Get ready for an inspiring episode of Beyond the Game as host Mike Lacey sits down with BYU football walk-on Kila Keone. At just 18 years old, this remarkable young man has already overcome incredible odds - playing his senior year of high school at age 16, transferring schools to chase his quarterback's recruiting attention, and navigating the complex gray shirt process to finally land at his dream school.

Standing 6'3" as a wide receiver, Kila brings a unique perspective as one of the youngest players in the building, having started kindergarten at age 4 in Hawaii and consistently competing against older, bigger, and stronger opponents his entire life. Through his journey from Lone Peak High School in Utah to Moanalua High School in Hawaii, and now to BYU, Kila embodies the mindset of "walking in the rain" - pushing through adversity with unwavering faith and determination.

Follow Beyond the Game on Social Media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hoo.be/btg45podcast⁠⁠

Video Chapters:

0:00 - Introduction

1:30 - Gray Shirt Explanation

2:12 - Roster Changes and Making the Team

4:39 - High School Career at Moanalua

6:12 - Transfer Story: Lone Peak to Hawaii

8:08 - Training Goals and Weight Targets

11:07 - Strengths as a Receiver

13:32 - Age Differences and Team Dynamics

16:52 - "Walking in the Rain" - Adversity Philosophy

19:27 - Family Reward Traditions

23:13 - Dream Chaser Mentality and Faith

25:42 - Goals for October 13th vs Utah

27:28 - Speaking Hawaiian Language

30:20 - Future Dreams and Aspirations

34:15 - Scout Team Contributions

36:19 - Life Advice for Young Athletes

38:48 - Closing Thoughts

Get ready for a compelling episode of Beyond the Game as host Mike Lacey sits down with Joe Semanoff, former BYU fullback whose journey from Philadelphia walk-on to RB team captain exemplifies perseverance and leadership. After driving cross-country in an '88 Honda Accord with just a VHS highlight reel delivered by his sister, Joe earned his spot alongside legendary running backs Luke Staley, Harvey Unga, Manase Tonga, and Fui Vakapuna in one of the most talented backfields in BYU history.

His wake-up call came when 315-pound defensive end Manaia Brown effortlessly scooped him up during his first scout team practice, teaching him the difference between high school and college football. Playing through the transition from Gary Crowton's laissez-faire approach to Bronco Mendenhall's disciplined corporate-style structure, Joe witnessed firsthand how accountability, discipline, and effort transformed team culture.

As running back captain, he participated in leadership meetings where coaches asked players to set their own goals, creating unprecedented buy-in when the staff committed to helping achieve those player-driven objectives. Through stories of the Spartan shield exercise where teammates shared their deepest motivations, the game-changing touchdown catch against New Mexico that "altered the program trajectory," and the brotherhood forged through running back by committee, Joe reveals how authentic relationships and shared sacrifice create championship culture.

Get ready for an inspiring episode of Beyond the Game as host Mike Lacey sits down with Lucky Finau, BYU running back whose journey exemplifies resilience and faith. When a mass tumor on his heart nearly ended his football dreams before they began, Lucky faced emergency surgery that broke his sternum and ribs just weeks before fall camp, forcing him to redshirt his first year at BYU.

For months during his mission in Birmingham, Alabama, he couldn't breathe properly and lost his voice for nearly a year, unaware that his heart condition was slowly stealing his strength. Now fully recovered and entering his third "freshman" year, Lucky has become the spark plug of BYU's locker room, bringing infectious joy and authentic energy that unites players from diverse backgrounds and faiths.

As the nephew of head coach Kalani Sitaki and cousin of PGA Tour star Tony Finau, Lucky understands both the pressure and privilege of his position, wearing number 45 - the same number once worn by his position coach Harvey Unga and host Mike Lacey.

Through stories of serving a mission in "Roll Tide" country where he used Alabama football to connect with locals, navigating the complexities of NIL while maintaining team unity, and switching from linebacker to running back to help the team, Lucky demonstrates how gratitude and brotherhood create championship culture. His message resonates beyond football: someone always has it worse, so stay grateful for what you have, keep working toward your dreams, and surround yourself with teammates who lift you up when discouragement creeps in.

Follow Beyond the Game on Social Media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hoo.be/btg45podcast⁠⁠

Video Chapters:

00:00 - Opening

0:42 - Meet Lucky Finau

1:10 - Third Freshman Year Explained

1:36 - Heart Tumor Discovery and Surgery

2:40 - Mission Health Struggles

4:02 - Surgery Before Fall Camp

4:46 - Recovery with Coach T

5:11 - Family Connections to Tony Finau

6:02 - Uncle Kalani Sitaki Relationship

7:03 - Locker Room Personality

8:13 - Team Chemistry and Authenticity

9:24 - Running Back vs Fullback Role

10:52 - Running Back Depth Chart

12:21 - Team Unity Across Cultures

14:44 - Religious Diversity and Acceptance

16:34 - Coach Sitaki's Tradition

17:44 - NIL Era and Team Dynamics

20:35 - Birmingham Alabama Mission

22:34 - Roll Tide Connection Stories

24:52 - Mission Companions from Team

25:32 - Personal and Team Aspirations

27:35 - Gary Bohanon's Leadership

29:40 - Transfer Portal Impact

33:26 - Message to Cougar Nation

34:58 - Gratitude and Perspective

36:38 - Team Service to Community

36:45 - Closing Thoughts