Relive Memories of Four Former Ute Greats
4/27/2010 12:00 AM | Skiing
April 27, 2010
SALT LAKE CITY
Utah Athletics on Twitter
Utah Athletics on Facebook
Utah Athletics on YouTube
Utah Athletics on ITunesU
Relive the memories of four great former Ute athletes, recently inducted into the University of Utah Crimson Club Hall of Fame. Below are bios and video clips of Brenda Barton-Whicker (volleyball), Luke Bodensteiner (skiing), Steve Elsnab (swimming) and Scott Mitchell (football).
Brenda Barton-Whicker
WatchBrenda Barton-Whicker (1994-97) was the first volleyball player in school history to be named an AVCA District VII All-American in 1995. She finished as Utah's all-time leader in kills, attempts, digs and service aces. She still holds the record for attempts and service aces and currently ranks second in kills and digs.
Luke Bodensteiner
WatchLuke Bodensteiner, a two-time U.S. Olympian, was the NCAA Champion in the 10 kilometer classical cross country while racing for Utah in 1990 and 1993. As an All-American in 1990, 1991 and 1993, he led Utah to three top-three NCAA finishes, including the 1993 NCAA Championship. The Utes placed second in 1990 and third in 1991.
Bodensteiner competed for the U.S. Ski Team in the 1992 and 1994 Olympic Winter Games. In addition to his two Olympic appearances, he was a three-time U.S. Cross Country National Champion and the first U.S. skier to compete in four World Junior Championships.
Bodensteiner, who graduated from the U. in 1995, later became the nordic director and a vice-president of athletics for the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Association.
Steve Elsnab
WatchSteve Elsnab, a 1969 and 1970 NCAA Swim All-American, won six Western Athletic Conference Championships during his career at Utah from 1968-71. Elsnab was a 1969 NCAA All-American in the 100-yard backstroke, 200-yard backstroke and the 800-yard freestyle relay. In 1970, he earned All-America honors as a member of 800-yard freestyle relay.
He won WAC championships in the 100-yard backstroke (1969, `71), the 200-yard backstroke (1968, 69, 71) and the 800-yard freestyle relay (1969).
Scott Mitchell
WatchDuring his Ute career, Scott Mitchell rewrote the NCAA, Western Athletic Conference and school record books as the most prolific passing quarterback in the land. In 1988, Mitchell led the NCAA in total offense, amassing 4,299 yards to set a new NCAA sophomore record. He also broke the NCAA record for total offense in a game with 625 yards against Air Force in 1988, and it--as well as his 631 yards passing vs. the Falcons--remains a school record to this day.
Behind Mitchell, Utah led the NCAA in passing offense and total offense in 1988--a season in which the Ute QB set 24 school and 10 NCAA records. Twenty years later, Mitchell still holds 30 Utah passing and total offense records.
His many awards included twice being named Sports Illustrated offensive player of the week, as well the Sporting News' national player of the week. He was also finalist for the Davey O'Brien Award, the league's media pick as the WAC Offensive Player of the Year and first-team all-WAC quarterback, and Utah's 1988 Offensive MVP.
Mitchell went on to play in the NFL for 11 years for four different teams, including four years as the starter for the Detroit Lions. He also made some starts for Miami, Baltimore and Cincinnati.
Mitchell has since returned to Utah, and in January 2008, he was announced as the head football coach of his alma mater, Springville High School.
