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1481 West Riverdale Rd. Favorites! Riverdale, Ut 84405 II Bleed Purple Fall 2017 WeberStateSports.com WeberStateSports.com Fall 2017 Bleed Purple 1 www.bankofutah.com 801-398-2800 • LHMRiverdale.com CONTENTS STARTING LINEUP

FEATURES 16 A HALL OF FAME MOTOR Brady Fosmark was not highly recruited out of high school, but his relentless effort led him to a fantastic career for the Wildcats and a place in the 2018 WSU Athletics THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE Hall of Fame class. OF WEBER STATE ATHLETICS BY JIM BURTON presented by 20 2018 HALL OF FAME CLASS Five former Wildcat standouts join the Weber State Athletics Hall of Fame this month. BY PAUL GRUA

26 THE BIG ASSIST Volume 4, Issue 1 Coming from difficult circumstances and the tragic loss of her mother at a young age, Jaiamoni Welch-Coleman is determined to Editor in Chief...... Darin Hogge make the correct moves that lead to success. BY CHRIS J. MILLER Executive Editors...... Paul Grua ...... Chris J. Miller 32 FRESHMEN TO SENIORS ...... Corie Holmes During a four-year college career, Wildcat student-athletes find themselves going Creative Director...... Darin Hogge through big changes, both on the court and off. Contributing Writers...... Chris J. Miller BY CORIE HOLMES ...... Jim Burton ...... Corie Holmes ...... Darin Hogge 32 40 A HISTORIC SEASON ...... Paul Grua 11 accomplishments for the Wildcats during ...... Jerry Bovee the 2017 season, which will go in the ...... Derek Dawes history books as the best season in Weber ...... Will Pridemore State history. BY PAUL GRUA Photography...... Robert Casey ...... Darin Hogge

Ad Director...... Dave Champlin DEPARTMENTS EMAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: WEBERSTATESPORTS.COM 6 SNAPSHOTS FACEBOOK: facebook.com/WeberStateAthletics 14 COMPLIANCE CORNER TWITTER: @WeberState 16 26 23 CREATE A LEGACY INSTAGRAM: WSUWildcats 43 NAME GAME 46 TOP TWEETS

2 Bleed Purple Fall 2017 WeberStateSports.com WeberStateSports.com Fall 2017 Bleed Purple 3 ® From the A.D. A Message from Jerry Bovee APPLE EDUCATION PRICING

he New Year is already off nationwide and in Utah on Twitter. We service all Apple products. to a roaring start and it’s It was a moment I’ll never forget! In great to see our student- athletes come back to campus NCAA FCS Playoffs garnered all-time addition this year, the run in the ready to go for the new top ten social media milestones for Tspring semester. The fall season was the athletics department and certainly an incredible one in Wildcat University social media channels. Athletics as the football program enjoyed the best season in school University's weber.edu site and our The website traffic for both the history. The trip to the FCS Quarter- weberstatesports.com Athletics website saw its’ three biggest days against national power James Madison of 2017 on each of the three playoff finals in Harrisonburg, Virginia, game days. the conclusion was not what we There is no question that this University, was thrilling even though were all hoping for. It has been seasons historic football playoff run gratifying to watch the process made a difference for the mission momentum continued to build as each week of the playoffs, the a winning football culture at Weber we began to hear from more and local community and with our Coach Hill has undertaken to build and brand of Weber State, in our State. more of the fans and friends of the There are numerous reasons the program. When the team reached students, faculty and staff. Our goal, University sponsors an athletics to continue to build on that excitement in the coming months and years, is program at Weber State but I would in each of our sports at Weber State. narrow it down to three main “A strong, well-run Thanks to all Wildcat fans and athletics program supporters; you do truly make athletics program adds to the student motivations. First, a strong, well-run experience and strengthens the adds to the student see you at the game. Weber State great, great, great! I’ll overall mission and brand of the experience and strengthens the overall Go Wildcats! opportunities for student-athletes University. Second, athletics provide mission and brand to receive a scholarship and earn a of the University.” which sponsors intercollegiate college degree, and third, a University athletics provides its’ community Jerry Bovee with another entertainment alternative Weber State Director of Athletics the quarterfinals against top ranked which differs from other opportunities began to occur; we started hearing JMU on ESPN, something special as it can garner community involve- from others that are not typically Alumni, take advantage of these Apple® deals & more in our stores and online at wildcatstores.com ment and pride as well as enhance followers of the program and they the geographical awareness of the began to jump on the Weber State Ogden campus WSU Davis WSU Downtown fan bandwagon. At some point level. town on a state, national and global Shepherd Union Building 2 2314 Washington Blvd. during the 2nd half of the game, First Floor Second Floor Ogden, UT 801-626-6352 801-395-3575 801-626-8820 As Coach Hill led the Wildcats into “Weber State” was trending worldwide, 4 Bleed Purple Fall 2017 WeberStateSports.com WeberStateSports.com Fall 2017 Bleed Purple 5 ™ and © 2017 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. The Wildcat offensive line moves to block Eastern Washington defenders as snow falls during Weber State's 28-20 win over the Eagles on Nov. 4 in Cheney, Wash. (Photo by Robert Casey)

6 Bleed Purple Fall 2017 WeberStateSports.com WeberStateSports.com Fall 2017 Bleed Purple 7 Weber State dancers do a leaping toe touch during a December basketball game at the Dee Events Center. (Photo by Robert Casey)

8 Bleed Purple Fall 2017 WeberStateSports.com WeberStateSports.com Fall 2017 Bleed Purple 9 Water splashes in the locker room as the Wildcats celebrate following the Wildcats' 21-19 win over Western Illinois in the opening round of the NCAA FCS Playoffs. (Photo by Robert Casey)

10 Bleed Purple Fall 2017 WeberStateSports.com WeberStateSports.com Fall 2017 Bleed Purple 11 Waldo leads the spirit squad onto the floor to open the "Lights Out" player introductions prior to a men's basketball game at the Dee Events Center. (Photo by Robert Casey)

12 Bleed Purple Fall 2017 WeberStateSports.com WeberStateSports.com Fall 2017 Bleed Purple 13 Compliance Corner Social Media

One of the missions of the Weber State Office of Athletics Compliance is to educate those who support our athletics programs. You may or may not know that NCAA rules control what a booster can and cannot do with recruits and current student-athletes. Improper interactions between a booster and a current or future student-athlete may jeopardize the student-athlete’s eligibility.

According to NCAA rules, you are a booster if you 1. Have participated in or have been a member of an agency or organization promoting the institution’s athletics program (e.g. Wildcat Club); 2. Have made financial contributions to the athletics department or to an athletics booster organization; 3. Have assisted or been asked to assist by the athletics department in the recruitment of a prospective student-athlete; 4. Assist or have assisted in provided benefits to student-athletes or their families; OR 5. Have been involved otherwise in promoting the institution’s athletics program. with Ryan Richardson It is important to remember that once you trigger booster status with an institution, you are always considered a booster.

s social media platforms boosters from communicating with click the video link above to get to know the senior guard a little bit better. Corie Holmes met up with men's basketball's Ryan Richardson for the latest edition of Playin' On Purple. Read below or recruits and their family members on ACT! Please contact us if you have any social media. These rules exist to questionsRemember on NCAA to ASK rules. BEFORE YOU Playin’ On Purple: What is your favorite moment or memory at havelike Facebook,become a large Twitter, part ensure that that there is not improper Weber State? Snapchat, and Instagram Ryan Richardson: My favorite memory at Weber State would be winning coaching staffs have increasingly where to attend college. The prohibition the Big Sky Championships my sophomore year. That was a lot of fun because A of our daily lives, our influence when a recruit is choosing Sincerely, I’ve never won a league championship like that. I’ve won my division in high used these platforms as a way of school but never a state championship or anything like that before. communicating with prospective but is not limited to: on contact on social media includes, student-athletes during the recruiting P.O.P What is something that not many people know about you? process. Social networks have • Posting on a Facebook wall R.R. replaced telephone calls as a preferred • Commenting on a recruit’s photos Will Pridemore right now because I just got done with practice and my voice isn’t right but yeah if you ever see channel of communication for a large • Using the inbox/email feature Director of Compliance me on I’m the musically street just gifted, ask me I’d to like sing to andsay. II’ll sing do andit. I dance. I’m not going to sing number of the recruits our coaches • Instant messaging [email protected] target each year. • Direct messaging 801.626.8552 P.O.P. If you had one million dollars to spend in one day how would you spend it? • Twitter “@ replies” R.R. • “mentions” necessary to have. I would go on a vacation somewhere far, far away. I would buy a bunch of stuff that is not P.O.P. If you could live in a book, movie, or t.v. show, any fictional world, what Weber State requests that its boosters would you choose and why? refrain from contacting recruits and R.R. I would be one of the people from Friends for sure. That’s my all time favorite t.v. show their family members on social and I think it would be awesome to have a group of friends that live across the hall from me and networking. A number of schools we’d just hang out with the doors never locked. It would be awesome. have reported violations of NCAA rules due to booster contact with P.O.P. What is the best concert you’ve ever been to and why did recruits on social media. When a you like it so much? R.R. Me singing in the car doesn’t count. I went to the Kendrick Lamar penalties that may affect our coaches’ concert this summer in Phoenix and that was probably the best one. I’m not a violation occurs, we must impose big rap fan but he was able to get me into the concert and I thought that was pretty cool. want to happen. While social media While our coaches can use social interactionability to recruit, between which boosters we do andnot media as a tool of communication still a violation of NCAA rules. recruits may be well-intended, it is 14with Bleedrecruits, Purple NCAA Fall rules 2017 prohibit WeberStateSports.com WeberStateSports.com Fall 2017 Bleed Purple 15 But he wasn’t nearly that big coming Fosmark said: “We weren’t like of the coaches he worked with was WSU D-line coach Tom Everson. any time you can spend time with Also at the camp were full teams would’veout of Clearfield been considered High School; too light but super good friends or anything, but tofrankly, play on even the atdefensive 260 pounds line at he a usually a good thing.” offensive linemen raring to get after guysGraybeal that are helped extremely recruit good, Fosmark it’s undersizedfrom Arizona, defensive complete ends with likebig what Fosmark lacked in measurable Fosmark. big-time FBS program. However, inductee Paul McQuistan (every bit desire to improve — to compete — Fosmark’sand fellow equal WSU on Hall the offensive of Fame Fosmark said. “(Everson) was one allowedmarkers suchhim toas sizesupersede and speed, all thehis line). Those two players came to of “Ithe worked coaches them that over was pretty there good,” and WSU at a time when the Wildcats That powerful motor Fosmark needed help in the trenches. possessedmeasurable helped facts and propelled figures. him to asinvolved. hard as HeI could would to do give what me he some was ‘Cats weren’t going to lose out of tellingpointers me. and I think generally, that was I would the thing try For his part, Graybeal said the that piqued (Weber State’s) interest. become a three-time All-American, Fosmark noted that when he came and a Big Sky Conference MVP Fosmark, no way, no how. and(2004). still He ranks was asalso Weber a three-time State's Fosmarks"Our biggest are) one selling close-knit point family. was All-Conference First Team selection, proximity," Garybeal said. "(The out of Clearfield, he was about the forced fumbles (9). doing something in his own back- hesame never height really he played is now, defensive but weighed end careerThose leader numbers in sacks are fantastic (32.5) and for Ultimately, I think it came down to only about 215 pounds. Strangely, any football player’s four-year have challenges to go to each and was an acclaimed center on the everyyard, whereone of hishis games."parents wouldn't while playing for the Falcons. He guy who had two options coming “In neither case did I play defensive outcollege of high career, school but (and give one them of them to a radar in the summer before his O-line and a tackle on defense. Fosmark first made it onto WSU’s he said. “Kind of a unique path there.” fame defensive end. end,That which unique is what path I wanted gave Fosmark to play,” rescinded), and you’ve got a hall of senior year at Clearfield. He attended Fosmark visited Idaho State and was a football camp at that time, and one A HALL OF FAME MOTOR introducedDuring the to recruitingBengals’ defensive process, Brady Fosmark was not highly recruited out of high school, but his re- who stood 6-foot-6 and weighed in excessend Jared of 250Allen, pounds. a hulking Allen specimen would lentless effort led him to a fantastic career for the Wildcats and a place in eventually go on to a memorable the 2018 WSU Athletics Hall of Fame class. Bears and Panthers. NFLThat career part with of ISU’s the recruitingChiefs, Vikings, plan By JIM BURTON the right things and by the time hat you’re about which is to say he never took plays definitely hit its mark. Allen said all to read might was basically between Weber and “When I was getting recruited, it was leaning toward the Bengals. never have little deeper to make the Wildcats Fosmark headed back to Utah, he happened were it State ended up rescinding their offer aoff, little and better. never stopped digging a Idaho State,” Forsmark said. “Idaho not for the rival kind of at the last minute.” “If ISU had offered me, I probably Idaho State former WSU head coach Jerry would’ve gone,” Fosmark said. “He was just relentless,” said Bengals and their decision to tap serious coup for the Wildcats. Graybeal. “And that’s what you want Of his time spent with Allen, And that, we now know, was a Wthe brakes on Brady Fosmark. in a D-lineman.” Idaho State quarterbacks out to be one of WSU’s all-time great paid the price after the defensive stud is the one who almost Fosmark, a defensive end, turned Bengals rescinded their Yep, the WSU Hall of Fame-bound Forsmark, who played from 2002 scholarship offer and Fosmark got away. 260 pounds during his playing days. ended up with the Wildcats. players. He had what coaches to 2005, was listed at 6-foot-3 and 16 Bleed Purple Fall 2017 sometimes refer to as high motor, WeberStateSports.com WeberStateSports.com Fall 2017 Bleed Purple 17 experience. And it’s here that the where he began to realize his potential manplenty with of playingthe motor time, offers and wisdom lots of asits a offer. player. That sent him to WSU, endGraybeal Mike Hale almost and linebacker gushes when Colton he for the youngsters. As he grew and improved as a Swan, just to name a few. “If I were to tell someone how to talks about those core players. He go to the camps at the schools you player, Fosmark became a force for speaks“It’s notabout something them off the you field, do onby get to college and play, I would say whichthe Wildcats. extended And into turn,well thebeyond Wildcats the the field and in the weight room. one-on-one time with (college defensivebenefited from line. Fosmark’s leadership, coaches).want to go You to,” hecan said. show “And them you that get Graybeal’s roster in the early-to-mid accident, it’s something you prepare you’re coachable and they kind of 2000’s became a who’s who of WSU for daily,” he said. “When we’d go to get an idea about what kind of a guy knewpractice, how it todidn’t focus matter. and steer When their it you are vs. just watching (high energiesgot time in to a directionget busy, where those it guys was football greats. Of course there’s going to make everyone around Fosmark and the McQuistan brothers, them better.” Fosmark’sschool highlight) football film.” story takes place Paul and Pat, but there’s also linebacker theIn moment any case, Idaho the tippingState rescinded point of Matt McFadden, defensive end leadership meant setting a good Shane Barkdull, running back Nick exampleFrom for Fosmark’s the younger perspective, guys; it also Cournos, linebacker Eric Jones, tight meant providing a spark when it was needed. “We would occasionally start a

fight if we felt like the practice was whatflat and needed we needed to happen.” to spice it up a littleThat bit,” group he said. of veteran “Sometimes players that’s also knew how to set the proper tone in

the weight room, Graybeal said. “Those guys, when they’re in the weight room, you better be ready to said.compete, “Anyone because in their those group guys better could beput ready up some to step serious up to thenumbers,” challenge.” he

coaching such a willful group of Weber State University As he reflects on the privilege of but smile. players, the former coach can’t help

“I know I played in the dark ages,” he said. “But when I look back on it, it’s those guys, that 10 years after haveyou’re worked done playing, as hard you as sit Brady back Fosmarkand say to always yourself, did.” ‘Man I wish I’d That’s always easier said than

between being a good player and done;being aafter hall ofall, famer. it’s the difference

18 Bleed Purple Fall 2017 WeberStateSports.com WeberStateSports.com Fall 2017 Bleed Purple 19 Weber State University starting in 42 career games and She led the Big Sky and set a Weber as Weber State's career leader in State school record that still THE 2018 HALL OF FAME CLASS sacksteam selection,and forced Fosmark fumbles. still ranks is 7.5 sacks more than the next recorded 32.5 career sacks, which during the season. came to Weber State in 2002 to play seventh in Big Sky history in career stands, finishing with 11 goals A native of Clearfield, Utah, Fosmark sacksclosest and Wildcat. is WSU's He career also still leader ranks in he started all 11 games for the Wildcats forced fumbles with nine and is seventh Hoover led the Wildcats to two andfor coach led the Jerry team Graybeal. with fourAs a freshman,sacks. As in career unassisted tackles. titleBig Sky in 2004 regular and season 2005 titles and two in 2003 trips toand the 2005, NCAA the College Big Cup.Sky Tournament team All-Big Sky honors and second Weber State history to earn teama sophomore All-America in 2003, hehonors earned andfirst He is one of just three players in team that defeated BYU in the NCAA also one of just three Wildcats to In 2005, she was part of the Wildcat most in a season in WSU history. All-America honors three times. He's in Big Sky history to advance in the recorded 12.5 sacks, still the second three times. College Cup,Cup. one of just three teams started all 11 games and was a everFosmark earn All-Big was Sky also first a teammember honors of As a junior in 2004, he again team during his time at Weber State. oneHoover of four was Wildcats a three-time to ever Big do Sky so. consensus first team All-American. the Wildcat men's track and field SheAll-Conference was also twice first teamnamed selection, the Big inHe Weber was also State named history the to earn Big that Sky shot put in indoor and outdoor track honor.Defensive MVP, one of just four players He still ranks in all-time top 10 in the She currently ranks in the Weber Fosmark married former Weber StateSky Tournament career top 10 MVP. in seven different and field. categories. She is second in career earnedAs a seniorAll-American in 2005, and under All-Big head Sky Colby Foxley. coach Ron McBride, Fosmark again State women's track and field standout By PAUL GRUA quarterback sacks. Rochelle Hoover assists, third in shots, fourth in Five standout athletes make up honors, while recording eight mostpoints, goals and sixth (11) in and career most goals. points She the 2018 class of inductees to the 1998-2001. She still holds two Sky history in the indoor high jump seasons for the Weber also holds two single-season record, Weberwomen's State track school and records field team and from won withfirst in a careerWSU history best mark and thirdof 6-00.50. in Big He finished his four-year career RochelleState Hoover women's played soccer four She was also named to the NSCAA/ of Fame. a conference title in the high jump In outdoor track she holds the school team from 2002-05. A Big Adidas(30) in Scholara season. All-America team in Weber State University Athletics Hall in four consecutive years in outdoor 2005. are: Brooke Cottle (women's track This year's Hall of Fame inductees recordShe withcompeted Jen Johnstun at the at 6-0, NCAA tied Sky MVP and a three-time Paul McQuistan track and field. Championshipsfor the fifth best onin Big three Sky different history. oneAll-Big of the Sky best first players team to Pauland field), McQuistan Brady (football) Fosmark and(football), Ruben An Ogden native and graduate of everselection, play forshe the ranks Wild as- Weber State to win a Super Bowl NembhardRochelle Hoover (men's (women's basketball). soccer), theOgden high High jump School, in all Cottlefour years won shethe earned All-American honors by cats. One of four players ever from competed.Big Sky Outdoor She's Championshipthe only Weber in occasions. As a junior in 2000, she top offensive linemen to ever play forring, the Paul Wildcats. McQuistan McQuistan is one playedof the The Wildcat Club Hall of Fame to ever win the same event four finishing eighth overall at the NCAA careerA native matches of Sandy, at Weber Utah, four seasons at Weber State from recognizedBanquet will at thebe WeberFriday, State Feb. men's23 at consecutiveState track yearsathlete, at a maleconference or female, meet. Indoor Championships, posting a StateHoover and played started inin 7567 2002-05 and earned All-American basketballHub 801. homeThe classgame againstwill also Idaho be She's one of just four women's athletes mark of 5-11.75. She also finished matches. As a senior in in Big Sky history to do so in any in13th the in 2001 the NCAAhigh jump Indoor at themeet. 2000 career in the NFL that included a event at the conference meet. NCAA Outdoor meet and was 16th Superhonors. Bowl He went ring onwith to havethe Seattle a long on Saturday, Feb. 24. For more Cottle also took twice captured Brady Fosmark awarded2005, she earnedthe Golden Big Sky Seahawks. Wildcatinformation Club at about 801-626-6576. Hall of Fame the Big Sky title in the high jump in Brady Fosmark played four seasons MVP honors and was weekend, contact the Weber State from 2002-05 with the Wildcat football to ever earn the honor. McQuistan played in 41 career Brooke Cottle 2000 and 2001. team and is one of the top defensive Boot, one of five Wildcats gamesA native for the of Lebanon,Wildcats between Oregon, A six-time Big Sky champion and indoorShe still track, holds winning Weber first State place school in players in school history. A three-time 2002-05 under head coaches Jerry records in the high jump in indoor Rochelle Hoover led Weber for four years with the Weber State State to Big Sky titles in started every game of the last three All-American, Brooke Cottle competed All-American, a Big Sky MVP and a 2004 and 2005. Graybeal and Ron McBride. He and outdoor track and field. She is three-time All-Conference first 20 Bleed Purple Fall 2017 WeberStateSports.com WeberStateSports.com Fall 2017 Bleed Purple 21 seasons and was an All-American in the Wildcats to the Big Sky regular 2005 and earned All-Conference season title. teams in the nation under legendary honors twice in his career. Michigan State, one of the top 10 McQuistan was drafted in the third and once again led Weber State to Nembhard played all 40 minutes and round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the theHe conference came back astitle a senior and became in 1994-95 the ledhead the coachWildcats Jud with Heathcoate. 27 points as Weber State pulled off one of its biggest fourthOakland highest Raiders, player following from a four-year Weber first player in school history to earn Statecareer selected at Weber in the State. NFL HeDraft. is the theBig SkyBig SkyConference in scoring MVP at 20.1 honors. points He NCAAwins in Tournament school history, win beatingin 16 years. the perearned game first and team also honors averaged as he four led TheSpartans Wildcats 79-72. then It faced was AllenWSU's Iverson first assists per contest. mostHe spentgames eight ever yearsby a Weber in the StateNFL, second round. Nembhard had 19 playing in 97 career games, the third Conference postseason Tournament pointsand the but Georgetown the Wildcats Hoyas suffered in the a championshipHe led Weber Stateand theto the Wildcats Big Sky Seattleplayer. HeSeahawks spent four and seasonsone with with the advanced to the NCAA Tournament the Oakland Raiders, three with the Nembhardheart-breaking played 53-51 in loss. 60 career gamesIn his and two scored seasons 999 at career Weber points. State, Cleveland Browns. He started in 53 WSUfor the was first sent time all in the 13 way years. to Talla- of his 97 career games. He played in For the 1995 NCAA Tournament, Seattle16 games defeated for the the Seahawks Denver Broncos.in 2013, He was named to the Weber State including Super Bowl XLVII, where hassee, Florida as a 14 seed to face 50th Anniversary Team in 2013. draftedAt Weber in the State, 2006 he played NFL Draft alongside and alsohis twin spent brother nine years Pat, playingwho was in also the NFL. Pat played in 72 career games in the NFL for Dallas, Miami, New Orleans,Ruben Arizona Nembhard and Tennessee.

RubenThe firstNembhard Big Sky led MVP the inWildcats Weber toState two men's Big Sky basketball titles and history,guided Weber State to one of the biggest wins in school history.

Nembhard attended Paris Junior CollegeA native in Texasof the beforeBronx, comingNew York, to Weber State where he played two seasons for coach Ron Abegglen from 1993-95. As a junior in 1993-94, Nembhard played in 30 games and averaged 13.2 points per game while leading Paul McQuistan was an All-American with the Wildcats and spent eight years playing in the NFL, during which he helped Seattle to a Super Bowl win.

22 Bleed Purple Fall 2017 WeberStateSports.com WeberStateSports.com Fall 2017 Bleed Purple 23

Simply Smarter Weber St Program Ad.indd 1 9/15/15 3:56 PM Create a Legacy Invest In Champions THROWBACK PIC

hat an exciting time it is to be a fan of Weber State Athletics and especially a member of the WWildcat Club. The past few months have been full of exciting events and achievements. It was amazing to see the support from the Wildcat Club as the Football team made their historic run through the FCS Playoffs. The pre-game tailgate in Cedar City was attended by over 250 Wildcat Club members and as we all proceeded into the student-athletes. There are many overtake the stadium. The best part member invests in our student-athletes affordable options for providing a game, it was great to see purple and By assists joining them the Wildcat as they Club, develop each scholarship for a deserving student- We had an amazing Cat Bash into champions by achieving success wasdinner the andfinal auction score! held in early in their respective classrooms and give me a call! competition while here at Weber athletes. If you are interested, please attended and generously donated toNovember. help the CatOur Bash thanks be successful.to all who people go out and grow into out- We also express thanks to the Young standingState. Upon leaders graduation, and members these young of Automotive Group for their title their respective communities. As I sponsorship and to Thomas and go out and speak with many members Mary McCarthey for sponsoring the silent auction. Mark your calendars they have is knowing that they have madeof the Club,an investment the greatest insatisfaction a young Bash! person and the greatest return on for TheNovember Beehive 3 Classicfor the nextand theCat their investment is watching them “Wildcat Club at Weber State grow into Champions! Basketball” were other well attended In addition to joining the Wildcat events that promoted the club and helped with our vision to grow the Invest In Champions is by providing Club, one of the best ways to help Wildcat Club as we strive to Invest a scholarship to a Weber State ᰠ䴀礀猀挀栀漀氀愀爀猀栀椀瀀洀攀愀渀猀愀氀漀琀琀漀洀攀⸀ 圀椀琀栀椀琀Ⰰ 䤀愀洀愀戀氀攀琀漀攀砀琀攀渀搀洀礀愀挀愀搀攀洀椀挀猀 student-athlete. Scholarships are a annual Crompton Golf Classic will great investment in helping keep Wildcat Club Athletic Fund 愀渀搀爀攀挀攀椀瘀攀愀挀漀氀氀攀最攀搀攀最爀攀攀⸀ᴠ In Champions. Coming up, our the dream alive of attending college Director, to register! 刀愀礀猀栀愀眀渀䠀攀渀搀攀爀猀漀渀 ⴀ 䘀漀漀琀戀愀氀氀 be held May 14 at OGCC. Call now for focused, grateful, champion 䰀愀猀嘀攀最愀猀Ⰰ 一嘀 To join the Wildcat Club or for more information on levels, options and benefits, 䌀氀愀猀猀漀昀㈀㄀㠀 visit WeberStateSports.com or call us at 801-626-6576. 䨀漀椀渀琀栀攀圀椀氀搀挀愀琀䌀氀甀戀愀渀搀栀攀氀瀀猀甀瀀瀀漀爀琀圀匀唀匀琀甀搀攀渀琀ⴀ䄀琀栀氀攀琀攀匀挀栀漀氀愀爀猀栀椀瀀猀 24 Bleed Purple Fall 2017 WeberStateSports.com WeberStateSports.com Fall 2017 Bleed Purple 25 䌀愀氀氀㠀㄀ⴀ㘀㈀㘀ⴀ㘀㔀㜀㘀漀爀瘀椀猀椀琀圀攀戀攀爀匀琀愀琀攀匀瀀漀爀琀猀⸀挀漀洀昀漀爀洀漀爀攀椀渀昀漀爀洀愀琀椀漀渀漀爀琀漀樀漀椀渀⸀ THE BIG ASSIST Coming from difficult circumstances and the tragic loss of her mother at a young age, Jaiamoni Welch-Coleman is determined to make the correct moves that lead to success. By CHRIS J. MILLER

hen athletic skills Jai has been dishing out assists since “Then she was gone. They have translate to life she arrived on the WSU campus in taken care of me and been my par- 2015. After a storied career at Berkeley ents ever since. There is a great bond shines through. Whetherskills, true Jaiamoni talent with AAU teams in Northern Cali- Though the perpetrator was Welch-Coleman (California) High School as well as there,” Jai said. success with the ’Cats in both her Wthe art of the assist in every facet of freshmanfornia, Welch-Coleman and sophomore seasons. enjoyed arrestedand her siblings quickly, were convicted left with and a herrealizes life. it or not, she demonstrates But what might be surprising is void.sentenced to prison, Welch-Coleman Welch-Coleman is Weber State’s that Jai was given a new role this talented junior point guard. With and everyone raved about how fast Welch-Coleman spreading the provide an instant boost in the game. “My mom ran track in high school, season, coming off the bench to posted an impressive 14-5 start to have to embrace any role you are wasshe was,” always Jai thesays fastest with a one.”smile. “They theoffense 2017-18 around, women’s the Wildcats basketball have “When it comes to a team, you just saySo when Welch-Coleman they were found younger, her outlet. she She became an all-league performer to the Big Sky Conference play dominategiven,” Welch-Coleman the role that you said. are “Some given throughseason, including mid-January. a strong 6-2 start thenmay notit will like always their roles, lead butto betterif you NCS Junior of the Year. things.” at “TheBerkeley whole High, reason and I wasstrive named to be and you’ll sense a woman with an “The thing about Jai is she brings successful was because I didn’t want Spend any time with Welch-Coleman, to let that to be a reason that I didn’t adult focused on making the most inner drive, an outstanding young energy and spark in all she does, you “Just because my Mom died can’t be circumstances and the tragic loss of “Andcan hearthat’s itwhat in herwe need. voice,” She’s WSU the thedo anything,” reason that Welch-Coleman I don’t become said. of her life. Coming from difficult bestbasketball sixth coach player Bethann in conference Ord said. anything in life or try to achieve Welch-Coleman is determined to because of that energy.” anything. makeher motherthe correct at moves a young that lead age, to “I let that drive me and try to make success. ‘A gift’ her proud.” Averaging about 25 minutes per Welch-Coleman grew up in her

mother and cousins and siblings. said“My of Dad her isfaher around, Dwight. I just “We haven’t visit game, Welch-Coleman is among the “Mygrandparents mother — home, Ashkea along Coleman with her — ever lived with him,” Welch-Coleman team leaders in points (11.1 ppg), been in trouble a lot.” hersteals among (16), andthe reboundsBig Sky leaders (63). Her in and talk as often as we can, but he’s that70 assists category. lead the Wildcats, and put grandparentsworked a lot, providedalways told for me me, that cared my Momfor me, had and told was them always that around. I was a giftMy Her father claims he played high for them; that she had me for them.” school football, and was a good tight ThoseShe’s definitely numbers earned aren’t the surprising; nickname, laugh.end, “but you know I’ve never seen “Money,” by delivering in the clutch. any proof,” Jai says with a mischevious 26 Bleed Purple Fall 2017 WeberStateSports.com WeberStateSports.com In 2004, her mother was murdered. Fall 2017 Bleed Purple 27 does what we ask.” “In the end, when I get out of college and college basketball, I just want to make sure that I don’t fall and “Whether then because we call she her likes Mighty to do Jai, all through and make something of all the opportunities I theseor Money crazy — Imoves call her — Hot it’s Sauce not whonow have had and be successful. That’s my goal.” said.starts “Jai’s but thatwho player. finishes and who and keeping track of Jai and building gives the most with their time,” Ord have been her rock. a relationship with her.” Through it all, her grandparents conference, and usually make a deep didn’t let anybody dictate what she “Coming from her beginning, Jai is very loving and had a way of showing toldrun in me the they playoffs,” had an she eye said. on “Whenme all they were recruiting. “My grandma, Amanda Coleman, along.they finally I came offered here and me, took my my coach visit “She’sAnd Ord a feistyfelt like kid. she People knew werewhat student-athlete.can do,” Ord continues. Professors “In all the and it was so much better than what timeclassroom, tell me I couldn’t she is asktheir for favorite. a better Welch-Colemanit by yelling at us, recalls. and being hard on but with me being a 5-foot-4 point Folks in the community love her. us. She wanted us to be productive,” California to Utah. The campus is always saying ‘Oh she’s too small,’ She’s quiet but well spoken. We’re I expected, coming from Northern doesn’t matter if you have that heart just real proud of her.” “My grandpa, John Jackson, is the “The team is the main reason I andguard passion in my career,for the I gameknew that sizeshe With the rest of her junior season calm one.Diamond He’s been in the sick.” rough came.really Whenpretty,” you she can said. have an off-the- does.” While the 5-foot-2 Welch-Coleman wasn’t always sure if there were will make everything else easier.” to play, and a senior season on the court bond with your teammates, it “Every year she gets better, as ever. “We had gotten to know Jai watching horizon, Welch-Coleman is as upbeat State had been keeping an eye on tellabsolutely,” you that. Ord She’s adds. our other“I’m pretty coach colleges interested in her, Weber tough on the point guards, and she’ll pretty good job of pulling out the “Overall, I feel we’ve been doing a “We played in a competitive hadher overdone thea great years job in of summer following ball,” her through and working her tail off. She the talented, feisty guard. Ord said. “Coach (Devan) Newman on the court. Jai just keeps fighting said.wins. “WeIn all need honesty, to really I think put we teams could be doing even better,” Welch-Coleman

thoughaway, finish we can out usually our games. pull the win out“Our somehow. games areWe always just need close, to learn even

to finish. she"We says definitely of her teammates.get along well. “We’re I like veryall of close our differentoff the court.” personalities,” an interest in athletic training. Then Welch-Coleman spent the summer I got here and was able to see a little working on her shooting. “I worked muchI really sports. like to relax, watch TV shows. on my shooting a lot. I have tried to I love a lot of TV series, but not so improve my percentage on my open trainersbit more are for of the the most experience,” part there Welch-Coleman said. “In high school, the“If Warriors. I do watch Even when sports, the it’sRaiders my “I am really looking forward to hometown teams, the Raiders and eachshots,” game she said.and how this team has for safety, but when you get here and play video games as well. see all how deeper it goes, with move, they’ll be my team. I like to going to be exciting to watch.” goal.prevention of injuries, and anatomy, come together,” Ord added. “It’s it became a great major, even a bigger want“In tothe make end, sure when that I getI don’t out fall of Bright future a relaxed and lazy person. It seems throughcollege and and college make somethingbasketball, ofI just all Welch-Coleman is studying exercise like“Outside I’m pretty of basketball, active and I’mgoing really for the opportunities I have had and be science at WSU. more than half the day (with school “From high school on I have had with resolve. “That’s my goal.” successful,” Welch-Coleman says

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During a four-year college career, Wildcat student-athletes find by CORIEthemselves HOLMES going through big changes, both on the court and off.

t’s no surprise how much can work was going to happen. Ryan Richardson from Weber change in four years and during State’s men’s basketball program college the time between fresh- I had this whole expectation that I agreed that defense was the biggest man year and senior year was“When going I firstto be came a some to Weber big super State- change in his game since he was a brings big changes for stu- freshman. “The biggest difference for me is I star,” Quinn said. “I knew I was going happen in the way the athletes my intensity on the defensive end dent-athletes. Significant changes to have to work hard, but I fully those four years. expected to be in the starting five. freshman year I wasn’t as intense compete,Coming intoin school college and and ina new life, life in that’sWhen thefair first and game that cameI was along going and to andof the on court,” edge as Richardson I should have said. been. “My haveI wasn’t to workin the forstarting it. five, I thought “The game was a whole different freshman self that you just need to expectationsexperience, Weber as a freshman.State women’s She goNow hard looking every back, play. That’sI would what tell Imy do quicklybasketball’s, found Kailie out it Quinn wasn’t had going high to the player I was defending could now and it seems to be pretty be as she expected and a lot of hard scorepace,” on she me. said. It was “I could a different score take but successful. I take good pride in my for me because coming out of high defensive skills. I guard the opposing school I was used to getting those team's’ best players every night and stops and all of sudden the girls are do my best to shut them down.” blowing by me.” Defense has been the biggest volleyball she developed into a better change on the court for Quinn from all-aroundFor Amanda player Varley on the from court. Wildcat her freshman year to her senior year. “My freshman year I never

now.“Defensively, I worked a Ilot can on stopagility people drills beexpected in for full to be rotations an all-around on the player,” court. andnow,” speed. Quinn I said. learned “I’m howa lot quickerto read IVarley only played said. “I the never front thought row for I woulda long time. A big goal of mine was to become an all-around court player theneach howperson to defendI was guarding, each of those who and be able to play defense and pass. players.could drive, My defense who could is something shoot and I I wanted to be a threat all around. take a lot of pride in now. If I get beat The biggest thing from freshman I know I can still get to them. I don’t year to senior year is that I became 2018 2014 give up now. As the years have gone that all-around player.”

32 Bleed Purple Fall 2017 WeberStateSports.com WeberStateSports.com by, you just get better and better.” Varley’sFall stats 2017 can Bleed attest Purple to her 33 “My freshman year I was all over the place. I was constantly behind on assignments, didn’t have a schedule and it really affected my ability to play tennis. This year, as a senior, I’m always on top of stuff. ... I think I’m playing the best tennis of my life right now because I have a clear head and I’m focused.” -- Stefan Cooper

change between her freshman and what mattered. That was hard for general studies to graduation. senior seasons. As a freshman me to learn and change.” Things have changed in the general classes it was harder for me entire season. In three seasons she classroom for student-athletes as “When I first came in with the onlyVarley averaged recorded .50 onlydigs per49 digsset. As the a well as they’ve transitioned from “For me if I’m interested in what I’m senior she doubled her digging to go to school,” Richardson said. effort of the previous three years by recording 299 digs in her final season and ended the year averaging 2.72 digs per set. She also recorded double digit kills and double digit digs in 12 different matches this past season. Tennis is a different culture than most other sports and it wasn’t so much the athletic ability that changed for senior Stefan Cooper as it was adjusting to the collegiate team level and environment of tennis. “It was really hard for me to jump into the team aspect of tennis because it’s a very individualized

tennis is played is different. It’s very sport,” Cooper said. “The way college out really hard. It was a tough social, very aggressive and fought really helped me adapt to the college level.adjustment, but the upperclassmen “Tennis focuses a lot on the individual and there was never a time in my life where I was on a

college it was like I was dropped ontoteam,” a Cooperbasketball said. team “Coming where into we were constantly pushing each other

biggest struggles for me was win or loseto be Ibetter would in gopractice. off and One sulk of the or celebrate by myself but at the end 2015 2017 2014 of the day the team results were

34 Bleed Purple Fall 2017 WeberStateSports.com WeberStateSports.com Fall 2017 Bleed Purple 35 “Fail early and fail hard. If you go into something tentative not wanting to make a mistake, you won’t get any better and you won’t get to where you want to be. Go hard and don’t care if you mess up. There is always someone who will tell you how to fix it and get better. Go as hard as you can and if you fall on your face that’s ok. Get up and keep trying.” -- Ryan Richardson learning I excel in that area. Being occured for these now seniors have through anything now because of in the psychology program now it’s nothing to do with school or athletics. how hard I worked to rise up to the interesting to me. I like to learn Some of the biggest life lessons were challenges the coaches set for me.” about what’s going on in people’s taught in those four years. - heads. I got by my freshman year in “As a freshman you have to go through struggles to understand Richardson“Having the said. mindset “You wantthat every to be year is the best grades I’ve gotten wherething insomeone life is else a competition,” is at and you andschool, I enjoy but nowgoing I’m to successful. class.” This everything is very routine and it look at each situation knowing it’s Cooper said the biggest change in comesthings,” a Quinn lot easier. said. I’ve “Now matured as a senior a lot going to be some other person or the classroom for him was his in these four years. I had a little bit it’s going to be me. You have to do organizational skills and his ability of an anger issue my freshman year. your best in everything you do to I would expect so much of myself get to where you want to be.” school schedule has also helped him and when I’d fall short of my onto bucklethe tennis down. court. Having a regular expectations I would get really mad handful of upperclassman to help “My freshman year I was all over at myself and it showed. It showed himAs adjust a freshman, to not only Cooper changes had in a tennis and school but also life in my coaches even to my professors. didn’tthe place,” have a Cooper schedule said. and it“I really was on the court, to my teammates, to would have listened more and used affectedconstantly my behind ability on to assignments, play tennis. and shortcomings and learn from themAmerica. as as However, the amazing he wished resources he them“Now, and I’ve be learned better becauseto take mistakes of them.” top of stuff. I have certain days whereThis year, I study as a senior,certain I’m subjects always and on they are. Here’s advice from seniors even though I went undefeated my Cooper“Freshman said. “I year, had noI look interest back in at the a teamyoung or me the that community was very or selfish,” to be a the best tennis of my life right now representative of Weber State. As a becausesophomore I have year, a clearI think head I’m andplaying I’m focused.” school in the right way. I want to representsenior, I really myself want andto represent my family the become less of a burden and she’s name in the right way. Getting good moreVarley driven agreed in the that classroom school with has grades is important to me now when graduation looming close. it wasn’t when I was a freshman. Those are the things I focus on.” school now because I’m close to “When Jeremiah Larsen came in “I’m definitely more motivated in he pushed me every day in practice mean more now than the generals I tookgraduating,” as a freshman. she said. I “Theseput a lot classes more said. “I was being challenged every time into school now then I did as a dayand moston the days court I hated and going,”mentally Varley but freshman because I care about what they did it because they believed in I’m studying.” me. I’m glad they did because I’m a 2014 Looking back at freshman year better volleyball player and person some of the biggest changes that because of it. I know I can get 2018

36 Bleed Purple Fall 2017 WeberStateSports.com WeberStateSports.com Fall 2017 Bleed Purple 37 so new freshman can become with an accomplishment that not successful and have positive changes any situation.” many people do. When I make my as they progress to becoming across, they can help you cope with bed in the morning I think that today seniors. said. “If you go into something is going to be a good day. It sets a “As much as you come in and think tentative“Fail early not and wanting fail hard,” toRichardson make a positive and accomplished tone for you know it all and that you’re your entire day. It’s something super and you won’t get to where you want simple but is also powerful.” tomistake, be. Go hardyou won’t and don’t get anycare better if you experiencebetter than everyoneand knowledge else you that don’t,” will mess up. There is always someone helpCooper you said.tremendously. “Other people Whether have you right“Just now come but inwith and hard work work hard,” you take it in small parts or as a whole get better. Go as hard as you can and canVarley get said.to where “You’re you atwant the to bottom be. Be it’s so much easier for you if you ifwho you will fall ontell your you facehow that’s to fix ok. it andGet patient because your time will come listen and apply. Especially in your up and keep trying. and don’t ever give up. Work hard as a freshman so your senior year upperclassman have faced certain Richardson added. “Making my bed will be that much better.” situationsrespected thatsport you’ve as an neverathlete, come the in “Makethe morning your bedjust everystarts mymorning,” day off

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38 Bleed Purple Fall 2017 WeberStateSports.com WeberStateSports.com Fall 2017 Bleed Purple 39 to end the season in school history Taron Johnson was selected as the and just one of three times the team Toia and Trey Tuttle also all earned All-AmericaOpeta, Rashid honors. Shaheed, LeGrand A HISTORIC SEASON Big Sky Conference Defensive MVP. the top 10 in the nation. Weber State also had 17 players from WSU history to earn the honor hasWeber finished State the also season defeated ranked four in earn Big Sky All-Conference honors He became just the fourth player nationally ranked teams beating - Johnson started all 14 games for theand Wildcatsthe first inand 13 served years. as a team Western Illinois and Southern Utah. team.this season, Senior including cornerback a confer Taron Montana, Eastern Washington, ence-best eight players on the first 6. Six road wins Johnson and senior tight end captain. He had three interceptions Weber State won a school record became the school’s all-time leader and totaled nine pass breakups. He Andrew Vollert were both unanimous also invited to participate in the selections to the first team. They in pass breakups with 42. He was Stadium.six games The on thesix road winsthis season, is also were joined on the first team by tiedfinishing for the 6-2 most away of any from team Stewart in the fourth player ever from Weber State junior offensive tackle Iousa Opeta, Senior Bowl in January, just the country. The Wildcats picked up to play in the prestigious game and freshman kicker Trey Tuttle, freshman- returner Rashid Shaheed, senior backer LeGrand Toia and junior 10. National rankings tackle McKay Murphy, junior line the first in 18 years. road wins at Sacramento State, special teams player Brady May. The Wildcats had several statis- SouthernMontana Utah.State, Cal Poly, Eastern 9. Defensive MVP tical rankings in the top 10 in the Washington, Portland State and 7. Seven-straight wins Weber State senior cornerback country this season and the ‘Cats

By PAUL GRUA From October 21 until the final ofgame them of onthe the season, road. Thethe WildcatsWildcats won seven-straight games, with four he 2017 season will go in posted a 7-1 conference record to 4. Two FCS Playoff wins the history books as the claim a share of the Big Sky title for had wins over Cal Poly, Montana, best season in Weber just the fifth time in school history State won two games in the FCS SouthernEastern Washington, Utah. Portland State, State history. The Wildcats Another first occurred as Weber Idaho State,The seven-straightWestern Illinois wins and is reached many milestones conference record is also tied for time ever. Weber State won just its the longest in-season winning streak theand best the in first WSU since history. 2008. The WildcatsThe 7-1 thirdPlayoffs playoff in the game same ever year as for it defeated the first in school history and the third accomplishments for the Wildcats tied for the conference title with longest overall winning streak. Tthis season:in 2017. Here are 11 Western Illinois 21-19 in the first 8. 8 All-Americans and 17 1. 11 wins Thunderbirds in the second round Southern Utah, then defeated the round in Ogden. The Wildcats All-Conference player Weber State won a school record of the FCS Playoffs. Weber State was at Southern Utah in the second roundfollowed to securethat up two with playoff a 30-13 wins win for Weber State had eight players the history of the program. The playoffs for just the second time the final Big Sky team playing in the in a season in school history. Taron Wildcats11 games inhad 2017, previously the most won wins 10 in ever. the5. first Highest-ever time ever. national ranking Johnsonearn All-America was a consensus honors, First the Teammost games on two occasions and this 3. First ever playoff home game The Wildcats were ranked nationally was just the third time ever winning in either the FCS Coaches poll or the was a consensus Second Team more than eight games in a season. playoff game at Stewart Stadium on STATS FCS poll each week of the All-American and Andrew Vollert The 11 wins was the most of any Nov.Weber 25 asState the hosted Wildcats its first took ever on season. WSU started the season just the 12th player in WSU history school in the Big Sky this season and Western Illinois. Weber State beat ranked 22nd in the nation in the toAll-America earn All-America selection. honors He becamein back- the ‘Cats are one of eight teams in the Leathernecks 21-19 in an exciting coaches poll. The Wildcats continued to-back seasons. the nation to win 11 or more games. to climb in the national rankings and 2. Big Sky Conference title playoff win and advancing the ‘Cats game, giving WSU just its third ever Xequille Harry, Brady May, Iosua to the second round where they won Tight End Andrew Vollert earned at Southern Utah. inprior both to polls. the FCS It is Playoffs the highest and finishedranking his second-straight All-American After being picked to finish fifth the season ranked fifth in the nation Honor in 2017. in the preseason polls, the Wildcats 40 Bleed Purple Fall 2017 WeberStateSports.com WeberStateSports.com Fall 2017 Bleed Purple 41 boasted one of the top defenses and win over shutout win over Montana special teams units in the nation. Western. It was the most points ever by a Wildcat against an FBS team. scored in a game and the largest total yards against Cal, the most ever ranked in the top 10 in the nation margin of victory in school history. 10th most ever in a season. inWeber seven Statecategories finished and led the the year Big The 76 points was also the second CantwellFreshman threw Rashid for 2,978 Shaheed yards, had the Sky Conference in several categories. most any team scored in a team this The Wildcats were fourth in the in 10 years. eighththe fifth 100-yard most kickoff return return in school yards seasonWeber and State was WSU’salso had first the shutout third in a season with 743 and had the incountry the nation in net in punting time of (40.38), possession fifth most rushing yards in a game when the sixth most punt return yards in in interceptions (18), finished sixth the ‘Cats totaled 421 yards rushing history. Senior Xequille Harry had at Portland State. fourth longest punt return in school (33:22), seventh in turnovers gained historya season at with 84 yards 306 and in a recorded win over theUC (276)(28), and seventh 10th in red kickoff zone returnsdefense tied a school record with 19 made Davis. (67.6%).(25.23), ninth in total first downs Individually, freshman Trey Tuttle Treshawn Garrett moved to 11th in career rushing yards and Andrew other spots in the top 10 in FCS mostfield goals,in points finishing in a season. 19-of-22 on Individually, Weber State had several field goals. He also scored the fourth second in the country in kickoff 100Vollert career and receptions. Drew Batchelor each returnsfootball. for Rashid touchdowns Shaheed (2) finished and was Senior Stefan Cantwell had 3,575 reached 1,500 yards receiving and also fourth in kickoff returns (29.7). yards of total offense, the fifth most ever in a season. He also had 492

StefanXequille Cantwell Harry was fourthsecond in in points punt responsiblereturns at (15.3). for with Senior 210. quarterback Freshman kicker Trey Tuttle finished second in field goals made (19), fourth in field goal percentage (86.4%), was game).ninth in field goals per game (1.36) and 10th in scoring (8.3 points per top team in eight different statistical In addition, the Wildcats were the categories. WSU was first in scoring defense, total defense, rushing reddefense, zone interceptions, defense andpass efficiencytime of possession.defense, punting, kickoff returns, 11. Single-season records Weber State set some school statistical records and had several spots on the all-time top 10 lists. The Wildcats opened the season with a school record 76 points in a

Quarterback Stefan Cantwell's 3,575 yards of total offense was the fifth most in WSU school history.

42 Bleed Purple Fall 2017 WeberStateSports.com WeberStateSports.com Fall 2017 Bleed Purple 43 Name Game USGA Champion Hill, the ‘Cats’ popular football addedcoach, hada 2-year signed aextension 5-year contract after extension in January of 2017, and By CHRIS J. MILLER WSU’s 11-win season. “The administration has been e can add Kelsey dedicated to helping us get to where Chugg to the robust we all wanted to be and their list of former Weber State student-athletes who have found coachessupport andhas thebeen Weber awesome,” State com Hill- Wtheir way onto the national stage munitysaid. “I am and so I’m happy thrilled for the to build players, on and then took care of business. what we’ve accomplished.” of business. a school-record 11 wins and won Yes, the “Chuggernaut” took care two Under games Hill, in the42, theFCS Wildcats Playoffs won for the Chugg,U.S. Women’s Weber State’sMid Amateur former Weber State to a share of the Big Sky standout women’s golfer, captured Conferencethe first time title ever. and Hill a alsotop-10 led representing the combined efforts quarterback Jeff Carlson. championship in mid-November, defeating Mary Jane Hiestand, 3 and national ranking. He finished the university and community members. Tidbits 1, in the 18-hole finale on Nov. 15 “I’m still in shock. I still expect includingseason with three an winning11-3 mark, seasons and inis and What cooperation is your favorite of students, Dee Events the WSU basketball legends Davion at Champions Golf Club near Houston. a26-23 row. in four seasons at WSU, Center moment? Berry, Jeremy Senglin and Joel told Utah reporters a few days later “Jay has done an incredible job Bolomboy are currently piling up to wake up from a dream,” Chugg after returning home to Salt Lake Tip of the hat minutes and highlight-reel efforts City. Weber State Director of Athletics. Coaches and players from the - in his four seasons,” said Jerry Bovee, 1987 WSU team were honored at mental league. Berry is playing well U.S. Mid-Amateur. She started the on continuing to build Wildcat football.” in the G League, the NBA’s develop Chugg was playing in her first “I’m excited to work with Coach Hill Stadium. while Senglin is on a scoring streak posted a second-round 72 to earn a Dee-lightful halftime of the Oct. 28 game at StewartMike with the the Long Raptors Island 905Nets (Toronto),(Brooklyn). week with a mediocre 85, then Price Bolomboy continues to be a double- Chugg then knocked off six straight dedicated the Dee Events Center and and advancedThat team, to coached the FCS byPlayoffs. double machine for the Wisconsin spot in match play. From there, higher-seeded opponents to become On No. 1, 1997, Weber State That Wildcats, posted teama 10-3 also overall was rankedrecord has become one of the most as high as seventh in the during the Weber State improved its national title. None of the matches recognizablein 40 years, thestructures grand inold the facility state. season. The coaching staff included GraduationHerd (Milwaukee). Success ... Rate (GSR). In just the fifth Utah ever to win a USGA even made it to the 18th hole. Dave Arslanian Mike Zimmer current head coach of the Minnesota continued to outpace the general tournament.” Former Wildcat golf standout Kelsey For a little perspective, when the , Larry Lewis, the studentfact, WSU body student-athletes in the federal grad also Chugg, who now works for the Chugg added the USGA Women's to a welcome home party at the Salt newDee wasnovelty dedicated, and Jimmy gasoline Carter costs was Lawrence Livingston rate. Weber State’s overall GSR is Utah Golf Association, was treated Mid-Amateur title to her four State Amateur championships. U.S.65 cents president. a gallon, Star Wars was a LouisvilleVikings, as head well coach as Bob Petrino, now prepareChugg, foran theArizona 2018 U.S.native Women’s with and Jim Zeches. , current upping their performances. Men’s Lake International Airport, with pals she arrived at the baggage area. It lots of family in Northern Utah, will millions of people at NCAA and state Price was named Big Sky Coach basketball77, with seven and soccer of the both 12 topped teams chanting “Chugg, Chugg, Chugg” as was an emotional moment for the Dream deal Since then, the Dee has hosted the national average. “Graduating is former All-Big Sky Conference Open. She has won the Utah State WSU Athletics announced a Fame running back Fine Unga the ultimate goal and we recognize performer andWomen’s hopes Amateur to someday four times,make twicea run contract extension with Coach Jay allbasketball kinds. tournaments, college and seniorof the Year linebacker that season. Robb WSU Akey Hall and of their hard work in the classroom atwhile the she LPGA competed Tour. for the Wildcats, Hill following the Wildcats’ dream high Ground-breaking school graduation, for the concerts building of senior linebacker Vernell Quinn all, along with the efforts of our academic about her airport reception. “That The smart money says don’t get earned First Team All-Big Sky honors. “I had no idea,” she told reporters was almost as cool as winning the in the way of the “Chuggernaut.” who are committed to our goal of season, The deal will run through took place on March 21, 1975. It was staff, compliance staff and coaches

44 Bleed Purple Fall 2017 the 2023 season.WeberStateSports.com builtWeberStateSports.com was at a cost of $11.3 million, The team also included Hall of Fame Fall 2017 Bleed Purple 45 Taron Johnson, the 2017 Big Sky Conference Defensive Player Recent highlights from our Social Media Channels of the Year, became the fourth TOP TWEETS Wildcat to be invited to play in the Senior Bowl. continuing to improve our graduation

Administrator Amy Crosbie said. ... rate,” The Weber WSU Statecross countrySenior Woman squads wrapped up a busy season in Novem- ber by hosting the Big Sky Confer- ence championships at Schneiter’s - peting in the NCAA Mountain RegionalsRiverside Golf in Course,Logan. then Candace com Sharp led the WSU women with a

23rd overallJordon in Cross the Regionals, led WSU as to the a Cats finished 11th. On the men’s overall.side, The Mountain Region featured10th-place the effort,No. 1 and finishing No. 2 teams 29th

A shout out to the Weber State Mexico)nationally races. in both ... the men’s (NAU, BYU) WSU and seniorwomen’s cornerback (Colorado, Taron New Big Sky Conference postseason competitive2008. The Wildcats Big Sky finished under coach 9-19 Johnson was invited to play in the volleyball squad, which reached the Jeremiahoverall, but Larsen went. ...7-9 Former in the Weber very 2018 Reese’s Senior Bowl. The 69th State quarterback Josh Heupel was all-star game will take place on Jan. tournament for the first time since named head coach at the University of Central Florida in late November.

27 in Mobile, Alabama, and will be Missouri the past two seasons and followingtelevised on Lee the White NFL Network. He’s takesHe was over the offensivea UCF squad coordinator that went at Anthonythe fourth Parker Wildcat and to earn Scott an Shields invite, (1999). Weber State senior (1968), tight andend forward Morgan Quarnberg earned Andrew Vollert was named to the the13-0 Big this Sky season. Conference’s ... WSU Goldenjunior 2017 College Sports Information Directors of America Academic All- season with a league-best 16 points Star Team. ... andBoot eight Award goals. She finished Quarnberg the Big is Skythe program recently added three-time Natalie Hensley, The WeberRobert State Weir track as andan assis field- Rochellefifth Wildcat Hoover, to earn Hayley the GoldenMcCoy andBoot, Mackenzi joining Harrison. championOlympian who captained Great tant coach. Weir, a three-time NCAA Britain during the 2000 Sydney Chris J. Miller, a 1986 graduate of Weber State, is a former Weber State Signpost sports editor and editor in chief, as well as Morgan Quarnberg earned the a former longtime sports editor at the Stan- Olympics, will coach the Wildcat Big Sky Golden Boot Award as dard-Examiner. He can be reached at Stanford.throwers. His... previous three coaching the league’s top scorer this past [email protected]. Follow him on spots were at Clemson, Hawaii and season. Twitter at cjmsports.

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