July 18, 2001

By Rob Rogers
Deseret News

PROVO, Utah -- In the hyper-competitive Utah County housing market, builders and Realtors need an edge.

And in the hyper-competitive collegiate athletics world, Brigham Young University needs an edge.

BYU Athletic Director Val Hale thinks he has a answer to both problems: Build a house using donated money and materials and sell it at a profit to fund athletic scholarships.

The Cougar House was recently opened to the public with a ribbon cutting ceremony in Springville. Hale was presented the deed and key to the house by the Utah Valley Home Builders Association.

"This is the beginning of what we hope will be an annual event," said Cougar House chairman and Panda Homes owner Mitch McCuistion.

Some 76 companies donated to the project.

The hope is that each year a new house will be built and a new scholarship will be created.

In return for donations, contributors to the project will be spotlighted at BYU athletic events and games, creating massive exposure for the builders, contractors and Realtors involved.

The idea grew out of a similar program the University of New Mexico had been doing for the past few years, said Hale.

McCuistion said projects like this bring the community together. They help keep BYU's ties close to the community.

"UVHBA is about being able to give back to the community," he said. The Cougar House was a "wonderful opportunity to do that," he said.

McCuistion said the advertising and exposure that is involved is good incentive for the different companies to donate and become involved.

Cougar House I, a 1,615-square-foot home, is listed on the market at $182,500 and will be showcased in the Utah Valley Parade of Homes through July 28.