NIKKI DORBER | The Signpost
Thursday | November 14, 2019 | Volume 90 | Issue 29
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DANCE THEATER OF HARLEM AT WSU
CATS WIN AND SOAR OVER HAWKS ANDREW BARRETT WATSON | Onstage Ogden
NIKKI DORBER | The Signpost
2 | November 14, 2019 | MyWeberMedia.com
By JENNIFER GREENLEE Section Editor
Following the posting of the debate controversy videos on YouTube, Ryan Wash has received many harassing emails. Because of this, there is an automatic kickback on emails sent to him saying not to continue to contact him or it will be considered harassment. On Nov. 6, an email reply was sent to the automatic reply. A police case has been opened to investigate the communication. WSU has an anonymous reporting page that is available through the Safe@Weber page. On this page, a report was submit-
ted and forwarded to police on Nov. 4. It stated “this facility and its faculty are being racist and I’ve considered becoming radical.” The statement goes on to say that the student has more proof of racism and will share it at a later time.
The Community Education Center reported spray-painted graffiti art on the wall near their dumpster on Nov. 8. Police reviewed security footage and found the individual vandalizing the wall on Nov. 2. The art has been sent to the Ogden Metro Gang Unit to analyze for any possible gang ties before FM was asked to come clean the graffiti.
A report was made to WSUPD that a child between 10-12 was riding a bike without a helmet near or in the W-4 parking lot on Nov. 5. Police responded and could not locate the child.
A suspicious vehicle was reported in the Davis Campus Parking Lot on Nov. 6. Police responded and found two individuals kissing. The individuals were made aware that there was a report that they were reported for acting suspiciously.
A golden retriever was reported weaving in and out of traffic on Harrison Boulevard across from the WSU Duck Pond on Nov. 8. The individual lost sight of the dog, and animal control was contacted. Near the LDS Institute building, a dog in a vest was spotted running nearby on Nov. 8. The caller was concerned that the dog was a service animal. Police drove around but could not locate the dog.
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MyWeberMedia.com | November 14, 2019 | 3
By DEBORAH WILBER
Reporter
All eyes were on Medal of Honor recipient Brian Miles Thacker on Nov. 8. Weber State University students, staff and members of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps came to Lindquist Hall to meet the WSU alum honored by the President of the United States of America for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity for the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. With complete disregard for his own safety, Thacker called for friendly fire on his position to give his soldiers a chance to retreat to safety after their Fire Base 6 had come under attack. “I was by myself, but I was never alone,” Thacker said of his eight days spent trapped, wounded and unable to escape the area. It was during this time Thacker thought to himself while lying in a bamboo thicket with his M-16 rifle, how long can they hold out before they wear down? How long can I hold out before I wear down? By the time friendly forces took control
back over the firebase, Thacker was severely dehydrated and had to undergo a rehydration process, a process he references as quite the ordeal. Thacker would not go back and change any of the events that occurred on Fire Base 6 that night because he believes if he could go back and change the outcome, then surely the enemy would want to change the outcome too. That said, he does have one regret: not all his men made it home from Vietnam. “It’s a promise I didn’t fulfill,” Thacker said. “Nobody is forgettable.” His men were more than his soldiers; they were a part of his family. Master Sergeant Michael Byars and Sergeant 1st. Class Marty Clayton knows what it means to be a part of such a family, both having served in the U.S. Army for 17 years. Byars and Clayton were among those in the audience who considered it a privilege to meet a Medal of Honor recipient.
NIKKI DORBER | The Signpost
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Brian Thacker shaking hands with Waldo Wildcat as he is recognized with the Medal of Honor.
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MyWeberMedia.com | November 14, 2019 | 5
By ADAM RUBIN Reporter
Leading climate-aware ski resorts are preparing and adapting to handle climate change and what to expect for the future of Utah’s winters. On Nov. 12, Seth and Hilary Aarons discussed this to a roomful of concerned students, faculty, alumni and community members. Seth Aarons works for the Western Water Assessment, which is based in Colorado and funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association. Seth’s organization works to prepare the United States of America for climate change; Seth Aaron’s specialty at the moment is studying specifically in Colorado, Wyoming and Utah. Seth Aarons works with resource managers on local, state and governmen-
tal levels. Seth Aarons has been studying 80 to 90 years of data collected by snow course sites throughout the state, specifically looking into the trends of snow water equivalent. Some of this precipitation data is invaluable to water managers. The data projects that we will be experiencing shorter winters and more rainfall at lower elevations and winters starting later and lasting less time with the continued temperature rises. “Of the large drivers in changes in snow water equivalent, precipitation is not changing, so temperature is playing a large role in the snow water equivalent,” Seth Aarons said, “The highest temperature increases we are seeing in the state are Salt Lake County and Southeastern UT.” Utah has significantly higher elevations.
However, many of the surrounding states have much lower elevations, which will result in more fire hazard areas and dangers of drought conditions. Utah is not safe from ramifications of temperature rise. There are a lot of societal aspects that this current climate trend will bring along with it, and its impacts on outdoor recreation and snow sports recreation will certainly affect the economies of both these industries. Hilary Aarons, who is currently at the helm of Snowbird Ski Resort’s sustainability efforts, uses Protect Our Winters as a template to guide her work up at Snowbird. “Protect our Winters has a 7-part roadmap to sustainability: 1) Define Your Biggest Lever; 2) Get Political; 3) Educate Yourself; 4) Speak Up; 5) Talk to Business; 6) Change Your Ways; 7) Join Protect our
Winters,” Aarons said. Snowbird uses its status in Utah’s winter snow industry to help spread the word and educate the public about ski resort-oriented sustainability programs like the National Ski Area Association. There are about 406 ski areas and only about 40 participate in the climate challenge. The climate challenge for the resorts is very revealing as to their current carbon footprints and is a way for those resorts to be held accountable. Being involved with the National Ski Area Association also requires writing to the legislature regarding why climate change is concerning. Initiatives like this are certainly a step towards accountability. Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com
6 | November 14, 2019 | MyWeberMedia.com
ANDREW BARRETT WATSON | Onstage Ogden
Dance Theatre of Harlem member Christopher Charles McDaniel taught a master class using techniques from the late Arthur Mitchell. 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 experience 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 com-
MyWeberMedia.com | November 14, 2019 | 7
atre 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 ow 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
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ANDREW BARRETT WATSON | Onstage Ogden
pany 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 Theatre 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 The-
During his master class, McDaniel wanted to teach passion, as well as technique, to his students.
You’re invited to a
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November 11 - December 13
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MEET, GREET & EAT
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.
Come meet your senators and grab a snack!
Monday, Nov. 18th
8 am - 11 am Serving Breakfast Snacks
Tuesday, Nov. 19th 11 am - 1 pm Serving Lunch Snacks
Join them in any of the three locations: Kimball Arts Bulding, Tracey Hall & Lindquist Hall For more information: ccel@weber.edu 801-626-7737
8 | November 14, 2019 | MyWeberMedia.com
By CHRISTIAN JOHNSON Reporter
The scorching hot Weber State Wildcats took on the University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks under the shadow of the Wasatch Mountains. WSU got their seventh straight win to improve to 8-2 in a tense battle that came down to the wire. The Wildcat offense took a heavy blow early when sophomore running back Josh Davis suffered what appeared to be a concussion and was evaluated in a tent along the WSU sideline. Despite the setback, Weber State would still strike first on a touchdown pass to junior receiver David Ames. The extra point makes the score 7-0 Weber. WSU's next score would be on a play worthy of a SportsCenter Top-10 highlight. The 'Cats ran a double reverse flea flicker, which was caught over double coverage for a touchdown by sophomore tight end Justin Malone. North Dakota’s offense would finally show signs of life late in the first quarter after scoring a touchdown on a pass up
the middle. The extra point would make it 14-7 Wildcats still ahead. The Wildcats would later add a field goal to make it 177. WSU attempted an onside kick in the second quarter, but it didn’t travel the required ten yards, giving the Fighting Hawks a short field to work with. UND would capitalize on the field position as they scored on a pass to the front corner of the endzone, bringing the score to 1714 after the extra point. Weber State's injury woes would continue as RB Kris Jackson suffered a shoulder injury. Junior running back Kevin Smith Jr. would take over halfback duties for the rest of the half. Jackson would return in the second half. The Wildcats managed to put three more points on the board to give themselves a six point cushion, and the scoreboard read 20-14. With a minute left before the half, the offense advanced the ball far enough to attempt a 50-yard field goal but WSU failed to put points on the board.
North Dakota came out of halftime firing on all cylinders and scored a touchdown in two minutes to take the lead from the ‘Cats 24-20. Things got a little sloppy as the 'Cats began to turn the ball over and momentum teetered towards the Fighting Hawks. UND converted the second turnover into points and pushed their lead to 27-20. Constantine didn’t let mistakes bother him. On Weber’s next drive, he provided two important scrambles, including one where he spun off a would-be tackler and ran into the endzone. This tied the game 27-all with 2:49 to go. “I was running pretty mad there and I had to make it up to my guys,” Constantine said about the play. UND would fumble the ensuing kickoff which would be recovered by the ‘Cats, Weber would get the ball right back in a great position to score. With no way to stop the clock, UND’s only hope was that the Wildcats would leave them enough time to do anything on the offensive end.
The clock read 37 seconds and Head Coach Jay Hill placed his faith in their all-American Trey Tuttle. The common phrase is that pressure bursts pipes, but pressure makes diamonds too, and Tuttle shone like one as he drilled the kick straight through the uprights. Weber goes up 30-27 with 31 seconds remaining and UND had no timeouts. The final play of the game was a UND Hail Mary attempt that filled fans with anxiety but in the end, it was a Wildcat win. “We’ve got our work cut out for us...last time we were there we won, and I’ll know they’ll be hungry for us to come up," Coach Hill said about WSU’s upcoming matchup. Next week, Weber State will be heading up to Missoula to take on the University of Montana in an important matchup that will likely decide the fate of the Big Sky Champion. It's rivalry week. Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com
Trey Tuttle on the kick return for the Weber State Wildcats.
NIKKI DORBER | The Signpost
MyWeberMedia.com | November 14, 2019 | 9
NIKKI DORBER | The Signpost
NIKKI DORBER | The Signpost
NIKKI DORBER | The Signpost
NIKKI DORBER | The Signpost
Jake Constantine running past a tackle to gain Weber State yardage.
Noah Atagi and Hyrum Tapusoa preparing to block for Jake Constantine.
David Ames and Rashid Shaheed celebrating following a Wildcat touchdown.
Kevin Smith Jr., number 4, sees the opportunity to run towards the end zone, with the great blocks of the offensive line.
MyWeberMedia.com | November 14, 2019 | 11
10 | November 14, 2019 | MyWeberMedia.com
By KAINOA NUNEZ Reporter
have to prove you’re good enough everyday to be able to be a part of a successful team. At left guard for the ’Cats, junior Cole McGinnis and sophomore Hyrum Tapusoa start and split snaps equally each game for the Weber State offense. McGinnis, a Gooding, Idaho native, was recruited and signed in 2014 before his two-year LDS Church Mission in Oklahoma City, OK. After returning from his mission, the 310-pound guard saw action on the defensive side first before transitioning to the offense. “I didn’t mind the switch because Coach Hill (Jay Hill) always tells us; ‘The way you do one thing is the way you do all things,” McGinnis said. “You got to put in 110 percent of your effort in everything you do.”
Tapusoa, a West Valley City native, was born in Long Beach, CA before moving to Utah and attended Granger High School. Tapusoa signed with Weber State in 2014 before he served a two-year LDS Church mission to Houston, TX. Tapusoa is a redshirt sophomore for the Wildcats and saw action last year in nine games. “Offense depends on us a lot, and even though we don’t get the hype, we still have a job to do,” Tapusoa said. “The recognition goes to the quarterbacks, running backs, receivers, and it doesn’t bother us that we don’t get the spotlight. It’s better that way.” Football has taught Tapusoa more than how to block and win. In Hill’s team and one-on-one meetings, he’s learned to be a better person and cultivating perseverance
to better himself and the people around him. In the middle of the trench is junior Ben Bos, the 300-pound center, who’s started in every game since 2017. Bos is a Heber City native and signed with the Wildcats back in 2016 when he took his redshirt freshman year. “I always feel good about my accomplishments and recognition,” Bos said. “Hard work pays off in the end, and that’s part of life where it’ll affect you down the road.” Bos has been a part of the Wildcats for three years as a starter and helped running back Josh Davis break records last fall. Bos admitted it’s hard not to receive any credit but knowing Davis success was on the shoulders of the linemen performance is all they need.
Bos was a honorable mention for All-Big Sky honor last fall. At right guard is junior Ty Whitworth. The political science major earned Academic All Conference the last two years as well as first team All Big Sky last year for his performance on the field. “It’s really fun, but the whole thing that appeals to me playing offensive line is more of a chess game as you get more advance,” Whitworth said. “You got to play aggressive and violent against a defensive line that has seven players blitzing you all at once.” Whitworth, a Temecula, CA native continued that he has an amazing support system. His brothers, coaches and family all understand his role for the Wildcats and make it to every game possible.
Xavier Stilson, the only senior, signed with Weber State in 2012 and is the right tackle for the WSU big men. Stilson is a Layton native and went to serve an LDS Mission in Brazil after signing with the Wildcats in 2012. “Your legs get stepped on, you get twisted up, and have bumps and bruises but you know how your team values you,” Stilson said. “It’s always worth pushing through even though we don’t get a ton of recognition, but we try to do what we can to succeed.” Stilson continued that family, close friends, coaches and teammates know and understand how hard the line has to play every snap, but as far as for people who just watch the game, they won’t.
Each player developed a chemistry together that makes them a brick wall, and with their talent, these young men represent a vital part of the Weber State football team. “We’re out here 20 hours a week, plus film studies that they have to put on their own and dealing with other necessities that each player has to deal,” Hill said. “To play at any position is a matter of performing at a high level that can affect the team to be successful.” Injuries happen, and unfortunately, linemen are exposed to more injuries than any other position because they make contact with another player every play. But for Hill and the Wildcats, the next man up can do the job. Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com
AUBREE ECKHARDT | The Signpost
Not many people can be an offensive lineman. Needing to weigh 300 pounds and run faster than the average person is no easy feat, but Weber State University has six offensive linemen that compete day in and day out and for every offensive snap. But why? It’s not for the recognition; it’s for the team. Most fans watching their favorite team don’t even know the names of the starting offensive linemen, and for these six guys, that’s okay. The starter for left tackle is Noah Atagi, a redshirt freshman who replaced Tyler Downs after an injury.
Atagi is a local from Washington Terrace whose dad played for the Wildcats in19901993. “That means a lot to me, being around here my whole life and coming to Weber games on Saturdays was always to fun to go to,” Atagi said. “I’m proud to be playing for a team that means so much to me and my family.” Atagi signed with Weber State in February 2016 before he went on his LDS Church mission. Since returning, the redshirt freshman has seen action in every game and is Jake Constantine’s blind side tackle. The blind side tackle is arguably one of the most important positions on the field, in charge of blocking the quarterback’s blind side. Atagi mentioned how constantly you
XAVIER STILSON
TY WHITWORTH
BEN BOS
COLE MCGINNIS
HYRUM TAPUSOA
NOAH ATAGI
12 | November 14, 2019 | MyWeberMedia.com
NEW DIRECTIONS FOR THE COLLEGE OF
ISRAEL CAMPA | The Signpost
ISRAEL CAMPA | The Signpost
BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS
TOP LEFT: Dean candidate Daniel A. Ames during his presentation. TOP RIGHT: University president Brad Mortensen was in attendance to decide the new Dean of Business. By CAITLYN LARSEN Reporter
The Goddard School of Business and Economics is on the search for a new Dean. They have four candidates coming to present at Weber State University, two of which gave their presentations on Nov. 6 and Nov. 8. Madonne Miner, provost of WSU, opened the presentations and said that the Dean will be the leader of the college who ensures that their college pursues the values and mission at Weber State of learning, community and access. They will also be responsible for hiring quality faculty and staff, solving issues, and pushing the college and its students forward positively into the future. “I look for people who are well-educated, talented, creative, honest, responsible, willing to work collaboratively, good listeners, problem-solvers, and, in general, who have committed themselves to the success of students, faculty and staff,” Miner said. “I hope they will be ‘servant-leaders,’ motivated by the desire to produce the next generation of well-educated, committed
community members.” In additional preparation for their presentations, each candidate was sent three questions to answer: What is your vision of the future of business education? What strategic plans and operational actions are essential for a successful future? And how will you inspire faculty, staff, students, and the community to engage in this vision? “Any time one of the academic colleges hire a new dean, they’re not only concerned with finding the best person for the job, it really is an occasion to reflect upon where they want the college to go,” Michael Vaughan, professor of economics, said. On Nov. 6, Candidate Mario Hayek spoke about his experience running his own businesses and working internationally. He described himself as entrepreneurial and a goal-oriented go-getter. “I’m a passionate individual,” Hayek said. Hayek emphasized instilling in students a fire for business and helping them become successful in applying what they learn to what the business market wants and needs. He explained his vision of hav-
ing more people interested and involved in the business college, wanting to apply it in some way to their degrees. Hayek also said he wanted to work well enough with the faculty that they could help run the college while he focused on external needs of fundraising, selling programs to the public, and finding career and growth opportunities for students. Candidate Daniel Ames presented on Nov. 8. Ames spoke about his experience working at other universities and helping them build up and reorganize their departments, which also improved their retention rates. He said that, now, he wants to come to Weber State, help it be the best it can be, and he wants to stay. Ames focused on making sure everything done in the college was “student-centered,” always considering how it will affect education. He also focused on the need for strong and honest collaboration between faculty, that everyone be happy with the finished product of any project. He mentioned specifically the importance of this during the upcoming period for the University of a shift of both the University Provost and the Dean of the
business college. “It’s imperative that you are able to trust me,” Ames said. Ames recognized that he has experience with accounting, auditing, and college administration, but not as much with industry and corporate. He assured that with his experience with private academic institutions, which also follow some business patterns, and his practice of trying to keep in touch with what is happening in the business world and see patterns, he would still feel able enough to be Dean over the college. “I’m grateful that the candidates have been here and are interested in our program,” David Read, Associate Professor of Business Administration, said. “We have four strong candidates.” Candidate Matthew Mouritsen, a current Weber State Professor of Accounting and also the interim dean, will present on Monday, Nov. 11. Candidate Lisa Victoravich will present on Tuesday, Nov. 12. Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com
MyWeberMedia.com | November 14, 2019 | 13
Asst. Section Editor
NIKKI DORBER | The Signpost
The Weber State Wildcats tipped off the 2019-20 season against the Utah State Aggies at the rowdy Dee Glen Smith Spectrum in Logan. It was a long night for the ‘Cats as the Aggies rolled to an 89–34 win and made a bold statement in the process. The Wildcats traveled up to Logan on a night where they were hoping for an upset win against the 17th ranked team in the nation, but a sharpshooting USU team and a packed student section put a halt to those plans. Head Coach Randy Rahe talked about his team’s opening game, “We played hard, that wasn’t the issue. The issue was we short-circuited. The first game, tough environment, Utah State was ready to play.” The night’s problems began when Jerrick Harding rolled out of the locker room
dressed in a black jumpsuit, he was not expected to play due to injury and those expectations held. The next problem was that the Wildcats would only have 8 players available during the game which is a recipe for disaster. In college basketball, there is nothing tougher than beating a ranked team in their house, especially if it is a true college basketball environment. The environment inside of the Spectrum is one that is often raved about and while the game was not sold out, it was loud. Once the momentum began to lean towards the Aggies, things turned chaotic. Things began with the famous “I Believe that We Will Win” chant and the battle between the in-state foes was underway. The Wildcats opened the game with three-pointers from junior guard Kham Davis and sophomore guard Israel Barnes, but the Wildcats struggled to score throughout the rest of the first half,
and they finished with 13 points after the opening 20 minutes. A big spark for USU came from sophomore Justin Bean who scored 15 points and had a putback that very nearly was a dunk, which brought the Spectrum from energetic to deafening and Bean made a free throw to bring the score from 33-11. Things began to get ugly. When the first half came to an end and the noise came to a half, the Aggies held a 48-13 lead. WSU was fighting hard but could not buy a bucket which resulted in them shooting 18 percent from the field. In the second half, the Wildcats played better on offense, but the Aggies stayed hot on offense which made them push their lead out and create more WSU headaches on behalf of the Aggie fans. The teams battled for another 20 minutes and when the final buzzer rang, it was an 8934 win for the home team. The Wildcats leading scorer was sopho-
more Donatas Kupsas with 10 points. He also pulled down six rebounds. Despite what the scoreboard read, the Wildcats fought hard and never quit. WSU will learn from this loss and the mistakes that were made and look to apply it towards the rest of the season. The Wildcats did not look like themselves on Friday night and they ran into a wall because of it. The fellas fall to 0-1 after the loss, but Weber State will have another chance to showcase their ability on Nov. 14 against the San Diego Toreros in the Dee Events Center, their first home game of the season. “We have a chance to have a really good basketball team. This is not my first rodeo, been through this before. We’re going to take it, learn from it and move on,” said Coach Rahe.” Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com
NIKKI DORBER | The Signpost
By RAYMOND LUCAS
Left: Weber State’s Israel Barnes dribbling the ball up the court for the Wildcats. Right: Weber State’s Kham Davis with a lay up for the Wildcats.
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By WESTON SLEIGHT Correspondent
Six members from the 2018-19 Weber State University Cheerleading Squad represented Team USA as they competed in the Pan American and the Copa American Cheerleading Competition in Costa Rica back in October. They recieved first place for both days. The selection process for Team USA began in January where members had to tryout in order to make the team. They then began preparing to represent Team USA at Worlds back in April where Team USA placed first. Members were extended the offer to come and compete in Costa Rica. From August to October, members had challenges every week that consisted of tumbling and stunting before they had training in the final month for the competition. “We trained together as a team for four days before leaving for Costa Rica. We practiced nine or so hours each day, running the routine many times,” said Meken-
zie Grabau, current WSU cheerleader. Preparation for the competition in Costa Rica wasn’t just physically demanding but also mentally demanding. “I go in with as much confidence as possible. Trusting that my skills will hit and going in with an attack mentality. Physically, it’s the hardest thing I have ever done,” said Kollin Cockrell, current WSU Cheerleader. Once Team USA made it to Costa Rica, they were able to practice one day before the competition. “Representing the United States was unlike anything else. It has been one of my biggest goals for myself to be able to make the National Team and compete with the best athletes in the world,” said Grabau. “It is an extreme honor to be able to wear the USA across my chest. I got to cheer along side of the most talented people in the sport, and it was an experience I will never forget.” Team USA competed in the Coed Premier division winning first place both days and represented the Weber State Cheer
program in a positive light as they were crowned National Champions at the National Cheerleaders Association. To have members from Weber State Cheer on Team USA is one of the many ways to put Weber State Cheer on the map. “Weber State has changed my life. If it was not for my coach Summer Willis, there is no way I could have got on an international level. Summer is one of the best people I have ever met in my entire life, and I am happily honored to represent Weber State on an international level,” said Cockrell. Having six members who have come from the cheer program at Weber State says a lot about the program.
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Back Row: Steaven Williams, Ed Moroney, Kollin Cockrell, and Hunter Fangmann. Front Row: Mekenzie Grabau and Anuhea Keene (Source Photo)
“I think that it says something about the talent that we have on the team and the level that our program is on. Each year our team gets better and better, and I think that things like this help us with recruiting at a national level,” said Grabau. The other Weber State Cheerleaders and Alumni that also represented Team USA in Costa Rica were Ed Moroney, WSU Cheer Alum and current Assistant coach, Steaven Williams, WSU Cheer Alumni. Current Members are Kollin Cockrell, Hunter Fangmann, Anuhea Keene and Mekenzie Grabau.
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16 | November 14, 2019 | MyWeberMedia.com
WSU RACQUETBALL BUILDS FRIENDSHIPS
ON AND OFF THE COURT
By JACOB MARTIN Correspondent
For Tarah Barker, racquetball is more than something to pass the time, racquetball means spending time with friends and family. Tarah Barker, racquetball club chief security officer, first played racquetball when she was 17-years-old and enjoys playing at Weber State University. Her passion for the game came from bonds created through the community of players, her family and with her cousin Kennedy Barker, who also plays at WSU. “I began playing racquetball because of my dad. I wanted to play with him,” Tarah Barker said. “Where I played was an hour away. So it became more than just competing and playing racquetball with my dad.
While we drove to play, we were able to talk and bond. Then we played together.” “Racquetball is a welcoming community where people can come together and have a good time,” WSU student and racquetball club member Jared Manning said. WSU offers the racquetball club to students and community members. The price to play is $10 for students and $15 for the community. The club practices Thursday nights at 7:30 p.m. in the Stromberg Complex. According to the USA Racquetball rules, racquetball is a competitive game in which each player uses a strung racquet to serve and return the ball. Any surface is legal in racquetball, including walls, the floor and ceiling. “The club encourages a fun environment for students to come and learn more
about the sport,” Tarah Barker said. “People may be fearful of not being good enough or getting hit by the ball. We accept anyone, regardless of their knowledge of the game.” One purpose of the club is to build a love for an uncommon sport. “We are willing to help people play and get better,” Manning said. “You don’t have to worry about playing alone. We have mentors who can help you learn and get better.” Manning has played racquetball for 15 years and credits the amount of time playing and the racquetball community to him enhancing his talent. “It’s a good stress relief,” Kennedy Barker said. “I can go into the court and hit the ball as hard as I can and let out some of my frustration from other things.”
Practice includes competing against each other as players learn new skills while also strengthening friendships. “Racquetball takes mentality and focus,” Kennedy Barker said. “You have to focus on where you are hitting the ball and not worry about where the other person thinks you are hitting the ball.” Each game is played with two or four players, depending on the availability of courts, the club encourages everyone to come and check it out. For more information about the racquetball club visit weber.edu/sportclubs or contact them through email at racquetball@ weber.edu. Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com
JACOB MARTIN | The Signpost
Weber State University offers racquetball to all students and community members.
MyWeberMedia.com | November 14, 2019 | 17
Weber State University students likely grew up watching shows like “Sesame Street,” “The Powerpuff Girls,” “Courage the Cowardly Dog” and “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” These were the shows children could watch for entertainment and educational purposes. WSU’s Center for Diversity and Unity hosted their monthly Stop the Hate event on Nov. 12, centering around children’s media intake. At a young age, children take what is in front of them and absorb it like a sponge. With this event, Stop the Hate aims to start a conversation on the impact television has on children. Kay Walker, the Stop the Hate chair, began the dialogue by sharing how children’s media has helped children understand real-world situations. Additionally, shows like “Sesame Street” create characters that children become attached to and in-turn learn from.
“‘Sesame Street’ has a way to speak to children and not at them,” Walker said. “You might notice how adults talk to children; they are kind of condescending.” “Sesame Street” debuted in 1969. Developed by Joan Ganz Cooney and Lloyd Morrisett, the pair wanted to create a television show would “master the addictive qualities of television and do something good with them.” Throughout its 50 year run, “Sesame Street” has adapted with the times and been at the forefront of cultural discussions. In 2017, “Sesame Street” introduced Julia, an autistic 4-year-old girl. In their online resource kits, “Sesame Street” tackled incarceration, presenting a Muppet who has a father in prison. Walker and Cristian Gutierrez, a Stop the Hate attendee, believes children’s media isn’t viewed seriously. “I wish people would understand how important these shows are for children, the smallest things like new char-
acters with ‘Sesame Street,’” Gutierrez said. “These children are introduced to real-life scenarios that help educate in an appropriate way.” Beyond introducing life scenarios, children’s media can mold and spark interests. One of Walker’s favorite cartoons growing up was “Courage the Cowardly Dog.” Walker said the show helped shape their interest in horror, especially since the show was so eccentric for some viewers. Walker recalled their first experience with queerness while watching “Courage the Cowardly Dog.” They saw two girls holding hands, something that is still rare in children’s cartoons. Walker said the show was scary, but the moral of the show was constantly empathy. Walkers hopes society continues moving forward with children’s media and taking it seriously.
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ROBERT LEWIS | The Signpost
By SHARON VALVERDE VARGAS
Reporter
Kay Walker speaks at a Stop The Hate event in the Center for Diversity and Unity on WSU’s main campus.
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MyWeberMedia.com | November 14, 2019 | 19
Study suggests FOSTA has made
sex work more dangerous
By FRANCISCO RUIZ
Photo by nahid hatamiz on Unsplash
Reporter
The United States House of Representatives passed the Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act in 2018. According to a recent study by Scott Cunningham and John Tripp of Baylor University and Gregory DeAngelo of Claremont Graduate University, the new law made sex work more dangerous. Critics of FOSTA argued that revoking access to online erotic services postings would make sex work more dangerous as service providers would have to resort to more risky methods of finding clients.
As a result of the act, the U.S. Department of Justice shut down the website Backpage. To avoid legal trouble, Craigslist shut down its personals and erotic services sections. According to Kay Walker, the Stop the Hate chair of the WSUSA Diversity and Unity Board, these websites simplified the transaction between sex workers and their clients. These websites allowed sex workers to post advertisements. Interested parties could contact the service providers directly. This allowed sex workers to bypass the need for pimps and street work. Online communication also allowed service providers to screen their clients before meeting up, theoretically leading to saf-
er encounters. According to the study, these online clearinghouses — specifically the Craigslist erotic services section — reduced U.S. female homicide rates by as much as 10 to 17 percent. The researchers used data they collected from The Erotic Review, a reputation website, the FBI’s Supplemental Homicide Reports and the FBI’s Summary Uniform Crime Reports Part 1. The researchers suggest that municipal governments and law enforcement should use the data in a cost and benefit analysis to determine whether more strict laws against sex work are worth the additional cost to enforce the laws and worth putting sex workers at greater risk.
They also claim that since the passage of FOSTA, law enforcement agencies have reported more sex workers returning to the streets and an increase in pimping activity. When Walker presented the detriments of FOSTA for sex workers during a lecture in October, several audience members expressed doubts about the validity of the critics’ claims. Cunningham, Tripp and DeAngelo’s study suggests the critics may be right.
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