LDS Church President; BYU to Honor LaVell Edwards in Final Home Game

PROVO -- Brigham Young University officials today announced Gordon B. Hinckley, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will be in attendance Saturday, Nov. 18 at Cougar Stadium to honor BYU head coach LaVell Edwards in his final home football game.

Beginning at 3:45 p.m. (MST), the BYU marching band, cheerleaders and team players will welcome Edwards and his wife Patti to midfield, escorted by team captains Setema Gali, Margin Hooks, Kalani Sitake and Jared Lee.

President Hinckley and other dignitaries will join LaVell and Patti at midfield for a special pre-game presentation to honor the Coach for his years of service and dedication to the University. As part of the ceremonies, President Hinckley will present Coach Edwards with a commemorative game ball. The mid-field ceremony will conclude with Edwards conducting the coin toss using a special commemorative LaVell Edwards coin.

Following the game, Coach Edwards will present each senior football player with a traditional senior blanket. Immediately following the senior presentation, BYU President Merrill J. Bateman will present Edwards with gifts from the University community.

Fans will also be treated to a special video presentation that will look back at the long and storied career of the legendary coach. After the video, which will be displayed on the video wall in the stadium, fans will be treated to a special aerial fireworks display.