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More than 400 sports officials from around the country are expected in Salt Lake City this week for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee’s annual assembly.

The annual gathering of the USOPC, sport national governing bodies, athletes and others associated with Team USA is being held at the Little America Hotel and is set to begin with a dinner Tuesday and end Sunday.

The series of meetings, which include a Town Hall for all participants on Friday, are intended to focus on finalizing preparations ahead of the next Olympics, the 2026 Winter Games that begin in February in Milan and Cortina, Italy.

The assembly is also seen as an “opportunity to build excitement” for Team USA, the USOPC posted, as well as the decade of Olympic and Paralympic sport in the U.S. that include the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles as well as Utah’s next Winter Games, in 2034.

“We’ll use this time to listen, engage and embrace our diverse perspectives, with the goal of emerging as a more unified and collaborative community,” the post said, “so that, together, we can empower American athletes to reach their greatest potential and grow the love of sport in this country.”

Leaders of Utah’s Organizing Committee for the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games also are meeting at the hotel on Wednesday, including with the members of their steering committee who serve as advisers.

Utah’s first lady, Abby Cox, is leading a service project Thursday at the hotel as part of her Show Up initiative. She’ll be joined by organizing committee and USOPC officials as well as Olympic athletes to assemble snack kits for Granite School District students.

The USOPC assembly is usually held in Colorado Springs, where the organization that oversees the Olympics in the U.S. is headquartered. Having the event in Salt Lake City is significant, said Fraser Bullock, the organizing committee’s president and executive chair.

“I think it’s very notable that they’re coming to Utah, to our home, to the future host of the 2034 Games,” Bullock said of the U.S. Olympic community. “This gives us the opportunity to showcase Utah, for them to feel what we feel every day here in Utah.”

He wants them to “get the vibe that this is indeed the state of sport and in particular, that we have extensive programs for our youth. In addition to that, we’ll be talking about all of the events coming to Utah over the next nine months, world cups and various other types of competitions.”

It shows that Utah is “100% in on the partnership with the USOPC to grow sports in the United States” and especially in the state, Bullock said. “Over time, we hope to spread that to the entire country.”

Organizers are planning on using some of the more than $200 million in contributions recently pledged by individuals and foundations in Utah to the 2034 Games to launch youth sports programs.

There’s nothing specific that Utah’s Olympic organizers are looking for from the assembly, Bullock said, noting they’ll provide “a general update” on preparations for the 2034 Games that have been underway since the start of the year.

Hosting a second Winter Games in 2034 is “an Olympic-sized opportunity” for the state, according to a new report released Tuesday by the University of Utah’s Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute.

“Few single events in Utah history compare in reach and significance,” states the institute’s second “Keepers of the Flame” report, citing an estimated 15 billion viewer hours of coverage expected during the Olympics and the Paralympics that follow for athletes with disabilities.

That puts pressure on the state to tackle what the report described as “Utah’s Troubling Seven” challenges, just as the 2002 Winter Games pushed officials to deal with problems like I-15 gridlock and the need for more public transportation.

“Even with Utah’s well-documented exceptional economy, our state is changing fast. And even as Utah prospers, serious challenges pose a threat to Utah’s long-term success,” the report warned, but the 2034 Games can serve “as a powerful catalyst to make Utah even better.”

Utah’s seven challenges identified by the institute are:

1. Housing affordability and homelessness. Housing prices grew faster in Utah than anywhere else in the U.S. from 1991 to 2024, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency, while the number of Utahns without homes reached a record high this year.
2. Traffic congestion. Delays on Utah roads between June 2016 and January 2025 grew four times faster than the state’s population, based on six-month moving averages.
3. Third grade reading proficiency. Considered “a leading indicator for future educational success,” proficiency remains below 50% statewide
4. College graduation rates. The share of Utah high school graduates enrolling in higher education has dropped in two of the past three years, while half of the state’s eight degree-granting institutions report completion rates below 50%
5. Water and Great Salt Lake. “Lower water levels put at risk the benefits created by the lake and threaten Utah’s long-term economic, ecological, and human health,” the report said, and “represents one of Utah’s greatest international and national reputational risks”
6. Energy supply. Utah, like the rest of the country, is facing increased power demands due to growth, energy intensive industries and artificial intelligence, and the need to replace aging plants
7. Behavioral health. Utah is third in the nation for adults with serious mental illness, and the fourth for those with serious thoughts of suicide, the report said, while the “share of Utah young adults with poor mental health more than doubled in the past 10 years”

Before billions tune into Opening Ceremonies at the University of Utah’s Rice-Eccles Stadium on Feb. 10, 2034, the 44-page report offers starting points to address those challenges, such as creating a statewide community land trust, as “a quick and effective way to lower housing costs” and prioritizing connected autonomous vehicles to ease traffic congestion.

Other “consequential ideas” to be considered are placing reading pros in K-3 classrooms, expanding career-oriented “catalyst centers” into Salt Lake County, conserving up to 500,000 acre-feet of water annually, investing in a state energy research fund, and aligning behavioral health efforts and investments with Utah’s strategic plan.

Insights in the reports that are intended “to help guide Utah and leverage the Games” begin with a call for the state “to lead with dignity,” in “a time of significant polarization and mean-spirited, sometimes even violent, expression and actions.”

Next is tapping in to Utah’s younger generations, followed by focusing on long-term goals at the community level and catalyzing private innovation and investment, possibly through creating an impact fund that could provide both societal benefits and profits.

Utahns stepped up for the 2002 Games, the report noted, with estimated private and public investments in transportation, resorts, venues, housing, hotels and other areas that were made to benefit the 2002 Games add up to $7.25 billion in 2024 dollars.

While about $4 billion of that amount went to rebuild I-15 and add TRAX light rail lines along with other transportation projects, the list also included spending for ski resort and Salt Palace expansions, new hotels and Olympic venues, and a public safety communications system.

Thanks in large part to the work done in the decades before and after 2002, this time around, Utah can claim seven “major achievements in the state’s economic success story,” the report said. Dubbed “Utah’s Magnificent Seven” achievements, they are:

1. Economic dynamism and diversity. “Utahns have built the most impressive economy in the nation,” the report said, highly diversified with more than double the national average real GDP growth over the past decade
2. High household income and low poverty. Adjusted for regional price parity, Utah’s 2023 household income ranks the nation’s highest while the state’s three-year average poverty rate from 2021 to 2023 is the lowest, at 6.7%
3. Upward mobility. Utah is one of only three states nationwide to hit top levels of upward mobility in every county, according to Opportunity Insights at Harvard University estimates
4. Widespread prosperity. Utah “exhibits the most equal distribution of income in the nation,” according to a Census Bureau measurement
5. Well-trained and educated workforce. Utah had the nation’s third highest share in 2023 of adults aged 25-64 with postsecondary training, including from trade and technical schools
6. Fast growing population and youthfulness. Utah’s population increased 18.4% between the 2010 and 2020 censuses, a faster rate than any state in the nation. With a median age of 32.4 in 2024, Utah also has the nation’s youngest population.
7. Social cohesion. Utah had the highest level of social capital among the state in a 2021 Utah Foundation study of more than 30 measures “in the broad categories of family structure, community participation, and economic mobility.”

The institute’s director, Natalie Gochnour, said the state is positioned to take advantage of another Winter Games.

“The global spotlight of the 2034 Games provides a powerful motivation and deadline for Utah to make strategic investments and pursue innovative solutions to many of our state’s most troubling challenges,” Gochnour said. “By proactively addressing our challenges and building on our strengths, Utah’s Olympic legacy will extend far beyond the Games.”

The Stars and Stripes are currently flying above the landmark Black Rock at the Great Salt Lake, but state officials don’t know who put them there.

A flagpole was erected on distinctive Black Rock sometime last week, and the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands is investigating the unpermitted installation. The flagpole flies the American flag, and appears to have a concrete base and lighting attached, according to a photo from the division.

The agency is working to figure out what it will do with the flagpole, said Karl Hunt, public affairs officer for the division, adding that he was unsure of the exact date that law enforcement officers noticed the pole.

Black Rock is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a “valuable waypoint” for travelers crossing the Great Basin on the California Trail in the 19th century, according to a news release from the division.

The division protects the area as an important historical resource, the release added, and constructing structures on state land without a permit or altering any historical resource is against state law.

Individuals who break the law could be subject to a class B misdemeanor and civil damages, according to Utah state code.

“The issue is not about the flag but the flagpole that was installed into Black Rock,” the division said in a statement.

“The division respects the desire to display the flag but needs to ensure it is done so in a proper and legal manner,” it continued. “This flag has generated a lot of public interest, and we appreciate the dialogue around it. We are working to find an appropriate solution while protecting the historical importance of the site.”

Over the summer, Utah Republican Sen. John Curtis introduced legislation to ensure the American flag could fly permanently at another Utah landmark — the top of Khyv Peak in Provo.

The proposal came after one Utahn reinstalled an American flag each year for nearly two decades on top of the mountain, and was more recently told that his actions were prohibited by the Forest Service, according to a news release from Curtis’ office.

Utah quarterback Devon Dampier was not up to standard in a 34-10 loss to Texas Tech this past Saturday, throwing two interceptions and averaging just 2.5 yards per carry — a career low. There was a reason for the rough outing: Coach Kyle Whittingham revealed Monday that Dampier had been dealing with an injury, despite not being listed on the availability reports last week.

“He was doing the best he could,” Whittingham said. “Wasn’t able to practice Tuesday or Wednesday, a little bit Thursday. I’m going to tell you it definitely impacted Devon, but if you’re out there, you got to get it done. So we never use that as an excuse.”

Dampier sustained an ankle injury during Utah’s Week 3 road game at Wyoming, analyst Joel Klatt noted on Saturday’s broadcast. He was also reportedly seen limping after that contest. The injury kept him from fully participating in Utah’s normal padded practices, limiting his preparation for the Big 12 opener against the Red Raiders.

The 2025 season marks the first year of formal Big 12 player availability reports, following the lead of the ACC, Big Ten and SEC. Under the new rules, programs must submit daily reports starting three days before each game, with a final update 90 minutes before kickoff, listing players as available, probable, questionable, doubtful or out. 

Big 12 to mandate player availability reports for football, basketball starting in 2025-26

Cody Nagel

Although Dampier missed multiple practices, he was not listed on Utah’s availability report last week before making his fourth start for the Utes.

Despite the setback, Whittingham emphasized that Dampier’s current condition is improving when asked if the injury could be a long-term concern.

“We hope not,” Whittingham said. “But again, we never discuss injuries here other than the injury report, so we will just have to see how it goes. I think he’s in a better place. Well, I know he’s in a better place right now on Monday than he was last Monday, so that bodes well.”

Dampier completed 25 of 38 passes for 162 yards in the loss. Utah’s lone big play came on the first snap of their only touchdown drive, when Dampier connected with Dallen Bentley for a 44-yard gain. That score brought the Utes within 13-10 with 10:22 remaining in the fourth quarter, before Texas Tech pulled away with three unanswered touchdowns to close out the game.

Through the first three games of the season, Dampier had completed 73% of his passes for 628 yards and seven touchdowns without an interception. He had also added 198 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground, showing the dual-threat ability that makes him Utah’s centerpiece on offense.

“(We) believe in him completely and he’s without a doubt our quarterback and you can’t panic off one game that was not up to par,” Whittingham said. “And again, we already talked about another reason why that may have been. … I don’t think one subpar game is fair to judge him off that. The first three games he was pretty darn good.”

Utah is on the road at West Virginia this Saturday.

Utah coach Kyle Whittingham confirmed on Monday that Ute quarterback Devon Dampier missed two days of practice last week — Tuesday and Wednesday — with an injury, and practiced “a little bit” on Thursday.

Despite an ankle injury holding him out of practice, Dampier did not appear on any of Utah’s availability reports throughout the week leading up to Saturday’s contest against Texas Tech.

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This season, the Big 12 mandated availability reports for all conference football games, starting three days before game day and continuing daily.

For a Saturday game, the first availability report is due Wednesday night, with additional reports coming out on Thursday night and Friday night.

The final injury report is released 90 minutes before kickoff.

In a statement released Monday night by the school, Whittingham explained why Utah did not list Dampier on the availability report despite his injury.

“Quarterback Devon Dampier did not appear on last week’s player availability report because while he was limited in practice early in the week, his status of playing in last Saturday’s game vs. Texas Tech was never in question.

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“We have spoken to the conference and have clarified the guidelines moving forward.”

In the Big 12 player availability policy , the conference outlined the requirements for the availability reports.

“When an institution becomes aware that a student-athlete may be unable to participate in an upcoming game for any reason (including, but not limited to, injury, illness, suspension, ineligibility, or personal matters), it is required to accurately indicate the student-athlete’s participation status on the Initial Report as outlined below. “Participation status” means only the student-athlete’s name and their expected ability to participate in the upcoming game, using the categories set forth in this policy, and does not include medical diagnoses, treatment plans, or underlying personal details.”

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Here is the section titled “Player Participation Status Categories for the Initial Reports”

Utah’s argument is that because Dampier was always expected to play, despite the injury, that his exclusion from the availability report would fall within Big 12 guidelines.

“My availability was never in question,” Dampier said.

Whittingham said last Tuesday that Utah’s training staff would fill out the daily availability reports.

“I’m not a doctor. I wouldn’t make those decisions, who plays, who doesn’t, who’s doubtful, questionable, all that stuff. But the trainer will have that out,” Whittingham said.

Texas Tech had 14 players on its initial availability report, with four different designations as outlined by the Big 12 — out, doubtful, questionable and probable. Utah had four players listed in the “out” section and nothing else.

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On Thursday, Utah added defensive tackle Karson Kaufusi to its report under “doubtful,” and on Friday, he was moved to “out.” No other changes were made in the report released 90 minutes before kickoff.

Dampier started in Utah’s 34-10 loss to Texas Tech. He threw for 162 yards and two interceptions on 66% completion. The dual-threat quarterback was shut down by the Red Raiders on the ground, as Texas Tech limited him to 27 yards on 11 rushing attempts.

“I’m going to tell you that it (the injury) definitely impacted Devon, but if you’re out there, you got to get it done, and so we never use that as an excuse,” Whittingham said.

Is there any concern that Dampier’s injury is long-term?

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“We hope not, but again, we never discuss injuries here other than the injury report, so we will just have to see how it goes,” Whittingham said. “I think he’s in a better place. Well, I know he’s in a better place right now on Monday than he was last Monday, so that bodes well.”

Dampier was asked about how he is feeling health-wise after Monday’s install day — the Utes don’t have a padded practice to start the week — and responded “great.”

Utah continues Big 12 play at West Virginia on Saturday.

“Now it’s on to West Virginia. Let’s go attack it,” Dampier said.

Not only has Texas Tech built the best team money can buy in the Big 12, it might be the most comprehensive in school history, capable of more than just hanging half a hundred on you.

These are not Mike Leach’s Red Raiders.

This is different.

Consider the testimony of Kyle Whittingham after a 34-10 humiliation in his own house. Utah had rebuilt its street cred after a rare losing season on the basis of its offensive line, the best Whittingham says he’s had in 20 years, boasting two first-round prospects. Twinned up nicely with the nation’s 10th-ranked defense going in.

Get this: Tech dominated both sides of the ball.

“I never would have believed we’d lose the line of scrimmage,” Whittingham said after they ran for just 101 yards and gave up 484 yards total offense. “Never would have believed that in a million years.

“But we did.”

This is what happens when you spend $25 million on your roster and coach it up. Imagine what it might have been if the Raiders hadn’t been flagged 14 times for 122 yards.

And to think they did most of their damage with their backup quarterback, Will Hammond, who threw for 169 yards and two touchdowns in the second half after Behren Morton was injured.

Tech has never won a Big 12 title and hasn’t finished in the rankings since Leach’s last year in 2009, but the Raiders put themselves in the pole position with their win over the Utes.

They’ve also creeped ahead of Texas in the Best in Texas rankings despite the Longhorns’ stampede over Sam Houston. Arch Manning looked like his old self in a 55-0 win. Question remains, can he look the same when picking on someone his own size?

In other Best in Texas news, North Texas continues its climb after holding on to beat Army on the road, Baylor continues to baffle with a loss at home to Arizona State and the top-ranked Aggies get ready to start SEC play.

1. Texas A&M (3-0)

Notre Dame helps Aggies’ metrics with big bounceback win over Purdue.

Last: idle.

Next: Auburn on Saturday.

2. Texas Tech (4-0)

Big win over Utah, but another big hit on Behren Morton.

Last: 34-10 win over Utah.

Next: at Houston on Oct. 4.

3. Texas (3-1)

Dissatisfied with dismantling Sam Houston, Arch Manning pulls down Big Sam’s statue outside Huntsville.

Last: 55-0 win over Sam Houston.

Next: at Florida on Oct. 4.

4. TCU (3-0)

Frogs win final Iron Skillet game, return trophy to Ace True Value Hardware store for refund.

Last: 35-24 win over SMU.

Next: at Arizona State on Friday.

5. Houston (3-0)

Coogs get another week to enjoy lofty ranking until Texas Tech comes to H-town on Oct. 4. Last: idle. Next: Oregon State on Friday.

6. Baylor (2-2)

Good news: The coach who will occupy the other sideline is on a hotter seat than Dave Aranda’s.

Last: 27-24 loss to Arizona State.

Next: Oklahoma State on Saturday.

7. North Texas (4-0)

Mean Green going for first 5-0 start since Hayden Fry coached them.

Last: 45-38 OT win over Army.

Next: South Alabama on Saturday.

8. SMU (2-2)

If Kevin Jennings overcomes the Mustangs’ defense, he deserves the Heisman.

Last: 35-24 loss to TCU.

Next: Syracuse on Oct. 4.

9. Texas State (3-1)

The school formerly known as Southwest Texas State wins Battle of the Paddle over the school formerly known as Nicholls State.

Last: 35-3 win over Nicholls.

Next: at Arkansas State on Oct. 4.

10. UTSA (2-2)

Robert Henry Jr. keeps rolling, runs up 144 yards in a squeaker.

Last: 17-16 win over Colorado State.

Next: at Temple on Oct. 4.

11. Rice (3-1)

Good news: Scott Abell becomes first Owls coach since Bo Hagan to start his debut season 3-1. Bad news: Bo finished the 1967 season 4-6.

Last: 28-17 win at Charlotte.

Next: at Navy on Saturday.

12. UTEP (1-3)

Holding Texas to 27 points may prove to be season highlight.

Last: 31-25 loss to Louisiana-Monroe.

Next: Louisiana Tech on Saturday.

13. Sam Houston (0-4)

Bearkats restore Texas fans’ faith in Arch for at least a week.

Last: 55-0 loss to Texas.

Next: at New Mexico State on Oct. 2.

Twitter/X: @KSherringtonDMN

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