The Signpost: A ROCKIN’ GOOD TIME AT THE NEW REC CANTER >>> Waldo Sparkling Grape Juice 2021

KATHERINE BERGHOUT

Tuesday | February 9, 2021 | Volume 94 | Issue 36

A ROCKIN’ GOOD TIME AT THE NEW REC CANTER

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MEN’S BASKETBALL HITS A HOT STREAK

MEANINGFUL MUSIC OF MARIACHI NIKKI DORBER | The Signpost

CAITLYN NICHOLS

2 | MyWeberMedia.com| February 9, 2021

By JOSHUA KAMP Reporter

ISRAEL CAMPA | The Signpost

Sustainability and the consequences of non-sustainable actions take a front seat at Weber State University’s spring 2021 Geoscience and Society seminar series. The series began on Jan. 15 and will conclude April 23 with student presentations.

The series is organized by Carie Frantz, a professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences. The seminars aim to “explain how human societies are limited by finite natural resources and recommend strategies for sustainable management,” Frantz said in the introductory lecture.

The Feb. 5 lecture was hosted by Michael Vanden Berg and tackled Utah’s changing energy landscape and the unexpected chain reaction the pandemic inflicted upon energy supply and consumption.

Other speakers so far have included Stephanie Mills of the Utah Geological Survey, an expert on the state’s mineral resources, and Jani Ingram of Northern Arizona University, who offered a Navajo perspective of the envi-

ronmental health of Navajo lands. said that WSU is on track to becoming carbon days at 1:00 p.m. via a Zoom link on the WSU Past lectures are available as recordings on neutral by 2040. website.

Comment on this story at the WSU website.

Students are able to join live lectures Frisignpost.mywebermedia.com During her lecture, Frantz expressed excitement about upcoming speaker Katherine Standefer, author of “Lightning Flowers: My Journey to Uncover the Cost of Saving a Life.”

The book details Standefer’s own investigation into the harsh reality of the supply chain that allowed her to receive a life-saving heart implant from a manufacturer in California to the mines in Africa where the device’s metals originated.

“If children sometimes work in mines, if tunnels collapse, if warlords profit, if women are raped, if mountains are dismantled and made toxic... If mined earth just saved my life: Was it worth it?” an excerpt of the book asks.

Standefer’s lecture will take place on Feb. 19.

The next lecture will be presented by WSU’s energy manager, Justin Owen, on Feb. 12 and will provide an update on WSU’s quickening progress toward carbon neutrality. Speaking This session of the lecture series focuses more on Utah’s changing energy at 2020’s geoscience seminar series, Owen landscape and what the state of Utah is doing to help or harm.

MyWeberMedia.com| February 9, 2021 | 3

By MILES SHAW

Asst. Section Editor

Weber State defeated the Montana State Bobcats in a high-scoring clash of the ’Cats by the score of 96–88.

Cheers for the Wildcats could be heard echoing through the Dee Events Center as a limited number of fans were allowed to attend for the first time this season to cheer on the Weber State men’s basketball team.

The Wildcats played as a team, with six players scoring in the double digits.

Seikou Sisoho Jawara, Dontay Bassett and Isiah Brown all scored 17 points apiece.

Zahir Porter poured in 16 points, Cody Carlson put up 10 and Dillon Jones dropped 14 coming off the bench.

“They [Montana State] were 6–0 coming in. I don’t really look at the standings, but our guys do, and they knew where this team was at so they were jacked up,” Wildcats Head Coach Randy Rahe said. “I think that added a little bit more juice, and our guys were excited to play.”

The Wildcats trailed early on, but a free throw from Bassett took the 11–9 lead for Weber State. Carlson put in six of the Wildcats’ first 10 points of the game. He also snagged three rebounds and dished out two assists by the final buzzer.

With the game tied at 12, Montana State’s Amin Adamu, Borja Fernandez and Xavier Bishop hit back-to-back 3-pointers to for a quick 9–0 run for the Bobcats.

“We need to come out ready. At the beginning of this game, we weren’t guarding very well, and really the entire game we didn’t play our best defense, but I think we’ll be much better,” Sisoho Jawara said of the defensive play of the team.

Porter and Brown responded for the Wildcats by getting to the rim for quick layups, which weathered the storm for the Wildcats, who were down by the team’s largest deficit of the night of nine points nearly halfway through the first half.

Weber State clawed back following a deep three from Porter and back-to-back buckets from Jones — one of which was a corner three

— to cut the Bobcat lead to 33–31.

A net-ripping 3-pointer from Porter took a 34–33 lead for the Wildcats with three and a half minutes to play in the first half.

A fall-away three from Brown tied the game at 43, but seconds before halftime a layup from Abdul Mohamed at the buzzer sent Montana State to the locker room with a 45–43 lead.

The Wildcats opened the second half on fire, led by Porter and Bassett.

A Bassett 3-pointer capped off an 11–2 run for Weber State early in the second half.

The Wildcats never looked back, with Sisoho Jawara leading the way for Weber State. He scored all 17 of his points in the second half while dishing out two assists and snagging two rebounds to help close out the game.

Sisoho Jawara’s steal and coast-to-coast finish at the rim in transition gave the Wildcats a 13-point 82–69 lead — its biggest of the night.

“My first games I put too much pressure on myself, and my shot selection wasn’t very good, so I tried to change that. The biggest thing for me was being mentally strong, and

now I’m playing better,” Sisoho Jawara said of his play this season.

The Wildcats closed the game out and took the victory despite being outshot from the 3-point line.

Weber State finished 7 of 15 and Montana State finished 13 of 26 from beyond the arc.

“At the beginning they were making all those threes, but as a team, we stayed together and we kept playing the way we play and played better defense in the second half and we got the win,” Sisoho Jawara said.

This game was the first of the season in which a limited number of fans could attend.

“It was great. I don’t know how many we had, but we heard them and we really appreciate them coming out,” Coach Rahe said. “They came with the idea they were going to try and make some noise and liven this place up a little bit, so it was really good.”

The Wildcats battled Montana State again at the Dee Events Center on Feb. 6.

Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com WSU ATHLETICS

The Weber State Wildcats came home with a victory against the Montana Bobcats on Feb. 4.

4 | MyWeberMedia.com| February 9, 2021

THE WILDCATS RETURN TO THE GRIDIRON

IN PREPARATION FOR THEIR UPCOMING SEASON

By ALEC CIPOLLINI Reporter

The reigning Big Sky Conference champion Weber State Wildcats haven’t played a millisecond of a football game since the 30–14 loss on Dec. 21, 2019, against James Madison University in the semifinal of the NCAA’s Division I Football Championship Subdivision.

“Its been a long time. We haven’t played a game since December of 2019. We were able to get some practices in the fall, which was huge. We have had five practices so far and

the team looks pretty good,” Jay Hill, WSU head coach explained.

The ‘Cats held a remarkable 7–1 record in the Big Sky and 11–4 overall including being undefeated at home with an 8–0 record at Stewart Stadium in the 2019 season.

Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, however, the Big Sky decided it was best for the football season to start this spring instead of fall 2020.

“These kids were born to play football, and it’s what they love to do,” Hill said. “There was frustration throughout last year, but the best

you can do is to handle the situation you have and move forward while making the best of it, and I think our players have done a pretty good job of that,” WSU has been dominant in conference play for the past few years, winning the Big Sky championships in 2018 and 2019, but it’s a new season with many new players for the Wildcats.

Last year’s starting quarterback, Jake Constantine, transferred to Rice University. He was an integral part to Hill’s offense after he threw 33 touchdowns and passed for 4,429

yards to lead the Wildcats to back-to-back conference championships before his departure.

Who will take Constantine’s place is still a mystery. Hill said that the quarterback position is up in the air, and he has to wait to make a decision until freshman Bronson Barron is ready to get more reps in, Wide receivers David Ames, senior, and Devon Cooley, junior, both return to the program after having great individual campaigns in 2019. Cooley had 733 yards and ran for five touchdowns, both team highs.

Ames wasn’t far behind with 659 yards and WSU ATHLETICS

The WSU football team is getting back into shape in preparation for the upcoming season.

MyWeberMedia.com| February 9, 2021 | 5

Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com The 2021 football season starts on Feb. 27 and the Weber State Wildcats are itching to get back on the field.

WSU ATHLETICS

three touchdowns.

Junior Josh Davis, a running back and Draper native, had a season to remember in 2019 with 11 touchdowns and 1,136 net yards and hopes to improve on his production this season.

Additionally, there are plenty of incoming freshmen, redshirt freshmen and transfers who haven’t played a game for the Wildcats yet who will be seen when the season kicksoff.

Twenty-two players are classified as freshmen who made the roster this year: quarterback Barron, cornerbacks Abraham Williams, Jeremy Wilcox and Ty Barrett; linebackers Nuu Sellesin, Peter Knudson and Garrett Beck; defensive linemen Easton Payne, Brayden Wilson and Zhigy Falevai; kicker Kyle Thompson; offensive linemen Spencer Watson, Hunter Scott, Braydin Shipp, James Bruce and Anthony LaFrance; wide receivers Colby Samuels and Jordyn Turner; fullback Ben Beecher; running back Colter May; tight end Logan Snyder; and defensive end Tyler Williams.

Seven players are classified as redshirt freshmen this season: cornerbacks Jacob Sharp and Jayden Jackson; running back Dontae McMillan; defensive line Zeke Birch and Davis Rasmussen; defensive end Logan Lutui; and wide reciever Josh Amasio.

Five transfers joined the Wildcats since the last game in 2019: junior punter Mackenzie Morgan from North Carolina State; sophomore defensive end Okiki Olorunfunmi from Reedley Junior College; senior cornerback Josh Olave from Azusa Pacific; sophomore defensive back LJ Anderson from Laney Junior College; and junior safety Desmond Williams from Boise State.

Recently signed junior transfers Randall Grimes, wide receiver from University of Las Vegas, and Jordan Allen, tight end from Tennessee, may not play this spring. Allen has already played this season for Tennessee, so he will be ineligible to play. As for Grimes, he is still going through the transfer process with Weber State which will make him immediately eligible to play in the spring.

“Sometimes you just take the best available athlete and guys who fit your program. Once they get here, we will put them in the spots where we feel like they can be the most successful,” Hill stated.

There will be plenty of new players making their debuts this season and hopefully the Wildcats can craft not only another successful season in the Big Sky, but also carry that success into the playoffs.

The 2021 season starts on Feb. 27 when the Weber State Wildcats face the Idaho State Bengals at Holt Arena in Pocatello, Idaho.

6 | MyWeberMedia.com| February 9, 2021

By ADAM RUBIN Reporter

Weber State University’s new Welcome and Outdoor Recreation Building opened its doors on Feb. 3, and both the Outdoor Program and Admissions Departments will have a home in the building.

This addition to the “mountain-metro” area in Ogden will impact students and the Ogden community alike. The Welcome Center has the largest climbing wall on any campus in the state, towering at 55 ft. tall, a fully functioning ski-tuning shop and a technical training center.

One individual who has been heavily involved in the process of bringing this outdoor recreation headquarters to campus is Daniel Turner, associate director of campus recreation. Turner explained the ins and outs of the new building, which he helped design as a student at WSU about 20 years ago.

“I’ve been dreaming of this since I was a student,” Turner said. “One of my projects when I was a student here was to design an outdoor recreation facility, and many of the features in this building were in that original design.”

The new building will also be the welcome center for new students. Some prospective students took a tour on Feb. 1 and got a first look at the new building.

Brandon Lovell, a junior at WSU, gives campus tours for incoming freshmen through the WSU Admissions Office.

“We will be giving presentations and showing prospective students the new building and going around campus and ending back here at the new Welcome Center,” Lovell said.

The new building will be also home to new strategic learning features, which can be found in the Technical Training Center. These

KATHERINE BERGHOUT | The Signpost

Gear hangs on the wall of the new Outdoor Recreation Center.

will allow for cutting-edge trainings and simulations, some of which will be the scenarios of fire evacuations, police and other emergency drills. Students can come to the Welcome Center to push their personal limits, become more active, learn new outdoors skills or to just take a break from the monotony of the classroom.

The outdoor sports Utah offers provide billions in annual revenue, and the Welcome Center will be a part of the community.

There is also a 65-foot rapelling station on top of the Welcome Center, designed so students will be able to rappel from the rooftop down to the ground. Turner hopes that rappelling off of the rooftop will become a new Wildcat tradition.

Construction began in October 2019.

Putting together this building from ground-breaking to ribbon cutting took about a year and four months.

The Recreation Center is an outlet for WSU students. It offers many different kinds of trips, climbing clinics and much more, all while being heavily discounted for students.

Currently, they serve about 1,800 students per year, and the new building will bring about 30 new student jobs to campus.

Turner points out that in 1922, 275 students, faculty and staff from the then-Weber Academy climbed through Taylor’s Canyon.

They brought with them cement, water, a 25-foot-long and 300-pound flagpole, and planted the WSU flag by the radio towers.

“Weber Academy was trying to put themselves on the map and make the statement that they were here to stay, that they were an institution that had a vision and a place here,” Turner said. “And in 2021, that’s exactly what this building is doing. It’s serving as beacon for our campus and community.”

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By ADAM RUBIN Reporter

By MATIAS PEDREIRA Translator

El nuevo Centro de Bienvenida y Recreación al Aire Libre de WSU abrió sus puertas el 3 de febrero, y tanto el Programa al Aire Libre como el Departamento de Admisiones tendrán un hogar en el edificio.

Esta adición al área denominada “montaña-metro” en Ogden, impactará a los estudiantes y la comunidad de Ogden por igual. El Centro tiene el muro de escalada más grande de cualquier otro campus en el estado, con una altura de 55 pies, y un taller de “tuning” de esquí en pleno funcionamiento para estudiantes que practican deportes de invierno, además de un centro de capacitación técnica.

Una de las personas que ha estado muy involucrada en el proceso de concretar esta sede de recreación al aire libre en el campus es Daniel Turner, director asociado de recreación de WSU. Turner explicó los detalles del nuevo edificio, que ayudó a diseñar cuan-

do era estudiante en WSU hace unos 20 años.

“He estado soñando con esto desde que era estudiante”, dijo Turner. “Uno de mis proyectos cuando era estudiante aquí fue diseñar una instalación de recreación al aire libre, y muchas de las características de este edificio tenían ese diseño original”.

El nuevo edificio también será el centro de “bienvenida” para los nuevos estudiantes. Algunos de los futuros estudiantes hicieron un recorrido el 1 de febrero y vieron por primera vez el nuevo edificio.

A través de la Oficina de Admisiones de WSU, Brandon Lovell, un estudiante de tercer año en WSU, ofrece recorridos por el campus para estudiantes que recién llegan a la universidad.

“Daremos presentaciones, mostraremos a los futuros estudiantes el nuevo edificio, recorreremos el campus y terminaremos aquí en el nuevo Centro de Bienvenida”, dijo Lovell.

El nuevo edificio también albergará características estratégicas de aprendizaje, que se pueden encontrar en el centro de capacitación técnica. Estas permitirán capac-

itaciones y simulaciones de vanguardia, algunas de las cuales serán los escenarios de evacuaciones de incendios, policía y otros simulacros de emergencia. Los estudiantes pueden venir al Centro de Bienvenida para desafiar sus límites personales, volverse más activos, aprender nuevas habilidades al aire libre o simplemente tomar un descanso de la monotonía del aula.

Los deportes al aire libre que ofrece Utah proporcionan miles de millones en ingresos anuales, y el Centro de Bienvenida se sumará a la comunidad.

También existe una estación para hacer “rappel” de 65 pies en la parte superior del Centro de Bienvenida, diseñada para que los estudiantes puedan realizar este deporte desde la azotea del edificio hasta el suelo. Turner espera que el “rappel” desde la azotea se convierta en una nueva tradición Wildcat.

La construcción comenzó en octubre de 2019, su edificación desde la primera piedra hasta el corte de la cinta llevó poco más de un año y unos meses.

El Centro de Recreación ofrece un modo de

escape a la monotonía para los estudiantes de WSU. Proporciona diferentes tipos de viajes, centros de escalada y mucho más, todo con grandes descuentos para los estudiantes.

En la actualidad, atiende a unos 1.800 estudiantes por año y el nuevo edificio proveerá alrededor de 30 trabajos nuevos para estudiantes en el campus.

Turner señala que, en 1922, 275 estudiantes, profesores y personal de la entonces Academia Weber treparon por Taylor’s Canyon. Llevaron cemento, agua, una asta de bandera de 25 pies de largo y 300 libras, y colocaron la bandera de WSU junto a las torres de radio.

“La Academia Weber estaba tratando de colocarse en el mapa y hacer la declaración de que habían llegado para quedarse, que eran una institución que tenía una visión y un lugar aquí”, dijo Turner. “Y en 2021, eso es exactamente lo que está haciendo este edificio, está sirviendo como faro para nuestro campus y para la comunidad”.

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KATHERINE BERGHOUT | The Signpost

Backpacks hang on a wall next to picture of a rock climber for new Outdoor Program Recreation Center.

8 | MyWeberMedia.com| February 9, 2021

By LISSETE LANDAVERDE Reporter

According to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, 62 children enter their facilities every minute across the country. It’s for these children that Weber State University students are holding a fundraising dance marathon.

WSU’s Miracle Network Dance Marathon is a year-long event that raises money for Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City. It ends with a six-hour-long event.

The Miracle Network Dance Marathon was started in 1991 by students at Indiana University in tribute to a student who died of HIV/ AIDS. Today, over 400 colleges, universities and K-12 schools are involved.

CMN Hospitals is a non-profit organization that raises funds for over 170 pediatric hospitals in North America. It is entirely student-run, and all donations go directly to the hospitals involved.

WSU’s big year-end dance marathon event will occur both online and in-person on April 10. Dancing, snacks, games, races and prizes will be provided. There will also be opportunities to connect to the miracle children and their families to learn about their stories.

The money raised goes toward equipment,

facilities, research and expressive therapies in art, music and dance. Additionally, it helps cover the cost of medical bills for families who may not be able to afford their child’s treatments. This year’s fundraising goal is $14,000.

According to CMN Hospitals, the program raised over $44 million in 2019. Since it was founded in 1991, the program has raised over $300 million.

Leslie Davis, WSU Dance Marathon chair, thinks the slogan “For the kids” best exemplifies the purpose for the team’s fundraising efforts.

“There are so many kids who have to miss out on regular childhoods because they’re stuck at a hospital, and it’s even worse when they can’t pay for it,” Davis said.

The Dance Marathon team has held smaller-scale events throughout the 2020-21 academic year to help push funds and get more people involved in the program.

This year’s fundraising efforts began at the beginning of Sept. 2020 with a launch week in which different challenges and competitions were held on Instagram.

Coming up, there will be a “Valentines for the Kids” event held from Feb. 10-12. One of the activities will include a fundraising competition where, if students raise $15 or more by

the end of the week, they will be entered to win a gift card.

There will also be a table set up in the Shepherd Union Building those days where candies will given out and people can write Valentine’s Day cards for the children currently at Primary Children’s Hospital.

Different stories about the children will also be posted on social media for students to read throughout the week.

“I think that everyone should be involved with [the] dance marathon before they leave Weber State,” said Hannah Olsen, senate president and a dance marathon ambassador. “It is such an awesome experience to be able to raise money for such a great cause.”

One way students can get involved is by becoming a dance marathon ambassador, like Olsen. The ambassadors’ primary duty is helping and providing support to the WSUSA Activities team in planning the events, posting on social media, recruiting people to make donation teams and reaching out to potential sponsors.

“Being involved in [the] dance marathon is just really rewarding, because usually, we get to talk to the families and children that are directly affected by Children’s Miracle Network and the amazing work they do,” Olsen said.

There are currently five dance marathon ambassadors, but the program is actively looking for more students to join in helping spread the word about different fundraising activities and events.

Other than becoming an ambassador, one may also get involved by making their own donations to the program and attending the events.

Another way to get involved is by registering a donation team with friends and family.

All the team members can help out in making donations rather than having a singular person contribute.

Donations can be made online and offline.

“I think it’s hard during the pandemic to ask for donations and fundraising, but if you’re going to prioritize, I think this is a great priority to have — helping those children’s hospitals so that they can continue to help the kids who come by,” Davis said.

For more information on the Miracle Network Dance Marathon and how to get involved, email Davis at lesliedavis@mail.weber.edu or visit their Dance Marathon website.

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MyWeberMedia.com| February 9, 2021 | 9

The Signpost Archives

WSUSA

Dance Marathon held an event in October for Child Health Day.

WSUSA members ready to welcome dancer participants.

CAITLYN NICHOLS | The Signpost

10 | MyWeberMedia.com| February 9, 2021

as an “edgy, versatile and fresh take on traditional Mexican music. They coSection Editor alesce as would a band of sisters, with Weber State University’s Lindquist a grace and vibrant beauty that casts a College of Arts and Humanities hosted spell over their audiences not unlike a virtual performance of the all-female the legendary Toloache flower still bemariachi group Flor de Toloache on Feb. ing used in Mexico as a love potion.”

5 as the feature event of the Browning The group has toured internationally Presents! series for spring 2021. as well as extensively across the UnitFlor de Toloache is an internationally ed States. They have also collaborated known group that made history as New with artists such as John Legend, MiYork’s “first and only all-female mari- guel and Alex Cuba. achi group” and won a Latin Grammy “Flor de Toloache is breaking barriers award for Best Ranchero/Mariachi Al- and bringing people together through bum in 2017. their amazing music,” said Deborah Flor de Toloache works to preserve Uman, dean of Lindquist College of Flor de Toloache is known as New York City’s first and only all-female mariachi centuries-old traditions of mariachi Arts & Humanities. music while fusing tradition with the The performance included Mireya group. modern, pushing at the boundaries of Ramos, founder of Flor de Toloache, as Also included in the performance were tiful music,” Ramos said. “I wanted to the genre and bringing mariachi music vocals and violin, Shae Fiol, founding Elena Lacayo as guest guitarron player connect with people in that way, and I to new audiences. member, as vocals and vihuela and and Velcro as guest rapper. wanted to play this music.”

Their website describes their music Julie Acosta as vocals and trumpet.

The group performed their signature For Fiol, her inspiration is the diverblend of progressive yet traditional sity of poetry, art, music and people mariachi music. Some songs were that she found in Brooklyn when she sung in Spanish and others in both moved to New York in her 20s.

Spanish and English, including some All three members of Flor de Tomariachi covers of modern songs. loache talked about their families and “In these difficult times, a mariachi friends as being sources of inspiration performance will be like medicine to and support. our souls to embrace beautiful music Despite the challenges of the and a taste of Mexican culture,” said COVID-19 pandemic, the group said Luis Lopez, director of WSU’s Commu- they’ve still been able to continue with nity Engagement Center. their music. Their fourth album is unThroughout the performance the derway, and they’ve continued to colmembers shared their personal musi- laborate with other artists. They plan to cal and artistic inspirations. For Ramos, resume touring as soon as they can. it was her dad.

The Browning Presents! program feaRamos was born in California, but tures public performances and educaher dad was from Puerto Rico. He was tional residencies of artistic excellence involved in a mariachi group, so Ra- in a diverse range of disciplines with mos grew up with the music and fell the goal of enhancing cultural richness in love with it through her relationship and performing arts education along to him. the northern Wasatch Front.

“I would just watch him and be in An all-female mariachi group puts on a concert for Weber State University on Feb 5. They use their combined talents to create a fun progressive style of awe while he would be singing and Comment on this story at connecting with people with this beaumusic. signpost.mywebermedia.com

NIKKI DORBER | The Signpost

By CAITLYN NICHOLS

Translator

El Lindquist College of Arts and Humanities de WSU organizó una actuación virtual del grupo de mariachis femenino Flor de Toloache el 5 de febrero como el evento principal de la serie “¡Browning Presenta!” para la primavera de 2021.

Flor de Toloache es un grupo conocido internacionalmente que hizo historia como el “primer y único grupo de mariachis exclusivamente femenino” de Nueva York y ganó un premio Grammy Latino al “Mejor Álbum de Ranchero / Mariachi” en 2017.

Flor de Toloache trabaja para preservar las tradiciones centenarias de la música de mariachi mientras fusiona la tradición con lo moderno, desafiando los límites del género y llevando la música de mariachi a nuevas audiencias.

Su sitio web describe su música como una “versión vanguardista, versátil y fresca de la música tradicional mexicana. Ellas se unen como lo haría una banda de hermanas, con una gracia y una belleza vibrante que hechiza a sus audiencias no muy diferente a la legendaria flor de Toloache que todavía se usa en México como poción de amor ”.

El grupo ha realizado giras internacionales y extensas por los Estados Unidos. También han colaborado con artistas como John Legend, Miguel y Alex Cuba.

“Flor de Toloache está rompiendo barreras y uniendo a la gente a través de su increíble música”, dijo Deborah Uman, decana de Lindquist College of Arts & Humanities.

La actuación incluyó a Mireya Ramos, fundadora de Flor de Toloache, en la voz y violín; Shae Fiol, miembro fundador, en la voz y vihuela; y Julie Acosta en la voz y trompeta. En la actuación también estuvieron Elena Lacayo, como guitarrista invitada y Velcro, como rapera invitada.

El grupo interpretó su mezcla característica de música de mariachi progresiva pero tradicional. Algunas canciones se cantaron en español y otras bilingües en español e inglés, incluidas algunas versiones modernas de mariachi.

“En estos tiempos difíciles, una actuación

de mariachi será como una medicina para nuestras almas para abrazar la música hermosa y el sabor de la cultura mexicana”, dijo Luis López, director del Centro de Participación Comunitaria de WSU. A lo largo de la actuación, los miembros compartieron sus inspiraciones musicales y artísticas personales. Para Ramos, fue su papá.

Ramos nació en California, pero su padre era de Puerto Rico. Estaba involucrado en un grupo de mariachis, por lo que Ramos creció con la música y se enamoró de ella a través de él.

“Simplemente lo miraba y me asombraba mientras él cantaba y se conectaba con la gente con esta hermosa música”, dijo Ramos. “Quería conectarme con la gente de esa manera y quería interpretar esta música”.

Para Fiol, su inspiración es la diversidad de poesía, arte, música y personas que encontró en Brooklyn cuando se mudó a Nueva York cuando tenía 20 años.

Los tres miembros de Flor de Toloache hablaron de sus familiares y amigos como fuentes de inspiración y apoyo.

A pesar de los desafíos de la pandemia de COVID-19, el grupo dijo que aún han podido continuar con su música. Su cuarto álbum está en marcha y han seguido colaborando con otros artistas. Planean reanudar la gira tan pronto como sea posible.

El “¡Browning Presenta!” es un programa de actuaciones públicas y residencias educativas de excelencia artística en una amplia gama de disciplinas con el objetivo de mejorar la riqueza cultural y la educación en artes escénicas a lo largo del Northern Wasatch Front.

Flor de Toloache, an all-female mariachi group from New York, performs for Weber State University’s Lindquist College of Arts and Humanities on Feb 5. Each member of the group has their own unique talent and each member displays their many talents during their concert.

CAITLYN NICHOLS | The Signpost

By ANDRES RODRIGUEZ

NIKKI DORBER | The Signpost

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Comment on this story at Velcro joins Flor de Toloache as a guest rapper during their Feb. 5 virtual signpost.mywebermedia.com performance.

12 | MyWeberMedia.com| February 9, 2021

Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com NIKKI DORBER | The Signpost

After a win on Feb. 4 against the Montana State Bobcats, the Wildcats weren’t finished winning and closed the two-game series with a score of 82–74, serving Montana State its first two losses of the season.

“We knew Montana State was undefeated.

We needed to come out and get a couple of wins,” Randy Rahe, head coach, said. “We had to make a few defensive adjustments but nothing on offense.”

The Bobcats won the tipoff and put the first 2 points up on the board. Weber State was quick to answer back with a 3-pointer from Zahir Porter.

The first half was a back and forth battle with nine lead changes throughout and no lead greater than six points for almost the entire game.

Seiko Sisoho Jawara led the first half with 13 points, Porter with eight points and Dontay Bassett with five points.

Weber State was looking for an answer after having Montana put the first four points of the second half on the board and tied the contest at 37.

Montana created their biggest lead of the game with a score 55–60 and 7:26 to go.

Sisoho Jawara was the answer for the Wildcats when he was able to put 12 points up on the board in those final seven minutes and get momentum going for scoring points, making 3-pointers when it mattered most. This was incorporated into his game-high of 25 points.

He was named the Big Sky Conference men’s

basketball Player of the Week.

With the help of Sisoho Jawara the Wildcats went on a 17–4 run to close out the game with their eight-point lead. He made 7–9 from the field, five out of six 3-pointers and six out of six from the free-throw line. “[Sisoho Jawara] is getting better and better all of the time,” said Rahe. “He is constantly working on his game, and you can see his confidence coming up.”

In addition to the 25 points from Sisoho Jawara, Bassett came in with 17 points and close behind was Porter with 15 points.

Alongside their scoring surge later in the game, the ‘Cats were able to close out with an almost perfect 28 for 30 from the free-throw line.

“We were here to set an example, and we’ve worked to get here,” said Bassett.

The Wildcats were able to knock the Bobcats out of first place, and now Weber State, Southern Utah and Montana State sit at 6-2 in Big Sky play while Eastern Washington is 7–2.

Saturday’s had a total of 47 fouls shared between the two teams, 20 coming from Weber State and 27 from Montana State.

The Wildcats are set to hit the road for their new two-game contest against the University of Montana Grizzlies on Feb. 11 and 13 before hosting Northern Arizona University at the Tossing in a 3-pointer, Dontay Bassett adds to the win for the Wildcats in Feb. Dee Events Center on Feb. 18 and 20.

6 game.

NIKKI DORBER | The Signpost

Reporter

Isiah Brown, a guard for WSU, looking to grab 2 points for Weber State University against Montana State.

NIKKI DORBER | The Signpost

By EMILY MILLER

Seikou Sisoho Jawara and Dontay Bassett team up to assure another 2 points on the board.

MyWeberMedia.com| February 9, 2021 | 13

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TUITION INCREASE

Weber State University is proposing a tuition increase of 2-3%, meaning an additional $51 to $76 per semester for a full-time resident undergraduate student for the upcoming school year.

It is proposed this tuition increase be used for the following: 路 Compensation: up to $1,500,000 路 Retention and Student Support: up to $479,600

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educate and inspire, as said in their mission statement.

While most donations come from the family of the deceased and must be acquired under strict conditions, not all donations are collected that way. Tissue donations, for example, can be harvested from a living donor. Consequently, there was a 17% increase in tissue donations. The donation process is actually quite meticulous. For an organ donation to be considered viable, the donor must pass away in a hospital while on a ventilator. As convoluted as it may seem, these protocols ensure that the organs are as healthy as possible.

Dixie Madsen is the public education and public relations manager for DonorConnect.

She’s worked there for 14 years. Madsen

By MACKENZIE DESSIN

Reporter

Against all odds, DonorConnect managed to set a record amount of donations and transplants in 2020.

According to their website, DonorConnect is a non-profit organization “that facilitates, coordinates, registers and advocates for donors and donor families in the Mountain West.”

DonorConnect serves millions of families, 94 hospitals and three transplant centers, including Primary Children’s Hospital, Intermountain Medical Center and University of Utah Hospital. By collecting donations of organs, eyes and tissues, DonorConnect helps save and heal lives, honor donors and

began working with the organization after seeing how much of a difference a donation could make in someone’s life.

She spoke of being concerned about how quarantine and the pandemic may affect the outcome of those who were on the transplant list. Her favorite part of working with DonorConnect is working with the donor families who, despite their loss, see the importance of what an organ can do for another and how their lost loved one can live on in another and give both parties a second chance at life.

With a 20% increase in organ donors, there was a 25% increase in organ transplants: 482 to be exact.

Bryson Quinny received a donor heart on March 5, 2020. Before his lifesaving opera-

tion, Quinny suffered from heart failure that landed him in the hospital in 2019. He was put on the transplant list and played what he called the “waiting game,” hoping for that perfect match. His close friend wasn’t so lucky; they passed away before receiving a transplant. It just goes to show how much of a difference a simple check mark can make.

When applying for a driver’s license, all that is required to be done is to check the “yes” box under organ donor.

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