The Einar Nielsen Field House

Ah, the 'ol Barn.

These intimate confines are where I spent 16 of my 18 seasons as head coach. We would always pack 'em in up to the rafters. Approximately 5,800 fans, if I remember correctly. At one point, they even built an upper deck at one end to squeeze in a few more souls. But by the mid-1960s, it was clearly time for an upgrade. But still, there's some good great memories in that gym.

It was built in 1939 and named after the noblest Ute of them all -- Einar "Doc" Nielsen. Doc Nielsen was a Swedish immigrant who worked as the athletics trainer at the U. for over 40 years. Our time at the school overlapped just slightly, but his reputation endured for many years after he passed. He was beloved by all the student athletes he served.

I could never figure if the fences were meant to keep the players from falling off the raised court, or if they were meant to keep the crazed fans from climbing onto the court. I do recall fans climbing the fences to distract opposing shooters. That place could get loud and rowdy. And dusty -- I remember a haze would envelop the court when that place really got rockin'.

Utah played its last game there nearly 45 years ago. The date was February 22, 1969. It so happens BYU was in town that night. Mike Newlin scored 37 points and we won, 98-85.

The Field House is still around today and used as a campus fitness center. It also serves as a nice backdrop to the football stadium. But most of all, it's a great place to haunt when I'm in a particularly nostalgic mood.