News
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TSC custodians petition for changes under “mismanagement.”
Utah State University, Logan, Utah
Lifestyles
08
Heritage & Culture hosts event to celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month.
Sports USU Cross Country hosts Steve T. Reeder Memorial Invitational.
Week of October 19, 2026
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Page 2 - The Utah Statesman, October 19 , 202
TSC custodians petition for changes under “mismanagement” By Essence Barnes STATESMAN EDITOR
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ustodians at Utah State University have recently spoken out about working conditions and mismanagement at the TSC. Many are petitioning TSC leadership to change new policies they describe as “unfair” and “unsustainable.” TSC director Ray Cheatham sent an email to custodians on Aug. 4 alerting them of changes for the upcoming year. Cheatham originally accepted a request for a Sept. 22 interview before instead directing The Utah Statesman to USU spokesperson Amanda DeRito on Sept. 18. Cheatham announced custodians would now begin working two hours earlier and take on Sunday shifts. Employees said the changes came with insufficient notice and disrupted established schedules. “Coming to work two hours early, especially for a college student or a parent, puts a huge wrench in your day and in your schedule,” said Maddie Seamons, a parttime TSC custodian. Seamons added that some employees had accepted the job partly because they were guaranteed Sundays off. “Because we still have the same amount of workers, now we have to work a weekend more often than before,” Seamons said. “For me especially — and I have several coworkers who are disabled — we need the weekends to rest.” One of the five demands in the union-backed petition calls for hiring two additional part-time employees to
PHOTOS BY Ezra Robertson A custodial employee sweeps the floors on Oct. 15 in the TSC.
help cover the increased workload, a task employees say Cheatham has been neglecting. According to DeRito, the TSC will “always hire as needed.” “Ray will be assessing schedule adjustments before hiring additional staff,” DeRito wrote in an email to the Statesman. Earlier shifts complicated deep cleaning and noisy tasks in bathrooms and offices that were already in use. Some employees said this has made cleaning the building completely and effectively more difficult. The transition also creates a financial burden for custodians, some of whom now pay $250 per semester for parking passes that allow them to park at 3 p.m. A TSC custodial worker grabs supplies at the beginning of his shift at Utah State University on Oct. 15. Cheatham also announced in the email that beginning on their concerns and getting signature support in January, employees will follow an industry standard from all TSC custodians, custodial supervisor Juan specialty team cleaning system. Alonzo presented it to Cheatham in August. Alonzo, “There are many benefits of using the system including Schallenkamp and Seamons said he reacted angrily. the mastery of specific skills, improved quality control, Alonzo, who has since quit, said he decided to leave minimized disruption when team members are out, and as a result of Cheatham’s “micromanagement” and the fewer equipment needs,” DeRito wrote. stress it caused employees. Custodians worry the specialty-team system will slow “I told him it was going to affect everybody’s life one cleaning because each team must wait for another to way or another because they’ve been working these finish its assigned task. They ask in their petition to schedules for years,” Alonzo said, “and his answer was, repeal this change as well. ‘Well, if we lose people, we lose people.’” The new 11:30 p.m. end time and schedule Alonzo and other employees alleged Cheatham’s adjustments intended to limit overtime and comp time tendency to monitor custodians over TSC cameras have added to employees’ concerns. contributed further to work-place stress. “The Fair Labor Standards Act requires that if you make an employee work more than 40 hours a week, you start paying him overtime,” said JD Schallenkamp, a full-time TSC custodian. “Ray, at first, is making the statement that he’s going to make sure that he will schedule each week so that each employee only works 40 hours a week, but he’s also reserving the right to have us work more than 40 hours a week.” According to DeRito, USU policy encourages supervisors to keep overtime and comp time to a minimum when possible, and requests for them should Essence Barnes is a fourth-year be approved before they occur. student majoring in journalism The petition asks for the reinstalment of comp time and who enjoys reading, writing and overtime as well as a return to the original 5 p.m. to 1 storytelling. a.m. schedule. Employees said raising concerns with Cheatham — essence.barnes@usu.edu heightened tensions. After writing a 13-page report
By Jen Cefalo STATESMAN REPORTER
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tah State University held a civil debate with Democrat House Minority Leader Angela Romero and Republican House Majority Leader Casey Snider. This debate was held on Oct. 12 in the Eccles Conference Center and was created to demonstrate a civil debate on topics they may disagree on for students to see. Brian Steed, USU’s vice president for government and external relations, moderated the debate. After welcoming both representatives to USU, Steed spoke a little on the background of the debate. “May of last year or this year, we started to think about this idea,” Steed said. “We have new opportunities here on campus. We will really be engaging with students to make sure that they understand that civil discourse support.” According to Steed, with various elections that students will participate in throughout their lives, such as USUSA elections or governmental elections, having examples of civil disagreement can be beneficial to students. “In fact, I would just say that civic-mindedness is one of the pillars that President Brad Mortensen has laid out for us,” Steed said. Steed also talked about how the debate was not an endorsement or part of any campaign. “We as a university don’t engage in any of that,” Steed said. “We invited both of our representatives based on their official positions, both as majority leader and minority leader of their respective parties.” The first question posedto the representatives was about how their friendship developed. Romero answered first by talking about how she grew up in a small town and how it affected her ability to
create friendships with other colleagues. “I think a lot of the way I’ve been able to cultivate relationships with my colleagues, and in particular Casey, the representative here, and others, is just we have kind of the same humor,” she said. Once Romero finished speaking to the students, Snider responded in agreement. “You know,” Snider said, “we’ve worked on a lot of issues on both sides, and you know, one of the things I like about Angela is that she’s a straight shooter. I may not agree, but I know where she’s at, and that sort of level of dialogue engenders respect, and that just turns to friendship.” The debate continued as Snider and Romero discussed various issues from housing affordability to water rights, with a few technical interruptions in the form of the microphones emitting a loud, low frequency noise. The first time this technical interruption happened, Steed said, “That was a bit of a mic drop moment,” resultingin a laugh from the crowd.
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THE BOARD Hazel Harris-Staples managing editor editor@usustatesman.com
—————— Essence Barnes news editor
— jen.cefalo@usu.edu
Jayke Martin lifestyles editor
life@usustatesman.com
—————— Camille Simpson chief copy editor
news@usustatesman.com
copyeditor@usustatesman.com
sports@usustatesman.com
photo@usustatesman.com
—————— Mark Greenwood sports editor
Jen Cefalo is a junior studying kinesiology with an emphasis in exercise science. One of her favorite hobbies is watching Formula 1 races on the weekends.
Page 3 - The Utah Statesman, October 19, 2026
USU hosts civil debate
Student-run newspaper for Utah State University since 1902. Reporting online 24/7. Printed weekly during the school year.
—————— Ezra Robertson multimedia editor
The Utah Statesman Office TSC 118 435.797.1742 usustatesman.com Senior Reporters Dylan Moore Jillian Peterson Rory McNeill Senior Photographer Elise Bliss Photographers Lola Probasco Owen Clarke Dane Johnson
Reporters Quinton Papa Cambria Thurgood Kendy Plant Jen Cefalo Wyatt Cano Elissa Ross Payton Shannon Kylie Jones Copy Editors Piper Durham
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Angela Romero and Casey Snider debate at the Eccles Conference Center on Oct. 15.
PHOTO BY Elise Bliss
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Page 4 - The Utah Statesman, October 19 , 202
Utah’s 2nd Congressional District candidates debate data centers, tariffs and housing at USU water. It doesn’t need money. It needs water.” Crosby said recent federal legislation stripping residential solar subsidies will cost northern Utah $1.2 billion to $1.8 billion over four years, and said Moore co-authored the bill. Moore said he went to bat for solar companies and pointed to a permitting reform bill he expects the Senate to finalize after the election. On tariffs, Crosby said “tariffs are harming everybody” and said Moore voted six times to maintain them.
By Dylan Moore STATESMAN SENIOR REPORTER
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ep. Blake Moore, R-Utah, and Democratic challenger Peter Crosby debated data centers, tariffs, water and housing Tuesday night, Oct. 13, at Utah State University, three weeks before Election Day. The Utah Debate Commission hosted the event at the Chase Fine Arts Center for Utah’s 2nd Congressional District, a newly drawn district covering much of northern Utah. Moderator Heidi Hatch asked most of the questions, and two came from students. Moore, who currently represents much of northern Utah, serves in House Republican leadership and won a contested primary in June. Crosby, the Democratic nominee, works in the private sector as a project manager and consultant and is an adjunct professor of emergent and disruptive technology at USU. In opening statements, Crosby said, “USU is my home,” while Moore said he focuses on “maintaining a productive lane.” Data centers drew the first question, following a proposal in Box Elder County this spring. Moore said local officials learned “they have to be able to engage the public, and they have to bring the public along.”
PHOTO BY Eli Lucero/Pool Photographer Candidates for Utah’s 2nd Congressional District, Democrat Peter Crosby, left, and Republican Blake Moore participate in a debate at Utah State University on Oct. 13.
Crosby said he urged Box Elder County commissioners to vote “not yet” so they could gather more information and “keep local control over this kind of decision.” He said a public referendum on projects with decades of impact would not be inappropriate. On the Great Salt Lake, Moore said a $1 billion figure in the White House budget proposal does not guarantee the full amount will arrive, adding he is working with Utah’s congressional delegation on funding in the “tens of millions.” Crosby backed long-term water leases to send more flow to the lake, saying, “The lake needs
USUSA Update
Academic Senate 10/12
• VP Watts announced voting on the proposed changes to the USUSA Constitution opens for students on Oct. 26 and 27. • Senator Hollingshead said her council is preparing for the disability awareness event which will be held at the end of the month. • Senator McBride said Donuts with the Dean will be held on Oct. 26.
Executive Council 10/13
• President Alder announced the search for the Vice President of Statewide and Online Education is in the works. • Executive Director Bean celebrated a successful first few days of Community Week. • VP Hastings said tabling and events will be held throughout the week of Oct. 19 for Aggies Vote Week. Academic Senate: Mondays 4-5 p.m. Executive Council: Tuesdays 4-5 p.m. All meetings are held in the TSC Senate Chambers and are open for the public to attend.
Dylan is a senior majoring in political science. You can usually find him on some sort of outdoor adventure. — dylan.moore@usu.edu
Smith said Prodigy Brewing was inspired to create the Aggie Lager due to its connection to the Cache Valley community. “Tying in USU with Prodigy Brewing seemed like a natural extension of our lineup and our desire to be rooted in the valley,” Smith wrote. Smith and other members of Prodigy Brewing worked alongside the new USU athletics department this spring to develop the beverage. “While the approval process was taking place, we were working with USU Athletics, Marketing & Trademarks and our branding team to develop the concept and label. Once all the approvals were in place, the brewing and canning process took about 5 weeks,” Smith wrote. Many students at USU have considered trying the new drink due to its connection to the school. One student, who would like to remain anonymous, has worked in food service in the past and appreciates local, small businesses. “I’ve heard a lot of good things about Prodigy Brewing,” the student said. Another student, who also would like to remain anonymous, also shared some PHOTOS BY Ezra Robertson interest in the new beverage. Two cans of Aggie Lager at Prodigy Brewing on Oct.14. “I don’t love beer, but maybe an Aggie beer would be good. I wonder what they think ‘Aggie’ By Kendy Plant tastes like,” the second student said. STATESMAN REPORTER According to the Herald Journal, Prodigy Brewing rodigy Brewing, a local brewery and brewpub, opened its doors to the public in July 2022. Founders introduced a new Utah State University-themed Jason Smith, Matt Clyburn and Rob Paul created drink to its menu on Sept. 25. The company the idea for Prodigy Brewing after seeing a need for teased the release of the new beverage on their a brewpub in Logan. They remodeled a more than Instagram page, with the caption, “Utah State, hey 120-year-old building at 25 W. Center St., and soon, Aggies all the way!” accompanied by a blurred image their dreams became a reality. of the can. In 2023, Prodigy Brewing won New Small Business of A launch party was held at the brewpub on Thursday, the Year by the Cache Valley Chamber of Commerce, Sept. 24, during USU’s Homecoming week. USU alums according to Cache Valley Daily, and recently, they and staff were invited to celebrate the new drink. won three medals at the Tasting Alliance Beer The drink, named the “Aggie Lager,” is in a light blue, Competition, according to the Herald Journal. one pint can featuring Prodigy Brewing’s logo and Prodigy Brewing offers 22 different beers on-tap, not other USU colors. It is the first officially licensed beer including the Aggie Lager. They also have an extensive for a university in the state of Utah. food menu, including a variety of Tex-Mex inspired According to Untapped, the beer contains 5% cuisine from umami pork egg rolls to chipotle chicken alcohol, and according to Kristin Smith, co-owner of biscuits. Prodigy Brewing, the drink has received many positive Additionally, they offer both indoor and outdoor reviews from consumers. seating, as well as live music and trivia nights. “The Aggie Lager delivers an earthy, unfiltered, and Prodigy Brewing regularly contributes to community deeply organic flavor profile that captures the essence events. Most recently, they gave hungry locals a of old-world farmhouse brewing,” said USUFans user place to rest and eat during the Center Street Giant NVAggie. Pumpkin Festival on Oct. 3. “Now that it’s on the menu, folks are so happy to The Aggie Lager is also not Prodigy Brewing’s first see this come to life,” Smith wrote in an email to The drink inspired by USU. They also offer a drink called Utah Statesman. “True Blue,” which is a Scottish ale. Co-owner, Jason,
is an economic and finance professor at USU and works alongside his wife to come up with drink names and manage the business. Kristin shared her beliefs in only using local ingredients and giving back to the community. “Our community means everything to us. We want people to come into our space and feel like they are home and a part of something bigger than themselves. We launched our non-profit, Community Craft, in 2024 to support unsung heroes in our valley and raise funds to give back to those community members making a difference by hosting an annual beer festival. This year, we hosted it downtown at Church & Federal. The community was so supportive of us being downtown,” Kristin wrote. Prodigy Brewing hopes that the Aggie Lager will be “one of many opportunities to support USU” and the rest of the community.
Kendy Plant is an undergraduate psychology student. In her free time, she enjoys thrifting tiny trinkets, making cute crafts and, of course, writing. — kennedy.plant@usu.edu
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Alexis Mabey pours a pint of beer at Prodigy Brewing Oct.14.
Page 5 - The Utah Statesman, October 19, 2026
Prodigy Brewing adds new ‘Aggie Lager’ beer
Page 6 - The Utah Statesman, October 19 , 202
Utah State launches new behavioral neuroscience undergraduate major By Kylie Jones STATESMAN REPORTER
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tah State University is inaugurating a brand new undergraduate behavioral neuroscience program beginning this October. This major will be a part of the Department of Psychology within the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education, Health, and Human Services. Coursework for students enrolled in this major will begin in January. The American Psychological Association describes behavioral neuroscience as the study of how our nervous systems and brains react to different stimuli, exhibit behavior and respond to genetic influences that affect the decisions and actions we make every day. Neuroscience combines biology, chemistry and psychology to observe and determine behavior in sentient beings. Students who major in psychology are not required to take these natural science courses. Behavioral neuroscience has many career paths to follow. Some of the leading positions include research scientists, neuropsychologists and neuroscience technicians. Neuroscience is crucial to exploring the human brain, peripheral nervous system and spinal cord, which are all vessels for emotions, behavior and basic bodily
Breadcrumbs
functions. Christopher Warren, an associate professor of psychology at USU and the director of the behavioral neuroscience program, and Scott Bates, department head of the psychology department and professor of psychology, have been the leading coordinators and overseers of this process. Bates said the idea of an undergraduate neuroscience major has been in the works since before the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. According to the Utah State Department of Psychology, psychology is one of the largest and most favored majors on USU’s campus, with almost 800 undergraduate and over 200 graduate students currently enrolled. Many of these students have expressed interest in furthering their education and deepening their understanding of the brain and how it affects human behavior. This request, along with many others from students and members of the USUSA Neuroscience Club, was the foundation for creating this new opportunity to learn and grow. In the early stages of developing this major, the Neuroscience Club president conducted surveys to estimate how many students were interested in pursuing a degree in neuroscience. This research helped show
SNAC’s Growing Influence
Find most of these ingredients at SNAC!
Ingredients: 4 slices stale bread 1 Tbsp oil Salt and pepper, to taste Instructions: Leave bread out overnight to dry out. Heat the oven to 350. In a blender or food processor (or with a grater), pulse bread until it forms fine crumbs. In a bowl, mix bread with oil and seasonings. Lay out on baking sheet and bake for 5-10 minutes, checking often and stirring halfway through. Let cool. Store on the counter for 3 days or 6 months in the freezer.
In addition to being USU’s on-campus food pantry, SNAC has the privelage of participating in a wide variety of campus and community events. In just one Saturday, SNAC recovered food from Bussin Bread, Le Croissant, Fairway Bagels and Donuts, and the QANR barbeque! That same day, SNAC also participated in the Agriculture and Natural Resrouces Field Camp Retreat up Logan canyon and taught a cooking workshop for local 4-H students. We are grateful for the chance these events allow us to give back to our amazing community! For more information about SNAC visit our website snac.usu.edu or @ususnac on Facebook and Instagram
how extensive the demand for a neuroscience major was on campus. Warren spoke about what attributes USU already has that could help grow this program rather than starting from ground zero. “We had most of the courses that are typical of neuroscience programs in our catalog,” Warren said. Along with the available required courses for the major, the psychology department had some specific attributes that could enhance the success of the behavioral neuroscience major.
Kylie Jones is a third-year student majoring in social work who enjoys writing, rock climbing and doing yoga. — a02434773@usu.edu
SNAChampion- USU Minecraft Club and Johnson Farms As part of their “Potato Rush” competition, USU’s Minecraft Club partnered up with SNAC and the local Johnson Farm to donate real potatoes to students facing food insecurity. From their effort, SNAC received 2,000 lbs of farm fresh potatoes to help fight campus food insecurity. We are incredibly grateful for the Minecraft club and Johnson Farms for making this huge donation possible!
Belmont said that he appreciated the sense of humanity shown by the scientists featured in the film. etailing the decline of the Great Salt Lake and “We’re not just scientists going the impact the decline has on the surrounding through carrying beakers around all population, “The Lake”, which premiered at the time and whatever else. We’re the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, was screened at people and we are doing this work as Utah State University on Oct. 6. objectively as possible,” Belmont said. The Great Salt Lake lies about 90 miles from Utah “We are pursuing truth as best we can. State University and has had a significant decline That’s our job, and we are also parents in water levels. The film said that the lake’s lowest and we are brothers and sisters and recorded level was in 2022. we care deeply about people. We care The free in-person screening also hosted a Q&A deeply about these places.” session after the film with Commissioner of the The film explores concerns about the Great Salt Lake Hannah Freeze, Great Salt Lake lake. Three of the main concerns in the social science network leader Stacia Ryder, and USU film were the toxic dust, the collapsed professor and water scientist Patrick Belmont. ecosystems and community risks. “I thought that I knew more about the Great Salt “I love this place, and I love this Lake crisis than I did,” said a USU senior studying state,” Morgan Evans, president of analytics and information systems who wished to the USUSA Dialogues Society, said. remain anonymous. “This film was kind of eye“I didn’t think that my five-year opening to me.” plan would include an emergency PHOTO BY Utah Water Science Center environmental crisis and having to The receding Great Salt Lake is seen this U.S. Geological Survey natural-color satellite image from Aug. 2021. leave, but that might be the case.” Researchers in the film raised The anonymous senior said that she feels hopeful concerns about toxic dust from the exposed lakebed hearing that the Great Salt Lake problem isn’t too big spreading miles away from the Great Salt Lake. The to fix. toxic dust contains elements such as mercury, arsenic “I love Salt Lake,” she said. “I would love to go back and selenium that can cause respiratory and other to Chicago, but one of the places that would be my cancer-related issues. top postgrad locations would be Salt Lake City, I just “Some of the new modeling is showing that dust love that area so much.” travels,” Ryder said during the Q&A. “Not just to Although the film carried heavy topics, it ended with Cache County, but from some of the hydrologists that the idea of hope for the future of the Great Salt Lake. I work with that study snow and dust say that the “I feel very hopeful about the opportunities of the dust is going as far north as southern Idaho.” trail that has been blazed because of Bonnie and Ben The anonymous senior said that she used to be an and Brian, to provide opportunities for us to think environmental engineer working on a project that bigger and to think broader and to continue to work measured the air quality around the Great Salt Lake together,” Freeze said. “That makes me very, very area. hopeful.” “It’s crazy that I was involved in that whole world of collecting research on the impact of air quality, and I PHOTO BY Cambria Thurgood didn’t even know the greater context behind it,” the Q&A Panelist Patrick Belmont answering a question beside fellow panelists anonymous senior said. Hannah Freeze and Stacia Ryder. Researchers also emphasized concerns about people having to move away from Utah. This would be to The 2026 film was filmed from 2023 to 2025. It avoid risks that come from the toxic dust impacting follows Brigham Young University ecologist Ben the air quality. Abbott, Westminster University biologist Bonnie “The first time I saw this movie, I was walking out Baxter, University of Utah atmospheric scientist Kevin and I called my mom and was telling her, ‘You know, Perry and the former Great Salt Lake Commissioner you might have to move out,’” Eliza Hegewald, Brian Steed as they work to save the Great Salt Lake. Cambria is from West Point, Utah. This treasurer of the USUSA Dialogues Society said. “I think it was very helpful to watch it in this is her third year at USU and she is double Hegewald said that she feels stressed knowing more format because you can’t get every perspective,” majoring in journalism and communications. about the risks mentioned in the film. Blithe Bigelow, outreach coordinator for the She loves camping and snowboarding. “I’ve read other stuff about chemical pollution USUSA Dialogues Society, said. “I appreciated that — cambria.thurgood@usu.edu problems in Utah that are frightening on top of our air it was framed by science and by people who have quality issues that we already have,” Hegewald said. experience.” By Cambria Thurgood STATESMAN REPORTER
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Page 7 - The Utah Statesman, October 19, 2026
The Great Salt Lake is shrinking — “The Lake” hopes to change that
Page 8 - The Utah Statesman, October 19 , 202
Ancient Greek comedy takes the stage at USU, 2,400 years later One of the biggest changes was the addition of two professor characters who regularly stop he Utah State University Theatre Arts the show to explain what is Department brought a 2,400-year-old Greek happening. According to Jenkins, comedy to the life at the Morgan Theatre in those characters were not part the Chase Fine Arts Center with its production of of the original play. They were Aristophanes’ “ Thesmophoriazusae; or, What Women added so the audience could Want.” learn the story while watching it. Rehearsals began the first week of the fall semester That meant the actors had to after auditions last spring. The show opened Oct. 2 adjust to being interrupted midand closed Oct. 7. scene, night after night. The production follows the playwright Euripides, “It was hard to find the who learns that the women of Athens are furious momentum to get back into what about how he portrays them and the increasingly you’re doing,” Thompson said. “I ridiculous lengths he goes to in order to save himself. feel like acting-wise, it made our “I think it’s especially pertinent for today’s time,” job to be a bit more expressive said Grayson Jenkins, a sophomore in the musical to the audience, to be a bit more theater program who performs in the Chorus of Men. specific, so that they would “It ends with themes of feminism, of equality and understand what’s going on.” honestly, just a respect for all parties, all people.” Jenkins said the cast eventually Agathon, a real Athenian tragic poet, is played by leaned into the awkwardness. Production photos from the USU Department of Theatre Arts production of “Thesmophoriazusae; or, What Women Want.” sophomore Riley Thompson. In the play, Agathon “It caused a lot of confusion, but is an up-and-coming playwright who serves as a foil honestly, we decided to play into Thompson said stepping into such a big, comedic role did character to Euripides. that confusion as kind of a comedic bit,” Jenkins said. “The not come easily at first. “He’s kind of like in with the new, out with the old audience eventually caught on, but at first it’s probably “If I’m being completely honest, it really was hard and Euripides,” Thompson said. “He’s writing a new play confusing.” pretty uncomfortable for me to step into the role in the about women and the Thesmophoria and the women’s The production also gave students room to create. beginning,” Thompson said. “I was really timid and really experience. So he thinks to himself, ‘To really be able to Partway through the show, the chorus performs a series shy. I was really scared to step into it and just be bold and write about the female experience, I need to live the female of three-minute plays meant to show off Euripides as make big decisions.” experience.’” a playwright. Those short plays, based on actual plays The turning point, he said, came when he decided to stop To do that, Agathon dresses in women’s clothes and, written by Euripides, were all directed by students. holding back. as Thompson put it, does his best to act like a woman. “We told the tragic tale of Medea through sock puppets,” “There was just a moment in the rehearsal process where Thompson described it as the character’s version of method Jenkins said, adding that the costume and props teams I just told myself I just have to commit with everything that acting. made the puppets on short notice. I have, and then everything will kind of fall into place,” By Payton Shannon STATESMAN REPORTER
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Thompson said. He credited the director, time spent playing around on stage and the costume, which he called “quite intense,” with helping him get there. Making a comedy this old land with a modern audience took some work. Jenkins said the cast struggled with the text at first. “At first it was pretty difficult to kind of understand the text, understand the story,” Jenkins said, “but with the work of Richie Call and Amanda Dawson, who adapted the script, they helped us to be able to tell it in a user-friendly way to help people understand the story PHOTOS COURTESY OF Dycie Jo Photography and find comedy in something so old.” Production photos from the USU Department of Theatre Arts production of “Thesmophoriazusae; or, What Women Want.”
Payton Shannon is an information systems major with a cybersecurity emphasis. He made his own AI at 17 and started a tech startup before graduating from WSU with his associate’s degree. — payton.shannon@usu.edu
By Wyatt Cano STATESMAN REPORTER
cultures and communities. “The goal of our events is to bring an environment for tudents at Utah State University had an people to feel celebrated and opportunity to learn about LGBTQ+ history as to also allow students who are campus organizations collaborated to celebrate allies or students who would LGBTQ+History Month. like to learn more about the Heritage & Culture brought student organizations event, to learn more about the together at Utah State to celebrate LGBTQ+History celebrated month,” said Shelly Month and create educational opportunities that foster a Ortiz, director of Student sense of belonging at Utah State. Success. On Oct. 6, Heritage & Culture hosted an For the LGBTQ+History LGBTQ+History Month event at the TSC Tanner Month event, the QSA Fountain Plaza. According to Trhas Tafere, the program collaborated with the BSU, the coordinator for Heritage & Culture, this was the first CARE Office, and the Native time the program hosted the event since the Inclusion American Student Council Center closed on July 1, 2024. during the planning process. “This was the first time the Heritage & Culture center Tafere said the collaboration hosted this event after the Inclusion Center was closed allowed the organizations to down a few years back,” Trhas said. highlight different aspects of Heritage & Culture promotes cultural awareness and LGBTQ+History Month celebration on Oct. 6 with the Heritage & Culture staff. LGBTQ+ history and culture. education within the Utah State community. Before July The BSU highlighted Black queer has prepared,” Healey said. 1, 2024, the Inclusion Center hosted similar events, icons, while the NASC incorporated spirituality into its Looking back on the event, Ortiz said the program giving student organizations such as the Black Student booth. was pleased with the turnout and the educational Union, Queer Student Alliance and Asian Student When looking back at what success the event had, opportunities it provided. Association opportunities to host cultural celebrations Heritage & Culture was pleased with the event’s “Our goal is always to bring awareness and educational and awareness events. educational value that was presented to students, and opportunities for students to learn and immerse in. We Following the passage of Utah House Bill 261, Utah Ortiz said it provided an opportunity to highlight history are all happy with how things turned out,” Ortiz said. State closed down the Inclusion Center and restructured that is often overlooked. Tafere said the program hopes to expand future its services. Student support services shifted to central “This was a great educational moment to highlight events by involving more members of the off-campus offices, including the CARE Office and the Center for some history that is traditionally not shown or left out community. Academic Belonging and Learning Excellence. Student just because it is hard to find a section for it,” Ortiz said. “We worked with a lot of on-campus resources to see organizations, including the QSA, BSU and ASA, moved Ortiz and Tafere estimated 500 students participating in what students might like. Even though this was made on under Student Involvement & Leadership. the event. such short notice, I think we would like to be open to off From September to November, Heritage & Culture Tafere said the event’s timing and location helped campus community involvement for the future,” Tafere brings awareness to National Hispanic Heritage Month, attract students who were leaving class. said. Native American Heritage Month and LGBTQ+History “When planning the event, there was an overlap with Month. The program aims to provide students with the mental health day event happening at the same time. opportunities to learn about and celebrate different I have to give credit to our location and time frame. I believe that because we were just at the right time and place when students were leaving class, we had a lot of participation,” Tafere said. Evelyn Healey, a freshman studying in biochemistry, attended the event and shared why it was meaningful to her. “I am an ally to the QSA and when I saw the event it moved me. I think it is important to have a month to remember the history and its importance to its community. The LGBTQ community has had its hardfought moments, and I like how the event highlighted Wyatt Cano is a freshman studying public many parts and gave us students a chance to learn,” health and pre-med. He loves video games, Healey said. the outdoors and playing saxophone. Healey also noted the willingness of students to — wyatt.cano@usu.edu PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY Yenny Lopez engage and participate with the event. “I like how there are so many people willing to listen A booth at the LGBTQ+History Month celebration on Oct. 6. to what each booth has and engage with what the event
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Page 9 - The Utah Statesman, October 19, 2026
Heritage & Culture unites student groups for LGBTQ+ History Month
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Utah State Cross Country hosts the 2026 Steve T. Reeder Memorial Invitational
By Elissa Ross STATESMAN REPORTER
O
n the sunny morning of Oct. 9, Utah State University Cross Country hosted the 10th annual Steve T. Reeder Memorial Invitational. The meet was held at the Steve and Dona Reeder Cross Country Course in Logan and consisted of four cross-country teams from Utah State University, Snow College, the University of Northern Colorado and Colorado Northwestern Community College. The invitational was first held in 2016, according to last year’s comprehensive report. The meet is held to honor the legacy of former USU distance coach Steve T. Reeder. Scott Waldram has been a longtime cross-country officiator in both Utah and Idaho. According to Waldram, he has been a track official for 40-45 years, taking only a three-year break to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Africa. Waldram has officiated events for the NCAA and the Olympics. Waldram was responsible for firing the initiating shot for both races on Friday. “It’s a very individual sport,” said Waldram. “That’s what I like about it. It’s really fun to have these kids lift themselves up and be better today than they were yesterday.” The men’s 7k began at 11 a.m. with the shot by Waldram. The men’s team stayed close together throughout the race. Because of this, the first four to cross the finish line were all Utah State athletes, and the top time of 21:21.1 went to USU freshman Stockton Stevens. This was a personal best for Stevens. “For me personally, I think I felt a lot better today,” Stevens said. However, Stevens says he was most proud of was how his team “stuck together” during the
invitational. Stevens noted the home advantage for the event and the familiarity that came from practicing certain hills and tight turns prior to the meet. “Little things like that — they may not seem super significant — actually played out to be very significant in today’s race,” Stevens said. At 11:45 a.m., the women’s 5k commenced, and this time, the plan was to allow graduate student Sarah Ellis to take the lead, according to director of track & field and cross country Artie Gulden. Ellis did just that and finished first with a final time of 18:09.5. As Ellis held the lead, she said she simply tried to have fun and remember what her coaches had told her and envision the lead cart as a person she was “trying to chase after.” “I feel like I always race better when I’m doing it for fun,” Ellis said. On the day of the race, temperatures reached the mid70s. At the finish line, many participants collapsed to their hands and knees, becoming sick after completing the race. One racer from Snow College had to be carried off the course due to immediately fainting once reaching the finish line. Ellis noted how she was nervous that the heat would affect her performance but was grateful for their uniforms which kept her cool throughout the race. This meet was both Stevens’ and Ellis’ first time competing for the season. “It was great to have Sarah and Logan back in the mix for the first time this season,” Gulden said. Their performance as a team led them to win the invitational overall, with both team and individual titles. “I think today, for both teams, was a matter of going out and executing what we had talked about,” Gulden
USU runners compete in the men’s 7k race at the Steve T. Reeder Memorial Invitational cross country meet at the Steve and Dona Reeder Cross Country Course on Oct. 9.
said. “If they were able to do that, then we were going to be fine and we were going to win the race.” This was USU’s second win of the season. At the Bengal Invitational hosted by Idaho State University on Oct. 2, the men’s team came in first with a perfect 15 points and the women’s team came in second. Gulden hopes to repeat these successes at their next meet in Indiana for the Under Armour Pre-National Invitational on Oct. 16. “What both teams are looking to do is to qualify for the NCAA Championships,” Gulden said. Gulden hopes to push his team on Oct. 16 and secure the “first puzzle piece” in making their goal for nationals possible.
Elissa is a sophomore from Heber City, Utah studying communication studies. She enjoys hosting her weekly radio show on Aggie Radio, hip-hop dancing and writing in her journal. PHOTOS BY Elise Bliss Members of the USU Cross Country team prepare for the women’s 5k at the Steve and Dona Reeder Cross Country Course on Oct. 9. Sarah Ellis, right, finished first with a final time of 18:09.5 to help push the Aggies to a team win.
— elissa.ross@usu.edu
By Rory McNeill STATESMAN SENIOR REPORTER
W
e are now six weeks into the 2026 football season, and Utah State Football’s offense still cannot seem to sort itself out. Even in their recent win over Washington State University, the offense still couldn’t move the ball downfield, scoring only once when the team started outside the WSU 40-yard line and only gaining 236 yards of total offense. It’s no secret this offense is struggling, so let’s take a look at why this offense seems to be having so many issues. As of week six of the college football season, USU currently sits at the bottom of the Pac-12 in points per game, rushing yards and rushing yards per game. USU just barely beats out WSU and San Diego State University for passing yards per game, which in turn helps them just barely squeeze by both teams for total yards per game. Keep in mind, just last year this team sat in third place out of twelve teams in the Mountain West in total yards per game, third in passing yards and second in points per game. What happened in the past year that has made our offense fall so far from where it was? In my mind, we need to look at two main issues: first is the new coaching staff, and second is the quarterback room. Last year, the Aggie offense was led by offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven, who left in the offseason to join the University of Utah. This year, the Utes’ offense is top ten in the nation in both total yards per game and points per game. To replace him, head coach Bronco Mendenhall brought in his longtime offensive coordinator Robert Anae. Anae has proven in his 18 years as an offensive coordinator that he knows how to put together not only a competitive offense, but a seriously lethal one. During his time with Mendenhall at the University of Virginia, Anae helped assemble a top five offensive unit in 2021, averaging 515 yards per game, with 396 of those yards coming through the air. While at Brigham Young University, Anae’s offense developed the three all-time leading rushers in BYU’s history. More recently, in 2024, he helped North Carolina State University finish the season with a 9-4 record and finish the season ranked. Despite his past success, this USU offense feels stale and uncompetitive — perhaps the issue lies within the personnel USU has to work with this year. Heading into the season, the Utah State coaching staff named McCae Hillstead as the starting quarterback and
were seemingly all in on shaping the offense around him. That plan lasted roughly three quarters of football before he was benched for a career backup, Grady Brosterhous, who, in four years of college football prior, had never started a game. In Hillstead’s limited appearances with the team, he threw four interceptions and only two touchdowns, with the biggest passing play with him at the helm being only a 25yard completion. Brosterhous, on the other hand, currently has six interceptions. Brosterhous has the 21st-worst completion percentage out of 157 eligible quarterbacks, and Hillstead sits dead last in that category at the end of week six.
University of Utah, where in the postgame press conference Mendenhall was clear about the issues surrounding the run game and classified it as non-existent. The lack of a run game could make sense if they had a potent pass offense, but in that span, they only averaged 163 passing yards. Instead, the offense has continually called design quarterback runs for Brosterhous, who is only averaging 2.8 yards per carry this season. To me, that doesn’t seem like a winning strategy. The run game has not been helped by the offensive line, which currently is tied for 7th most sacks allowed this season with 19. In addition, it feels like every time the Aggies do finally get the ball moving, a procedural penalty brings the ball back and completely stalls the offense. The truth is USU’s offense seems to be a hopeless case this season. The team lacks the talent in arguably the most important position to compete and has a coaching staff that can’t seem to adjust to what they are seeing on the field. Luckily, they have a defense that can help them remain competitive among the other bottom dwellers of the Pac-12, but a postseason appearance feels like it’s beyond this team’s grasp. With that being said, it is still too early to write off this season, but unless we see a major turnaround from our quarterbacks, I can’t see this team improving beyond where it currently sits. At least we get to watch Eli Wood make some of the craziest catches every week — that’s a positive, right?
STATESMAN FILE PHOTO Utah State Football head coach Bronco Mendenhall takes questions after playing UNLV at Allegiant Stadium on Nov. 15.
The truth is, the Aggies are stuck between a rock and a hard place with quarterbacks. Brosterhous is clearly the better option, but he is still not the guy an offense should be trying to build around. On a somewhat positive note, the run game for USU has finally woken up in the past two games, with running back Javon Jacobs finally becoming a key piece of the offense. His slow start wasn’t because he struggled to run the ball, but because the offense simply didn’t give him the ball. After a strong start against Idaho State University, Jacobs only had a combined 11 rushing attempts in weeks two and three. The change came following the loss against the
Rory McNeill is a junior from Rocklin, California studying mechanical engineering. He loves Aggie sports, skiing, golf and writing music. — rory.mcneill@usu.edu
Page 11 - The Utah Statesman, October 19, 2026
Column: Utah State’s offense has serious problems
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Fall colors find their way to Logan Canyon
Lola Probasco is a USU student and photographer for the Statesman. Outside of school and photography, Lola finds time to knit and play guitar. — lola.probasco@usu.edu
change in areas thought to be strongholds for the Republican Party. Blake Moore, Cache Valley’s incumbent representative for U.S. House District 2, is facing his first real challenge. When reelected in 2024, he beat his Democratic opponent by 31 points, but a recent Lighthouse Research poll found he had a 5-point advantage over his challenger, Peter Crosby. This year more than ever, every student vote counts. The USU Government Relations Council has been hard at work with its mission: getting students engaged in American democracy. The council has a full slate of activities during Aggie Vote Week starting October 19th and ending October 23rd. On October 19th and October 21st, there will be snacktivites at the TSC patio from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. where GRC members will provide voter registration forms. A Founding Fathers trivia night at Brooker’s Founding Flavors Ice Cream will be held on October 20th from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The council will give out cinnamon buns and voter registration forms at the Hello Walk on Thursday, October 22nd from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The voter registration push by the USU Government Relations Council is part of a statewide competition between Utah universities called the Campus Cup. The university that gets the most students registered before election day will win. Make sure to register or verify your registration information by the deadline on October 23rd. Students can follow the council’s events at its Instagram account @usugrc.
What a Whirlwind is a show where DJ Annie plays her favorite tunes and shares her thoughts on various topics. There’s no specific genre or format, just great music and a good time! Tune in every Monday from 2-3 p.m. on Aggie Radio 92.3 FM.
Dawson is a junior in human development and family studies. He grew up in South Jordan, Utah and plans on pursuing a career in marriage and family therapy. — dawsonsny@gmail.com
Part of the Band
JUICY
My Own Worst Enemy
Bull Breed
The 1975
What A Whirlwind
Election night is November 3rd. Early in-person voting will be held in the Taggart Student Center from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. from October 26th-29th. Mailin ballots began shipping on October 13th, but the deadline to receive one is October 23rd. Information about candidates, voter registration, and ballot drop-off locations can be found at vote.utah.gov.
Lit
Zissou
Hayley Williams
Jordan Ward
Royel Otis
Page 13 - The Utah Statesman, October 19, 2026
V
oters are the most critical part of American democracy, and this year’s election has something for everyone. Passionate about the Great Salt Lake? Look for the candidates for the Cache Water District Board. Data centers? Pay attention to the county council candidates. The past year brought many issues into the spotlight for USU students, and this election gives students an opportunity to create real change in Utah’s community. While this election cycle will not vote in a new president, issues that hit close to home such as affordability, water usage, and funding for higher education are all in the hands of state and local officials. City council members, who have direct control over costs like utility rates, are often elected by less than 50-vote margins. Information about past elections can be found at cachecounty.gov. With local elections historically close and voter turnout low, every student vote will make a difference. According to the 2025 Municipal Primary Election Canvass Report & Official Statistics, Logan’s voter turnout was under 25%. This election poses a rare opportunity for Utah voters to legislate. On the Utah ballot is not one, not three, but two constitutional amendments. Having made their way through the Utah House and Senate, they are up for final approval from Utah voters. Information on these amendments and the races can be found at votesearch. utah.gov. This year, polls around the country are signaling
Page 14 - The Utah Statesman, October 19 , 202
HERITAGE & CULTURE We provide educational and celebratory programming centered on heritage months and long-standing USU cultural traditions.
All are welcome—students, families, and community members—to jump in with Heritage & Culture this year. Whether you want to help plan events or share your culture, we’d love to celebrate with you and create meaningful moments together.
Friday, October 23, 2026 Campfire with Cryptids Living Learning Community Fire Pit 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Join us around the campfire for a spooky and enlightening evening as we travel across the globe to discuss shapeshifting * beings associated with different countries, regions and cultural traditions.
Thursday, November 5, 2026
Past Events
Native American Heritage Month Celebration
All our events are free unless otherwise noted
Upcoming Events
TSC International Lounge Fiestas Américas
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Spend the day discovering Native cultures, traditions, leadership, and communities through learning and connection.
Friday, November 6, 2026 International Connections Night TSC Grand Ballroom LGBTQ+ History Month Celebration
Learn more at usu.edu/involvement/heritage-culture
6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Whether you’re curious about new cultures or just looking for a relaxed night of learning and community, this event is the perfect way to broaden your horizons and celebrate the world around us.
Interested in volunteering? We’d love to have you! Email us at community@usu.edu
Thursday, November 12, 2026 Miss Native American USU
Questions? Call us at (435) 797-0446 We're here Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM TSC 326 and 314
TSC Grand Ballroom
USU Heritage & Culture
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Come support the contestants, enjoy cultural presentations, and be part of a meaningful celebration of heritage and community.
Page 15 - The Utah Statesman, October 19, 2026
Last week’s solution:
Sudoku puzzles are provided by www. sudokuoftheday.com.
PHOTO BY LOLA PROBASCO
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