Former WSU head football coach's impact: The Signpost 9/19/2024

Thursday | September 19, 2024 | Volume 98 | Issue 7 Cover Photo By: Weber State Athletics

2 | NEWS | thesignpostwsu.com | September 19, 2024

By TATUM COOPER Reporter

Suspicious Vehicle On Aug. 30, a Weber State University police officer noticed a vehicle parked in the back corner of the Dee Events Center parking lot. The officer noticed an individual in the vehicle holding what looked like an alcohol bottle. When the officer stepped out to talk to the involved party, they were able to locate an empty bottle of alcohol along with empty cans of Bud Light.

Unexpected Stop

Lost Property

Drug Violation

On Sept. 5, WSU police conducted a traffic stop for an equipment violation. After stopping the car, officers found the vehicle with no insurance. The vehicle was impounded.

During an inventory of the contents, officers found drug paraphernalia. The driver was released on citation.

On Sept. 15, WSU officers made a traffic stop, leading to a vehicle being inventoried.

Drug paraphernalia was found, and the passenger was arrested.

On Sept. 8, a WSU police officer responded to a found property call at the Wildcat Village.

A student found a THC vape pen on the floor.

The officer reviewed the cameras and was able to identify the student. The student will be followed up with.

On Sept. 13, a Weber State police officer responded to a drug violation call at the Stewart Wasatch building. Contact was made with the suspect, and the marijuana was seized.

The suspect was given a warning.

Upgrade

your tech! ®

TM and © 2024 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.

wildcatstores.com

September 19, 2024 | thesignpostwsu.com | NEWS | 3

FEELINGS ON NAMES: AN IMMIGRANT’S PERSPECTIVE

By LARS IVAR HAMPUS IVARSSON Columnist

from Weber State?” Some raised their hands again. He then said that to fit in the United States, they should change their names to something “easier” or “more American.”

I feel that is an attack on my identity, I am not anyone else; my name is Hampus, regardless of where I live. I reflect on how we are our names: I am Hampus, and Hampus is me. If I am not Hampus, then who am I? Gordon Allport, one of the founders of personality psychology, famously said, “The most important anchorage to our self-identity throughout life remains our own name.”

Afterward, I felt that the power of my name is stronger than I might have thought before.

Was it more important to fit into the America the professor lives in or to be myself? My thoughts then wandered to Hampus at age 14, who said to himself, “I will be myself, regardless of what people think of me.”

I have always felt welcome at Weber State and in a country I now view as my home. I hope everyone who comes here — international students, immigrants, or whoever they might be — can look at their name and be proud of their identity and themselves for how far they have come.

I hope whoever can relate to the struggle for identity and name may remember the Swedish saying, “A loved child has many names.” I hope all students and people will believe they fit in and that their names, identities or heritage cannot be taken away from them.

“I feel that is an attack on my identity, I am not anyone else; my name is Hampus, regardless of where I live.”

-Hampus Ivarsson MGN

There are not many things in our country everyone shares or has in common. One thing, however, all of us share is that we all have a name. Names are our identity. We are what we call ourselves.

I was born in a small town in Sweden, and I came to the United States not too long ago.

However, when I came here, I realized that people would be confused about my name, as I have three legal first names but go by my third one, Hampus, which in Sweden was my legally-preferred name. I had a friend who, many years ago, jokingly asked me, “Why have you got so many names?” to which I

replied, “There’s a saying in Sweden that a loved child has many names.”

Weber State University has a total of 832 international students, coming from all corners of the world. The international community at Weber brings a diverse feeling to WSU and to the city of Ogden. One of those students is Renu Dhanuk, a WSU student from Nepal.

“My name holds significant meaning in shaping my identity. ‘Renu’ is from Sanskrit and means ‘radiant,’ which symbolizes purity and vitality,” Renu said. “It reflects the cultural values and aspirations of my family.

My major is Associate of Health Science. My name reminds me of my journey and the cultural legacy that drives my ambitions. It presents a bridge between my past and future, guiding me as I build my professional path while staying true to my heritage.”

During one of my semesters here at Weber State, I sat in a classroom when the professor walked in and introduced himself and his class. He asked who was an international student in the class, some raised their hands.

Next, he asked, “Which one of you would like to stay in the United States after you graduate

A group of different people standing side by side.

Where do your student fees go?

Apply to serve on the

STUDENT FEE RECOMMENDATION

COMMITTEE to make recommendations for the distribution of your student fees

weber.edu/student-access-success/student-fees.html

Application deadline: Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 at Midnight Questions? Contact: studentlife@weber.edu

6 | CULTURE | thesignpostwsu.com | September 19, 2024

DARKNESS IN ART FESTIVAL: OGDEN’S CELEBRATION OF THE UNUSUAL

weber.edu/studentlife

GET YOUR

WEBER GEAR !

wildcatstores.com

wsuwildcatstore

Reporter

Ogden’s Own Distillery came to life on Sept. 13 with the first Darkness in Art Festival.

Groups walked through the gated entry and were greeted by vendors, local music talent and a suspension display.

The amphitheater was vibrantly lit and the DJ spun well-known gothic music as people danced.

Ru Collins, a bartender for Ogden’s Own, said there was a large turnout.

“I’m pleasantly surprised that Ogden’s Own is doing something like this,” Collins said.

The vendors lined the outer circle of the event with various goods such as local artwork, tarot readings, jewelry, crafts and more.

“This has been a really good event. I’ve had

a lot of fun,” Amy Morrison, owner of Mystical Market, said.

At the festival, the rope rigger Corvus Cazier showed the audience two types of suspension: one made of leather and the other with hooks and rope.

Suspension is a dark art form that entails binding an individual to rope using hooks or leather and then hoisting them off the ground, leaving them to dangle or dance in the air.

“It’s a transcendent experience,” Kat Weeks, one of the suspended participants of the evening, said.“It’s an ultimate pushing yourself past any point of comfort and getting out of your own head, lifting your feet off the ground for such a thing as it’s a battle against your own mind.”

Many people gathered around as Weeks swung around and kicked her feet. She

seemed to enjoy herself as she moved around in the crisp air.

The bands played hard, heavy metal, getting the crowd roaring and screaming. Unseen Corners played first, with two vocalists, a bassist and a guitarist. They jumped around on the simple stage, getting the crown interested in all things metal.

Natas Lived was the headlining band, featuring industrial nu-metal with a bang. Clad in jail jumpsuits, painted faces and skeleton masks, they rallied the crowd with screams and exhilarating lyrics. As Justin Dummar, lead singer, growled the crowd roared.

The pulse rose steadily, track by track.

“The vibe has been real chill. We like it,” participant Rebecca Scovill said.

TENAYA HYDE | The Signpost

Find free support resources:

By TENAYA HYDE

TENAYA HYDE | The Signpost

Get Mentoring, Advising & Support!

Unseen Corners performing at the Festival.

Kat Weeks during her suspension act at the Festival.

September 19, 2024 | thesignpostwsu.com | CULTURE | 7

EL FESTIVAL DE OSCURIDAD EN ARTE: LA CELEBRACIÓN DE LA INUSUAL DE OGDEN

POR NATHANAEL STOUT Traductor

By TENAYA HYDE Reportero

TENAYA HYDE | The Signpost

sacarse a una misma de la cabeza cuando me levanto los pies del suelo para tal cosa, porque es una batalla contra la mente propia”.

Ver a una persona colgada a varios metros del suelo por ganchos en la espalda fue un gran espectáculo. Todos se acercaron mientras que Weeks oscilaba y pateaba alegremente.

Parecía que ella lo pasaba bien al moverse en el aire fresco.

Los bandos sonaron heavy metal duro, animando a la multitud a rugir y gritar. Unseen Corners tocaron primero, con dos vocalistas, un bajista y un guitarrista. Saltaban por el escenario sencillo, despertando el interés sobre todo de metal.

Natas Lived fue la banda principal, presentando nu-metal industrial de manera dramática. Llevando disfraces de prisioneros, caras pintadas y máscaras de esqueleto,

TENAYA HYDE | The Signpost

La destilería Ogden’s Own cobró vida el 13 de septiembre con el primer festival de la oscuridad en arte. Grupos caminaban por la verja de la entrada y veían a vendedores, talentos locales de música, y una muestra de la suspensión.

El anfiteatro estaba iluminado brillantemente y el DJ sonaba música gótica bien conocida mientras que las personas bailaban.

Ru Collins, un camarero de Ogden’s Own, dijo que había una gran concurrencia.

“Estoy agradablemente sorprendido que Ogden’s Own haga algo así”, dijo Collins.

Los vendedores alineaban el círculo externo del evento con varios productos como el arte local, lectura de tarot, joyas, artesanías y más.

“Este ha sido un evento muy bueno. He tenido mucha diversión”, dijo Amy Morrison, el dueño de Mystical Market.

En el festival, el armador de cuerda Corvus Cazier mostró a la audiencia dos tipos de suspensión, uno por cuero y el otro con ganchos y cuerda.

La suspensión es una forma de arte oscura que implica conectar a un individuo a la cuerda con ganchos o cuero y después levantandolo del suelo, dejando que colga o baila en el aire.

“Es una experiencia trascendente”, dijo Kat Weeks, una de los participantes colgados en el festival. “Es el acto definitivo de esforzarse más allá de cada punto de comodidad y

Performers and attendees at the Darkness in Art Festival.

Natas Lived playing at the Darkness in Art Festival.

animaban con gritos y letras estimulantes.

Cuando Justin Dummar, el cantante principal, gruñía, la multitud gritaba.

El pulso subía continuamente con cada canción.

“La vibra ha sido muy relajada. Nos gusta”, dijo la participante Rebecca Scovill.

Se comparte esta historia en thesignpostwsu.com

Career &

Internship Including STEM Employers

Join us for events, activities and more the first five weeks of school!

weber.edu/wildcatwelcome

OCT 16

SHEPHERD UNION BALLROOMS, WSU OGDEN Resumes and professional dress encouraged

10 A.M. - 2 P.M. FREE TO STUDENTS!

weber.edu/careerservices

Please contact Mitchell Keahey mitchellkeahey@weber.edu to request accommodations in relation to a disability.

PREPARE FOR ELECTIONS: EDUCATIONAL EVENTS

UNITY CONFERENCE

Breaking Bread, Breaking Barriers harvesting hope through food security and cultural resilience

OCT. 3

OCT. 4

WSU DAVIS,

WSU OGDEN,

STEWART CENTER BALLROOM

6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Join us for dinner, conference welcome and our keynote speaker!

Keynote Speaker:

Every voter should feel confident and empowered on their way to the ballot box.

Jeanette Padilla Founder, President, and CEO of Food Justice Coalition

Join us for educational events that boost stress-free voting by helping you navigate the democratic process.

CHECK OUT UPCOMING NONPARTISAN EVENTS:

RSVP now at: weber.edu/unity-conference

For more information or accommodations in relation to a disability, contact Joel Berrien at joelberrienjr1@weber.edu

SHEPHERD UNION

9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Join us for breakfast, keynote speaker and breakout sessions!

Keynote Speaker:

Chef Alisa Reynolds

The Executive Chef/Owner of Los Angeles’s very popular, My Two Cents, and she is the host of the hit Hulu show, “Searching for Soul Food” and the podcast, “My Last Meal with Chef Alisa.”

10 | CULTURE | thesignpostwsu.com | September 19, 2024

UPBEAT PERFORMING ARTS:

NEW MUSIC STUDIO IN OGDEN Launched in July 2024, Upbeat Performing Arts, a new music studio on Washington Boulevard has been swiftly establishing itself as a vital resource for the Ogden community by providing a diverse range of music classes and workshops for both children and adults.

The studio is owned by Samantha Allen, a Weber State University alum with a degree in Vocal Pedagogy, who strives to share her music passion and “provide music classes that the community wants.”

Currently, Upbeat Performing Arts is focused on outreach and increasing student enrollment. Allen emphasized the importance of ensuring the class’s options are always tailored to students’ and their parents’ interests. Allen will continue to create opportunities for students by developing new classes and workshops.

With a team of university-trained musicians, the studio offers traditional private lessons for people of all ages and skill levels in nearly every instrument, including voice, guitar, saxophone, piano, cello, flute and more. The studio also offers various options of unique musical education designed for children.

Among others, Kindermusik Program and Ogden Musical Theatre’s workshops have been well-received by the student communi-

ty. While Kindermusik focuses on early childhood musical development for children aged 6 and under, Ogden Musical Theatre’s purpose is to “give every child an opportunity to get the unique experience of being the lead … and feel like a star on stage,” Allen said.

Allen said one of her main goals is to encourage ambitious ideas and help children and their families cultivate their musical interests beyond the public school system.

The idea of starting a music studio has been a passion for Allen since high school.

After working for three years in the only music studio in her hometown Casper, Wyoming, Allen was inspired by watching her own mentor develop a studio and see what was possible. During that time, she received firsthand experience at how a music studio is operated.

“There was a lot I had to learn about how to operate a business, how to file taxes and how to hire people,” Allen said.

Getting involved with the Entrepreneurship program at Weber State University was one of the key ways to acquire the knowledge and skills needed. She said the resources provided by the program helped her better understand and prepare to launch her business.

“Do not give up on wanting to do music, but open your mind to new ways of doing music,” Allen said.

SAMANTHA ALLEN | The Signpost

Reporter

SAMANTHA ALLEN | The Signpost

By WIKTORIA KOLODZIEJCZYK

/ 3 0 / 2 0 2 2

RIGHT: Samantha Allen, the Owner of the Upbeat Performing Arts studio.

LEFT: Young children circled around for Kindermusik Classes.

ees of home r e not th any ght to

September 19, 2024 | thesignpostwsu.com | CULTURE | 11

ARTES ESCÉNICAS ALEGRES:

UN NUEVO ESTUDIO DE MÚSICA EN OGDEN Traductor

Por WIKTORIA KOLODZIEJCZYK Reportero

Lanzado en julio de 2024, Upbeat Performing Arts, un nuevo estudio de música en Washington Boulevard que se ha establecido con rapidez como un recurso esencial en la comunidad de Ogden, ofreciendo bastantes clases y talleres de música para niños y adultos.

La dueña del estudio es Samantha Allen, alumna de la universidad de Weber State y con un título en Pedagogía Vocal, que se esfuerza por compartir su pasión por la música y “ofrecer clases de música que quiera la comunidad”.

Ahora, Upbeat Performing Arts se enfoca en la promoción y en aumentar el registro de estudiantes. Allen remarcó la importancia de garantizar las opciones de clase siempre diseñadas para los intereses de los estudiantes y sus padres. Allen continuará creando oportunidades para los estudiantes desarrollando nuevos cursos y talleres.

Con un equipo de músicos universitarios, el estudio ofrece clases tradicionales privadas para personas de todas las edades y todos los niveles en casi todos los instrumentos, como voz, guitarra, saxofón, piano, violonchelo, flauta y más. El estudio también ofrece varias opciones de educación musical única para los niños.

El Kindermusik Program y los talleres del Ogden Musical Theatre, por ejemplo, han tenido gran éxito con los estudiantes. Kind-

ermusik se enfoca en el desarrollo musical infantil para niños menores de 6 años y el propósito de Ogden Musical Theatre es “dar a cada niño la oportunidad de tener la experiencia única de ser el protagonista... y sentirse como una estrella en el escenario”, dijo Allen.

Allen afirma que una de sus metas más importantes es cultivar ideas ambiciosas y ayudar a los niños y a sus familias a cultivar sus intereses musicales más allá del sistema escolar público.

La idea de abrir un estudio de música ha sido una pasión de Allen desde la secundaria. Después de trabajar tres años en el único estudio musical de la ciudad donde creció, Casper, Wyoming, Allen se inspiró al ver cómo su propio mentor creaba un estudio y comprobaba lo que era posible. Durante ese tiempo, conoció de primera mano cómo funciona un estudio de música.

“Había muchas cosas que tenía que aprender sobre cómo dirigir un negocio, cómo pagar los impuestos y cómo contratar a gente”, dijo Allen.

Involucrarse en el programa de iniciativa empresarial de la universidad de Weber State fue una de las formas más importantes de obtener el conocimiento y las habilidades necesarias. Los recursos que el programa le ofrecía le ayudaron a comprender mejor su negocio y a prepararse para lanzarlo.

“No renuncies a seguir queriendo crear música, pero mantén la mente abierta a nuevas formas de producir música”, dijo Allen.

Say Saygoodbye goodbyetoto gutter guttercleaning cleaningfor forgood good

NoNo clogging clogging cleaning cleaning *, No *, No NoNo leaking, leaking, NoNo water water damage damage NoNo ladder ladder accidents accidents

Call Callnow nowfor foryour yourfree freeestimate! estimate!

Financing Financingavailable available1.844.709.1474 1.844.709.1474

$99 $99 Installation* Installation* DoesDoes not include not include costcost of material. of material.

OfferOffer expires expires 4/30/2022 4/30/2022

15% 15%off offTotal TotalPurchase* Purchase*

* This * This offeroffer is valid is valid for homeowners for homeowners overover 18 years 18 years of age. of age.

TheThe following following persons persons are are not not eligible eligible for this for this offer: offer: employees employees of of Leafguard Leafguard or affi or liated affiliated companies companies or entities, or entities, theirtheir immediate immediate family family members, members, previous previous participants participants in ainCompany a Company in-home in-home consultation consultation within within the the pastpast 12 months 12 months andand all current all current andand former former Company Company customers. customers.

Previous/future Previous/future purchases purchases are are not not eligible eligible for afor discount a discount or sale or sale price price adjustment. adjustment.

Sales Sales tax does tax does not not qualify qualify for discount. for discount.

ThisThis offeroffer cannot cannot be combined be combined withwith any any other other sale,sale, promotion, promotion, discount, discount, code, code, coupon coupon and/or and/or offer. offer.

ThisThis promotion promotion has has no cash no cash value. value.

Leafguard Leafguard reserves reserves the the rightright to to endend any any promotion promotion at any at any timetime without without notice. notice.

Offer Offer endsends 10/31/24.

10/31/24.

SAMANTHA ALLEN | The Signpost

POR NELLY HERNANDEZ TEJADA

A child participating in Upbeat Performing Arts private piano lessons.

Receive Receive a $200 a $200 Visa Visa Card Card with with your your Leafguard Leafguard purchase! purchase!

Consumer Consumer Disclosure/Award Disclosure/Award Rules: Rules: All All participants participants whowho at- attendtend an estimated an estimated 60-90 60-90 minute minute in-home in-home product product consultaconsultationtion andand choose choose to make to make a purchase a purchase will will receive receive a $200 a $200 VISA VISA card. card.

Retail Retail value value is $200. is $200.

Offer Offer sponsored sponsored

by LeafGuard

by LeafGuard Holdings Holdings Inc.Inc. Limit Limit oneone per per household. household.

Company Company procures, procures, sells, sells, andand installs installs seamless seamless gutter gutter protection. protection.

ThisThis offeroffer is is valid valid for for homeowners homeowners overover 18 years 18 years of age. of age.

If married If married or or involved involved withwith a life a life partner, partner, bothboth cohabitating cohabitating persons persons must must attend attend andand complete complete presentation presentation together. together.

Participants Participants must must have have a photo a photo ID and ID and be be legally legally ableable to enter to enter intointo a a contract. contract.

TheThe following following persons persons are are not not eligible eligible for this for this offer: offer: employees employees of Company of Company or affi or liated affiliated companies companies or entities, or entities, theirtheir immediate immediate family family members, members, previous previous participants participants in ain a Company Company in-home in-home consultation consultation within within the the pastpast 12 months 12 months andand all current all current andand former former Company Company customers. customers.

Card Card maymay not not be be extended, extended, transferred, transferred, or substituted or substituted except except thatthat Company Company maymay substitute substitute a card a card of equal of equal or greater or greater value value if if it deems it deems it necessary. it necessary.

Card Card will will be mailed be mailed to the to the participant participant via fivia rstficlass rst class United United States States MailMail or e-mailed or e-mailed within within 30 days 30 days of of receipt receipt of the of the promotion promotion formform provided provided at presentation. at presentation.

NotNot valid valid in conjunction in conjunction withwith any any other other promotion promotion or discount or discount of of any any kind. kind.

Offer Offer not not sponsored sponsored or promoted or promoted

by VISA

by VISA andand is is subject subject to change to change without without notice notice prior prior to reservation. to reservation.

Except Except in the in the states states of MD, of MD, NY NY andand DC,DC, where where the the gift gift cardcard offeroffer is is limited limited to $25. to $25.

Offer Offer not not available available in the in the states states of CA, of CA, IN, IN, PA PA andand MI. MI. Expires Expires 10/31/24.

10/31/24.

C o n t e n d t i o n c a rd H o l s e l l s v a l i d i n v o a t t e m u s c o n e m p t h e i C o m a n d n o t C o m i t d e v i a fi re c e v a l i d a n y s u b i n t h l i m i a n d

* Guaranteed * Guaranteed not not to clog to clog for as forlong as long as you as you ownown youryour home, home, or we or will we will clean clean youryour gutters gutters for free. for free.

* Gu or w

12 | SPORTS | thesignpostwsu.com | September 19, 2024

JAY HILL’S IMPACT ON

By GAVIN NELSON Reporter

nator Jody Sears to become head coach.

Sears had been the co-defensive coordinator for the Washington State University Cougars for the previous three seasons. Two years later, Sears would have a 4–19 record, the worst of any coach in Weber State history. He was fired in 2013.

“Sears inherited a difficult situation, but we didn’t see the progress we wanted,” Weber State athletic director Jerry Bovee said.

On Dec. 12, 2013, Weber State announced the hire of its 11th head football coach, Jay Hill. Hill was a cornerback for Ricks College and received All-American honors. He then transferred to the University of Utah and played under fellow Weber State head coach Ron McBride. Afterward, he served under head coaches Ron McBride, Urban Meyer and Kyle Whittingham.

Hill’s first year as coach for the Wildcats was more of the same from the Sear’s years, as

the team went 2–10. However, something was brewing in Ogden.

The next year, 2015, the team went 6–5, which included a 24–21 win over the No. 12-ranked University of Montana in Missoula — the first time Weber had beaten Montana since 1987.

While Hill improved the team on the field, his strong suit was off the field in recruiting.

In 2014, his first year at the helm, Hill recruited a zero-star cornerback from Sacramento named Taron Johnson.

Johnson would finish his Weber State career as a two-time All-Big Sky selection and a First-team All-American in his senior year in 2017. In the 2018 NFL Draft, Johnson would be selected in the fourth round by the Buffalo Bills, the first Weber State player to be drafted since 2010.

Hill was a master at finding diamonds in the rough in the recruiting sphere like Johnson.

ROBERT CASEY | Weber State Athletics

On Dec. 7, 2022, Brigham Young University announced that it would be hiring Weber State University head football coach Jay Hill as its new defensive coordinator and associate head coach.

To understand Hill’s impact on the Weber State Football program, we have to go back to what the Wildcats looked like before he was hired.

In 2004, the Wildcats had their worst season in school history, with one win and 10 losses.

Head football coach Jerry Graybeal stepped down and became the new assistant athletic director for the university.

A month later, it was announced that former University of Utah head football coach Ron McBride, who had been serving as lineback-

ers coach for the University of Kentucky for the previous two seasons, would become Weber State football’s new head coach.

The team immediately got better under McBride, going 6–5 in the 2005 season. McBride would serve as the coach for 7 seasons, with a combined record of 43–38, finishing with the fifth-most coaching wins in Weber State history, and a Big Sky Conference title in 2008. In 2011, McBride announced that he would retire at the end of the season at 72 years old, the sixth-oldest coach in Division I football at the time.

After McBride’s retirement, the school announced that Weber alum John L. Smith, assistant coach of the University of Arkansas Razorbacks, would be the next head coach.

However, just a few months later, it was announced that Smith would be returning to Arkansas to become its head coach. Weber State then promoted new defensive coordi-

Former Weber State head coach Jay Hill leading the Weber State University football team.

September 19, 2024 | thesignpostwsu.com | SPORTS | 13

WEBER STATE FOOTBALL The Wildcats were ranked No. 6 in the final poll.

In 2019, the Wildcats would have arguably their best season in school history. Going 11–4 and making it all the way to the semifinals, again falling to James Madison. Finishing No. 3 was the highest WSU had ever finished in the polls.

In the shortened spring 2021 season, the Wildcats would win their first outright Conference title, going undefeated in conference play. However, they were upset in the first round by Southern Illinois.

After a disappointing 2021 season, finishing 6–5, the Wildcats got back to their winning

ways going 10–3 in 2022, including a 35–7 win over Utah State in Logan. The Wildcats lost in the quarterfinals to No. 3-ranked Montana State University 33–25, finishing the season ranked No. 9.

At the conclusion of the season, the Wildcats had high expectations for the future, with many starters returning. But after Hill left for BYU, a lot of changes happened. All-American cornerback Eddie Heckard followed Hill to BYU, and the year after, cornerback Marque Collins and linebacker Jack Kelly headed down to Provo as well.

After many years of BYU having below-average defenses, Jay Hill has continued his

ways, by recruiting under-the-radar studs and building stout defenses.

Hill would finish his Weber career ranked first in wins and games coached, and second in winning percentage in school history. He won four Big Sky Titles and went to the FCS playoffs six times. The Wildcats won at least 10 games in four out of five years and had eight straight winning seasons. In Weber’s spring 2021 season, they became the second school to ever win four straight Big Sky Championships. His recruiting led to 10 all-conference players and seven All-American players.

AMY LUONG | The Signpost Archives

That recruiting finally started to pay off, after 6–5 and 7–5 records in 2015 and 2016 respectively. Weber State finally got over the hump, when in 2017 the Wildcats won their first Big Sky championship since 2008 when they posted an 11–3 record.

The Wildcats made it all the way to the semifinals when they fell to No. 1-ranked James Madison University in a 31–28 loss. The Wildcats finished the season ranked No. 5 in the nation.

The next year saw similar results, going 10–3 to win another Big Sky championship. However, the playoff push was cut short in the quarterfinals in a tough loss to Maine 23–18.

Weber State defense players listen to the coach’s game plan.

14 | SPORTS | thesignpostwsu.com | September 19, 2024

WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL FALLS TO UTAH VALLEY Reporter

On Sept. 17, 2024, Weber State University’s women’s volleyball team traveled to Orem to face the Utah Valley University Wolverines. The Wildcats have had the Wolverines’ number, achieving a six-game winning streak against UVU. But as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. Utah Valley was able to break the streak and the Wolverines took the 3–1 win at home.

The team previously traveled to Springfield, Missouri, from Sept. 12-14 for the Dr. Mary Jo Wynn Invitational, in which they won two of three games. Their first win of the tournament was against Saint Louis University, the first meeting between both teams, which ended 3–0. The second game of the invitational was a 3–2 win against Missouri State University. They ended the tournament with a loss against the University of Texas at Arlington in five sets, putting the Wildcats record at 3–5 this season.

In the first set against Utah Valley, Ashley Gneiting ended the first rally with a kill and

put Weber State on the board. Utah Valley went on a 6–0 scoring run that put them into the lead. Weber then began to play catchup for the majority of the set and took the lead at 17–16. But Utah Valley fired back and won the set 25–22 with an ace by Bella Wooden.

Weber started off the second set 5–0. Gneiting, with eight kills, kept Weber in the lead with a score of 9–2. The Wildcats showed no mercy, obtaining an 18–8 lead. Service errors

by Utah Valley played a big part in this set and gave Weber State the win.

Being 1–1, the teams continually exchanged points, fighting for the win in the third set. After an unsuccessful challenge on a “touch call” by the Wolverines’ Head Coach, Sam Atoa, the Wildcats and Wolverines remained tied, 24–24. Utah Valley took their second win after a back-and-forth match, 27–29.

Weber started off the fourth set with a 4–0 scoring run. However, the Wolverines’ blocking made it hard for the Wildcats to score, bringing them back into the lead. Utah Valley ended up winning the set off of a “tool” hav-

ing a final score of 23–25. Winning this set allowed the Wolverines to win the match 3–1, breaking the six-game winning streak for the Wildcats. UVU outperformed Weber in about every category.

On kills alone, the Wolverines won the battle 65–51. Utah Valley played a team match achieving a game high of 61 assists to the Wildcats 46. Weber had twice as many aces as UVU with eight, but it wasn’t enough to bring home the win. Gneiting led the way for the Wildcats with 14 kills in the match.

The Wildcats are 3–6 this season and will play BYU, the second of three Utah teams they will face this season. Following this will be a match against Utah State University.

Come support the Wildcats as they face BYU on Sept. 20 at 6 p.m. in the Swenson Gym.

ANNA KUGLAR | The Signpost

By TRISTIN RAMAGE

Share this story at thesignpostwsu.com Weber State middle blocker Saane Munyer (13), blocking the volleyball.

C L E A N O U T Y O U R C L O S E T.

earn cash for clothes

ON RIVERDALE ROAD

UPTOWNRIVERDALE

September 19, 2024 | thesignpostwsu.com | CULTURE | 15

THE SIGNPOST TEAM Editor-in-Chief Brisa Odenthal brisaodenthal@mail.weber.edu

Asst. Copy Chief Mindy Brown mindybrown1@mail.weber.edu

Translation Editor Nathanael Stout nathanaelstout@mail.weber.edu

Managing Editor Emilie Hart emiliehart@mail.weber.edu

News Editor Gracie Stephenson graciestephenson@mail.weber.edu

Translation Editor Nelly Hernandez Tejada nhernandeztejada@mail.weber.edu

Design & Graphics Editor Star Neil starneil@mail.weber.edu

Sports Editor Collyn Cowles collyncowles@mail.weber.edu

Adviser Deann Carver deanncarver@weber.edu

Asst. Design & Graphics Editor Alyssa Nelson alyssanelson2@mail.weber.edu

Asst. Sports Editor Brayson Brown braysonbrown@mail.weber.edu

Business Manager Rob Steedley robertsteedley@weber.edu

Photo Editor Anna Kuglar briannakuglar@mail.weber.edu

Culture Editor Megan Swann meganswann@mail.weber.edu

Chief Copy Editor Justin Steed justinsteed@mail.weber.edu

Asst. Culture Editor Cooper Hatsis cooperhatsis@mail.weber.edu

The Signpost is a student publication, written, edited and drafted

by Weber State University students. Student fees fund the printing of this publication. Opinions or positions voiced are not necessarily endorsed by the university. The Signpost reserves the right to edit for reasons of space and libel and to refuse to print any letters. Letters should be submitted online to thesignpost@weber. edu and read letter to the Editor in the subject box. Letters should not exceed 350 words.

PLANNED PARENTHOOD OF UTAH IS HERE FOR YOU. OUR SERVICES Birth Control

Emergency Contraception

STI Testing & Treatment

PrEP

Pregnancy Testing & Planning

UTI, Yeast Infections, & Other Concerns HPV & Hepatitis B Vaccines Wellness Exams & Preventive Care

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AT ANY OF OUR 8 CONVENIENT UTAH LOCATIONS.

1-800-230-PLAN

PPAU.ORG