Get ready for an exciting episode of Beyond the Game as host Mike Lacey sits down with Val Hale, former BYU Athletic Director and author of the newly released book "Out of the Blue." From his early days as an intern in the sports information office during Jim McMahon's junior year to his transformative tenure as Athletic Director from 1999-2004, Val's journey showcases the evolution of BYU athletics from "plain vanilla" to a modern powerhouse.

The conversation reveals fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, including BYU's pursuit of Andy Reid as head football coach, the controversial "bibs" uniform experiment, and the strategic shift from royal to navy blue that revolutionized BYU's merchandise sales. Val shares how he helped oversee major facility developments including Miller Park, the Student Athlete Building, and the Indoor Practice Facility, while navigating the complex intersection of faith, academics, and big-time college athletics.

Drawing from his recently published memoir, Val opens up about the abrupt end to his BYU career and how choosing to be "better not bitter" opened doors to new opportunities, including roles as UVU Vice President and head of Utah's Office of Economic Development. Through stories of working with legendary figures like LaVell Edwards and Floyd Johnson, Val illustrates how maintaining perspective and positive relationships - even through challenging transitions - creates lasting impact beyond wins and losses.

Purchase Val's book "Out of the Blue" at: https://www.outofthebyublue.com/