HURD

Get involved with the this fall

by Mark Greenwood

Utah State’s student section, also known as the HURD, is known throughout the Mountain West Conference to be one of the conference’s elite student sections. From women’s soccer NCAA tournament matches to spring break takeovers of Las Vegas for the Mountain West tournament, the HURD makes its mission known through its devout support of Aggie athletics.

The HURD has gotten recognition from around the country, but their biggest supporters are right at home in Logan.

“We’ve got the best students in the country,” said Utah State head basketball coach Jerrod Calhoun after a second-round win in the Mountain West tournament in March.

“That’s not everywhere. That’s not in any college. I really appreciate that from the HURD … you really don’t get that anywhere else,” said former Aggie hooper Ian Martinez after a home win over Boise State last season.

Though the HURD makes its presence felt most on Aggie game days, there are many ways students can get involved with it outside of Maverik Stadium or Bell Field, starting during Weeks of Welcome.

In addition to the many university events during Weeks of Welcome, the HURD will be hosting the Midnight Yell on Aug. 22 for students participating in orientation, as well as Campout on the Quad on Aug. 29 in collaboration with Aggie Radio’s Big Agg Show.

“We’ve been working really hard this summer to make sure everything is ready to go for the school year,” wrote Ben Burdette, USUSA executive director of athletics and campus rec, in a message to USU Student Media. “Our whole focus is on the students, so we’re super excited to see what everyone thinks of the new things we’re working on.”

Burdette, a junior at Utah State studying healthcare management, has been involved with the HURD since his first year on campus. After his first year serving on the committee, he took over the role of operations director during the 2024-25 school year before being elected for the USUSA position.

For students looking to cheer on the Aggies, the HURD offers plenty of opportunities for that as well. With Utah State’s fall sports slate kicking off in August, additional HURD events, such as tailgates and watch parties, will also get underway. Utah State soccer opens the fall athletic schedule with a home match against Kansas on Aug. 24, followed by USU football kicking off against UTEP on Aug. 30 at Maverik Stadium.

The HURD also offers plenty of opportunities for yearlong student involvement, starting with the HURD Committee, a group of over 30 students who work with Burdette to coordinate and execute the yearlong efforts of the student section.

Burdette is also joined by three directors — a gameday director, operations director and marketing communications director — who help him oversee the committee and plan events.

The committee currently has 36 members, including the three directors and three freshmen already, but will be looking for additional members this fall.

“We’re really looking for anyone who’s willing to show up at work. There isn’t necessarily a set number,” Burdette wrote.

Though the timeline for additional freshman may change, Burdette encouraged freshman to simply attend events and introduce themselves to the HURD leadership. Any changes to the freshman timeline will be announced on the HURD Instagram account.

“Joining the Hurd committee as a freshman was a game changer. It turned me from a spectator into a key player in the electric atmosphere that defines Utah State Athletics. The passion and pride that flow through every game are contagious, and being part of the Hurd committee means you get to help shape that incredible culture,” Caleb Burns wrote in a message to USU Student Media. “It’s amazing to see how deeply athletics are woven into the heart of Utah State, and having a voice in that from day one is an incredible feeling.”

Burns is a sophomore at Utah State studying psychology. He said he’s looking forward to starting his second year on the committee.

Whether simply attending events or helping plan them, being the first one in the door or the last, the HURD offers an opportunity for everyone to get involved and have fun.

“I’m ready to work, and I’m ready to keep the traditions going,” Burdette wrote. “I want to honor and elevate USU traditions, and I plan to do that. I’m excited to see what next year looks like.”