When it comes to SUU athletics, the question that most people ask Red Dover is, “Is there anybody you don't now?”

But Kent “Red” Dover's connection to SUU athletics goes far deeper than being an avid fan of the teams. Affectionately nicknamed “Red” because of the bright red hair he had as a boy, Red literally grew up on SUU campus.

“My house stood where the Centrum Arena is today.” As a matter of fact, his current house, which is about three blocks south of Eccles Coliseum, is the furthest away from campus he has ever lived.

Red's earliest involvement with the university came serving as a ball boy for the Branch Agricultural College football team. During this time, Red grew very close to the man he describes as his hero, former head football coach, H.B. “Tuff” Linford.

“I was Tuff's shadow,” Red explained, “I grew close to his family and his wife. I was right there with them for everything.”

As Red grew up, he stayed involved in sports anyway he could. He participated in every sport that was available, but stayed busy in other ways, too.

“What most people don't know about me was I participated in activities other than athletics. I sang in choirs and glee clubs, I love to fish and be in the outdoors, and I was senior class president of my high school graduating class.”

Upon graduating from high school, Red enrolled at BAC. He thoroughly enjoyed being a student, but left for the Air Force after his freshman year.

Red commented that, “War is the only thing that has taken me away from this school.”

After taking part in 42 missions and logging over 500 combat hours, Red returned to Cedar City and BAC to finish his degree and compete for the school's football, basketball, and track and field teams.

“I just wanted to play ball. The shape of the ball or the type of sport it was didn't matter. All I wanted to do was get back to playing. I had a desire to play and I followed through. That's why I was successful.”

It has been this level of dedication that has ensured success for Red in other aspects of his life. After serving as the 1946 BAC Student Body President and graduating with a degree in business and accounting, Red has stayed close to both the school and the community. In fact, Red has met many of his closest friends through SUU athletics. He cherishes the SUU's gymnastics squad and considers former SUU student-athletes Dean O'Driscoll and Mindy Kay Larsen “like family.”

“I'm a very lucky man. I have worked hard and have been blessed for it.” Red continued, “I'm not rich, and I never have been. But I don't need to be. I have my priorities straight, I have a wonderful wife of 70 years and I cherish my friendships. I've had fun a million times throughout my life, and things like that just aren't printable.”

Red has been honored by Southern Utah University multiple times. In 2012, Red and his wife, Bessie, received honorary doctorates for their lifelong dedication to the university. Most recently, Red was inducted to the SUU Athletic Hall of Fame.

Kent Red Dover can be found cheering on the Thunderbirds at most athletic events.