Thursday | October 25, 2018 | Volume 89 | Issue 25
FRESHMAN QUARTERBACK
SUSTAINS SHOCKING INJURY >>PAGE 4
NEWS » PAGE 12
STUDENT STRESS STATS REVEALED IN CHEGG STUDY
COLUMN » PAGE 6
ACES DISPELL MYTHS ABOUT ASEXUALITY
2 | MyWeberMedia.com | October 25, 2018
OCT. 25
Batcave SLC and Brewvies Ogden are coming together to launch a monthly cult horror movie night. Brewvies will host the films, which will begin at 9:30 p.m. Come enjoy tasty food and a brew to get yourself in the Halloween spirit.
OCT. 26
Jennifer Plum, University of Utah Physician, and Peter Sadler, Utah Naloxone program manager, will discuss Utah’s opioid epidemic. Utah has the seventh-highest drug overdose rate in the U.S., and six Utahns die every week from opioid overdoses. The event will take place in the Shepherd Union Ballrooms at 1 p.m., free to the public.
OCT. 27
WSU-Davis will host the annual Halloween Carnival. The family-friendly event will take place in D3 ballroom, atrium and parking lot from noon to 4 p.m. The carnival is free to the public. Costumes are welcome. Games, candy, prizes and trick-or-treating will be available. Non-perishable food donations will be accepted at the door, and all donations will go to the Weber Cares Pantry Program.
By NIC MURANAKA News Editor
1. Recently, online retailers that allow customers to make purchases from home and have products delivered right to their doors have caused some big-box retailers to fear for their futures and forced others into bankruptcy. Which of the following household names has had to file for bankruptcy? a. Target b. Sears c. Lowe’s 2. Which Ivy League university has recently gone to trial over claims it discriminates against Asians? a. Harvard University b. Dartmouth College
c. University of Pennsylvania 3. Last week saw an investigation into the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi Arabia consulate in Istanbul. Riyadh claimed Khashoggi was killed in a fight. What did Turkey have to say about that claim? a. They corroborated Riyadh’s claim, agreeing that Khashoggi was killed in a fight b. They denied Riyadh’s claim, stating that Khashoggi was the target of a planned plot c. They denied Riyadh’s claim, but made no counter claim of their own. 4. President Donald Trump has recently claimed which foreign nation is meddling in the November elections? a. Russia
b. North Korea c. China d. Mexico 5. Figures show that 36 percent of registered U.S. voters cast ballots in 2014, 60 percent in 2016. Because these numbers are low among industrialized nations, many U.S. companies have taken what measures in order to boost voter turnout this year? a. Offering paid time off work during work hours in order to vote b. Offering time during work hours to complete voter registration c. Offering cash incentives for employees who register to vote Tribune News Service
OCT. 30
Every Tuesday afternoon, Ogden Nature Center will be hosting story time. Ogden Residents can join in for a deep-dive exploration into the themes of a story while exploring the Nature Center. No reservations are needed. Check in at the Visitor Center. Storytime is included with the cost of admission to the Nature Center which is $5 for adults and $3 for children.
Turkish party leader and president Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivers his weekly speech to members of the parliament Oct. 23 in Ankara, Turkey.
ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS ON PAGE 13
October 25, 2018 | MyWeberMedia.com | 3
The Signpost
VidSummit, impressed with WSU volunteers, invited Wildcats back for its second annual event.
VIDSUMMIT INVITES ’CATS BACK FOR ROUND 2
By ANA LICHFIELD A&E Reporter
Weber State University communications students and alumni were selected to volunteer at VidSummit, an annual YouTube industry insider event in Los Angeles. Dozens of the top 1 percent of social media influencers spoke to thousands of attendees over four days. Collaboration is key to running a successful event. When WSU students first volunteered in 2017, they demonstrated commitment and comm chops. This year, VidSummit personally invited them back. “They are willing to do whatever is asked, and they’re just so happy and so welcoming to the attendees. There’s no way we could do it without the volunteers,” said VidSummit CFO Carolyn Eves. The volunteers did everything from registering attendees to emceeing and
Annual Friends of the Stewart Library
BOOK
SALE Begins
November 1
facilitating audio, video, photography, social media, security, live streaming and interviewing. The students were supervised by Studio 76 Executive Producer Kalie Pead and selected by Studio 76 Adviser Andrea Baltazar. Both assisted the event. They were joined by alumna and current WSU employee Rachel Badalis and myself. We interviewed attendees for VidSummit’s testimonial reel. Former WSU adjunct professor Stacey Tyler also volunteered in this fashion. Schylar Hudson, current student and Studio 76 online marketing director, emceed for many of the event’s speakers including author Richie Norton and Thomas Frank, founder of College Info Geek. Photographing the event were alumni Bryan Butterfield, a former Signpost photo editor who heard about the job through a Weber alumni Facebook post, and Shane
Thompson. Butterfield said he has worked at various industry functions in the past with Weber students on-hand and said he always hears that organizers ”love people from Weber.” Butterfield believes this is because Weber has less competition in its programs, unlike larger schools in the state. WSU students don’t have the prestige of being from a renown institution, so they prove themselves in other ways. “When you’re putting on a production of this size, volunteers are vital,” said Luria Pettrucci, the event’s livestream producer. “We’ve done this two years in a row, and each time the Weber students are the standouts.” Butterfield and Pettrucci may be right, considering three alumni who volunteered last year as seniors were hired after graduation for high-level positions at this year’s summit. Among them was recent graduate
Hardbacks $2.00 paperbacks $1.00
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HOURS
MEDIA
Thursday the 1st the sale will open at 8 a.m. and will be ongoing during library hours.
$1.00 Reusable Bags $2.00
Specially Priced Items Weber State University Stewart Library Atrium First Floor, West Entrance
Christyna Sakura. Sakura credits her position at VidSummit as a pivotal moment in her education at Weber when she decided she wanted to learn production. She was advised to switch from multimedia journalism to digital media under the direction of former adviser Drew Tyler. Tyler received the request from VidSummit’s volunteer coordinator to invite his digital media students to come at their expense in exchange for the experience of working the event. Hoping to make it affordable for students looking to attend, Tyler secured the funding with help from Dean of Arts and Humanities Scott Sprenger. Baltazar was able to ensure funds were available again this year, especially because last year had proven so fruitful for students as a real-world experience.
library.weber.edu @StewartLibrary
Mon-Thur Fri Sat Sun
7 a.m. - 11 p.m. 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. 1 p.m. - 9 p.m.
4 | MyWeberMedia.com | October 25, 2018
‘CATS OVERCOME DISASTER,
RALLY OVER MSU
JOSHUA WINEHOLT | The Signpost
Clockwise from upper left: Wide receiver Rashid Shaheed on a kickoff return. Runningback Treshawn Garrett shakes defenders on the way to the goal line. Jenks rushes to push past the line of scrimmage.
MyWeberMedia.com | October 25, 2018 | 5
territory. The Bobcats connected on a field goal early in the second quarter, bringing the score to 10–0. As Kaden Jenks hit the ground, Exit Constantine, enter Jenks. the whole of Stewart Stadium drew a Jenks connected with freshman wide collective breath. receiver Devon Cooley for a first down, but Jenks, a redshirt freshman quarterback, the drive stalled, and junior punter Doug was knocked out of his team’s matchup Lloyd punted the ball back the the Bobcats. with Montana State University late in the On the ensuing Bobcat drive, the WSU second quarter after sustaining a grisly an- defense made their presence known. Sekle injury on Oct. 20. nior cornerback Jordan Preator stepped After receiving medical attention from in front of a pass from sophomore quarboth teams, Jenks was carted off the field terback Troy Andersen, picked it off and and out of the stadium, at which point the returned it to the Wildcats’ 13. Wildcats were trailing 17–7. The ’Cats took advantage of the intercepDespite the mid-game tion, and Jenks scored misfortune, however, the on an eight-yard run to Wildcats rallied for a 34–24 cut the deficit to 10–7. victory over the Bobcats in The Bobcats immefront of over 8,000 fans. diately snatched moThe win pushed Weber mentum back. AnderState to No. 4 in the STATS sen kept the ball, split FCS poll: their highest rankthe Wildcats defense ing in school history. and ran 71 yards unWSU head coach Jay Hill touched into the end KADEN JENKS said Jenks wanted to stay zone to give his team a WSU Quarterback in the game before being 10-point lead. carted off. Constantine’s first “When they moved that pass, back into the ankle back into place, he said ‘Tape it up, game, was complete to redshirt freshman and let me go back in there,’” Hill said. tight end Justin Malone for 22 yards. Af“That’s the toughness that can rally a foot- ter another short gain by Malone, Conball team.” stantine found Cooley for 18 yards to the Despite trailing by 10 points, Hill said 1-yard line. Senior running back Treshawn his team huddled and agreed they were Garrett punched it in from there to make going to win the game for Jenks. the score 17–14 at halftime. “I heard them say it: ‘We’re going to go “I thought he (Constantine) bounced win this for Kaden,’” Hill said. “You want to back well,” Hill said. “It’s not easy to get see them bind together over something benched. I gave him the game ball today like that.” because I thought he did a great job of Sophomore Jake Constantine started bouncing back from a difficult situation.” as quarterback for the Wildcats but was Weber State received the second half removed due to ineffective performance. kickoff, and Constantine led his squad He was intercepted inside the red zone on down the field and into the red zone. He WSU’s first possession of the game, which completed passes to three running backs allowed the Bobcats to score a touchdown during the drive as sophomore Clay Moss three plays later. complemented Davis and Garrett with Weber State regained posession of the receptions. Tuttle capped the drive with a ball and marched downfield, led by a 45- 35-yard field goal to tie the contest. yard rush by redshirt freshman running On WSU’s next drive after forcing a back Josh Davis. MSU held WSU to a field punt, Constantine committed his third goal attempt, which went awry twice for miscue of the day. His pass was picked sophomore kicker Trey Tuttle. and returned 27 yards by Greg Filer III Tuttle missed from 33 yards out, but the into the end zone, and Montana State reBobcats were flagged for running into the captured the lead. kicker. Given a second chance, Tuttle kicked But the Wildcats had an answer. wide left on a 28-yard attempt. Davis and Garrett started the ensuThe Wildcats received more of the same ing drive with consecutive 24-yard runs on their next drive, during which Constan- to put WSU inside the red zone again. tine threw another interception in his own For the second time, Garrett ran in for a By JOE TRAUB
Sports Reporter
“Tape it up, and let me go back in there”
one-yard score. “I think we got our first-half jitters out,” Garrett said. “We knew we came out flat and had to pick it up in the second half.” Weber State forced a three and out, and drove down the field as the fourth quarter began. Sophomore wide receiver Rashid Shaheed delivered a key contribution: a 25-yard reception. With WSU facing third and goal at the one-yard line, Garrett was the answer for the third time, scoring again to give the Wildcats a lead they would not relinquish. “Being a captain, I know they are going to rely on me with the run game,” Garrett said. “When I see the holes, there is just an upbeat mentality from there.” Weber State’s defense continued their relentless attack, inducing two more unproductive Montana State drives. While the Wildcats watched offensive threats fizzle out, Lloyd delivered on the punting side. Lloyd came through with punts of 36 and 49 yards in the fourth quarter, one of which pinned the Bobcats at their own threeyard line. “Doug Lloyd is a big weapon for us,” Hill
said. “He does a good job of holding onto the ball. He kicks it 40 yards and makes it difficult for returners to feel like they have much space in front of them.” Trailing by seven, MSU had the ball with 5:49 remaining. WSU senior cornerback Keilan Benjamin intercepted Andersen and returned it to the 14-yard line. “We want to be the number one defense in the country,” Benjamin said. “We gave up 17 early, and we want to be more consistent than that. We don’t want to give up anything at all.” The Wildcats milked the clock and scored when Tuttle connected from 22 yards out to give his team a two-score lead with 2:27 on the clock. A last-ditch effort for the Bobcats came up empty as Weber State took over on downs and ran out the clock for the 34–24 triumph. With the victory, the Wildcats improved to 5-2 on the season and will take on No. 22 North Dakota on the road Oct. 27 at 1 p.m. Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com
6 | MyWeberMedia.com | October 25, 2018
Q AND AA: QUESTIONS AND ASEXUAL ANSWERS
Sierra: I have never felt the desire to have sex with anyone, including my partner. I look at him, and I love him, but I have never felt that “urge” that many allosexual people feel.
SIERRA HAWKINS Columnist
The day I realized I wasn’t straight is forever burned into my mind. It wasn’t because my parents yelled at me for being queer, or that the church I went to called me an abomination to god, or that I sat praying that something within me would change. No, I was sitting in class during my sophomore year of high school during sex ed, and when my teacher stressed the importance of never having sex before marriage, I thought, “Like it’s hard?” and a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. Later, I was browsing the internet, as all teenagers do, and I came across the different terms for different sexualities: bisexual, pansexual, homosexual, heterosexual and finally asexual. At that moment, something clicked in my brain. I had a label for what I was, and I happily claimed it for myself. What I was not prepared for were the influx of questions people asked because they didn’t understand what asexuality was. It’s probably because not many people know that asexuality is a valid orientation. So in honor of Asexual Awareness Week, I gathered a list of questions from allosexual (non-asexual) people and had other asexual people at the Signpost answer them, so it’s not just my voice answering for the whole community. My question answerers are myself, Nicholas Muranaka, Monika Clarke and Joshua Wineholt, who are all well-versed in being asexual and in Joshua’s case, demisexual (which means not having sexual attraction until having a deep emotional bond). How does asexuality work?
MONIKA CLARKE | The Signpost
Joshua: (Demisexuality works) Fairly well. On a more serious note, I see it like anything else in a relationship where preference is involved: you communicate with your partner, and it is just a part of the relationship. If the question is more about biology: I’m a photographer. I can’t help answer that one. Monika: This isn’t like asexual reproduction in science. I know I can’t just produce a clone of myself. It’s just that sex is…meh. I would rather cuddle up and watch a movie with a nice mug of hot chocolate.
Do you feel asexuality isn’t recognized as a real thing? Nic: I think it can be a stigmatized thing, for sure, just like any perceived “abnormality” in sexual attraction. Monika: I do! Often we are told that we just haven’t found the right person yet. Others think that we just haven’t experimented enough. The thing is, I just don’t care to experiment. I already know, just like someone who doesn’t need to have sex with a man to know they prefer women. Joshua: It’s a term which is still, in many ways, only beginning to become more popularized. People tend to struggle with and sometimes disregard terms they see as new, especially when told the concept isn’t actually new but they were just ignorant before. Some people still don’t recognize the idea, many still treat it flippantly, but slowly, it will become more accepted. Luckily, in my experience, things like asexuality and demisexuality aren’t treated the same way people in the rest of the LGBT+ community have been: when people don’t accept us, we are generally not in danger or abused. Sierra: It’s definitely changed from when I first realized I was asexual. Lots of people used to tell me, “Oh, that doesn’t exist.” But now, lots of people have at least heard of it but perhaps don’t know exactly what it’s all about. How did you realize you’re asexual? Nic: It was a gradual realization over a few relationships where I realized that I wasn’t experiencing sexual attraction. Monika: At first, I thought I might be bi because I feel the same way towards women as I do men. However, I quickly realized I didn’t care much for either. A quick Google search informed me I wasn’t alone. I am asexual. Joshua: Not getting any satisfaction (climax) from casual sex was a bit of a give away. There are only so many dissatisfying, random hook-ups one can have before they say, “You know what? Ain’t for me.” Sierra: Like I said, it was only realizing that other people had to resist having sex I realized I was the “weird” one. Was coming out the same? Nic: Having never had to come out as anything else, I can’t say for sure, but for me personally, it’s pretty easy to tell people I’m ace.
I don’t go around bandying the information about, but whenever it’s pertinent, I have a pretty easy time letting people know. If they don’t think it’s a thing afterward, fuck ’em. Monika: Coming out was not a big affair for me. There was no fear of rejection, mostly because who would get mad at me for not wanting to have sex? Joshua: I am not secretive about my sexuality, but it isn’t something I’ve ever felt the need to discuss openly. It just isn’t a subject I find interesting. This is not to say no one knows; I just didn’t “come out.” People in my life know if they need to. Sierra: There can be some stigma caused by people genuinely not understanding what it is like to be asexual in a sexual world. However, I’ve never felt like they meant harm by not understanding, as opposed to as if I had come out as bi, gay or trans. Is it necessary to have an asexual partner? Nic: Not for me, no. I can see how for some this could be a deal breaker. I’m not uncomfortable having sex, I just don’t feel the need for it myself. I’ve never had a problem with a partner not understanding, either, but I can see how that could be a difficulty as well. Monika: It would probably make life easier to have one, but I don’t think it is necessary. The important thing to have in a partner is respect. If you have respect, personal boundaries will always be followed. Joshua: I’ve never had an asexual partner, but I’ve had one who is also demisexual. While there are many benefits to that, I wouldn’t say it is necessary. Sex and physical attraction are important parts of a romantic relationship, generally, but never should they be the most important. Any relationship built on those things will fail anyway. Sierra: For a long time, I thought I had to have an asexual partner because many people told me they couldn’t live without sex, so that gave me anxiety that I’d never find anyone, unless they were willing to never have
sex. But now I’m in a very loving relationship with someone who is not asexual, and I love him with all my heart. How do you go about dating non-asexual people? Nic: I let them know up front that I’m ace and that if sex is gonna be a thing they want, it can be difficult for me, but otherwise, this has been less of a problem than I thought it would be initially. Monika: A LOT of trial and error. It is hard to find someone who is happy with being great friends for a while before any romance will happen. Even then, it can be hard for them because they know that chances are I won’t be attracted to them at any point. However, I am the sort of girl who will grow attached. Don’t worry that I’m not attracted to you physically; I will have a very hard time without you emotionally. Joshua: This isn’t a struggle for me, being demisexual. All the pieces, and desires, are still in place, so they sometimes don’t even realize. The times when I have dated someone with whom I had yet to form a deep connection, I simply viewed sex as a need my partner had which I wanted to fulfill. It was just like listening to or supporting them: they needed it; I wanted to provide it. In those cases, I just focus on their desires and enjoyment. Sometimes this was a double-edged sword. On the one hand, who doesn’t want their partner fulfilling their every need? On the other, when their partner (me) didn’t climax, they would eventually take it as an insult. Men have a reputation of being easy to satisfy, so when it repeatedly doesn’t happen, it can be frustrating and hurtful. Sierra: Communication. When I’m dating someone, I tell them up front that I am asexual. I don’t see the point in continuing the relationship if sex is an absolute must. Our wants and needs should match up for the most part, but no partner is ever going to fit you 100%, so that’s why you should communicate about what you need, what you want
and what you will and absolutely won’t do. Do you ever have the urge to have sex? Nic: Once in a blue moon, it can happen. Monika: Seldom, if at all. Joshua: Of course, just only with the person I have a strong connection with. Sierra: Maybe like three times a year? Five if I’m being generous. Do asexuals want to get married? Nic: I mean, yes. It’s not like people don’t want companionship when they’re asexual. Monika: I do. I have this dream of growing old with someone else who is the closest person in the world to me. Joshua: Why wouldn’t they? Sexuality and marriage, while sometimes linked, are not synonyms. While the question of marriage varies from person to person, it’s called “asexuality” not “amatrimony.” Sierra: Absolutely. I’ve known I want to give someone my heart and have theirs for as long as I have understood what marriage was. Do you like hugs? Kisses? Sex? Nic: I’m not a huge touchy person, so I’m pretty meh toward all of it. Monika: A hug depends on who it is coming from. Kissing is alright, I guess. I haven’t liked anyone enough to kiss them yet… I’m not fond of PDA though. I don’t want to feel like this is a relationship for show that others can see. Sex is a strange line. I feel like it isn’t something I would be pressured into, but if my partner were to ask, I don’t think I would refuse outright. Just like anyone, it depends on my mood. Joshua: Hugging and kissing are two of my favorite things. I tend to be extremely affectionate in romantic relationships. Sex I love when it is with the right person. Sierra: Hugs are amazing. Kisses can
be fun, depending on where they’re at. Sex probably would be fun, but I have other things to do. What about kids? Nic: Since I hate all children, this is a hard no anyway, but that was always going to be the case and has been since before I was certain I was ace. Monika: I do want children. Yes, I realize sex is required for that — I’ve been told so many times. If I want children, I will take the necessary steps, easy as that. Joshua: I’d love to have a family, one day, and fully intend to have kids whenever I find the woman who can put up with me every day. Sierra: I’m not too interested in having children for a long time, and even then, I would rather adopt. How do you go about sex (if you were interested)? Nic: Again, not uncomfortable, just not interested. I’ve had girlfriends who wanted sex more than others, and I’m fine as long as they understand that I’m never going to be the one seeking it out. Monika: Consent is the most important factor to an ace. Disregarding our wishes will severely damage our trust in anyone. Joshua: These aren’t even questions for asexuals or demisexuals but rather for literally every person on Earth. Do you and the other person want sex? Are they able to consent? Yes? Go do sex to each other. Sierra: In high school, I thought sex was something adults did, like taxes or dying. I didn’t understand that people actually desired to have sex. My understanding has changed since then, and while I generally still don’t have an interest in it, I don’t think I would mind having it for my partner when we are married. Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com
Free & Open To The Public WSU Shepherd Union Atrium
Nov. 1, 2018 6-9 PM
Come celebrate Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) with us! There will be live music, Ballet Folklorico, food, entertainment, face painting, workshops and more!
8 | MyWeberMedia.com| October 25, 2018
MISSION OVER, MyWeberMedia.com| October 25, 2018 | 9
BUT GAME ON FOR LDS MISSIONARIES By BRANDON MAY Sports Editor
Senior defensive lineman Filipe Sitake after a scoring play. SARAH CATAN | The Signpost
For many LDS missionaries, it’s not an easy decision to commit to a two-year ecclesiastical mission before playing college sports. The road back to Division I performance isn’t cut and dry. The Weber State University football team has 29 return missionaries on their roster, and the men’s basketball team has two. When coaches recruit LDS players out of high school, they understand some are going away for two years and are prepared for anything to happen. Head coach Randy Rahe emphasized the importance of communication with athletes about whether or not they will be serving their mission right out of high school. “When we recruit LDS kids, we try to sign them before they go onto their missions,” Rahe said. “We sign them, and then they go on their mission and comeback ready to go.” Rahe currently has two players on his roster that are returning from missions this season. Freshman guard from American Fork Spencer Johnson served his mission in Milan, Italy from 2016-18. Johnson admitted it was hard to stay in shape on his mission, but preparation days benefited him. “On P-Days, me and the other missionaries played basketball with kids on the street,” Johnson said. “It’s not easy to stay in shape on a mission, but you got to look for those opportunities to stay in shape and to do what you love.” Johnson was first team All-State as a senior and is training to get back into Division I shape. “I have to be patient,” Johnson said. “I trust the guys and coaches to get me back in shape.” Johnson signed with the Wildcats in 2015. Freshman Tim Fuller is a forward out of Gilbert, Arizona. Like Johnson, Fuller also signed with the ’Cats in 2015 before going on his mission to Santa Ana, El Salvador. Because basketball isn’t as popular in
El Salvador as it is in the U.S., Fuller kept in shape by playing soccer with kids on the street. Fuller stays after each practice to practice his outside shooting and get the feel of the game back. “The coaches have really been working with us,” Fuller said. “We have been sticking to a strong routine to help us get ready for the season.” Fuller mentioned that it hasn’t just been two years away from basketball but also away from school. The Weber State professors have helped him get back into the swing of his academic schedule. Unlike the basketball team, WSU football is loaded with returned missionaries. Senior fullback Brady May served his LDS mission in Puebla, Mexico from 2013-15. “Before my mission, I didn’t have really any opportunities to go play football,” May said. “When I got back from my mission, I got ahold of coach (Colton) Swan and found myself on campus after just one day.” May played high school football in a small Idaho town and believes it’s because of his mission that he was able to play Division I football. “Like any missionary, I started working out pretty hard,” May said. “But for about a year in the middle, I didn’t work out at all, and then right before, you realize you gotta get back into shape and look good for everyone when you come home.” May found what he called “a really nasty gym in Mexico” where he would work out. Being a senior, May is one of the leaders on the Wildcat football team and believes he learned a lot about leadership while serving in Mexico. “It teaches you a lot and how to lead by example,” May said. “On your mission, it’s important to be obedient and lead by example. I think that it’s the same way in football — you can’t just talk the talk; you have to walk the walk, and my mission really taught me that.” Coaches have found it uncommon for return missionaries to rack up quality minutes in their first year back and that athletes usually take up to six months to get their rhythm
and skills back. Senior defensive linemen Filipe Sitake out of Orem, on the contrary, after serving his mission in Tonga, Polynesia, made an immediate impact for the Weber State football team. Sitake is one of the few who was able to come back from his mission and start his first year, starting in 11 games in 2015 and recording 28 tackles. “There is a scripture that talks about the first I’ll become last and the last I’ll become first,” Sitake said. “I put myself behind others going out on a mission, wasn’t able to work out those years, but when I came home in the spring, I was able to play and start my freshman year.” Tonga’s favorite sport is rugby. Sitake said on P-Days, he would play touch rugby in the fields which helped him stay in shape. After being away from the field, athletes are recruited to play for long periods of time. There are no shortcuts getting them ready to compete at such a high level. Rahe said it’s a long process for coaches and athletes. “It’s really hard,” Rahe said. “Some athletes are allowed to work out (on P-Days), but thats just one day a week, and some athletes aren’t given the opportunity to workout.” Rahe’s staff has noticed throughout the years that athletes who are able to work out come back quicker than those who don’t get the chance. Nonetheless, coaching staffs go very slow with them. “Most of these athletes are so excited to be back playing that they push their bodies to extreme limits,” Rahe said. “When you do this, injuries always occur, which is our biggest fear.” When athletes who have been away come back and get hurt quickly, they have to take additional time off for injury, making their break even longer. Most universities around the nation hold scholarships for athletes who serve church missions, which allows athletes to serve the faith they keep and return to play the sport they love. Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com
10 | MyWeberMedia.com| October 25, 2018
A DEMOCRACY
ISN’T A DEMOCRACY
WITHOUT VOTERS
DARYN STEED Columnist
Until 1870, the only people who could vote in the U.S. were property-holding white males. After the Fifteenth Amendment, which guaranteed men’s right to vote, regardless of race, southern states used Jim Crow laws to deny immigrants and non-white citizens from voting. Women were guaranteed the right to vote in 1920 after more than a hundred years of protest and controversy. Over the next 50 years, amendments theoretically guaranteed the right to vote to every American, barring those living in U.S. territories. However, the right to vote is never explicitly stated in the U.S. Constitution. That means states can deny the right to vote for a variety of reasons. Some states require citizens to register to vote prior to the election. Others passed laws that prohibit convicted felons from voting, even those who have finished serving their sentences. Texas has the toughest voter ID restrictions in the country. Their voter ID laws have repeatedly been found to be intentionally discriminatory. Voters must use
their driver’s license, passport or gun permit to prove their identity (because, of course, nothing proves your American heritage faster than a gun permit). Because many black and hispanic Texans don’t have any government-issued photo ID, the federal appellate court found the laws to be discriminatory. In April, a federal appeals court upheld Texas’ voter identification law, which will be in effect for this November’s midterm elections. Midterm turnout in 2014 was just 37 percent, the lowest since 1942. Utah is below the national average of voter turnout. Seventy percent of Utah’s elections are decided by margins wider than 30 percent. Studies have found that most Utahns feel their vote doesn’t matter, so it’s pointless to vote. Other reasons for low turnout include the perception that candidates don’t represent the voters. Many voters don’t agree with the values of either major party, and alternative options, including the Green party and Libertarians, don’t get enough votes to be viable. The U.S. has one of the lowest turnout rates of industrialized nations. Most democratic governments automatically register their citizens to vote, and some use vote percentages to determine the makeup of the government. In the U.K., for example, a non-dominant party gets seats in Parliament based on percentage of votes. If a party gets 25 percent of the vote, they get 25 percent of the seats in Parliament. If the U.S. wants to increase voter turnout, they might think about adopting some of these practices.
A 2017 study showed states that offer same-day voter registration had voter turnout seven percent higher than average. Utah only allows that option in a handful of counties, including Salt Lake County. Voter turnout in our country and our state has steadily declined in the last 40 years. Pollsters predict that this November will be different — then again, we know what pollsters predicted last time around, and the memory of their mistake haunts me daily. The reality is that most Americans won’t vote in the upcoming midterm elections. They don’t feel represented, or they’re too tired when they get home from work, or they forgot to register. They don’t feel obligated. They don’t think their voice matters. They’re sick of dirty politics. The list goes on and on. But on Nov. 6, I’ll be voting. The battle between Mitt Romney and Jenny Wilson may well already be decided, but that’s only one question on the ballot. We have four propositions on our ballot this year, and they’re all important. Proposition 1 asks if Utahns want to increase our public education fund by $180 million in exchange for a 10-centper-gallon gas tax hike. This is a non-binding question, meaning the measure is designed to gauge voter opinion. Further legislation would have to pass for the proposed tax to be put in place. Proposition 2 is the hotly contested plan to legalize marijuana for medical patients on the recommendation of a physician. Patients with specific medical conditions
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could legally obtain and use up to two ounces of cannabis in a 14-day period. Qualifying illnesses include HIV, Alzheimer’s, cancer, Crohn’s disease, epilepsy, autism and chronic pain, among others. Proposition 3 would expand Medicaid coverage to 150,000 low-income Utahns through a 0.15 percent sales tax increase. The state would provide Medicaid for Utahns under the age of 65 with incomes below 138 percent of the federal poverty line. Proposition 4 will restrict Utah lawmakers’ ability to redraw electoral districts after the 2020 census. An independent, unelected redistricting commission would recommend electoral maps, limiting the act of gerrymandering, a tactic politicians use to manipulate election boundaries to favor one party over another. None of these propositions are decided. The vote for senate isn’t the most influential decision we’ll make in November. We have the potential to make four major changes for our state. I don’t even care what your stance is, as long as you vote. The U.S. is not a true democracy when half its constituents stay home. Your vote matters. Your voice is heard. Utahns can register to vote online until Oct. 30. You can mail in your ballot, so you won’t have to wait in long lines. You don’t have an excuse. Believe in your ability to enact change. Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com
HOCKEY FIGHTS
October 25, 2018 | MyWeberMedia.com| 11
CANCER
WITH A WIN AGAINST BYU By COLTON PACK Sports Reporter
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Wildcats splashed a little pink into the purple and white on their jerseys. On Oct. 20, the Weber State University hockey team pulled out a 6–3 victory over Brigham Young University. In their “Hockey Fights Cancer” event, the men’s hockey team fought cancer alongside McKay-Dee Dermatology and Plastic Surgery. With the help of McKay-Dee, event organizers filled the stands with cancer survivors and those presently battling cancer. One such survivors was Weber State alumna Julie Huss, who is a CTE assistant in the Career and Technical Education department. “Because I work at Weber, I hear about the games,” Huss said. “I made an extra effort to come because I did know about Intermountain (Dermatology and Plastic Surgery unit). I like to support the cause when I can.” Throughout the game, the ‘Cats pink jerseys were part of a silent auction where fans and supporters could bid on a particular jersey. All proceeds were donated to cancer research. Assistant Coach Yosh Ryujin described the process of the auction. “We started the bidding for every jersey at 50 dollars, so people were bidding all night,” Ryujin said. “We got 26 jerseys, and I saw a lot of bids over 100 dollars, so we are going to take that money and donate it back to breast cancer awareness and
research.” The event’s main sponsor, Intermountain McKay-Dee, helped out with jerseys, pink shirts for the crowd, and invitations sent to cancer patients and survivors. WSU forward Garrett Hodgson shared his thoughts on playing in front of those fighting cancer. “It was really special,” Hodgson said. One of the things AJ (Kapinos, head coach) said before the game was how much bigger this was than hockey. The guys next to you are playing for something bigger. It meant a lot to have that support tonight.” In the main event, the Cats’ hit the ice hard against BYU, scoring in every period. Brian Martinez and Andrew Gorges came up clutch, with two goals apiece. “We wanted to start off strong, and we did that right off the get go,” said team captain Jon Cosman. “Our power play was clicking. We were putting a lot of shots on, banging bodies, so we were doing all the little things right.” With two early goals from Gorges in the first period, the Cats’ jumped out to a 3–0 lead. The evening prior, the team defeated Utah Valley University 8–1 on the road. The Wildcats will finish their October schedule this Saturday at 7 p.m. against San Diego State University. SDSU is 3–2 on the year coming into Ogden. Weber State will aim to improve their season record to 6–4. Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com
Weber State hockey won 6-3 against BYU and will finish the season Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. against SDSU. SARAH PARKER | The Signpost
CHEGG STUDY QUANTIFIES STUDENT STRESSORS 12 | MyWeberMedia.com | October 25, 2018
By TORI WALTZ News Reporter
Not long after Kailey Markos entered her junior year at Weber State University, college began to feel “overwhelming.” She became burdened by the daily pressures of her academic regimen within weeks of pursuing her degree in communications. Unsatisfied by her classes, submerged by homework and apathetic to university life in general, she was only steps away from dropping out of school, but tuition and financial aid prompted her to stay. “This semester, I’ve had a hard time coming to school in general,” Markos said. “I stopped coming to all of my classes, and I wanted to be done just because it was so much.” She’s not alone. According to the 2018 Chegg State of the Student report, 60 percent of students said they experience stress “frequently” or “all the time” as a result of factors outside typical academic workloads and test anxiety. “College is a very stressful time of life for all students, and it requires a very different lifestyle shift that a lot of students aren’t quite ready to adjust to,” Director of the Counseling and Psychological Services Center Dianna Abel said. The study, which polled 1,000 students from varied demographics and institutions, identified the primary cause of student anxiety to be related to economics. A vast majority of students reported struggling to pay for housing, spending more than they could afford, practicing unhealthy eating habits and fighting to balance work with academic responsibilities. In a school like WSU, where the majority of the student body is comprised of non-traditional students, this statistic isn’t surprising. Wildcats range from early to middle adulthood, and maintaining a sustainable income while attending school and potentially caring for a family can become problematic for students’ stress levels. “We all face different stresses given where we are in life,” Master of Professional Communication Program Director Sarah Steimel said of student mental health trends. “Communication pressures facing someone who might be a head of the household and have children is probably different than the particular pressures facing someone who’s not.” Additional statistics in the Chegg study demonstrated
high numbers in both safety and political discrepancies on campus. Approximately 66 percent of students feared a possible incident involving gun violence, less than half — 42 percent — expressed confidence in their administration’s adequacy with addressing sexual assault and 40 percent of students who identified as LGBTQ reported feeling discriminated against whereas 13 percent of heterosexual students reported experiencing discrimination. “I think that the LGBTQ group probably has more stress just for safety reasons. Different students and groups are against their rights so it can feel uncomfortable for them to come to school,” Markos said. Despite this array of extracurricular concerns, the Chegg study indicated that less than half of the students across the nation have ever taken advantage of their school’s mental health resources. “I feel like our generation is becoming more accepting of mental illness, but at the same time, no one wants to confess that they’re dealing with depression or anxiety,” Markos said. The Counseling and Psychological Services Center at WSU works to accommodate students who may be experiencing anxiety in their lives and offers a variety of amenities to help combat stress. “Hopefully, if students are feeling that their stress levels are high, they seek help,” Steimel said. The center provides up to 12 free sessions per academic year to students; however, most students typically benefit from fewer than six sessions, according to department officials. “It is an amazing deal compared to how much you would pay for that kind of service in the community,” Abel said. The counseling center is located in the Student Ser-
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vices Center in suite 280 and is open to anyone on campus. To make an appointment with a counselor or to learn more about the resources available, visit the center’s website. “Don’t ignore it, don’t sweep it under the rug,” Abel said. “Pay attention to it, and do all of the things that you know are good for you.” Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com
MyWeberMedia.com | October 25, 2018 | 13
STEM FIELD TRAILBLAZERS LIGHT THE WAY FOR FUTURE FEMALE SCIENTISTS By RYAN MARION S&T Reporter
Eight guest speakers, deans, professors and undergraduates shared their journeys as women in STEM fields in an effort to inspire women at Weber State University to pursue science careers at a casual speaking event. The second annual event, held at Tracy Hall Science Center on Oct. 17, was a collaboration between the Weber State University College of Science and the College of Engineering, Applied Science and Technology. College of Science Dean Dr. Andrea Easter-Pilcher, whose professional and research interests have included student retention among women and underrepresented minorities in the sciences, spoke of her experience in the field. “There have been major obstacles that have been put in my way because I was a female scientist,” Easter-Pilcher said. “You can imagine telling someone that you are a female who snare-traps grizzly bears, they just don’t believe that’s something women do. But I’m here to tell you that if that is your dream, you can do it.” Remembering projects of which she was the principal investigator in Russia, Easter-Pilcher described how often Russian officials would defer to her male field assistant because they couldn’t believe she could have been in charge. Easter-Pilcher’s passion for representing women and minorities in the sciences began when she started teaching at Montana State University. She said there were no mentors for people like her during her time in college. “I looked up from afar to Jane Goodall — that was my mentor,” Easter-Pilcher said. She believes WSU has the opportunity to tell their stories through the Women in STEM event and show students how “incredible, approachable and wonderful the faculty here are.” Isabel Gonzales, an undergraduate guest speaker at the event who hopes to graduate in Spring 2019 with a bachelor’s in chemistry, shared her story as a woman in STEM at Weber State.
Gonzales said glycolysis, a daily chemical reaction in the body that breaks down glucose for energy and basic functions, was the first thing about science that amazed her. “Something so simple used everyday opened my eyes to all the little things we can’t see,” Gonzales said. Gonzales, the oldest child in her family and a first-generation college student, was born and raised in Ogden. She first became interested in chemistry thanks to a teacher at Saint Joseph’s Catholic High School. For Gonzales, Mr. Yule’s passion for his subject inspired her to take her first steps onto a college campus, where no one in her family had gone before. Gonzales faced challenges accepting and learning from her failures, particularKELLY WALTKINS | The Signpost ly when she failed her organic chemistry College of Science Dean Dr. Andrea Easter-Pilcher shares her exexams. “It was so hard for me to accept that be- perience as a woman in STEM. cause I’d never experienced it, but it was the best learning experience for me,” Gonzales said. “I learned that had to happen in order for me to become a better student and grow as a person.” Natalie Bowen, a student in attendance who heard about the event from one of her professors, enjoyed the event and said its casual setting allowed her to visit even when she didn’t have the time to stay the whole event. Bowen said with Weber State’s student population, plannings events like this can run the risk of either holding it when no one’s around or when everyone’s too busy to stop by. “If this was a formal deal where I had to be committed to coming and staying for two hours, I definitely couldn’t have made it work,” said Bowen. Bowen said she was bolstered by the experience. She is pursuing a degree in chemistry. “When Dean Easter-Pilcher said her closest female mentor was Jane Goodall, it made me even more grateful for the incredible women who have pioneered their way through the STEM field to get where they are today,” said Bowen. Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com
14 | MyWeberMedia.com | October 25, 2018
QUIZ ANSWERS FROM PAGE 2 1. b. As of Oct. 15, Sears Holding Co. has filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection, according to the Chicago Tribune. Founded in 1892, Sears defined nearly 100 years of shopping through its mail-order catalogs. Chairman Edward Lampert will be stepping down as CEO, and 142 Sears locations deemed unprofitable will close by the end of the year. 2. a. Harvard University went to trial Oct. 15, over claims that it discriminates against Asian Americans in admissions, according to the Los Angeles Times. The suit claims Asian Americans’ academic success has actually worked against them in admissions to the school, citing a Duke University study of admissions data at Harvard over six years. The study claims Asian American applicants, who have a 25 percent chance of admission, would have a 35 percent chance if they were white and even higher if they were another ethnic group. 3. b. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan issued a statement saying that Khashoggi’s death was the result of a planned plot, according to Bloomberg
News. Erdogan claims to have strong evidence the murder was not accidental and that there were potential collaborators. He has called for the Saudi king to pursue investigations into all culprits and called for 18 people to be held on trial in Istanbul. 4. c. Trump has claimed Chinese interference in the November elections, according to Bloomberg News. However, cybersecurity firms have not found evidence of Chinese meddling. Intelligence experts at FireEye, a cybersecurity firm employed to combat foreign election interference, and Symantec, which studies perceived threats on social media, have said there are no signs whatsoever of interference from China. 5. a. Forty-four percent of U.S. firms have offered employees paid time off during work hours to vote in the upcoming November elections, according to Bloomberg news. Forty-four percent is a record-high, up from 37 percent in 2016. Comment on this story at signpost.mywebermedia.com
A poll worker gets “I Voted” stickers ready to hand to voters as they finished up at the ballot booths. (Carolina Hidalgo/Tampa Bay Times/TNS)
Bella Torres | The Signpost
HELP WANTED
MyWeberMedia.com | October 25, 2018 | 15
FEATURED JOB
FEATURED JOB
COPYWRITER/EDITOR-ONLINE & CONTINUING EDUCATION
ADMISSIONS AMBASSADOR
The position performs the following functions and duties: • Write and/or edit marketing copy for Online & Continuing Education credit and non-credit program promotional material including flyers, posters, brochures, rack cards, websites, digital advertising and other marketing pieces as needed. • Work closely with graphic design and web programming team members to create and edit copy.
The position performs the following functions and duties: • Assist with office support, recruitment efforts and leadership building on campus. • Ambassadors will give tours of campus to prospective students, visit assigned high school, and help staff on campus events.
•
Help produce digital ads and assist with other marketing projects as needed. $12.00-$14.00
Requisition Number: H00529P
$8.50 Requisition Number: H00378P
Math and Reading Tutor Health Promotion Human $9.50 Requisition Number: H00451P
Student Office Assistant Chemistry $8.50 Requistion Number: H00152P
Operations Office/Access Assistant Bookstore Computer Sales $8.75 Requisition Number: H00499P
After School Tutor Financial Aid Office $9.50 Requisition Number: H00077P
Research Assistant Chemistry $8.50-$9.00 Requistion Number: H00151P
Statics and Strengths of Materials Tutor Engineering Technology $10.00 Requistion Number: H00512P
Reading and/or Math Tutor Financial Aid Office $9.50 Requisition Number: H00073P
Electronic Systems and Repair Hourly Electrical Systems $10.00 Requistion Number: H00390P
Student Office Assistant Chemistry $8.50 Requistion Number: H00152P
Band Student Assistant Performing Arts $8.50 Requistion Number: H00159P
Aquatics/Safety-Water Safety Instructor Campus Recreation $9.50 Requisition Number: H00239P
Assistant Media Developer Academic Tech Services $10.00 Requistion Number: H00452P
MLS Lab/Teaching Assistants Medical Lab Science $12.00 Requisition Number: H00036P
THE SIGNPOST TEAM
Research Assistant for Chemistry Laboratory Chemistry $8.50-9.00 Requistion Number: H00151P
Editor-in-Chief Harrison Epstein harrisonepstein@mail.weber.edu
News Editor Nic Muranaka nicholasmuranaka@mail.weber.edu
S&T Editor Zac Watts zdwatts@gmail.com
Office Manager Chloe Walker chloewalker@mail.weber.edu
Graphics Editor Samantha Van Orman samanthalvanorman@gmail.com
Asst. News Editor-Diversity Jennifer Guzman jenniferguzman1@weber.edu
Webmaster Nate Beach nathanbeach@mail.weber.edu
Ad Manager KC Sanders kcsanders@weber.edu
Photo Editor Sara Parker saraparker2@mail.weber.edu
Sports Editor Brandon May brandonmay1@mail.weber.edu
Social Media Manager Chloe Walker chloewalker@mail.weber.edu
Chief Copy Editor Cole Eckhardt eckhardtco@gmail.com
A&E Editor Daryn Steed darynsteed@mail.weber.edu
Adviser Jean Norman jeannorman@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.
16 | MyWeberMedia.com | October 25, 2018
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