Cover Photo By: ROBERT STEEDLEY
[PG. 2]
J. HOLIDAY COMES TO OGDEN TO CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH
By GRAYDEN GUTHRIE Contributor
Early 2000s R&B singer J. Holiday came to Ogden to perform at the 35th anniversary of Ogden’s Juneteenth Festival on June 17. J. Holiday, along with other attending local performers, praised the audience for the dedication they have shown for the historical federal holiday.
“Juneteenth is a time where we can celebrate the history of the holiday and the unity that brings us together,” Betty Sawyer, the executive director of Project Success Coalition, said.
Sawyer has been one of the leaders to organize this event since its start in 1989. Sawyer’s focus for this year’s Juneteenth was to have good music, good food and to gain a family.
Attendees Timmy and Vicky Hill have been coming to the Juneteenth Festival for 10 years.
“We’ve seen people who have grown up in Ogden move away … On Juneteenth, they come back, which makes it feel like a family reunion,” Vicky Hill said.
Candace Marshall, an associate pastor from Juniper Tree Church in Clearfield and vendor participant at this event, said “It has grown so much from when I first came here. I’m excited about meeting new people and hearing their experience.”
What started in the late 1800s after the freedom of Black slaves from Texas has grown into the most recently implemented federal holiday as of 2021 and a Utah state holiday as of 2022.
“There has been big growth with different communities in the state celebrating Juneteenth, and we want to make it grow even more,” Sawyer said.
TOP: The Ogden Utah Amphitheater where the Juneteenth Festival took place 2023.
LEFT: People dancing outside of Shepard Union for the Juneteenth celebration.
By TENAYA HYDE Reporter
The serene sound of music takes you to a peaceful place. The gentle movement of dance fills you with joy, moving around the space. You are free and feeling great. This is the experience of the Kirtan/Yoga Dance class. The most recent class was at 2:30 p.m. on June 12 at the Wildcat Center studio, room 202. Keep an eye out for the next one.
Kaylie Driver, a Weber State University GroupX instructor, said, “The class is freeing and not a specific structure where you have to
INTRODUCING WSU’S KIRTAN/YOGA DANCE
be here and do this. Just be in the flow and listen to the call of your body. The class is low-key, and so come as yourself. We are all human. We are here to hold space for one another.”
Kirtan/Yoga Dance utilizes a mixture of chanting mantras, small yoga movements, slow breathing techniques and freeform dancing, providing relaxation and invigorating its participants. The instructor also covers the meanings behind the chants, so beginners and advanced students alike will feel at ease.
“The Kirtan/Yoga Dance exceeded my expectations,” Markata Havlova, a participant of
the Kirtan Dance experience, said. “People just have to feel it. They have to try it.”
The underlying statement of most of the chants is peace and love within the self. These are universal concepts and are aligned and accessible to any person or type of belief. Kirtan/ Yoga Dance is for everyone.
“I got my first certification in 2018, and then this past year did another recertification including Kirtan/Yoga Dance too. Ever since then I’ve been incorporating it into my teaching a lot more. It’s always been engraved into my soul but I got the tools this past year to bring
that experience to others as well,” Driver said. Driver hopes to give students the ability to be themselves and to be open. She emphasizes the importance of being vulnerable and expressing oneself as they choose. The class includes time to sing and dance, free of judgment. Driver also teaches a power yoga flow class on Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays where she incorporates what students need after listening to their energy.
AFFORDABLE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN
NORTHERN UTAH
By WIKTORIA KOLODZIEJCZYK Reporter
Reginald Holmes, an American professional basketball player once said, “The earth has its music for those who will listen.” Sometimes all we need to do is stop for a moment, take a deep breath and appreciate the beauty around us.
Northern Utah offers a lot of ways of enjoying the breathtaking outdoors without breaking the bank. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or just looking for some new adventure, here are some ideas on how to make the most of your time in this beautiful region.
Hiking is a versatile activity for all skill levels. Not only does it encourage physical activity but it also helps achieve that special kind of mental relief that comes with being out in the mountains. The best part is that it is extremely flexible as you can choose what hike you are ready for and you do not need expensive gear, just good and comfortable shoes.
Halle Packer, Weber State University outdoor program marketing specialist and communications student, said “Adam’s Canyon in Layton is one of my favorite trails. The views are spectacularly pretty and the water is cold which helps you feel nice and refreshed with the hot temperatures.”
Other popular hiking spots in the area include Bonneville Shoreline Trail, which stretches along the eastern edge of the Salt Lake Valley, and Ogden Canyon Waterfall which is around the corner from campus.
Paddle-boarding and kayaking are also an accessible option if you want to find new ways to connect with nature this summer.
“Paddle-boarding is a fun and inexpensive way to have fun outdoors. It is also relaxing as you can admire the spectacular views and enjoy the calming properties of water,” Packer said.
The standout feature of those two activities is that they require minimal investment in gear, offer low-cost access to natural waterways, are easy to learn and can be enjoyed by
people of all ages and fitness levels. Some great places to paddleboard in northern Utah include Causey Reservoir and Willard Bay State Park.
Take advantage of on-campus resources with the WSU Outdoor Program. Sometimes not knowing where to find appropriate gear or not having a good company of friends to go on a trip with can be discouraging.
“You don’t need to invest in your own equipment to get started with your outdoor adventures. You can easily rent gear from the Outdoor Program’s Rental Center at affordable rates which makes it accessible for ev-
eryone to experience fantastic Utah outdoor activities,” Packer said.
The Outdoor Program has a lot of organized trips and small free events planned for the summer. These include waterfall hiking trips, mountain bike rides and introductory sessions, such as stand-up paddle board experience and even a Moab whitewater rafting trip. This is a valuable resource for students and individuals taking their first steps toward exploring the majestic outdoors.
Adventure awaits. Let’s take a moment to cherish beauty and explore something different before summer ends.
TOP: People enjoying a sunny day on the water while boating.
LEFT: A man jumping a wave while waterskiing.
ACTIVIDADES ECONÓMICAS AL AIRE LIBRE
POR NATHANAEL STOUT
Traductor
POR
WIKTORIA KOLODZIEJCZYK Reportero
Reginald Holmes, jugador profesional americano de baloncesto una vez dijo: “La tierra tiene su música para los que escucharán”. Algunas veces lo único que es necesario es parar un momento, respirar profundamente y apreciar la belleza alrededor de nosotros. El norte de Utah ofrece muchas maneras de disfrutar el aire libre impresionante sin costar un ojo de la cara. Si uno es un entusiasta del ambiente natural o simplemente busca una aventura nueva, a continuación hay algunas ideas para aprovechar el tiempo en esta hermosa región.
El senderismo es una actividad versátil para cualquier nivel de habilidad. No solamente fomenta la actividad física, sino que también nos ayuda a lograr el tipo de alivio mental especial que viene cuando uno está en las montañas. Lo mejor es que es una actividad muy flexible porque se puede elegir la dificultad y las herramientas caras no son necesarias, solo hay que tener zapatos buenos y cómodos.
Halle Packer, especialista de marketing del programa del ambiente natural de la universidad de Weber State y estudiante de comunicación, dijo que “el cañón de Adam en Layton es uno de mis caminos favoritos. Las vistas son espectacularmente lindas y el agua es fría, lo que le ayuda a sentirse bueno y renovado con las temperaturas altas”.
Otros lugares populares del senderismo en el área incluyen el camino Bonneville Shoreline, el cual corre por el borde al este del valle Salt Lake, y la catarata del cañón Ogden que está cerca del campus.
Montar un paddleboard o kayak también es una opción accesible si uno quiere probar una nueva manera de conectar con la naturaleza durante este verano.
“Usar un paddleboard es una manera divertida y económica de disfrutarse al aire libre. También es relajante porque uno puede admirar las vistas espectaculares y disfrutar las propiedades del agua”, dijo Packer.
El atributo destacado de ambos actividades es que requieren una inversión pequeña de equipo, ofrecen acceso a lugares con agua naturales a un bajo costo, son fáciles de aprender y personas de cada edad y nivel de aptitud física pueden disfrutarlas. Algunos lugares buenos para usar un paddleboard incluyen el
embalse Causey y el parque estatal de la bahía Willard.
Que todos aprovechen de recursos en campus con el programa del ambiente natural de WSU. Algunas veces es desalentador el no saber dónde encontrar equipo adecuado o la falta de amigos con quien se puede hacer un viaje.
“No hay que comprar el equipo propio para empezar una aventura al aire libre. Es fácil alquilar el equipo del centro de alquiler del programa del ambiente natural a precios económicos, lo que hace accesible a todos la oportunidad de experimentar actividades
fantásticas al aire libre en Utah”, dijo Packer. El programa tiene varios viajes organizados y pequeños eventos gratis planeados durante el verano. Incluyen senderismo a cataratas, ciclismo de montaña y sesiones introductorias, usar un paddleboard a pie, y hasta un viaje de rafting de aguas bravas en Moab. Es un recurso valioso para estudiantes e individuos que tomen sus primeros pasos con explorar el aire libre majestuoso.
La aventura le espera. Que tomemos el tiempo de apreciar la belleza y explorar algo diferente antes de que termine el verano.
LEFT: A pair of hikers hiking down a trail in the woods. RIGHT: A group of people rowing canoes down a river
COPA AMÉRICA AND THE EUROS: A GLOBAL FOOTBALL PHENOMENON
By COLLYN COWLES Editor
As two of the most prestigious football tournaments, the Copa América and the UEFA European Championship (Euros) offer fans a blend of intense competition, historical rivalries and the emergence of new footballing stars. Both tournaments, while geographically and culturally distinct, capture the global spirit of the sport. Here, we explore the current dynamics of these tournaments and the narratives shaping their latest editions.
Euro 2024: France’s continued dominance and qualification drama
France, under the astute leadership of Didier Deschamps, is on the cusp of continuing its remarkable qualification streak as it faces the Netherlands at Euro 2024. Deschamps, who took over after the 2010 World Cup debacle, has transformed the French team into a consistent force in international football. His tenure has seen France never eliminated in the group stage of either the World Cup or the Euros, a streak they look poised to extend.
A hard-fought victory over Austria marked a strong start for Les Bleus, despite injury concerns for star player Kylian Mbappé. His status for the Netherlands game remains uncertain, potentially affecting France’s performance. A win in Leipzig would secure their advancement, with a chance to clinch the top spot in Group D depending on other results.
The group stages of Euro 2024 have been a rollercoaster of emotions and strategic plays. The tournament’s structure sees the top two teams from each group, along with the four best third-placed teams, advance to the knockout stages. This format ensures that even the final group matches are laden with significance, keeping fans and teams on edge.
Group A: Germany, having already qualified, aims to top the group with a result against Switzerland. Meanwhile, Scotland’s hopes hang on a must-win match against Hungary. The complexity of the third-place qualification adds another layer of drama, particularly for teams like Hungary and Scotland, who are fighting for survival.
Group B: Spain’s young prodigy, 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, has captured headlines with
his bold declaration to quit school if Spain reaches the Euro 2024 final. Spain has already secured their top spot, while Italy’s fate hinges on their performance against Croatia. The group remains fiercely competitive, with Albania and Croatia also battling for qualification, potentially as one of the best thirdplaced teams.
Groups C and D: England and Denmark are set to face decisive matches that will determine their group standings. The outcomes in these groups will be critical, especially for teams like Slovenia and Serbia, who need victories to advance. France and the Netherlands, both powerhouses in Group D, are also in a high-stakes clash to secure their positions.
Group F: Featuring Turkey, Portugal, Czechia and Georgia, this group promises tight contests. Turkey and Portugal’s upcoming match will likely decide the group winner, while Czechia and Georgia fight to stay in contention.
Copa América 2024: Argentina’s Defense and Messi’s Last Dance?
The Copa América, hosted for the second time in the United States, kicked off with a blend of excitement and cultural celebration. Defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, began their campaign with a victory over debutants Canada. The match was a showcase of skill and resilience, with Argentina’s Julián Álvarez scoring the first goal of the tournament.
This edition of Copa América carries significant weight for Messi, who turns 37 during the tournament. His future in international football remains uncertain, adding a layer of poignancy to Argentina’s matches. The Albiceleste are favorites, but the competition is fierce, with teams like Uruguay, Colombia, and Brazil posing substantial challenges.
Uruguay, under Marcelo Bielsa, exemplifies the Garra Charrúa, a tenacious spirit that has seen them rejuvenated and competitive.
Colombia, missing the 2022 World Cup, has returned stronger, blending experienced players with youthful talent under Néstor Lorenzo’s disciplined coaching.
Both tournaments have seen the emergence of young talents and the enduring excellence of established stars. In the Euros, Lamine Yamal’s promise and the resilience of seasoned players like Xherdan Shaqiri of Switzerland have been highlighted. Shaqiri’s performance against Scotland showcased his enduring class and capability to influence big matches.
In Copa América, Argentina’s Messi continues to be the focal point, but the likes of Julián Álvarez and other young players are stepping up, ensuring the team’s success isn’t solely dependent on their iconic captain. Brazil’s search for form and Colombia’s resurgence are also key narratives.
Uruguay midfielder Maximiliano Araujo (20) tries to pass the ball as Panama midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla (8) defends in the first half of a CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 group C soccer match at Hard Rock Stadium on June 23 in Miami Gardens, Florida.
POR
COPA AMÉRICA Y LOS EUROS: UN FENÓMENO MUNDIAL DEL FÚTBOL
NELLY HERNANDEZ Traductor
POR COLLYN COWLES Editor
Siendo los dos torneos de fútbol más prestigiosos, la Copa América y el Campeonato Europeo de la UEFA (Eurocopa) ofrecen a los seguidores una combinación de competencia intensa, rivalidad histórica y la revelación de nuevas estrellas del fútbol. Ambos torneos, aunque distintos desde un punto de vista geográfico y cultural, captan el espíritu global del deporte. Aquí exploramos las dinámicas de estos torneos y las narrativas que han dado forma a sus últimas ediciones.
Euro 2024: la dominancia continuado de Francia y drama de calificación
Francia, bajo la dirección de Didier Deschamps, está a punto de continuar su extraordinaria trayectoria en la competición de clasificación para la Eurocopa 2024, cuando se enfrente a los Países Bajos. Deschamps, quien ocupó y dirigió el puesto después del desastre de la Copa Mundial de 2010, ha transformado al equipo francés en una fuerza constante dentro del fútbol internacional. Durante su carrera, Francia nunca ha sido eliminada en la fase de grupos del Mundial o de la Eurocopa, una racha que están dispuestos a mantener.
Una victoria luchada contra Austria marcó un buen comienzo para Les Bleus, a pesar de la preocupación por la recuperación del jugador estrella Kylian Mbappé. Su estado para el partido contra los Países Bajos sigue siendo incierto, y podría afectar a los resultados de Francia. Una victoria en Leipzig aseguraría su avance, con la posibilidad de alcanzar el primer puesto en el Grupo D dependiendo de otros resultados.
Los grupos de la Eurocopa 2024 han sido una lluvia de emociones y estrategias. La estructura del torneo hace que los dos primeros equipos de cada grupo, junto con los cuatro mejores terceros, lleguen a las eliminatorias. Este sistema garantiza que incluso los últimos partidos sean importantes, lo que mantiene a los seguidores y a los equipos en vilo.
Grupo A: Alemania, ya calificada, aspira a ser primera de grupo con un resultado contra Suiza. Mientras, Escocia depende de una victoria obligatoria contra Hungría. Lo complejo de
la calificación de terceros agrega otro nivel de drama, especialmente para equipos como Hungría y Escocia, que luchan por sobrevivir.
Grupo B: El joven prodigio de España, Lamine Yamal, de 16 años, ha captado la atención de la prensa con su valiente declaración de abandonar los estudios si España llega a la final de Eurocopa 2024. España ya ha asegurado su primer puesto, mientras que Italia depende de sus resultados contra Croacia. El grupo continúa siendo muy competitivo, con Albania y Croacia luchando por la calificación, que podría alcanzar uno de los mejores terceros.
Grupos C y D: Inglaterra y Dinamarca se enfrentarán en partidos cruciales que determinarán la posición de sus grupos. Los resultados en estos grupos serán determinantes, especialmente para equipos como Eslovenia y Serbia, que necesitan la victoria para avanzar. Francia y Holanda, ambos potentes del Grupo D, también se enfrentan por asegurar sus posiciones.
Grupo F: Con Turquía, Portugal, Chequia y Georgia, el grupo se presenta difícil. El próximo partido de Turquía y Portugal definirá probablemente el campeón del grupo, mientras que Chequia y Georgia lucharán por mantenerse en la competición.
Copa América 2024: Defensa de Argentina y la última ronda de Messy?
La Copa América, organizada por segunda vez en los Estados Unidos, comenzó con una combinación de emoción y celebración cultural. La defensora del título, Argentina, dirigida por Lionel Messi, comenzó su trayectoria con una victoria sobre los debutantes Canadá. El partido fue una demostración de habilidad y resistencia, y el argentino Julián Álvarez consiguió el primer gol del torneo.
Esta edición de la Copa América tiene un significado especial para Messi, que cumple 37 años durante el torneo. Su futuro en el fútbol internacional todavía no es seguro, por lo cual los partidos de Argentina serán especialmente emocionantes. La albiceleste es favorita, pero la competencia es intensa, con equipos como Uruguay, Colombia y Brasil, que presentan dificultades considerables. Uruguay, dirigido por Marcelo Bielsa, ejemplifica la Garra Charrúa, un espíritu tenaz que lo ha visto rejuvenecido y combativo. Colombia, que faltó al Mundial 2022, ha vuelto más fortalecido, combinando jugadores experimentados con jóvenes talentos bajo la disciplinada dirección de Néstor Lorenzo.
Ambos torneos han sido testigos de la apa-
rición de jóvenes talentos y de la excelencia continuada de las estrellas establecidas. En la Eurocopa, han brillado las promesas de Lamine Yamal y la resistencia de jugadores veteranos como el suizo Xherdan Shaqiri. La prestación de Shaqiri contra Escocia demostró su constante talento y su capacidad de influir en partidos importantes.
En la Copa América, el argentino Messi continúa en el centro de atención, pero jugadores como Julián Álvarez y otros jugadores jóvenes están subiendo de nivel, asegurando que el éxito del equipo no dependa únicamente de su icónico capitán. La búsqueda de la forma por parte de Brasil y el regreso de Colombia también serán factores determinantes.
Uruguay forward Facundo Pellistri (11) and Panama defender Roderick Miller (25) compete for the ball in the first half of a CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 group C soccer match at Hard Rock Stadium on June 23 in Miami Gardens, Florida.
CELTICS CELEBRATE 18TH NBA CHAMPIONSHIP
By COLLYN COWLES Editor
Confetti rained down on more than 1 million Boston Celtics fans Friday as the team rolled through the city on duck boats with the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy to celebrate their 18th NBA championship win.
The morning of celebrations started with huge crowds gathering downtown outside the TD Garden arena. Traffic and barricades forced team owner Wyc Grousbeck to walk the final half-mile, giving fans an early look at the trophy.
Once Grousbeck and other members of the organization made it into the arena, they kicked off the celebration with a rally that included players and their family members, Celtics staff, arena employees, season ticket holders and special guests, including Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu.
“It’s unbelievable,” All-Star Jayson Tatum said during the pre-parade rally at the Garden. “It still doesn’t seem true.”
Next, the team and trophies were loaded onto duck boats for the 90-minute parade, the city’s 13th championship parade this century and the Celtics’ second. The parade began around 11:15 a.m. in front of TD Garden on Causeway Street and passed City Hall Plaza and the Boston Common before ending on Boylston Street near the Hynes
Convention Center.
Wu’s office estimated “well over” 1 million people were in attendance. The Celtics entered the season vowing to turn recent playoff heartbreaks into happiness, and eight months later, they hoisted the franchise’s 18th trophy with a massive parade to mark Boston’s 13th championship this century in the four major U.S. sports leagues.
The Celtics, Patriots, Red Sox and Bruins have all commemorated championships with duck boat parades, an iconic Boston tradition. This latest celebration followed the Celtics’ decisive Game 5 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals, clinching their 18th title and breaking their tie with the Lakers for the most NBA league titles. Game 5: Dominance from Start to Finish
The Celtics closed the first quarter of Monday’s NBA Finals Game 5 on a 9–0 run and never looked back, leading to a dominant 106–88 win for Boston. The win secured a 4–1 victory in the NBA Finals and the franchise’s first title since 2008.
Boston set the tone from the opening tip, taking the floor in their classic green uniforms, and putting on a performance worthy of their storied history. They built an early lead with a standout 31-point, 11-assist and eight-rebound performance by Jayson Tatum, who led the Celtics in points, rebounds and assists throughout the playoffs.
MASTER OF SCIENCE
Payton Pritchard ensured the Celtics had all the momentum heading into halftime. The Boston guard, who hadn’t played the entire half, swished a 49-foot 3-pointer at the buzzer, extending the Celtics’ lead to 67–46. It was Pritchard’s third buzzer-beating 3-pointer in the 2024 playoffs and the longest-made shot in the Finals in the past 25 years.
Dallas never recovered. Boston extended its lead to as much as 26 points in the third quarter and never let Dallas back into striking distance. The fourth quarter was all Boston, with the Celtics’ defense and 3-point shooting proving too much for the Mavericks. Luka Dončić led Dallas with 28 points, but his efforts were not enough to overcome the Celtics’ balanced attack and stifling defense.
Fans hung from light posts, flashed homemade signs and stood on subway entrances, saluting the franchise that now stands alone atop the NBA with 18 championships.
Inside the Garden, the rally included emotional moments and speeches from players and team officials. The team had celebrated in the locker room Monday night by spraying champagne and posing for pictures with the trophy. They then flew to Miami for a private party before returning to Boston for the parade.
The Celtics are in a strong position to de-
fend their title, with all five starters under contract for next season. As fans celebrated their 18th championship, the message was clear: Keep the duck boats gassed up; the Celtics are ready for more.
Computer Science
Computer Engineering
Data Science
Electrical Engineering
Systems Engineering (Online)
Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) scores past Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (21) during the first half in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Monday, June 17, 2024, in Boston. Tribune
THE SIGNPOST TEAM
Editor-in-Chief
Brisa Odenthal brisaodenthal@mail.weber.edu
Managing Editor Emilie Hart emiliehart@mail.weber.edu
Design & Graphics Editor Star Neil starneil@mail.weber.edu
Asst. Design & Graphics Editor
Alyssa Nelson alyssanelson2@mail.weber.edu
Photo Editor Anna Kuglar briannakuglar@mail.weber.edu
Chief Copy Editor
Justin Steed justinsteed@mail.weber.edu
Asst. Copy Chief Mindy Brown mindybrown1@mail.weber.edu
News Editor Gracie Stephenson graciestephenson@mail.weber.edu
Sports Editor Collyn Cowles collyncowles@mail.weber.edu
Culture Editor Megan Swann meganswann@mail.weber.edu
Asst. Culture Editor Cooper Hatsis cooperhatsis@mail.weber.edu
Translation Editor Nathanael Stout nathanaelstout@mail.weber.edu
Translation Editor Nelly Hernandez Tejada nhernandeztejada@mail.weber.edu
Adviser Deann Carver deanncarver@weber.edu
Business Manager Rob Steedley robertsteedley@weber.edu
LEFT: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics lifts the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy after Boston’s 10688 win against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. RIGHT: Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) turns the ball over against Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (4) during the first half in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Monday, June 17, 2024, in Boston.
