Cover Photo By: Kennedy Camarena | The Signpost Archives
CELEBRATING PIONEER DAY IN OGDEN
By TENAYA HYDE Reporter
Every July 24 in Utah, it’s common to see businesses close so that workers can have Pioneer Day off. Ogden’s week-long celebration is unique. In 1934, Ogden Mayor Harman Peery wanted to bring in revenue and make Ogden a tourist hotspot. With beard-growing contests, rodeos, parades, dances and more, the celebrations were historically successful. The holiday celebrates when settlers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints arrived in the Salt Lake Valley from Nauvoo, Illinois. While the highly attended Days of ‘47 celebrations in Salt Lake City, Ogden Pioneer Days’ website states that its events specifically celebrate Ogden’s own unique past.
“In the beginning, there was a five-episode pageant, ‘Like a Fire is Burning,’ held at the Ogden Stadium, which was the first event of the Pioneer Days celebration. The Weber County Daughters of Utah Pioneers sponsored the pageant. The next day, whistles and sirens at factories and in railroad yards sounded while more than a dozen airplanes flew in mass formation to make the formal opening of Ogden’s Pioneer Days,” according to Weber State’s “50 Stories for 50 Years” website.
Now, Ogden has parades, concerts, rodeos, horsemanship competitions and more. For
the past several years, the Miss Rodeo competition has helped pack the stadium with sold-out crowds. One of the athletes drawing the crowds this year is WSU’s own Olivia Favero.
“It is so fun, even in the 100-degree weather on a hot summer night. It’s fun to be there and talk to everybody who’s watching and who’s excited for the rodeo action,” said Favero.
Stakes can be high for participants in these rodeo events, adding to the excitement.
“There’s over $200 million available to win in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association in just five days. So if cowboys can go to one of those rodeos each night and try and compete to earn money, they can win millions of dollars just that week,” Favero said. “Rodeo started out as a competition between cowboys to see who could ride the craziest horse. But now it really has evolved to become an impressive sport, and not only just a sport, but it can also be a career for these participants to make for themselves.”
The full lineup of events is listed on the Ogden Pioneer Days website.
Veterans, you have a dedicated space at WSU Davis!
VETERANS STUDY LOUNGE
CELEBRANDO EL DIA DE LOS PIONEROS EN OGDEN
POR NELLY HERNANDEZ TEJADA Traductor
By TENAYA HYDE Reportero
Cada 24 de julio en Utah es común ver a los negocios cerrar para que los empleados descansen por el Día de los Pioneros. La semana que Ogden celebra este día es única. En 1934, el alcalde de Ogden, Harman Peery, quiso aumentar los ingresos y convertir a Ogden en un destino turístico. Con competiciones de crecimiento de la barba, rodeos, desfiles, bailes y mucho más, las celebraciones fueron un éxito histórico.
La festividad se celebra cuando los colonos de la Iglesia de Jesucristo de los Santos de los Últimos Días llegaron a Salt Lake Valley con origen en Nauvoo (Illinois). Mientras que las celebraciones de los Días del 47 en Salt Lake City reciben tanta participación, la página web de los Días de los Pioneros de Ogden (Ogden Pioneer Days) afirma que sus actos celebran la historia particular de Ogden.
“Al principio, había un espectáculo de cinco capítulos, “Like a Fire is Burning”, organizado en Ogden Stadium, que fue el primer evento de la celebración de los Días de los Pioneros. La organización Weber County Daughters of Utah Pioneers fue la patrocinadora. Al día siguiente, sonaron silbatos y sirenas en las fábricas y en los terrenos de los trenes, mientras más de una docena de aviones volaban en formación para inaugurar formalmente el
Día de los Pioneros de Ogden”, según la página web “50 Stories for 50 Years” (50 historias para 50 años) de Weber State.
Ahora, Ogden tiene desfiles, conciertos, rodeos, concursos ecuestres y más. Durante los últimos años, la competencia de Miss Rodeo ha creado una audiencia en el estadio totalmente vendida. Una de las atletas atrayendo a la gente es Olivia Favero de Weber State.
“Es tan divertido, hasta en el clima de 100-grados en una noche calurosa en verano. Es divertido estar allí y platicar con todos que están mirando y a quien esta emocionado por el rodeo”, dijo Favero.
Las apuestas pueden ser altas para los participantes en los eventos de rodeo, aumentando la emoción.
“Hay más de $200 millones disponibles para ganar en el Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (Asociación Profesional de Vaqueros en Rodeos) en solamente cinco días. Entonces si los vaqueros pueden irse a estos rodeos cada noche y tratar y competir para ganar dinero, pueden ganar millones de dólares en solamente esa semana”, dijo Favero. “El rodeo comenzó como competencia entre los vaqueros para ver quién podía montar al caballo más loco. Pero ahora se ha convertido en un deporte impresionante, y no solamente un deporte, sino también puede ser una carrera para los participantes”.
La lista completa de los eventos está en la página web de Ogden Pioneer Days.
CELEBRATE 2034!
WINTER OLYMPICS TO RETURN TO UTAH
First-time Olympian Tim Goebel of the U.S. practices his routine for the Winter Olympics February 6, 2002, in Salt Lake City, Utah. The reigning U.S. silver medalist was the first man to complete three quadruple jumps in a single program in 1999.
By WIKTORIA KOLODZIEJCZYK Reporter
Utah Olympic Park in Park City will be hosting a “Celebrate 2034!” event on July 24 to announce and celebrate exciting news for Utah regarding the 2034 Winter Olympics. A vote to approve the bid is set to occur at the Olympic body’s session in Paris on July 24.
The July 24 celebration in Park City promises to be an unforgettable day with diverse activities for everyone, food and a free concert. Events scheduled from 4-6 p.m. will feature giveaways and a chance to meet athletes and connect with street vendors. Some of these include Ski Utah, Alf Engen Ski Museum, National Ability Center, Park City Ski & Snowboard, US Ski & Snowboard Team and more.
Food trucks will also be present throughout the day with plenty of options. As the evening progresses, from 6:30-7 p.m., guests will enjoy a spectacular free Flying Ace All-Stars freestyle show. Acoustic pop band Freedog will close out the night from 7-9 p.m. with a live performance.
Utah holds a very significant place in the history of the Winter Olympics. Salt Lake City hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics, showcasing its world-class facilities, welcoming community and passion for winter sports. In
2034, Utah would make an even better host, offering improved infrastructure, reliable winter conditions and a more mature economy to sustain the incoming tourists.
The International Olympic Committee chooses host countries through a meticulous selection process.
According to the official International Olympic Committee website, “The IOC is at the very heart of world sport, supporting every Olympic Movement stakeholder, promoting Olympism worldwide and overseeing the regular celebration.”
Cities interested in hosting the Olympics submit a detailed bid and emphasize their capability of providing necessary venues, accommodation and infrastructure. Then, the IOC evaluates these bids, considering factors like government support, public and athlete safety as well as facilities provided. After conducting a thorough review, IOC members vote to determine the host city, keeping in mind that their main goal is to ensure the Winter Olympics continue to inspire and unite people worldwide through the spirit of sport.
By COLLYN COWLES Editor
If you’re a die-hard college football fan like I am and have longed for a video game that captures the essence of the sport, the release of EA Sports College Football 25 is both exciting and challenging to review. It’s easy to let nostalgia and enthusiasm cloud our judgment, but it’s essential to maintain a critical eye.
After a thorough evaluation, I’ve concluded that while CF 25 isn’t perfect, it’s an impressive return and surpasses expectations after an 11-year hiatus. Here’s a breakdown of the good, the bad and the bottom line on CF 25.
The Good
Visually Stunning
The game excels in visual appeal with realistic player models, uniforms, crowds and even 3-D grass. These elements combine to make CF 25 not just the best-looking football game ever but one of the most visually striking sports games overall. Combined with the revamped stadium pulse feature, the graphics make you feel fully immersed on the field of football’s most intense rivalries.
Superior Gameplay
Beyond its looks, CF 25 offers the best gameplay experience I’ve encountered in a football video game. The speed, diverse playbooks, realistic physics and fluid animations create a polished experience that puts the last few Madden titles to shame. The Wear-andTear system could even be more pronounced without feeling overwhelming. The game feels distinct from Madden, thanks to its unique playbook density and style variations, making it challenging to disappoint fans.
School-Specific Presentation
EA’s commitment to detail is evident in the school-specific presentations. Each team has unique runouts, stadiums, and uniforms, making every game feel personalized. From Clemson’s hill run to Penn State’s white-out crowds, these touches add to the authenticity and immersion.
TeamBuilder Improvements
TeamBuilder is back and better than ever, with new features like changing field colors,
THE SIGNPOST REVIEWS:
EA’S COLLEGE FOOTBALL 25
customizing crowd seating, and creating multiple uniforms. Although there are some restrictions, the overall functionality is strong, providing a robust team-creation suite.
Ultimate Team Mode
Ultimate Team (CUT) mode doesn’t break new ground but effectively caters to fans of the collector mode. It offers a wide variety of players and helps generate revenue, which supports other game modes. Even those who aren’t fans of Ultimate Team can appreciate its impact on the game’s financial stability.
Road to Glory Potential
Road to Glory (RTG) mode offers a multifaceted approach to managing players’ weeks and energy. Although it can be tedious for lower-ranked recruits, the mode provides varied experiences based on player rank, enhancing its replay value.
Deep Dynasty Mode
Dynasty mode remains the game’s crown jewel, offering extensive customization, online dynasties, recruiting, and more. The depth and variety ensure long-term engagement, making it the most immersive mode in CF 25.
The Bad
NIL Restrictions
While the inclusion of real players is a win, NIL restrictions limit customization options. You can’t edit player names in TeamBuilder or export draft classes to Madden 25, which hampers the experience. These limitations stem from legal and rights issues but significantly impact player freedom.
RTG Tweaks Needed
RTG mode needs more engaging content for lower-ranked recruits. Adding simulated games for second and third-string players and incorporating injury risks and chemistry building could enhance the experience.
Generic Commentary
The audio commentary feels generic and lacks depth. Referencing Heisman winners, individual awards or other player-specific tags and hooks would add much-needed variety and relevance.
The Bottom Line
EA Sports College Football 25 is more than just a re-skinned Madden with college uniforms. It’s a deeply engaging game that carves out its identity while honoring the sport and its fans. Despite some restrictions and areas needing improvement, CF 25 is a triumphant return for the franchise. Once EA navigates the NIL complexities, the series will likely reach even greater heights. With the game officially launched on July 19 and generating massive excitement, it’s clear that CF 25 is a labor of love from EA Sports. It captures the spirit of college football and provides a rich, immersive experience that will keep fans engaged for a long time. Whether you’re diving into Dynasty mode, customizing teams in TeamBuilder, or exploring the varied paths in Road to Glory, CF 25 delivers a football gaming experience worth the wait.
The EA Sports logo, at the entrance to EA Tiburon, the Electronic Arts video game development studio in Maitland, during a tour of the facility, Aug. 5, 2010. (Joe Burbank/ Orlando Sentinel)
EURO 2024 FINAL: SPAIN BEATS ENGLAND 2–1
By BRAYSON BROWN Reporter
Spain capped off the perfect tournament by beating England 2–1 in the European Championship Final. Coming into the tournament, Spain was not favored to win. The team was viewed as immature and inexperienced. England and France were both deemed to win the tournament, but Spain had other plans. They won seven out of seven games and scored the most goals in a single Euro with 15.
In the knockout stages, they faced four countries that have won the World Cup. Spain received the tougher side of the bracket but stood their ground. On the road to the final, they eliminated previous champions Italy, host country Germany, Cinderella story Georgia and then 2022 World Cup runner-up France.
French player Adrien Rabiot criticized Spanish youngster Lamine Yamal when he said, “he will have to do more than he has done to beat us.”
Sure enough, Yamal heard and scored a beautiful goal from 25 yards out, giving Rabiot a front-row seat. England had an easier path, taking out Slovenia, Slovakia, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. Being a favorite for the tournament, they would now face a sleeping giant in Spain in the final.
The Spanish controlled the game, the
tempo and most of the attacks. In minute 47, the deadlock was broken when Yamal gave a perfect pass to Nico Williams to score the first goal. England then decided to make substitutions and put in Cole Palmer, who scored in minute 73 to tie the game. Spain had subs of their own, Mikel Oyarzabal scored in minute 87 to crown Spain as champions yet again.
Spain now holds the record for the most Euros won, with four total. From being labeled as not a threat to the other nations, Spain took the tournament by storm. Yamal showed that age is just a number; it doesn’t measure your abilities or the sheer hard work that you possess inside.
Yamal received the trophy for Young Player of the Tournament, becoming the youngest player to ever score in a tournament at the age of 16. Yamal also provided four assists, which ties the record for the most in a single Euro.
For the past 16 years, the Spanish side was known as a team to win by 1,000 passes. They mutated and evolved to a team that is pure in possession and has two young players on the wings, to take defenders on 1v1 and put pressure on the opponent’s defensive line. Defensive holding midfielder Rodri won the Player of the Tournament award for his ability to take hold of a game and never let go. He was the heart and soul of this Spanish squad.
The Euro2024 Germany logo.
LA FINAL DE LA EUROCOPA 2024: ESPAÑA VENCE A INGLATERRA 2–1
POR NATHANAEL STOUT
Traductor
POR BRAYSON BROWN
Reportero
España alcanzó su torneo perfecto al vencer a Inglaterra 2–1 en la final del campeonato Eurocopa. Al principio del torneo, a España no se esperaba que ganara. El equipo era percibido como inmaduro e inexperto. A Inglaterra o Francia se esperaba que ganara el torneo, pero España tenía planes distintos. Ganó siete de los siete partidos y marcó la alta cantidad de goles de una sola Eurocopa con quince. Durante los rondos eliminatorios, enfrentó a cuatro países que habían ganado la copa Mundial. España recibió el lado de la tabla más difícil pero se mantuvo firme. En el cami-
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no a la final, eliminó Italia, el campeón anterior, Alemania, el anfitrión del torneo, Georgia, un favorito inesperado y después Francia, la segunda de la copa Mundial de 2022.
El jugador francés Adrien Rabiot criticó al jugador español joven Lamine Yamal cuando dijo “tendrá que trabajar más que en el pasado para ganar contra nosotros”.
Parece que Yamal lo oyó y marcó un gol hermoso a 25 yardas, dando a Rabiot un asiento en primera fila. Inglaterra tenía un camino más fácil, eliminando a Eslovenia, Eslovaquia, Suiza, y los Países Bajos. Como un favorito para el torneo, ahora enfrentará un gigante dormido en la final, España.
Los españoles controlaron el partido, el ritmo y la mayoría de los ataques. En el minuto 47, se rompió el punto muerto cuando Yamal
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dio el pase perfecto a Nico Williams quien marcó el primer gol. A continuación, Inglaterra decidió hacer sustituciones y metió a Cole Palmer quien, en el minuto 73, marcó un gol y empató el juego. España tenía sustituciones también, y uno de ellos, Mikel Oyarzabal, marcó un gol en el minuto 87, lo que coronó a España como campeón otra vez.
Ahora España tiene el récord del mayor número de torneos Eurocopa ganados, con cuatro en total. Desde siendo percibido como no amenazante, España cautivó el torneo. Yamal demostró que la edad es simplemente un número, no mide las habilidades o la cantidad de trabajo que uno hace.
Yamal recibió el trofeo de Jugador Joven del Torneo, y a la edad de 16, es el jugador más joven que ha marcado un gol en un tor-
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neo. Yamal también proporcionó cuatro asistencias, empatando el récord para la mayor cantidad de una sola Eurocopa. Durante los últimos 16 años, los españoles serán conocidos como un equipo que ganaba por pasar mil veces. Han mutado y evolucionado a un equipo basado en la posesión del balón y tiene dos jugadores jóvenes a las alas que enfrentan a las defensas mano a mano y puestan presión a la línea de defensa. El mediocampista de defensa Rodri ganó el premio de jugador del torneo por su habilidad de agarrarse del partido y nunca soltar. Fue el corazón y alma del equipo español.
MASTER OF SCIENCE
