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| Home : News : KBYU-TV to Air "Last Miracle for LaVell" | |
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Last Miracle for LaVell
8/5 - 3:00 p.m. Producer's Comments As a former player during Coach LaVell Edwards’ golden era of college football ascension, I saw first-hand how this man developed a system for success. Having rubbed shoulders with the bulk of the quarterback-factory, from Wilson to Bosco, we understood only one thing, how to win. And it was all due to one constant, LaVell Edwards. As a five-year stringer for KTVX News, CNN and ESPN, I covered the Brigham Young University Cougars from the media perspective following them to the National Championship and their annual bowl game including the Gridiron Bowl in Melbourne, Australia. For years, I tried to coax Coach Edwards into allowing me to show the public the perspective of his teams from the inside. Because what is seen on the field is only a shell of the unique personalities and student athletes who have made this isolated school in the Rockies a contender. But BYU Football is family to LaVell, a very private matter which has empowered him to make a positive impact on thousands of young men. Finally, in 2000, he consented to give me and my camera full access to the team as a video fly on the wall. However, the okay came one hour before the 2000 Cougars were first introduced to the media. Coach Edward’s assistant, Shirley Johnson called and told me the headman said yes. Oh, and by the way. Two weeks later, he would also announce that this would be his 29th and last season. I thought, with three trips back East on the schedule, with an opening game against the defending National Champion Florida State Seminoles, and the legend’s last hurrah, this could be a once in a lifetime opportunity. With their hearts I observed how the players wanted to win each game, but the intense travel schedule, injuries and inexperience took a toll that almost resulted in a coaching disaster. They were about to send out the man whom they respected and loved with his first loosing campaign in more than 25 seasons. I was afraid my project was doomed. Who cares about a 6 and 6 record? But you will witness how the glimmer and hopes of one dwindling star was eventually replaced by another up and coming leader who would shine through pure determination. From adversity comes strength. And the real success of the 2000 season has already manifested itself in the years to follow. So far, 12 from that team will see NFL action. Because despite all the setbacks and shame of defeat, these teammates rallied when all the odds were against them to give their beloved coach one final football miracle. Kevin Mitchell, Last Miracle for LaVell Producer To contact producer Kevin Mitchell for interviews regarding the program: 801 225-5624 Home Phone Producer's Bio Kevin Mitchell played as a BYU walk-on kicker 1979-1983. After graduation Kevin and his wife, Terrie Kjar Mitchell acquired a broadcast camera for shooting local news events. Terrie worked in the KSL Utah County Bureau and Kevin became a freelance stringer for KTVX and other network and cable channels. They formed Mitchell Productions and later developed corporate clients, which took them through out the world creating productions in several languages. In 1997, Mitchell Productions produced 13 half-hour programs directly from the Mormon Trail airing on the Odyssey Channel. Each program was shot and edited on location traveling along side the 150th anniversary reenactment of the Mormon Trail where some 11, 000 re-traced the steps their ancestors walked. From a motor home, a moving studio was created changing dusty locations daily along 1000 miles of remote western landscape of three states. In 2000, Mitchell Productions was given exclusive access to record the final season of the 6th winningest coach of NCAA College Football, BYU Head Coach LaVell Edwards. Kevin Mitchell was co-producer of the 90 minute KBYU documentary, LaVell Edwards, The Spirit of Cougar Football. In 2001, Mitchell Productions received exclusive access to document Gary Crowton’s inaugural season replacing LaVell Edwards after 29 years as the head coach. Mitchell Productions also produced a weekly team highlight video as the Cougars went on to win 12 of 14 games. Kevin and Terrie live in Orem, Utah and are the parents of eight, five girls and three boys. |
Air dates on BYUTV