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The University of Utah has captured the 2008-09 Deseret First Duel championship for athletic supremacy over BYU.
Deseret First Credit Union president and CEO Kris Mecham will present a trophy to Ute athletic director Chris Hill, coaches, and athletes for winning the Deseret First Duel. The victory will also be noted with a plaque placed on a granite monument displaying each year's Deseret First Duel winner. The monument is located inside the Huntsman Center.
The presentation, including a highlight video, will occur during halftime of Utah's Red-White spring football game on Saturday, April 18, 1 p.m., at Rice-Eccles Stadium. The game marks the end of the spring football practice for the Utes. Several thousand fans are expected to attend.
Related:
KSL's Deseret Duel Coverage
The Utah vs. BYU rivalry is one of the oldest and strongest in the country. In November 2005, the Wall Street Journal rated the rivalry the fourth best in college athletics. Thanks to a partnership with Deseret First Credit Union, the rivalry now has an official name and a traveling trophy to signify yearly supremacy.The Deseret First Duel features head-to-head competition between Utah and BYU in 12 sports. A certain number of points is awarded to the university that win each game, meet, and match. This season's Duel carries a total of 65 ½ points.
2008-2009 marks the second season of the Deseret First Duel. BYU won the inaugural season of the competition. The athletic directors at Utah and BYU say the Deseret First Duel is a way to further enhance and promote the spirited competition between the two rival institutions.
