BYU

Harold B. Lee Library

Brigham Young University Track and Field

Introduction

Brigham Young University is a private university that seeks to develop students of faith, intellect and character who have the skills and the desire to continuing learning and to serve others throughout their lives. Tracing its roots to Utah’s rich pioneer heritage and to Brigham Young Academy, the original school established in 1875, the university continues to provide an outstanding education in an atmosphere consistent with the ideals and principles of its sponsor, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Brigham Young University’s remarkable athletic history can be uncovered through many of the collections held in the University Archives. The following source materials can get you started on your exploration of the heritage of Brigham Young University track and field.

Secondary Sources and General information

Collections held by the University Archives will be more useful to your specific research topic after you understand more about the general history of the university. The following resources are available to help you develop that understanding.

  • Histories of Brigham Young University
    • Wilkinson, Ernest L. Brigham Young University: The First One Hundred Years (4 volumes). Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1975.
    • Wilkinson, Ernest L. and W. Cleon Skousen. Brigham Young University: A School of Destiny.  Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1976.
    • Butterworth, Edwin Jr. Brigham Young University: 1,000 Views of 100 Years. Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1975.
    • Bergera, Gary James and Ron Priddis. Brigham Young University: A House of Faith. Salt Lake City, UT: Signature Books, 1985.

Primary Sources

  • Sample materials dealing with Brigham Young University track and field: A sample of the materials that contain information about BYU track and field follows. To map out a research strategy, please schedule an appointment with the University Archivist at 422-5821 or gordon_daines@byu.edu for additional help in discovering what other collections we may have that pertain to your research topic.
    • UA 1010 Photo of a track meet, ca. 1910 The field in this photo was built in 1904 on the site where the present Joseph Smith Memorial Building now stands. It was used for sporting events until April 15, 1932 when it was destroyed by fire.
    • UA 1219 Track meet, 29-30 April 1927 Two videotape copies of footage of a track meet held at Brigham Young University in 1927.
    • UA SC 27 Program for the Mountain States Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Track and Field Meet, 1940 The program includes the schedule and finishing statistics of the events.
    • MSS 3299 Brigham Young University track and field photographs, 1950-1980 This collection contains 54 negatives of the BYU track team and 54 prints made from those negatives. Also in the collection is a slide of the Monte L. Bean Museum and a negative of the BYU stadium.
    • UA 443 Records of BYU Invitational Track and Field meets, 1936-1960 Includes news clippings of track events, official announcements, some correspondence, and scrapbook memorabilia and pep club records.
    • 378.2 B791 A history of Brigham Young University track and field in state, division, and conference contests Includes records and statistics that represent the history of the BYU track and field team up to the 1950s biographies of coaches and an overview of unique incidents that contributed to the development of the program.
    • 378.22 K459 1984 A history of Brigham Young University men’s cross country, and track and field, and an evaluation of program success 1960-1980 Includes a discussion of the history of these programs and an evaluation of their success by rankings and statistical comparisons.

This Popular Search Topics page offers only samplings of materials included in the University Archives that document the evolution of Brigham Young University track and field. Be sure to visit Special Collections to discover other material.