The Utah Statesman - September 2, 2024

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Utah legislature changes campus, students react

When Samson Calderón Diltz moved from his summer student housing in Blue Square Apartments to his fall housing in Richards Hall on Aug. 17, he adorned his new space with decor of his choosing alongside the 3,500 other students living in on-campus housing. It was to Calderón Diltz’s surprise when he got a knock on his door a few days later, where he was met with a resident assistant telling him to take his transgender pride flag out of his window. It was this event that caused him to take to social media and draft a post that would soon circulate through campus.

a rare safe space this on campus. I want to be loud and proud in my identity. It’s just a window on the far end of campus! I should be allowed to have a flag. Especially when last year many windows on campus were covered in many different flags (including one which had the leader of North Korea on it),” Calderón Diltz’s post read.

Calderón Diltz is correct that this policy is the result of HB0261, which took effect in Utah on July 1.

The new policy is listed under the USU Policy Library as Interim Policy 541: Free Expression and Assembly. Section 2.4.11 states that “USU may remove and discard any signs, notices, posters, or banners that do not comply with USU policies.” The policy also states that nothing is to be displayed in windows at all.

Samson’s post accumulated 303 likes as of Aug. 28 and

hurt by to disagree with so that hopefully we can enact positive change.”

Parry also pointed out the larger effects that HB0261 has had on the campus community. Due to this bill, the university has taken a stance on neutrality on the following topics: anti-racism, bias, critical race theory, implicit bias, intersectionality, prohibited discriminatory practices and racial privilege.

“I’m queer, and when I came to Utah State, finding spaces I felt safe in was hard because there’s a very clear culture here that sometimes is scary to come as an outsider to. So whether it be the ally little post that professors used to be able to have, or pride flags in dorm rooms, helped create those safe spaces. So it just makes me really sad that that can’t happen here on campus,” Parry said.

Calderón Diltz shared a similar sentiment to Parry as a student who is a part of the 28 % of students of color across USU statewide.

“I already feel ignored by campus already, when you see all the pictures of those student models and everything, they’re usually all white. Every time I’m in a room, I can count exactly how many people of color there are, and oftentimes I’m usually the only one, and seeing that if you’re staying neutral on anti-racism, in my opinion, that means that you’re not taking a stance against racism at all, in that you are giving racism a chance to flourish,“ Calderón Diltz said in an interview. Calderón Diltz expressed that he will most likely be moving off campus at the end of this semester along with partner Morgan Boase.

Student Advocate VP Sydney Lyman, who chairs the Government Relations Council, shared insight on what the university can and cannot do in compliance with this law in order to keep state funding. She explained that the university is bound at all levels by this state law because USU is a public university. She also shared that any challenge with the housing policy or USU compliance with HB0261 under the guise of the First Amendment would be a challenge at the state level, instead of the university level.

The post held pictures of his taken-down pride flag and screenshots of USU websites, policies and Instagram comments expressing disagreement with the new signage policy. Following the photos Calderón Diltz captioned it with a single sentence stating: “I couldn’t put my trans flag in my dorm window.” This was followed by four more paragraphs of text with the final paragraph directly calling out the university, USU housing and President Elizabeth Cantwell.

“Looking into it this is likely a result of HB0261, a bill I personally protested back when it was going through the house back in January. However, I can’t seem to find anything in the specific bill that says I cannot display my trans flag in my window. I want to show that my dorm is

was seen by many members of the USU community, including Graduate Studies Senator Jamie Parry, who also took to her own social media on the matter and shared her thoughts.

“I think it’s dumb that Spencer Cox can say disagree better and then sign in this bill that doesn’t allow people to disagree,” Parry said. “I think, as an officer, our point is to find problems that exist here on campus and disagree with them, whether it be parking policies, whether it be housing policies or tuition increases. People should be able to disagree with what the university is doing, and so with this bill specifically, it kind of almost limits disagreement, which is a problem. As officers, we should be finding positions that the students that we represent are

Malory Rau is a junior who enjoys all things media related. When she’s not watching the latest hit show, you can find her jaming out to Khalid, Billie Eillish or Halsey. — m.rau@usu.edu

PHOTO BY Claire Ott
Students outside the newly remodeled USUSA Clubhouse on the tsc.

The Luminary lights a new year

On Friday, Aug 23, incoming firstyear students walked from the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum to the Quad to assemble an Aggie “A” in celebration of the start of their first year at Utah State University.

At the Luminary, an annual tradition unique to Utah State, first-year students held lanterns of white light while marching in their matching Aggie game day t-shirts. They were joined by their Connections professors and peer mentors. The march was led by the USU bagpipe and drum band, with USUSA president Matt Richey playing the bagpipes. Other members of the student body, staff, parents, members of the Logan community and alumni aligned the path with blue lanterns, starting at the geology building on the Quad.

After students finished marching, they stood in the formation of an Aggie “A” on the Quad, where a drone took a photo of the formation from above. They then did a countdown to the Old Main “A” turning blue, and students went to find their friends and family for photos and celebration.

“Utah State has a lot of traditions, which

is one of the reasons I want to come here,” said first-year student Onalee Estrada. “They have traditions that run deep, and the Luminary is like our first steps walking across campus.”

The ceremony can also become a family tradition for multi-generational Aggies. This was the case for Cole Johnson, who started college this year after two years of serving an LDS mission in the Philippines.

“I’m an Aggie through and through. My family — we’re all Aggies. I’m a thirdgeneration Aggie,” Johnson said.

The event is the last in a three-day, two-

credit course incoming students can take called USU Connections. In the spirit of the name, Connections is about helping new students connect with other first-year students and ease their transition into college life.

First-year student Kiera Jimenez shared her positive experience in Connections.

“It’s genuinely been a cool experience, and I got to meet these cool people that I would have never met before,” Jimenez said. “I think one big factor for us having a really good Connections group is our professor Brett Crane. He is absolutely amazing, and our peer mentor as well, Alexa Cleverly — she is so energetic. She puts her heart and soul into everything she does with us.”

The tradition occurs at three campuses each year: Blanding, Logan and Eastern.

The Blanding and Eastern campuses have parts of the event broadcasted to them, such as the closing remarks by President Elizabeth Cantwell, and then they also light their version of the Old Main “A” blue.

“What I love about Connections is that Utah State is just showing that it wants to set you up for success for the rest of your life. They’re not just like helping you make friends here at college, but they’re teaching you principles that’ll help you for the rest of your life,” said first-year student Michie Phan. “And so it just shows that Utah State is truly committed to its students.”

The tradition of walking from the Spectrum to the Quad is also symbolically

reversed when students graduate. On graduation day, students march in their cap and gown from the Quad to the Spectrum for their graduation ceremony.

— m.rau@usu.edu

PHOTOS BY Jack Burton
First-year students pose for a photo in the Connections Luminary Procession on Aug. 23.
First-year student walks in the 2024 Luminary Procession on Aug. 23.
President Cantwell speaks to the incoming first-year students in the Connection Luminary Event on Aug. 23.

Eric Olsen retires after 25 years

After a career spanning over two decades at Utah State University, Eric Olsen, the interim vice president for student affairs, has retired. Olsen received a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from USU before going on to receive a doctorate in College Student Services Administration from Oregon State University. “I knew that I wanted to work in student affairs,” Olsen said. “I served as student body president here at USU and had great role models, mentors and advisers.” Olsen returned to USU in 1998 and began his 25-year career as director of student recruitment and admissions. He had been greatly impacted by the culture at USU. “It’s home,” Olsen said. “At a lot of universities, the student leaders are in an adversarial role towards administration, but historically at USU, it’s been a partnership, and the administration values the mature way students approach their role.”

Since then, he has served as director of student life, system vice president for student affairs and associate vice president for student affairs. Sydney Lyman, student advocate VP, observed the impact Olsen had on students at USU.

“He maintained a presence with us as students, even though he’s an incredibly important person with tons of things to do,” Lyman said. “That’s something that I really appreciate.”

Olsen brought various initiatives aimed at enhancing student life to USU, including Aggies Think Care Act and the USU ambassador program. The ambassador program focuses on service and leadership, and ambassadors represent and serve USU campuses and communities across the state.

“That’s one thing I’m proud of,” Olsen said. “That’s a legacy that I believe I had a hand in.”

Throughout his tenure, Olsen strove to foster a supportive and inclusive environment for all students. “He works really hard to advocate for all different kinds of students,” Lyman said.

According to Olsen, one of the most important lessons he learned was to have an open mind when interacting with students and colleagues, and he hopes that will be his legacy at USU. “You can’t judge a person by how they look,” Olsen said. “I’ve tried to treat all people with value and dignity.” Olsen explained the biggest challenge of his career was been facing the trend of deteriorating mental health in students. According to a 2023 study published by the Healthy Minds Network, more than 60 % of college students meet the criteria for at least one mental

THE USUSA UPDATE

Academic

Senate 8/26

• Chair Brookyn Ward welcomed the senators to the first meeting of the school year.

• A representative for COSAS spoke to both AS and EC to encourage gleaning on campus.

• A representative from the Statesman presented to both AS and EC about this very blotter.

health issue — a nearly 50 % increase since 2013.

“There is a lot of fear and uncertainty in the world,” Olsen said. “We see students that are really struggling to have hope and purpose, but we’ve got a great team that tries to connect them with resources and help provide them.”

Olsen served as an example of advocacy for those he worked with, particularly those in USUSA. ‘I’ve looked to him as an example of what an advocate should be,” Lyman said. “As somebody that’s trying to embody some of those traits and qualities, it’s been helpful to have such a good example.” At the time of speaking with Olsen, a replacement had not been chosen. Since then, Kristen Deschamps has been named interim VP until the role is filled permanently. Olsen expressed gratitude for his time at USU. “Utah State is a very special place,” Olsen said. “The concept of the Aggie family, I truly believe in.”

Aubrey Holdaway is a senior studying print journalism. She is incredible at parallel parking but has legedary luck with cars. She loves being outside and her favorite bands are Pinegrove and Slaughter Beach, Dog.

— Awubrey.Holdaway@usu.edu

Academic Senate: Every Monday from 4-5.

Executive Council: Every Tuesday from 4-5. All meetings are in the TSC Senate Chambers and open to the public.

Executive

Council 8/27

• Many members dawned cowprint to celebrate the first meeting of the year.

• It was shared that President Cantwell will be a first time donor at this years’ Blood Battle.

• President Richey expressed his goal to increase transperency and foster relationships between students and upper administratin.

Eric Olsen, PHD

Battle of the bots: Cybersecurity club teaches cyber skills

The world is becoming more digital every day, and the personal and sensitive information of individuals and businesses is becoming easier to access online. Cybersecurity aims to ensure this private information stays private and is protected from cyberattacks.

According to the International Identity Theft Annual Data Breach report, cyberattacks have increased by 72 % since 2021. Data compromises impacted roughly 350 million victims in 2023 alone.

The Student Organization for Cybersecurity Club at USU was created to teach students hands-on skills and knowledge necessary to protect their information and provide real-world experience for careers in cybersecurity.

Clara Koch, the 2024 president of the club, has been actively involved for over a year. Her goal as president is to attract more students so they can learn and understand the importance of cybersecurity and implement those skills into their lives and careers.

“The purpose is to help students get hands-on experience with cybersecurity and gain those cybersecurity skills while still in school,” Koch said. “Our identities are just increasingly moving online, and we are teaching students to develop skills to be able to protect that sensitive information.”

The club facilitates hands-on experience through competitions and events that encourage students to develop their cybersecurity skills, regardless of their experience.

The club hosted an opening social on Aug. 28 and marketed it as a “no experience necessary” event, where they hacked into Battlebots.

“We’ve made it so that even beginners could come and just kind of know what’s going on,” Koch said. “We’re going to make sure that it’s not super intimidating.”

Students learned from the club members during the event, even if they didn’t have the knowledge required to participate.

“We have two Battlebots, and they’re kind of like little robots on wheels,” Koch said. “Everybody will try to hack into

the two Battlebots we have and race them across the finish line.”

Teams of four participated, and prizes were awarded to the three teams who completed the race the fastest.

Breyden Summers is the project manager for the Cybersecurity Club. He took the lead in programming the two Battlebots.

“Each team will be able to log into the robot, perform a buffer overflow exploit, figure out how to automate it and race against each other,” Summers said.

The process of performing a buffer overflow exploit gave students insight into how potential hackers can gain access to private information by completing this process, which is an essential cybersecurity skill.

can’t come to terms with deciding a major. She enjoys reading, writing and spending money she doesn’t have on coffee.

— a02413313@usu.edu

Essence Barnes is a student who
PHOTO BY Kelly Winter
A battle bot set up at the Cybersecurity Club opening social as seen on Aug. 28.

The Utah Assistive Technology Program celebrates 35 years of accessibility

The Utah Assistive Technology Program marked 35 years of providing assistive technology to the Logan community and throughout the state with a day of assistive gaming, demonstrations and obstacle courses on Aug. 24.

The fair showcased different types of assistive technology including a wheelchair obstacle course to help attendees gain perspective into the lives of those with limited mobility.

Bora Lee is the program coordinator for UATP and has been with the program for six years.

“We have different wheelchair obstacle courses,” Lee said. “If you don’t have the same experience, it’s hard to understand the other perspective. We want to build that empathy and understanding of people who use these devices.”

At the beginning of each month, the program puts on demos for different assistive devices, like the frame runner or lever control baby walkers.

“A frame runner is a three-wheeled trike without the pedal,” Lee said. “You are leaning against the chest plate and using your feet to propel. We have 10 of these that were loaned out to school districts so kids can be included in adaptive P.E.”

The program services those unable to access or afford assistive technology by loaning out equipment or selling it at an affordable price point. The program also offers free training for parents or users obtaining new assistive technology.

The program has three different locations throughout Utah: Logan, Vernal and Salt Lake. A newly proposed branch of the program will be entirely mobile.

“The fourth will be more of a travel van that will travel throughout parts of Utah where they don’t have the same access as we do,” Lee said.

Melinda Thornton is the outreach coordinator for UATP.

“We help with all stages of life, from birth to death,” Thornton said.

The program helps those whose insurance might not cover the cost of an assistive device, whether it be from disability, age related issues, injury or health condition.

According to medicare.gov, those looking for power wheelchairs covered by insurance must meet specific criteria to do so.

“Seven out of 10 people do not qualify for assistive technology under their insurance,” Thornton said. “If you can walk around your house with a walker or with a cane, but you can’t go down the stairs or anywhere else, you still don’t qualify.”

The program can provide affordable assistive devices via donations and repurposing that takes place in the UATP workshop.

“People donate their chairs and we tear them down and only keep what’s good,” Thornton said. “When somebody comes in and they need a chair, we take their order and their measurements, and we build them that chair.”

Powered wheelchairs from UATP are priced around $250 plus the cost of the battery. According to bestpowerwheelchair.com, the average cost of a powered wheelchair ranges from $1,300 to $3,500.

“We do have grants for low income families — up to $500, which makes them virtually penniless,” Thornton said. “My chair, with the additions, was roughly $40,000, so you’re getting a $40,000 chair for $700.”

The program runs largely on the help of volunteers, who can get involved by contacting their respective offices and setting up an appointment.

“We are always looking for more volunteers, not only in Logan but also in Salt Lake and Vernal,” Lee said.

Volunteers can get involved with designing and producing new types of assistive technology and discovering new ways to improve independence for those with disabilities.

“We want to engage students in creating new designs if they have any,” Lee said. “Our lab coordinator here — he had a vision, and now he’s working on creating an exoskeleton that is more affordable.”

According to exoskeletonreport.com, assistive technology like exoskeletons can cost upwards of $100,000. Other kinds of technology, like powered wheelchairs and braille devices can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 without insurance.

Apart from getting people the assistive devices they need, UATP also hopes to involve the greater community in creating a

more accessible campus and gain insight into the experiences of people who utilize assistive devices.

“Campus may not be as accessible as we hope, but we’re trying our best,” Lee said. “It should be a community effort. It should be all of us acknowledging accessibility.”

Students can be a part of this effort by volunteering or working with UATP to focus capstone projects around creating new assistive technology. Lee also urges students to take on a disability studies minor as a unique opportunity to gain further insight into the lives of students with a disability and improve accessibility for those students on campus.

“25 % of the world is handicapped in one way or another,” Thornton said. “It’s important to have something that is just ours — this is our fair. The program needs to be here because there are so many that need our help.”

Lacey Cintron is majoring in psychology. She loves learning about the human mind, sharing stories and naps.

Kenner Mecham uses an adaptive gaming controller to play a video game with one of the attendees of the 35th anniversary celebratory fair for the Utah Assistive Technology Program.
PHOTOS BY Claire Ott
An attendee uses a provided wheelchair to navigate an obstacle course set up by UATP for the fair on Saturday, Aug. 24.

Ethical consumption on campus with True Blue Reuse & Repair

When it comes to reducing, reusing and recycling on the USU campus, True Blue Reuse & Repair takes the cake. The program has been promoting sustainability and anti-consumption through the reuse and repair of goods since 2016 via pop-up shops, donations and volunteer opportunities.

Annie Watson has been the True Blue Reuse & Repair lead for a year and a half and has been involved in the program for two years.

“Our main goal is helping students be educated and aware of their carbon footprint and the emissions that are produced through consumption,” Watson said. “We basically take donations, sort through them and provide opportunities for students to make use of second-hand goods on campus.”

affordable goods when it is hard enough paying tuition for school.”

One of the pop-up shops held by the program is an annual free pop-up shop at the beginning of the school year.

“We have tons of good condition clothing, as well as kitchen goods and some cute little decor items,” Watson said.

These pop-up shops encourage students on and off campus to make more sustainable choices when it comes to their consumption.

“So many countless things we just buy to buy for buying’s sake and not necessarily for the value that the item brings us or for its use,” Watson said. “Just because you have more stuff doesn’t necessarily mean you’re adding value to your life — doesn’t necessarily mean you’re buying things that you need.”

According to the True Blue Reuse & Repair website, mass production and unethical consumption of goods not only negatively impact the planet but negatively impacts the people working within those industries. The program encourages buying local and buying second-hand in order to promote fair labor, safer working conditions and environmental sustainability.

“It’s degrading to our planet to over-consume more than we need when our resources are already so limited,” Watson said. “If you’re unhappy with people in poor working and living conditions, then you shouldn’t be consuming items that are mass produced in Vietnam, Bangladesh, China.”

To help bring attention to their goal of ethical consumption, True Blue Reuse & Repair holds pop-up shops and events where students can take, buy or swap goods to be reused and recycled, instead of throwing those items away.

“Our mission is trying to keep household goods and textiles out of landfills,” Watson said. “It can also help ease economic burdens for students — having really

True Blue Reuse & Repair takes donations all year long at their office in TSC 316A.

“Students can go in there any time of day from nine to five and be able to buy clothing for really cheap prices,” Watson said. “Or they can offer service/volunteer hours in exchange for some of our items, or they can donate some clothing and get a piece in return.”

Through the repair services offered by the program, students can bring in clothing to be mended or tailored by the people working with True Blue Reuse & Repair. Students can also volunteer for True Blue Reuse & Repair and become a part of the repair process themselves.

Talen Millerberg is the host of T’s Rock & Roll Morning Show, bringing you the greatest classic rock and power pop hits from the ‘60s to the ‘90s! You can catch T’s Rock & Roll Morning Show every Tuesday from 8 a.m.-10 a.m. on Aggie Radio 2.3 FM KBLU-LP - See you there!

Mr. Roboto Styx
I’d Do Anything For Love Meat Loaf
Heart Of Glass Blondie Don’t Look Back Boston
Photograph Def Leppard
PHOTO BY Megan Albrechtsen
True Blue Reuse and Repair popup event located in the East parking lot of Summit Hall on Aug. 24.

New ticketing, security measures updates to Maverik Stadium

Over the past week, Utah State University rolled out several measures that will affect game days, namely new security measures in the Maverick Stadium and a new digital ticketclaiming service for students. Amid questions and confusion, the Utah Statesman asked questions to better understand these changes.

Security

Several security updates have been added to the Maverick Stadium in conjunction with recommendations by the Department of Homeland Security and local law enforcement. According to Bobby Nash, the deputy athletic director over external engagement, these changes are industry standards and bring USU into alignment with similar schools and programs.

“The safety of fans is our top priority,” Nash said. Entry and Bag Policy

inches or smaller)— are allowed through any gate, while diaper and medical bags will only be permitted through gates B and E. Gates A and K are now limiting entry to credentialed staff and media.

The major change for students will be a new “no reentry policy,” wherein people who leave the stadium will not be allowed to come back in. There are possible exceptions, which will have to be requested and approved by the facility and event management command of the stadium. Nash advised students to ensure they have everything they need for the game and get a clear bag for smoother sailing.

Parking

The press release shared parking will also be adjusted for games. Four hours before kickoff, parts of 800 East close to the stadium will be blocked off, and two hours later, parts of 1000 North will also close. Alternative routes to parking lots can be found on the athletics website. There are also changes with parking payment.

“All single-game parking passes will be cashless and can be purchased in advance online for $10 or on game days at the F lot entrances for $15,” the press release said.

Ticketing

Student tickets have also changed since last season. This year, students must claim virtual tickets ahead of time to attend games. Many students expressed concern regarding this change. Dallin Wilson, the athletics & campus rec executive director, along with Nash, sympathized with student concerns.

“Change is hard, and we definitely recognize that,” Wilson said.

Tickets are still free, and the same number of student section seats will still be allotted. For those concerned about getting seats, Wilson shared that HURD Premium

members will have an earlier ticket claiming time and can still get in 15 minutes earlier than students without HURD Premium.

“While we know it’s a change, it’s only on the front end,” Nash said. “The only major difference is scanning a digital ticket instead of student ID.”

Nash said this change has been in the works for years and will help modernize the process.

Wilson also shared that this allows for new ease in adding tickets to virtual wallets, along with the possibility of earlier troubleshooting. In times past, students would come to scan their tickets before discovering they might have an issue, such as an unpaid fine. With the process of reserving ahead, students can discover and resolve these holds before they’re already in line at the game.

These changes also allow for more adaptable planning for the HURD and athletic department for tailgates and giveaways.

In conclusion

All these changes were designed to keep students and fans safe and happy while cheering on the Aggies, according to Nash.

“We’re here to support our fans and our students,” Nash said.

Ashley Dorius is a sophomore student studying Journalism at Utah State University. She’s currently snacking on watermelon Sour Patch Kids and cherry Pepsi Zero Sugar. When she’’s not doing that, she’s probably napping or stressed.

— ashley.dorius@usu.edu

PHOTO COURTESY OF USU Event Services
PHOTO BY Dane Johnson

Kicking into soccer season

Utah State women’s soccer kicked off their season this month at the Outrigger Kickoff Tournament in Waipahu, Hawaii, with a 4-0 victory over Pepperdine and a 3-0 win against Hawai’i.

The Aggies returned to action this fall after a historic 2023 season, finishing second in the Mountain West regular season before winning the Mountain West Tournament Championship for the first time in school history. The 2023 campaign saw the Aggies post a 14-8-1 record overall and 9-2-0 in conference play. Fourteen wins was the second most in school history for a single season, while the nine conference wins notched a new program record.

USU’s conference title earned them the automatic NCAA tournament bid from the Mountain West Conference, marking their third NCAA tournament appearance. The Aggies ultimately fell in the first round to in-state foe BYU by a score of 2-0. In addition to the team’s success in regular season play, USU soccer boasted numerous players who earned postseason accolades. Midfielder Kaylie Chambers was awarded Mountain West first-team honors. At the same time, defender Kylie Olsen was named to the Mountain West second team and midfielder Summer Diamond to the conference all-newcomer team. Additionally, head coach Manny Martins was named both Mountain West and United Soccer Coaches Pacific Region Coach of the Year.

With a 2-0 start at the Outrigger Kickoff and a statement win against reigning Big 12 champion Texas Tech, the Aggies are off to a 3-0 start for the first time since 2013, and the vibes are good in Logan.

“I feel great. I mean, they’re fit, they’re healthy, they’re confident, they’re really good about the details right now,” Martins said about their hot start.

Even with their early success, the Aggies are hungry for more.

“We’re enjoying the results, and we’re celebrating, and it’s great, but we can still get better, and we want to accomplish the things we want to and that we’re going to do,” Martins said.

With last season’s success, Logan’s hopes are high for the 2024 campaign. The league’s 12 head coaches picked the Aggies to finish second in the conference, behind reigning regular-season champion San Diego State. Two of USU’s early wins came against 2023 NCAA Tournament teams, with the Red Raiders advancing to the Sweet 16 as a #2-seeded team. Even with a historical season in the rear-view mirror, Martins is focused on the road ahead within the program.

“Expectation is always based on the things we control: how hard we work, how well we prepare and how focused we stay,” Martins said.

Utah State’s quick start is largely due to its stifling defensive play. The Aggies did not allow a goal through their first three games, winning each handily.

“It’s really focusing on our press when they have the ball. I think we’ve just been really consistent and really hungry,” said Olsen when asked about their defensive dominance. “We like to come out fast and finish strong, and I feel like we’ve been really focusing on that.”

Strong defense has been a theme for Martins’ squad, which allowed less than a goal per game on average in each of the three previous seasons during his tenure in Logan. While his defense has taken center stage as a coach, that hasn’t always been his instinct.

“Growing up, being from Portugal, I’ve always loved the game to be something that has a lot of flair and the attractive game for the fans,” Martins said. “But as a coach, over the years, I grew to be a little bit more pragmatic, and I have this belief that if you don’t concede, you can’t lose.”

Utah State has an experienced squad, getting back 15 letter winners and eight starters from their championship team. This experience contributes to results on the field and could also contribute to longer-term results for future teams.

“It gives them the standard, gives them players to look up to as mentors,” Martins said, speaking on his younger players. “But you know, it also gives them an opportunity to compete against some of the best players in our conference.”

With the efficient start, the Aggies are seeing more personal accomplishments rolling in. After her performance in the Outrigger Tournament, Olsen was named tournament MVP and Mountain West defensive player of the week. A week later, sophomore keeper Shay Kercher-Pratt was named defensive player of the week, and first-year student Austin Miller was named the conference’s freshman of the week.

“Those are all just a reflection of the team,” Olsen said on the personal successes. “It just comes from the team, and it shows just like how we can play together and how we can make each other look good.”

Powered by these great performances, Utah State is ranked first in the Pacific Region and has been ranked in the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 poll for the first time in program history.

“We’re ranked for the first time,” Martins said. “I knew that we were going to have to ride out the fact that there’s something new in the environment.”

With the bulk of the 2024 season still ahead, the Aggies are looking for continued support to help keep the momentum going.

“Stay hype, stay ready, because it’s just the start of a great season,” Olsen said. “It’s so fun to have the HURD out there. They played a huge role in the Texas Tech game, and we just want to keep them coming.”

While the Aggie defense was overwhelming at the start of the season, it was possibly the offense that was most noteworthy early on. In 23 games during the previous season, Utah State had just eight games where they scored multiple goals. The experience and returning chemistry on the offensive end are paying dividends early, with three multi-goal games already.

“A lot of our offensive line — we’ve been together for, I mean, some of them have been together for three years now,” said midfielder Summer Diamond. “We read each other better now, and I think that’s shown with the goals we scored.”

Utah State soccer will return at the Chuck & Gloria Bell Soccer Field on Sept. 8 at 1 p.m.

Mark is a sophomore at USU studying economics and finance. He’s an avid LA Dodger fan and loves playing tennis and skiing.

—a02361802@usu.edu

Buzzing Bites, Aggie Athletes

On Aug. 20, Utah State University Athletics announced its 2024-25 partnership with Beehive Meals, a Utah-based company founded in late 2019 that specializes in freezer meals that cook in slow cookers. This partnership will provide student-athletes with $25,000 in freezer meals, along with educational resources and name, image and likeness licensing agreements.

In a press release, the athletic department wrote, “These freezer meal donations are part of a specially-designed meal prep program that has been tailored to support the unique nutritional needs of USU’s athletic department. Beehive Meals has worked closely with university nutritionists to ensure the meal prep program aligns with the specific dietary requirements of the student-athletes.”

According to Bobby Nash, deputy athletic director over external engagement, this collaboration is designed with more than meals in mind. He shared that this program will provide resources and training about meal prepping, ways to include more nutrients in their diet and basic kitchen skills that athletes will utilize far beyond USU.

Nash also added that Beehive really fits with the nutritional model USU already has in place. Director of sports nutrition Natalie Norris was included in this process, and Nash said she does a fantastic job with nutrition for the student-athletes and this partnership will be “an additive to the program.”

“As soon as Beehive reached out, we included our nutritionist,” Nash said. “We do a great job in nutrition. The goal was to fill the gaps in our program.”

Each individual coaching team will determine how the meals are distributed for athletes, according to Nash.

“We’re treating every team differently,” Nash said. “Every team is going to utilize it to fill their needs.”

One team leader expressed excitement about the partnership. Kristin White, head coach of the USU gymnastics team, said she was thrilled with the partnership and had personal experience with the

company. When she gave birth to twins a while back, a friend ordered Beehive Meals for her family to help out. She then said she loved the meals so much they’ve become a dinnertime staple.

“I want to thank Beehive,” White said. “It’s a tremendous company. I haven’t been disappointed by any of the meals

I’ve tried.”

She also expressed her enthusiasm for her gymnasts’ use of these meals. She said they are convenient and perfect for when they have a long day of practice and school and are too exhausted to plan and cook a healthy meal. She enjoyed the taste and ease of preparation and believes this will be fantastic for all student-athletes.

Beehive will also have NIL deals with some Aggie athletes, though those deals are still in the early stages of planning.

Overall, the athletic department shared their excitement for this partnership.

“There’s value, really, for everybody,” Nash said.

Ashley Dorius is a sophomore student studying journalism at Utah State University. She loved the Big Agg Show, even though her taste in music is very basic.

— ashley.dorius@usu.edu

When I was eight years old, my dad introduced me to Greek mythology by reading “Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief” to me. My third-grade self found it enchanting as we moved through the five books in the first series of the Percy Jackson universe. As years passed, the memories of the books’ specifics faded, and all I could remember was how much I liked the books. When the new Disney series came out, I decided to try them again and see if they were as good as my younger self thought they were – they were better.

Rick Riordan has a fascinating way of weaving words together, bringing serious situations to light with laughout-loud moments and cutting sarcasm. Every page is filled with this humor as well as gut-clenching action or emotional dialogue that makes the books incredibly hard to put down. The series is entirely engaging and all-consuming. Seriously, it’s all I’ve been thinking about for the past couple of months as I’ve gone through the universe’s three major series: “Percy Jackson and the Olympians,” “The Heroes of Olympus” and “The Trials of Apollo.”

The first book of “Percy Jackson” introduces the reader to the titular character, a self-proclaimed “troubled” kid who has both ADHD and dyslexia. He keeps seeing things – strange things the normal world wouldn’t be able to describe, and he feels like there’s something wrong with him until he’s told by his mother and his best friend Grover that he’s the son of a Greek god, making him a demi-god. Once he finds his way to Camp Half-Blood, a place for all demi-gods, he learns his dad is one of the major gods: Poseidon.

The rest of the Percy Jackson universe follows a similar structure: heroes embarking on dangerous quests while suffering the wrath of gods, learning about themselves and their backstories and, you guessed it, experiencing romances to end all romances.

There isn’t a dull moment in these books, and the intersection between Greek mythology and incredible writing produced a raging fan base that follows Riordan loyally as he continues releasing new books.

Riordan’s study of Greek mythology is evident in these books – he throws gods and monsters the reader hasn’t seen yet in every chapter to keep the story moving and exciting. However, the Greek mythology in his book, while addressing

Riordan has also been heavily involved in the writing, casting and production of the Disney show. While Percy himself has remained white, the cast has diversified with Annabeth and Grover both being played by people of color – people who were best fit for the job regardless of race. They both exuded their characters and brought them to life in ways fans have been begging for decades.

It’s also of note, though, that despite the potentially problematic Americanization of classic Greek mythology, this series has been influential for many young readers – or older readers – who developed new interest in the original mythology after reading “Percy Jackson.”

There’s no doubt the series with Percy and his friends

“Percy Jackson” makes readers understand it’s okay to be different - that being different may be the very reason you can save the day.
— Ella Stott

what the Greeks believed happened, creates a new path for the characters of the myths. For example, Medusa, who died at the hand of Percy’s namesake Perseus, has long been resurrected in “The Lightning Thief” and is running a gnome emporium in New Jersey that features the victims of her stony gaze.

traveling to Los Angeles to enter Hades’s underworld or fighting off skeletons at the Hoover Dam inspired people to learn where the stories came from, and the series has rekindled interest in these classic legends.

That’s why his wounds are cured by water, obviously.

Percy, Grover and their friend Annabeth have to go on a dangerous quest to retrieve Zeus’s lightning bolt before the god of the sky starts a war with Poseidon, who he has claimed is the only likely candidate for the thievery.

It can be argued that the Americanization of Greek mythology in the Percy Jackson universe is problematic –Mount Olympus, for example, is headquartered in the Empire State Building – and I agree with this, even if it’s amusing. The reasoning the books give behind this western shift is the gods would move to wherever the world’s power was. That might seem a bit… nationalist. I think it is.

I also think Riordan recognized this and attempted to correct it when the second series of the Percy Jackson universe “The Heroes of Olympus” brought the main characters to Rome and Greece for many of their quests, recognizing where these stories originated. This series also brought muchneeded diversity to the cast of main characters, with African American, Mexican, Chinese, South American and Native American representation compared to the all-white ensemble of the original series. One of the main characters was even revealed to be gay.

There’s also no doubt in my mind that the Percy Jackson universe is worth reading. It’s entertaining, yet educational, heartbreaking, yet heartwarming, impossible, yet helps the reader feel like they can be a hero too, even if they don’t feel like they were born one.

“Percy Jackson” makes readers understand that it’s okay to be different – that being different may be the very reason you can save the day.

Besides, it has one of my favorite ships in the world – or Tartarus – in it. I can’t stop thinking about this series.

Ella Stott is a junior studying English. In her free time, she can be found playing Mario Kart, making a smoothie bowl or complaining that she actually doesn’t have any free time.

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