Happy Thanksgiving from The Signpost!

Tuesday | November 21, 2023 | Volume 97 | Issue 57 Cover Illustration By: Grace Haglund | The Signpost

2 | NEWS | thesignpostwsu.com | November 21, 2023

By SKY MUNDELL Asst. Section Editor

Elevator trouble On Nov. 9, just after noon, the Weber State University Police Department dispatched an officer to the Shepherd Union building on reports that someone had become trapped inside the northwest elevator. Upon arrival, the responding officer was able to make contact with the individual stuck inside the elevator.

With the help of the fire department, WSUPD was able to eventually open the door and rescue the stuck individual. According to the WSUPD case report, the individual inside the elevator remained in good spirits through-

out the ordeal.

WSU Facilities immediately closed off access to the elevators, put up signs, and contacted the elevator company. A repairman was promptly sent out to campus to repair the elevator.

A callous dare On Nov. 12, just after 11 p.m., WSUPD officers were dispatched to a Wildcat Village dorm on a reported suicide threat. The complainant had reached out to WSUPD to advise them that a WSU student living in the dorm had sent out a Snapchat message that insinuated they were suicidal.

After arriving at the subject’s dorm, officers were able to speak with the individual about their concerning Snapchat message. Through

further investigation, it was discovered that the student who sent out the Snapchat message was not suicidal and instead only did so to fulfill a dare given to him by an unnamed fraternity.

According to WSUPD, the name of the specific fraternity that dared the student is unknown. However, it can be assumed to a reasonable degree the fraternity is likely a WSU fraternity.

WSUPD maintained that they do not know which fraternity it could be.

Illegal parking at University Village On Nov. 11, while on regular patrol at University Village, a WSUPD officer had three separate encounters with vehicles parked illegally in handicap-accessible parking stalls.

Orange advisory slips were placed on the offending vehicles that warned the owners that repeating this transgression would result in a citation.

The next night, Nov. 12, a WSUPD officer observed two vehicles parked in handicap-accessible stalls without handicap permits. Orange advisory slips were once again placed on the vehicles.

WSUPD has stated that this sort of behavior is not acceptable and they plan to cite any vehicles that are illegally parked in handicap stalls in the future.

POWER UP FROM ANYWHERE M150 Portable Power Station From Duracell, the #1 trusted battery brand, the M150 Portable Power Station enables you to work and have fun from anywhere.

ONLY $199

portablepower.info/offer42

Give the gift of portable power to friends and family this holiday season!*

Laptop

Phone

Tablet

1 Charge

6 Charges

3 Charges

*Order by December 15th for Christmas delivery. Battery purchase does not include phone.

DONATE PLASMA. GET REWARDED. New plasma donors can receive up to $400 for your first 4 donations.

Grifols Biomat USA locations 3073 Harrison Boulevard, Ogden (801) 392-2296 LEARN MORE

1951 West 5400 South, Roy (801) 825-0111

grifolsplasma.com ©2023 Grifols. All rights reserved. 9148 (05/23)

MGN

4 | CULTURE | thesignpostwsu.com | November 21, 2023

By GRACIE STEPHENSON Reporter

In the early morning on the fourth Thursday of November, thousands of people will march through the streets of New York City in the second longest-running Thanksgiving Day parade. Some people will be on foot, some on floats and some will be tasked with carrying balloons that reach up to six stories high.

Thanksgiving is a holiday that has been celebrated annually for hundreds of years. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, however, is a tradition that spans just under a hundred years, with the first parade running in 1924.

Although the parade has been occurring for significantly less time than Thanksgiving itself has, it has quickly become one of the nation’s most cherished traditions. With nearly 30 million people watching every year. It’s safe to say that the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is now a staple of a tradition in countless households.

However, with so many people over so many years, there are bound to be some hiccups. The enormous helium-filled balloons have posed more than their fair share of problems throughout the years.

In light of Thanksgiving being just around the corner, Philip’s Law Group compiled a list of parade accidents from throughout the years. Here are a few of the most memorable flops.

Countless balloons have fallen victim to the city’s tall lampposts, one of the most unforgettable being Barney the dinosaur. How-

ever, in 1997, The Cat in The Hat balloon was torn on a lamppost as a result of high winds.

The falling debris of the balloon fell on a bystander, leaving her with a fractured skull and a month-long coma.

It was this incident that caused size rules to be implemented for future parade balloons.

In 1993, the Sonic the Hedgehog balloon crashed into a lamppost in Columbus Circle and then into an off-duty officer. The ordeal left some with minor injuries. Needless to say, Sonic did not make a return to the Macy’s Day Parade until 2011.

In 2008, a balloon inspired by the art of Keith Haring struck the NBC Broadcast booth causing the broadcasters to be cut off the air until the balloon was cleared away.

The Superman balloon incident of 1986 steered from the usual lamppost casualties.

The balloon got stuck on a tree causing Superman’s arm to tear off completely.

Popeye the Sailor Man left many bystanders shivering in 1957. The hat of the balloon featured an indentation, which soon became problematic when it began to rain. The top of the hat filled with water causing it to veer off course over a crowd of people dumping freezing cold rainwater on top of them.

Although there are already too many parade fails to count, they tend to be repetitive in nature; The ones listed above are the most unique. With the Macy’s Day Parade less than a week away we can only hope this year will not bring a new addition to the flops and pops the parade has seen throughout the years.

A turkey float with people dressed as pilgrims in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.

A red power ranger balloon floating above the streets of New York in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.

November 21, 2023 | thesignpostwsu.com | CULTURE | 5

POR DANIELA IMBRETT Traductor

POR GRACIE STEPHENSON Reportero

Temprano en la mañana del cuarto jueves de noviembre, miles de personas marcharán por las calles de la ciudad de Nueva York en el segundo desfile más largo del Día de Acción de Gracias. Algunas personas irán a pie, otras en carrozas y otras tendrán la tarea de transportar globos que alcanzan hasta seis pisos de altura.

El Día de Acción de Gracias es una festividad que se celebra anualmente desde hace cientos de años. Sin embargo, el Desfile del Día de Acción de Gracias de Macy’s es una tradición que se remonta a poco menos de cien años, y el primer desfile se celebró en 1924.

Aunque el desfile se lleva realizando durante mucho menos tiempo que el propio Día de Acción de Gracias, rápidamente se ha convertido en una de las tradiciones más queridas del país. Con casi 30 millones de personas viéndolo cada año. Es seguro decir que el Desfile del Día de Acción de Gracias de Macy’s es ahora un elemento básico de una tradición en innumerables hogares.

Sin embargo, con tanta gente a lo largo de tantos años, es probable que surjan algunos contratiempos. Los enormes globos llenos de helio han planteado más problemas de los que les corresponde a lo largo de los años.

En vista de que el Día de Acción de Gracias está a la vuelta de la esquina, Philip’s Law Group compiló una lista de accidentes en desfiles a lo largo de los años. Éstos son algunos de los fracasos más memorables.

Innumerables globos han sido víctimas de las altas farolas de la ciudad, uno de los más inolvidables es el dinosaurio Barney. Sin em-

bargo, en 1997, el globo “The Cat in The Hat” se rompió en un poste de luz como resultado de los fuertes vientos. Los restos del globo cayeron sobre una transeúnte, dejándola con una fractura de cráneo y un coma de un mes.

Fue este incidente el que provocó que se implementaran reglas de tamaño para futuros globos de desfile.

En 1993, el globo de Sonic the Hedgehog se estrelló contra una farola en Columbus Circle y luego contra un oficial fuera de servicio.

La terrible experiencia dejó a algunos con heridas leves. No hace falta decir que Sonic no regresó al Macy’s Day Parade hasta 2011.

En 2008, un globo inspirado en el arte de Keith Haring golpeó la cabina de transmisión de NBC, lo que provocó que las emisoras se quedaran sin aire hasta que retiraran el globo.

El incidente del globo Superman de 1986 evitó las habituales víctimas de las farolas. El globo se atascó en un árbol, lo que provocó que el brazo de Superman se rompiera por completo.

Popeye el marinero dejó temblando a muchos espectadores en 1957. El sombrero del globo presentaba una hendidura, que pronto se volvió problemática cuando empezó a llover. La parte superior del sombrero se llenó de agua, lo que provocó que se desviara de su rumbo sobre una multitud de personas que arrojaban agua de lluvia helada encima de ellos.

Aunque ya hay demasiados desfiles fallidos como para contarlos, tienden a ser de naturaleza repetitiva; Los enumerados anteriormente son los más singulares. Con el Macy ‘s Day Parade a menos de una semana, solo podemos esperar que este año no traiga una nueva incorporación a los fracasos y estallidos que el desfile ha visto a lo largo de los años.

Personas se disfrazaron de payasos y tiraron confeti a la cámara en el desfile del día de acción de gracias de Macy’s

6 | CULTURE | thesignpostwsu.com | November 21, 2023

GRACE HAGLUND| The Signpost

HISTORY OF THANKSGIVING FOODS

An map of side dishes for Thanksgiving.

By COOPER HATSIS Reporter

This Thursday, many Americans will come together to celebrate over a traditional Thanksgiving meal. From turkey to cranberries to pumpkin pie, there are certain food staples that seem synonymous with the holiday. However, this was not always the case.

Here is a history of all the most beloved Thanksgiving foods.

The first Thanksgiving celebration between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Tribe dates back to November 1621. This celebration was not quite what it is today. In 1621, the Pilgrims ate a variety of meats, including geese, ducks, deer and a variety of different seafood. There is speculation as to whether or not turkey was in fact consumed at the first Thanksgiving so long ago. With 400 or so years of history, the courses served on the fourth Thursday of November have changed

and evolved.

In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared that Thanksgiving would be a national holiday. Lincoln did this as a way of showing his appreciation that the Union Army won the battle of Gettysburg.

The beloved sweet potato marshmallow combo that comes in many forms was not a staple of the holiday until 1917. The sweet potato had been a part of the Thanksgiving tradition since the 1800s, but not quite to this capacity. In 1917, the company Angelus Marshmallows was responsible for this creation. The company hired Janet Mckenzie Hill, who had founded the Boston Cooking School Magazine, to create new recipes that featured marshmallows. This sweet potato casserole adorned with warm sticky marshmallows was one of those recipes.

Some other popular side dishes are the green bean casserole and cranberry sauce in varying textures. The green bean casse-

role was introduced to the world in 1955, by Campbell Soup Co. This side dish consisted of green beans, mushroom soup, and fried onions, and has hardly changed since it was brought to the dinner table. Cranberries have likely been a part of the tradition since the start, as the fruit is identified with Native American traditions. The first record of cranberries being used in sauce form comes in the year 1796 in the book, “American Cookery” by Amelia Simmons, according to The Washington Post. Cranberry Sauce became a canned good in the year 1912 thanks to Ocean Spray.

Pumpkin pie did not become a staple of Thanksgiving food until the 1800s. Despite this, pumpkin was a part of the produce that the Pilgrims ate in 1621. By 1869 the pumpkin pie was labeled as one of the “inevitable” Thanksgiving foods. Similar to the cranberry sauce, one of the first recorded recipes for pumpkin pie was in “American Cookery”.

Corn is another dish that made an appearance at the first Thanksgiving but has since evolved. The History Channel claims that corn was not eaten off of the cob like it might be today, but instead was ground up and turned into cornmeal and then was turned into porridge.

Historians debate whether or not turkey was at the first Thanksgiving, if it was, it was not the main course of the feast. Having turkey as the main part of the meal became common sometime in the 19th century, claims Time Magazine. Today, more than 46 million turkeys are consumed for the Thanksgiving celebration. Alexander Hamilton once said, “No citizen of the U.S. shall refrain from eating turkey on Thanksgiving Day.”

MGN

November 21, 2023 | thesignpostwsu.com | NEWS | 7

THE BUSTLING BUSINESS OF BARBIE

By STAR NEIL Reporter

A new class is aiming to take a deeper dive into the issues surrounding women’s and gender studies through the playful lens of Barbie, giving students a new view of this icon.

Emily January Petersen, assistant professor and director of professional & technical writing, is bringing a new perspective to the world of women’s and gender studies by using Barbie to unpack topics surrounding motherhood, womanhood, body image, identity, race and class.

“It’s just gonna be fun, and it’s gonna be nostalgic, and we’re gonna learn a lot!” Petersen said.

Petersen has a graduate certificate in women’s studies and said she has done a lot of research on women’s experience in writing in professional settings. She hopes to guide students through applying the ideas of girlhood, toys and identity to larger contexts

to help them understand culture through a feminist perspective.

One assignment Petersen is thinking about incorporating is having students do an analysis of an artifact from the Barbie franchise, such as a specific doll, playhouse, movie, or song, and examine not only its history, but how it relates to issues such as PR, capitalism and eating disorders.

“I think looking at an actual artifact and writing about it rather than just writing a research paper is going to be more fun,” Petersen said.

Another class Petersen is excited to teach in the spring is Taylor Swift studies, in which she and her students will explore the meanings and symbols behind Swift’s songwriting and issues surrounding her life as a woman in the spotlight.

Students interested in taking Barbie stud- Margot Robbie played the role of Barbie in the recent film directed by ies or Taylor Swift studies should plan to reg- Greta Gerwig that was released July 21. ister soon as spots are limited, there is, however, a waitlist for any students that didn’t have a chance to register earlier.

Get Involved!

Find friends and amazing college experiences: weber.edu/studentlife

Emily January Peterson will be teaching the Barbie studies class starting in the Spring 2024 semester.

AJ HANDLEY | The Signpost

8 | NEWS | thesignpostwsu.com | November 21, 2023

A parking ticket on a student’s vehicle.

By HAMID KHAN Reporter

Many Weber State University students have dealt with a ticket or two in their time on campus. Some have even dealt with a boot because of overdue tickets.

WSU conducted a commuter survey to estimate the carbon emissions from WSU commuting activities. The survey highlighted that 82% of faculty and staff drive alone to campus mainly for the freedom to come and go as needed from campus and that it saves time, with this comes the issue of parking permits and tickets.

The common challenges mentioned by the participating commuters were parking difficulties, the cost of parking and the distance to parking areas. The top five reasons why people have gotten a parking ticket are: their plate was not active on their permit, they parked in the wrong lot, their plate was not registered, their plate was not visible from the roadway and they had no active parking permit.

“There are not systematic issues, but there is a small percentage of human error both on the part of the person registering the vehicle and/or the enforcement officer making an error in the entry,” Crystal Taylor, manager of Parking Services, said.

The majority of tickets issued in lots W5, W4 or W12-DAVIS were due to vehicle license plates not being visible.

“This violation type has nothing to do with the specific lot or area but with how the vehicle is parked and the digital permit being improperly displayed,” Taylor said. “The license plate must be visible from the travel lane to properly display the parking permit. Those that do not have a front license plate must be careful not to back into or pull through space to ensure proper display of their permit.”

Parking Services posted tips on their website in order for students to reduce their chances of a ticket. These include verifying the license plate number on your permit is

accurate, parking so the license plate is visible and making sure to check the box next to the active vehicle on your permit when registering online.

There are 8,740 parking spaces in total on WSU’s Ogden campus, and most tickets are issued between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. when people are leaving campus. Lots where the most tickets are issued are A2, A1, A6, W4 and W12-Davis.

“The majority of violations occur in A lots that are located within close proximity to buildings where students have class or in the largest student parking lots,” Taylor said.

Unlike many universities, WSU offers free parking spaces for visitors at the Dee Events

AJ HANDLEY | The Signpost

November 21, 2023 | thesignpostwsu.com | NEWS | 9

A parking lot full of cars on campus.

Center with 2,474 spaces. Students can then ride the OGX, which runs every 10 minutes from the Shepherd Union, to Wildcat Village, to the Dee Events Center and back. Sometimes, students have to wait a long time to get a spot on the bus despite the frequent stops due to the high volume of passengers.

“It is an amazing option to have close, readily available parking with the convenience of regular buses running with a convenient drop off location right by Union Building at no cost to students, faculty, staff and visitors,” Taylor said. “There are also many students that park for free on the northeast portion of the lot and walk to campus as well.”

Weber State University’s Parking Services has experienced a notable fluctuation in parking fine revenue from the 2020 through

the 2023 fiscal years.

The data reveals a significant increase in revenue generated from citation fines, particularly post-COVID, as more students resumed commuting to campus. The figures show an escalation from $71,821 in 2021 to a peak of $165,960 in 2022.

“We are responsible for employee salary and benefit costs, as well as the costs to run the day-to-day operations,” Taylor said. “Parking monies go towards lot maintenance, line painting, police and security of the parking lots and it covers a third of the UTA contract to support the ED pass. We have actually seen a reduction in revenue post-COVID with fewer vehicles parking on campus and permits no longer required to park at the Dee Events Center.”

Veterans, you have a dedicated space at WSU Davis!

VETERANS STUDY LOUNGE &

V E T E R A N S

U P W A R D

B O U N D

Study, print for free, get a snack, and get tutoring and academic support.

D2 231 weber.edu/vetsupwardbound

WSU’s commitment to environmental sustainability is also evident in initiatives like the green rebate program, which offers a 20% discount on annual permits for vehicles with a green score of 46 or higher. A collaboration with the Sustainability Office has led to the installation of EV charging stations across campus and the development of a carbon offset program aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of single-occupancy vehicles.

“We encourage alternative forms of transportation, including carpooling and utilizing the Ed pass and the UTA services,” Taylor said.

“Some students purchase one permit and carpool or share the permit based on their campus schedule.”

Looking ahead, WSU is not standing still.

The newly completed W6 lot added 94 student parking spaces, with plans for further expansion. Post-commencement this spring, the pay lot will undergo a significant project to add covered parking and solar panels, akin to the W10 lot.

“Over the summer, parking lots undergo routine maintenance to ensure their upkeep, with a focus on repaving, crack sealing, resealing and painting,” Taylor said. “Every new construction project on campus considers the addition of more EV charging stations in strategic locations. All these upgrades and improvements are for the benefit of our entire campus community.”

NONTRADITIONAL STUDENT CENTER

HOURLY

child care

Need child care while you are in class or partaking in academic events?

Get low-cost hourly child care for children 2-9 years old.

where children d i s c o v e r, e x p l o r e & g r o w

Find more information and apply at:

weber.edu/nontrad/childcare.html

AJ HANDLEY | The Signpost

10 | NEWS | thesignpostwsu.com | November 21, 2023

Un vehiculo de orden público patrulla el estacionamiento en busca de infractors para multar.

POR NATHANAEL STOUT Traductor

By HAMID KHAN Reportero

Bastantes de los estudiantes de la universidad de Weber State han recibido una multa a dos en su tiempo en campus. Algunos hasta han recibido cepo de tráfico automovilístico porque han tenido multas vencidas.

WSU condujo un sondeo de personas que viajan diario entre su hogar y la escuela para estimar las emisiones de gases de WSU en los viajes de escuela. El sondeo reveló que 82% de la facultad y empleados manejan solos a campus para tener la libertad de ir y

venir que ahorra tiempo, y con eso viene el problema de permisos de estacionamiento y multas.

Problemas comunes mencionados por los que viajan diariamente entre su hogar y la escuela fueron dificultades con estacionamiento, la cuesta de estacionamiento y la distancia a las áreas de estacionamiento. Las cinco razones porque la gente ha recibido una multa son: que sus placas no estaban activos en su permiso, se habían estacionado en el lugar equivocado, su placa no estaba registrada, su placa no fue visible en la calle y no tenían un permiso de estacionamiento activo.

“No son problemas sistémicos, pero hay un porcentaje de error humano en la perso-

na que está registrando el vehículo o del oficial haciendo un error en el entrada de base,” dice Crystal Taylor, directora de Servicios de Estacionamiento.

La mayoría de las multas dados en estacionamientos W5, W4 o W12-DAVIS fueron porque no podían ver las placas de vehículo.

“Este tipo de violacion tiene nada que ver con en específico con el lugar de estacionamiento pero con como el vehículo está estacionado y el permiso digital estando puesto mal,” dice Taylor. “Las placas necesitan ser visibles de la línea de viaje para enseñar propiamente el permiso. Los que no tienen placas de frente necesitan tener cuidado con no retroceder o salir de un espacio para asegurarse de que se vea su permiso.”

Servicios de Estacionamiento subió consejos en su página web para que los estudiantes puedan reducir la chance de recibir una multa. Esto incluye verificando el número de licencia para que su permiso sea preciso, estacionado su vehículo para que las placas sean visibles y asegurando que su vehículo sea activo en su permiso cuando lo registra en línea.

Hay 8,740 espacios de estacionamiento en total en el Ogden campus de WSU, y bastantes de las multas son emitidas desde las 5 a 7 de la tarde cuando la gente se está yendo del campus. Los espacios en donde más tickets son emitidos son en A2, A1, A6, W4 y W12-DAVIS. “La mayoría de las violaciones ocurren en

AJ HANDLEY | The Signpost

November 21, 2023 | thesignpostwsu.com | NEWS | 11

Una multa de estacionamiento en el parabrisas del carro de un estudiante

la sección A que están cercanas a edificios donde estudiantes tienen clases o en las secciones más grandes,” dice Taylor.

Diferente de otras universidades, WSU tiene espacios gratis para visitadores en el Dee Events Center con 2,474 espacios. Estudiantes pueden subirse en OGX, que corre cada 10 minutos de Shepherd Union, a Wildcat Village, al Dee Events Center y regresa. A veces los estudiantes necesitan esperar largo tiempo para obtener un lugar en el autobús aunque tenga bastante paras por el número de pasajeros.

“Es una opción buena tener cerca, tener estacionamiento de vehículos con la conveniencia de tener autobuses que paran regularmente por el edificio Union sin costarle más a los estudiantes, facultad, empleados y visitantes,” dice Taylor. “También hay bastante estudiantes que estacionan gratis en

el lado porción noreste de estacionamiento y caminan al campus también.”

La universidad de Weber State Servicios de Estacionamiento ha tenido fluctuación notable en multas ingresos desde 2020 a 2023 años fiscales.

Esta data revela un aumento en los ingresos generados por las multas, especialmente después de COVID, como más estudiantes comenzaron a regresar a campus. Las figuras enseñan una escalada desde $71,821 en 2021 a $165,960 en 2022.

“Somos responsables por el sueldo de empleados y costo de beneficios, y también el costo para hacer cosas dia-a-dia,” dice Taylor.

“Dinero de estacionamiento va a mantenimiento, pintando las líneas, policía y seguridad de los espacios de estacionamiento y cubre un tercer contrato con UTA para soportar el ED pass. Hemos visto una reducción en

Visit the Computer Labs on-campus to get help for all Adobe Creative Cloud apps!

Our Lab Assistants can answer questions about which app is right for your project and support you with quick tips and advice.

Stop by a computer lab near you today to learn more!

Learn More Here

el costo de ingresos después de COVID con menos vehículos estacionados y permisos que ya no se requieren para estacionar en el Dee Events Center.”

El compromiso de WSU con la sostenibilidad ambiental es evidente en iniciativas como el programa verde rebate, que ofrece un 20% de descuento en permisos de todo el año para vehículos con un puntaje verde de 46 o más. Una colaboración con la Oficina de Sostenibilidad ha traído la instalación de EV estaciones de carga por campus y el desarrollo de un programa de carbón que está tratando de reducir el uso de emisiones de gases de vehículos de una persona.

“Animamos diferentes formas de transporte, incluyendo compartiendo un vehículo y utilizando el ED pass y los servicios de UTA,” dice Taylor. “Algunos estudiantes compran un permiso y comparten el vehículo o comparten

el permiso dependiendo de su horario.”

Mirando hacia al futuro, WSU no se detiene. El recién completado W6 espacio de estacionamiento agregó 94 espacios de estacionamiento, con planes de expansión.

Después de la ceremonia de graduación en la primavera, el espacio va a agregar estacionamiento con cubrimiento y paneles solares, parecido al espacio W10.

“Por el verano, los espacios de estacionamiento van a pasar por mantenimiento para asegurar que estén bien, enfocados en pavimentar de nuevo, sellado de crack, volver a sellar y pintar los espacios,” dice Taylor. “Cada nuevo proyecto de construcción en campus considera la adición de más EV estaciones de carga en lugares estratégicos. Todos estas cosas mejores y nuevas son para el beneficio de todos en la comunidad del campus.”

12 | SPORTS | thesignpostwsu.com | November 21, 2023

MEN’S SOCCER SEASON COMES TO A SUCCESSFUL END Section Editor

By JACOBA JONES Asst. Section Editor

secure the draw. The Wildcats are undefeated after three group-stage games.

“What we’ve really been preparing for is making sure that number one we’re healthy and that, positionally, we have the ability to play multiple formations based on our opponents. If we need to score more we play a 4-1-2-3 and if we need to be more defensive,

we will change our formation to a 4-2-1-3,” Duane Ralphs said.

After topping off Group D, Weber State faced up against the University of Cincinnati in the tournament’s quarterfinals, and after a tough battle against the Bearcats, the Wildcats’ successful season ended in a 2–1 loss on Friday night.

Craig Sanders | The Signpost

The men’s club soccer team has had a memorable season, finishing with a record of 6–4, second overall, just under Brigham Young University.

“At the end of last season we lost a few key players, this year we really focussed on having to be more about the team as opposed to the individual,” Assistant Coach Duane Ralphs said.

At the start of the new season, the Wildcats were down a few pivotal players but quickly gained new teammates to fill in those empty slots. This year, they were able to come together as a team and start training early to prepare for the season ahead.

“Once we finally made the team and had our purple and black squads, all our chemistry was already starting to come together because we were already playing with each

other for months,” forward for the team, Taggert Ralphs said. “We started off this season very strong; we were 4–0, and then I feel like we got a little comfortable because we realized we did well last year, and now we’re doing well.”

Weber State was put in Group D with Iowa State University, Babson College and Xavier University. The Wildcats topped the group with seven points, they had two wins and one draw in three games. In the first game of the National Open Division, the Wildcats defeated Xavier 3–0 with goals from Jaiden Marriott, Cole Jones and Joe Cloward.

The ‘Cats kept the momentum rolling heading into the second game against Babson College. After two goals from Jaiden Marriott, one from Ethan Harris, Rafael Enriquez and Collin Willey, the Wildcats steamrolled the Beavers 5–1.

In the last game of the group stage, the Wildcats faced off against Iowa State. After being down 1–0 at halftime, Ben Gladwell scored for Weber State to tie the game and

Craig Sanders | The Signpost

By COLLYN COWLES

Weber State Men’s Soccer Guard, Brayden Varela #1, running towards the ball down the soccer field.

The Weber State Men’s Soccer team walking out towards the field.

November 21, 2023 | thesignpostwsu.com | SPORTS | 13

POR MARIANO MARTINEZ MARTINEZ Traductor

POR COLLYN COWLES Editor de Seccinó

POR JACOBA JONES

Editor asistente de sección

El equipo de fútbol masculino ha tenido una temporada memorable, acabando con un récord de 6-4 en segundo puesto general, tras Brigham Young University.

“Al final de la temporada pasada perdimos algunos jugadores clave, este año realmente nos centramos más en trabajar en el equipo en sí, que en el individuo”, dijo el entrenador asistente Duane Ralphs.

A principios de la nueva temporada, los Wildcats tenían unos cuantos jugadores clave menos pero pronto recuperaron y rellenaron estos puestos vacíos. Este año pudieron unirse como equipo y comenzaron a entrenar pronto preparándose para la temporada que se les avecinaba.

“Cuando finalmente completamos el equipo y tuvimos nuestra plantilla púrpura y negra, toda la química comenzó a brotar ya que ya habíamos estado jugando juntos durante meses”, dijo Taggert Ralphs, delantero del equipo. “Empezamos la temporada muy fuertes; íbamos 4-0, y entonces creo que nos

relajamos un poco porque nos dimos cuenta de que nos fue bien el año pasado, y nos va bien ahora”.

A Weber State le tocó el Grupo D con Iowa State University, Babson College y Xavier University. Los Wildcats encabezaron el grupo con siete puntos, teniendo dos victorias y un empate en tres partidos. En el primer partido de la National Open Division, los Wildcats ganaron 3-0 contra Xavier, con goles de Jaiden Marriott, Cole Jones y Joe Cloward.

Los jugadores mantuvieron esa misma energía en el segundo partido contra Babson College. Tras dos goles de Jaiden Marriott, uno de Ethan Harris, otro de Rafael Enriquez y un quinto de Collin Willey, los Wildcats arrasaron a los Beavers 5-1.

En el último partido de la fase de grupos, los Wildcats se enfrentaron a Iowa State. Tras ir al descanso perdiendo 1-0, Ben Gladwell subió el marcador para Weber State, asegurando el empate. Los Wildcats permanecen invictos tras los partidos de la fase de grupos.

“Para lo que de verdad nos hemos estado preparando es para asegurarnos de que uno, estemos sanos, y de que posicionalmente, tengamos la capacidad de jugar en diferentes formaciones dependiendo de los oponentes. Si necesitamos subir el marcador jugamos un 4-1-2-3, y si necesitamos ser más defensivos, cambiaremos nuestra posición a un 4-2-1-3”, dijo Duane Ralphs.

Craig Sanders | The Signpost

LA TEMPORADA DEL FÚTBOL MASCULINO LLEGA A UN FINAL VICTORIOSO

Los jugadores de fútbol masculino de Weber State balón en el campo durante la práctica

persiguieron el

14 | SPORTS | thesignpostwsu.com | November 21, 2023

By JACOBA JONES Asst. Section Editor

Weber State University’s Table Tennis Club hosted their first ever tournament on Nov. 18.

It was an all-day event with six teams, including Weber State University, University of Utah, Utah State University, Brigham Young University, Utah Valley University and Colorado Mesa University.

“The tournament was a huge success,” Kendrick Bolos, table tennis president, said. “We have never hosted one, so we were nervous, but then we had over 50 people sign up, and it turned out great! There were great matches all the way around, and although we didn’t finish in first, we got to see some unique styles of play and so much diversity. Meeting people from Ukraine, Iran, Russia and other places around the world.”

The Aggies had one team and came in first (6–0), followed by the Utes, who brought two

teams (5–1), a team unaffiliated with a university finished third (4–2), the Mavericks had two teams and finished fourth (3–3), our Wildcats also had two teams and finished fifth (2–4), and the Cougars had five teams and finished sixth (1–6), and Wolverines had one team and also finished sixth (1–6).

“I started the club in 2019 with pretty humble beginnings,” Jackson Bolos, former table tennis president, said. “It’s not the easiest thing to become a fully recognized and sponsored sports club on campus. We started with our own equipment, a few friends, and a few hundred dollars out of pocket to make an appearance at the NCTTA [National Collegiate Table Tennis Association] Divisional Tournament. It’s been super rewarding to see the fast growth and increased support from the school.”

Table Tennis is the official name of the sport.

It is a fast-paced game requiring quick reflexes, agility and precision. Many people refer to

it as pingpong, but these two games are quite different.

In pingpong, the game goes to 21 and alternates every five serves. In table tennis, a match is the best of three out of five games.

Every game goes to 11 points, winning by two points to end the game. Although, some matches have reached far greater than 11 points, going up to 24 points. The game requires the players to alternate every two serves.

“With teams of four, as we had in this tournament, if two players win their match and then two players lose their match, a doubles match between the two teams is played to break the tie with a similar scoring method,” Kendrick Bolos said.

The table tennis club is year-round and currently has a roster of 12 people. They are hoping to grow as they continue to host and attend more tournaments. The Wildcats practice two nights a week for an hour and a half

and are coached by Bruce Majors, who played table tennis internationally.

The club has about one tournament each semester. Typically, they take place in Grand Junction, Colorado, but after this successful tournament hosted at Weber, they have a positive outlook on hosting more events on campus and totaling four tournaments in a year.

“I would’ve never thought four years ago we’d ever be able to host a tournament with over 50 sign-ups and six schools! But here we are! Some fortunate networking with JOOLA and our volunteer coach, Bruce Majors, have really helped us get off the ground. With the current trajectory, I anticipate Weber to become the hub of the collegiate table tennis revival,” Jackson Bolos said.

The next tournament will either be here at Weber or in Grand Junction, Colorado, at the beginning of the new year. In March, the club is planning to host another tournament that will award prizes to the winners.

BETHANY BOLOS

November 21, 2023 | thesignpostwsu.com | SPORTS | 15

Kendrick Bolos playing in a table tennis match against a Brigham Young University player.

THE SIGNPOST TEAM Editor-in-Chief Kennedy Camarena kennedycamarena@mail.weber.edu Managing Editor Marianna Lopez-Luritta mlopezluritta@mail.weber.edu Design & Graphics Editor Star Neil starneil@mail.weber.edu

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

Culture Editor Lexie Andrew lexieandrew@mail.weber.edu

News Editor Brisa Odenthal brisaodenthal@mail.weber.edu

Asst. Culture Editor Megan Swann meganswann@mail.weber.edu

Asst. News Editor Sky Mundell skylarmundell@mail.weber.edu

Design & Graphics Editor Emilie Hart emiliehart@mail.weber.edu

Sports Editor Collyn Cowles collyncowles@mail.weber.edu

Photo Editor Anna Kuglar briannakuglar@mail.weber.edu

Culture Editor Adam Montgomery adammontgomery1@mail.weber.edu

Asst. Photo Editor Norlito Ranchez Jr. norlitoranchezjr@mail.weber.edu

MASTER OF SCIENCE  Computer Science  Computer Engineering  Data Science  Electrical Engineering  Systems Engineering (Online) Engineering, Applied Science & Technology

Translation/Culture Editor Nathanael Stout nathanaelstout@mail.weber.edu Advisor Jean Norman jeannorman@weber.edu Business Manager Rob Steedley robertsteedley@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.