Tony and Jessica Bergstrom

Utah football: Bergstrom travels far with Utes

2011-08-16T22:03:00.000-07:00

Tony Bergstrom’s goal when he joined Utah’s football team was to be good enough to be carried along as a member of the team’s travel squad.

Four years later, the senior is carrying the Utes in many ways.

Bergstrom, a 6-foot-6, 315-pound offensive tackle, is one of the leaders of the Utes on the field and off.

On the field, the former Skyline High School standout has developed into an All-America candidate. Off the field, he is one of the chattiest guys on the team, whose easy-going attitude makes him a natural leader, even if it belies the toughness he shows on the field.

“Everyone always talks about the offensive line together, but we know he is the guy,” fellow offensive lineman John Cullen said.

While those who watched his development from high school into college probably aren’t surprised at his success, Bergstrom still is amazed at how he has developed as a football player.

“I never thought I’d play in college,” he said. “I didn’t even have a desire to until teams started looking at me and then I started looking at them and thought it would be a good thing. Then when I got up here, it was an eye-opening experience because you realize how terrible you are as a player. I thought I’d be doing good if I could travel.”

Bergstrom did more than just occupy a bench at away games. As a freshman he played in 10 games, with a start against UNLV. His sophomore year he was moved to right tackle, where he led the line in total plays (816) and solidified himself as a player to watch in the Mountain West Conference.

In 2010 he earned All-MWC honors, and this season he is being touted as an All-America candidate.

His development may have surprised him, but not coach Kyle Whittingham.

“At the time, all he lacked was size,” Whittingham said. “He was about 235, 240 when he went on his mission and came back at 290 so he had the mass and he had the great feet, athleticism and mentality to go far.”

No longer out to prove to himself he can play at Utah’s level, Bergstrom now is focused on doing well for his teammates. He knows the competition in the Pac-12 will be tougher than what he and his teammates faced in the MWC.

He also knows the offensive line has been called upon to carry the team in several ways.

The Utes are going with more of a run game this season, and offensive coordinator Norm Chow has made it clear the Utes must not let quarterback Jordan Wynn get hurt.

All the added responsibilities are fine with Bergstrom, who is looking forward to not only meeting his coaches’ demands but the increased competition in the Pac-12.

“We know we need to be more physical in the run game since we’re moving out of the spread,” he said. “We have to get the run going first to set up the pass, but we’ll be ready. The mentality of the offensive line this year is get more nasty out there, get down and dirty.”

Bergstrom’s ability to hold his own isn’t in doubt. But the offensive line also features a new center in Tevita Stevens, a new starter at right guard in Jeremiah Tofaeono and a seemingly jinxed left guard spot where candidates including Sam Brenner, Isaac Asiata and Latu Heimuli have all been hurt.

While others might question the offensive line’s experience and abilities, Bergstrom is confident he and his teammates can get the job done. After all, he too was an unproven player once.

“All the guys have been grinding it out in camp,” he said. “We know that we have to pick up the run game, and that is going to be huge, but we have the depth we need.”

Photos of Paul at first pre-season game.

2011-08-12T15:24:00.001-07:00

For those of you who don't have Facebook Olivia between 7 and 8 mos!

2011-08-07T17:16:00.000-07:00

PAC 12 Media Day

2011-07-26T23:04:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of Tony and Kyle Whittigham at the Pac-12 Media Conference. Tony was the only player on the team to go to Beverly Hills and represent at media day.

Football fans who want to follow all the happenings during the Pac-12's media tour next week can do so thanks to a live video stream that will be available Tuesday. Representing the Utes will be Utah coach Kyle Whittingham and offensive lineman Tony Bergstrom. The two are slotted to go last at 1 p.m.
Some might wonder why Bergstrom is representing the Utes instead of Jordan Wynn since he is the logical go-to guy as the quarterback.
I was told the Utah sports information folks decided to send Bergstrom because they are pushing him for All-America honors and he is one of the team's well-spoken leaders.
I'm betting it's also because the Utes know Wynn is going to be in the media spotlight a bunch as it is and want to take some of the pressure off him.
Regardless, Bergstrom is a good pick. He is a very entertaining interview and it won't take long for him to win over the media types. Course, it helps that his playing skills are as sharp as many of his comments are.

Easter 2011

2011-04-25T16:53:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures of Me, Tony and Olivia on Easter Sunday! Olivia is 5 Months old and as beautiful as ever. She is wearing her Easter dress that her Granny got her (so cute). I love this baby more than anything in the world. I love the guy standing next to me too. :)

Olivia's 2 week old photo shoot!

2010-12-29T19:38:00.000-08:00

Olivia Ann Bergstrom

2010-12-07T18:34:00.000-08:00

Olivia Ann Bergstrom was born November 18th 2010 at 9:35am weighing 8lbs 8oz and 21 1/2 inches long. She was born perfect in every way and on her due date. What a wonderful experience it was for Tony and I to be together when our daughter arrived. My mother was also there for the whole delivery and what a help she was to me. It started off in Orem at Milo sport (a ski store). I was with my mother, Mark, and Erica looking at some snowboard boots for them for Christmas and all the sudden my water broke. I looked at them and said I'm pretty sure my water just broke and of course it had so my mom dropped off the kids at my parents, quickly packed her bags, curled her bangs and then left to the hospital! I was in labor for 15 hours and with the help of my husband counting and holding a leg in between each contraction and my mother coaching me along I made it through. I guess there were some nurses and a doctor there but whatever. I can't stop looking at my sweet little angel. I never realized I could love something so much. It's so fun to watch my husband being the large dude that he is melt at the site of her and be so tender and sweet with her. I have been so blessed.

Blankets for Olivia

2010-10-21T15:05:00.000-07:00

I have to brag about my mother really quick. She has a talent that comes out of the wood works every now and then and makes an appearance. She made both these blankets for my baby and gave them to me recently. Thanks mom, these are treasures to me and Olivia. There's nothing like having a close relationship with your mom. I'm so excited for our little one to be spoiled by her Gran.

Olivia Ann Bergstrom

2010-09-12T09:48:00.000-07:00

This week I went in for a 31 week 3-D ultrasound to get some pictures of our baby girl that I thought I would share. We are so excited for her to arrive and are counting down the days! 9 more weeks to go!

O-line

2010-09-09T23:04:00.000-07:00

Utah Utes football: Offensive line doing a good job

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah's offensive line pitched a shutout in Thursday's season-opening win over Pittsburgh. Facing a defense that led the nation in quarterback sacks a year ago, the Utes didn't give up a single one in their 27-24 overtime victory.

"They did a good job. Going into the game, that's all we were hearing about was how good the Pittsburgh defensive line was," said Utah quarterback Jordan Wynn. "They were a solid group, but our offensive line was prepared. They just stuck to their assignments and did a good job."

The Panthers averaged 3.62 sacks per game in 2009 and recorded at least one in all 13 games they played.

"We were ready for all of their blitzes, ready for all the individual moves that the down linemen had," said center Zane Taylor. "We practiced and went over them so many times and watched enough film that it was kind of second nature by the time we got out there."

Film study and the scout team, he added, played a huge part in the line's success against Pitt and end Greg Romeus, the reigning Big East Conference Defensive Player of the Year.

"One of our goals was having no sacks on the quarterback, and so that's huge — a team leading the nation and then holding them to zero," Taylor added. "We still had a couple of pressures, but we clean that up for the next game."

As the Utes prepare for Saturday's Mountain West Conference opener against UNLV, the offensive line does so with a sense of accomplishment.

Right tackle Tony Bergstrom insists, however, no one is satisfied.

"It was good. It was really rewarding. We've worked really hard during the offseason on all of our technique and blitz pick up," he said. "We had a really good scheme going against these guys, and I think it's a good start. It's a really good start, I think, and that's about all it is in my head right now — just a good start."

The focus now, he continued, is on UNLV.

It's an approach head coach Kyle Whittingham appreciates.

"That's what it is: a good start. We've got a lot of football left, obviously, but they played well as a unit on Thursday night," he acknowledged.

The line, composed of starters Taylor, Bergstrom, left guard Caleb Schlauderaff, right guard Tevita Stevens and left tackle John Cullen, drew plenty of praise from Whittingham. He said they were very assignment-sound. Besides not allowing a sack, Whittingham noted that their efforts in run efficiency were good.

"We just went into the game with a good plan," Whittingham said. "The players have worked hard in all practices leading up to the game, and that was the end result."

All five starters graded out at 75 percent or better.

"We definitely felt proud of ourselves," Taylor said. "There are a lot of things to clean up, but we won the game, and that was the biggest goal.

"We really don't think about it until it happens. Kind of like being an O-lineman, nobody really knows who they are until they mess up," Taylor said. "So when we are doing our job, we don't really sit and admire our work. We just focus on the next play and keep going."

Shooting in St. George with Tony

2010-07-10T18:41:00.000-07:00

So these pictures are from our one year anniversary back in May. I know I'm slow. We drove to the Arizona border where there weren't any houses of course and loaded up! And yes we are wearing our skull candy headphones. We didn't have any ear plugs.

Check out who is #6 on Utah's top ten players!

2010-05-20T13:15:00.000-07:00

2010 Utah Preview

Utah C Zane Taylor

By Pete Fiutak

CollegeFootballNews.com
Posted May 20, 2010

| More

Both on and off the field, Utah has been the leader in the fight for non-BCS teams to be a bigger part of the BCS equation. Will this year's team be good enough to get to one of the big games for the second time in three years? The schedule certainly says so. Check out the 2010 CFN Utah Preview.

Head coach: Kyle Whittingham
6th year: 48-17
Returning Lettermen: 49
Off. 22, Def. 24, ST 3
Lettermen Lost: 24

Ten Best Utah Players
Top Ten Players
1. RB Matt Asiata, Sr.
2. RB Eddie Wide, Sr.
3. C Zane Taylor, Sr.
4. OG Caleb Schlauderaff, Sr.
5. CB Brandon Burton, Jr.
6. DT Dave Kruger, Soph.
7. QB Jordan Wynn, Soph.
8. WR Jereme Brooks, Sr.
9. PK Joe Phillips, Sr.
10. P Sean Sellwood, Soph.

2010 Schedule

Sept. 2 Pitt
Sept. 11 UNLV
Sept. 18 at New Mexico
Sept. 25 San Jose St
Oct. 2 OPEN DATE
Oct. 9 at Iowa State
Oct. 16 at Wyoming
Oct. 23 Colorado State
Oct. 30 at Air Force
Nov. 6 TCU
Nov. 13 at Notre Dame
Nov. 20 at San Diego St
Nov. 27 BYU

Now we get to really see if there’s staying power.

Ever since the extremely disappointing 5-6 2002 season, Utah has been fantastic going 71-19 over the past seven years with two unbeaten campaigns and seven bowl wins. By almost any measure the program has become a powerhouse, doing enough to allow Washington D.C. to take a look at the BCS system and to become a key part of the expansion discussion as potentially part of the Pac 10 or the Big 12. So with all the success, now the team is trying to be at a whole other level of consistency.

There’s staying power, and there’s staying at the top power. Utah will come up with another winning season, it’ll go to another bowl game, and it’ll be deep in the hunt for the Mountain West title again, but with two double-digit win seasons in a row and proven victories over the big boys like Alabama, California, and Oregon State, just coming up with a nice year isn’t really enough. Utah has amassed the talent and it has the attitude and the coaching to really and truly play with the top teams, but this season will put the program to the test.

The offense wasn’t all that consistent last year, and it scored 92 fewer points than in 2008, but it was solid and it should be terrific this season with eight returning starters, four starters back on the line, a loaded backfield, and speed at receiver. If Jordan Wynn progresses into the quarterback many are thinking he can become, the O will be more than fine.

The special teams should be among the best in the nation if there’s a little bit more production from the coverage teams. Kicker Joe Phillips is automatic and punter Sean Sellwood will be on the short list for the Ray Guy away, while Shaky Smithson is a speedster to make the return game shine.

On offense and special teams alone, Utah will be good enough to win at least eight games and come up with another strong year, but to have a BCS-caliber campaign, the defense will have to live up to the program’s reputation.

It has gotten to the point where it’s just assumed Utah will come up with a great defense after failing to allow more than 289 points in a year since 1996, and while this year’s group will be fine, it’s going to take a few surprises to be special. There’s lightning speed at corner, but the safeties are a bit of a question mark. The line has a few potential all-stars, outside of possibly Dave Kruger, there isn’t a true standout. The real question, though, will be the linebacking corps made up of try-hards and high-motor guys after losing the potential anchor, Nai Fotu, to a torn ACL.

Can it all come together to mean a second Mountain West title in three years and a possible BCS bid? The bar has been set, and if this year’s team can get over it again, then it really and truly will mean that the program has achieved an elite, not-rebuild-but-reload, status.

What to watch for on offense: Matt Asiata. Utah was able to win ten games with timely offensive play, the emergence of Eddie Wide into an all-star running back, and the play of Jordan Wynn down the stretch including a tremendous performance against Cal in the Poinsettia Bowl. But the attack finished 54th in the nation in yards and was never consistent. With a loaded line full of veterans, enough speed to get by at receiver, and Wynn leading a good group of quarterbacks, the pieces are there to do more. The play will go to a whole other level if Matt Asiata really is back and healthy after tearing up his knee last year, and if nothing else, he’ll be a thumping back to complement the speed and quickness of Wide and the bull-rushing of Sausan Shakerin to give the Utes one of the nation’s most dangerous ground attacks, while taking all the pressure and heat off of Wynn.

What to watch for on defense: The linebackers. The secondary will be excellent and the line will get a push into the backfield, but against all the Mountain West spread attacks and with the good backfields of Iowa and Pitt to deal with (not to mention whatever Notre Dame comes up with), the linebackers have to be solid. Gone are Stevenson Sylvester and Mike Wright after they finished 1-2 respectively in tackles combined for 160 stops and ten tackles for loss, and gone is Nai Fotu, a lineman who was going to take over in the middle before suffering a knee injury this offseason. Now, there’s a former quarterback (Chad Manis), several former walk-ons, and several other unproven players trying to fill in the holes.

The team will be far better if … the offense can be better on third downs. The Utes finished 72nd in the nation in third down conversion percentage connecting on just 71-of-187 chances. While they converted 37.97% of the time, BYU led the nation at 55.62%. The Ute defense isn’t going to be as good as last year so the more the offense can keep the chains moving, the better.

The schedule: When the hardest expected road trip is to either Air Force or Notre Dame, the schedule isn’t all that bad. There are just enough big games in bright lights to put Utah in the national title debate if it can get through unscathed. A statement can be made right away against a Pitt team that’s good enough to win the Big East championship. Two other big non-conference dates at Iowa State and Notre Dame look impressive, but if the Utes are as good as they’re supposed to be, those are winnable. While there are two semi-tough conference trips to Wyoming (which comes at the end of a run of three road games in four weeks) and Air Force, the big boys, TCU and BYU, have to come to Salt Lake City.

Best offensive player: Senior RB Matt Asiata. He started the season as one of the nation’s best running backs tearing off 330 yard and four scores in three and a half games before hurting his knee. It happened in late September, and while it usually takes at least a year to get back from an ACL injury, he’s expected to be a top inside pounder once again. Not needed as a 36-carry workhorse with other great options, he should be extremely effective getting 10-to-15 carries as part of a rotation like he was in 2008.

Best defensive player: Junior CB Brandon Burton. Overshadowed last year by other top defensive players including FS Robert Johnson and SS Joe Dale, Burton still came up with a great year making 47 tackles with a sack, an interception, and ten broken up passes. Now the 6-0, 185-pound speedster will have the spotlight on with good size, next-level wheels, and the potential to be a strong No. 2 NFL corner. He’s the shutdown defender who’ll get the call to erase everyone’s top target, and he should be able to do it.

Key player to a successful season: Junior LB J.J. Williams. Stevenson Sylvester was the emotional tone-setter for the defense leading the way with 81 stops with two sacks, an interception, and five tackles for loss. He was a top all-around playmaker at the Rover position, and now it’ll be up to Williams, a 6-0, 220-pounder to shine and be the same type of producer. He made 20 tackles last year, but he didn’t show enough burst into the backfield. This year, he’ll be the focal point of the linebacking corps making him the focal point of the reloading defense.

The season will be a success if … the Utes win the Mountain West title. It’s a lofty goal considering there are several question marks, but with TCU and BYU at home, there’s no reason to shoot for anything lower. Anyone who’s good enough think about winning the Mountain West should be able to handle Air Force and Wyoming on the road.

Key game: Nov. 6 vs. TCU. The BYU battle is always the biggest date on the slate, but Utah can’t win the Mountain West without beating TCU at home. The Horned Frogs won last year in a 55-28 obliteration, and it took one of the greatest drives in Utah history to win the pivotal 2008 game. For all the great things TCU has done over the last several years, Utah is 3-1 in the last four meetings.

2009 Fun Stats:
- Fourth Quarter Scoring: Utah 101 – Opponents 54
- Penalties: Utah 101 for 900 yards – Opponents 72 for 573
- Fumbles: Utah 31 (lost 11) – Opponents 22 (lost 8)

Conference weekend!!!

2010-05-01T10:41:00.000-07:00

Ok I know I'm slow everyone but I had Mark take this picture after looking around on the floor and being very amused. This is the one out of two times a year where you can do the church thing without actually being at church which I really appreciate as does everyone else. If you can't admit that your family probably looked the exact same as mine on this day with the exact same attention span well then I am calling BS and your a liar.

Poinsettia Bowl Trip

2009-12-30T22:56:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures from our bowl game. We had a great time in San Diego. We went to sea world and the Midway ship and don't forget the awesome game played at Qualcomm stadium.

Paul Kruger Ravens/Utes interception

2009-12-02T10:41:00.000-08:00

This pretty much sums up BYU and Max Hall for me.

2009-12-01T10:40:00.000-08:00

President Monson Has No Class And I Hate Him! Love Max

2009-11-30T19:53:00.001-08:00

THE BEST OF LUCK

2009-10-06T18:58:00.000-07:00

About two weeks ago my mother and I met at the T-mobile store in Orem so that I could switch from At&t over to her plan on Tmobile. We get my phone set up and are both walking out of the store keys in hand and saying our goodbyes when we hear screaching coming from the University Parkway road. We both look and all the sudden a Jeep Cherokee comes over the curb and at about 60 mph takes out a bus stop sign and a full on thirty foot tree. I must say I have never seen a tree that large snap like a toothpick. After taking out the sign and the tree my mother and I are both waiting for the woman to slam on the breaks. But no she continues to have her foot completely pressed on the gas and gains speed for about 200 more yards as she hits my car and sends it spinning around hitting another car sending that car right at my mother and I we had to run to the curb and pretty much dive out of the way. She continues to gain speed and T-bones my moms car and might I add we weren't even parked by each other nor were we facing the same direction. After hitting my moms car her wheels continue to spin and smoke as her Jeep is stuck in the red durango. I ran over to her and yelled for her to take her fat foot off the gas and finally she does so, leans over and picks up a pop can and tries to put a straw in the upside down pop can. She wouldn't respond to anyone and wasn't in the slightest bit hurt after totally five cars including her own. She told the police she "fell asleep" but anyone who saw knew this wasn't the case. My mom and I both saw her as she was about to hit my car and she was sitting straight up very attentive. She passed a sobriety test so she wasn't drunk but we all know she was on something. She wasn't a geezer either, only about 40 years old. You know some mommies like to get hopped up on pain meds or whatever. In the picture above I am standing almost on the sidewalk where she came over. Our cars are where the police lights are so you can see she had an empty parking lot and time to slam on her brakes before hitting our cars. I am voting she was suicidal.

So on my second to last post where I say the shit has hit the fan I was just kidding he he. Here we are jobless and now carless and unable to get a loan for another car because of the joblessness. Luckily Tony's parents are nice enough to lend us their sexy van and in about a week my dad is going to lend me his car. I'm just good luck I guess. I feel that I am lucky though having the type of personality that doesn't stress out about these things and the ability to laugh shitty situations off and I consider my mother and I lucky to be standing by our cars when this happened and not sitting in them. Hopefully this is mine and Tony's test as a couple (cross your fingers!). In closing....... UTA bus pass anyone? Oh wait I can't afford one! ha ha ha ha GO KRUGERS AND BERGSTROMS I MEAN HOW DO YOU EXPLAIN TWO CARS IN ONE FAMILY BEING TOTALLED IN ONE NIGHT THAT WEREN'T EVEN PARKED NEXT TO EACH OTHER! ANYONE? ANYONE?

This is where the tree was and the bus sign.

She hit me so hard my subwoofer came unhooked, broke the window and came out the back of my car.

2009-09-07T16:01:00.000-07:00

A picture of the sunset I took.

Never mess with the death tube grip master!

Tony walking on the islands in the middle of the lake.

This nest was full of baby eagle birds and they were freaking out it was really funny.

Tony trying to pull on the wake board boots (I love this pictures)

Tony and I at the weenie roast.

Lori and Laura at the weenie roast!

Playing on the blow up toy.

Riding the boat.

Canoeing across the lake.

Tony and I on the boat.

So I haven't updated anything in forever but here are some pictures of McCall Idaho where Tony and I went with his family and stayed for a week. It is absolutely beautiful there and we loved it. Tony's grandparents have a condo right on the edge of the lake so you walk about fifteen feet onto a beach and then to the water. I am counting down the days to next years trip! We did a lot of tubing and biking as you will see in the pictures.

FABULOUS YET NOT SO FABULOUS

2009-07-11T21:10:00.000-07:00

So we all have heard the term the shit has hit the fan and well for Tony and I the shit has really hit the fan this week but we have laughed and cried it off at least I have so we are moving forward now. Last week on Sunday, Tony and I decide to go for a lovely Sunday walk over by Suicide Rock (the huge rock you see off 2-15 that is totally spray painted) so we drive up to a parking lot and park my Rodeo and walk on the trail for a while. Good times good talks, as I am walking back to the car with Tony I notice that the passenger side window is broken and I'm looking around like what the heck? Did a rock or something hit the window? That was my first thought since in the cup holder my iphone and mp3 player were sitting there. Then after a second I notice my purse is gone and realize that my car has been broken into. My purse with every credit card I own, my license, social security card, $400 camera, $500 gun,all our wedding gift certificates, my favorite watch and more have been stolen. To top all that off my insurance didn't cover any of it including my broken window that I had to pay for so I was out about $1700 because some lets just say not american people that live south of the US decided they would like to steal what I have worked for so they don't have to. That is usually how they roll isn't it? From my experiences it is. Why I say this is because a girl saw a car full of mexicans in a black Monte Carlo circling around the parking lot looking in cars. Too bad she didn't get a license plate numbers So anyway this week I have been calling every fraud dept and running from DMV to DMV trying to get my ID's and Credit Cards back. So that sucks right? Well just to top off the week two days later I come into work and my boss walks in and closes the door and says to me I've got some bad news, we are starting a new company and we need a certified tax guy that can work right out of the gate and not have to be trained and blah blah blah your laid off. If I had balls they would be hit right now mmmk? So I cried right in front of the fool and saundered out to the car trying to put my head on straight so I can figure out what I am going to tell my husband when I get home. He took it fine like I new he would but I tend to worry about theses things a bit more than he does. So just a heads up to everyone I am looking for a job if you know of anyone and if you see a mexican with a lovely pink and red snakeskin purse with a drivers license that has a 6 foot tall blond girl on it please do me a favor and punch them right in the gizzard for me. On a lighter note My family and Tony and I went up to an amazinig 5000 acre ranch of rode four wheelers and fished so that was really fun. Tony and I are going to Idaho in about two weeks so I bought a new camera since my old one was swiped so I am able to take pictures again. I also went boating with Paul, Ryder and David so I got some pics of that too. I'm happily married and life is good so the low lifes can have my stuff. Just don't steal my identification and open accounts with my ssn please or shoot someone innocent with my gun, thats all I'm asking.

Wedding Day

2009-06-02T13:59:00.000-07:00

Some pictures from the wedding (thanks ashley). Maybe I'm just biast but I thought my wedding was alot of fun especially the dancing.

2009-06-01T15:35:00.000-07:00

I HAVE A NEW BLOG FAT LARDS! ITS TONYANDJESSICABERGSTROM.BLOGSPOT.COM THIS IS WHERE I WILL BE ADDING ANY PICTURES/NEWS OF TONY AND I. I WILL CONTINUE TO ALSO TRY AND UPDATE KRUGER STUFF ON THE KRUGER BLOG OR I WON'T WHO KNOWS. ADD IT PEOPLE.. ADD IT

Honeymooning in Costa Rica

2009-06-01T15:15:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures of Tony and I in Costa Rica! We had a great time! Doesn't Tony look so slimming in his life vest?