WSU New Basketball Head Coach - The Signpost 6/7/2022

Weber State’s Award Winning Newspaper

Tuesday | June 7, 2022 | Volume 95 | Issue 24

MyWeberMedia.com

CULTURE » PAGE 4

SPORTS » PAGE 9

PIGGING OUT IN OGDEN

ISU COACH CHARGED WITH MURDER KENNEDY ROBINS| The Signpost

MGN

JOSEPH CAMARENA

2 | MyWeberMedia.com | June 7, 2022

The Signpost staff celebrates after winning many awards from the UPA and Region Nine SPJ awards. (Photo courtesy of Joseph Camarena)

By BREANNA HART Editor-in-Cheif

Every year, The Signpost competes against colleges across Utah for awards in both the Utah Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest and the Society of Professional Journalists Region Nine Mark of Excellence Awards.

Similar to the previous five years, The Signpost brought home a considerable amount of awards for the year of 2021. For the sixth year in a row, The Signpost was awarded General Excellence from the UPA. In addition to this award, the paper as a whole received first place for the best special section, second place for the best news coverage, second place for the best front page and second place for best community event. Another notable award The Signpost received was the community service award, which is awarded for efforts to expand diversity, equity and inclusion.

Along with these staff awards, The Signpost received many individual awards. They are as follows: 1st place for best general news story: Sarah Earnshaw 3rd place for best feature story: Ben Ferney 1st place for best sports story: Raymond Lucas 2nd place for best educational story: Jennifer Greenlee 2nd place for best business story: Sarah Earnshaw 1st place for best governmental/political story: Jennifer Greenlee 2nd place for best editorial: Rebecca Gonzales 2nd place for best news photo: Sarah Earnshaw

1st place for best sports photo: Nikki Dorber 3rd place for best feature photo: Kierstynn King 2nd place for best infographic: Aubree Eckhardt 1st place for best lifestyle page: MaKayla Martinez, Blythe Evans 1st place for best staff-produced ad: Blythe Evans 2nd place for best advertising idea: Aubree Eckhardt 1st place for best circulation promotion: Aubree Eckhardt 1st place for best in-house promotion: Aubree Eckhardt

In the SPJ Region Nine Mark of Excellence Awards, The Signpost was awarded the Corbin Gwaltney Award for Best All-Around Newspaper. The Signpost also had finalists in multiple categories.

They are as follows: In-Depth Reporting Finalist: Sarah Earnshaw, “Mine of Local Legend Sealed” Breaking News Photography Finalist: Sarah Earnshaw, “Inauguration Day Stays Quiet” General News Photography Finalist: Brooklyn Kilgore, “COVID Testing”

MyWeberMedia.com | June 7, 2022 | 3

Reporter

of the fifth, when fielder Karsen O’Rourke scored off a hit from Rory Dudley to right center. Dudley was left stranded on second after fielder Emily Cimino grounded out to end the inning.

Weber State added to their lead in the fifth.

Infielder Makayla Donahoo started the inning with a single. A hit from outfielder Mia Rushton put Donahoo on second, where she was able to steal third base and score on a Faith Hoe flyout. Rushton then stole third base while Henderson was batting and later scored on a hit down the left field line to put the Wildcats up 4–1.

Outfielder Jaelynn Chesson bridged the gap for Lehigh by hitting a home run during the sixth inning. Pitcher Mariah Ramirez was able to stop the run by striking out infielder Brooke Cannon. The defense ended the inning with a double play.

At the bottom of the sixth inning, Weber

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After two games in the NCAA championship, Weber State University’s softball team fell out of the NCAA Division I softball tournament on May 21.

The Wildcats traveled to Seattle for the tournament, playing the University of Texas in the first round. Middle infielder Faith Hoe started the game with a double up center field. Pitcher Arissa Henderson singled and advanced Hoe to third. Despite having a runner in scoring position, Weber State wasn’t able to capitalize on the opportunity. Outfielder Chloe Camarero popped out, and a grounder from infielder McKell McCuistion turned into a double play for the Longhorns.

Hoe’s advancement to third base was the closest that pitcher Czech Estelle let anyone get to home plate for the rest of the game,

only allowing three hits after the first inning and shutting out the Wildcats.

Led by their star infielder Janae Jefferson, the Longhorns dominated offensively. Jefferson had three hits, including a home run. Texas was able to score during three of the first four innings of the game. Neither team scored after the bottom of the fourth, where Texas put the game away with three runs, making the final score 6–0.

Facing elimination, Weber State played Lehigh University. The game started off slow as neither team was able to score till the fourth inning. A McCuistion single scored outfielder Marissa Cerda, who was pinch running for Henderson, putting the first points on the board. Outfielder Noelle Foster was then brought in to pinch run for McCuistion and was able to score off a single by catcher Lauren Hoe. The Mountain Hawks responded at the top

Faith Hoe running back to the batter’s box after hitting a baseball with her bat.

Makayla Donahoo preparing to catch a softball.

State was ahead, but Lehigh was still on their heels. Three Mountain Hawks reached base to start the inning and a hit from Chesson brought two home to tie the game 4–4. Cannon was walked on later at bat with the bases loaded to put Lehigh on top by one.

Pitcher Gabriella Nori held the Wildcats scoreless in the seventh inning, only facing three batters. Lehigh advanced in the tournament, beating Weber State 5–4.

Weber State ended the season with a 38–12 record overall and a 13–1 conference record.

The Wildcats won both the Big Sky regular season title as well as the Big Sky championship.

Their schedule for the 2023 season is yet to be determined.

Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com KENNEDY ROBINS | The Signpost

By SIMON MORTENSEN

SUMMER MUSTER | The Signpost

4 | MyWeberMedia.com | June 7. 2022

Dillon Jones quickly moves down the court past Idaho State players.

By SIMON MORTENSEN Asst. Section Editor

After 16 years as the head coach for Weber State University’s men’s basketball team, Randy Rahe’s retirement came as a shock to even those inside the program. Rahe led the Wildcats to over 300 wins and three Big Sky titles during his tenure, an accomplishment he made with his former assistant Eric Duft, now head coach of the program.

“He had told me on Friday afternoon,” Duft said. “I met with our athletic director Tim Crompton on Saturday and then had a short meeting with our administrators on Monday morning and was offered the job immediately.”

Before coming to the Wildcats, Duft served as a head and assistant coach for junior and community college programs in Kansas. A father of four, Duft found Ogden as a great city to raise a family in and Weber State a school

where he could further his career.

“The values of Weber State aligned with who I wanted to be as a coach.” Duft said. “I did have some opportunities to leave, but ultimately, my goal was to stay here and help coach Rahe as long as he wanted to do it, and when he didn’t want to do it, I wanted to be the head coach of Weber State.”

The coaching transition came as a surprise to even Weber State players like forward Dillon Jones, who’d only heard about Rahe’s departure 10 minutes before the news was announced.

After falling to Montana State University during the Big Sky Conference tournament, Rahe knew Jones was going to receive offers from other schools during the offseason. After talking with Rahe, Jones decided he would stay and accomplish his basketball goals at Weber State.

“Obviously, he was a big part of that,” Jones said. “Those were the conversations we had at the end of the year. It was nothing about him

retiring. It was about trying to win the championship next year.”

Despite having only one losing season since their 2016 Big Sky Conference Championship run, the Wildcats haven’t won a title since. Like how Rahe won a conference title during his first year as head coach, Duft’s goal is to take Weber State to the NCAA March Madness Tournament this season.

“We’d like to be a championship team,” Duft said. “I think those are pretty much consistent goals for Weber State every year.”

Players like Jones will return for next season, but there are many who recently signed with the team. Duft said he’s signing players to build off last year’s team and fill in holes.

“I think our roster last year, we had a lot of the same type of players so we’re trying to diversify our roster a little bit.” Duft said. “We had nights where we could struggle shooting the ball, so we’ve tried to address that. I think we’ve got some really good shooters coming.”

Duft said that new guards Keith Dinwid-

die, Steve Verplanken and JJ Louden are all high-level shooters. He’s also expecting returning players like forward Dyson Koehler, guard Zahir Porter and Jones to make an impact from behind the arc.

“My coaches, being as smart as they are, they’ve seen the issues and they are able to address them,” Jones said. “As a team, we’re going to be better because of it.”

Although winning a championship is the primary focus for the Wildcats this season, players are also looking for opportunities off the court, specifically deals that allow college athletes to earn money from their name image and likeness, also known as NIL agreements.

“The NIL is a unique situation,” Duft said. “I think right now, schools at our level are kind of in a ‘wait and see’ pattern to try to figure out the landscape.”

While the new agreement has impacted many NCAA athletes, Jones hasn’t been contacted about any NIL deals yet.

WSU Athletics

Eric Duft poses for a photo for Weber State Athletics.

MyWeberMedia.com | June 7, 2022 | 5

“Being here in Utah, no one actually has reached out to me too much about NIL,” Jones said.

“I don’t know if too many people have knowledge about it.”

Jones said that although many consider NIL’s controversial, they provide opportunities for student athletes in need.

“Not every kid is the same,” Jones said. “Some kids drive a Mercedes Benz. Some kids ride the bus. You just don’t know everybody’s situation.”

Although new to the NCAA, Duft finds NIL opportunities promising for players.

“We want to let those guys have any benefit that they can get financially for the work that they’ve done,” Duft said. “[That’s] something that we’re going to support and encourage.”

Although the schedule hasn’t been officially released for the next Big Sky men’s basketball season, Duft said many of Weber State’s away games will be anticipated matchups.

“Almost every night, we play on the road,” Duft said. “We’re playing in a red out, a white out, a green out, a blackout or a retro jersey night among the Big Sky teams. That’s the challenge that we look forward to is going into those environments when they’re trying to celebrate something or getting their biggest crowd out.

Going in there and beating those guys is always a good feeling.”

With the new season starting this fall, Jones said Duft’s coaching style is different from Rahe’s.

“Coach Rahe will tell you his style is more mentality based,” Jones said. “Duft’s definitely more of the X’s and O’s, putting everybody in perfect situations and things like that.”

Although they coached together for 16 seasons, Duft doesn’t plan on running everything like Rahe.

“I don’t want to be a copycat of Randy Rahe, just like he didn’t want to be a copycat of Stew Morrill,” Duft said. “Players relate to authentic. No matter what the personality is, they just want you to be who you are.”

Along with winning championships, Duft’s goal during his tenure is to make sure his players are able to have successful careers after graduating whether in or out of basketball.

“We want these guys to leave here and be good pros and the ones who may not play professionally or when they’re done, we want to make sure that we’re turning out good people and good husbands and fathers,” Duft said. “We try to develop these guys in every area of their life and when they leave here they feel good about their experience.”

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KENNEDY ROBINS | The Signpost

6 | MyWeberMedia.com | June 7, 2022

By ADAM MONTOGMERY Section Editor

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When walking into the WB’s Eatery, customers will find the eatery’s menu, food, and many decorations.

KENNEDY ROBINS | The Signpost

Pig & a Jelly Jar’s Ogden location recently hit its seventh birthday. A lot has changed in Ogden since the opening of their second restaurant here, including owners of 360 Degrees Restaurant Group, Amy and Vivi Wanderely-Britt, and their expanding efforts here.

It’s been nearly three years since the duo opened another Ogden food spot and hangout, WB’s Eatery. Now, a summer brunch collab between the two restaurants graces Ogden.

Through July 24, the pop-up inside WB’s Eatery will be hosted every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Original pig menu finds such as the Ham Hash and Kitchen Sink can now be ordered alongside newer items such as the Chimichurri Steak and Eggs and a host of unique cocktails, which can be prepared full-proof or completely non-alcoholic, making this a perfect brunch choice for all walks of life.

Sitting down with Amy and Vivi Wanderely-Britt for their pop-up opening weekend, they share stories of business and life. In addition, 360 Degrees Restaurant Group works closely with non-profit organizations, such as Volunteers of America, to donate their time, a portion of their proceeds and meals to those in need.

“People get hope through food, too; they will taste that,” Vivi Wanderely-Britt said. “So for us, it’s just as important to put love into our food for delivery as it is for our customers.”

The love and respect the two business owners show for our Ogden community, as well as the admiration for their employees, were apparent.

“My job is to really fix the culture, and if I fix the culture and can have people come to work and have a good day, so do I,” Amy Wanderely-Britt said. “People, Process and Prosperity.”

Don’t forget to also check out WB’s Sippin’ Pretty every Saturday night at 7 p.m. for a cocktail and drag show.

A small menu stands next to the counter at WB’s Eatery.

JOSHUA WINEHOLT | The Signpost

MyWeberMedia.com | June 7, 2022 | 7

By SIMON MORTENSEN Asst. Section Editor

With the Big Sky Conference football season starting in just a few months, Athlon Sports preseason rankings have Weber State University as a 13th seed in the Football Championship Subdivision.

Coming out of last season with just above a .500 record, the Wildcats mostly dominated on the road, going 5–1 away and 1–4 from home. After ending the season with a 48–17 win over the University of Northern Colorado, Weber State has made significant changes to their roster and coaching staff.

Operating under offensive coordinator Matt Hammer’s system last season, the Wildcats’ offense will now play under the direction of Mickey Mental. Although the team lost star receiver and returner Rashid

Shaheed, many key parts of the offense will be back for next season, including running backs Dontae McMillan and Josh Davis as well as quarterback Bronson Barron.

According to Athlon Sports, the Wildcats are poised to return as champions of the Big Sky conference once again, a feat they accomplished for four straight seasons from 2017-2020.

The preseason rankings place Weber State as the fourth best team in the Big Sky under the third-seed University of Montana, fourth-seed Montana State University and sixth-seed Sacramento State University.

With key returning players Patrick O’Connell and 2021 Big Sky Newcomer of the Year Justin Ford, Montana’s defense is poised to lead the team to double-digit wins again. In addition to keeping key players on defense, the Grizzlies have added to their offense from the transfer portal by picking up San

Diego State quarterback Lucas Johnson. As an Aztec, Johnson threw for 1,424 yards and 12 touchdowns with a completion percentage of 61.9%.

Just under Weber State on the rankings is 15th-seed Eastern Washington University. Replacing two-time offensive player of the year Eric Barriere is quarterback Gunner Talkington, a redshirt senior who’s played in 38 games during his tenure as an Eagle.

Talkington will play alongside returning receivers Efton Chism III, Johnny Edwards IV and Freddie Roberson.

Weber State’s season will kickoff on Sept.

1 against Western Oregon University and start their in-conference play against Eastern Washington on Oct. 8.

Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com Josh Davis finds an opening and stays ahead of the defenders.

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Bannock Detention Center

MyWeberMedia.com | June 7, 2022 | 9

Section Editor

One month after Charlie Ragle was hired as head coach for the Idaho State University football program, assistant coach DaVonte’ Neal was added to the ISU coaching staff.

Four months after Neal was hired, the Pocatello Police Department was contacted by the Maricopa County Police Department in Arizona resulting in Neal’s arrest on May 25.

He has since been charged with first degree murder.

The incident occurred back in 2017 when Neal was involved in a drive-by-shooting, killing Bryan T. Burns along Interstate-10 near Phoenix.

At the time of his death, Burns was a 25-year-old college student enrolled at Mesa Community College and was not known to be involved in any sort of gun violence.

In an interview with the Idaho State Journal, family members of Burns explained that there was no known friendship between the two, acquaintances at most.

Neal was once a player for Ragle before working alongside him. The relationship began in high school where Ragle coached Neal at Chaparral High School, and the two found each other again at the University of Arizona in 2014.

Neal is currently incarcerated at the Bannock County jail awaiting extradition to Ari-

zona and has been placed on administrative leave. Idaho State is working on the termination process.

“The news of DaVonte’ Neal’s arrest and charges in Arizona was a great shock,” ISU athletic director Pauline Thiros said in a text to the Idaho State Journal. “Going forward, we will cooperate in every way possible, safeguard our program and culture, support each other and our students, and allow the legal process to work. The news is devastating and we hope for resolution for all involved.”

Neal has been removed from the school’s online coach roster and the school has made no further announcements.

Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com MGN

By EMILY MILLER

Davonte’ Neal’s mug shot taken at Bannock Detention Center located in Bannock County, Idaho.

The Idaho State football helmet.

THE SIGNPOST TEAM Editor-in-Chief Breanna Hart breannahart@mail.weber.edu

Chief Copy Editor Justin Steed justinsteed@mail.weber.edu

Culture Editor Adam Montgomery adammontgomery1@gmail.com

Managing Editor Alexandrea Bonilla anelandreabonilla@mail.weber.edu

News Editor Lucas Moore lucasmoore161@gmail.com

Asst. Culture Editor Lexie Andrew lexieandrew@mail.weber.edu

Design & Graphics Editor Star Neil starneil@mail.weber.edu

News Editor Tim Costello timcostello@mail.weber.edu

Translations Editor Marianna Lopez-Luritta mlopezluritta@mail.weber.edu

Asst. Design & Graphics Editor Emilie Hart emiliehart@mail.weber.edu

Sports Editor Emily Miller emilymiller10@mail.weber.edu

Advisor Jean Norman jeannorman@weber.edu

Photo Editor Kennedy Robins kennedyrobins@mail.weber.edu

Asst. Sports Editor Simon Mortensen simonmortensen@mail.weber.edu

Business Manager Rob Steedley robertsteedley@weber.edu

Asst. Photo Editor Hannah Moore hannahmoore2@mail.weber.edu

The Signpost is a student publication, written, edited and drafted

by Weber State University students. Student fees fund the printing of this publication. Opinions or positions voiced are not necessarily endorsed by the university. The Signpost reserves the right to edit for reasons of space and libel and to refuse to print any letters. Letters should be submitted online to thesignpost@weber. edu and read letter to the Editor in the subject box. Letters should not exceed 350 words.

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