Sports
Utah State’s Mason Falslev Shares Inspiring Bond with Childhood Friend
![Mason Falslev Utah State Basketball Dillon Lundahl](https://timesng.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/mason-falslev-utah-state-basketball-dillon-lundahl.jpg)
LOGAN, Utah — After every Utah State University basketball game, win or lose, 6-foot-3 guard Mason Falslev seeks out his lifelong friend, Dillon Lundahl. Whether it’s a sweaty bear hug at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum or a phone call after road games, Lundahl is always Falslev’s first priority — even before his parents or fiancé, Elle Dunyon.
“One time she called me, ‘Did you get a call from Mason?’ I’m like, ‘Yes, I did.’ She had to wait another 20 minutes,” Lundahl said with a laugh. “Sometimes his parents don’t get a call — sometimes I’m the only one.”
The two have been inseparable since childhood, with Falslev considering Lundahl his little brother. Their bond, rooted in mutual support and shared experiences, has grown stronger over the years. “He’s just my guy and I love having him around me, bringing him to hangouts. I love doing stuff with him. He makes me happy,” Falslev said. “He’s family, and it’s always going to be that way.”
Falslev’s friendship with Lundahl is just one of the many reasons he’s thriving both on and off the court. A redshirt sophomore at Utah State, Falslev is living a dream as a key player for the Aggies. Growing up in Cache Valley, he attended USU games as a child and now finds himself contributing to the team’s success.
Dillon Lundahl, who uses a walker due to schizencephaly, a rare birth defect affecting his motor skills and vision, has been a constant source of inspiration for Falslev. The two met when Falslev played little league football with Lundahl’s older brother, Ryder. Since then, Falslev has treated Lundahl like any other friend, including him in team activities, social gatherings, and even one-on-one basketball games during Lundahl’s physical therapy sessions.
“Mason doesn’t notice my disability. He sees past it and makes me feel like a normal person,” Lundahl said. Falslev’s kindness extends beyond their friendship; he often participates in activities organized by Lundahl’s mother, Erica, for children with disabilities. “I learned to be grateful for what I have for sure,” Falslev said. “What amazes me is how happy they are, and over the littlest things.”
Falslev’s journey to Utah State wasn’t straightforward. After committing to the University of Utah, he served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which he describes as life-changing. “My mission changed my whole life,” he said. “The best thing I ever did was go out on a mission.” After returning, he chose Utah State, where he has become a standout player, leading the team in points and rebounds this season.
Falslev’s humility and faith are central to his identity. He often shares his favorite scripture, Alma 26:12, which reminds him to stay grounded. “I don’t boast in my strength, but I boast in the glory of my God,” he said. “It keeps me grounded and makes me realize that I wouldn’t be able to do any of this if it weren’t for my Heavenly Father.”
As Falslev continues to excel on the court, his bond with Lundahl remains a testament to the power of friendship and inclusion. “That’s why I love Mason, he gets everyone involved,” Lundahl said. “He is a very good playmaker.”