Utah State University, Logan, Utah
Week of Jan. 23, 2023
Page 2 - The Utah Statesman, Jan. 23, 202
Logan store promotes fair trade and sustainability By Carter Ottley NEWS REPORTER
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lobal Village Gifts is one of the only fair trade stores in Utah. Their mission is to educate the local people on the principles of fair trade and support artisans around the world. Global Village Gifts has products from artisans representing many countries in Africa, East Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean. The store supports 29 vendors and has over 1,500 products. The store commits to paying fair prices for artisan products, and they help artisans create economic success, provide for families and improve their future. Items sold in the store include socks, jewelry, lip balm, calendars and much more. There is also an emphasis on women artisans since women are the sole support for a quarter of the world’s families and the primary support for another quarter. Sally Keller created Global Village Gifts when she opened it as a part of Ten Thousand Villages Utah in 2003. The store currently has over 30 volunteers and a board of directors to help run the store and teach the community about fair trade. Because the store is run by volunteers, they can sell affordable products and pay artisans a fair price. Kalli Hull is a USU junior studying environmental studies and the store manager of Global Village Gifts. She got involved at the store about a year and a half ago. Hull is thankful for all the people who volunteer at the store. “People who volunteer here are just a different kind of people, like they all are just so passionate about fair trade and giving back to the community,” Hull said. “We really wouldn’t be able to run this place without them.” Jamie Butikofer, a USU senior majoring in environmental studies and philosophy, recently started volunteering at Global Village Gifts. Her favorite part is interacting with the customers, meeting people interested in fair trade and learning about the artisans and products. “Just come in. As soon as people come into the store, they’ll really enjoy it,” Butikofer said. “We have a lot of cool stuff, and it’s also just a good environment.” People interested in volunteering can
visit the store or find more information at globalvillagegifts.org. Ariel Snowden, a USU graduate student studying neuroscience, has been to the store multiple times over the last five years and has previously volunteered at a different fair trade store. “Learning about different cultures through crafts is pretty awesome,” Snowden said. “I just love fair trade, and I think it’s really amazing to learn about other cultures.” According to Hull, Global Village Gifts only purchases items that follow the guidelines of the Fair Trade Federation. Those guidelines stipulate products cannot use child labor. Additionally, companies must have safe working conditions and pay men and women equally. “There’s a lot of situations in the world right now where people are taken advantage of for their work,” Hull said. Hull appreciates how the store lets people buy handmade and unique items without harming the earth as much as other stores. Global Village Gifts also promotes sustainability by offering a piece of chocolate to customers who decline to use a bag at checkout. The store hosts events to educate and engage with the community. “Craftivist” Susan Bollinger leads an “Intro to Sustainable Mending” class where people can learn to fix rips, patchwork and repair by weaving. The store will also be a part of “Women’s Night Out” on March 8.
Carter Ottley is a junior studying journalism and political science. When Carter isn’t writing for the Statesman, he enjoys Chili’s, reading and Imagine Dragons. — carter.ottley@usu.edu
PHOTO BY Paige Johnson Global Village Gifts is a fair trade gift shop that recieves handmade items from around the world to sell.
would be good for the fall semester,” Hatch wrote. While construction continued during the 00 Block is an off-campus apartment spring and summer of 2022, 800 Block put building owned by the Nelson Partout marketing efforts to “promise” future ners in Logan. tenants they would be finished by the fall. According to their website, it is the newest Nathan Strain, a USU student, has left varapartment complex for Utah State Univerious dissatisfied comments on 800 Block’s sity students. The complex is located “just Facebook page. 27 feet from campus” with three, four and In a message exchange with the Statesfive-bedroom floor plans. man, Strain wrote, “Every However luxurious, new summer we let any incomand exciting the website ing freshmen know about makes the facilities seem, 800 Block's inability to 800 Block is notorious for house them, and tried to leaving students high and warn prospective students dry come back-to-school online. It kinda hit a point season. last summer when they And with the time soon went on an advertising coming to start looking for blitz with their ‘800 Block fall housing, the question Promise’ that they ultimany students have is — mately went back on.” will 800 Block back out Strain also wrote he on students for the third thinks it’s possible for 800 consecutive year? Block to be completed The Statesman was by fall of 2023, although unsuccessful in contacthe still discourages any ing 800 Block via their students from signing a phone number, as well as lease “with a company their email contact form that showed no remorse through their website by for the hurt they caused to PHOTO BY Josh Bengtzen everyone who had to find the time of publication. 800 Block has yet to be finished with construction, after its original plan to open for fall semester of 2021. A previous Statesman last minute housing.” article published in August Ben Wheeler, another of last year explained some of the issues “They are unresponsive and unreliable USU student who had signed with them last 800 Block has faced over the last couple of in every aspect of their business,” Stewart fall, said he highly doubts 800 Block will be years during their construction period. wrote. open in the fall. The article mentioned how 800 Block Preston Hatch, a parent of a USU student, “I don’t think anyone should sign a lease informed their tenants about the postponefaced similar challenges only a year later. with them until they are completely done ment of the original move-in date roughly a In an email exchange with the Statesman, with construction,” Wheeler said. month before school started. Hatch wrote, “We were well aware of the This left many students scrambling for fiasco that 800 Block management put housing at the very last minute. students in back in the fall of 2021, but we USU Housing Services stepped in to offer thought there is no way this could actualthe help they could to students seeking ly happen again, especially a whole year accommodations. later.” The article said, “What has upset would-be Hatch then explained the scramble stutenants more than the unfinished amenities dents faced after discovering their contracts though, is the money they lost and are now were terminated a couple weeks before fighting to get back after already signing school started. Kate is a junior studying journalism contracts and paying deposits.” Hatch said the marketing efforts put out and marketing. She is from the Portland This stressful housing scramble in the fall by 800 Block were misleading to students. Oregon area. She loves all things famiof 2022 was déjà vu of what happened the “The infuriating thing with this whole 800 ly, friends, thrifting, outdoors, and dark fall prior. Block situation is that they were actively chocolate. USU sophomore Carson Stewart signed a seeking new tenants on social media all lease with 800 Block in the fall of 2021. summer long. They should not have been — kate.stewart@usu.edu In a text exchange with the Statesman, doing that! I even messaged them on n Stewart explained the difficulties he faced Instagram and they assured me everything By Kate Stewart NEWS REPORTER
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with the Nelson Partners company. As the fall 2021 semester approached, Stewart hadn’t received any updates from 800 Block, and he was unsuccessful in contacting them despite exhausting various methods. Ultimately, Stewart drove to Logan and saw for himself the apartment building was nowhere near completion for the school year.
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THE BOARD Darcy Ritchie managing editor editor@usustatesman.com 435-797-1742 —————— Jacee Caldwell news editor news@usustatesman.com —————— Jake Ellis sports editor sports@usustatesman.com —————— Maya Mackinnon lifestyles editor life@usustatesman.com —————— Maren Archibald copy editor copyeditor@usustatesman.com —————— Bailey Rigby multimedia editor photo@usustatesman.com —————— For advertising inquiries studentmedia@usu.edu —————— Student Media Office TSC 118 435.797.1775 Cover art by Bailey Rigby
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Will 800 Block send students scrambling again?
Page 4 - The Utah Statesman, Jan. 23, 202
‘POLICE BLOTTER’ *If you have any more information regarding these cases, contact the USU Public Safety Department at 435 797-1939. Summaries are from USU Police Chief Blair Barfuss. You can find these and other USU reported crimes at www.usu.edu/dps/police/daily-crime-log
CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE LIVING LEARNING CENTER
TRAFFIC HIT AND RUN YELLOW LOT
JAN. 4 — Officers responded to a report of burnt marijuana odor coming from a room in the LLC. As the door to the residence was opened, officers observed the odor of burnt marijuana, air freshener, and saw an open window to a room. Officers issued a criminal citation to a student for possession of marijuana and referred the student to Student Affairs for the conduct violation. The student reported to using marijuana for medical reasons, however, marijuana use, medicinal or not, is not allowed on campus or in housing. Case closed.
JAN. 10 — Complainant reported minor damage to the driver side rear taillight and bumper by unknown suspect. Case report completed. No suspect information at this time.
Tips to stay safe driving on winter roads By Alivia Hadfield NEWS REPORTER
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inter weather and roads can create dangerous driving conditions for both experienced and inexperienced drivers. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, “In 2020, there were 374 fatal crashes and an estimated 25,000 injury crashes that occurred in wintry conditions.” With the influx of Utah State students traveling back and forth from home to school and more, it is essential to have general knowledge of road safety, particularly in winter conditions. According to the Utah Department of Transportation, or UDOT, one of the best safety precautions students and Utah residents can take before driving during the winter is checking the weather and roads. “Before leaving home, find out about the driving conditions. Safe drivers know the weather and their limits,” the UDOT webpage states. UDOT has many resources for Utah residents, including the UDOT Traffic app. It allows you to check the weather and road conditions throughout the day and notifies you about incidents, construction, snow plows in your area and emergency alerts. Another winter driving tip is to have an emergency kit ready in the car. According to the National Weather Service, having an emergency safety kit in your car “could become your lifeline if disaster should strike.” The UDOT Winter Travel Brochure suggests keeping warm clothes, extra food and water, a phone charger, a full tank of gas and proper traction devices in your vehicle.
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY Aspen Marshall
Along with being prepared for accidents, there are many things you can do while driving to keep yourself safe. Don’t tailgate; give yourself space. According to UDOT, “It takes extra time and extra distance to bring your car to a stop on slick and snowy roads.” Another trick is to retrain your brain when using brakes in the winter. In his blog post, Bob Lacivita, writer of Family Handyman, explains why your brakes lock up in the winter. “Loss of traction between the tire tread and road surface when stopping on wet or slippery roads causes brake lock up,” he wrote. “Even though you’re pushing on the brake pedal as hard as possible, and your tires are no longer spinning, your tires keep skidding on the slick surface.” UDOT’s advice on brakes in the winter is clear. “Brake early, brake slowly, brake correctly, and never slam on the brakes. If you have anti-lock brakes, press the pedal down firmly and hold it. If you don’t have anti-lock brakes, gently pump the pedal. Either way,
give yourself plenty of room to stop,” their website states. Another good rule of thumb is to drive slow and avoid abrupt steering maneuvers. UDOT recommends to “drive well below the speed limit and leave plenty of room between cars.” Utah college students shared their tips for tackling snowy roads too. “Travel with a buddy. If you can’t have someone in the car, have someone on the phone,” said Elizabeth Christensen, a USU student. “Keep hand warmers, granola bars, and thermal blankets in your car,” said Ashley Forsgren, a UVU student. Alivia Hadfield is a first-year student at USU and loves being an Aggie. Her other passions include songwriting, reading and competing in pageants. — alivia.hadfield@usu.edu
Utah Jazz arena to return to the Delta Center name By Jacee Caldwell NEWS EDITOR
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he Delta Center is coming back, and to many, it’s coming back better than ever this summer. The Utah Jazz announced on Jan. 14 via a Twitter promo video that their home court, Vivint Arena, will be going back to its roots with their original name from 1991. The video, captioned “Welcome home to the Delta Center,” showed past and present clips of Jazz players and the arena. It ends with both the Delta and Jazz logo together. Within minutes, fans flooded the comments section with positive reactions, many saying they never stopped calling it the Delta Center. One Twitter user with the username @alanchr5412 even wrote, “Can’t help but think that Larry is smiling from above! This will feel like Home again!” referring to Larry H. Miller, who owned the Jazz franchise from 1985 until his death in 2009, and who built the Delta Center arena over 30 years ago. The name was changed from Delta Center to Energy Solutions Arena in 2006 and since then, has been changed to Vivint SmartHome Arena and then to Vivint Arena in 2020. However, in a press conference on Jan. 14, Delta CEO Ed Bastian said he’s been wanting the Delta name back on the arena for a while now and has “respectfully” been discussing it with current Jazz owner Ryan Smith for the past few years. In the conference, Bastian explained the only reason
Delta lost the name in the first place was because of aftereffects from 9/11 — Delta and every other airline took a huge hit. “We had to make some tough decisions to save costs fast,” he said. “I was the one in the chair and made the decision to take the name off the arena. 16 years later, it still gnaws at me.” And now 16 years later, older generations are reminiscing on their memories in the Delta Center. “I remember having season tickets the first year the Delta Center was built back in the day,” my dad, Gregory Caldwell, said. “I watched more games there than I ever did when it had any of the other names combined. Delta just creates nostalgia not just because of the name, but because you know it represents the Jazz.” Even Utah State University students have memories of the original Delta Center and are eager to be part of its homecoming. Ryan Sorensen, a USU junior and lifelong casual Jazz fan, said he remembered games in the Delta Center. “I was very excited to see the arena renamed,” Sorensen said. “I remember when I was young, watching John Stockton and Karl Malone running the show under Jerry Sloan from the Delta Center.” Student and avid sports fan Verl Johansen said even without any memories of the arena itself, he recalls always knowing it by its first given name. “I remember growing up hearing my dad and broadcasters continue to call it the Delta Center, even after the name changed,” Johansen said. And Johansen isn’t alone. There have been so many
Outside of the current name of the Utah Jazz arena, Vivint Arena, located at 301 S Temple in Salt Lake City before a home game on Jan. 14.
Utahns who never stopped saying the familiar name that Bastian addressed it in the press conference and admitted it upset him because he felt guilty. But now, both Bastian and Smith say this has been a moment worth waiting for, and they feel it’s the right move. “Delta didn’t need this for marketing,” Smith said in the conference. “They did it because they want to do the right thing and have this moment that, like Ed said, needed to be done.” Vivint has been a sponsor of the Jazz since 2015 and according to a tweet from the Utah Jazz on Jan. 14, they will remain a sponsor of the Jazz for another eight years. The change will take effect in July as the Jazz celebrate their 50th season in the NBA, and fans can’t seem to think of any better way to commemorate it. “They say homecomings are sweet, but 16 years later – this is really special,” Bastian said in the press conference. “It’s a real honor to be back, and we aren’t ever leaving.” Jacee Caldwell is a senior studying broadcast journalism. Other than her passion for writing, Jacee loves boxing, hip-hop, Pepsi, Nike and Colorado boys. — jacee.caldwell@usu.edu
PHOTO BY Jacee Caldwell
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Back to their roots
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New thrift shop to open in Logan By Jack Johnson NEWS REPORTER
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ew businesses have been popping up everywhere in Logan over the past year. Some worth mentioning are Costco, which opened in November 2022, and In-N-Out, which opened in August. Local businesses have also been opening up, including Barrel and Stave in January 2022 and Prodigy Brewing in July. With Logan growing so rapidly, other businesses have been seeming to follow suit.
Indy Clover is keeping the ball rolling, opening a new Utah-based business on Center Street in Logan. Indy Clover is a reused clothing boutique that thrifts clothes for people. The process is simple — rent out a booth, set it up and bring in your clothes, and then Indy Clover will sell the items over a weeklong period. Anyone can rent out a booth and use it to sell whatever they want. They do not need to be at the store to sell their own products — that job is for the Indy Clover team. Indy Clover started with two Utahns in Lindon. According to a video on their website, Keena and Mia
started out selling their clothes through garage and clothing sales, as well as thrifting. But Keena said the small amount of money they earned wasn’t worth the hassle. This is where the idea of Indy Clover came to be. “The concept is very, very simple. You bring in your clothes. You create the prices. You tag your items. You hang them, you organize them in your booth. Then you leave the rest to us,” Mia said. The company is franchised throughout the West, with locations in Lindon, Ogden, Springville, St. George and Gilbert, Arizona. Students at Utah State University have thoughts about the business. Chandler Justice, a senior studying computer science said he’s seen stores like this before. “It’s the traditional vintage store model with a refresh,” Justice said. “It’s not a new idea.” Justice said although it is a recycled idea, “we need more thrift stores in Logan. More thrift stores would be optimal.” He said the problem is it will be more expensive than a thrift store because the clothes are not simply donated, but sold, which brings up the price of the clothing altogether. However, he does like the idea of Indy Clover being a Utah-local business. “Utah does that a lot where it’s franchised local businesses, like it’s local to the state,” he said. Indy Clover opens on Feb. 11 at 99 W. Center St.
Jack Johnson is a USU student studying English and history. When he isn’t staring at the ceiling, he spends his time reading, writing, traveling and rolling in jiu-jitsu. — jack.johnson@usu.edu
PHOTO BY Heidi Bingham Indy Clover is a secondhand store where people can purchase a booth to resell clothes and other items. The new Indy Clover store will be located at 99 W Center St. in Logan.
By Harrison Larson LIFESTYLES STAFF REPORTER
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allows players to be limited only by creative expression. Players, as well as game runners, can create scenarios and characters that reflect their own feelings and ideas in a group medium. While TTRPGs may not have been initially designed to look into the complexities of the human mind, it is hard to deny that they provide a unique peek behind the curtain. Ultimately, it is up to the players and game runners to foster a space for growth and discovery, but casual games are no substitute for professional help.
abletop roleplaying games have had a massive resurgence in the past few years, becoming a popular pastime for both newer and older generations. The revitalization can most directly be accredited to the massive freedom of creation offered by the vast spectrum of unique rulesets and systems, as well as today’s modern streaming world. Ranging from classic fantasy settings like Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder to the massive expanses of the Star Wars universe in Star Wars: Edge Of The Empire, there is a TTRPG for everyone. The qualities of a TTRPG provide a way for people to connect and express themselves and their ideas. A group of mental health professionals, Geek Therapeutics, want to use those qualities to help people improve their mental health. Geek Therapeutics focuses on teaching mental health professionals how to use TTRPGs for treatment. Games to Grow, another group implementing the games in therapeutic settings, expressed that TTRPGs used for treatment can be helpful to people struggling with varying forms of mental distress and illness, especially those suffering from social difficulties and identity discovery. TTRPGs work in these specific areas because of the ability to experiment by altering different interactions and experiences to suit a patient’s particular needs. While other practices of therapy have the same results as TTRPGs, the element that separates it from the others is the main point of all games — fun. The goal of TTRPG therapy is to make the experience enjoyable while still providing the benefits of self-betterment. PHOTO BY Bree Baird Spencer Ehlers, an incoming Utah State UniUSU students play Dungeons and Dragons as it gained popularity in the Nov. 6, 1996 versity student, has been playing TTRPGs for over edition of The Utah Statesman. five years. He said he would be interested in TTRPG therapy being available. Andrew Stubbs, a student at USU, is newer in the TTRPG hobby community and is part of an online game. “I think that D&D might have a good space in therapy because I have found out a lot more people play D&D than I thought,” Stubbs said. While TTRPGs are being used for therapy, it is not the only way they can benefit mental state. Harrison Larson is a freshman pursuing his The design of many TTRPGs is to foster a close comEnglish degree in creative writing. When he munity among the players and runners of the games. has spare time, he loves to explore and find Whether at a local game store or with a group of close new things to do with friends and is always friends, there is a social network of those involved. looking for a good documentary. This network provides a way to make small, consistent connections that benefit mental health. — A02360639@usu.edu Beyond the connections made through the game community, a solid connection to self can be made when playing TTRPGs. Direct contact with creative freedom
Jake Ellis is a senior studying journalism. He hosts the “Aggie Radio Sports Show” with Jacob Nielson where they talk all things USU sports. Check it out on Monday or Wednesday evenings or search for Aggie Radio Sports wherever you listen to podcasts.
ON MY MIND IKELARSEN
Take My Breath The Weeknd
The Sweet Escape Gwen Stefani, Akon
Lotus Eater
Foster The People
Hurt You, Gus @zo1oft BENEE
Watching the tl try and break down the Harry Styles Chris Pine spitting allegations like its the assassination of JFK
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Column: Tabletop Roleplaying Games benefit positive mental health
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Black Kat Ink and SAAVI spread empowerment SAAVI. “Not only was it a fun way to raise money for our survivor fundraiser, but just being able to be there was such a lack Kat Ink and the Sexual Assault and Anti-Vicool, awesome energy,” Gallegos said. “There are people olence Information Office partnered for a fundthat are getting their 10th tattoo, and some people are raiser on Wednesday, Jan. 11. Participants chose getting their very first tattoo.” a pre-drawn tattoo that symbolizes anti-violence, and a Gallegos said the environment at Black Kat Ink was a portion of the proceeds went directly to SAAVI to help very empowering one. survivors in need. “It was really awesome to be around people who were Aubrynn Sloat, a student at Utah State University, decidnot only giving back to survivors but also really empowed to participate in the fundraiser to show her support to ered by the design they were getting,” Gallegos said. victims and survivors with a new tattoo. According to Gallegos, survivors can feel that someone “I love their cause, and I love getting tattooed,” Sloat else has taken advantage of their body and “used it for said. “I have had a lot of people in my life, including mythemselves.” self, that have been affected by sexual violence.” “Getting a tattoo is just one way for a surSloat said she works on campus, and her devivor to take back their body, to feel proud of partment works with the SAAVI office. their body — to put something on their body “I felt like it was something that I could do to that empowers them,” Gallegos said. help support them,” Sloat said. “The more people Gallegos said the attendance rate of the event know about it, the more people realize it’s a far surpassed what they were expecting. resource for them.” “When we’re creating fundraisers, we want to Sloat said anything promoting SAAVI is good have a lot of diverse opportunities,” Gallegos for the community. said. “Black Kat is really well known in the “I feel like getting tattoos — I feel like they community and so they were able to spread kind of correlate,” Sloat said. “Sometimes people the word amongst their community for their having horrible things happen to them feel like business.” they’re outliers, and a lot of people who get Gallegos said this fundraiser was so successtattooed also feel like outliers. So, I feel like ful, it will continue as an annual event at Black tattooing is another way to take back your body Kat Ink for years to come. for yourself.” “If you’re worrying or wondering if somebody Dani Jones, an apprentice at Black Kat Ink, said in your life is experiencing or has experienced all the designs chosen for the event were preany type of harm, whether that’s sexual asdrawn by the studio’s artists. sault, harassment, discrimination, and un“I wanted it to be a little more fierce,” Jones healthy relationships, the most important thing said. “Like with the cat that I drew up, and then a you can do is be a support person,” Gallegos PHOTO BY Claire Ott sunrise, like the sun’s going to come up.” Whitney Howard, a victim advocate for SAAVI, Emma Adkins, owner of Black Kat Ink Studio, tattoos Whitney Howard, Vicitim Advocate for SAAVI and Utah State said. Gallegos cautioned against doubting a survisaid the organization helps victims through thera- alumna. vor’s story. py and advocacy. difficulty meeting their financial needs. “Don’t be someone who is judgmental,” Gallegos said. “We can help them through the reporting process if they “It’s just nice to have our own fund that we can be able Gallegos said it is very important to allow survivors to choose to report,” Howard said. “It’s also valid if they to pull from and not have to request any additional fundmake their own choices along their unique journey. don’t want to report. We can also help them with emoing,” Howard said. “You don’t have to be a professional therapist or an intional support, coping skills and psychoeducation. It’s just Sexual assault can have unexpected effects on finances, vestigator when someone confides in you,” Gallegos said. a free and confidential resource for anybody connected to according to Howard. “Your role is to simply support that person and empower Utah State.” “It can really mean a lot to somebody that doesn’t have them, and trust them to make the best decision for themAccording to Howard, the resource is available for both to worry about where their next rent payment is going to selves, and then support them along the way.” students and faculty to talk about incidents that hapcome from,” Howard said. pened during their time at USU, or prior. Avery Truman is a first-year student Past fundraisers include a restaurant night and a class “I’d say this event is good for the community because pursuing environmental studies and with the campus recreational center. sexual misconduct is unfortunately very common,” Howgeography. She is passionate about “This was just another opportunity that we thought of,” ard said. “More common than some people might realize. astronomy, writing and reading science Gallegos said. “A couple of us were familiar with Black Even if they themselves are not impacted by it, there’s fiction and learning about wildlife. Kat Ink. They are a woman-run, woman-empowered a chance that they have a friend or family member or a tattoo shop.” loved one that has experienced it.” — A02385315@usu.edu Gallegos said Black Kat Ink was thrilled to partner with Howard said sexual misconduct affects people not only By Avery Truman LIFESTYLES STAFF REPORTER
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on an individual level, but also entire communities. Jones said events like this can spread the word about violence in the community. “I didn’t even know about the organization at USU before this,” Jones said. “I feel like it’s always important to keep that conversation going.” Jones said Black Kat Ink is a safe place for everyone. Felicia Gallegos, SAAVI’s outreach and prevention coordinator, is responsible for coordinating all of SAAVI’s fundraising events, training and workshops. “We have our SAAVI survivor fund, which covers any hardship that a survivor might face along their healing journey,” Gallegos said. Howard said the fund can help survivors who may have
@petan_ethersen
@clairelalaa
if utahns are gonna be grateful for one thing, it’s gonna be moisture
Are you guys doing a bit or do you fr like diet coke that much
By Leah Call LIFESTYLES STAFF REPORTER
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t was last year’s New Year’s goal to open a business together. About 11 months later, Utah State University alumni Jeremy and Jentrie plan to open Cache Valley’s first ever rage room. “We’re excited too. Things are looking up and going in the right direction. It’s been a rollercoaster, because it was Dec. 9 when we decided we really wanted to go with it, and here we are. It happened late in the year. It took 11 months to get here, but here we finally are,” Jeremy said. Originally, their goal was to be open by Jan. 15, but due to unexpected circumstances, opening will take a little longer. “I feel like it started for me before rage rooms were a thing,” Jentrie said. “I’m sure lots of other college students do this, but when me and my roommates were really stressed about something, we would go to DI and buy plates, and we would go to an abandoned parking lot and just get angry. It was so nice to relieve stress that way.” Some items featured in the rooms include a piano, a car, an organ, televisions, dishware, glass to break and mirrors. “We have a lot of ‘smashables’ and breakable stuff, but then a lot of it is also materials that we bought back in December,” Jeremy said. “We came home after Christmas, and we had like 12 Amazon packages all over our PHOTO BY Claire Ott front porch. And the next day, eight more came. And The Cache Smash Rage Room will be located at 680 W. 200 N. in Logan Utah. According to their website, Cache Smash will be the valley’s first and only rage room. the next day, six more came. We hadn’t been able to get To have a safe and fun place to do that so that’s kind “We love Cache Valley, we’ve been here for eight years, into the building yet, so we were like, ‘What do we do of where my motivation is in doing this,” Jentrie said. and in the winter, there’s only like four things to do in the with all this stuff?’ Our whole garage is full. Plus two “We’re also hoping to be a recycler of some sort, where valley, and once you’ve done them, you’ve done them,” trailers.” people can come with a collection of old things they Jentrie said. “But we really want to add value to this There will be 2-4 person and 10-15 person rooms. Visiwould have thrown away, and be able to break them space and we think a rage room like this would be great tors can shop around to choose breakable items, then pay and then have them be recycled properly after. So we’re for people to get out and do it in the winter great for peoper pound before entering the room. There is a lounge hoping it can be a win-win all around.” ple to relieve some stress in a healthy way.” area with windows where people can watch others rage. The name, Cache Smash, came to Jeremy in what he “It’s kind of a funny thing to be in the business of getcalled a “stroke of genius”. ting people’s junk, you know? This whole time, people “I don’t even know how it happened but one day the have been like, ‘I have this old TV if you want it’ or name just came to me — Cache Smash,” Jeremy said. other random things,” Jentrie said. “We are basically just Leah Call is a junior pursuing her “We were like, ‘That’s it.’ I honestly couldn’t tell you collecting people’s junk that they don’t know what to do degree in print journalism. In her where it came from; it just popped in my head.” with now, which has been kind of fun.” free time, she loves finding new music In addition to the rage rooms, there will be famiJentrie graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business to jam to and is always on the lookly-friendly paint splatter rooms. For a $20 or $25 fee, marketing with an emphasis in marketing from USU. She out for the perfect iced chai tea. visitors can purchase a blank canvas, three paint colors, said she believes Cache Smash will be a therapeutic safe a poncho, goggles and booties. For 30 minutes attendees space for all. — A02395831@usu.edu can splatter as much paint on the canvas as possible. “I just love the idea that, yes it’s fun to smash things, The Hales are currently looking into the logistics of but I’m hoping that it can be a real-life stress reliever making the business mobile as well. for people and to help people’s mental health as well.
@UtahUpdates
@ItsMattsLaw
@RyanTbaum
Teachers $40000 Bus drivers $30000 Fixing potholes $12 Gondola $1000000000 Painting road lines $0 someone who is good at the economy please help me budget this. my citizens are dying.
(completely overwhelmed) will do!
Back in my day there was so much toilet paper and eggs that we would throw them at the houses of our enemies
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Cache Smash: Cache Valley’s rage room
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Campus Recreation provides selfdefense classes for the community By Caitlin Keith LIFESTYLES STAFF REPORTER
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little — we certainly don’t want to live in a world of only women are victims and only men are attackers, because we know that’s not true.” Ken Conroy, a student at USU, is registered for the current session of evening R.A.D. classes. “I started to take this class because I’m a young woman who lives alone,” Conroy said. “I’ve been in some pretty scary situations myself where I kind of just froze, and I don’t want to feel like that ever again. I want to be able to defend myself if the situation ever arises.” Those attending the class learned they have six weapons on them at all times — their voice, head, elbows, fists, knees and feet. The most important of these weapons is the voice. “Women especially learn how powerful our voices are,
ave you found yourself in a situation when you felt unsafe and wished you knew how to defend yourself? Utah State University offers self-defense classes meant to help those who seek skills to protect themselves. Katie Burns, the associate director of campus recreation, teaches and organizes these classes alongside Amanda Bray, the assistant director of healthy lifestyle programs and community engagement. “R.A.D. stands for rape, aggression, defense, and it was started in 1989,” Burns said. “And it is an international program.” R.A.D. classes are offered at universities and in communities all around the world. These classes have been offered regularly at USU for academic credit, and two classes are offered every semester, listed as PE 1407. USU’s R.A.D. classes are a cooperative effort between Campus Recreation and the police department. Officer Nick Bowman works with Burns and Bray to teach portions of the class. Last summer, Campus Rec started offering weekly R.A.D. classes in the evening, open to students and anyone else in the community. The classes currently take place once a week for two hours, over the course of five weeks. “We wanted to provide more opportunities,” Bray said. “That is why we’re doing the evening classes now — that is open still to students and faculty staff as well as the community members. And the reason why we do this is because we think it’s such a great resource and tool for USU campus and surrounding community.” The classes are currently open to those who identify as female, but they are working on developing a new version of the class open to those who identify as male. Burns said the classes would be held separately with different curriculums, but would come together a few times for certain exercises. “We’re working on developing a men’s version of the class,” Burns said. “Officer Bowman is going to lead the charge on what that looks USU students participate in the RAD class in the HPER on Jan. 17. like. So changing the curriculum a
and I think Hollywood makes us think when you get attacked, you either don’t say anything or don’t do anything, or you scream,” Burns said. “But the third option there would be yelling, which is different than screaming. And the power that we have just by yelling to get other people’s attention to get the help, we need to scare off a potential attacker.” The class is taught both in the gym and in the classroom. “The hands-on self-defense is just one piece of the class,” Burns said. “I think that when we think self-defense, we all think about throwing a punch or kicking or whatever, right? But so much of self-defense is thinking about, ‘What situations am I putting myself in before I get there?’ Not that we need to live in bubble wrap, but just knowing.” Bray said R.A.D. is important because it provides more awareness for everyday life, taking care of yourself and having the resources to protect yourself. “The biggest thing is awareness and noticing your own risk,” Bray said. Burns and Bray said with the success of the current and previous evening classes, they are hoping to continue providing evening sessions open to the community. Future evening R.A.D. sessions can be registered for online through the campus recreation portal recportal.usu.edu. “We’re teaching you to be aggressive and defensive because you are number one — your safety is the priority,” Bray said.
Caitlin Keith is from Utah and is currently a junior studying journalism. Other than writing, she enjoys watching and ranting about tv shows or sports, speaking German and eating snacks. — A02312868@usu.edu PHOTO BY Elise Gottling
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‘Beam queen’ Sofi Sullivan’s path to perfection By Nathan Dunn SPORTS REPORTER
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ompeting in the fourth annual Best of Utah meet on Jan. 13, Utah State Gymnastics needed a strong beam performance from their anchor to stay within striking distance of two top-25 opponents. Their senior anchor was tasked with wiping a 9.625 to keep the Aggies’ chances alive. One rotation later, after a 9.900 routine, the Aggies found themselves in second place. Sofia Sullivan — who prefers to go by Sofi — produced that 9.900, her fifth-best beam score in her career. “She is a firecracker always,” senior teammate Brianna Brooks said. “We know she can do that and better. Her 9.900 was electric.” Head coach Kristin White agrees. “It was perfection,” said White. “No doubt in my mind she is one of the best beamers in the entire country.” Since being named the Sofi Sullivan celebrates after her beam routine at the Best of Utah meet on Jan. 13. 2020 Mountain Rim Gymnastics Conference Freshman “If she would’ve competed in her sophomore year withof the Year — thanks to her solid performances as an out the injury and in her junior year, she would’ve been all-around competitor — Sullivan has been a strict beam an All American,” said Sullivan’s father, Paul. performer the last two seasons. During her freshman Paul said Sofi’s dislocations started when she was eight season, she set the school record and a career-high with or nine years old, and once, she dislocated her shoulder a 9.975 on beam, and her 9.883 single-season average at practice doing bars. earned her second all-time in Utah State history. Sofi, who turned 22 on Jan. 18, has suffered nine disloSullivan, who hails from Manhattan Beach, California, cations to her left knee. was granted an additional year of eligibility due to coro“My patella isn’t really in the right place — I have disnavirus, and she is determined to get a perfect 10. located my left one like 10 times,” Sofi said, laughing. “Every single day she comes in, you get the same athNine left, five right. Fourteen knee dislocations since lete every time she steps on the beam,” White said. “She she was eight years old seems like an insurmountable is the beam queen — she wants to get that 10.” obstacle, but Sofi pushed through. Winning freshman of the year often heralds extreme “It’s been difficult for her to overcome,” said Paul. potential heading into the next season, but for Sullivan, “Whatever happens, it will be a great senior year, and we it didn’t happen. are proud of her for fighting through the injuries.” “I initially opted out for covid reasons, but when I was Sofi said the surgery prepared her for life outside of thinking of coming back, I dislocated my knee, which has gymnastics. been an ongoing problem,” Sullivan said. “I needed surgery for life, not just for gymnastics. I “Problem” may be understating the series of events couldn’t walk, and surgery was just required this time,” with Sullivan’s knee. It was her ninth left-knee dislocaSofi said. “I ended up getting an MPFL reconstruction, tion, and it resulted in her flying to California for surgery and hopefully it’ll last me this last season.” with David Gazzaniga, an orthopedic surgeon specializThe MPFL is the medial patellofemoral ligament, which ing in sports medicine and the head physician for the LA lies near the patella. Post-surgery brought painful rehab Chargers. to get her back to a competitive level.
PHOTO BY Heidi Bingham
“It was incredibly hard to get back on track. I did physical therapy three times a week, and it was a struggle for me going through the pain,” Sofi said. “Coming back into gymnastics after being off for a really long time was a struggle.” Sofi said the surgery didn’t just affect her physical health, but her mental health too. Since then, she has become a mental health advocate. “Being a student-athlete is really hard and taxing. I think it is really important to find even 10 minutes out of your day to find something you like and have someone to talk to,” she said. Despite the challenges, Sofi is glad she made the choice to return to gymnastics. “I am really happy that I did it and happy with where I am at now,” she said. Sofi received an offer from Utah State when she was just a junior in high school. But she didn’t attend a typical high school. “I was actually homeschooled in middle school and high school so I could do gym,” Sofi said. “My parents have been so supportive throughout mine and my siblings’ sports careers. They spent so much time with me, driving an hour and a half to practice — there and back every day.”
“We had a whole program switch. (The shirts) are to show everyone that even though we lost our lineups and coaches, we are still an amazing team, and we are going to prove to everyone we can win a championship again,” Sofi said. Sofi’s quest for a perfect 10 and the Aggies’ desire to get back to the top will continue this week when they host BYU on Jan. 27 in the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum at 7 p.m.
This Week Aggie Athletics
Basketball Men’s
Jan. 25: @ San Diego State 9 p.m., San Diego, California Jan. 28: @ Fresno State 5 p.m., Fresno, California Nathan Dunn is a junior majoring in communication studies. When he’s not covering the Aggies, Nathan sells sporting goods to Loganites. — nathan.dunn@usu.edu @NateDunnUSU
Women’s
Jan. 26: vs. Wyoming 6 p.m., Dee Glen Smith Spectrum Jan. 28: vs. New Mexico 2 p.m., Dee Glen Smith Spectrum
Track and Field Jan. 27-28: UW Invitational Seattle, Washington Stacy Dragila Invitational Pocatello, Idaho
Gymnastics Jan. 20: vs. BYU 7 p.m., Dee Glen Smith Spectrum
Tennis Women’s
Sofi Sullivan climbs onto the beam at the Best of Utah meet on Jan. 13.
PHOTO BY Heidi Bingham
Jan. 28: vs. Western Michigan Lincoln, Nebraska Jan. 29: @ Nebraska Lincoln, Nebraska
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Being homeschooled allowed her to train with some of the top gymnasts in the world. “She kept bugging me for two years that she wanted to go to gymnastics. We finally took her because we got a coupon for a free lesson,” Paul said. “She was just a natural, and she trained with the Chinese coaches at Gym-Max that coached McKayla Maroney.” Maroney won a gold medal for the United States at the 2012 Summer Olympics. “Sofi was on the Elite Training Squad when she was just nine years old, trying to get on the national team, but got injured a few times and didn’t ascend because of it,” Paul said. Though injuries have plagued Sofi, she continues to dominate in her sport and has plans to grow this season, in beam and beyond. While competing in all-around events her freshman year, she had 9.850 scores or better as her career highs in all four events. “Beam is my best event, and I really do love doing it. It makes me happy helping my team in that event,” Sofi said. “Surgery made floor hard on my body; I am hoping to get back into the bar lineup and compete this season. I want to help my team the most I can.” Her team spirit does not go unnoticed. Brooks said she is “the best teammate.” “We go back to back with each other. She has my back, and I have her back,” Brooks said. Sofi and the Aggies are looking to prove people wrong this season. The team sported “Something 2 Prove” shirts at the Best of Utah meet, referencing the people who “wrote off” the Aggies after the departure of former head coach Amy Smith and other key athletes.
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Spectrum Magic is back in full force By Jake Ellis SPORTS EDITOR
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t was incredibly loud inside the Glen Dee Smith Spectrum last Tuesday. Utah State Men’s Basketball was hosting UNLV, and the crowd was fully invested. “I couldn’t even hear myself like 80% of the game,” said Luke Messerly, a first-year student. “I was right in that front row, and it was crazy.” More than 7,600 fans crowded the Spectrum to support the Aggies and see Mountain West basketball. “It was electric,” said Jace Long, another first-year student. “I’ve never felt that at a Utah State game. It felt like I was at like a professional level playoff game.” And as the game came down to the wire, the crowd was a big factor in helping the Aggies secure the 75-71 victory. “Our fans were amazing,” head coach Ryan Odom said. “It’s incredible how loud it is throughout the game… The HURD is a big part of helping us win games.” But it wasn’t just the student section. Nearly the entire
USU students cheer at the Spectrum Magic game against Air Force on Feb. 1, 2022.
arena was on their feet, cheering on the Aggies in the crucial final possessions — a phenomenon that isn’t always present. “Throughout my entire time at the Spectrum, I knew that there would always be the HURD in that corner, and the question is, ‘What is the community going to bring?’” guard Steven Ashworth said. “Down the stretch on defense, I’d say Cache Valley came in clutch.” It was the return of Spectrum Magic or at least the crescendo, as USU senior Jacob Nielson puts it. “I don’t think Spectrum Magic ever left,” Nielson said. “I think that it’s maximized this year… It’s reaching its potential. Nielson, a sports reporter who covers the Aggies, said it was probably the loudest it had been in the Spectrum since his first year, when Utah State took down Boise State. “Queta had this block at the end of that game to kind of seal the two-point win, and it was just shattering noise,” Nielson said. “I don’t think Tuesday superseded that, but perhaps it matched it.”
And since it’s only January, Nielson thinks the Spectrum has the potential to get even louder. “I think it’s really exciting because you have a combination of some of the best teams in the conference have yet to come to the Spectrum, and all the biggest games are weeknights,” Nielson said. The weeknights aspect is important because Nielson says it helps students get to the games instead of doing other activities. Nielson predicted the New Mexico and San Diego State home games will have “really insane atmospheres,” particularly the game against the Aztecs. “That has the potential to have the rowdiest Spectrum in years,” Nielson said. The Aggies’ next chance to pack the Spectrum comes on Wednesday, Feb. 1, when USU hosts New Mexico. — jake.ellis@usu.edu @JakeEllisonair
STATESMAN FILE PHOTO
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Sudoku puzzles are provided by www.sudokuoftheday.com. Last week’s solution:
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