BYU Basketball Star Richie Saunders’ Family Legacy Leads to Surprising Revelation from Athletics Director
In a shocking turn of events that has left BYU’s basketball team buzzing, Director of Athletics Tom Holmoe revealed this morning that rising basketball star Richie Saunders is not just a future basketball legend in the making — he’s also the great-grandson of the inventor of Tater Tots and the founder of the iconic Ore-Ida brand. This revelation, which had remained hidden from most of the BYU sports world, left Head Coach Kevin Young stunned and raised eyebrows across the entire university community.
The stunning news came after Holmoe, during a regular meeting with Saunders, casually dropped the bombshell about the young athlete’s unexpected family ties. “It was one of those moments where you’re just sitting there, and someone says something so unexpected that you can’t quite process it right away,” Holmoe said in an exclusive interview. “I had no idea, and I think none of us did.”
Saunders, a 6’7″ forward from Salt Lake City, has been turning heads with his dominant performances on the court, showing exceptional potential as one of the program’s future stars. His high-flying dunks, impressive footwork, and basketball IQ have made him a standout on the BYU roster. But what many didn’t know was that his rise in the basketball world is just the latest chapter in a family history that stretches all the way to the 1950s, where his great-grandfather, who was credited with creating Tater Tots, helped build one of the most recognizable food brands in America — Ore-Ida.
The family connection to Ore-Ida, which revolutionized the frozen food industry, has remained largely unknown to those who follow Saunders’ burgeoning career. His great-grandfather, who co-founded the Ore-Ida company in 1952, developed Tater Tots, a culinary invention that would go on to become a staple in households across the United States. The family’s legacy in the food industry is as iconic as it is unexpected in the world of collegiate basketball.
“I had no idea,” said Head Coach Kevin Young, still processing the revelation. “When Tom told me, I honestly thought he was joking at first. I mean, here we are, focused on basketball and recruiting, and suddenly this whole new layer to Richie’s story comes to light. It’s unbelievable.”
In a statement following the announcement, Richie Saunders expressed his surprise and humility about the unexpected family connection. “I honestly had no clue about the full extent of the family history. I’ve always known the Ore-Ida brand and Tater Tots, but it wasn’t until Tom shared this with me that I learned just how deep it goes,” Saunders said. “It’s incredible, but at the end of the day, I’m here to play basketball, and I’m focused on continuing to get better with this team.”
The unexpected revelation has since caused a stir not only within the BYU athletic department but also within the broader community. Fans have begun to speculate on how this new connection might affect Saunders’ public image or add to his already rising star power. Some have even jokingly suggested that BYU should consider marketing “Tater Tots Night” at upcoming games in honor of Saunders’ legendary lineage.
But amid the excitement and jokes, one thing remains clear: Richie Saunders is more than just a basketball player with a famous last name. He’s a young man with a legacy of his own to create, and BYU fans are eager to watch him continue to write his own history on the basketball court.
As for Holmoe and Young, they’re excited to see what the future holds for Saunders, both in basketball and beyond. “This is just the beginning for Richie,” Holmoe said. “We’re proud to have him here at BYU, and we can’t wait to see where his talents take him — both on and off the court.”
