Thursday | December 5, 2019 | Volume 90 | Issue 34
ALLI RICKARDS | The Signpost
2 | December 5, 2019 | MyWeberMedia.com
By JENNIFER GREENLEE Section Editor
Two stoned birds Officers responded to an active drug violation at Wildcat Village on Nov. 29. They were able to make contact with the resident and found no active smoking. The resident allowed officers to search the room. No drugs were found.
An RA called police about the smell of marijuana on Nov. 27. When officers responded, the resident said they had been smoking marijuana but not on campus. Officers were denied entrance to the room.
Getting freaky In a Union Building stairwell, two NUAMES students were found having sex on
Nov. 25. The School Resource Officer was called to talk to the students
Hit and Run WSUPD were called after a snow plow hit a fire hydrant on Harrison Boulevard on Nov. 25, but the water was turned off. The snow plow didn’t stop, and Ogden Police were contacted to evaluate the scenario.
The sky is falling On Nov. 30, a ceiling tile fell on the second floor of Lindquist Hall. The tile was wet, but there was no active leak. After-hours facility management was contacted to check the ceiling. Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com
Photo by Matt Popovich on Unsplash
MyWeberMedia.com | December 5, 2019 | 3
DO YOU KNOW YOUR NEWS? By KENLEE EAST
Asst. Section Editor
1. From the Sept. 23 news quiz: How many students skipped school to protest climate change in New York City?
b. Floods
b.1.1 million
c. Lightning storms
c. 3.7 million
d. Mud slides
d. 100,000 2. From the Sept. 30 news quiz: How many lung injuries have been caused by vaping nationwide?
b. A donkey
b. 140
c. A remote control airplane
c. 300
d. A drone
3. From the Oct. 7 news quiz: What new test may help medical professionals determine if antidepressants will be effective for speciďŹ c patients?
d. CTs
6. From the Nov. 25 news quiz: What did the Ogden Raptors change their name to? a. Dinos b. Ogdenites c. Los carnivores de Ogden d. Velociraptor
Tribune News Service
d. 800
c. X-ray
5. From the Nov. 25 news quiz: How did a 16-year-old teen try to smuggle meth across the Mexican border? a. A remote control car
a. 50
b. Blood tests
NEWS
a. Power outages
a. 14 million
a. Brain scan
4. From the Oct. 28 news quiz: Due to rampant wildďŹ res throughout California, what will residents in Northern California be expecting over the next few days?
Protesters hold signs with climate change slogans at the Washtenaw County Climate Strike at the University of Michigan Diag in Ann Arbor, March 15.
ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS ON PAGE 19
4 | December 05, 05 2019 | MyWeberMedia.com
BRINGING THE WORLD OF PRINTMAKING TO WSU By ADAM RUBIN Reporter
“It might have looked like a whole lot of fun, traveling around the world, getting to do amazing things with airplanes and rocks,” Susanna Castleden said. “But, it’s bloody hard work; we have this motto and it’s: ‘Art is hard.’” Castleden is an Australian artist and one of six international artists invited to exhibit their works in the Perspective in Printmaking exhibition in the Hurst Shaw Gallery. “Students might not be able to get to Australia to see this work, but we’re bringing that work to them,” K. Stevenson, Head of Printmaking, The Department of Visual Art and Design, stated. This exhibition was co-curated by Lydia Gravis, Director of the Hurst Shaw Gallery, and Stevenson. They’ve searched the globe for avant-garde artists in the age-old art of printmaking and have invited six artists to participate in the exhibition. Castleden has also been selected to be a Hurst Artist-in-Residence at Weber State University, allowing her to stay and work on campus for nearly two weeks. “Our students who get to work with her are also getting that experience as if they flew to Australia and took a workshop from her,” Stevenson said. Castleden discussed the rare honor among artists where a distant curator sees the art and wants to include it in a gallery. Castleden said being recognized is, of
course, the hope among artists. "I have never seen this work on a wall before because it’s too big to fit into any other galleries," Castleden said. "It’s a real treat to be able to share my way of thinking about things with students over here and for me to take that back to my students in Australia, printmaking is all about reciprocity.” Some of the visiting art majors commented on the scope of the inclusions. “She [Susanna] is very committed, obviously, by the size of her work. The scale of her work is important. Also, the concept of movement, the airplane wing, in print works,” Kayla Astle, who's an Art major at WSU, said. Susanna maintained that the key to success is loving what you do, particularly in art. You've got to love what you do because you just couldn't do it otherwise, and it's hard to get your work shown and seen by people because people don't have time for art anymore. Work hard, and work with something you love," Susanna said. The Perspectives in Printmaking exhibition boasts 13 works by six carefully selected and relevant printmakers. It’s taken communication, work, dedication, time and resources to bring these works of art to WSU. From a simple thought of doing a printmaking show, to building the current gallery exhibition – it’s all come together in a big way. Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com
KALIE PEAD| The Signpost
Attendees experience a three-part installation including print, sound and a handmade book.
PHYSICALITY CREATES 'INTER ACTION' CONCERT By CAITLYN LARSEN
Reporter
Be an Angel to someone in need November 11 - December 13
Angel Tree Select an angel off the trees in the Shepherd Union Atrium or WSU Davis D3 Atrium. Donations are due back to CCEL (SU 324) no later than Dec. 13 by 2 p.m.
range of moods to the dances. “Inter Action” was the debut performance for Blake as a new faculty member. Before coming to WSU, Blake performed and toured professionally with the world class Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company of Salt Lake City. “He brings a wealth of experience, but also energy and ideas, and he’s connecting with a lot of groups,” said Stern. “We’re just thrilled to have him.” Blake expressed appreciation for the people he has worked with so far and their Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com
Orchesis Inter Action offer a collaboration of dance pieces, choreographed and performed by students.
NIKKI DORBER | The Signpost
The Orchesis Dance Theatre of the Lindquist College of Art and Humanities Department of Performing Arts presented their concert “Inter Action” Nov. 14-16. The concert featured modern contemporary, tap and dance theatre styles of dance, with hints of balletic technique, to present a few pieces choreographed by five students, the centerpiece performance, “Take Us As We Are,” and a collaborative piece between Dance and Music faculty Erik Stern and Daniel Jonas. “Take Us As We Are” was the centerpiece of “Inter Action,” choreographed by the new Assistant Professor of Dance, Jo Blake, and performed by this year’s Moving Company. Moving Company is a year-long, community-engaged learning dance course that partnered with the WSU Women’s Center and Ogden’s YCC Family Crisis Center. They put together this first piece of the year, using popular music,
classical music and excerpts of women empowerment speeches, to bring awareness to women’s suffrage. “It’s exciting and humbling to get to partner with so many groups on- and off-campus,” Blake said. Besides “Take Us As We Are,” Erik Stern, Professor of Dance, said that there was no specifically obvious theme to the other dances performed. He said that the exact messages of the thought-provoking performances would depend upon the viewer. “In the physicality, you get the feeling of what people are experiencing,” Stern said. In the collaborative piece between Stern and Daniel Jonas, Assistant Professor of Music, the two professors mix Jazz trumpet music with rhythm tap dance for a duet. For both Blake and Stern, dance is everything. Blake described movement as a language that humans “innately understand.” He said that, whether it be in the
car, in front of the mirror, on the stage, or simply by moving in a crowd, everyone dances. Stern said that dance has the ability to change lives as it allows people to learn to experiment, take risks, explore, and challenge themselves. “I think it should be something that people are allowed to experiment with and play with,” Stern said. The movement of the human body is what creates art in this kind of performance. Props such as capes, metal bars, tables, and chairs were also occasionally used in “Inter Action” to add effect and a
MyWeberMedia.com | December 5, 2019 | 5
FIND YOUR SENATOR HERE: VISIT SENATE MEETINGS MONDAYS @ 2:30 PM BUSINESS CASUAL - SU 404
For more information: ccel@weber.edu 801-626-7737
6 | December 5, 2019 | MyWeberMedia.com
WSU PR MAJOR WINS STUDENT OF THE YEAR By MARISA NELSON
Reporter
Karen Valdez is a Public Relations major at Weber State University and the co-winner of this year's Utah Public Relations Student of the Year award. Through this experience, she has not only built a plan to help contribute to the growth of the Major Brent Taylor Foundation, but she has also built confidence in herself and her ability to pursue public relations as a career. Over two weeks, Valdez spent her time producing a yearlong campaign geared toward helping the foundation broaden its purpose. Valdez focused on smart partnerships and strategies to bring awareness to the challenges military families face. A panel of past students who spoke in her public relations writing class inspired Valdez to participate in this year's competition after. The panel discussed the many doors the competition opened for them.
After speaking to professors and past participants, Valdez felt that the competition would be a way for her to gain confidence in her ability. Each year, potential participants join a conference call about the competition details and to introduce the client. Everyone has the same client, and the main goal is to create the best and most beneficial plan for the client to help improve their nonprofit foundation. Valdez’s first plan of action was to research. She dove headfirst into learning about The Brent Taylor Foundation, Taylor and his family. The foundation got its start with Jennie Taylor’s "40 for 40" fundraiser, which helped raise money put toward creating scholarships for Major Taylor's alma maters, the University of Utah and Brigham Young Univerity. The fundraiser was in honor of what would have been Tayor's 40th birthday. Valdez wanted to promote the foundation and expand its reach.
The department of Campus Recreation our December
Congratulates
2019
GRADUATES Jake Ness Joe Blakemore Mekenzie Grabau Rylee Porter Sarah McDonald WEBER REC Weber.edu/CampusRecreation | CampusRecreation@Weber.edu
“I focused my campaign on Major Brent Taylor, I did a lot of research on who he was as a person," Valdez said. Valdez wanted to structure her events on the three pillars that Jennie Taylor gave to the foundation, which were supporting and honoring military families, training future service-oriented leaders and promoting community engagement and involvement. Some of the events Valdez partnered with were the Ogden Marathon, which is sponsored by Zion’s Bank, and United Way’s outdoor cleanup day. “One of the things that [the competition] wanted was to see that the ideas I put forward were plausible and realistic, so I would go the extra mile,” Valdez said. According to Valdez, follow through and working with eager partners played a significant part in her success in the competition. At the end of the two weeks, Valdez and the other finalists presented their public relations campaigns to the judges — many professionals in their own right — and Jen-
nie Taylor herself. “It was so nerve-wracking because these people know their stuff, and this is what they do on a daily basis. It was such a humbling experience,” Valdez said. After her research on Brent and Jennie Taylor's lives, Valdez felt she knew them, but they didn’t know her. Presenting the plan she had dedicated so much time and energy to was a surreal experience, according to Valdez. Despite all the hard work and successes along the way, Valdez experienced imposter syndrome and was shocked when she won. Ultimately, becoming a role model for others and joining the legacy of Weber State was worth the effort. “I have pushed myself to my absolute limits, I have really challenged myself and really been vulnerable,” Valdez said.
Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com
MyWeberMedia.com | December 5, 2019 | 7
CULTU
By KIERSTYNN KING Reporter
Dance Theatre of Harlem was at the top of Onstage Ogden's "acts to get to Ogden" wish-list. With the help of Browning Presents!, the Dance Theatre of Harlem performed at Weber State University on Nov. 9. "Onstage Ogden use our facilities often, so this was a great benefit for our students," said Erik Stern, a WSU dance professor. "It gave them an opportunity to interact with professionals prominent in their field." The Dance Theatre of Harlem was founded in New York City in 1969 during the height of the civil rights movement by the late Arthur Mitchell and Karel Shook, according to the act's website. Mitchell created a haven for dancers of color who craved training and performance experience, giving dancers the opportunity to excel in a world of classical ballet. He wanted people of color to see themselves on stage and recognize that anyone could tap into the art. Andrew Barrett Watson, who works with Onstage Ogden, said Dance Theatre of Harlem had been on their wish-list of companies to come visit Ogden. "They're an amazing professional company," Watson said. "These dancers are at the top of their career And perform all over the world. Having them come to Ogden really gives the community a chance to enjoy this unique experience." In addition to the company's visits, WSU dance students had the opportunity to attend a master class taught by company member, Christopher Charles McDaniel. Jonathan Guerra, a WSU dance major, attended the master class. "I've heard great things about the company, so I was excited to learn about whatever he was willing to teach us," Guerra said. "I was really excited to gain experi-
ence and get a new perspective from a professional." McDaniel has been a company member for three years. Coincidentally, the first time McDaniel saw ballet was a Dance Theatre of Harlem production. McDaniel started dancing at age 6 and delved into ballet at age 10. McDaniel's training includes: Dance Theatre of Harlem School, LaGuardia School of Preforming Arts, Ballet Academy East, Boston Ballet and Jacob's Pillow. Beyond his previous training, McDaniel and his fellow Dance Theatre of Harlem School classmates were required to study various styles of dance including jazz, tap, gymnastics, African Dance and character dancing. "Arthur Mitchell wanted us to have the most well-rounded training, so we did all styles," McDaniel said. "There's no one quite like Arthur Mitchell, so being taught by him was often really scary." McDaniel described Mitchell as a "no-nonsense" type of person, explaining that Mitchell would let dancers know when they were wrong. However, McDaniel said Mitchell "had this amazing way of encouraging you when you got something right." McDaniel recounted the lengths Mitchell would have to go through to for his dancers. There was a time when the company would go to venues and would be expected to go through service entrances because the dancers were black. Often, stage hands would refuse to pull the curtain for the dancers because of the color of their skin. "Mitchell was so hard on his dancers because there was a level that had to be met," McDaniel said. "I wouldn't say we're more relaxed now, but the stakes aren't as high. We've already proven the facts, and now we're just keeping his message and his vision going." For their WSU performance, Dance The-
atre of Harlem performed the four pieces "Orange," "Change," "This Bitter Earth" and "Balamouk." Despite constant performances, McDaniel appreciates how ballet keeps him on his toes. "With ballet, I like that you're never going to get it right; it's never going to be perfect. You always have something to strive for, so it never gets boring. There's always something to work on," McDaniel said. "I like having the option to use my body to say what I have to say, without being vocal, and I like that ballet takes me all over the world." Beyond performing with Dance Theatre of Harlem, McDaniel began teaching dance in 2011. He credits his instructors for his love of teaching and the approach he takes when teaching. McDaniel would watch as Mitchell taught, noting how Mitchell would catch mistakes and what he would do to fix them. McDaniel loved the feeling of controlling a room full of students. He said his students were hungry to learn technique. "I was using all of the things I had learned from Ballet Academy East and Darla Hoover and mixing it with the sense of pride and commanding the room that Arthur Mitchell taught me and fused them together. That's when I found a natural flow with teaching," McDaniel said. McDaniel hopes to be a ballet master and an artistic director and remind the world that dance is for everybody. "Yes we want to add technique and pedagogy and all of that wonderful stuff, but a part of Dance Theatre of Harlem's mission and my own personal mission is whoever I teach needs to know that they are in the right place, at the right time and it's okay to just enjoy it," McDaniel said. "I want to reintroduce people to that side of simplicity and happiness." Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com
ANDREW BARRETT WATSON
RE
A LIFE OF AUTHENTICITY 8 | December 5, 2019 | MyWeberMedia.com
By SHARON VALVERDE VARGAS Reporter
For some, living an authentic life can be challenging because of societal, familial or religious pressures. WSU student Savannah Deichmann wanted to live her truth because she felt it was the only way she would be able to live peacefully. Deichmann described her coming out experience as an “adventure." She became curious about her identity during her sophomore year in high school when a softball teammate explained bisexuality. Deichmann wanted to be certain of her truth before opening up to her parents. Deichmann’s parents had been involved with the community and understood that people are LGBT, but Deichmann wasn’t sure how they would feel if they knew their daughter was bisexual. Deichmann reached her limit when she broke down before moving to Colorado. She wrote a letter, expressing her feelings to her parents. “I feel like I’m this identity. I know you probably don’t understand it, but this is where I’m at,"
Deichmann wrote. "This is how I want to tell you because I’m too afraid to talk about it out loud." While her parents didn’t fully understand, they accepted her. Upon her Colorado arrival, Deichmann openly identified as a bisexual woman. Deichmann said she felt accepted more by her father than her mother. Her mother had difficulty accepting Deichmann’s identity. Her mom told her she was lying and doing it to make friends, sentiments that later became a theme within the mother-daughter relationship. While Deichmann wished her mother’s mindset was different, it wasn’t. “She immediately expected the worst. She expected this promiscuous person,” Deichmann said. “Which was weird, because I never gave her a reason.” Deichmann said it is pertinent that individuals find comfort within themselves. She is currently engaged and a health promotions major, hoping to teach sex education. “It took about a year for my mother to understand my relationship,” Deichmann said. Moving to Colorado helped Deichmann navigate her identity, ultimately realizing she want-
ed to become an advocate. “If I had never discovered this identity, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” Deichmann said. Keegan Parkinson, a member of the WSU Diversity and Unity team who was raised within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, struggled with their identity. Parkinson said being raised within the church caused fear in their heart to open up to their parents. “The culture of the LDS is kind of judgy. If anything is not normal — like fitting gender roles — they segregate you from the rest of the congregation, leaving that part of you aside,” Parkinson said. Parkinson changed wards when they were 16 and simultaneously came out as gay. After Parkinson's sister came out as bisexual, they felt more comfortable coming out to their parents. Parkinson feared that their parents wouldn’t allow them in the house. “The unknowing was terrifying. Then I just said it: I’m gay,” Parkinson said. When Parkinson came out, their father told them, “I will love you no matter what.” Parkinson’s father just asked for time to understand where they’re coming from. Parkinson’s said their parents have a better
understanding of the LGBT community. A member of the church confided in Parkinson's mother and disclosed that her son is gay. The member didn't know whether she would continue to let her son live in her house. “My mom’s reply was, 'Why?' The woman then replied, 'Because that is a sin, and I can’t have sin in my house,'" Parkinson recounted. Parkinson’s mother reminded the woman that her son is still her child. Parkinson feels their mom has become an LGBT advocate. Parkinson has learned how diverse the LGBT community is and how accepting they are of others. “I have this love for everyone no matter what, even if they hate who I am, just because they are human and that’s totally fine,” Parkinson said. Parkinson and Deichmann feel grateful for the openness within the LGBT community. They feel the community has created a safe environment that allows people to live authentically and truthfully. “This is who I am, and I don’t care what you have to say,” Deichmann said. Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com
MyWeberMedia.com | December 5, 2019 | 9
NAVIGATING BEING QUEER AND HISPANIC By SKYLER HUDSON Reporter
Those who are a part of both the LGBTQ community and the Hispanic community have a unique set of challenges that stem from culture, religion, politics, racism and classism. The intermixing of the various identities is intersectionality. Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines intersectionality as the complex way multiple forms of discrimination combine or intersect. Women often deal with discrimination based on gender, people of color deal with discrimination based on race, but a woman of color deals with both racism and sexism. The intersectionality of the two identities creates an entirely new experience with unique challenges. Olivia Jaramillo, a Mexican trans woman who identifies as non-binary but expresses as female, said she feels she has been appointed responsibilities typically assigned to men. “I have a responsibility because I have the ability to convey a powerful message through my presentation and my speech to change the world for the Latinx and LGBTQIA community,” Jaramillo said.
Jaramillo is an immigrant from Mexico who served in the United States Air Force. She spends her time advocating for her communities through statewide organizations and political channels. Jaramillo views her Mexican heritage as her past, present and future. “Overall, being part of the LGBT community in Mexico is still frowned upon for many of the same reasons it is frowned upon in this country: naiveté, lack of experience and exposure, much like in America. It is getting better, but slowly,” Jaramillo said. “Eventually in a generation or two it will not be much of a hurdle. But us, Generation X and Millennials, we need to continue the work and advocacy to ensure that future exists.” Kassy Deblas said that being both Mexican and lesbian can be hard due to the strict Mexican culture. “Being Mexican, we are very proud of our heritage, and very family-oriented. which can be a bad thing at times. We are very proud of our traditions.” Deblas said. Deblas said she was fearful of her family’s reaction to her coming out, afraid that they would exile her. Her grandmother, an avid church-goer, accepted her, but Deblas’ mother was more reserved.
“My mom was the one that had the most trouble with,” Deblas said. “She was raised a certain way, and she just had the most trouble with it.” Deblas’ mother began to accept her daughter when she joined the army. Deblas said she was in the second graduating class of female combat engineers in the United States Army, an occupation that was open to only males until 2015. Being a Latina in a combat role meant she was watched closely, and people were either overly cautious or disregarded her opinions altogether. “It makes me kind of proud that I was able to overcome all these obstacles like being in the military, being Hispanic, realizing that I was gay and then just being able to overcome,” Deblas said. “It really just makes me proud to be able to merge all of these things together.” Deblas’ girlfriend Jocelyn Contreras, who identifies as a Mexican-American, pansexual woman said her traditional family won’t speak to her because of their heritage and her sexuality. “In Hispanic culture, it’s like the woman is supposed to stay at home and cook and take care of the children. The man is supposed to
go out there and do hard labor,” Contreras said. “I come from a family where my mom is a housewife and my dad is a construction worker.” Contreras added that her family didn’t expect her to graduate from college; they were more worried she’d get pregnant and drop out. Contreras’ counselors told her she was more than likely going to get pregnant and drop out. Contreras’ family nearly disowned her for merely the race of her boyfriend. It was then she realized it was time to live her life truthfully. When her family found out that she was dating a woman, they disowned her completely and haven’t spoken since. “My dad stopped talking to me completely. My mom reaches out, but then says it’s just a phase that I’m going through and that I’ll get over it,” Contreras said. Contreras said people need to look beyond identity and the categories society has made in order to be an ally. If you or a loved one is looking for resources on intersectionality, being Hispanic and LGBTQ go to HRC.org/resources. Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com
In the Health Sciences Building First Floor, right off the elevator
Only Debit and Credit Cards accepted
10 | December 5, 2019 | MyWeberMedia.com
VIS
UAL S
MyWeberMedia.com | December 5, 2019 | 11
12 | December 5, 2019 | MyWeberMedia.com
BRAVING
TS
THE SNOW FOR A PLAYOFF SHOWDOWN
By IAN SYME Reporter
The stage is set, the weather will be cold with a chance of snow as the Weber State University football team takes the field at Stewart Stadium hosting the Kennesaw State Owls at 1 p.m on Dec. 7. The Wildcats enter the game as the number-three seed in the tournament and will be coming off a first-round bye. The Owls enter the matchup out of the Big South Conference at 10-2 after defeating Wofford in the first round 28–21. Junior quarterback Jake Constantine said that sticking to the basics and good preparation from their coaches has helped them for this week’s contest. “All of our coaches do a good job,” Constantine said. “That’s why we won a Big Sky title again. We just have to use our same game plan and same strategy that we do week-to-week into the playoffs to be successful.” The Owls have one of the best defenses
in the FCS. With the fourth-ranked total defense and ninth-ranked scoring defense, KSU’s defense held opposing offenses to 21 points per game. “Kennesaw’s obviously got a nice defense, and they did a nice job of stopping Wofford,” Hill said. “We need to play good on offense and defense this week because we’re playing one heck of a team.” Kennesaw State fields a football team in the Big South Conference that has participated for only five seasons. The program began in 2015 and has enjoyed a large amount of success, qualifying for the FCS playoffs the last three seasons. KSU’s offense is also atop of the country. The Owls are fifth in scoring offense and 25 in total offense with the number one ranked rushing offense in the country. Third-string quarterback Jonathan Murphy led the Owls to a victory over Wofford after entering the game and replacing starter Tommy Bryant in the second quarter. Murphy ran for 206 yards and three touchdowns while attempting just two
passes. Weber State senior defensive end Adam Rodriguez said that the Wildcat defense will do its best to limit Kennesaw State’s running game. “Every game, we try to make a team one-dimensional,” Rodriguez said. “We want to make them, at the end of the game, go into a two-minute situation and have to throw the ball.” Kennesaw State has multiple offensive options to complement their run-heavy quarterbacks. Running back Bronson Rechsteiner leads all non-quarterbacks on the team with seven rushing touchdowns. Running back Isaac Foster leads the Owls with 1,136 all-purpose yards while running back Shaquil Terry’s five receiving touchdowns top the Owls’ receiving corps. Defensively, defensive lineman Desmond Johnson, Jr. has been an anchor for the Kennesaw State defense, leading the team with seven sacks and 16 tackles for loss. Linebacker Bryson Armstrong has made 85 tackles while forcing two fum-
SPOR
bles and recovering one. With weather calling for 38 degrees at kickoff and a 50 percent chance of rain and snow, the ’Cats are set to welcome in a team from Georgia, and look to see the stands full. “I know it’s going to be cold,” Rodriguez said. “We’re a great home team. We need you guys to come to this home game because we’re undefeated at home, and we need to keep it that way if we want to advance in the playoffs.” Rodriguez credits the Destruction Zone student section for motivating the Wildcats while aggravating their opponents from the visitors’ stands. “There’s been more people than I’ve seen in recent years since I’ve been here,” Rodriguez noted. “It’s fun to watch them go in on other teams. I like having the student section there.” The postseason game kicks off at 1 p.m. at Stewart Stadium on Dec. 7. Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com
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MyWeberMedia.com | December 5, 2019 | 15
By EMILY MILLER
Reporter
When it comes to the recruiting process for Weber State University men’s ice hockey, no two stories are the same. Whether the players are coming from a juniors team or straight out of high school, they have a story of how they ended up representing the Wildcats every weekend. WSU has players from all over the United States and some parts of Canada, including freshman defenseman Kody Goodwin from Hyrum, Utah, freshmen center Jakob Besnilian and defenseman Ryan Brown, who are both from California. Coming into their first year of collegiate club hockey after playing in junior leagues throughout Northern America, these players are finding their way while balancing school, athletics and a social life. So far for the 2019 season, there is a total of 37 points between the three. Hockey players tally points from assists and goals. “Junior hockey is different,” Besnilian said. “In total, with playoffs I played over
75 games in one season.” WSU hockey players make the adjustment to club hockey, averaging just 35 games in their season but with the added demands of 12 credit hours for classes. “You’re used to waking up and going to the rink and then hanging out with the boys,” Brown said. “Now, balancing school and different schedules, it’s definitely harder to get out with them.” With the WSU ice hockey team being a club sport, players aren’t eligible for athletic scholarships and pay fees to play hockey for the season on top of that. It can sometimes be hard to understand how players find themselves coming back to play each year. “It’s a passion; I grew up playing it,” Goodwin said. “I love the sport; it’s the main reason I’ve come to school.” Heavily influenced by their friends and family, playing hockey came naturally to all three players. Besnilian started his career with roller hockey and then moved to ice hockey. By the time he was 18, he had made his way into Canada for juniors, play-
Earn your BSN in less time
ing in Swan River, Manitoba before linking with WSU’s coaches and making his way back to the states. Goodwin began his career playing Triple A hockey for the West Coast Renegades, eventually moving to Billings, Montana, for his first chance at juniors before continuing his venture into Colorado, where he played in Breckenridge, and then finishing his final year in Steamboat. During his time in Billings, Goodwin met Brown. “I started out with youth hockey in Roseville, CA,” Brown said. “I moved up to Billings, Montana, and then Seattle, Washington before moving Steamboat, Colorado.” It wasn’t a hard decision for Brown and Goodwin to come play for WSU. Influenced by location, their family ties and tuition, they have now been roommates for three years. Practicing three days a week at the ice sheet, time is more flexible for school and finding time to fit homework in with their weekends on the road. There’s a bond shared between the team. Besnilian ex-
plained that he sees his teammates more as 25 good friends. Each weekend full of games comes along with pre-game rituals. Besnilian often finds himself eating the same breakfast, taking a nap, stretching and then heading to the rink. Meanwhile, Brown started a ritual this year by hyping up his teammates while yelling throughout the locker room before games. Looking past college, all three agree that moving on to a higher level is the ultimate goal. “There’s a lot of pro leagues in Europe,” Besnilian said. “We can start out lower and eventually move our way up, ultimately getting an education first.” For now, these young players are enjoying their new adventure, hanging out with their friends, going to class and playing hockey. “I’m enjoying it all, but for now my favorite part is definitely the parties,” Goodwin said. Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com
MARY MAPES
Attending most classes online, you can earn your BSN in as little as 36 months at Eagle Gate College in Layton — even sooner with qualifying transfer credits. • • • • •
80% of classes are online Complete your BSN in as little as 36 months Transfer up to 38 credits CCNE* accredited program Financing available for those who qualify Classes start soon at our Layton Campus. Visit EagleGateCollege.edu or call 801-546-7500
* The Bachelor of Science in Nursing and RN-BSN programs at Eagle Gate College are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20001, (202) 887-6791. More at www.ccneaccreditation.org.
Mary Mapes, author of Truth and Duty: The Press, The President, and the Privilege of Power. AwardWinning former producer of 60 Minutes. DATE: MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020 | 7 PM Tickets: $5 Students | $12.50-$25 General Public http://www.weberstatetickets.com/
16 | December 5, 2019 | MyWeberMedia.com
By CHRISTIAN JOHNSON Reporter
In 1919, Woodrow Wilson was the President of the United States, a gallon of gas was $0.25, Prohibition began, Babe Ruth was sold to the New York Yankees and the Weber Normal College football team took the field for the first time. Weber Normal College, which later became Weber State University, played its first game on Oct. 8, 1919, losing to Box Elder High School 20–0 in Brigham City. Weber’s first win came a few weeks later when they defeated Davis High 6–0 on Oct. 31, 1919 in Ogden, long before Halloween and trick-or-treating were even a thing. Not much is known about the Wildcats before they competed as a Division 1 program. In 1919, Weber competed as a church school before becoming a junior college in 1933 and became Weber College. In 1962, Weber became a 4-year college, Weber State College, for the next 28 years before gaining university status and becoming Weber State University. WSU played for one year before joining the Big Sky Conference and went 5-4 in their first year as a four year program. In the following year of 1963, WSU became a charter member of the Big Sky, joining the University of Idaho, Idaho State University, the University of Montana and Montana State University as football playing schools. WSU’s first head coach at the Division 1 level was Wally Nalder. Nalder led the Wildcats in their first three seasons and the first two seasons as part of the Big Sky. Under Nalder the ’Cats went 13-13 with two fourth place finishes in the Big Sky. For the next eight years, Wildcat great, Sark Arslanian led the Wildcats from 19651972, earning two first place finishes in 1965 and 1968. While under Sark Arsla-
nian, WSU went 50-26-2. Between 1973-1980, Dick Gwinn and Pete Riechlman coached the Wildcats to mediocre seasons with a combined record of 25-61-1. Inside linebacker Danny Rich played football for the Wildcats between 1978-81 before playing three seasons for the Los Angeles Express of the Unites States Football League. When asked about a memory at WSU, he talked about the 1978 Utah State week. “The second to the last game the year, in the linebacker meeting, the starting linebacker was late,” Rich said. “I was named the starting linebacker, but when I walked back into the room, I heard the coach telling the original starting linebacker that I would just play for a few series. So I knew I had to do something great.” Rich remembers walking out on the field to USU fans throwing snowballs. In the game against Utah State, Rich made a diving tackle in the -24 degree weather, and WSU beat the Aggies for the one and only time. Rich started the rest of his games at Weber State. Mike Price took over in 1981 and was the head coach until 1988. During Price’s era, WSU went 46-44, but the 1987 ’Cats went 10-3 and 7-1 in the Big Sky, capturing the conference title for the first time since 1968. Price’s 1987 team was the first Wildcat team to play in the FCS Playoffs, beating Idaho in the first round but falling at Marshall in the second round. After Price’s time came to an end, Sark Arslanian’s son Dave Arslanian took the ball till 1997. Dave Arslanian was a part of the Wildcats for a quarter of the time. Between the time of his dad coaching and him playing for and then coaching the Wildcats, Dave Arslanian spent 25 years of his life as part of the WSU football program.
Dave Arslanian led the ’Cats to a 53-47 record and a first round FCS playoff loss to the University of Northern Iowa in 1991. “As I thought about a memory at Weber State, something that always came back to my mind was the people,” Dave Arslanian said. “The fans, the players, the supporters, donors and everything involved with Weber State football.” Jerry Graybeal took over for the Wildcats in 1998-2004. WSU posted a 32-46 record under Graybeal before the Ron McBride era. “The inaugural event and the ribbon cutting at Elizabeth Dee Shaw Stewart Stadium sky suites complex,” Graybeal said on his memory. “We paid tribute to Elizabeth and Stewart, and their legacy still lives on today.” McBride coached the ’Cats from 20052011, posting a 43-38 record and leading WSU to two FCS Playoffs. “My fondest memory is probably the game at home against Montana, it was such a huge win for us,” McBride said. “Going up to Wyoming and Colorado State, back-to-back weeks. It was two games we should have won … and taking that bus trip up there watching them play the way they played was a thrill.” Defensive end Brady Fosmark played during 2002-05 for the Wildcats and was one of just four players named to the Big Sky Defensive MVP in WSU history. Fosmark was inducted in the Hall of Fame in 2018. “In 2003, against Idaho State … I missed a defensive stunt,” Fosmark said. “But when they called it again, the ISU quarterback threw me the ball, and I ran it in for a four yard touchdown.” In 2008, WSU beat Cal Poly in the first round before falling to Montana in the second round. Weber State went back to the playoffs in 2009. For the first time in their 90-year history, the ’Cats went to the play-
offs on back-to-back years. WSU lost in the 2009 first round to William and Mary. The next two years for Weber State was forgetful. Jody Sears took over leading Weber State to just four wins and 19 losses. In 2014, former athletic director Jerry Bovee found Jay Hill, and the Hill era has been everything but a National Championship. Hill has led WSU to a 37-28 record, three consecutive FCS Playoff berths, two consecutive quarterfinals, WSU home playoff games and back-to-back Big Sky Championships. Throughout the years of WSU Football, the Wildcats have captured six total Big Sky Conference titles, and 38 players have been drafted into the NFL. WSU has had one first round draft pick in 1968 when Lee White was drafted 17 overall to the New York Jets. There have been two Mr. Irrelevant draft picks, last pick of the draft, in WSU’s history. 1998’s Cam Quayle went to the Baltimore Ravens, and Tim Toone in 2010 went to the Detroit Lions. Wildcat greats have taken the field at Stewart Stadium nearly every week, such as Wallace F. Morris in the 1920s, who was known as “Wildcat” Morris before the team was even called the Wildcats, and Jamie Martin, who won the Walter Payton Award in 1991 as the Nation’s top player. In 2018, Josh Davis was awarded the Jerry Rice Award as the National Freshman of the Year. WSU will celebrate the 100 years of football on Sept. 28 against the University of Northern Iowa at 6 p.m. Both teams are entering the matchup ranked in the top 10, and former players and coaches are invited to come and will be in attendance. The 100 team at WSU will take the field on Sept. 28 wearing all purple with the “Flying W” logo on their helmet. Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com
WEBER STATE UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES
MyWeberMedia.com | December 5, 2019 | 17
The first football team in Weber State history lost its first game, but that didn’t stop them from their legacy of becoming Big Sky champions.
From The Dumke College of Health Professions
18 | December 5, 2019 | MyWeberMedia.com
KALIE PEAD | The Signpost
The Wildcats prepare for their next play against the Panthers.
By BRANDON MAY Section Editor
On a cold and wet day, the fifth-ranked Weber State University football team took on the ninth-ranked University of Northern Iowa Panthers at Stewart Stadium for the 100 Anniversary of football in a 29–17 win. “They’re really good. We knew that coming in,” head coach Jay Hill said. “That’s a legit team that we just beat. I’m happy for our guys; we have some stuff to clean up.” The Wildcats set the tone on the opening kickoff when redshirt freshman Naseme Colvin hit UNI’s returner hard after a short gain, bringing the small early game crowd to its feet. Senior Adam Rodriquez kept the fast pace for the ’Cats when he sacked the Panthers’ quarterback on third down, forcing the first punt of the half. The offense continued the fast start on their first play from scrimmage. Sophomore quarterback Kaden Jenks found junior wide receiver Rashid Shaheed wide open in the middle of the field and WSU jumped out to an early 7–0 lead thanks to the 73 yard reception. “The coaches put together a great plan, and we knew coming out that we were going to come out and execute,” Jenks said. “Shaheed ran a great route, and I just had to throw the ball to them.” Junior kicker Trey Tuttle kicked the ensuing kickoff, and sophomore Aaron Sessions forced a fumble that was recovered by John Abercrombie on the 15 yard line.
Jenks and the Wildcats’ offense weren’t able to find any success, but Tuttle added three points on a 25 yard field goal. Junior safety Preston Smith deflected a pass up the middle that was intercepted by sophomore safety Brody Burke. “We really stress on winning the turnover margin,” Burke said. “Taking care of the ball on offense and getting takeaways on defense.” The Wildcat offense drove 38 yards on their next drive, which was capped off by redshirt freshman Kris Jackson with a two yard touchdown rush and a 17–0 lead. Both teams traded field goals to end the first quarter with a 20–3 lead for WSU. Shaheed left the game in the first quarter after the kickoff went through the end zone with an apparent leg injury. “Losing Shaheed was a big deal, just in the game plan and things we were doing,” Hill said. “As far as the injury goes, he’s going to be fine. It’s a hip pointer. He’ll be out a couple days, and we’re hoping he’ll be full go next week.” Shaheed’s hip pointer is a deep bruise on the ridge of the hip bone. Jenks continued to lead the offense through the air when he found sophomore Justin Malone for 13 yards and a 27–3 lead. The Panthers answered with a drive of their own, finding the end zone for the first time and both teams went into their locker rooms 27–10 in favor of WSU. Although the Wildcats’ offense could not find a first down in all of the third quarter, WSU still managed to improve their lead.
Senior punter Doug Lloyd was the difference in the third quarter. Lloyd pinned the struggling Panthers’ offense inside their own two yard line with two consecutive punts, booting one punt 71 yards. The Panthers center snapped the ball over the quarterback’s head and out the end zone for a safety and a 29–10 lead headed into the fourth quarter. As both teams headed to the sidelines for the last quarter change, the rain that was expected throughout the night started coming down as the temperature reached 49 degrees. WSU’s defenses stopped the Panthers cold on fourth down as the offense took to the field looking to get their first first down of the second half. With the Wildcat offense continuing to struggle in the second half, Lloyd again pinned the Panthers inside the five yard line. The Panthers’ offense was again looking at a 95 yard field down 19. “He did a great job,” Hill said on Lloyd. “Pinned them multiple times. He’s very accurate and poised. Those are huge, making them drive 95 yards. He probably should be the Big Sky Player of the Week, especially for special teams.” Four consecutive plays and penalties helped lead the Panthers to a two-yard touchdown reception and cut the Wildcats’ lead to 29–17. The Panthers set up for an onside kick that was kicked out of bounds, and Weber State took over on the Panthers’ 45 with
four minutes remaining. Lloyd came back onto the field after the struggling offense gained just one yard and pinned the Panthers for the third time inside the two yard line. Despite finishing the second half with one yard of total offense, and playing conservatively, the Wildcats held on to their impressive first half lead with a 29–17 win over a top ten FCS program. “In that situation, especially when it starts sprinkling and raining, don’t do something stupid with a team as good as them, especially with our defense,” Hill said on playing conservative. “Even their touchdown drive it took six minutes off the clock … I’m not a conservative guy, but I don’t want to lose the game in those situations.” WSU improved to 2-2 on the season and look forward to their matchup with the 2-3 Idaho Vandals next weekend. “I think we are where a lot of people picked us to be,” Hill said. “We’ve beat two really good FCS teams and right in the hunt with two FBS teams. Bottom line, we are close to where we need to be, but we got to get better.” The ’Cats return home for their homecoming game on October 12 against instate rival the Southern Utah Thunderbirds at 6 p.m.
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MyWeberMedia.com | December 5, 2019 | 19
DO YOU KNOW YOUR NEWS? 1. b. The New York Times said that 1.1 million students missed school due to the protest against climate change. The city will not penalize students for skipping for that reason. 2. d. CNN said, “Hundreds more cases of vaping-related illness have been reported to the US Center for Disease Control and prevention.� 800 lung injuries have been reported due to vaping across 46 states and in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
QUIZ ANSWERS FROM PAGE 2
There have been 13 deaths linked to the outbreak.
3. a. Brain scans have been helping to determine if antidepressants will work for specific patients, according to Medical News Today. These MRI brain scans have been used in medical trials from 2012 onwards to determine if they could accurately assess the effectiveness of certain antidepressants.
4. a. NBC news said that over the next few days, and maybe weeks, California should expect major power outages due to fire safety protocol.
5. a. According to USA Today, a 16-year-old tried smuggling $106,000 worth of methamphetamine across the border from Mexico using a remote control car. He was arrested on Nov.17 by border patrol.
6. c. Standard-Examiner reported that the Ogden Raptors changed the name to Los Carnivores de Ogden to help support the Hispanic community of Ogden. The new colors for the team are black, blue, lime green and fuchsia.
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THE SIGNPOST TEAM Editor-in-Chief Tori Waltz waltzvictoria@gmail.com
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Ad Manager KC Sanders kcsanders@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. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
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