SALT LAKE CITY — A few short hours before the University of Utah men’s basketball program was to square off against Pac-12 rival Colorado on the road last week, Larry Krystkowiak received a text message.
Jon. M. Huntsman Sr. had died.
The news “set me back” Krystkowiak said, reflecting on a dear friend who was suddenly gone at the age of 80 after a life defined by his hard work and philanthropic heart. It was a moment that shaped the remainder of Krystkowiak’s day — a somber distraction to an otherwise important day for the basketball program.