BYU fans know the phrase, but do they truly grasp the powerful legacy behind “Give ’Em Hell, Brigham”? On this special Memorial Day episode, Jake Hatch shines a spotlight on Vaughn Kimball—a once-promising BYU quarterback who became both a football legend and a real-life hero. Explore how Kimball’s iconic telegram to the team ahead of the 1942 Utah game transformed not just a rivalry, but the spirit of the BYU football program. His now-famous rallying cry, urging BYU to triumph over the Utes for the morale of then-25,000 Brigham Young University alumni, still echoes through LaVell Edwards Stadium and continues to inspire generations of fans and players alike.

Relive the historic 1942 rivalry win as Hatch breaks down how BYU, after decades of heartbreak and a string of losses (and a couple of ties) against the University of Utah, finally celebrated victory thanks in part to Kimball’s stirring message from the U.S. Navy. Discover the rich context behind BYU’s struggle in the early days—when football was outlawed on campus, then finally reinstated, only to see the Cougars continually fall short of their northern rivals. The dramatic turning point arrives with Kimball’s telegram and the story of his service aboard the USS Bunker Hill during WWII, where he made the ultimate sacrifice off the coast of Okinawa.

Hatch pays tribute not just to Kimball but to all BYU alumni and Cougar Nation members who have served and continue to serve in the armed forces. Through vivid storytelling, this episode connects the tradition of BYU football with national remembrance, illustrating how sacrifice, honor, and a relentless fighting spirit shape both the program and its community. The discussion touches on how “Give ’em hell, Brigham” has been memorialized through merchandise, newsletters, and rallying traditions, keeping Kimball’s spirit alive.

How does one player’s sacrifice continue to shape BYU athletics? Can the lessons from the past fuel future victories on the field and beyond? Celebrate Memorial Day with Locked On Cougars and rekindle the fire behind one of BYU football’s most enduring traditions.

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Jake Hatch brings you daily coverage of the BYU Cougars with the Locked On Cougars Podcast. Locked On Cougars brings BYU fans the latest news and comprehensive coverage when it comes to the BYU football and basketball programs as well as a look at the other teams in the BYU athletic department. Jake gives you his unique insights and insider information about the Cougs as they continue "on the trail to fame and glory" every weekday, along with interviews with players, coaches, experts, and alumni that you will not find anywhere else.

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