The Signpost: Fireworks Fly in Weber's Night Sky 07/19/2022

Tuesday | July 19, 2022 | Volume 95 | Issue 27

CULTURE » PAGE 2

SPORTS » PAGE 4

PEEKING INTO THE PAST OF THE PIONEERS

SIZING UP THE BIG SKY KENNEDY ROBINS| The Signpost

ROBERT CASEY| The Signpost

KENNEDY ROBINS | The Signpost

2 | TheSignpostWSU.com | July 19, 2022

By WINDSOR MOORE Reporter

Every year on July 24, Utah observes the holiday of Pioneer Day, which pays homage to the pioneers who emigrated to the Salt Lake Valley in 1847.

Today, the holiday is celebrated with rodeos, fireworks, parades and more. This year’s Ogden Pioneer Day Parade will take place on July 25 on Washington Boulevard from 30th to 20th street starting at 9 a.m. Later in the evening at 7:30, the annual Pioneer Day Rodeo will be held at the Ogden Pioneer Stadium.

For more information about the Ogden celebrations, visit https://www.ogdenpioneerdays. com/events-activities/scheduleof-events/.

Salt Lake City also has events relating to Pioneer Day throughout the week. The Days of ‘47 Parade will be held on July 23 at 9 a.m. in downtown Salt Lake City.

The Days of ‘47 Rodeo will take place July 20-23 and 25 at the Utah State Fair Park.

For more information about Salt Lake City Pioneer Day activities, visit https://www.daysof47. com/.

It’s debated whether or not Pioneer Day has a positive or negative effect on Utahns. Does the holiday positively represent settlers or negatively impact those

affected by stolen land?

In the year 1847, pioneers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints finished their trek across the Midwest into Salt Lake, making them the first white settlers in the valley. Pioneers were directed by their church president Brigham Young to make the journey from Illinois to Utah.

Church members were cast out and discouraged from all other settling points; president Brigham Young felt it was best for his followers to change their location of settlement to the region of Utah. Young proposed this was “the place,” the place to end religious persecution.

At their time of arrival in 1847, the state of Utah belonged to Mexico. In 1848, the United States won the Mexican War,

which granted what is now considered the American West to the U.S. Prior to the pioneers’ arrival, multiple Native American groups like the Soshone, Ute and the Southern Paiute inhabited what is now considered southern Utah.

As the pioneers began to arrive in Utah, they started claiming land and farming, which had major impacts on both settlers and Native Americans.

Tensions over land ownership led to many disagreements and troubles for both the Native Americans and settlers.

In 1849, a Native American man named Old Bishop was killed by three white men when he refused to give one of them the shirt he was wearing.

“To forget the past does a

A few signs stand in the entrance of the Eccles house.

great disservice to the present.

The nuances of LDS-Native American relations are not dead in the past,” Elise Scott, opinion writer for the Daily Utah Chronicle, said. “They set the stage for the relationships of today, and there is a clear indication that aspects of the unsavory past continue to rot in the cellars inside of us.”

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Reporter

By HUNTER LINDSEY Reporter

Police have 28-year-old Christian Taele in custody on suspicion of multiple homicides.

The events in question happened in Ogden and Spanish Fork. Charges have been filed in the Ogden case, where Taele is currently being held. Charges have not been filed in Spanish Fork as of this writing.

In a probable cause statement filed by the Ogden Police, Taele said he was guided by a “higher power” to “purge the city.” The charging documents reveal that Taele had no prior connections to the victims before the attacks.

Police responded to a 911 call reporting a male “had beaten and hung another male,” according to arresting documents. Police found a 23-year-old male hanging from gym equipment at an apartment complex on Adams Avenue. The identity of the victim has not been made public.

On July 8, the Spanish Fork Police Department announced that a body had been found near a dumpster, in a press release.

“The cause of death is currently unknown, however, circumstances are suspicious and is being investigated as a homicide,” it reads.

In a July 11 press release, the Spanish Fork Police Department confirmed the suspicious death as being a homicide.

“Ogden Police contacted Spanish Fork Police Detectives and advised that, during an interview with Christian Taele, he mentioned being involved in the death of a man in

Spanish Fork a day earlier.”

The press release also identifies the victim as 49-year-old Ryan Hooley, who was homeless at the time of the attack. The cause of death has not yet been released to the public.

In a letter sent to a Utah 2nd District Court, Taele’s sister, Chelsea, doesn’t plead her brother’s innocence.

“We don’t understand how Christian ended up here,” she said. “Based on things we’ve been reading in the initial reports, what he has done and the things he has said don’t sound like the brother I grew up with.”

She doesn’t want sympathy for her brother; instead, she wants him to get the mental health care he needs.

“This has caused me to take a deep dive into mental health, and I’m very concerned about Christian’s,” she said.

Regardless of the coming charges and sen-

tences, Taele hopes her brother will receive care for “whatever caused him to change so quickly and dramatically.”

Christian Taele has had violent encounters in the past. According to the Utah County Sheriff’s corrections division archives, Taele has been arrested for assault on a peace officer or military service member in uniform, disarming a police officer’s energy device, and resisting arrest.

Before the attacks, Taele worked as a marketing representative for Vivint in Provo, according to his LinkedIn profile.

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By SKY MUNDELL

4 | TheSignpostWSU.com | July 19, 2022

By SIMON MORTENSEN Asst. Section Editor

With many of the key players in the Big Sky graduating over spring, this season starts a new era. The fall season is just around the corner, and major questions will be answered. For example, will Sacramento State’s dominant reign remain? How will Eastern Washington play without Eric Barriere? To answer these questions, it’s time to look at the strengths and weaknesses of each team in the Big Sky conference.

Sacramento State University Strengths: If momentum plays into how well a team does in the following season, then the Hornets are in good shape. With an undefeated in-conference record last year, it seemed impossible to stop Sacramento State as they dominated against UC Davis for their second Big Sky title of the last two years.

They also led the conference in All-Conference player selections last season with many returning.

Weaknesses: Although the Hornets have some incredible returners, they will be losing major parts of their stacked offensive line, including Kooper Richardson and Thomas Parker. This leaves less protection for their Jake Dunniway/Asher O’Hara quarterback rotation.

Montana State University Strengths: The Bobcats were only one game behind undefeated Sacramento State in the regular season. Breakout quarterback Tommy Mellott will be coming back after his injury against the University of California, Davis, and running back Isaiah Ifanse will return with him to facilitate the offense. Despite suffering major losses after graduation, Montana State is projected to finish high in

the conference this year under the direction of their second-year coach Brent Vigen.

Weaknesses: Montana State is losing major parts of their defense this season, specifically in defensive end Daniel Hardy and Middle Linebacker Troy Andersen. Although Tommy Mellott is coming back, it’s unpredictable to determine how well he’ll perform after his injury.

Eastern Washington University Strengths: Eastern Washington had one of the best run offenses in the Big Sky last season. Despite losing the cornerstone of that offense, the Eagles will still be getting back wide receivers Efton Chism III, Freddie Roberson and Johnny Edwards IV. Standout offensive linebacker Wyatt Musser will be back next season as well to protect new quarterback Gunner Talkington.

Weaknesses: It’s hard to not panic when thinking of Eastern Washington next season. Eric Barriere has been undoubtedly the best quarterback in the Big Sky for the last two years. Although they have great receivers coming back, they’ll still be losing Talolo Limu-Jones. Although their defense wasn’t a major talking point last season, middle linebacker Jack Sendelbach and defensive back Calin Criner will be missed next season. It’s possible to say this is the most unpredictable team in the Big Sky next season.

University of Montana Strengths: Many are already crowning the Grizzlies as next season’s Big Sky conference champions, and it’s not hard to see why.

Montana acquired a new asset in San Diego State transfer Lucas Johnson. However, it’s their defense that makes this team scary.

Defense back Justin Ford, who made his grand entrance to the Big Sky last year, will be returning with outside linebacker Patrick O’Connell, safety Robby Hauck and defensive tackle Alex Gubner.

Weaknesses: What makes betting on Montana hard isn’t their lineup. It’s their last ten seasons in the Big Sky. Montana hasn’t won a Big Sky title since 2009 when their head coach Bobby Huack was there the first time. After a good run with a heartbreaking ending in the Football Championship Subdivision tournament, its win or bust for Montana this season.

University of California, Davis Strengths: For his last season at UC Davis, running back Ulonzo Gilliam comes back to the Aggies poised to prove he’s still one of the best running backs in the Big Sky. This team is loaded with offensive talent to make the run game easier, including offensive linebackers Jake Parks, Connor Pettek and tight end McCallan Castles.

Weaknesses: Like last year, this team has a quarterback problem. Last year’s leading passer Hunter Rodrigues, who threw more interceptions than touchdowns last season, won’t be returning. Miles Hastings will likely be taking his place. This team doesn’t have to have an elite passing offense to win games, but they need a more accurate system that gives up less turnovers.

Weber State University Strengths: After what could be considered an off-year for the Wildcats last season, head coach Jay Hill is looking to get Weber State back into title contention with new offensive coordinator Mickey Mental at his side. Star offensive lineman Noah Atagi will return to the lineup along with star cornerback Eddie Heckard. Mental, notorious for a powerful run game at Notre Dame College, may be exactly what running backs Josh Davis and Dontae McMillan need this season.

Weaknesses: Losing players like Jared Schiess and Rashid Shaheed will make things difficult for Weber State. Quarterbacks Bronson Barron and Kylan Weisser will still

have tight end Hayden Meacham and wide receiver Ty MacPherson to throw the ball to this season. However, the Wildcat’s will need more than the 2,384 yards they threw last season to contend for the Big Sky title this year.

University of Northern Arizona Strengths: The Lumberjacks are a team ready for the future. With quarterback RJ Martinez, last year’s freshman of the year, and running back Kevin Daniels at the helm, this is an offense with weapons. Look to players like wide receiver Coleman Owens to make a name for themselves this season.

Weaknesses: Northern Arizona could benefit from adding more receivers to the mix, but their offense still looks pretty great. However, as good as Northern Arizona’s offense looks, their defense needs work. The Lumberjacks had a hard time defending the pass last season, giving up more passing yards than any team in the Big Sky. If Northern Arizona’s defense can’t complement their offense, we’ll see the Lumberjacks stuck at .500 overall once again.

Portland State University Strengths: Portland State has what it takes to make a good defense this season. Safety Anthony Adams will return this season alongside defensive end VJ Malo. The team also has a decent receiving core that consists of Nate Bennett and Beau Kelly. Although the team needs to fill some holes, they have a veteran core that can take this team further than their previous 4–4 if they get a good enough push.

Weaknesses: While Portland State has some All-Big Sky talent returning, they’re losing veteran quarterback Davis Alexander, who finished only behind Eric Barriere in yards and touchdowns. Portland State’s quarterbacks are still unproven. While they have a fairly solid lineup, this is a team that’s

WSU Athletics

TheSignpostWSU.com | July 19, 2022 | 5

Weber State preparing to play against Northern Colorado on Nov. 21, 2021.

in need of a rebuild, and one we’ll probably hear more about after this season.

University of Idaho Strengths: Led by running backs Zach Borisch, Roshaun Johnson and Logan Kendall, the Vandals had the fifth best rushing offense in the Big Sky last season. Developing an offensive line led by Logan Floyd, this team might be able to cause problems next season if they’re able to develop a passing game.

Weaknesses: Idaho’s passing game last year struggled. One of the only teams in the Big Sky to not have a quarterback finish top 12 in passing, the team threw more interceptions than touchdowns last season. It doesn’t help that they couldn’t defend the pass last year either, allowing 2,821 yards. With many of their best defensive players leaving

this season, including Tyrese Dedmon and Charles Akanno, the Vandals need to fill a lot of holes this season.

University of Northern Colorado Strengths: Despite finishing near the bottom of the conference last season, Northern Colorado didn’t have a bad offense. They were one of the best in defending the pass, only allowing 2,302 yards. Their star offset linebacker David Hoage will return this season.

Weaknesses: The Bears didn’t have a lot last season, and they’ve lost almost all of what they had this season. Middle linebacker Jace Bobo, defensive end Joe Golden and defensive back Jerone Jackson won’t be returning. Along with that, Northern Colorado was the worst passing team in the conference last season, finishing last in yards. They didn’t

fare much better on the ground either with only 1,184 yards. The lowest scoring team in the Big Sky, this team needs to develop an offense.

California Polytechnic State University Strengths: Cal Poly may not have had much going for them last season, but they do have some of their best players returning.

Tight end Ryan Rivera will return this season as well as defensive end Elijah Ponder.

Weaknesses: This team had all the ingredients of a team last year who would finish 1–7.

They couldn’t run the ball and were hopeless in defending the run on the other end. Their passing defense was decent, but didn’t have an offense that could score the ball on the other end. This is a team in desperate need of more offensive production.

Idaho State University Strengths: This team has one of their all Big Sky players returning next season in offensive lineman Terren Carey. A team with a slightly better passing offense than the two other teams that finished in the bottom with them, it’s possible we’ll see this team improve this year.

Weaknesses: Out of their five players who received even Big Sky honorable mentions, only one is returning. This was a young team last season and is still a young team. Though there’s a chance they’ll finish with more than one win under their belt, it’s hard to determine what success this team can have.

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6 | TheSignpostWSU.com | July 19, 2022

By COBY CRISLER Reporter

were still given applause for their time.

Kowalewski spoke on how, in past years, the event had to forgo the fireworks display due to extreme weather conditions such as high winds or other severe weather.

“Those are the two factors that in the past have occasionally caused the concert to go without fireworks,” Kowalewski said.

Even without the Orchestra, music was still played across speakers. Opening with the National anthem and rolling into various classical pieces. It was unknown whether the rain was going to fade or grow and end the other half of the event. But as the “1812” overture reached its peak, cannons booming along in time, the rain had dissipated. Applause fell through the crowd and another loud boom

echoed across the sky.

The fireworks had begun, and all in attendance looked to the sky. Those under trees scurried to the tops of hills and open streets see the colors in the night above. Despite the rocky start to the event and the cancellation of the live music, the firework display had taken flight. Then, as the show gave its grand finale, one last round of applause went through the crowd.

The night was not completely done in by weather, and the crowd of thousands were able to once again celebrate the summer with music and fireworks.

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KENNEDY ROBINS | The Signpost

Family and friends gathered on Weber State University’s campus as dark clouds swirled above. The 43rd Lindquist Pops Concert was held at Weber State on July 17. The event was meant to consist of a performance

by The New American Philharmonic Orchestra and culminate in a grand firework show to end the night.

The Lindquist Pops Concert was first held in 1978 by the Lindquist family and is still carried out by them today. One of the staples of the show is the performance of the piece “1812 Overture” by Tchaikovsky, involving the use of live cannons.

An interview with John Kowalewski, the executive director of marketing at Weber State University, explains how the event is one the public often looks forward to each year. “…thousands of people from the surrounding area come to campus to take part in the festivities,” Kowalewski said.

But as the event was set to begin, blankets laid out, smiles abound, and an eager crowd, an announcement was made that The New American Philharmonic Orchestra would be unable to perform for the evening. The rain that was speckling the area was too much for the delicate instruments, which would have been damaged had they been used in it.

Sadness filled the space as the orchestra packed up their stands and music, but they

Tracy Hall Science Center’s windows reflecting the firework show on campus on July 17.

KENNEDY ROBINS | The Signpost

TheSignpostWSU.com | July 19, 2022 | 7

KENNEDY ROBINS | The Signpost

KENNEDY ROBINS | The Signpost

The view of the firework show from the clock tower.

Sparkle-like fireworks fly into the air at the Lindquist Pops Concert firework show.

KENNEDY ROBINS | The Signpost

Fireworks at Weber State University’s Ogden campus.

Fireworks of all colors are seen at the Lindquist Pops Concert firework show.

8 | TheSignpostWSU.com | July 19, 2022

Reporter

Fall 2022 will mark the inaugural semester for Weber State’s new Cryptocurrency class. The course will be taught by assistant professor of economics Gavin Roberts. The material will also cover the history of currencies in general.

“Because cryptocurrencies are just a type of currency, the class overall really will be about money,” Roberts said.

Roberts mentioned that throughout human history, currencies have emerged and become commonplace.

“Cryptocurrencies sort of provide a contemporary example of something that we’ve seen happen over and over again in history,” he said.

He used cigarettes in prison as an example of currencies emerging from unexpected sources, saying inmates will use them to barter different goods and services.

Cryptocurrency markets tend to be more volatile than traditional stock markets. According to Crypto.com’s market data, the price of Bitcoin, one of the more prominent cryptocurrencies, is down 49% in the last six months. Ethereum, another widely traded cryptocurrency, is down 57% in the same time period.

When asked about this recent dip, Roberts said cryptocurrency is still in an early, evolutionary stage.

“I feel like we’ll see a lot of technological evolution in the cryptocurrency spaces right now,” he said.

He theorized that governments will start to create their own cryptocurrencies, as China has already done.

“Having a monopoly on the U.S. Dollar allows them to engage in monetary policy,” Roberts said.

He feels that as the cryptocurrencies start to overtake the market, governments will react and start to create policies.

Cryptocurrency has also impacted tradi-

tional investment strategies. Utah-based really see that there’s this bigger thing going financial Planner, Hunter Gubler, said that on with society that’s related to cryptocurrencryptocurrencies should be around 2-5% of cy,” he said.

Share this story at an average investor’s portfolio. thesignpostwsu.com “If you’re educated in crypto, we recommend as much as you’re comfortable with or want in your portfolio,” said Gubler.

All of the above topics will be discussed in the new course. Roberts expressed his excitement about the class, saying “I think it’s going to be really fun and interesting.”

He explained the course will take a “bird’s eye view” of what cryptocurrencies are in the contexts of supply and demand and micro/ macroeconomics.

Another aspect of the course is that a lot of the material will be happening in real-time.

“We’ll also learn how dynamic what we’re observing in the world with cryptocurrencies really is,” Roberts said.

He mentioned how a lot of the mainstream Cryptocurrency is a data string that news surrounding crypto can be difficult to holds currency, like Bitcoin for example. follow and understand.

“If we can sort of take one step back, we

EMILIE HART | The Signpost

By HUNTER LINDSEY

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By ANGELINA FONTENOT Reporter

NIKKI DORBER | The Signpost

With their first game approaching, Weber State University’s volleyball team enters the season with multiple freshmen, including setter Rose Moore, libero Macy Sumrall and middle blocker Brielle Rueckert.

“I’m really excited,” Rueckert said. “So far, it’s been really fun. I love everyone on the team, and so far, we’ve just been practicing this summer, and I love the other freshmen.”

With a lineup full of new players, the Wildcats have been focused on forming bonds within the team.

“We’ve just been able to start practicing, building team chemistry and doing things outside of practice,” Rueckert said.

Her first time playing NCAA Division I volleyball, Rueckert said her short experience at Weber State has proven to be a new experience.

“It’s just different from my high school and club team,” Rueckert said. “There’s a lot of different strategies, different things for this team. It’s just kind of an adjustment for me.

It’s been really helpful to have the older girls

help us all out and help with the adjustment to the new team.”

Coming off multiple winning seasons, including a 2021 Big Sky conference title, head coach Jeremiah Larsen’s winning reputation and staff drew Rueckert to Weber State.

“I really love the coaches,” Rueckert said.

“They seem to have just a really good connection with all the players.”

Adjusting to the team, Rueckert said Wildcat veterans have guided her during summer training.

“I’m a middle, so Baylee Bodily and Liana Woodley have been helping me and the other freshmen middles,” Rueckert said. “We’ve been looking up to them a lot and asking for tips. They’ve been helping us a lot with the new, the differences, things we need to work on in the middle.”

Although Weber State is a young team, Rueckert believes the Wildcats can still succeed in the Big Sky Conference.

“I think, as a team, we just want to get better,” Rueckert said. “We want to play as a team and win and do well.”

Weber State will play Air Force Academy at Dani Nay goes to hit a volleyball during the Weber State vs. Bowling Share this story at Green 2021 NCAA Tournament.

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WSU’s Emma Mangum, 9, spikes the ball to Montana State Grizzlies on Nov. 19, 2021.

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