SALT LAKE CITY — The BYU football team and director of athletics Tom Holmoe were honored by the Utah State Legislature and Governor’s Office on Wednesday at the Utah State Capitol.
The team received award citations from both the Utah Senate and Utah House of Representatives for its performance in the 2024 football season where the Cougars finished 11-2, tied for first place in the Big 12 Conference and won the Valero Alamo Bowl with a dominant 36-14 win over No. 23 Colorado. BYU finished No. 13 in the final Associated Press Top 25.
Holmoe, who recently announced he will retire at the conclusion of the 2024-25 athletic season after 20 years leading BYU's athletic department, received his own individual honors from Utah's lawmakers. Legislators noted Holmoe's contributions not only to BYU Athletics but also his influence on the entire state throughout his career as a player, coach and administrator.
Following the issuing of the official awards, the team met together with Governor Spencer J. Cox and Lieutenant Governor Deidre M. Henderson. Quarterback Jake Retzlaff, head coach Kalani Sitake, BYU President Shane Reese and Holmoe all gave brief remarks.
Following Governor Cox's remarks, he signed an official declaration, announcing February 26, 2025, would officially be known as Tom Holmoe Day in the state of Utah.
In addition to being honored in both the state's Senate and House of Representatives during different sessions, the team visited with members of the Utah Legislature and signed autographs and took photos with fans throughout the day at the Capitol.