Clyde D. Sandgren

From College of Fine Arts and Communications

Clyde D. Sandgren was born September 5, 1910 in Provo, Utah and died on December 21, 1989. He graduated from Brigham Young University in 1932 with a degree in Music. He went on to receive a law degree from St. John's University in New York.

Sandgren served at BYU as general counsel, a vice president, and for four years as the Alumni Association president. However, many remember him for his musical compositions. He composed "The Old Y Bell," sung at the original dedication of the Victory Bell on BYU's upper campus and later played at the dedication of Provo City Library at Academy Square in 2001. Additionally, Sandgren penned "Hail, Rotary!" for Rotary International and school songs for Timpview High School, Orem High School, Provo High School, and Utah Valley Community College (now Utah Valley University). He also composed the fight song for St. John's University (where he received his law degree). Yet, he most often remembered for writing "The Cougar Fight Song," which he copyrighted in 1947. The song was dedicated "To all BYU students who so valiantly served their country in World War II."

The Cougar Fight Song

Rise, all loyal Cougars and hurl your challenge to the foe.
You will fight, day or night, rain or snow.
Loyal, strong, and true
Wear the White and Blue.
While we sing, get set to spring.
Come on Cougars, it's up to you!

CHORUS:
So Rise and Shout, the Cougars are out
Along the trail to fame and glory.
Rise and shout, our cheers will ring out,
As you unfold your vict'ry story.
On you go to vanquish the foe
For Alma Mater's sons and daughters.
As we join in song, in praise of you, our faith is strong.
We'll raise our colors high in the blue,
And cheer our Cougars of BYU.