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Wednesday, December 16, 2020 • Vol. 129, No. 51 • Free
PREP BOYS BASKETBALL
Wasatch Academy’s Hickman a candidate for All-American team
December Musings
H
ere we are — right in the thick of December 2020. We’ve had Pearl Harbor Day, Hanukkah ends Friday evening, the official first day of winter is this coming Monday, and — of course, Christmas is just around the corner. 2020 is quickly coming to a close. Wow! What a year it’s been. I hope you’re like me and trying to be optimistic for 2021. 2020 in Sanpete has seemed weird this year. Pandemic aside, I’m talking mainly about the weather. I do know people who think Sanpete is just plain weird — all the time — period. And, I suppose the weather is weird every year too. It’s been a dry year, but we finally got a little snow. Mother Nature could have given us the precipitation in July, but I guess we’ll take it when she gives it to us. We drove up into the mountains last Saturday. Our choice of roads was passable. We only had one minor heart attack moment. Sometimes the snow disguises where the edge of the road is located. My son and daughter in law were down from the city and we were on a hunt for their Christmas tree. It would, of course, have been easier to go get one before the snow storm, but not as interesting. The air was clear and cold. The snowy views were great. And, the trees were already flocked — at least temporarily. Amazingly, we found the “perfect tree” in record short time. We didn’t have the risky maneuver of getting it across the creek as in some years. The dogs didn’t get lost or wet. I didn’t faint, have a stroke, or have to be carried back to the vehicle. It was phenomenal. We got back into town in time to prepare dinner and celebrate a version of an early birthday for my son. His birthday is on the 24th. He was born at 11:11pm on Christmas Eve. The food and company were great. However, People for the Ethical Treat-
ment of Animals (PETA) probably would not have approved of the meal. I “took the bull by the horns” and grilled ribeye steaks for dinner. You may have heard that PETA wants us to change some of the sayings we use when referring to animals. “Taking the bull by the horns” should now be “taking the rose by the thorns.” The new versions are considered “helpful” while the old versions are labeled “harmful.” Here’s a few more: Harmful: Ants in your pants. Helpful: Pepper in your pants. Harmful: On a wild goose chase. Helpful: Out chasing rainbows. Harmful: Put all your eggs in one basket. Helpful: Put all your berries in one bowl. Harmful: Killing two birds with one stone. Helpful: Feeding two birds with one scone. There’s a whole list of these substitute sayings that will make our speech friendlier to the animal kingdom. PETA believes many of the original sayings fall into the same category as racist and homophobic speech. I’m not sure how quickly these proposed changes will catch on. I do have to say that I like scones though. I could have fed a couple of birds with the one that I got with my meal at The Satisfied Ewe café in Ephraim not too long ago. As I mentioned earlier, Christmas is fast approaching. It’s amazing how quickly it comes. I hope we all find ways to help each other enjoy the season. There are many who need a little extra boost this time of year in one way or another. Let’s remember them. The Christmas season motivates good behavior in many people. Sanpeters are good “Christmas Spirit” folks. Many of us who don’t consciously think much about it other times of the year, attempt to turn the spirit of love, peace and good will up a notch at Christmastime. I admit that it’s hard work
COURTESY OF PAUL PETERSEN, WASATCH ACADEMY
Sports Illustrated recently released its candidates for the 2021 SI All-American high school basketball team and Mt. Pleasant’s own Nolan Hickman found himself as the only player from Utah on the list. BY RYNE WILLIAMS
The Pyramid
Sports Illustrated recently released its candidates for the 2021 SI All-American high school basketball team and Mt. Pleasant’s own Nolan Hickman found himself as the only player from Utah on the list. The 6-foot-2 senior point guard from Wasatch Academy announced his commitment to Kentucky in August, becoming the first player to join the Wildcats’ 2021 recruiting class and now he’s a projected All-American. Hickman, a four star recruit, is currently averaging just shy of 14 points per game for
the 8-0 Wasatch Academy basketball team. “Hickman is a heady point guard who knows how to run a team, but doubles as a legit scoring threat from all three levels,” said Sports Illustrated’s recruiting profile on Hickman. “He’s also a tough, gritty defender who pesters the opposition all over the floor. That combination will enable him to make an immediate impact at the next level.” The profile also went into Hickman’s poise on the floor as a guard who can run the offense, a player who has a high basketball IQ and a guard who involves his teammates while scoring at will.
As for Hickman’s commitment, he will be headed to a program well established as a powerhouse for NBA talent. The Wildcats have turned out some of the top talent in the NBA, including Anthony Davis, John Wall, Devin Booker, Karl Anthony-Towns and more. With six straight NCAA tournament appearances and eight NCAA Championships, the most recent coming in 2012, Hickman is headed to a program built to develop NBA level talent. “Their ultimate pitch to me was that Please see HICKMAN, Page A7
Manti man graduates from Weber State
Please see OGDEN, Page A8
OGDEN — Douglas Schiess of Manti graduated and has earned an associate degree in Manufacturing Engineering Technology from Weber State University. The historic class of 2020 includes more than 2,198 students who applied for December’s graduation. “It’s significant because it will give me the motivation to push through my next two years and finish my bachelor’s degree,” said Schiess. Degrees awarded in fall 2020 included 91 master’s, 964 bachelor’s, 1,030 associate, and 113 certificates, including graduate certificates. “The graduating class of 2020 will be forever remembered for their determination to achieve their academic goals during a time of historic turmoil,” said WSU President Brad Mortensen. “I applaud their tenacity and perseverance and know they will use these strengths as they continue to lead and succeed.” During fall semester, 30% of Weber State classes had some on-campus component — 11% of those completely face to face — another 11% offered individualized instruction, including clinical lab supervision. The remainder of courses were taught using virtual and online methods.
BENJAMIN ZACK, SPECIAL TO THE PYRAMID
Weber State University graduates and community members gather for the 2020 Spring Commencement on Aug. 29. The ceremony was delayed four months due to COVID-19. When the ceremony finally happened, it was moved outdoors with masks, extra distance and smaller crowds. Although official commencement ceremonies have been canceled for the fall, graduates are invited to attend the commencement exercises in the spring. Graduates received their caps, gowns, tassels, diploma covers and cords in the mail. Diplomas will be sent once final
grades have been submitted and degrees processed. Graduates are encouraged to take photos in their caps and gowns and post them on social media with #webergrad. Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.
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