respective professional sports in the summer. Booker was drafted in the fourth round of the NFL draft, No. 136 overall to the Denver Broncos. He quickly made a name for himself with the Broncos and eventually earned the starting role. Poeltl was drafted No. 9 overall in the NBA draft to the Toronto Raptors, joining former Ute Delon Wright.

2. Utah baseball wins Pac-12 championship

From worst to first, the baseball program is one of the most compelling stories of the year out of the University of Utah. In the Pac-12, the Arizona and California schools traditionally dominate the sport, leaving little room for Utah to be successful. However, the Utes put together a great run in conference play and finished the season strong by beating Washington 2-1 in a three-game series to claim the Pac-12 regular season title. The baseball program is the first men’s team from Utah to win a Pac-12 championship. The Utes would eventually upset No. 10 Ole Miss in the NCAA Regionals before falling to Boston College in a close loss.

1. Joe Williams resurgence out of retirement

It’s hard to argue that senior running back Joe Williams was the most compelling story in 2016. Coming into the 2016 season, Williams was expected to be the go-to guy but struggled to gain any traction in the first two games of the season. Williams decided to retire instead, citing injuries. However, after injuries sidelined the remaining three running backs, Williams returned and carried the offense on his shoulders. Williams would finish the season with 1,407 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns and would be named the offensive MVP in the Foster Farms Bowl.

(Bonus): ESPN College GameDay returns to Utah

It didn’t make the Top 10 but was still worthy of being a memorable aspect of 2016. In back-to-back years, ESPN’s College GameDay came to Utah, infusing an excitement in the state and University of Utah fans.

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