April 7, 2020 - Utah Statesman - Utah State University

Week of April 7, 2020 www.usustatesman.com (435) 797-1742 TSC Room 118 Free single copy NEWS | ‘Stay home, stay safe’

STUDENT LIFE | Speaking in tongues

SPORTS | Gorman out

Gov. Herbert is encouraging people to stay home as much as possible to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Find out why this time of social isolation might be the perfect time to learn a new language.

The minutes leader for USU women’s hoops has entered the transfer portal. Who will take her place next year?

see PAGE 3

see PAGE 2

see PAGE 4

Former Aggie linebacker provides meals to local kids

By Jacob Nielson SPORTS STAFF WRITER

Just days after the former Aggie signed with the New York Giants, linebacker Kyler Fackrell

and his wife, Elizabeth, teamed up with the Pauni Island Grill in Logan to provide free hot meals to children in the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Over a five day span from March 19-23, the restaurant on 400 N gave out over 1,600 free

meals — consisting of an entree, rice, and roasted veggies — to kids in Cache Valley.

With schools shutting down and the knowledge that many families rely on the school lunch

program for their children, the two former Aggies wanted to help out, according to Spencer

Pauni — whose wife is Elizabeth’s sister. And Spencer’s mom, Seneti, owns the family-run Pauni Island Grill.

Kiera Greene, of Logan, said her family members were grateful recipients of the free meals.

“As a mother of four, this opportunity for a hot meal with protein for my kids was such a relief,”

she said. “Not only did it help with the budget, but it helped bring a smile back to my kid’s faces during this hard time.”

Jennifer Bryner, another Logan resident, was also grateful for the service provided.

“I know of many families who were helped immensely by the free kids lunches, ourselves

included,” she said. “It was such a comfort to our family to know we had the meal from Pauni Island Grill to help us get by.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF Pauni Island Grill Former Aggie linebacker Kyle Fackrell and his wife, Elizabeth, teamed with Pauni Island Grill to provide over 1,600 free meals to Cache Valley kids.

COVID-19 at USU: A timeline

PHOTO COURTESY OF Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Spencer said Kyler loved his time in Cache Valley and was excited for an opportunity to help see “Fackrell” PAGE 5

Review: ‘Onward’

PHOTO COURTESY OF Disney Disney/Pixar’s “Onward” was released in theaters last month, and was just released on the Disney+ streaming service.

By Maggie Mattinson STUDENT LIFE STAFF WRITER

By Multiple Writers STATESMAN NEWS TEAM

Disney released the Pixar film “Onward” to

Sunday, April 5. 7:04 p.m.

Three members of the Utah State University community have reported positive COVID-19 test results.

theaters on March 6. Shortly after its under-

whelming opening weekend, many theaters

closed down due to the quickly spreading

By Alison Berg

According to a news release from Utah State University, one case is an employee who has not

been on campus for at least 14 days, the other two are students. One student lives out-of-state

and has not been on-campus in weeks, said university spokesperson Emilie Wheeler. The other student lives off-campus and is recovering at home, Wheeler said,

These cases are the first three confirmed in the university community, and USU relies on

students and employees to self-report a positive test result.

“I know this information may cause our students and employees concern, and I want to

reassure you that we are working hard to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community,” USU President Noelle Cockett said in the statement. “We’ll get through this by treating each other with compassion and doing our part to prevent the spread.”

USU relies on students and employees to self-report positive results and the university will

not release information, to encourage members of the community to report, Wheeler said.

“USU relies on individuals in our community to self-report if they have a positive test so we

can take steps to support that individual, put into place cleaning protocols where necessary,

and include this information that the university uses in our decisions about how to protect the community,” she said. “Protecting people’s privacy provides an incentive for them to self-report.”

Wheeler said university administrators are unsure whether the third student developed

symptoms in Logan or elsewhere, but they know the student is recovering out-of-state.

COVID-19 pandemic. Disney+ quickly announced that it would be streaming the film

within less than a month, and it has been available on the platform since April 3.

“Onward” follows the story of brothers Ian

(Tom Holland) and Barley (Chris Pratt) on a magical quest to spend one day with their father, who died of an unnamed illness when they were both young. It’s a classic fantasy

story in almost every way. There are quests, magical beings, classic hero arcs and spells:

everything you would see from Tolkien, Lewis or Rowling.

However, “Onward” gives a very unique per-

spective on the fantasy trope. Rather than leaning toward the storybook-end of the

spectrum like we’ve seen in countless movies, shows and books, this story feels more like

a Dungeons and Dragons campaign come to

life. The pixies are small, mean and gruff; the elves are tall masters of magic. Barley —the

see “Timeline” PAGE 5

older of the two brothers — is obsessed with

a D&D or Magic: The Gathering-like game

called “Quests of Yore,” which is “historically accurate” in the film’s universe and inspires the direction of their quest.

“Onward” set high expectations as being the

first Disney-Pixar movie to feature an openly LGBTQ+ character. The first lesbian char-

acter in a Pixar movie is very butch, only in one short scene, is really of no importance to

the story and is a cop. I recognize that Pixar

is still taking steps in the right direction and any effort is important, but it seems like they

could have done much more, especially after the disappointing LGBTQ+ representation in Star Wars IX. (It’s 2020. Come on, Pixar. Have

some tact and make some real strides for representation and diversity.)

Like all Disney-Pixar movies, “Onward” has

its share of humor mixed with sentiment. The setting of the film — a fantasy world collided with one like ours — lends itself to laughs.

There is also strategically placed subtle hu-

mor throughout, like a pixie eating Pixy Stix or the struggle of a centaur driving a car. Pix-

ar is known for teaching its main characters lessons they didn’t think they needed on the

journey of fulfilling their dreams, but in very see “Onward” PAGE 5

PAGE 2

WEEK OF APRIL 7, 2020

NEWS

Ut. Gov. Herbert issues ‘stay home’ directive

By Alison Berg NEWS CONTENT MANAGER

Utah Gov. Gary Herbert asked Utahns to immediately begin staying home as much as possible, emphasizing the need to slow the spread of COVID-19 in a press conference on March 27 “Coronavirus is a serious challenge that we face,” he said. “It brings with it a lot of uncertainty, some fear, apprehension, high anxiety.”

Herbert acknowledged, “I recognize we’re asking you to do some things that are uncomfortable, that are disruptive,” but said the sacrifices would be worthwhile sooner rather than later if people follow directions now.

“If we do this, we’re gonna come out in good shape at the end of the next few weeks,” he said.

Herbert unveiled three phases of a plan to slow the spread and help boost the economy. Phase 1: Urgency, Phase 2: Stabilization, and Phase 3: Recovery.

Utah is currently in Phase 1, he said, and “if we don’t get this right, the other two phases won’t count much.”

The announcement came shortly after Herbert issued a directive asking people to stay home, continue to practice social distancing (including standing six feet apart if they must leave the house), follow strict hygiene standards, avoid contact with elderly or immunocompromised individuals and limit travel to what’s essential.

“All individuals should stay home as much as possible,”

he said.

The instructions are to remain in effect until Monday.

Unlike the shelter-in-place orders issued in Summit County and several other states, Utah’s directive is not enforceable by law, but is a strong suggestion.

“There’s an expectation that all of us will follow these directives, and we need to do that,” he said. “All of us need to work together if we’re going to get through and survive, and in fact, not only survive but then be able to thrive in a few weeks.”

When asked why he didn’t follow states like California, Idaho and Colorado in issuing shelter-in-place orders, Herbert said he felt this approach was “more positive.”

“We think we have enough fear about this without adding to it,” he said, arguing that a “shelter-in-place” order sounded like a World War II effort.

State parks will remain open for the time being, Herbert said. However, parks are only open to those who live in the county where the park is located.

“This will help us control the spread of the virus,” he said. The state is still waiting on answers from the federal government to determine whether or not national parks will remain open.

Herbert encouraged employers to find ways to allow their employees to work from home and, if they cannot work from home, to allow employees who say they’re sick to stay home as long as they’re ill.

As of Monday, Utah had 1,675 confirmed cases with 13

PHOTO BY AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, Pool Utah Gov. Gary Herbert shares updates during a COVID-19 pandemic press conference at the Utah State Capitol Tuesday, March 31, 2020, in Salt Lake City.

deaths, but the state epidemiologist, Angela Dunn, said in a press conference she expects the number of cases to increase in the next few days as tests from the weekend are processed. Of those cases, 33 are in the Bear River Health District, which includes Cache, Rich and Box Elder counties, and six of the individuals are hospitalized.

The Bear River Health Department announced Thursday that a healthcare worker in the area had tested positive for the coronavirus and potentially spread it to up to 56 patients — 10 of whom are symptomatic, and the others were asked to quarantine. ­— alisonberg28@gmail.com @alison__berg

USUSA ‘twists’ events, goes online

By Taylor Cripe NEWS STAFF WRITER

Utah State University’s Quinney College of Natural Resources just finished its first week of virtual events on Friday. The event was part of USU Student Association’s new program to connect students online.

“We already had a whole week planned for student events and we were bummed that we couldn’t do it because of COVID-19,” Natural Resources Senator Rachel Chamberlain said.

Chamberlain, who initially came up with the idea to move USUSA events online, said they didn’t want to waste planning that had already gone into the event. As a result, she said they decided to “twist Natural Resources Week into an online challenge.”

“We want our students to stay connected. It’s important right now,” Chamberlain said. “We also just want to get people outside.”

The Virtual NR Week primarily took place on Instagram and asked students to complete a different challenge every day. On Monday, students were asked to take a picture of themselves fishing and — if they caught anything — to post their catch on Instagram or Facebook. Mark Devey took to Instagram to show off his rainbow trout glistening in the sun after being netted, but it paled in comparison to Catch of the Day winner Megan Christensen’s.

Other challenges included students taking pictures of themselves hiking, finding the tallest tree in the canyon, identifying different plants and going on a “wildlife safari” to find an interesting animal.

“Doing this was a good way to reach a big audience,” Chamberlain said. “We could promote our college and show we have awesome things going on.”

We want them to know their money is going somewhere.

— Rachel Chamberlain, USUSA QCNR Senator

Students who participated in the photo scavenger hunt every day were eligible to receive a prize once they verified their university A-number.

Chamberlain also said she knows students pay extra fees to the university for USUSA events, so they want students to feel like they are actually getting a benefit from their fees.

“We want them to know their money is going somewhere,” Chamberlain said. “Making sure people come together right now, even if it’s just through pictures, seemed like a good way to do that.”

According to USUSA Student Events Vice President

Cooper Low, all future virtual events will be advertised like any normal event: by posting graphics to Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

While many of these events will take place via Instagram, Low said USUSA will use Instagram and Facebook Live to broadcast whatever content they are working on.

“For example, a virtual paint night on March 23 was advertised as ‘use your own art supplies at home, and if you’d like, you can tune in and watch someone doing art live at a specific time on a specific day,’” Low said.

Some events also have a cash prize. The March 23 paint night offered a $50 cash prize to the most upvoted art piece, and from April 6-9, students who participate in a “Roommate Lipsync Contest” can win up to $300.

Low said virtual events will likely be a temporary situation until the coronavirus pandemic has passed.

“However, we have discovered we can now reach different types of people,” Low said. “There are people who don’t like the hustle and bustle of in-person events and want to do things from the comfort of their own home.

This could be a game-changer.”

Chamberlain said it may be too much work to do in-person and virtual events in the future but said they have received “all positive feedback.”

—taylorcripe@gmail.com @cripe_taylor

SAAVI kicks off Sexual Assault Awareness month “Only a small minority of

quences for their crimes,”

assault to law enforcement or

Believing,’ you help stop this

victims report their sexual

file a formal complaint with

university authorities,” she

said. “In USU’s most recent sexual

misconduct

survey,

more than a third of victims did not tell anyone at all. The

most common reasons in-

By Karcin Harris NEWS STAFF WRITER

Wednesday is not only Utah

State University’s fifth Start

by Believing day, it’s also

Anti-Violence

Information

reach and prevention coor-

awareness

campaign is crucial for sexual

(SAAVI) office is kicking off sexual

assault

Felicia Gallegos, the out-

month with its annual “Start

by Believing” campaign.

dinator for SAAVI, said the

assault survivors to feel com-

fortable to share their stories.

said

sexual

assault

“It gives the university the

ant for a lot of reasons.

disclose their own experienc-

opportunity to outwardly rec-

can get essential support.”

periences of survivors within

es with sexual assault so they Gallegos said survivors that

er individual about the attack

are likely to never tell anothever again.

“That is not acceptable,” she

ognize and validate the ex-

our community,” she said.

“Raising

awareness

about

sexual violence demonstrates that the university cares. We do not tolerate sexual vio-

lence, and we are here to

Gallegos said knowing how

said. “Survivors should feel

ical,” which is why the uni-

ence and trust that they will

el, Songs for Survivors Ben-

es they need. This campaign

the Night Community March

to respond to a victim is “crit-

when the Sexual Assault and

She

encourages more people to

al and professional reactions

their experience and the fear believed.”

ing their story.

awareness month is import-

aren’t listened to or believed

they would be blamed or not

and validate the person shar-

cycle. Improving our person-

cluded concerns about priva-

cy, shame, the seriousness of

STATESMAN FILE PHOTO Sarah Jensen and Kenzie Hyer at a booth for the Start By Believing Day on April 3, 2019 in the LDS Institute Building.

she said. “When you ‘Start by

versity is so supportive of the

national Start by Believing movement.

“A negative response can

worsen the trauma and fos-

ter an environment where perpetrators face no conse-

safe to share their experibe connected to the resourc-

gives us the opportunity to educate

individuals

how to respond.”

about

Gallegos said SAAVI advises

people to listen with empathy

support survivors.”

The Heroes Not Victims pan-

efit Concert and Take Back

were some of the awareness events SAAVI had planned for

April before having to cancel due to the COVID-19 pansee “SAAVI” PAGE 5

WEEK OF APRIL 7, 2020

PAGE 3

STUDENT LIFE

Bored? Learn a foreign language!

@tmonson23 The streets miss me

PHOTO COURTESY OF Pexels

There are many benefits to learning a foreign language, including job opportunities and brain stimulation.

By Kristian Fors STUDENT LIFE STAFF WRITER

sible to enter without a skill

of a language will allow trav-

some other languages have

language experience always

in the culture to a degree that

never thought about how

like this. In addition, foreign

Learning a foreign language

is an activity that many high

looks good on a résumé.

Despite what my high school

skills associated with lan-

about it, there are many ben-

among these is discipline. To

tongue. And, even if you

guage requires great energy

grade

concentration and intention-

schoolers view with drudgery.

There are also many soft

peers might have had to say

guage study. The most salient

efits to learning a foreign

become proficient in a lan-

had a bad time in your ninth

and hard work. It demands

should reconsider learning a

al study. Going through the

The first and most obvious

continual repetition for the

is better communication. Pro-

mediate benefits establishes

open up sectors of the world

other areas of life. If you can

all languages are created

you’ll gain confidence in your

will clearly be far less useful

anything.

Spanish

class,

you

elers to immerse themselves

would be impossible otherwise. Even if someone doesn’t

reach fluency, attempting to

to travel to places that you would never otherwise visit.

Learning a language will

benefit of learning a language

learned Swedish, a language

ficiency in a language will

a precedent for discipline in

to the learner. However, not

learn a difficult language,

equally. Mastery of Icelandic

abilities to pretty much do

unique opportunities inacces-

and foremost, the thought of

fields, like international busi-

travelers a goal and challenge

guages will be qualified for

ly for a study abroad. First

sible to many people. Some

learning a local tongue gives

ness or diplomacy, are impos-

to orient their efforts while abroad. Attaining knowledge

way

languages

are

glish is very different from

guage will give you an excuse

sake of a skill with non-im-

traveling more fun, especial-

The

Maybe even learning a lan-

foreign language.

People who learn other lan-

when they are deconstructed. structured can be wildly dif-

cultural experience in itself.

teach you more about your

than fluency in Chinese.

bizarre these idioms seem

learn the language will be a

process of memorization and

Language learning makes

similar constructions, I had

own native tongue. When I with a fairly similar construc-

tion to English, I learned so

much about the technical

ferent. The structure of En-

that of the Russian language, a language that uses many alphabetical cases and declensions. By definition, languag-

es are a different way to say the same ideas. Exposure to a

foreign language enables the

learner to develop and think differently about the world.

College is a time for learn-

components of our language.

ing and growth. It’s a time for

language that we seldom an-

selves intellectually. To go

We are so accustomed to our alyze it. I had never realized

what an infinitive verb was, what a supine tense was or how many weird idioms we have. For example, how

strange is it that we say we are “going” to do something,

or that we use “of course” to respond affirmatively. While

students to challenge themthrough university and only

take mandatory classes is a waste of a great opportunity.

Our university offers intro-

ductory classes for at least seven different languages. If at all possible, put yourself

see “Language” PAGE 5

@HeyBMoon for someone who hardly ever went to the gym, i sure do miss the gym

@AriWRees Dystopian novels didn’t prepare me for the amount of DoorDash I’d be eating.

The struggle is real:

Finding structure during online class

By Emily White STUDENT LIFE STAFF WRITER

Does anyone know what day

it is? I feel like I’m in a constant loop of weekends; time has be-

come meaningless. Alas, I still

have so much school work to do.

And even though I have all the

time in the world, it feels like I have no time for schoolwork, and I have no one to blame but

myself. It’s time for us to finally start adjusting to these crazy

times, but how can we possibly do that? One word: structure.

It’s so important for people to

have structure, and usually, we can rely on school for that structure. But online school is a dif-

ferent kind of beast that requires

more time management and self-control. Needless to say, we

aren’t used to either of those. So what’s the first step in developing these skills?

It’s time to get to know yourself.

worked out, plan a good way to

work ethic? When do you find

out of bed in the morning? If it’s

What’s your personal style and you get the most work done? Do

you find yourself procrastinating more when you are busy or more

when you are bored? Take time to consider your work ethic and how you operate. You can still

get work done, it’s just a matter

start your day. What will get you

food, plan out a breakfast that will get you moving. Morning time is the best time for medi-

tation and yoga, so if that’s your

jam, go for it. After that, it’s game time.

Writing a to-do list is a great

of knowing when. After you fig-

way to make sure you don’t for-

out a morning schedule.

feeling of your stomach sinking

ure yourself out, it’s time to work If you’re anything like me,

you’ve officially sunk into a comfortable schedule of sleeping in

late. This is a huge enemy to pro-

ductivity, but you need to make

sure you get your eight hours of sleep in, so set a bedtime for yourself. For example, Go to bed

at midnight and wake up at 8 a.m. Wake up at the same time every day so your body gets used

to your new circadian rhythm.

After you’ve got your body clock

get anything. We all know that to the center of the Earth when you realize you’ve forgotten to

do an assignment. Usually, it’s too late to do it, so you just take the L. Well, to-do lists are a great

solution to that. Even though it

can be a little bit overwhelm-

ing to write out the millions of homework

assignments

and

lectures that you have to do, it’s worth it.

As a side note, making priorities

on your to-do lists is an excellent

PHOTO COURTESY OF Pexels

way to improve your focus and

that without a to-do list. I’m

thing you can do for yourself is to

done first. If that’s not how you

Caves, a walk around Logan,

aid your productivity rather than

get the most important things

roll, you can put the easiest things first! Remember, it’s all

about how you operate, so tailor your lists to your needs.

Work in time for fun things

during your day. No, I’m not talking about Netflix time. We both know you’ll find time for

talking about a hike to the Wind FaceTime with a friend or relative or doing a new puzzle. The

options are endless. You could

even take up baking or cooking!

Scheduling these breaks in between mundane tasks can help

motivate you big time. Times are tough right now, but the best

get a solid routine going that will give in to your Achilles’ heel.

—emily.white@aggiemail.usu.edu

PAGE 4

WEEK OF APRIL 7, 2020

SPORTS

Record Breakers: Part 2 Detailing what went into USU gymnastics’ best season in 20 years up a pair of titles on beam and floor, and Utah

By Dalton Renshaw SPORTS CONTENT MANAGER

State completed a perfect home season for the first time in 41 years.

The warmup prior to Utah State gymnastics’

After the win against BYU — what ended up

meet against Air Force didn’t fill head coach

being the last meet of the season — the belief

Amy Smith or her staff with confidence that

really started to take hold in the players.

the team would go out and perform up to the

“You could just see in our team meeting that

level she knew they could. According to her,

we had. After that meet, talking about going

it was bad.

into Utah and talking about going into the

“I mean, Amanda, Eric and I were looking

conference championship,” Smith said, “you

at each other going, ‘Oh my gosh, what are

could see the belief in their eyes, and the con-

we going to get today’,” said Smith. “I just

fidence in their eyes that it finally just really,

stopped them after warmups and was like

really clicked and like, ‘Oh my gosh, we’re re-

guys like, ‘what are we doing? Like, you’ve got

ally good.’”

two choices: we can continue down this path,

The trip to meet the Falcons also kicked off

or you can go put your leotards on and come

the team’s reign as the best beam unit in the

out and let’s handle some business.’”

MRGC. Freshman Sofi Sullivan set the school

The team took the latter path.

record on beam with a score of 9.975 against

Utah State dominated the Air Force Fal-

Air Force in the third meet of her college ca-

cons, posting a 195.550-192.375 win on the

reer. She and DeHarde were integral to the Ag-

road that would set the tempo for weeks to

gies getting to as high as No. 19 in the nation

come. Prior to that, the opening two weeks

in that discipline. By season’s end, DeHarde

for the Aggies were not necessarily pleasant.

set the school record with 12 career beam ti-

The team battled two top-five schools — Utah

tles as well as earning MRGC Gymnast of the

and UCLA — and four top-25 programs across

Year and Sullivan picked up the conference’s

two meets, winning none of them. However, a

Freshman of the Year honor.

shift in focus got the group on the right track,

“I think our mindsets are just different this

and the Aggies went on a nine-game tear in

year. I think we really wanted it,” DeHarde

which they lost just once.

That shift — according to multiple players

said. “Unfortunately, our season had to be cut

and Smith — might have resonated as they

PHOTO COURTESY of Wade Denniston/USU Athletics Junior Autumn Deharde set the school record with 12 beam titles in her career this season against No. 17 BYU.

was really formed before the season started.

taste of that at Air Force,” but there was still a

were taking the floor against Air Force, but

Utah State’s program had been moderately

successful for the past 10-20 years, though it

never reached the heights that it could have.

But 2020 was the first winning season in 21

years for Utah State gymnastics — a culmination of three years of work by Smith and her

staff that included convincing the players just how good they could be.

“It was a big culture shift this year,” Smith

said. “It takes everybody collectively getting

on board and believing in the process and all of that, and they really did.”

It’s one thing just to think that the team’s

good, but it’s a completely different and more

challenging task to prove that it is. Although USU was headed on the right track, its belief

in how high the ceiling could be was still a

lot of work to be done.

The following week after beating Air Force,

the team dropped its last meet of the sea-

son — a loss by less than a point against No.

23 Southern Utah. From then on, the Aggies racked up three wins against ranked opponents and a win against every member of the Mountain Rim Gymnastics Conference.

It’s cliche to say things like ‘competition is

the greatest motivator.’ But often, the sentiment ends up manifesting itself into reality.

Senior Brittany Jeppesen noticed that the

coaches made an effort to shake up the lineups before every match early in the season,

which ended up being one of the tools the team used to push past its previous plateaus.

slow build. As Smith put it, “They got a little

“Every single day, the girls were in there

working their butts off, like it was basically

a competition in the gym almost every day because we never knew who was going to be

put up in lineups,” Jeppesen said. “I think that

made the biggest difference just this season, and I also feel like the whole attitude shift and the leadership I feel I like has been better this year.”

At Boise State, the group put up a score of

196.800 — the second-highest in program history. On the same night, they also set the

school record on the beam with a score of 49.575. Two weeks later, Utah State hosted

No. 17 BYU on senior night and put up anoth-

er incredible performance. Jeppesen earned a

share of the title on bars and set a career-high 9.900, a score she had been looking for her

whole career. Junior Autumn DeHarde picked

short, but we really wanted to make regionals this year. And that was our goal, and we were set to do that.”

The way the season ended was no doubt

challenging for everyone involved. However, 2020 was a positive step forward for the pro-

gram. And while the team will lose two of its best athletes and leaders in Jeppesen and Elle

Golison, Smith is focused on improving an al-

ready great group of women that come back for 2021.

“Looking ahead I do get very excited,” she

said. “I believe we’re losing those three routines and I think we’re gaining 12 or 13 routines — not athletes — within five athletes.

So looking at the numbers, I’m not a numbers

person, but we should be incredibly stronger

than what we were this year across the board.”

— sports@usustatesman.com @dren_sports

Steph Gorman won’t return to play at USU State,

By Jason Walker SENIOR SPORTS WRITER

Less than a week after Utah

State’s women’s basketball

program turned over a new

leaf by hiring head coach Kayla Ard on March 24, the

process of rebuilding could be taking a new hit.

Steph Gorman, the minutes

leader for USU this past sea-

son, has reportedly entered the transfer portal. The Aggies ended 2019-2020 with

an 8-23 overall record in-

cluding its worst conference

record since the program’s reinstatement in 2003.

The Twitter account “NCAA

WBB

Transfer

NCAAWBBT)

List”

tweeted

(@ on

March 27 that Gorman is in the portal. The Utah States-

man later confirmed Gorman will not return to play in Lo-

gan next year, and she has already been removed from the 2020-21 roster on the official athletics website.

Gorman

averaged

8.7 points per game, 2.8

In two seasons with Utah

rebounds and 2.5 assists

in 31.2 minutes per game.

Gorman led the Aggies in

minutes during the 2019-20

campaign, playing 35.6 per night in 30 starts. She fin-

ished third on the team in scoring at 10.7 points per game, while leading them

in assists (2.8 per game) and steals (2.0) along with 3-pointers made (68) and attempted (210).

Utah State will dearly miss

Gorman’s experience on the floor as next year’s team was already going to desperately

lack players with Division I

minutes. Just three returning Aggies can boast career min-

utes totals north of 400 with 10 projected members of

next year’s team having few-

er than 200, including five

freshmen. And looking at the

Steph Gorman takes a moment to pause in Utah State’s game against San Diego State on March 1.

of court time — senior Em-

Franson — their combined

three players with some level

Brantley and junior Taylor

rebounds. As of now, none

mie Harris, sophomore Faith

career per game average is

will be filled by a player who

2.3 points, 0.9 assists and 1.9

of the projected roster spots

has averaged more than four

points per game in a Division I basketball season.

PHOTO BY Iain Laurence

— jasonswalker94@gmail.

com

@thejwalk67

WEEK OF APRIL 7, 2020 “Timeline” FROM PAGE 1 Tuesday, March 24, 9:46

for COVID-19 in nine of the state’s 13 health districts.

p.m.

Saturday, March 14, 1:24

ceremony rescheduled to

Classes moved online

USU commencement

p.m.

August

By Camille Nelson

By Taylor Cripe

Utah State University

Starting Wednesday, all

academic courses held at

PAGE 5 Aggie Marketplace were all

part of Danielle Weinerman’s everyday life.

Fears of catching or spread-

ing a virus and warnings to avoid large crowds didn’t

stop her from an afternoon visit to the Marketplace.

“It definitely feels emptier

announced Monday com-

Utah State University will be

than normal,” Weinerman

on Aug. 28-29, providing

will be canceled until then.

about half full, which an

mencement would be held circumstances allow.

moved online, and classes

This change is in response

said. The Marketplace was employee said is “pretty stan-

and following their example, that help us feel

like we can all get through this by helping

the community.

each other.”

to perform and put Utah State on the map,”

back to the community they love, it has also

Utah State did a lot for him. I think it was a

to Spencer.

had.”

valley that don’t even know we exist and nev-

Pauni families set would spread through the

is kind of opening up marketing for us, open-

“This is where he met his wife. He was able

Not only did the service help the Paunis give

Pauni said. “He did a lot for Utah State, and

given the business some exposure, according

connection and a good relationship that they

“There’s actually a lot of people here in the

Bryner hoped the example the Fackrell and

community of Logan.

“It makes our hearts and minds feel more

er tried our food before,” he said, “and so this ing the eyes of the valley to letting them know that we’re here.”

USU previously said com-

to the coronavirus pandemic.

place at the end of April as

ulty and staff, USU President

living in the Living Learning

primary objective is to

diet revolves around her

“Onward” FROM PAGE 1

“hasn’t figured out” what

different ways than expected. “Onward” does

tion to detail in the intricacies and subtleties

It is worth noting much of what makes this

make the film an emotional rollercoaster, and,

mencement would not take

In a letter to all students, fac-

originally planned.

Noelle Cockett said, “USU’s

senior Tarren Jessop said.

protect the health and safety

to stress we will only get this

throughout the state.”

in slowing the spread of the

dents have many emotions

“I am over the moon,”

“But I do feel it’s important

of our campus communities

chance if we all do our part

Throughout campus, stu-

dard” for a Friday at 3 p.m.

“Fackrell” FROM PAGE 1

Weinerman is a freshman

at ease, knowing we have their family in our community,” she said. “It’s people like them,

Community on campus. Her campus meal plan, and she

—jacob.nielson12@yahoo.com @jacobnielson12

the surface level, but it’s very similar to any

other buddy adventure movie. It’s the atten-

not stray from this format.

of a nearly perfect sibling relationship that

movie so meaningful is the relatability. I have

quite honestly, a flawless movie.

isn’t too far, but I haven’t

our dynamic and personalities are very similar

to anyone looking for an easy, lighthearted

said.

example, in one early scene, Barley drives his

sweet, it’s got adventure and it’s uncomplicatuncertain, “Onward” is the perfect escape.

she’ll do if USU Dining Ser-

vices closes their operations.

“I can go grocery shopping

Overall, I would recommend “Onward”

virus.”

about the cancelation of

and home (Pleasant Grove)

a younger sister who I am very close with, and

survey sent around social

campus.

really thought about it,” she

to the movie’s portrayal of Ian and Barley. For

watch. It’s full of laughs, it’s nostalgic, it’s

their input on whether they’d

Friday, March 13, 12:03

USU Dining Services direc-

run-down van up to Ian’s school, creating cha-

ed. In a time where everything is scary and

and how far in advance they

Campus starts to empty out

immediately return a request

My sister and I have lived through that exact

services locations — which

siblings have. “Onward” is a great movie on

Jessop orchestrated a

media to seniors seeking

classes and the shutdown of

like a postponed graduation

p.m.

tor Alan Anderson did not

os and embarrassment for Ian and his friends.

would be willing to return to

By Alison Berg

for comment, but dining

situation countless times, as I’m sure many

Logan.

While some were excited

It’s 12:03 p.m. on Friday.

As the sun beats down

about the date change, oth-

and a slight breeze stirs the

“I most likely will not be

students stand on the Utah

ers did not receive it as well.

54-degree March day, four

here, and I probably won’t

State University quad passing

make the trip to attend

around a football.

said.

six campus buildings and,

ment is still there.

the weather climbs above

not getting to celebrate with

students studying, playing

planned,” Kaylyn Patenaude

joying the sun — especially

later,” senior Kimmie Stewart

The quad sits between

For others the disappoint-

on days like Friday where

“The date change means

45 degrees, is packed with

include all campus cafes,

dining halls and concession

stands — were open during normal business hours Monday.

Additionally, USU emailed

all students Monday ask-

ing on-campus residents to “return to their permanent homes,” and alerting stu-

dents the Aggie Recreation

games, socializing and en-

said. “I don’t have closure in

around noon.

Wednesday, March 11, 2:49

not even sure I can come

telling students all campus

USU cancels in-person

this season of my life. I am

also be planning graduation in September. More details

a normally crowded campus

announced Tuesday after-

coming weeks.

shrank to sparse groups of

occurring after Thursday

Wednesday, March 18, 3:05

the 450-acre campus.

First two COVID-19

and Sarah Flint sat at a table

County

food court. On another Fri-

tential COVID-19 outbreak,

will be announced in the

of at least 20,000 students

p.m.

students spread out through Emily Harris, Renae Curtis

confirmed cases in Cache

in the TSC Hub — USU’s

By Alison Berg

day at this time, one would

partment has announced two

spot.

in Cache County.

friends sat at a table with no

years old and did not need

them.

River Health Department

Harris, a sophomore study-

Budge also said the cases

“The virus thing feels like a

The Bear River Health De-

confirmed cases of COVID-19 Both patients are above 60

hospitalization, said Bear

be hard-pressed to find a

But on this day, the three

one in a 20-foot vicinity of “It doesn’t feel real,” said

spokeswoman Holly Budge.

ing elementary education.

were travel related.

fever dream. It doesn’t feel

“Please continue to practice

social distancing, that’s the

way we’re going to slow the

real.”

The three students were

among the few on campus

spread,” she added.

Friday after the series of

a day after the department

While campus was noticeably

Box Elder County.

tinued their daily routines —

This announcement comes

coronavirus announcements.

reported a confirmed case in

emptier, many students con-

According to the Utah

Department of Health, 53

Utahns have tested positive

—kfors@gmail.com

is essentially enough information on the in-

By Alison Berg

Utah State University

noon all university events

2

will be canceled until April

8. University faculty are also encouraged to “transition to

online course delivery if nec-

essary and should create contingency plans to teach their classes remotely,” according

to an email sent to USU fac-

ulty and staff members from President Noelle Cockett.

Additionally, all university

travel between Thursday through April 8 must be

cancelled. The email made

no mention of study abroad programs.

Cockett also encouraged

university personnel to

follow “best practices to

prevent the spread of disease and to stay home if you are

sick, even if your symptoms are mild.”

hot chocolate at the Quad-

side Cafe and dining at the

the opportunity to educate

said.

“We will be posting every

violence on our campus,” she

week day throughout the

In lieu of in-person gather-

ries and resources,” she said.

behaviors that are considered

ings and events, Gallegos said

duct policy, how to practice

ness through their social me-

consent and how we can all

want.

Homework at the library,

play a part in ending sexual

a violation of student miscon-

to incredible amounts of information. There

out conversational in it, or any language you

minus attending classes.

demic.

the campus community about

quarantine time. We live in a time with access

if you dedicate enough time, you can come

coronavirus outbreak.

“SAAVI” FROM PAGE 2 “It also gives the university

occupy your time with during your COVID-19

quarantine conversational in Afrikaans, but

events due to potential

be moved online due to a po-

events for the first two weeks

a language now, it will give you something to

guage you want. Maybe you didn’t go into

p.m.

back for graduation.”

canceled, and classes would

As an added bonus, if you started studying

ternet that you can reach fluency in any lan-

be closed beginning Tuesday.

events until April 8 would be

Statewide campuses will

out there and go sign up for one in the fall!

@maggiemattinson

Center and Fieldhouse will

my family like I already

But after a series of emails

“Language” FROM PAGE 3

—mlmattinson@gmail.com

SAAVI will still raise awaredia accounts, @USUSAAVI.

(your brain) 2 It’s science. Read more, get smart. usustatesman.com

month including videos, sto-

—karcinrose@gmail.com @harriskarcin

UtahStatesman web print

smart

PAGE 6

WEEK OF APRIL 7, 2020

OPINION

GRAPHIC BY Keith Wilson

The opinions expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect those held by the graphic designer.

Six silver linings during the time of coronavirus

By Sam Paepke OPINION COLUMNIST

learn and stay positive during

you feel more grateful next

that are quarantined, connect-

grocery store employees, and

two apps are particularly pop-

linings I’ve found in trying to

have told me six months ago

chat, phone calls, texts, social

ing our society healthy.

to simplicity and low cost: Rob-

this time. Here are six silver

Editor’s note: The following

column was pared down for the

make the most of this situation.

print version of the newspaper.

Renewed gratitude

the Statseman’s website.

Picture this: It’s Saturday.

In this period of uncertain-

friends, eat out at your favorite

To view all six silver linings, visit

ty and turmoil regarding

COVID-19, there are plenty of articles addressing the risks, precautions and negative

effects of the virus. The number of worldwide cases has

reached nearly 1.3 million with a majority of the world’s countries now affected. There are, however, still opportunities to

You gather with 10 or more

time you can go? If you would that I wouldn’t be able to plan a night like this, I would’ve

thought it was crazy. Now, I

look forward to when we can

gather and participate in these activities.

restaurant and catch a movie

Technology and processes

night, you hug your friends

ever

afterward. At the end of the

goodbye. Sunday you have the

are more sophisticated than

option to attend religious ser-

If there were a “good time” to

attend classes in-person, hit

would probably be it. Consider

vices. Monday comes, and you the gym, and finish the night

at the skating rink — are you

excited to do that again? Will

live through a pandemic, this the technology available to

us. For all of us who are social distancing, and even people

ing is possible through video media, etc. If this pandemic

anyone playing a part in keep-

were to occur as much as

Learn about investing

options would be unavailable

In terms of world finances and

medical technology is also

has obviously had a devastat-

20 years ago, many of these

or, at least, less accessible. Our more advanced, and testing

as well as symptom-treating drugs are available, with a

vaccine hopefully on the way..

Even our distribution channels (i.e. grocery stores, online

shopping) are better prepared

for social distancing with many already offering pickup and

home delivery. God bless our

doctors, nurses, medical staff,

the economy, the coronavirus

ing effect. However, there is a

silver lining, especially for college students: there’s a lower

cost-barrier for investments. By

investing, you can benefit yourself and society at the same

time. And now, many sections of the market are facing de-

creased value and prices. If you are looking to begin investing

ular among new investors due inhood and Stash. Even if you aren’t looking to make money

on an investment now, there is educational value in watching the market and how it reacts to world events and societal

perception. For example, even though the market as a whole has shown decreasing value,

some stocks are increasing in

value, such as Clorox, COSTCO and Zoom.

Sam Paepke is a USU business student.

and don’t know where to start,

Venezuelan crisis: Another opportunity for U.S. imperialism

By Taelor Candiloro OPINION COLUMNIST

cently announced that Venezu-

elan President Nicolás Maduro is wanted in the U.S. on counts narcoterrorism,

laundering

and

cutting Maduro’s legitimacy

countries came together last

sioner for Human Rights Navi

shift to a sustainable Vene-

after calls from Venezuela’s

his collaborators.” However,

ican Treaty of Reciprocal Assis-

the failure to close Guantana-

I believe that our efforts to

intervention happened only

The Trump administration re-

of

a re-election — international

money

corruption.

These accusations come in the

wake of increased sanctions on the Venezuelan government to pressure the removal of

Maduro from office. However

necessary these actions, the

United States’ politicization of the Venezuelan crisis serves as a crude example of U.S. global imperialism.

Since his election in 2018,

Maduro has enjoyed an in-

famous reputation at home and abroad. While the elec-

tion results were considered illegitimate — many Venezu-

elans protested for Maduro

to step down in order to hold

U.S.-friendly opposition leader Juan Guaidó.

When Maduro took office, he

took control of the National Assembly — previously headed

by Guaidó. Since being pushed out of office, Guaidó has con-

ducted international tours to

gain traction for his campaign to unseat Maduro as interim president but is fully aware

that his largest obstacle is the unyielding loyalty of Venezuelan military officials. Incentiv-

izing high-ranking officers to reassess their loyalties is considered by many to be the key

and eroding the cohesion of

shortly after these charges

were announced, the U.S. also released a plan to instate a temporary “Council of State” that would act as a transi-

tional government capable of holding a free election. While

mirroring a plan released by

Times identified as “under-

Venezuelan officials entry, the

questionable control the U.S.

exercises over UN movements should raise concerns.

The United States is current-

than $10 billion in 2017,

and Guaidó to relinquish their

claims to leadership. The plan did not prevent Guaidó from running for office, and Maduro, predictably, rejected it.

Increased sanctions on Ven-

to isolate the Maduro regime

Camilleri of the Los Angeles

act economic sanctions or bar

tionally calls for both Maduro

United States’ approach addi-

$15 million reward for insider steps toward what Michael

a number of countries to en-

ly the largest financial donor

ezuela in the last year have

information were considered

tance (TIAR), which allowed

Guaidó shortly before, the

to unseating the autocrat.

Narcoterrorism charges and a

year to invoke the Inter-Amer-

made clear the U.S.’ intentions but also highlight the fog of im-

perialism that still lingers over

our political framework. While

participating United Nations

to the UN, “contributing more roughly one fifth of the body’s

collective budget,” according to a 2019 report by the Coun-

cil on Foreign Affairs. While the

U.S.

disproportionately

funds an organization built as an international check on global leadership, it has held

a unique impunity for human

Pillay went so far as to call mo Bay – the detention cen-

ter used by the U.S. during its “so-called ‘global war on

terror’” – a “clear breach of

international law.” Despite the density of academic literature concerning human rights vio-

lations committed within the confines of the prison, the U.S. government

has

continued

to hold detainees indefinitely

and without the hope of due

process, a practice the deputy

director of the U.S. Program at Human Rights Watch, Laura

Pitter, said “poses a far greater security threat to the US than the release of any one detainee.”

This hypocrisy does not di-

rights abuses while simultane-

minish the egregious nature of

ing the same.

that the U.S. has joined with

ously criticizing others for doFormer U.N. High Commis-

the Maduro regime. I’m glad

other countries to support a

zuelan democracy. However, lead this movement can only

appear less formidable in the

wake of long-standing rights violations committed by the United States itself. Lack of accountability may be due to the excessive influence the

U.S. wields on the internation-

al stage — an influence that

may be waning in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic — and should be considered as we attempt to move forward

in securing just governments in other nations. Perhaps we should concern ourselves with restructuring our own ac-

countability measures before policing others.

Taelor Candiloro is an under-

graduate transfer to the Anthropology department at USU.

WEEK OF APRIL 7, 2020

PAGE 7

since 1902

STUDENT MEDIA

Student-run newspaper for Utah State University since 1902. Reporting online 24/7. Printed each Tuesday of the school year.

THE BOARD Alek Nelson managing editor

editor@usustatesman.com 435-797-1742

—————— Alison Berg news manager TO PLAY: Complete the grid so that every row, column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9. There is no guessing or math involved, just use logic to solve.

news@usustatesman.com

—————— Dalton Renshaw sports manager

SOLUTION FOR : 03/31/2020

sports@usustatesman.com

—————— Sydney Dahle student life manager life@usustatesman.com

—————— Daedan Olander opinion manager

opinion@usustatesman. com

—————— Savannah Knapp design manager

design@usustatesman.com

—————— Chantelle McCall photo manager

CLASSIFIED ADS Automotive

Miscellaneous

DONATE YOUR CAR TO UNITED BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION! Your donation helps education, prevention & support programs.

FAST FREE PICKUP - 24 HR RESPONSE - TAX DEDUCTION 1-855-507-2691

ENJOY 100% Perfectly Tender and Guaranteed!

20 Main Courses PLUS get 4 FREE Burgers Order The Butcher's Bundle - ONLY $69.99. Call 1-855-963-1321 mention code:61086ZEB or visit www.omahasteaks.com/ dinner138

DONATE YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR BOAT TO HERITAGE FOR THE BLIND. Free 3 Day Vacation, Tax Deductible, Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of. CALL 1-855408-2196 Donate your car, truck or van. Help veterans find jobs or start a business. Call Patriotic Hearts Foundation.

Fast, FREE pick-up. Max tax-deduction. Operators are standing by! Call 1-866-9833647 Building Materials METAL ROOF/WALL Panels, Pre-engineered Metal Buildings. Mill prices for sheeting coil are at a 4 year low. You get the savings. 17 Colors prime material, cut to your exact length. CO Building Systems 1-800-COBLDGS (ucan) 1of4 Health & Nutrition Portable Oxygen Concentrator May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 877691-4639

Hale Groves? Spring Basket Box ? oranges fresh from the grove, delicious cookies and candies delivered to your door! Only $29.99 plus FREE Shipping! Great gift for Easter and Mother?s Day! Call 1-855-993-5470 to order item 836 or visit halegroves. com/MB00085 (Mention promo code SPG20 for free shipping.)

DISH Network. $59.99 for 190 Channels! Blazing Fast Internet, $19.99/mo. (where available.) Switch & Get a FREE $100 Visa Gift Card.

FREE Voice Remote. FREE HD DVR. FREE Streaming on ALL Devices. Call today!

1-866-360-6959 INVENTORS - FREE INFORMATION PACKAGE Have your product idea developed affordably by the Research & Development pros and presented to manufacturers.

Call 1-877-649-5574 for a Free Idea Starter Guide.

Submit your idea for a free consultation.

DIRECTV - Switch and Save! $39.99/month. Select All-Included Package. 155 Channels. 1000s of Shows/Movies

photo@usustatesman.com

On Demand. FREE Genie HD DVR Upgrade. Premium movie channels, FREE for 3 mos! Call 1-833-599-6474

­­— ————— Klaus VanZanten video manager

COMIC BY Steve Weller

video@usustatesman.com

HughesNet Satellite Internet - 25mbps starting at $49.99/ mo! Get More Data FREE Off-Peak Data. FAST download speeds. WiFi built in!

FREE Standard Installation for lease customers! Limited Time, Call 1-844-294-9882

HAVE A STORY TIP OR IDEA? CONTACT OUR NEWSROOM:

435-797-1775 OR EMAIL:

Earthlink High Speed Internet. As Low As $14.95/ month (for the first 3 months.) Reliable High Speed Fiber Optic Technology. Stream Videos, Music and More! Call Earthlink Today 1-844-240-1769

EDITOR@USUSTATESMAN.COM

DIRECTV NOW. No Satellite Needed. $40/month. 65 Channels. Stream Breaking News, Live Events, Sports & On Demand Titles. No Annual Contract. No Commitment.

CALL 1-844-435-3985 Personals Meet singles right now! No paid operators, just real people like you. Browse greetings, exchange messages and connect live. Try it free. Call now: 844-400-8738 Yard & Landscaping Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-844-9092398

/UtahStatesman

Dental Insurance Get the dental care you deserve with dental insurance from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. It can help cover the services you’re most likely to use —

Cleanings

X-rays

Fillings

Crowns

Dentures

Preventive care starts right away Helps cover over 350 services

MRCOOL DIY® Air Conditioner & Heater You Can Install Yourself

Go to any dentist you want – but save more with one in our network No deductible, no annual maximum

Call now to get this FREE Information Kit!

EASY DIY INSTALLATION NO SPECIAL TOOLS REQUIRED ENERGY EFFICIENT

CALL 877-393-2683

1-888-919-4729 dental50plus.com/utah Product not available in all states. Includes the Participating Providers and Preventive Benefits Rider. Acceptance guaranteed for one insurance policy/certificate of this type.

Contact us for complete details about this insurance solicitation. This specific offer is not available in CO, NY; call 1-888-799-4433 or respond for similar offer. Certificate C250A (ID: C250E; PA: C250Q); Insurance Policy P150 (GA: P150GA; NY: P150NY; OK: P150OK; TN: P150TN). Rider kinds B438/B439.

6154-0120

PAGE 8

WEEK OF APRIL 7, 2020