Spring Sports: The Signpost 1-17-26

WEBER STATE SOFTBALL LOOKS TO IMPROVE ON ITS SUCCESSFUL 2025 SEASON

By GRAYSON FREESTONE Asst. Editor

Weber State University softball is set to begin its 2026 season on Feb. 6, after ending last season with a conference success. The Wildcats finished their 2025 season with a 29–32 record and an 8–7 conference record. They took part in the Big Sky Tournament in Greeley, Colorado, as the No. 3 seed.

The Wildcats took home the tournament title with wins over No. 6 University of Montana and No. 2 California State University, Sacramento, and taking two of three from No. 1 Idaho State University. They outscored their opponents 34–17.

This success, after two disappointing seasons, has put pressure on the softball team.

“We haven’t won the tournament in a couple of years,” Head Coach Kristin Delahous-

saye said. “You have that pressure from the couple of years past, then, all of a sudden, we win. Now you got different pressure of, ‘Well, now you have to win all the time.”

A major piece of getting that message across has been establishing a strong locker-room culture to block out external pressure and noise. It is something that has been established by the players, according to Delahoussaye.

“We’ve got a lot of good leadership. A lot of girls really taking charge of upholding the

However, the “now” is where she wants her team’s focus to be, “(We need to) just control the controllables, be as good as we can at what we’re doing this year; that’s better than living in the past or flying into the future,” Delahoussaye said. “We are just trying to stay really present and just be the best version of ourselves and see what we get.”

culture and upholding the values that we have, which is awesome.”

The leadership has also swelled with the hiring of former players as coaches.

It started with hiring Addie Jensen, a former Weber State, Utah Valley University and Salt Lake Community College softball player, as the pitching coach last season.

In June 2025, they hired all-time great Wildcat Lauren Hoe as an assistant coach.

“It’s fun to have both (Lauren) and Addie, who have played here before,” Delahoussaye said. “They know the expectation, they know the culture, they know the tradition of what we’re doing.”

She also believes it has reduced the challenges of integrating a new coach into the program.

“(Lauren) has been awesome on being on board with how we’re going to teach it, what we’re going to do, things like that, which is easy,” she said. “I mean, it’s not getting a new person on board. It’s bringing in somebody from the past and just throwing them back in the fire, which is fun.”

Hoe, a former catcher and utility player, finished top ten in Weber State softball history in games played at 192, starts at 182, runs scored at 87, hits at 151, runs batted in at 120, doubles at 29, home runs at 32, base on balls at 73, slugging percentage at 0.572, on-base percentage at 0.408, sacrifice flies at 7 and putouts at 785.

Her knowledge of handling success has been instrumental in helping sophomore second baseman Sadie Kirk improve on last season.

“I love Coach Lo, I love her,” Kirk said. “She’s very easy to talk to, especially since she’s been in my situation. She was a Weber State softball person here, so going to her and getting some info about her was very nice.”

For as good as Hoe was, Kirk, while early in her career, has set a new standard. She led her team with 40 runs batted in and 21 base on balls, while adding 56 hits, 36 runs, 95 total bases and a 0.352/1.028/5.97 slash line. She was named to the Big Sky All-Tournament Team and was the Big Sky’s Co-Freshman of the Year, which was special for her.

“It actually felt amazing,” Kirk said. “When I found out, I actually started crying on the bus because all the hard work that I put in and that I continue to put in, it all just shows. So I’m very grateful.”

Kirk has spent the offseason growing with the stars of last year’s team. Five Wildcats were named to the All-Big Sky team in 2025: Kirk, first team; third baseman Abby Grundy, first team; utility Riley Whalen, first team; first baseman Kiaira Smith, second team and

pitcher Cali McCraw, second team, each of whom will be back for the fast-approaching 2026 season.

The season gets underway with the Kickoff Classic in Phoenix on Feb. 6. The Wildcats will compete against Santa Clara University and Grand Canyon University that day. Their regular season starts with a matchup against Abilene Christian University on March 10 at Wildcat Softball Field. Delahoussaye believes they are ready.

“They look good. They came back really excited, really confident, which is good for us.”

She also believes that her team has handled the pressure well. “We’re not scared, we’re not timid. We’re learning from excellence and then getting better from there, which is great.”

The team got together to establish goals for their season. Not only are they looking to repeat as Big Sky Tournament champions, but they also hope to win the conference outright. Then, they hope for some more postseason success.

Part of accomplishing those goals is meeting their clear expectations: finishing with a winning record and winning each series.

That doesn’t happen without a motivated team that is always looking to get better.

“There’s always stuff to improve on,” Kirk said. “Every day I wake up and choose to be better at at least one thing because nobody’s perfect. So, I feel like being 1% better every day is always amazing.”

She also believes last year was only a small percentage of what she can do; something

none of Weber State’s opponents want to hear.

“I feel like this is just another year to show what I’m capable of. Last year was just a little snippet of what I can do,” Kirk said.

Delahoussaye says opponents need to prepare to stop an aggressive team that also does all the small things right.

“We’ve worked a lot on a little bit better base running … more aggressive,” Delahoussaye said. “Looking for opportunities a little bit more, challenging defenses a little bit more. We’ve always been good base runners, but we’re trying to be even better base runners … that’s a little different than last year.”

EL EQUIPO DE SOFTBOL DE WEBER STATE BUSCA MEJORAR EN SU EXITOSA TEMPORADA 2025

Traducido por IVANNA OLACHEA GONZALEZ

Traductora

Por GRAYSON FREESTONE

Editor Asistente

El equipo de softbol de la Universidad de Weber State está listo para comenzar su temporada 2026 el 6 de febrero después de terminar la temporada pasada con una conferencia exitosa.

Las Wildcats terminaron su temporada 2025 con un récord de 29-32 y un récord de conferencia de 8-7. Formaron parte del Big Sky Tournament como preclasificadas número 3 en Greeley, Colorado. Las Wildcats trajeron a casa el título del torneo con victorias sobre el número 6, Montana y el número 2, Sacramento State y ganando dos a tres al número 1, Idaho State. Superaron a sus oponentes 34-17.

Este éxito, después de dos temporadas decepcionantes, ha ejercido presión sobre el equipo de softbol.

“No hemos ganado el torneo en un par de años”, dijo la entrenadora principal, Kristin Delahoussaye. “Tienes esa presión de los últimos años y, de repente, ganamos. Ahora tienes una presión diferente de ‘Bueno, ahora debes ganar siempre”.

Sin embargo, ella quiere que su equipo se concentre en el “ahora”, “(Necesitamos) controlar solo lo controlable, hacer lo mejor posible en lo que estamos haciendo este año; es mejor que vivir en el pasado o volando hacia el futuro”, dijo Delahoussaye. “Solo estamos tratando de estar realmente presentes, ser la mejor versión de nosotras mismas y ver qué conseguimos”. Una parte importante para transmitir este mensaje ha sido establecer una cultura sólida en los vestuarios para bloquear la presión y el ruido externos. Ha sido algo establecido por las jugadoras, de acuerdo con Delahoussaye.

“Tenemos un gran liderazgo. Varias chicas se están encargando realmente de defender la cultura y los valores que tenemos, lo cual es fantástico”.

El liderazgo también se ha aumentado con la contratación de ex jugadoras como

entrenadoras. Empezó con la contratación de Addie Jensen, ex jugadora de softbol de Weber State, Utah Valley y Salt Lake Community College, como entrenadora de lanzamientos la temporada pasada. El junio de 2025, contrataron a la gran

Wildcat Lauren Hoe como entrenadora asistente.

“Es divertido tener a las dos, (Lauren) y Addie, quienes han jugado aquí antes”, dijo Dalehoussaye. “Conocen la expectativa, conocen la cultura, conocen la tradición de lo que hacemos”.

También cree que ha reducido los desafíos de integrar a una nueva entrenadora en el programa.

“(Lauren) ha sido genial en estar de acuerdo con cómo lo vamos a enseñar, que vamos a hacer, cosas como esas, lo cual es fácil”, dijo ella. ”Quiero decir, no se trata de incorporar a

una persona nueva. Se trata de traer a alguien del pasado y volver a lanzarlos en el fuego de nuevo, lo que es divertido”.

Hoe, una ex receptora y jugadora versátil, término entre las diez mejores en la historia del softbol de Weber State en partidos jugados con 192, entradas con 182, carreras anotadas con 87, hits con 151, carreras impulsadas con 120, dobles con 29, jonrones con 32, bases por bolas con 73, porcentaje de slugging con 0,572, porcentaje de embasado con 0,408, flys de sacrificio con 7 y outs con 785. Su conocimiento sobre cómo manejar el éxito ha sido fundamental para ayudar al segunda base de segundo año, Sadie Kirk, a mejorar con respecto a la temporada pasada.

“Me encanta la entregadora Lo, la amo”, dijo Kirk. “Es muy fácil hablar con ella, especialmente porque ha estado en mi situación. Ella jugaba softbol aquí en Weber State, entonces fue muy agradable acercarme a ella y obtener información sobre ella”.

Por muy buena que fuera Hoe, Kirik, aunque aún está en los inicios de su carrera, ha establecido un nuevo estándar. Lideró a su equipo con 40 carreras impulsadas y 21 bases por bolas, además de sumar 56 hits, 36

carreras, 95 bases totales y una línea de bateo de 0,52/1,028/5,97. Fue nombrada por el equipo Big Sky All-Tournament y fue la Big Sky ‘s Co-Freshman of the Year (mejor novata del año), lo cual fue muy especial para ella.

“La verdad se sintió asombroso”, dijo Kirk.

“Cuando me enteré, empecé a llorar en el autobús porque todo el arduo trabajo que le dedique y que continuó dedicando ha dado frutos. Así que estoy muy agradecida”.

Kirk ha pasado la pretemporada creciendo junto a las estrellas del equipo del año pasado. Cinco Wildcats fueron nombradas para el equipo All-Big Sky en 2025: Kirk, primer equipo; la tercera base Abby Grundy, primer equipo; jugadora polivalente Riley Whalen, primer equipo; primera base Kiaira Smith, segundo equipo y lanzadora Cali McCraw, segundo equipo. Cada una de ellas volverán para la temporada 2026, que se acerca rápidamente.

La temporada comienza con el Kickoff Classic en Phoenix el 6 de febrero. Las Wildcats competirán contra la Universidad de Santa Clara y la Universidad Grand Canyon ese día.

Su temporada regular comienza con un partido contra la Universidad Abilene Christian el

10 de marzo en el campo de softbol Wildcat. Delahoussaye cree que están listas.

“Se ven bien. Ellas han regresado muy emocionadas, con confianza, lo cual es bueno para nosotros”.

Ella también cree que su equipo ha manejado bien la presión. “No estamos asustadas, no somos tímidas. Estamos aprendiendo de la excelencia y así mejorando a partir de ahí, lo cual es fantástico”.

El equipo se reunió para establecer metas en su temporada. No solo contemplan revalidar el título de Big Sky Tournament, pero también esperan ganar la conferencia totalmente. Además, esperan tener más éxito en la postemporada.

Parte de lograr estas metas es cumplir con sus expectativas claras: terminar con un récord ganador y ganar cada serie.

Eso no es posible sin un equipo motivado que siempre está buscando mejorar.

“Siempre hay cosas en las cuales mejorar”, dijo Kirk. “ Cada dia despierto y escojo mejorar en al menos una cosa porque nadie es perfecto. Por eso, creo que mejorar un 1% cada día es algo maravilloso”.

También cree que el año pasado solo fue

un pequeño porcentaje de lo que es capaz hacer; algo que ninguno de los oponentes de Weber State quiere escuchar.

“Siento que este es solo otro año más para demostrar de lo que soy capaz de hacer. El año pasado fue solo una pequeña muestra de lo que puedo hacer”, dijo Kirk.

Delahoussaye dice que los oponentes deben prepararse para detener a un equipo agresivo que además hace bien todas las pequeñas cosas.

“Hemos trabajado mucho en mejorar un poco el juego de bases … siendo más agresivas”, dijo Delahoussaye. “Buscando oportunidades un poco más, desafiando un poco más a la defensa. Siempre hemos sido buenas corredoras de bases, pero estamos intentando ser aún mejores corredoras de bases … eso es un poco diferente al año pasado”.

El equipo de sóftbol de la Universidad de Weber State se reunió antes del inicio de un partido el 21 de mayo de 2025.

‘HIGHS AND LOWS’: WEBER STATE WOMEN’S TENNIS BRACES FOR THE 2026 SEASON

By GRAYSON FREESTONE Asst. Editor

Coming off a tough 0–19 season in 2025, Weber State University women’s tennis is looking to rebound in 2026, this time with a full team.

“We’re really excited,” Assistant Coach Ana Morett said. “Last season, sadly, we didn’t have a full team, so I think that was a little challenging. I think that’s a new way to look at it this year; we have a full team. Everybody is ready to go and excited just to compete and have fun.”

She believes it provided an important lesson to the players.

“I think you look at it just the way you look at life, you have highs and lows. It was a learning experience. It was a new thing that we were faced with. So I think we just took it as something that made us stronger and built character.”

The women’s tennis team will begin its spring season at home against Utah Tech University on Jan. 23, followed by a short trip to Salt Lake City to take on the University of Utah.

The Wildcats return four players: senior Jessica Hill, junior Savannah Johnson, sophomore Aleks Bozinovska and sophomore Alicia Celorio.

Last year’s sophomore Sydney Schnell and senior Cindy Li are the two departures.

The Wildcats welcome three freshmen to establish a full team: Paulina Aleksandrowicz from Augustow, Poland; Maggie Song from Shandong Province, China; and Savannah Johnson’s younger sister, Naomi, from Murray, Utah.

“The freshmen, they’re a fun group,” Morret said. “I think they’re just excited to learn from the older players and the experiences of the people that were here last year and had that challenging season … They have brought just a refreshing energy to the team and they’re also hard workers. They’re ready to learn from their older players.”

The most experienced Wildcat on the team this season is Jessica Hill, the lone senior on the team. She has made it a goal to bring along the younger players as an example.

“I think that I played a leadership role in

the team for sure,” Hill said. “I mean, I’ve been here the longest, so I know the drills and I know the way we do things here, which helps.”

While she mentioned it would be nice to have another senior, she has taken things full circle by handing out the lessons she learned as a freshman. The rest of the team has also stepped up to provide leadership for one another.

“I think as a team, collectively, we all hold each other accountable, and we all have a role to play in bringing this team together, not just myself.”

On a personal level, she is looking to finish her Weber State career on a high note.

“I want to finish off my season in the most positive way. I want to be able to play free and swing through and have fun because I feel like I’m fully prepared for the matches ahead. And now all I have to do is step on the court and have some fun and compete.”

The entire team has set their focus and goals on themselves, rather than on what might happen in the future. There is a standard to put in the work, never give up and be there for your teammates. Morret believes a one-match-at-a-time mindset will help them win the Big Sky.

“Obviously, we look to win the Big Sky, but I think we just take it one match at a time.”

Above all else, she believes establishing strong relationships is the biggest goal.

“I would just say just being a good teammate and a good example to their teammates is the expectation.”

TOP: Weber State University women’s tennis player Aleks Bozinovska, scores a double win to close out the 2025 Fall season on Oct. 28, 2025.

MIDDLE: Weber State University women’s tennis players on the court while attending the ITA Mountain Regionals at Brigham Young University on Oct. 14, 2025.

BOTTOM: Weber State University women’s tennis players Jessica Hill, watches the tennis ball closely as she prepares herself to hit during the Barb Chandler Classic at Boise State University on Sept. 29, 2025.

By GAVIN NELSON Editor

WEBER STATE MEN’S TENNIS SERVES UP A NEW SEASON

The Weber State University men’s tennis team had a busy offseason, losing three players from the last season, something which Head Coach Brad Ferreira had to focus a lot of time on.

“I lost three guys. I needed to recruit four guys, which I spent the whole summer trying to do and didn’t have anybody,” Ferreira said. “This doesn’t usually happen, but I’ve spent November and December recruiting the four guys that I have and getting them eligible.”

The men’s tennis team has more international players than any other sport, as only one player on the team is American.

Four Wildcats are from Ferreira’s home country of South Africa, including senior William Zulch.

“It’s definitely exciting (going into my senior season), but obviously also pretty sad to

get done, but just going to go try and enjoy it, try and really be a good leader to the guys,” Zulch said.

Zulch will serve as the only senior this sea-

son, as the other senior on the team, Connor Kruger, will miss the season due to injury.

“When four new guys show up, sometimes it’s a bit of a question mark if they’re going

to end up being as good as you hope or not,” Ferreira said. “I think they’re actually been better than I expected, which is good. (Kruger) is going to be out for the season … and then the top recruit we had isn’t coming, so that hurts a little bit”.

Despite the setbacks, Ferreira believes in his players.

“I think we’ve got a very good group of guys,” Ferreira said, “we just have to hope they can play well”.

The Wildcats begin their season on Jan. 17 at Brigham Young University followed by a trip to Las Vegas for the University of Nevada-Las Vegas Tournament from Jan. 23-25.

Weber State University Men’s Tennis player Jordan Coutinho, jumps to hit the ball during a singles match in the 1st round of the Big Sky Tournament on April 24, 2025.

MEN’S TRACK AND FIELD KEEPING THEIR EYES ON THE PRIZE

By WILL NAUGHTON Reporter

With the first two meets of the season already behind them, the 2026 indoor track and field season is underway for Weber State University as the Wildcats look to build off of last year’s success as well as strong performances in the more recent cross-country season.

In 2025, the men’s cross-country team finished second at the Big Sky Championships with 58 points, their highest conference finish since 2019. The team also finished seventh at the NCAA Mountain Region Championships, scoring 215 points.

During the previous track and field season, Weber’s men’s team ranked fourth at the Big Sky Outdoor Championships as seven Wildcats: Peter Visser, Rodee Brow, Jake Weathers, Colby Anderson, Tristan Spalding, Orion Barger, and Alex Wheeler earned All-Confer-

ence honors.

Head Coach Corbin Talley is determined to use the 2026 season to develop his team into all they can be, both inside and outside the arena.

“I want to see growth,” Talley said. “My old guys, my returners, my young guys. I want to see guys working hard to improve and battling through any ups and downs that they might have. At the end of the day, I feel like they are better athletes and better students and better people through the experience of the season.”

Visser, a distance runner entering his senior year, is seen as a leader by Talley and aims to double down on a historic 2025 effort. On the track, Visser set Weber State’s indoor 5,000-meter record at 13:34.4 and earned All-Big Sky honors in two events, finishing second in both the 3,000-meter steeplechase and the 5,000-meter. His performance in the steeplechase qualified him

for the NCAA West First Round meet, and a 4:01.08 mile time at the Weber State Classic saw him named Big Sky Athlete of the Week.

An All-American in cross-country, Visser received the NCAA Elite Scholar-Athlete Award for having the highest GPA at the NCAA Championships, where he recorded the fastest 10k time in school history at 29:02.3. He also earned Big Sky Athlete of the Week honors after breaking Weber State’s 8k record of 23:17.59 at the Bill Dellinger Invitational.

Visser intends to set a high standard of effort for the team throughout the season and is confident that the Wildcats can match it.

“We got a great group of guys. They’re all motivated themselves, but it is always helpful when you have a guy or a leader who can help pull them along,” Visser said. “I just try to lead by example, the best I can, and show that I show up every day and do the work. That’s what it takes. It’s just being diligent and deliberate every single day.”

Alongside Visser, Talley named Jake Peterson, Ty Davis, Joe Corbridge, Kelton Gagnon (distance), Brow, Wheeler, Anderson, Spalding, Barger (sprinters), Weathers, Ethan Ecker, Jeims Molina, Wyatt Larkins (throwers), Seth Hall, Kale Thomas, Tyler Warnick, Ryan Talbot, Larkins and Brogan Garrett (jumpers) as ones to watch.

Following the Snake River Invitational on Jan. 15-16 in Pocatello, Idaho, the Wildcats will travel to Seattle, Washington, for the University of Washington Invitational on Jan. 30-31.

Weber State University men’s track competes against Utah Valley University Jan. 10.

LOS ATLETAS MASCULINOS DE PISTA Y CAMPO MANTIENEN LA VISTA PUESTA EN EL PREMIO

Traducido por

VICTORIA HERNANDEZ Co-Editora

Por

WILL NAUGHTON Reportero

Con las dos primeras competiciones de la temporada ya a sus espaldas, la temporada de atletismo en pista cubierta de 2026 está en marcha para la Universidad Weber State, y los Wildcats buscan aprovechar el éxito del año pasado, así como los buenos resultados obtenidos en la reciente temporada de campo a través.

En 2025, el equipo masculino de campo a través quedó segundo en el Campeonato Big Sky con 58 puntos, su mejor resultado en la conferencia desde 2019. El equipo también terminó séptimo en el Campeonato de la Región Montañosa de la NCAA, con 215 puntos.

Durante la anterior temporada de atletismo, el equipo masculino de Weber quedó cuarto en el Campeonato Big Sky al Aire Libre, y siete Wildcats: Peter Visser, Rodee

Brow, Jake Weathers, Colby Anderson, Tristan Spalding, Orion Barger y Alex Wheeler obtuvieron honores All-Conference.

El entrenador jefe Corbin Talley está decidido a aprovechar la temporada 2026 para desarrollar todo el potencial de su equipo, tanto dentro como fuera de la cancha.

“Quiero ver crecimiento”, afirmó Talley.

“Mis antiguos jugadores, los que regresan, los jóvenes. Quiero ver a los chicos esforzándose por mejorar y luchando contra los altibajos que puedan tener. Al final, creo que son mejores atletas, mejores estudiantes y mejores personas gracias a la experiencia de la temporada”.

Visser, un corredor de fondo que entra en su último año, es considerado un líder por Talley y aspira a duplicar el histórico esfuerzo de 2025. En la pista, Visser estableció el récord de Weber State en 5000 metros en pista cubierta con un tiempo de 13:34,4 y obtuvo los honores All-Big Sky en dos pruebas, terminando segundo tanto en los 3000 metros obstáculos como en los 5000 metros. Su actuación en los 3000 metros obstáculos

le clasificó para la primera ronda de la NCAA West, y su tiempo de 4:01,08 en la milla en el Weber State Classic le valió el título de Atleta de la Semana de la Big Sky.

All-American en cross country, Visser recibió el premio NCAA Elite Scholar-Athlete Award por tener el promedio de notas más alto en los campeonatos de la NCAA, donde registró el tiempo más rápido en los 10 km de la historia de la universidad con 29:02,3.

También obtuvo el premio Big Sky Athlete of the Week tras batir el récord de Weber State en los 8 km con 23:17,59 en el Bill Dellinger Invitational.

Visser pretende establecer un alto nivel de exigencia para el equipo a lo largo de la temporada y confía en que los Wildcats puedan estar a la altura.

Junto a Visser, Talley nombró a Jake Peterson, Ty Davis, Joe Corbridge, Kelton Gagnon (fondistas), Brow, Wheeler, Anderson, Spalding, Barger (velocistas), Weathers, Ethan Ecker, Jeims Molina, Wyatt Larkins (lanzadores), Seth Hall, Kale Thomas, Tyler Warnick, Ryan Talbot, Larkins y Brogan Garrett (saltadores) como los atletas a seguir.

Tras el Snake River Invitational, que se celebrará los días 15 y 16 de enero en Pocatello, Idaho, los Wildcats viajarán a Seattle, Washington, para participar en el University of Washington Invitational los días 30 y 31 de enero.

El equipo de atletismo de la Universidad de Weber State 2026 se reunió en el Stromberg Arena el 10 de enero.

“Tenemos un gran grupo de chicos. Todos están muy motivados, pero siempre es útil contar con alguien o un líder que les ayude a seguir adelante”, afirma Visser. “Yo solo intento predicar con el ejemplo, lo mejor que puedo, y demostrar que acudo cada día y hago mi trabajo. Eso es lo que hace falta. Se trata simplemente de ser diligente y constante cada día”.

STARTING THE WOMEN’S INDOOR TRACK SEASON ON THE RIGHT FOOT

By WILL NAUGHTON Reporter

Following the conclusion of their Indoor Invitational meet on Jan. 10, the women’s track and field team at Weber State University is into the thick of the indoor season. The Wildcats, under the direction of alumna and 2008 Olympian Lindsey Anderson, saw their 2025 highlighted by a return to the conference podium in cross country and continued individual dominance in throwing events.

Anderson sees resilience in the team and believes her competitive experience taught her important lessons that she can pass on to her team.

“When I saw my best success, it wasn’t when I was focused on PRs or getting a personal best at a certain meet,” Anderson said. “Trying to help them stay present with themselves and our goals with our team, what we’re trying to accomplish, and not worry about what everybody else is doing is a big

part of what we’re trying to do this year.”

With a second place, 80-point finish at last year’s Big Sky Cross-Country Championships, Weber achieved their highest finish in four years and made a statement of what was to come as Hailey Day and Audrey Caizer both earned All-Conference honors and Danielle Brow took first place in the 5k at the Idaho State University invitational, which the team won along with Utah State University Alumni Classic.

In track and field, Weber came seventh at the Big Sky Outdoor Championships and discus thrower Kapuake’oke’oomele Pulotu repeated as conference champion at 168feet 8-inches to become the first Weber State woman to win back-to-back Big Sky field titles since Vanessa Wynne in 2003 and 2004.

10k) and Miley Richards (41st place in javelin).

Hagelin is already making waves in the early stages of the current indoor season. On Dec. 6, 2025, she posted a 16:13.23 5k at the Boston University Sharon Colyear-Danville Season Opener, the fifth fastest time in Weber State history. At the Weber State Indoor Invitational, little more than a month later, she broke Brigham Young University’s Melissa Teemant’s 1997 record for the fastest women’s mile at the Stromberg Complex with a time of 4:52.49.

Despite this success, Hagelin, like Anderson, did not focus on how others were per-

forming.

“I believe much more in myself and the training I put in and I don’t compare myself as much with other people,” Hagelin said. “So, it’s easy to compare and get scared for your opponents while here. I have no idea who I’m racing against, and that’s probably pretty good because I don’t come in with as much respect for those times.”

After the Snake River Invitational wraps up on Jan. 16 in Pocatello, Idaho, the Wildcats will head to Seattle, Washington, for the University of Washington Invitational on Jan. 30-31.

INICIANDO CON EL PIE DERECHO LA TEMPORADA FEMENINA DE ATLETISMO EN PISTA CUBIERTA

Traducido por LUNA MALAGON SOLORZANO Traductora

Por WILL NAUGHTON Reportero

Tras la conclusión de su encuentro Indoor Invitational el 10 de enero, el equipo femenino de atletismo de la Universidad de Weber State se encuentra en plena temporada de pista cubierta. Las wildcats, bajo la dirección de la antigua alumna y ganadora olímpica Lindsey Anderson,vieron cómo su 2025 se caracterizó por el regreso al podio de la conferencia en cross country y el continuo dominio individual en las pruebas de lanzamiento.

Anderson ve resiliencia en el equipo y cree que su experiencia compitiendo le ha enseñado importantes lecciones que puede enseñarle al equipo.

“Cuando alcance mi mejor éxito, no fue cuando me centré en la relaciones públicas o cuando conseguí mi mejor marca personal en una competencia”, dijo Anderson. “Tratando de ayudarlas a que estén presentes y que sigan las metas del equipo, que estamos tratando de lograr, y no preocupándose por lo que los demás están haciendo, es una gran parte de lo que estamos tratando de hacer este año”.

Con un segundo lugar, 80 puntos en la clasificación final del Campeonato Big Sky de Cross Country del año pasado. Weber logró su mayor final en cuatro años y hizo una declaración, de lo que estaba por venir ya que Hailey Day y Audry Kaiser obtuvieron honores All-conference y Daniela Brow tomó el primer lugar en los 5k en la invitación de la Universidad de Idaho State, donde el equipo ganó junto a el clásico de antiguos alumnos de la Universidad de Utah state.

En atletismo, Weber llegó de número siete en el campeonato Big Sky Outdoor, y la lanzadora de disco Kapuake’oke’oomele Pulotu repitió como campeona de la conferencia con un lanzamiento de 168 pies y 8 pulgadas, convirtiéndose en la primera mujer de Weber State en ganar dos títulos consecutivos de Big Sky desde Vanessa Wynne en

2003 y 2004.

En total, cuatro Wildcats avanzaron a la primera ronda de la NCAA West en College Station, Texas: Pulotu (28. puesto en lanzamiento de disco), Saga Hagelin (16. puesto en 3000 metros obstáculos), Laurie Murphy (39. puesto en 10.000 metros) y Miley Richards (41. puesto en lanzamiento de jabalina).

Hagelin ya está causando sensación en las primeras etapas de la actual temporada de pista cubierta. El 6 de diciembre de 2025, registró un tiempo de 16:13,23 en los 5 km en la prueba inaugural de la temporada Sha-

ron Colyear-Danville de la Universidad de Boston, el quinto mejor tiempo en la historia de Weber State. En el Weber State Indoor Invitational, poco más de un mes después, batió el récord de 1997 de Melissa Teemant, de la Universidad Brigham Young, en la milla femenina más rápida en el Stromberg Complex con un tiempo de 4:52,49.

A pesar de este suceso, Hgelin, como Anderson, no se centró en el rendimiento de los demás.

“Creo mucho más en mi misma y en mi entrenamiento que llevo y no me comparo

con otras personas”, dijo Hagelin. “Entonces, es fácil compararse y asustarse por los oponentes que tenemos aquí. No tengo ninguna idea de contra quién estoy corriendo, y eso es probablemente muy bueno porque yo no siento tanto respeto en ese momento”.

Tras la finalización del Snake River Invitational el 16 de enero en Pocatello, Idaho, las Wildcats se desplazarán a Seattle, Washington, para participar en el University of Washington Invitational los días 30 y 31 de enero.

WOMEN’S GOLF LOOKS TO “DRIVE” ITS WAY TO SUCCESS DURING THE SPRING

By BRAYSON BROWN Reporter

The Weber State University women’s golf team tasted success during the fall-half of the season. The team took the top spot and won two of the four tournaments. With that success, the team looks to carry the momentum into the spring-half of the season.

At the Utah Fall Intercollegiate, the team came out on top against three other schools from Utah. As a team, the Wildcats shot 591, which was 15-over par. The Wildcats’ closest opponent was Utah Tech University, with 18 strokes more at 609. The top performer for the Wildcats was junior Jade Gruher. Gruher placed second overall. She shot 145, one shot over par and had six birdies, with five of them coming in the final round.

“I prepared by practicing shots around the

green, which is something I struggle with,” Gruher said. “I mentally tried to stay calm and not think much about the score or what place I was in. I was sticking to the gameplan that my coach and I made, and trusting myself that I know how to swing the club and focused on being in the moment.”

The Wildcats also won at the Sun Mountain Intercollegiate by six strokes with Portland State right on their heels. Braylyn Bayer took first place individually, shooting 214 for Weber. Teammate Emily Song tied for second with 217 strokes.

As a team, they have five more tournaments until the Big Sky Tournament in April. Up next is the Mountain Classic Match Play in Palm Springs, California. Since the last tournament in October, the team has been off for four months.

“Coach (Rich) Friend is preparing us for

this season by having individual meetings and going over our stats of certain parts of our game that weren’t great in the fall season and how we can make it better for the spring,” Gruher said. “He’s always checking in on us, no matter if it’s golf, school or health.”

Gruher’s top personal goals for the spring are to place in the top five at the conference and to win a tournament. The team looks to continue its hot streak and win a conference championship.

“Smaller goals that we have set for ourselves would be to play par-5’s smarter, cel-

ebrate the small things, get together more often and support one another,” Gruher said. The Wildcats head to California on Feb. 9 for the Mountain Classic Match, which runs through Feb. 11.

Weber State University women’s golf player Vienna Scheffer, takes a swing at a golf ball on Nov. 26, 2025.

FORE! PREVIEWING WEBER STATE’S MEN’S GOLF TEAM

By GAVIN NELSON Editor

Golf is a sport like few others. The legendary golfer Arnold Palmer once said, “Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated.”

Collegiate golf is played individually, with each golfer’s score combined with their teammates’ scores to determine the team’s score. A bad day by one golfer can bring the entire team down.

“I think golf is just so different,” said Ty Anderson, Weber State University’s lone senior on the men’s golf team. “It’s a very individual sport, but I think it’s just about getting everybody on the same page and playing well at the same time because we need all five guys to contribute in order to succeed.”

This sentiment was echoed by the Wildcats’ Head Coach Scott Erling, who’s been with the team since 2013.

“It’s obviously an individual sport, but we wrap it in a team concept,” Erling said. “We’re doing everything we can to improve our depth.”

College golf is also unique in that it splits its season into two parts. “We play a wraparound season where both the fall and the spring count the same, and there’s a break in the middle.”

In the fall, the Wildcats saw some success, as sophomore Matthew Wilson won the Dolenc Invitational on Sept. 30 and won the Big Sky Conference Co-Golfer of the Week for his efforts.

This season also marks the return of men’s golf in the Big Sky Conference after a yearlong hiatus, as Weber State and the University of Northern Colorado were the only two schools to have a men’s golf team, and thus played one season in the Summit League.

Now, Eastern Washington University, the University of Idaho and California State University, Sacramento, have brought back their men’s golf teams, along with usual Division II school Francis Marion University joining as a men’s golf-only school, the Big Sky now has enough teams to support men’s golf. However, whatever conference Weber State is in doesn’t matter to them.

“One of our number one goals at the start

of every year is to try and win our conference, regardless of what it is,” Erling said. “We know that no matter what conference you play in, you’re going to have to play really well to give yourself a chance to be successful.”

The Wildcats have a young team with Anderson as the only senior, and he has taken on the responsibility of helping the younger players.

“I feel like my knowledge on how to get better … can help players,” Anderson said. “We do have some guys on the team who

are obviously great players, and they know how to practice. I think it’s more just being there for everybody, trying to be a vocal leader and get opinions from the team across to our coach, and then just trying to hold people accountable.”

The Wildcats were picked fourth in the 2025-26 Men’s Golf Preseason Coaches’ Poll and will begin their spring season on Feb. 2 at the Bill Cullum Invitational at the Saticoy Country Club in Somis, California.

BENCHED BUT NOT BROKEN: HOW INJURED ATHLETES CONNECT TO THE GAME

By JAMES GORDON Managing Editor

As Weber State University football comes to an end and senior players turn their tassels, the team looks toward the off-season to rebuild and recover.

Recovery is especially crucial for the players who spent the 2025 season fighting through injuries, an issue that affected the team’s performance throughout the season. At one point, the team had more than 10 players suffering season-ending injuries, including starting quarterback Jackson Gilkey, according to Assistant Athletic Director for Communications Paul Grua.

For most athletes, returning to play isn’t only a medical journey, it’s an emotional one.

Sadie Kocha, Weber State’s head football athletic trainer, said injured athletes must go through a thorough, step-by-step process before they can safely return to the field. They need to regain full range of motion, rebuild strength and relearn the specific movement their position demands.

“Rehabilitation ensures tissues heal properly by applying the right amount of stress at the right time,” Kocha said. “With proper rehab, athletes can return to their sport without limitations.”

Kocha said when a player is injured, the first step is to understand the severity of the injury. Mild injuries may require only rehab and supportive services, while more serious injuries may require surgery and a longer recovery timeline. Once the injury is fully assessed, Kocha says a plan is drawn up to bring the player back to full recovery as quickly and safely as possible.

“It is imperative to consult and have clearance from the doctor or athletic trainer before any additional steps in return to sport progression,” Kocha said. “Skipping or rushing rehab increases the risk of compensations, reinjury or developing new injuries in other parts of the body.”

Throughout the recovery journey, Kocha said many athletes struggle with inconsistent progress as they return to activity.

“They may feel great one day and worse the next, which can be discouraging,” Kocha said. “Another major challenge is the mental side of recovery.”

That mental challenge is something Jackson Gilkey understands well.

“Watching people play and not being able to be out there and contributing is hard,” Gilkey said. “Just the mental side of things is probably the hardest part.”

In late September against the University of California, Davis, Gilkey suffered multiple injuries, including a high ankle sprain, a dislocated ankle and a fractured fibula, bringing him to the sidelines for the rest of the season.

After the injury, Gilkey underwent surgery and was placed in a splint before transitioning to a walking boot that acted as ankle support. He spent several weeks in the boot, gradually putting more weight on his ankle as it healed. After a couple of months, he was finally cleared to move out of the boot and begin physical therapy, focusing on rebuilding strength and his range of motion.

Although his recovery has moved along faster than expected, Gilkey said knowing he still won’t be back on the field anytime soon is the part he struggles with most.

“I still love it, and I still try to do as much of it as I can, like in the meeting room and film and being at the game and hanging out with the guys,” he said. “But I guess my role has changed for now.”

Gilkey said moving from leading the offense to cheering from the sideline has required a completely different mindset.

“I think when you’re out there … you’re focused a lot on what you can do to get better,” Gilkey said. “But when you’re hurt, and you realize that there’s not much you can do to make yourself play better because you’re not playing, basically all you can do is try to help other people play better.”

On the path to recovery, Gilkey said his family and his teammates have helped him see the progress he’s making.

“When you’re in it every day, it seems like the progress is small,” Gilkey said. “People from the outside looking in realize that this is just a phase, and they realize how fast things

are going, and they can see your progress in a different way because they’re not in it every day.”

Gilkey noted that staying involved at practice, at games and around his teammates has helped him stay connected to football.

“Make sure you stay close to the people that are there for you,” Gilkey said. “I think

they’ve really just helped me realize how fast this is moving and how fast it’s going to be over and just that it’s a challenge that you’re going to run into.”

FUERA DE JUEGO, PERO NO DERROTADOS: CÓMO LOS ATLETAS HERIDOS SE MANTIENEN CONECTADOS CON EL DEPORTE

Traducido por NELLY HERNANDEZ TEJADA

Editora Jefa

Por JAMES GORDON Director Editoral

Ahora que la temporada de fútbol americano de la Universidad Estatal de Weber ha terminado y los jugadores de último año se gradúan, el equipo se prepara para el descanso entre temporadas para reconstruirse y recuperarse.

La recuperación es especialmente importante para los jugadores que pasaron la temporada 2025 luchando contra las heridas, un problema que afectó su desempeño durante la temporada. Llegó un punto en que más de 10 jugadores del equipo sufrieron heridas que les impidieron seguir jugando, incluido el quarterback titular Jackson Gilkey, según el asistente director de comunicaciones deportivas Paul Grua.

Para la mayoría de los atletas, volver a jugar no es solo un proceso médico, sino también emocional.

Sadie Kocha, entrenadora jefe de fútbol americano de Weber State, dijo que los atletas heridos deben pasar por un proceso detallado y paso a paso antes de poder volver a jugar sin peligro. Tienen que recuperar todo el rango de movimiento, recuperar la fuerza y volver a aprender los movimientos específicos que exige su posición.

“La rehabilitación garantiza que los tejidos se curen correctamente aplicando la cantidad adecuada de estrés en el momento adecuado”, dijo Kocha. “Con una rehabilitación adecuada, los atletas pueden volver a practicar su deporte sin limitaciones”.

Kocha dijo que cuando un jugador se lastima, el primer paso es comprender la gravedad de la herida. Las heridas leves pueden requerir solo rehabilitación y servicios de

apoyo, mientras que las más graves pueden requerir cirugía y un tiempo de recuperación más largo. Una vez evaluada completamente la herida, Kocha dice que se elabora un plan para que el jugador se recupere por completo de la forma más rápida y segura posible.

“Es imperativo consultar y obtener la autorización del médico o del entrenador deportivo antes de dar cualquier paso adicional en la progresión del regreso al deporte”, dijo Kocha. “Saltarse o apresurar la rehabilitación aumenta el riesgo de compensaciones, de

mental de la recuperación”. Jackson Gilkey comprende bien ese reto mental.

“Ver a la gente jugar y no poder estar ahí fuera y contribuir es duro”, dijo Gilkey. “Probablemente, la parte mental es la más difícil”.

A finales de septiembre, en un partido contra la Universidad de California, Davis, Gilkey sufrió múltiples heridas, entre ellas un esguince de tobillo, una luxación de tobillo y una fractura de peroné, lo que le dejó fuera de juego durante el resto de la temporada.

volver a lesionarse o desarrollar nuevas heridas en otras partes del cuerpo”.

En el proceso de recuperación, Kocha afirma que muchos atletas se enfrentan a un progreso inconsistente al volver a la actividad.

“Pueden sentirse muy bien un día y peor al siguiente, lo que puede ser desalentador”, explica Kocha. “Otro gran reto es el aspecto

Después de la herida, Gilkey fue operado y le pusieron una férula antes de pasar a una bota ortopédica que le servía de apoyo para el tobillo. Pasó varias semanas con la bota, poniendo poco a poco más peso en el tobillo a medida que se curaba. Después de un par de meses, por fin le dijeron que podía dejar la bota y empezar la fisioterapia, centrándose

en recuperar la fuerza y la movilidad.

Aunque su recuperación avanzó más rápido de lo esperado, Gilkey dijo que lo que más le cuesta es saber que aún no podrá volver al campo pronto.

“Sigo amándolo y sigo tratando de hacer todo lo que puedo, como estar en la sala de reuniones, ver las grabaciones, asistir a los partidos y pasar tiempo con los muchachos”, dijo Gilkey. “Pero supongo que mi papel ha cambiado por ahora”.

Gilkey dijo que dejar de dirigir el ataque para animar desde el banco ha requerido un cambio de mentalidad completo.

“Creo que cuando estás ahí ... te concentras mucho en lo que puedes hacer para mejorar”, dijo Gilkey. “Pero cuando estás herido y te das cuenta de que no hay mucho que puedas hacer para jugar mejor porque no estás jugando, básicamente lo único que puedes hacer es intentar ayudar a los demás a jugar mejor”.

En el camino a la recuperación, Gilkey dijo que su familia y sus compañeros de equipo le han ayudado a ver el progreso que está haciendo.

“Cuando estás en esto todos los días, parece que el progreso es pequeño”, dijo Gilkey. “Las personas que lo ven desde fuera se dan cuenta de que esto es solo una fase, y se dan cuenta de lo rápido que van las cosas, y pueden ver tu progreso de una manera diferente porque no están en ello todos los días”.

Gilkey destacó que seguir participando en los entrenamientos, en los partidos y con sus compañeros de equipo le ha ayudado a mantenerse conectado con el fútbol americano.

“Asegúrate de mantenerte cerca de las personas que están ahí para ti”, dijo Gilkey. “Creo que realmente me han ayudado a darme cuenta de lo rápido que va todo y lo rápido que va a terminar, y que es un reto al que te vas a enfrentar”.

be holding open presentations Jan. 16 and 23 Noon - 4 p.m. in the Shepherd Union, Room 404AB, to decide where your student fees will go beginning in the 2026-2027 school year.

WEBER BLOWN AWAY BY PLANS FOR NEW WIND TUNNEL

By KAYLI JACOB Reporter

University leaders are considering partnering with the Olympic Committee to construct a wind tunnel.

According to Weber State University Director of Operations, Jacob Cain, the project is still in the early stages of development. “There’s a handful of different opportunities that are being explored to see what this could do,” Cain said. Should the tunnel come into fruition it is likely to be used by the engineering, athletics and health professions department.

Jennifer Christensen, a registered nurse at McKay-Dee Hospital, said that wind tunnels are used for research in medical equipment, as well as to test the spread of bacteria and viruses. While she did not have access to this kind of device as a student, she believes it could be beneficial to current and future students. “It would give me a better understanding of how the machines that we use work,” Christensen said. It could also be used to give students the experience of a negative pressure room. These rooms are used to prevent contagions from circulating back out into the hospital. Emergency rooms are required to have negative rooms and many hospitals will also have them depending on the size.

It may also be used to allow local businesses to conduct research, and the Olympic Committee has expressed interest in using the tunnel for Olympic research.

The Director of the Miller Advanced Research and Solutions Center, Benjamin Garcia, said that the wind tunnels would likely be two tunnels housed in the same facility. One would be a human performance tunnel, used for athletic research and the department of health professions. The other would be a supersonic wind tunnel, capable of reaching Mach eight speeds and used for engineering research. There are only two other tunnels in the U.S. that can reach these speeds, one at Purdue University and one at the University of Notre Dame. The tunnel will help engineering students envision what they are taught, in an applied real world setting.

Besides student use, this tunnel would also be available to industry partners and other labs across the United States. “At the MARS center in particular we design things that need to be tested at these speeds,” said Garcia. He went on to say that other universities such as the University of Utah would also be able to use the tunnel for research. “I think it’s going to mature our capabilities as an organization.”

The Olympic Committee has expressed interest in using

the tunnel for Olympic research as well.

Should the wind tunnel be built, the design would likely take a year. With another one to two years for construction in anticipation that it would be operational by 2029. Funding could come in the form of donations or Olympic Committee funding, according to Cain. He said that the project is still very exploratory and there are a lot of things that could disrupt it. “On initial onset it does seem like it has some good potential,” Cain said.

Interested in the student fee process?

will be holding open deliberations Jan. 30 and Feb. 6 Noon - 4 p.m. in the Shepherd Union, Room 404A, to decide where your student fees will go beginning in the 2026-2027 school year.

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

WEBER QUEDA IMPRESIONADO POR LOS PLANES PARA EL NUEVO TÚNEL DE VIENTO

Assistant Design & Graphics Editor

También podría utilizarse para que los estudiantes experimenten lo que es una sala de presión negativa. Estas salas se utilizan para evitar que los contagios vuelvan a circular por el hospital. Las salas de urgencias deben disponer de salas de presión negativa y muchos hospitales también las tienen, de-

También podría utilizarse para permitir a las empresas locales realizar investigaciones, y el Comité Olímpico ha expresado su interés en utilizar el túnel para investigaciones olím-

El director del Centro Miller de Investigación Avanzada y Soluciones, Benjamin García, dijo que los túneles de viento probablemente serían dos túneles ubicados en la misma instalación. Uno sería un túnel de rendimiento humano, utilizado para la investigación atlética y el departamento de profesiones de la salud. El otro sería un túnel de viento supersónico, capaz de alcanzar velocidades de mach 8 y utilizado para la investigación en ingeniería. Solo hay otros dos túneles en Estados Unidos que pueden alcanzar estas velocidades, uno en la Universidad de Purdue y otro en la Universidad de Notre Dame. El túnel ayudará a los estudiantes de ingeniería a visualizar lo que se les enseña,

en un entorno aplicado al mundo real. Además de para uso de los estudiantes, este túnel también estaría disponible para socios industriales y otros laboratorios de todo Estados Unidos. “En el centro MARS, en particular, diseñamos cosas que deben someterse a pruebas a estas velocidades”, afirmó García. Añadió que otras universidades, como la Universidad de Utah, también podrían utilizar el túnel para investigación. “Creo que va a madurar nuestras capacidades como organización”.

El Comité Olímpico también ha mostrado interés en utilizar el túnel para la investigación olímpica.

Si se construyera el túnel de viento, el diseño probablemente llevaría un año. Se necesitan entre uno y dos años más para la construcción, con la previsión de que estuviera operativo en 2029. Según Cain, la financiación podría provenir de donaciones o del Comité Olímpico. Afirmó que el proyecto aún se encuentra en una fase muy exploratoria y que hay muchos factores que podrían interrumpirlo. “En un principio, parece que tiene un buen potencial”, afirmó Cain.

Estudiantes entrando en el edificio Shepherd Unionen en un dia nublado.

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