Where Are They Now: Kendall Youngblood

How many Aggie basketball players can say that they have played with Karl Malone and John Stockton? Played against the likes of Larry Johnson, Stacey Augmon, Greg Anthony, Cedric Ceballos, or Bryon Russell? How many have dunked over Larry Johnson? How many can say they scored 33 and 39 points against the greatest UNLV team of all time? Only one: Kendall Youngblood.

by Craig J. Peterson
February 26, 2003 (c) TrueAggies.com

Logan, UT - Today Kendall makes a living working for Citadel Communications in their Sales Department. He sells air time for two sports radio stations in the Salt Lake market. (Kendall earned his degree at Utah State University in Marketing.) He and his wife Jill make their home in Riverton, Utah with their three children; Danika (10), Daylor (6), and Dason (4).

Kendall is also the Executive Director of the Former Collegiate Athletes Association (FCAA). "We started the association in 1999 and have about 75 members. It is the most rewarding thing I have done. I will be involved for a long time," says Kendall. Plans for the next 5 to 10 years? "Devoting full time to the FCAA," he says.

The FCAA has not contacted Utah State about partnering with them in this association because of their cold reception by the University of Utah. He does feel that it would be beneficial for universities to partner with the FCAA for many reasons. "I do believe a college can benefit greatly by partnering with us in many ways. As former athletes succeed in life, they are more inclined to give back to their schools - especially if the university is supporting that progress," he said. "Former athletes sometimes have the hardest time adjusting to life after college sports. They, like most college graduates, need help and guidance. Our association is here to help former athletes make that adjustment."

Side note - Those interested in donating to the FCAA or getting more information about the FCAA can mail them at:

FCAA
12684 S. Ann Christine Ct.
Riverton, Utah 84065

Or e-mail me at pete@trueaggies.com and I will pass the information on to Kendall.

Basketball took Kendall around the world and back again. He was bypassed in the NBA draft, but was drafted in the 1992 CBA draft in the 5th round. "I played in New Zealand and also played in the CBA (Kennewick Washington)," he recounts. "Playing basketball in New Zealand" was the most memorable event to happen to him in sports after leaving Utah State. Besides basketball the most memorable event was his "kids being born."

Kendall still follows Aggie sports and says, "Aggie basketball is in great shape right now and football is still improving." "Helping former athletes succeed in life after college," is what Kendall would like to see changed at Utah State. He is a firm believer that athletes need help after college and would come to a program that provided that help. What does Utah State need to do to attract good athletes? "Take care of the current athletes and help them with life after college, that will help attract quality athletes," Kendall responds.

Kendall still keeps in touch with some of his former teammates. "Yes, I try and keep in touch with former players: I stay in touch with Jay Goodman, Gary Patterson, and many other players." Speaking of Gary Patterson, you might remember him as the player who was head-butted by UNLV's Jeter in 1990 just before the final buzzer. Gary told Kendall that it was Jeter after it happened. Kendall recalls, "I yelled at him the final seconds of the game. He took a swing at me in front of our bench and the brawl (started) from there. Be assured, I got the best of Jeter after his initial punch. Three months after the brawl I ran into Jeter during the NCAA tourney and he apologized for everything. I think it helped that I had two University of Washington linebackers with me when I saw him. I think Gary got 10 stitches and I received 5 from the bench brawl. Gary and I talk about it once in a while."

The rematch in Logan was played without Jeter and without Scurry, who took a swing at Coach Kohn Smith. Kendall was not impressed with the game, but more with the events at the beginning of the game. "I remember the rematch in Logan. The game wasn't that good (UNLV went on to win the National Championship that year) but the water-bomb was a classic. I remember the team getting sprayed with blue die; I thought it was the most creative thing I have ever seen. I loved it. The famous water-bomb has to go down in history as one of the greatest all-time moments in Utah State Basketball history," he recounted.

Kendall is very humble when it comes to his records. "People have told me about the records and I am very proud. I do not know where I stand in the record books," he said. Well Kendall, here is a recap of some of the records:

Records - Big West

All-Time Single Game Records

All-Time Career Records

Records - Utah State

Individual Honors

Individual Leaders

Single Game Leaders

Single Season Leaders

Career Leaders

What is Kendall's advice to current Aggies who have dreams of playing professionally, "Chase the dream, but be prepared for life after sports. Those first years after college can be the toughest - prepare yourself!"