It’s all about the family during the holidays for UVU student athletes

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Going to temple square, races highlight just a few traditions for two athletes

While there are many different holidays around this time of year that people celebrate, the overwhelming majority celebrates Christmas whether it is in a spiritual or commercial sense. That is no exception for the Utah Valley University student-athletes.

During this time of year many people are rushing around shopping, buying trees and decorating their homes. They also feel more festive and sing Christmas carols. Most college students, on the other hand, are spending countless hours in the library, forgetting what the light of day looks like and studying for finals. Sure, they may grab a cup of hot cocoa or apple cider while listening to Christmas music, but they are only dreaming of finishing that last test to make it home for family holiday traditions.

“We always go to Temple Square and go see the lights as a family. Christmas Eve we always go out to dinner as a family and see a movie,” said UVU soccer player Thomas Loomis. “Then we come back to the house and watch the nativity and read from the scriptures about the birth of Christ. Dad always makes breakfast Christmas morning and we hangout all day.”IMG_7849

The holidays aren’t just a time to remember the biblical reason for the season. There’s always room for some competition when gathered together with family.

“My family is full of athletes, we are all track runners and football players,” said UVU track & field athlete Nick Taylor.  “We usually get together and play football but my little brother and me usually go outside and race now that he is going to Miami and I am going to UVU. We’ve raced every year since I’ve been in college. Race and go eat, that is about all we do.”

No matter what the circumstances are for these UVU athletes, one thing is for sure; they love being around their families during this special time of year.

“When I’m home my mom always makes a breakfast casserole for us,” UVU men’s basketball player Hayes Garrity said. “On Christmas morning we love to wake up and eat that right away. We’ll wake up and eat that and then open up some presents while eat.”

One thing that UVU men’s basketball player Konner Frey and his family love to do is be competitive with each other over board games.

“”We are a really competitive family so we play lots of games,” Frey said. “Board games, trivia games, and we always play basketball together. Christmas eve we always get together and do a little gift exchange and hang out and play games.

A family trip to see Christmas lights, a competitive race between siblings, breakfast casserole, and board games and card games. These are the traditions these student-athletes have grown up with and come to love.  Being with their families is what matters most.