Make room for Mental: The Signpost 1/17/23

BENJAMIN ZACK | Weber State University

By ALEXANDREA BONILLA Managing Editor

ASPYN JONES | The Signpost

By SKY MUNDELL Reporter

On Dec. 31, Weber State University suffered a loss with the passing of Russ Dean. Dean is considered by those who knew him as a pioneer in the field of forensic science, especially as it pertains to Weber county and the state of Utah.

Among his most significant achievements is his founding of the first Crime Scene Investigation unit in Weber County while fulfilling his teaching duties at WSU, inspiring countless students to pursue a career in criminal justice.

Mitch Pilkington, an incoming professor in WSU’s department of criminal justice, formerly worked for Dean as a member of the Weber Metro Crime Scene Investigation unit. Pilkington, who hopes to continue Dean’s legacy through his teaching position at WSU, described Dean as a majorly influential figure in his own career and a great mentor to all those he taught during his time at WSU.

“Looking back at all of my successes, whether it was being able to solve a difficult case or deal with sometimes difficult people, all of them come from Russ and the things he taught me,” Pilkington said.

Pilkington likened Dean to a gardener

overseeing a garden box full of seeds, with the seeds being his peers and those he taught, in the way that he derived a great deal of fulfillment and joy from nurturing and tending to the aspirations of those around him.

Brent Horn, assistant dean of WSU’s College of Social & Behavioral Sciences, also attributes much of his success to the way that Dean raised up the people around them, propping them up for success.

Horn described his experience working closely with Dean for a period of time as a consultant to the Weber Metro CSI unit, where he had the chance to learn how to apply his postdoctoral knowledge of chemistry to the field in a criminal justice context.

Horn explained how the CSI team was initially skeptical of him being an outsider, but Dean convinced them to give Horn a chance because he felt that Horn was made of the right stuff.

“It was because of him that I was able to spend 3, 4, 5 years doing ride-alongs on an occasional basis with the crime scene unit,” Horn explained. “That taught me a lot about the practical side of field forensics. I don’t think that would’ve happened if he hadn’t been there to coax the rest of the group into giving me a chance.”

Pilkington attested that one of Dean’s most admirable qualities was how he was constantly working to advance the success of both his colleagues and students.

“He measured his success based on the success of everyone around him,” Pilkington said.

Along with all he accomplished in his professional endeavors in the field of criminal justice and forensics, Dean made time to enjoy family life and several hobbies.

Pilkington, who worked with Dean on the Weber Metro CSI team for 11 years, attested that Dean had a passion for good coffee and that Pilkington came to associate the smell of coffee with treasured memories that he shares with his friend and mentor.

Dean also enjoyed fly fishing and gardening, taking much glee in tending to and cultivating things like tomatoes and peppers. Pilkington said his love of gardening acted as a suitable metaphor for his life in the way that he loved seeing the people around him prosper.

“He was happiest being able to take a step back; he didn’t necessarily need to be in the garden box with all the peppers and tomatoes,” Pilkington said. “His happiest place was sitting back on the deck and looking at all the stuff that he was able to

help culture and cultivate.”

It goes without saying that Dean accomplished so much more in his life than just being a local pioneer of forensic science, he inspired many to pursue criminal justice and to be the best they can be in their respective fields of expertise.

To the WSU community and the world of forensic science, Dean’s legacy will be carried for generations to come through all the people he taught. Dean’s mantra, “systematic and thorough,” is echoed by law enforcement professionals who he inspired throughout his life and who have gone on to teach what they’ve learned from Dean to students of their own.

“In forensic science, we talk about major historical figures, people who’ve made these major contributions,” Pilkington said.

Pilkington likened Dean to being the “Sherlock Holmes of Utah” because of how influential he was in the field of forensic science, an influence that will forever be remembered through his prolific work both in the field and in the classroom.

WSU

POR MARIANNA LOPEZ-LURITTA Editor de Traducción

By SKY MUNDELL Reportero

El 31 de diciembre, el condado de Weber State University sufrió una pérdida significativa con el fallecimiento de Russ Dean. Los que le conocieron consideran a Dean un pionero en el campo de la ciencia forense, especialmente en lo que se refiere al condado de Weber y al estado de Utah.

Entre sus logros más significativos se encuentra la fundación de la primera unidad de Investigación de la Escena del Crimen en el condado de Weber, al tiempo que cumplía con sus obligaciones docentes en la WSU, inspirando a innumerables estudiantes a seguir una carrera en la justicia penal.

Mitch Pilkington, profesor entrante en el departamento de justicia penal de la WSU, trabajó anteriormente para Dean como miembro de la unidad de Investigación de la Escena del Crimen de Weber Metro. Pilkington, que espera continuar el legado de Dean a través de su puesto de profesor en la WSU, describió a Dean como una figura de gran influencia en su propia carrera y un gran mentor para todos aquellos a los que enseñó durante su tiempo en la WSU.

“Mirando hacia atrás a todos mis éxitos,

ya sea ser capaz de resolver un caso difícil o tratar con personas a veces difíciles, todos ellos provienen de Russ y de las cosas que me enseñó”, dijo Pilkington.

Pilkington comparó a Dean con un jardinero que supervisa una jardinera llena de semillas, en la que las semillas son sus compañeros y aquellos a los que ha enseñado, en el sentido de que obtenía una gran satisfacción y alegría nutriendo y cuidando las aspiraciones de los que le rodeaban.

Brent Horn, decano adjunto de la Facultad de Ciencias Sociales y del Comportamiento de la WSU, también atribuye gran parte de su éxito a la forma en que Dean elevó a las personas que les rodeaban, apuntalándolas para el éxito.

Horn describió su experiencia trabajando estrechamente con Dean durante un tiempo como asesor de la unidad CSI de Weber Metro, donde tuvo la oportunidad de aprender a aplicar sus conocimientos postdoctorales de química al campo en un contexto de justicia penal.

Horn explicó cómo el equipo de CSI se mostró inicialmente escéptico ante su condición de forastero, pero Dean les convenció para que le dieran una oportunidad porque consideraba que Horn estaba hecho de la pasta adecuada.

“Gracias a él pude pasar tres, cuatro o cinco años haciendo visitas ocasionales a

la unidad de escenas del crimen”, explicó Horn. “Eso me enseñó mucho sobre la parte práctica de la policía científica. No creo que eso hubiera ocurrido si él no hubiera estado ahí para convencer al resto del grupo de que me dieran una oportunidad”.

Pilkington atestiguó que una de las cualidades más admirables de Dean era cómo trabajaba constantemente para impulsar el éxito tanto de sus colegas como de sus alumnos.

“Medía su éxito en función del éxito de todos los que le rodeaban”, dijo Pilkington.

Además de todos sus logros profesionales en el ámbito de la justicia penal y la medicina forense, Dean tenía tiempo para disfrutar de la vida familiar y de varias aficiones.

Pilkington, que trabajó con Dean en el equipo Weber Metro CSI durante 11 años, atestiguó que Dean sentía pasión por el buen café y que Pilkington llegó a asociar el olor del café con recuerdos entrañables que comparte con su amigo y mentor.

A Dean también le gustaba la pesca con mosca y la jardinería, y se divertía mucho cuidando y cultivando cosas como tomates y pimientos. Según Pilkington, su afición a la jardinería era una metáfora adecuada de su vida, ya que le encantaba ver prosperar a la gente que le rodeaba.

“Era más feliz cuando podía dar un paso atrás; no tenía que estar necesariamente

en la jardinera con todos los pimientos y tomates”, dijo Pilkington. “Su lugar más feliz era sentarse en la terraza y contemplar todo lo que había podido ayudar a cultivar”.

Ni que decir tiene que Dean logró mucho más en su vida que ser un pionero local de la ciencia forense, inspiró a muchos a dedicarse a la justicia penal y a ser lo mejor que podían ser en sus respectivos campos de especialización.

Para la comunidad de la WSU y el mundo de las ciencias forenses, el legado de Dean perdurará durante generaciones a través de todas las personas a las que enseñó. El mantra de Dean, “sistemático y minucioso”, encuentra eco en los profesionales de las fuerzas de seguridad a los que inspiró a lo largo de su vida y que han pasado a enseñar lo que aprendieron de Dean a sus propios alumnos.

“En la ciencia forense hablamos de grandes figuras históricas, de personas que han hecho grandes contribuciones”, dijo Pilkington.

Pilkington comparó a Dean con el “Sherlock Holmes de Utah” por lo influyente que fue en el campo de la ciencia forense, una influencia que se recordará siempre a través de su prolífico trabajo tanto en el campo como en el aula.

Dr. Horn (far left) and Russ Dean (upper right) working together.

WSU COLLEGE OF SOCIAL & BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES

AN EARLY-SEASON ANALYSIS

By RAYSHAUN BAKER-LYNCH Asst. Section Editor

The men’s basketball season is fully underway, and Weber State University is ranked No. 5 in the Big Sky Conference with new head coach Eric Duft at the helm. Almost halfway through the season, it’s time to see how each conference team stacks up.

Eastern Washington University (Conference 4–0, Overall 10–7)

Strengths: Eastern Washington has the best record in the conference, with their in-conference record of 4–0. The team averages 74.6 points a game. Sophomore guard Steele Venters leads the team with 15.7 points a game. Their biggest strength is their efficiency. They’re one of the most accurate teams in the conference from the field and beyond the arc.

Weaknesses: On the defensive side of the ball, they’re only limiting their opponents to 70.6 points per game, which is one of the worst in the league. They also have one of the worst free throw percentages in the conference, shooting only 73% from the line.

Montana State University (Conference 4–1, Overall 11–7)

Strengths: Montana State has one of the most complete teams in the Big Sky conference, dominating on both ends of the floor. Guard RaeQuan Battle leads the team in scoring, averaging 16.1 points per game. Defensively and offensively, they are conference leaders statistically, having a 9.5 scoring margin and holding teams to 66.9 points per game.

Weaknesses: Against top teams, they need help executing in the clutch. Their last loss was against Eastern Washington, where they lost by 3 points. They dominate against lesser opponents without an issue and will be formidable once they find a way to get stops against big-time opponents and dominate in the clutch.

Sacramento State University (Conference 3–1, Overall 10–7)

Strengths: Sacramento State can light it up from downtown. They shoot 36.8% from 3-point range, which is efficient for any team. The Hornets are very dependable on both ends of the floor when they put their minds to it. Many of their games are close, and they are getting a lot of experience with playing in the clutch.

Weaknesses: Sacramento needs help separating themselves from other teams. They are still one of the top teams in the conference, but their lack of balance can make them seem average. They have a scoring margin of 0.5, so their games are either neck-to-neck or a clear steamroll.

Idaho State University (Conference 3–1, Overall 6–11)

Strengths: Idaho State’s overall record isn’t too great, but their in-conference record is 3–1. The Bengals’ defense is put together well. On average, they limit their opponents to 69.2 points per game. Senior guard Brock Mackenzie leads their team, shooting 50% from the field and 41% from beyond the arc.

Weaknesses: A significant flaw with Idaho State’s defense is their high amount of fouls. They should expand offensively to lead to better shooting. If they were more efficient offensively, they would pull out more wins.

Weber State University (Conference 3–1, Overall 8–9)

Strengths: Coming off a close win in Missoula, the Wildcats are currently looking strong despite having a new coach and new players. Guard Steven Verplancken transferred to Weber from Southern Illinois over the summer and has performed well since.

As a whole, Weber State is solid on the defensive side of the ball. Forward Dillon Jones leads the Wildcats with 14.9 points per game on offense. An aggressive player, Jones is great at getting to the line, making

86% of his free throws.

Weaknesses: The Wildcats need more offensive production. The team averages only 66.9 points per game, one of the lowest in the conference. Their defense keeps them in games, but a better offense could make them Big Sky championship contenders.

University of Montana (Conference 2–3. Overall 8–9)

Strengths: As a team, they have a good shooting percentage from the field at 45%. Forward Josh Bannan leads the Grizzlies’ offense and has had a great season thus far. The Grizzlies are in the middle of the pack with a chance to improve this season.

Weaknesses: The Grizzlies must improve in the clutch and when facing top-tier teams. They have a 0.1 scoring margin, so they have had many close games they could win. They aren’t in the top tier, but have the potential to make it there by the end of the season.

Portland State University (Conference 2–2, Overall 8–9)

Strengths: Offensively, Portland State is on par with some top teams. They average 78.3 points per game. They average 8.3 3-pointers per game and shoot 44% from the field. Offensively, they can play against anyone.

Weaknesses: Portland State often turns the ball over and doesn’t get enough defensive stops to win games. These aspects of their game are derailing their potential.

Northern Arizona University (Conference 1–4, Overall 5–13)

Strengths: Northern Arizona is a bottom-tier team, and they’ve had a tough season to show for it. Their offense is okay, averaging 71.4 points per game. If they can find a way to draw more fouls, they could have a really good offense by the conference’s standards.

Weaknesses: The Lumberjacks’ defense struggles. Opponents tend to get what they want against them, which has been their

downfall this season. They have a lot of potential, but they won’t win games if they can’t start stepping up and getting stops.

University of Idaho (Conference 0–4, Overall 6–11)

Strengths: Idaho loses against the majority of the teams that they play. That said, they’ve had close games against some fairly good opponents like Sacramento State. They average 75.9 points per game, but ultimately, they’ll need more than that if they want to start winning games.

Weaknesses: Outside of the conference, Idaho is an okay team. Within the conference, they sit at 0–4. They struggle with closing out games and often giving up runs for opponents to snowball off of. If they can improve on closing out games and securing their lead, they have potential to climb higher in the standing. As of now, they are low in the Big Sky’s rankings.

Northern Colorado University (Conference 0–5, Overall 5–12)

Strengths: Northern Colorado has an average offense that scores 70.9 points per game. They shoot decently from the field and their offense is good enough to win games.

Weaknesses: They have the worst defense in the Big Sky with a point differential of -8.8 points per game. The Bears have given up an average of 79.7 points per game to their opponents this season. With players like guard Daylen Kountz, this team has potential, but they won’t return to the conference championship game they reached last season playing defense the way they are now.

Last season, Montana State won the Big Sky conference championship to advance to the NCAA tournament. With a long season ahead, each team has a chance to take the crown.

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Wildcat guard Dillon Jones finds his way through Idaho State’s defense on Jan. 7 for inside points. Jones ended the game with 13 points and 13 rebounds.

Wildcat center Alex Tew goes up for a two-handed slam during a game on Jan. 7.

Wildcat guard Junior Ballard drives inside for a layup against Idaho State on Jan. 7.

Weber State Athletics

Weber State Athletics

By SIMON MORTENSEN Section Editor

The Dec. 3 football game in Bozeman, Montana between Weber State University and Montana State University is a strange ending point. At the time, it was seen mostly as an ending point for a team with 10 wins after going 6–5 the year prior.

Linebacker Winston Reid, wide receiver Ty MacPherson and former head coach Jay Hill all came into the press room to address the media after their 33–25 season ending loss.

“It has been a great season,” MacPherson said during his final press conference as a Wildcat. “I mean the fact that we won 10 games and especially being a senior like that, that means a lot.”

After talking about how playing against two-quarterback systems affects defensive scheming, Hill added to MacPherson’s state-

ment. “The players are everything to me,” Hill said. “Just watching these guys grow up from knucklehead freshman to then grown men and out there battling and bleeding and fighting and clawing and digging. And the reality is these guys have been phenomenal leaders.”

The Dec. 3 game marked the end of a successful team’s season, the end of some remarkable Wildcat careers and now marks the final game Hill coached for Weber State.

On Dec. 7, it was announced that Hill’s nine-year tenure as head coach would come to an end. Taking a defensive coordinator position at Brigham Young University, Hill left the Wildcats as the winningest coach in the program’s history.

Hours after the news surrounding Hill broke, ESPN reporter Pete Thamel tweeted that Weber State offensive coordinator Mick-

ey Mental had become the interim head coach. On Dec. 20, Mental officially became the new head coach of the Wildcats.

“The support by obviously the fan base and the alumni is second to none,” Mental said during his first press conference as head coach. “They love their football here.”

Formerly a head coach at Notre Dame College, Mental came to Ogden on Feb. 11, 2022.

“Coach Hill is the biggest reason why came here to Weber State,” Mental said. “His vision and how his beliefs are, how to run a program, run a very good program and he’s about it for the right reasons. He’s old school like me. It’s about graduating and winning football games and changing a young man’s life.”

Mental’s offense played an intricate part in Weber State’s success last season. Characterized as a fast-paced, no-huddle shotgun

offense, the Wildcats made it difficult for defenses to keep up.

On Sept. 10, Mental’s offense was shown off during Weber State’s matchup against Utah State University.

Winning 35–7, the Wildcats ended the game with 199 rushing yards, 202 passing yards and two passing touchdowns. After the game, Weber State’s then-quarterback Bronson Barron talked about Mental’s offensive scheme.

“Although we are going fast, it simplifies things for me,” Barron said. “I know that might sound crazy to say but it does. Just being able to get the ball out of my hands quick to playmakers to let them do their thing is huge.”

Led by Mental’s strategizing, Weber State ended the season with 5,203 yards of offense and 50 touchdowns, a step up from last year’s totals of 4,026 yards of offense and 36

touchdowns.

“At the end of the day, it’s about playing for each other,” Mental said. “It’s about the guys and not the coaches. It’s always about your players.”

Although it’s only been a month and a half since last season, this team has undergone major changes. Senior stars such as MacPherson, safety Desmond Williams, running back Josh Davis and tight end Justin Malone have graduated.

“Obviously, the experience of how many games they played is the hardest thing to take away from it,” Mental said. “But believe the next man up philosophy. It’s just anoth-

er opportunity for someone to step up their game and fulfill those roles”

Inadditiontoseniors,startingquarterback

Bronson Barron transferred to Western Kentucky University and cornerback Eddie Heckard declared for the NFL draft. Quarterback Kylan Weisser initially entered the transfer portal but has since withdrawn his name to return to Weber State’sprogram.

“It was important to Ky to play his final years out and I respected [that],” Mental said. “He was great about it. We stayed in touch throughout the process and then obviously as it goes through, things

change and circumstances change, so I’m grateful for him tobeback.”

Despite losing some players, the Wildcats have made multiple additions to their roster this offseason. Weber State signed offensive linemen Trevor Beck and Will Way, running back Major Givens and quarterback Richie Munoz.

“We recruit a high character person,” Men-tal said. “They’re good students. They come from fantastic families. When you dive down deep, you know you’re getting a player that loves ball and then that is also wanting to competeatthehighestlevel.”

MentalistheWildcat’s12thheadcoachin

the program’s history. Focused on player success, Mental’s main goal during his tenure is to graduate all of the team’s seniorsandtomakeplayingforWeberState the best “four to five year experience” a player’s had in their life.

“Obviously, you want to win a lot of games, but you want to enjoy the process, and if you stand by the process and absorb the process and live up to the standard that goodthingshappen,”Mentalsaid.

Coach Mental’s Wildcats will debut on the road to face off against the University of NorthernIowaonSept.6.

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State Athletics

By SIMON MORTENSEN Editor de Sección

POR MARIANNA

Editor de Traducción

LOPEZ-LURITTA

El partido de fútbol del 3 de diciembre en Bozeman, Montana, entre la Weber State University y la Montana State University es un punto final extraño. En su momento, se vio sobre todo como un punto final para un equipo con 10 victorias después de ir 6-5 el año anterior.

El linebacker Winston Reid, el receptor Ty MacPherson y el ex entrenador Jay Hill acudieron a la sala de prensa para dirigirse a los

medios de comunicación tras la derrota por 33-25 que puso fin a la temporada.

“Ha sido una gran temporada”, dijo MacPherson durante su última rueda de prensa como Wildcat. “Quiero decir que el hecho de que hayamos ganado 10 partidos y especialmente siendo un senior así, significa mucho”.

Después de hablar de cómo jugar contra sistemas de dos quarterbacks afecta a los esquemas defensivos, Hill añadió a la declaración de MacPherson.

“Los jugadores lo son todo para mí”, dijo Hill. “Simplemente ver a estos chicos pasar de ser novatos cabeza de chorlito a hombres hechos y derechos que luchan y sangran y

pelean y arañan y cavan. Y la realidad es que estos chicos han sido unos líderes fenomenales”.

El partido del 3 de diciembre marcó el final de la temporada de un equipo exitoso, el final de algunas carreras notables de los Wildcats y ahora marca el último partido que Hill entrenó para Weber State.

El 7 de diciembre, se anunció que los nueve años de Hill como entrenador jefe llegarían a su fin. Tras aceptar un puesto de coordinador defensivo en la Universidad Brigham Young, Hill dejó a los Wildcats como el entrenador más ganador en la historia del programa.

Horas después de conocerse la noticia so-

bre Hill, el periodista de ESPN Pete Thamel tuiteó que el coordinador ofensivo de Weber State, Mickey Mental, se había convertido en el entrenador jefe interino. El 20 de diciembre, Mental se convirtió oficialmente en el nuevo entrenador de los Wildcats.

“El apoyo de la afición y de los antiguos alumnos es insuperable”, dijo Mental durante su primera rueda de prensa como entrenador jefe. “Aquí les encanta el fútbol”.

Anteriormente entrenador en jefe en Notre Dame College, Mental llegó a Ogden el 11 de febrero de 2022.

“El entrenador Hill es la razón más grande por la que vine aquí a Weber State”, dijo Mental. “Su visión y cómo son sus creencias,

Mickey Mental, Weber State offensive coordinator, looking outside at the Stewart Stadium on Ogden campus.

cómo dirigir un programa, dirigir un programa muy bueno y él está en ello por las razones correctas. Es de la vieja escuela como yo. Se trata de graduarse y ganar partidos de fútbol y cambiar la vida de un joven”.

El ataque de Mental jugó un papel fundamental en el éxito de Weber State la temporada pasada. Los Wildcats, que se caracterizaban por una ofensiva de ritmo rápido y sin apuros, dificultaban el ritmo de las defensas.

El 10 de septiembre, la ofensiva de Mental se puso de manifiesto durante el partido de Weber State contra Utah State University. Ganando 35-7, los Wildcats terminaron el partido con 199 yardas de carrera, 202 yardas de pase y dos touchdowns de pase. Después del partido, el entonces quarterback de Weber State, Bronson Barron, habló sobre el esquema ofensivo de Mental.

“Aunque vamos rápido, me simplifica las cosas”, dijo Barron. “Sé que puede parecer una locura decirlo, pero es así. El mero hecho de poder sacar el balón de mis manos rápidamente a los creadores de juego para dejarles hacer lo suyo es enorme.”

Dirigidos por la estrategia de Mental, Weber State terminó la temporada con 5.203 yardas de ataque y 50 touchdowns, un paso adelante respecto a los totales del año pasado de 4.026 yardas de ataque y 36 touchdowns.

“Al final del día, se trata de jugar el uno

para el otro”, dijo Mental. “Se trata de los chicos y no de los entrenadores. Siempre se trata de tus jugadores”.

Aunque sólo ha pasado un mes y medio desde la temporada pasada, este equipo ha experimentado grandes cambios. Estrellas senior como MacPherson, el safety Desmond Williams, el running back Josh Davis y el tight end Justin Malone se han graduado.

“Obviamente, la experiencia de cuántos partidos jugaron es lo más difícil de sacar”, dijo Mental. “Pero creo en la filosofía del siguiente hombre. Es sólo otra oportunidad para que alguien intensifique su juego y cumpla esas funciones.”

Además de los seniors, el quarterback titular Bronson Barron se trasladó a Eastern Kentucky University y el cornerback Eddie Heckard se declaró para el draft de la NFL. El quarterback Kylan Weisser entró inicialmente en el portal de transferencias pero ha retirado su nombre para volver al programa de Weber State.

“Para Ky era importante jugar sus últimos años fuera y yo lo respetaba”, dijo Mental. “Se portó muy bien. Nos mantuvimos en contacto durante todo el proceso y luego, obviamente, a medida que avanza, las cosas cambian y las circunstancias cambian, así que estoy agradecido de que esté de vuelta.”

A pesar de perder algunos jugadores, los Wildcats han hecho múltiples adiciones a su

lista esta temporada baja. Weber State fichó a los linieros ofensivos Trevor Beck y Will Way, al corredor Major Givens y al quarterback Richie Muñoz.

“Reclutamos a personas de alto carácter”, dijo Mental. “Son buenos estudiantes. Vienen de familias fantásticas. Cuando profundizas, sabes que estás consiguiendo un jugador que ama la pelota y que también quiere competir al más alto nivel.”

Mental es el duodécimo entrenador jefe de los Wildcats en la historia del programa. Centrado en el éxito del jugador, el principal objetivo de Mental durante su mandato es graduar a todos los seniors del equipo y hac-

er que jugar para Weber State sea la mejor “experiencia de cuatro o cinco años” que un jugador haya tenido en su vida.

“Obviamente, quieres ganar un montón de partidos, pero quieres disfrutar del proceso, y si te mantienes en el proceso y absorbes el proceso y vives de acuerdo con el estándar que las cosas buenas sucedan”, dijo Mental.

Los Wildcats del entrenador Mental debutarán en la carretera para enfrentarse a la Universidad de Northern Iowa el 6 de septiembre.

melissa burke@sodexo com

Mickey Mental, Weber State offensive coordinator, posing for Weber State University photos.

By ALMA BELL Reporter

In 1993, the Ogden City Arts program was created, bringing opportunities and connections to many different artists throughout the city and inspiring Ogden citizens continually. Among its varied events is the First Friday Art Stroll.

The First Friday Art Stroll, as its name suggests, is held on the first Friday of each month and gives community members the opportunity to go around and experience the art culture of Ogden.

The art stroll comprises multiple art studios, galleries and a few cafes spreading across part of the Historic 25th Street, The Junction and the Nine Rails Creative District.

The weather was cold and damp, which concerned artist Cara Koolmees, who wondered if that would lead to a smaller outcome this month, however, the weather did not deter the attendees.

Many of the artists had their booths exposed in the elements around the park in the Nine Rails Creative District. Due to increase the rain, they packed up earlier than intended.

One of the stops on the stroll is Gallery 25, an art collective that rents out wall space for a low price to provide artists with an affordable place to showcase and sell their works.

“That is one of the cool things about the gallery, is all of the variation,” David

Crowther, a photographer and Gallery 25 member, said.

On the mezzanine in Gallery 25, they showcase the palette club winners’ pieces. These are artists who are not a part of the art collective, but have great artistic talents.

Another stop on the stroll is Union Station. In the main hall, temporary walls were put up to hold portraits in various mediums from a large collection of people in the local community.

These portraits were of the friends and family of the artists, TikTok stars and even musicians like Taylor Swift or Cardinal Copia of Ghost.

The art stroll is a place where artists can share their works for people to enjoy. Koolmees wants the viewers to enjoy and be a part of her art.

“I would like to invite the viewer to come inside my paintings and take a look around instead of standing outside observing from a distance,” Koolmees said.

Koolmees also said she finds inspiration from everywhere, especially buildings. She sees buildings as portraits and her studio location on 25th Street gives her that opportune location to see the buildings that inspire her.

Everyone can find something to enjoy during the art stroll and find inspiration from the artist’s works or the views around the galleries.

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by Sara Luna.

ANNA

ANNA

POR NATHANAEL STOUT Traductor

By ALMA BELL Reportero

En el año 1993, se creó el programa de arte de la ciudad Ogden, lo que llevó oportunidades y conexiones a varios artistas en la ciudad e inspiró a los ciudadanos continuamente. Entre la variedad de eventos está el First Friday Art Stroll (caminata de arte del primer viernes).

El First Friday Art Stroll, como sugiere su nombre, se lleva a cabo el primer viernes de cada mes y ofrece la oportunidad de experimentar la cultura de arte de Ogden a los miembros de la comunidad.

Esta caminata visitó algunos estudios de arte, galerías y cafés por una parte de la

calle Histórica 25, el Junction y el distrito creativo Nine Rails.

El tiempo era húmedo, y hacía frío, lo que preocupó a la artista Cara Koolmees, quien se preguntó si el tiempo causaría que menos asistieron este mes, sin embargo, no sucedió.

Muchos de los artistas tenían puestos expuestos a los elementos en el parque en el distrito creativo Nine Rails. Debido al aumento de lluvia, retiraron los puestos más temprano que era pretendido.

Una de las paradas en la caminata es la galería 25, un colectivo de arte que alquila las paredes para proveer a los artistas un lugar económico para destacar y vender sus obras.

“Esa es una cosa excelente de la galería, es toda la variedad”, dijo David Crowther, un

fotógrafo y miembro de la galería 25.

En el mezzanine de la galería 25, se destacan las obras de los ganadores del club Palette. Son artistas que no pertenecen al colectivo de arte, pero tienen gran talento artístico.

Otra parada de la caminata es la estación Union. En el salón principal, se colocaron paredes temporales en las que se colgaban retratos de varios soportes de una colección grande de personas de la comunidad local.

Estos retratos eran de los amigos y las familias de los artistas, estrellas de TikTok y hasta músicos como Taylor Swift o Cardinal Copia de Ghost.

La caminata de arte es un lugar donde los artistas pueden compartir sus obras para que la gente las disfrute. Koolmees quiere que los asistentes lleguen a ser parte de su

arte.

“Quisiera invitar a el que vea mi pintura a entrar y mirar en vez de quedar a pie afuera observando desde un distancia,” dijo Koolmees.

Koolmees también dijo que encuentra inspiración de todas partes, especialmente los edificios. Ve los edificios como retratos y su lugar en el estudio en la calle 25 le da la oportunidad a ver los edificios que le dan esa inspiración.

Todo el mundo puede encontrar algo que disfrutar durante la caminata de arte y encontrar inspiración de las obras de los artistas o las vistas alrededor de las galerías. Share

“Wall Composition #20: Trillium” by Shasta Krueger (Left) and “Returning Star” by Adah Bennion (Right.)

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