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WeberStateSports.com Fall 2016 Bleed Purple 1 801-398-2800 • LHMRiverdale.com CONTENTS STARTING LINEUP

FEATURES

16 MURPHY’S LAWS Former Atlanta Braves star Dale Murphy’s keys to being a sports parent led his son McKay’s journey into football and to a spot on the Weber State defensive line. BY JIM BURTON

22 SUCCESS FOR THE LONG RUN Paul Pilkington has helped lead the Wildcat women’s cross country team to a very high level of success over the last six years, and he has his sights set on getting the men’s program to the same level. BY CHRIS J. MILLER

25 JUST LIKE HE DID Pilkington’s success with the Weber State dis- tance runners stems from teaching his athletes to think big and work hard, just like he did in becoming a world class runner. BY CHRIS J. MILLER

32 PRESERVING MAC’S LEGACY The late Mac Madsen built a Big Sky golf dynasty during his time at Weber State, and his family and former players are committed to an effort that will preserve his legacy with 32 the Wildcat golf program. BY DARIN HOGGE AND MATT SPENCER

30 FORGED WITH FIRE After a tough first two seasons, Megan Thompson had to learn to reignite her fire and love of volleyball again. The process re- shaped her as an athlete and as a person. BY CORIE HOLMES

37 THE WSU COACHING TREE Over the decades Weber State football has been the ground for the development of several major college and NFL coaches. BY PAUL GRUA

22 37 DEPARTMENTS

4 FROM THE A.D. 6 SNAPSHOTS 14 PLAYIN’ ON PURPLE with Tre’von Johnson 21 COMPLIANCE CORNER Student-Athlete Employment 38 CREATE A LEGACY Party with a Purpose 42 NAME GAME 30 16 44 TOP TWEETS

2 Bleed Purple Fall 2016 WeberStateSports.com elcome to the latest to relearn how to love the game issue of Bleed Purple again. It is a great look into the Magazine. In this life of a student-athlete and how edition, you will get the process of her career has Wanother great inside look at what shaped her life going forward. is great about Weber State Athletics. Paul Grua provides you with Writer Chris Miller gives us an informative piece, looking a dual angle look at coach Paul back on several of the football THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE Pilkington and the great success assistant coaches that have spent OF WEBER STATE ATHLETICS that the women’s cross country time at Weber State that have presented by team has had under his watch. gone on to coach at major college Paul went on to a very success- programs and with National ful running career following Football League teams. his All-American performance We also have an article on former Volume 2, Issue 3 at Weber State and he is taking men’s golf coach Mac Madsen, what he learned from his own who built a Big Sky dynasty with Editor in Chief Darin Hogge experience and applying that to his program. Several of Mac’s former Executive Editors Paul Grua the way he teaches his current players have gone on to great Chris J. Miller Corie Holmes runners. careers in the professional golf Jim Burton provided us with industry, and a group of those Creative Director Darin Hogge another great piece, this time players, along with the Madsen Contributing Writers Chris J. Miller Jim Burton giving us insight into football’s family, have started efforts to Corie Holmes McKay Murphy, the son of former preserve his legacy at Weber Darin Hogge Paul Grua Major League Baseball star Dale State in the form of an endowed Jerry Bovee Murphy, and how his father golf scholarship. Becky Thompson Will Pridemore utilizing some great keys to being Thank you for being a fan of Matt Spencer a sports parent led to his choice Wildcat Athletics and we hope Photography Robert Casey of football over baseball. you enjoy this issue. Alan Ferrin Corie Holmes does a great job We wish you the best in the Ad Director Dave Champlain with her Playin’ on Purple videos, upcoming Holiday season, and and in this issue’s segment she we will be back soon after the EMAIL: [email protected] helps us get to know football’s new year with another edition. WEBSITE: WEBERSTATESPORTS.COM Tre’von Johnson in one of the Until next time, Go Wildcats! FACEBOOK: facebook.com/WeberStateAthletics series’ best episodes yet. TWITTER: @WeberState Holmes also turned in a great INSTAGRAM: WSUWildcats article highlighting volleyball’s Megan Thompson, who just wrapped up her four-year career Darin Hogge with the Wildcats. The article Director of Digital Media and Publications shows a great deal of vulnerability from the middle blocker as she talks about how team struggles caused her to lose her passion over her first couple of seasons Copyright © 2016 by for the sport, and how she had Weber State Athletics Publications All Rights Reserved Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited.

WeberStateSports.com Fall 2016 Bleed Purple 3 From the A.D. A Message from Jerry Bovee

t is remarkable to think that traveling to Chattanooga to participate we are almost midway through in the 2016 FCS Playoffs, we felt that another school year as the Fall we could assist in some way to 2016 Commencement is now assuage their suffering. We worked just a few short weeks away. I with the folks in Chattanooga to Ienjoy seeing our student-athletes create a helmet sticker to honor the participate in those graduation victims that both teams wore during ceremonies. Success in athletics is the game and we put together an primarily measured by the wins that online giving campaign that in just a few short days netted over $9,000 competition but the successful to assist the affected families. The occur on the courts and fields of completion of a degree is right up administration and fan base of The there with the best of wins. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Graduation day is a culmination were touched and a bit overwhelmed of the dedication our student- at the kindness shown by our athletes put into their studies over community. It put perspective to a a number of years. Additionally, it’s “We all celebrate the football game that we will not soon a payday for their families and loved fact that nearly eight of forget. ones who have supported them every ten student- Graduation day at Weber State through the ups and downs of their brings to conclusion all those expe- academic and athletic journey. athletes walk across riences for our student-athletes and Recently, the NCAA released the the stage on graduation it’s another characteristic of what Graduation Success Rates for all day with an opportunity truly makes Weber State great, Division I institutions. Student- at a better life. They great, great! athletes at Weber State posted a GSR understand in a clearer of 78%, which is the highest per- We’ll see you at the games, go centage at WSU in nine years. This way their place in the Wildcats! world and their amazing student-athletes but also responsibility to make mark reflects the efforts of our the coaches, academic advisors and it a better place for all tutors as well as other athletic staff humanity.” members and dedicated Weber Jerry Bovee State faculty. They embraced the efforts Weber State Director of Athletics We all celebrate the fact that recently that our department and nearly eight of every ten student- you the fans undertook to support athletes walk across the stage on the grieving families in Chattanooga, graduation day with an opportunity Tennessee, who were suffering from at a better life. They understand in a catastrophic bus accident. When a clearer way their place in the we heard of the devastating crash world and their responsibility to that took the life of six young make it a better place for all humanity. students, and knowing that we were

4 Bleed Purple Fall 2016 WeberStateSports.com WeberStateSports.com Fall 2016 Bleed Purple 5

Simply Smarter Weber St Program Ad.indd 1 9/15/15 3:56 PM 6 Bleed Purple Fall 2016 WeberStateSports.com The Weber State women’s soccer team battled the eventual regular season champion Idaho Vandals to a 1-1 draw in the first-ever night match at Wildcat Soccer Field on Oct. 14. (Photo by Alan Ferrin and WSU Multimedia Services)

WeberStateSports.com Fall 2016 Bleed Purple 7 8 Bleed Purple Fall 2016 WeberStateSports.com Sophomore linebacker Landon Stice dives to tackle a Portland State running back during Weber State’s 14-10 win over the Vikings in this year’s Homecom- ing Game. (Photo by Robert Casey)

WeberStateSports.com Fall 2016 Bleed Purple 9 10 Bleed Purple Fall 2016 WeberStateSports.com Members of Just Jumpin’, a local competition and demonstration jump rope team, perform during halftime of a WSU basketball game at the Dee Events Center. (Photo by Robert Casey)

WeberStateSports.com Fall 2016 Bleed Purple 11 12 Bleed Purple Fall 2016 WeberStateSports.com WSU senior forward Lana Willard plays a ball past a Utah defender during a match against the Utes in Salt Lake City. (Photo by Robert Casey)

WeberStateSports.com Fall 2016 Bleed Purple 13 with Tre’von Johnson

Get to know football’s Tre’von Johnson, a senior linebacker from Salt Lake City, as Corie Holmes met up him for the latest edition of Playin’ on Purple.

Playin’ On Purple: What is something that most people don’t know about you? Tre’von Johnson: Growing up, I was in a band. I was a band geek growing up, so I played the clarinet all through middle school. In high school, I had to make a change, ‘cause I wanted to make a new image of myself. Not many people know I was a band geek and played the clarinet. I try to keep that a secret, but now it’s out, so……

P.O.P If you could play any other sport collegiately, what would you play and why? T.J. Basketball. With football, you’ve got the helmet on, so people don’t get to see you making the plays, but everybody knows who Jeremy Senglin is because he’s got his face showing. So I would want to play that’s Tre’von Johnson right there!’. With my helmet on, don’t nobody know who I am, just another student on campus. basketball just so the fans would know who I am. I don’t know if that’s selfish or not, I just want to be known, like ‘Hey, P.O.P. Who is your celebrity crush? T.J. Ohh, Rihanna. Oh my god, I love Rihanna. She’s perfect. She’s perfect, man. I love her. celebrityShe’s on my crush. wall, my screensaver. My fiancé gets mad at me sometimes ‘cause all I talk about is Rihanna at home, so I gotta try and switch it up, but I love Rihanna. Rihanna’s definitely my P.O.P. What is the best concert you’ve ever been to?….Are you going to say Rihanna? T.J. Rihanna. So she came to Salt Lake at the Vivint Smart Home (Arena) now, and I was lovin’ that concert. I got a bunch of videos. I was in love, man it was the best time of my life. I kind of went through depression when she left. That was a really hard thing for me to get through. I miss her so much, I just want her to come back.

P.O.P. Who is your favorite person in the world? T.J. My daughter. I gotta give that to my daughter. I love that girl so much. Can I do two? of those two people run my world, they keep me going every day. (POP: How old is your ‘Cause I I don’t want my fiancé to be mad at me, so I’m going to say my fiancé also. Both by so fast. It’s kind of making me sad to think about that now she’s going to grow up into adaughter?) teenager and She not just like turned me. I’mone missing on October these 1st, years, so she’s I feel growing like already. up. The first year went

14 Bleed Purple Fall 2016 WeberStateSports.com Weber State University

WeberStateSports.com Fall 2016 Bleed Purple 15 Weber State University MURPHY’S LAWS Former Atlanta Braves star Dale Murphy’s keys to being a sports parent led his son McKay’s journey into football and to a spot on the Weber State defensive line.

By JIM BURTON

few years back, after an baseball-playing dad and said, As it turns out, baseball’s loss was appearance in downtown “Sitting on the bench.” Weber State’s gain. See, McKay Murphy Ogden, Dale Murphy Probably not the response the wasn’t really feeling the baseball spent a few minutes in seven-time MLB All-Star was looking vibe back then, so he wound up the back of a conference for, but one that reinforced his belief focusing his attention on football. room at the Eccles that it wasn’t about him anyway. And football eventually brought Conference Center talking baseball withA a local newspaper reporter. Murphy, who played 18 seasons in the Major Leagues and twice earned National League MVP honors, spent several minutes sharing his views on being a sports parent. As the father of eight — including seven boys —he’d seen his share of youth sports, most often as an interested, supportive parent, but also a few times as a coach. In Murphy’s mind, two key world of parents, kids and sports were,elements No. to1 keep finding things happiness positive in and the No. 2, it’s always about the kids and never about the parents, so don’t force the issue. By way of example, Murphy told the story about the time he was driving one of his boys to a baseball game and casually asked, “What’s your favorite position to play?” With perhaps only a slight hesi- tation, the boy looked at his famed

Dale Murphy racked up 398 Home Runs and 1,266 RBI over an 18-year career in Major League Baseball.

16 Bleed Purple Fall 2016 WeberStateSports.com WeberStateSports.com Fall 2016 Bleed Purple 17 him to Weber State. year,” he said. “The whole process McKay, his older brother Jake — a A junior defensive lineman on was pretty frustrating.” Utes’ tight end — and close friend WSU’s 2016 team, Murphy didn’t When asked about how he ended and teammate Trevor Reilly sat necessarily take a direct route to up playing for the Wildcats, Murphy down for a heart to heart discussion. Ogden. The trip may well have put some real thought into the Ultimately, the conclusion was that started that day in the car, as he and answer McKay’s best bet was to transfer to his dad drove to the baseball game. “It’s not really complicated, but Weber State, where a scholarship Along the way, however, McKay …” he began. “I was a walk-on at would be waiting. made several interesting stops, Utah, when (current WSU head “Coach Hill told me that they’d including a successful high school coach Jay Hill) was there. So I give me a scholarship to play up football career, a brief time at the here,” he said. “The decision was University of Utah, a two-year LDS loved playing at Utah. Obviously I pretty easy because playing football mission, marriage, fatherhood and didn’tredshirted play —my I wasfirst redshirting year there. — I and paying for school so you can get a frustrating 2015 season that saw but it was fun just being there, being beat up everyday (in practice) was him miss the entire campaign after a part of that environment.” not very fun.” suffering an ACL injury in training While at Utah there was some talk As a redshirt freshman in 2014, camp. of switching from the defensive side Murphy played in all 12 games for “Yeah, that was not a very fun of the ball to the offensive line. the Wildcats. Looking ahead to 2015

18 Bleed Purple Fall 2016 WeberStateSports.com “It’s going to be the same way (with my kids), I don’t want to push it on them or force them to do anything they don’t want to. But I do feel like one of the best things I’ve learned from team sports, I would say, is toughness.’’ there was plenty of hope and hard things with a healthy attitude. sense of the word, but the mental excitement not just for Murphy, but He said playing team sports from part of it too. for the entire WSU team. an early age helped solidify the “That’s something that you hear Unfortunately for Murphy, he tore message his dad always seemed to a lot (in sports),” Murphy said. “Our the ACL ligament in his left knee on convey. McKay said he has expressed coaching staff talks about it a lot. I the second to last day of fall camp. to his wife, Sarah, that he’d like to imagine every coaching staff That not only meant missing the see their children someday do the everywhere talks about it a lot.” entire season, it meant spending same thing. From the kid who once told his countless hours doing rehab work And he said he’ll take the same dad the best part of baseball is far away from the sounds of the approach his father did with him. cheering crowd. “It’s going to be the same way,” he with his teammates, to the grown But there was no giving up, not said. “I don’t want to push it on them man,sitting husband in the dugout, and father goofing who around plays for someone with Murphy’s passion or force them to do anything they football for Weber State, McKay for the game and not for someone don’t want to. But I do feel like one Murphy understands what it means who grew up in a successful, of the best things I’ve learned from to work for something. high-functioning and internally team sports, I would say, is toughness.” motivated family. Toughness, not just in the physical what it means to rise to a challenge. Dale Murphy may not have pushed And he most definitely understands his children into sports — or even into one particular sport over another — but surely they picked up on their father’s commitment to doing things the right way. “It’s important to be positive,” Dale said that day in 2014, following his speech at the Eccles Center. “All positive.” When he said those words he was actually sharing a bit of advice for youth sports coaches, but the message went beyond youth sports and even athletics in general. What he offered that day, in just one sentence, was something of a life lesson. Work hard, don’t give up, keep a positive attitude and of course, keep things in perspective. As McKay Murphy shared the arduous and tedious details of his knee rehabilitation, it was easy to see he’d been raised to confront

WeberStateSports.com Fall 2016 Bleed Purple 19 20 Bleed Purple Fall 2016 WeberStateSports.com Compliance Corner Student-Athlete Employment

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.

It is important to remember that once you trigger booster status with an institution, you are always considered a booster.

reetings and Happy Holidays, May I provide transportation for This form requires information from Wildcats fans! Like many a student-athlete to/from work? both the employer and employee. other college students, our Transportation may be provided student-athletes work only if transportation is provided to If you have any other questions on part-time jobs to help all other employees. employment or any other NCAA Gcover their educational expenses. rules, please feel free to contact the As boosters of our athletics program, May I use a student-athlete’s you may be permitted to employ a picture to advertise my business? student-athlete. Below are answers No. A student-athlete’s name, UntilOffice next of Athletics time, Compliance. to some frequently asked questions. picture, or likeness cannot be used to advertise, recommend or promote Is there a limit on the rate that I sales or use of a commercial product may pay a student-athlete? or service of any kind. A student-athlete must be compensated only for work actually May I hire a student-athlete as a performed at a rate commensurate model? with the going rate in the Ogden It is permissible for a student-athlete area for similar services performed. to serve as a model in limited cases, but there are a number of restrictions May I hire a student-athlete regarding modeling. Please contact because of his athletics ability? No. Compensation cannot include for details. any remuneration for the value or the Office of Athletics Compliance utility a student-athlete may provide Is there anything I should do to the employer because of the before hiring a student-athlete? student-athlete’s publicity, reputation, Will Pridemore fame, etc. Athletics Compliance prior to Director of Compliance employmentYes. Please beginning contact theto obtain Office the of [email protected] Student-Athlete Employer Agreement. 801.626.8552

WeberStateSports.com Fall 2016 Bleed Purple 21 SUCCESS FOR THE LONG RUN

Paul Pilkington has helped lead the Wildcat women’s cross country team to a very high level of success over the last six years, and he has his sights set on getting the men’s program to the same level.

By CHRIS J. MILLER he Wildcats’ distance WSU an established national program as conference team champions on program is in good hands. year-in and year-out. Or maybe good feet. And the future is bright as well. Arizona in a tight battle for the top Former Weber State The young Wildcats ran through spot.Oct. 28, Senior finishing Ellie second Child to Northernwon the All-American Paul Pilkington individual race, the fourth Weber guided the ‘Cats to then posted plenty of success at the another successful cross country Bigtheir Sky usually Conference difficult Championships season slate, seasons. Senior Hailey Whetten Tcampaign in 2016, building on the in October in Moscow, Idaho. State runner to do so in the past five successes of former coaches and Weber State’s women’s squad runners in the top 20. runners and squads that have made narrowly missed out on repeating finished Weber third State’s overall men’s with squad two other also

22 Bleed Purple Fall 2016 WeberStateSports.com SUCCESS FOR THE LONG RUN

had a solid effort at the Big Sky of his WSU mentors --- Chick Hislop he said. “We enter each year thinking and Jim Blaisdell -- as well as a great of competing on the national level. NCAA national champion Northern pool of experience in big races We have that work ethic here in Arizonafinale, finishing and Southern third to Utah. eventual The himself. Ogden.” ‘Cats’ Jordan Cross led the Wildcats “I think I brought a few different So what have been the memora- things because I’d been exposed to ble experiences for the coach, now WSU runners in the top 20. numerous world class runners and in his 11th year at Weber State? withAt aSaturday’s 13th-place NCAA finish, oneChampion of three- different coaches in my experiences,” “Lindsey Anderson making the ships, Northern Arizona captured Pilkington said earlier this season. Olympic team and two world cham- the men’s title, with Colorado third “There was very small tweaking pionships teams was a high, and she and BYU 7th. On the women’s side, from what Chick and Jim did. I still broke an NCAA record in the stee- Oregon edged Colorado, Child talk to Chick sometimes if I have plechase as well,” Pilkington said. represented WSU, extending the questions.” “Overall, I’ve been pleased with how Wildcats’ participation at nationals “I think one of things I have we’ve been able to impact our top for another year. brought here, having been running 10 list through the years.” Pilkington’s coaching style is a at the level I did, was the idea that “Other highlights would include continuation of tried and true methods you can be at the world-class level,” the number of All-Americans we’ve

WeberStateSports.com Fall 2016 Bleed Purple 23 “At Weber State, track and field and cross country is a big deal. We get support from the president on down. They know me and my athletes. Our athletes love that positive pressure.’’ -- Paul Pilkington had on the track and in cross coun- “The talent here in Utah is very great place to train. We’re able to try. That and the women winning good, but with Utah Valley and keep our miles high and not pound four of the last six Big Sky titles (and Southern Utah now competing for the pavement and stay healthy, the placing second the two years we those same runners, it’s a recruiting multiple-time Big Sky coach of the didn’t win it). It’s always special challenge,” Pilkington said. “We’ve Year honoree said. going to the NCAA Championships done a good job of recruiting. The “We also have a good support and placing there.” future looks bright.” system in terms of athletic training “We haven’t won the men’s cross Among the things Pilkington is and physicians. At Weber State, track country title, but then again we pleased about is the progress of haven’t put as much money into individuals as competitors. deal,” Pilkington said. “We get men’s distance running until “Sometimes our goals scare off supportand field andfrom cross the country president is a bigon recently,” he said. “That’s changed runners that come from a small high down. They know me and my now. And this is the best men’s team school program,” he said. “I’ve seen athletes. Our athletes love that we’ve had in 10 years,” he added. so many runners come from those positive pressure,” he added. Weber State battles a great programs and work and work until We’re also pleased that our tradition of in-state running schools they are winning conference meets.” program is full of great student- for local talent, then spends all Several former Wildcats continue athletes. Some of our best runners season running against those to run professionally, including are great students. That to me is very schools for national seeding. Taylor Ward, who recently won the satisfying,” said Pilkington. “Qualifying for nationals is based 2016 Philadelphia Marathon, and With all those elements in place, on who you beat,” Pilkington said. Amber Henry Schulz. it’s easy to see why Pilkington thinks “We go to meets all year that are “Coach P is very knowledgeable. the best is yet to come. almost as tough as nationals.” He changed me as an athlete,” Schulz “We have a bright future for sure.”

accomplished what I did at Weber withoutsaid. “I him.” definitely wouldn’t have Pilkington knows it’s a team effort. “We have incredible facilities for one thing, with an, indoor track and training environment,” he said. “We have over 200 miles of trails right around us. “Part of staying healthy is getting on soft dirt to run on. Ogden is a

Amber Henry and Taylor Ward helped lead the Wildcats to multiple Big Sky Conference cross country titles. Henry (left) was a two-time individual Big Sky cross country champion. Ward’s (right) post collegiate successes include the 2016 Philadelphia Marathon title.

24 Bleed Purple Fall 2016 WeberStateSports.com JUST LIKE HE DID

By CHRIS J. MILLER think big and work like champions. coach Chick Hislop’s first All- Just like he did. Americans in the steeplechase aul Pilkington knows how As a runner, Pilkington earned event. to take advantage of his sur- junior college All-America honors After college, Pilkington just roundings. As he begins his at the College of Southern Idaho kept getting better and better, and second decade as Weber under future WSU coach Jim became one of the feared mara- PState’s cross country coach, Blaisdell. A year later, at Weber thoners in the big races around the Pilkington teaches his squads to State, Pilkington became one of world. Pilkington was a two-time national champion, claiming the marathon crown in 1994 and the 20-kilometer masters title in 1999. He won the Houston Marathon in 1990 and the Los Angeles Marathon in 1994, becoming a rabbit legend in the process. Pilkington’s top-10 all-time posts include marathons in London, Berlin, Moscow, Venice, San Francisco and Twin Cities. The Idaho native represented the United States in the 1995 World Championships in Gothenberg, Sweden, and competed in four different U.S. Olympic Trials.

Speed work And it all began in the potato

Idaho. fields “I grew surrounding up in Blackfoot, Blackfoot, and started running while moving

in the mornings and afternoons. I wouldirrigation run pipes my inlines, the potato pick those fields pipes up and run back and forth in

“So every summer from the time I wasthe potato 13, I was fields,” running Pilkington for 3 said.to 4 months, twice a day.” “I didn’t go out and run cross country until my senior year of high school. I had the training, it was just on the farm, not running

WeberStateSports.com Fall 2016 Bleed Purple 25 around a track,” Pilkington added. “I think that helped when I did go out for cross country, I found out I had some talent for it.” After a year of competitive running in high school, Pilkington went to the College of Southern Idaho, where he was a Junior College All-American in the steeplechase, and caught Hislop’s eye. “I came to Weber State in 1978 and ran until graduating in 1981,” he said. “After college, I just kept on running and training,” Pilkington said. “I was teaching school (at Delta High, Mound Fort Junior High and Ben Lomond High) and running full time, and ended up getting living as a marathoner, competing Following an All-American career at Weber State, Paul went on to better and better as I got older.” for the U.S. in the Worlds in Sweden. success in several national and Indeed. Pilkington won a pair He was contracted by the Los international events, including an of U.S. national titles and was Angeles Marathon to set a solid, unexpected win at the 1994 Los Angeles Marathon. known on the marathon circuit. “I fast pace in its 1994 race for the made a pretty good living as a sum of $3,000. marathoner,” he said. on running. The future WSU coach of the race in an impressive 1 hour, Stealing the show 5 minutes, But after therunning former the WSU first halfstar in 2:12:13, to win the race, the U.S. Pilkington was making a good realized he felt great and just kept titlepushed that through went with to the it, finisha $27,000 tape

“He gave us the tools to achieve, but I also appreciated his stern encouragement to succeed. I could always hear his voice out of the crowd at a big race. His enthusiasm is what pushed you forward.’’ -- Amber Henry Schulz

26 Bleed Purple Fall 2016 WeberStateSports.com Paul’s son Seth Schulz said. “The only time he said started his collegiate career at Oregon, but anything about his running, was to transferred to Illinois teach us something or offer a to run for his father lesson. and eventually followed Paul to Weber State, “Coach P was usually down to where he became a business. But we did enjoy the days five-time All-American. when things were goofy and giggly with him,” she said. “One of the most memorable job came at the Uni- experiences, for me, was when one versity of Illinois for of the other athletes was sick and two years, but he we were on a road trip,” Schulz returned about the recalled. “He stayed at her side for time Hislop retired. eight straight hours while we “Illinois was a good experience,” was always determined to help Pilkington recalls, everywaited athlete for our to flights. be their I feel very like best.” he “being part of a Big-Ten program. I enjoyed Cook only ran a short time for the Midwest, and Pilkington, Track and but field knew standout he was readyRiley enjoyed the athletes. to lead the Wildcats. There are good people “The fact that he was such a purse as well as a Mercedes Benz there. But I missed great runner back in his prime, luxury car. the mountains and skiing.” really pulled some weight with us,” A highlight for Pilkington was Cook said. “He was humble about and several other top runners cried to coach his son Seth here at Weber his running, but we knew about it.” While the second-place finisher foul, Pilkington didn’t break any State. “Weber State has had some great rules and the organizers loved the “After high school, I encouraged distance running success through underdog story. Seth to go someplace else,” Paul the years, and Utah has a great load “I’m the rabbit who won,” remembers. “I had coached him in of high school talent. Paul’s done Pilkington told the Los Angeles high school, and wanted him to a great job as a coach.” have another experience. He ran a Schulz agreed. mind that. I don’t mind the word year at Oregon. Then while I was “He gave us the tools to achieve,” Times at the finish line. “I don’t rabbit. It’s what I do.” at Illinois, he went on a mission. she said. “But I also appreciated “I coached at Ben Lomond High He came back and ran a year at his stern encouragement to for a couple of years, and also Illinois, then when I came back to succeed. I could always hear his started coaching some individuals Weber, he followed me back here voice out of the crowd at a big race. while I was teaching. At one point, His enthusiasm is what pushed you I went back and got a Master’s All-American here.” forward.” and ended up being a five-time degree in instructional design, but While many of his student- Pilkington still runs, but for his also worked as a part-time assistant athletes know of Pilkington’s own own pleasure. coach to Chick Hislop at Weber successes, he doesn’t dwell on “I don’t run when the team State.” himself. “I was around him for six years, but don’t have the itch to run Coaching chops and only heard a handful of stories competitively,does,” he reflected. I don’t “I still like run hurting a lot, about his running,” Amber Henry anymore.”

Pilkington’s first head coaching WeberStateSports.com Fall 2016 Bleed Purple 27 28 Bleed Purple Fall 2016 WeberStateSports.com Ogden Courtyard by Marriott Official Wildcat Athletics Sponsor Make room for a little fun.

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WeberStateSports.com Fall 2016 Bleed Purple 29 PRESERVING MAC’S LEGACY The late Mac Madsen built a Big Sky golf dynasty during his time at Weber State, and his family and former players are committed to an effort that will preserve his legacy with the Wildcat golf program.

By DARIN HOGGE & MATT SPENCER

ver the past year, the already come in from the Weber State Athletics and Madsen family and former Development departments Wildcat golfers who played have been hard at work under Coach Madsen. To date, with efforts to enhance the nearly $30,000 has been OUniversity’s golf programs. With the pledged, including $5000 sudden passing of Director of Golf commitments from Mac’s son, Jeff Smith earlier this year, the Jeff Casey, and four of his most Smith Memorial Golf Scholarship outstanding former players was created. A very successful – John Abendroth (’74), Rich Raise-the-Paddle session at this fall’s Friend (’81), Mike Malaska ’Cat Bash Dinner and Auction added (’76) and Mike Stanton (’82). $16,000 in donations to the many The goal is to create a hybrid very generous contributions given scholarship endowment by throughout the year, easily raising raising $40,000 (the university’s the fund’s total to endowment status, minimum required amount to providing the WSU golf program establish such a fund). with a scholarship in Smith’s name Coach Madsen was at the 12-straight championships from in perpetuity. helm of the Weber State men’s golf 1970 to 1983 (no conference Another golf scholarship named team for 33 years, from 1964 to tournaments were held in 1975-76). after a former coach is also in the 1997. Under Mac’s guidance, the Mike Stanton, who went on to works, this time to honor the Wildcats captured 15 Big Sky become General Manager/COO of memory and accomplishments of Conference titles, including an San Luis Obispo Country Club has the late Mac Madsen. Donations have extremely dominant run of fond memories of playing for Coach Madsen. “I remember Mac being pretty

a lot to make him angry but when unflappable,” said Stanton. “It took

obscurehe finally words got there whose you meaning were likely most ofto usget didn’t a stern know. lecture A few filled minutes with later he would cool down and

Madsen with the 1974 Big Sky Championship golf team that included players like John Abendroth, Mike Malaska, Bob Bradbury, Jeff Jerman, Brad Brandenburg.

30 Bleed Purple Fall 2016 WeberStateSports.com Former PGA Tour player John and about how Weber State competed Abendroth (left) and 2011 PGA Teacher of the Year Mike Malaska on a national level alongside some (below right) are two of Madsen’s of the best teams in the country. It’s players who have generously something that Weber State and donated to the scholarship fund. coach Madsen’s family should be proud of.” of that with young golfers and golf Not only is Coach Madsen’s related groups...I often think of Mac family proud, but his son, Casey, and when I am doing that work. daughter-in-law, Katie, were really “It is exciting and very appropriate the impetus behind this effort. The that Weber State University would St. George couple serves on the establish a scholarship in Coach Regional Alumni Network board of Madsen’s name, and I’m honored to Southern Utah/Nevada and got this be a small part of seeing that initiative underway by making the become a reality.” Former Wildcat golfer Rich scholarship. Friend, who recently was hired in first“Dad gift was commitment so passionate toward about thethe the newly-created Director of Player success of Weber State and the golf Development position with the programs,” said Casey. “Donations Weber State golf programs after to his scholarship keep that passion explain to us what he just said! By spending over 30 years as a golf alive.” this time we were all laughing!” professional at the Tacoma Country Whether you are a former varsity Madsen was named the Big Sky and Golf Club, also played under golfer from the Mac Madsen era or Conference Coach of the Year 15 coach Madsen and credits him with simply somebody who wants to see times. He led Weber State to 12 team much of his success. appearances at the NCAA Men’s Golf “What Mac started, and built consider a gift yourself to the Mac Championships, and during his here, I think all Weber State golfers MadsenWeber State Memorial golf flourish, Scholarship please career he produced three PGA Tour are proud of,” said Friend. “To this Endowment. For more information players and over a dozen NCAA day when I meet people that know contact Jerry Graybeal at jgraybeal@ All-Americans. Madsen was inducted golf, they still talk about the teams weber.edu or at (801) 626-8114. into the Weber State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2004. Former PGA Tour player John

All-American who played on four BigAbendroth, Sky championship coach Madsen’s teams from first 1971-74, learned about the scholarship fund initiative in November and immediately pledged his commitment. “Mac Madsen made a huge, positive impact on my life and my golf career,” said Abendroth. “Entering Weber State as a 17-year old, Mac became a guiding light, helping me grow as a young adult and helping me succeed as a student and as an athlete. “In my adult life I have done a great deal of charitable work, much

WeberStateSports.com Fall 2016 Bleed Purple 31 FORGED WITH FIRE

32 Bleed Purple Fall 2016 WeberStateSports.com FORGED WITH FIRE After a tough first two seasons, Megan Thompson had to learn to reignite her fire and love of volleyball again. The process reshaped her as an athlete and as a person.

by CORIE HOLMES here’s a big difference I expected, “ she said. “There were the hiring of new head coach between a freshman in six freshmen coming in that year Jeremiah Larsen. college and a senior in and I felt like we were successful “When Jeremiah came in he was college. The difference able to show me the potential I is bigger in student- year, things went back to how they could have with volleyball again,” athletes and it’s even wereat first. before After thewe beginninggot there. ofIt thatwas Thompson said. “Jeremiah helped bigger when the student-athlete disappointing. me realize that there was so much Thas fought through adversity. “As the season went on I didn’t more to volleyball. He told me it Megan Thompson from the feel like what I did and what I had would be a rough road, but in the Weber State volleyball squad has to contribute really mattered,” she end it would be worth it. He been through a lot. She’s been said. “I guess I just stopped caring.” mentally broken down and In 2013-14, Thompson’s volleyball.” physically broken down. She’s also freshman year as a Wildcat, the rekindledThompson’s my fire junior and passion year was for been through an emotional roller volleyball team posted a 7-27 probably the toughest for her. coaster, but she wouldn’t change record and went 3-17 in Big Sky “Going through my junior year any of the adversity because she Conference play. I was broken down mentally Thompson had lost her passion because I was rethinking the way person. for volleyball after her freshman I thought about volleyball again,” cameComing out a intostrong Weber and Stateconfident as a year and by the end of her sophomore she said. “I was coming back to wide-eyed freshman she had high year she didn’t care about the game feelings I haven’t felt since high expectations for her career as a at all. school. I was learning how to want collegiate volleyball player. “I didn’t care about volleyball to play volleyball again and “I had been successful throughout at all,” Thompson said. “At that wanting to get better and wanting high school in athletics, but I was point I was okay with just being to win. I was learning how it wasn’t intrigued to come to a program average. I just wanted to get okay to lose anymore. I was reshaping that needed help,” Thompson said. through and get volleyball over my mindset. I was broken down “I felt that I could come in and with as soon as possible.” and reshaping mentally. I was a make a difference in the program After her sophomore year, the mess all the time.” and help it become successful. Wildcat volleyball program Thompson was put into a lead- “It was a lot harder then what underwent some big changes with ership role her junior year as she

WeberStateSports.com Fall 2016 Bleed Purple 33 “This year has meant so much more than just having a winning season. We had to start from the bottom up. It hasn’t been easy these four years and I think that’s why I appreciate it more.” was named a team captain. She’d “This year has meant so much never been a leader before and having with a 14-13 winning record and more than just having a winning to reshape her own mindset and startedsince 1983. out the The year Wildcats with a 9-0finished start, season. We had to start from the lead her teammates to do the same the best start to any season in school bottom up. It hasn’t been easy these wasn’t easy, but it was rewarding. four years and I think that’s why I “The most rewarding thing of in the nation in blocking for the appreciate it more.” being a leader was being able to be entirehistory. season, Thompson often also times was at top No. five 1. Thompson also had some major a part of the change the program “Coming into my senior year I personal life changes in the last four has gone through,” she said. “To go years. through everything with my team- a long time in the way I play,” she Thompson married husband mates is something that is unique said.had confidence “I was more for emotional the first this time year in Luke Thompson in 2014 between and will stick with me forever.” about it than I have ever been. I care her freshman and sophomore years. Her senior season was one of the so much about volleyball and this “Having that extra support with best years for Wildcat volleyball team. Luke has made a world of difference,” Thompson said. “For some people it might be different, but going from being a single freshman to married my sophomore year, it was so good to have an out. “I’ve been so grateful to my husband for putting up with all the emotional feelings that come from being mentally, emotionally and physically exhausted. He’s been so good with me through everything. “He’s there to listen when I need someone to listen or he’s there to snap me out of the stress haze I was in. He just makes stupid jokes all the time to get my mind off of things.

in the world.” He’sFour definitely years is my a long favorite time person and in the college years everyone learns and changes. Thompson was not an exception. “I think of myself as a ditzy, naïve,

Thompson learned the joy of volleyball again during her junior year, and spent her senior season ranked in the top-five in the nation in blocks.

34 Bleed Purple Fall 2016 WeberStateSports.com narrow-minded freshman and I and growth to being a part of Weber and graduation looming closely in State volleyball. the future, she is ready for the next “Now at the end of my senior season “This volleyball program has a chapter in life. I’vewasn’t learned confident,” and grown Thompson so much. said. I lot to do with my change,” she said. “The future for me will be to get - through graduation,” she said. “Then I speak my mind more often now dence of me and I’m more proud of get my husband graduated, start a whencan talk I feel to peoplelike something more confidently. isn’t right. the“My person coaches I’ve demanded become coming that confi out family, get a dog, and then eventually I’m open to new things and I’ve of this year.” I want to start a business. I just know gained a lot of experience.” With Thompson’s collegiate that I need to start the next chapter Thompson attributes her change volleyball career coming to an end of my life and I’m excited to do so.”

WeberStateSports.com Fall 2016 Bleed Purple 35 Friends. Football. Food.

Feed Your WildCats! GameDayGreats.com 36 Bleed Purple Fall 2016 WeberStateSports.com THE WSU COACHING TREE Over the decades Weber State football has been the ground for the development of several major college and NFL coaches.

by PAUL GRUA

ver the years, Weber Bobby Petrino, Weber State has staff would go on to become well- State football has had been an important part of a lot of known in the coaching industry. numerous coaches come football coaching trees. The assistant head coach and through Stewart Stadium A number of former Weber State defensive coordinator under Price and coach the Wildcats. coaches have gone on to become WSU has had 11 head prominent coaches in college After his two seasons with the Wildcats, coaches as a Division I school football and the NFL. Many of the Campohis first wenttwo-years on to was a long Dave coaching Campo. Oincluding , , ties can be traced back to the 1980’s career in college football and the Dave Arslanian, Ron McBride and under former Weber State head NFL, including three seasons (2000-02) current head coach Jay Hill. coach Mike Price, who later was the as the head coach of the Dallas Weber State has also been a head coach at Washington State and Cowboys. He also spent time at proving ground for many assistant UTEP. prominent college programs like coaches. From Robb Akey to Mike When Price arrived in Ogden in Syracuse and Miami and coached Zimmer, and from Mike Bellotti to with the Browns and Jaguars in the NFL.

1981, several coaches on his first WeberStateSports.com Fall 2016 Bleed Purple 37 Mike Price was the mentor for several WSU assistant coaches who would go on to coach at the major college and professional levels.

coaching with the Cincinnati Bengals. Among the players Zimmer coached at Weber State was Robb Akey, who played four seasons as a linebacker with the Wildcats and was an All-Big Sky performer as a senior. Akey then jumped into coaching, beginning his career as an assistant at Weber State. He spent seven years as an assistant with the Wildcats. He later became the defensive coordinator at Washington State and then became the head coach at the University of Idaho where he spent six seasons with the Vandals . Then, in 2014, Akey became an assistant In 1981, Price hired a young coaching job at Weber State in 1981. coach with the Minnesota Vikings, 24-year old coach to coach the He would spend the next eight where was the head Weber State linebackers. Now Mike seasons under Price with the Wildcats, coach. Akey is now the defensive line Zimmer is the head coach of the coaching the linebackers and defensive coach with the Washington Redskins. Minnesota Vikings. After his playing backs. Weber State was also where days at Illinois State, Zimmer started he met his wife Vikki, a former WSU staff in 1981 was Gregg Brandon his coaching career at Missouri for cheerleader. Vikki passed away in whoAnother coached assistant the tight on ends. Price’s Weber first one season before landing a full-time October 2009 when Zimmer was coaching job and he spent six years inState Ogden was coaching his first tight collegiateends, line- backers and wide receivers. Brandon then went on to a long collegiate coaching career, including stops at Utah State, Wyoming, Northwestern, Colorado and Virginia. He spent six years (2003- 08) as the head coach at Bowling Green where he replaced Urban Meyer when Meyer went to Utah. Brandon is currently the head coach at the Colorado School of Mines. Weber State was the first full-time coaching job for Bob

Former Wildcat assistant Dave Campo was the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys from 2000-02.

38 Bleed Purple Fall 2016 WeberStateSports.com Mike Zimmer (left as a WSU assistant coach John L. Smith to assistant and below as head coach of the Minnesota Vikings) coached Idaho where Petrino was an assis- eight seasons at Weber State. tant coach for two years. He also coached at Arizona State, Nevada, career in the NFL where he has Utah State and Louisville before coached with the Seahawks, Steelers, jumping to the NFL as the offensive Bengals, Falcons, and Jaguars and is coordinator with the Jacksonville currently the wide receivers coach Jaguars. He became the head coach for the Tennessee Titans. at the from Larry Lewis was also a member 2003-06, before becoming and NFL head coach with the . spent all eight years with Price at After leaving the Falcons, he was the Weberof Price’s State. first He coaching later followed staff andhim head coach at the University of to Washington State and then Arkansas and Western Kentucky. became the head coach at Idaho Since 2014, Petrino is back as the State for eight seasons. Lewis also head coach at Louisville. later coached at Colorado State, WSU has had many other coaches Nevada and Virginia. call Ogden home. Mike Bellotti was Bratkowski and he’s been coaching In 1984, Price hired a graduate an assistant coach in 1979 at Weber ever since. He joined Price’s staff in assistant coach from Lewiston, State and later became the head Montana named Bobby Petrino. Now coach of the Oregon Ducks. In addi- coaching wide receivers and as the 32 years later, Petrino has become tion, former WSU assistant coach offensive1981 and coordinator. spent five years He then in Ogden spent a prominent coach in the college and Derek Mason is now the head coach the next six years coaching college professional football. From 1987-88 at Vanderbilt University. Mason was football at Wyoming, Washington he coached the wide receivers and an assistant for two seasons at State and Miami under Dennis tight ends at Weber State. He then Weber State from 1995-96 under Erickson. He then started a 24-year followed former WSU player and Dave Arslanian.

WeberStateSports.com Fall 2016 Bleed Purple 39 Create a Legacy Party with a Purpose

undraising events are a great you don’t want to miss. way to raise money, raise Next up on our major events awareness and just have fun! calendar is the Crompton Golf Clas- On Friday November 4th, sic, which will be held on Monday the Wildcat Club hosted our May 15th, 2017. Please save the date Fannual fundraising ‘Cat Bash Dinner and make plans to hit the links for and Auction. We made a bold move another great opportunity to sup- and brought our event to campus port Weber State student-athlete this year, and it did not disappoint! Jeff Smith Memorial Scholarship. scholarships. Cat Bash was held on the George S. $16,000 was generously donated, completing the fundraising efforts and Annette Marquardt Field House. needed to create an endowed fund. ThisEccles beautiful field located facility in the was Robert the The Jeff Smith Memorial Scholarship perfect setting for an evening of fun, Fund will now provide scholarship and all for a great cause! Proceeds assistance for the WSU Men and

student-athlete scholarship fund. What a way to honor our “Smitty” fromThanks this event to our directly presenting benefit sponsor our whileWomen providinggolf program educational indefinitely. Young Automotive Group, our many opportunities for an amazing group volunteers, donors who very of student-athletes. generously gave items to be Mark your calendar for next auctioned, and those that attended. year’s Cat Bash, which will be held Our event was a huge success. We on Friday November 3, 2017. appreciate your generosity! What a Once again, thank you to all who great community we live in! supported this event. We cannot do Click here for a full list of sponsors. this without you! For those of you Director, During our live auction, the paddle who could not be there, make your Wildcat Club Athletic Fund was raised to donate towards the plans now to attend, this is an event

40 Bleed Purple Fall 2016 WeberStateSports.com Click HERE to join the Wildcat Club. For more information on membership, call 801-626-6576 or visit WeberStateSports.com

‘Cat Bash 2016

WeberStateSports.com Fall 2016 Bleed Purple 41 Name Game Weber State SAAC Claims Big Sky Title

By CHRIS J. MILLER

he Wildcats are getting it

Weber State University wasdone awardedon and off the field.2016 SAAC Cup in July, during a Tmeeting of Big Sky Conference schools. Each year, the schools’ Student Athlete Advisory Committees com- pete in activities that engage the student-athletes in the community, in worthy causes, improving stu- dent-athlete welfare and improving the athletes’ understanding of issues and forums that impact them. Weber State shared the title with Blair, now a father of four who leads the consortium. Southern Utah in 2014, but won the lives in Eagle Mountain, competed top spot in 2016. During the last for the Wildcats in the shot put, Beehive Classic school year, schools conducted the hammer, indoor weight and discus. Longtime Weber State basketball Big Sky Box Top drive, donating over He was born with a club foot, and fans can recall great in-state battles 43,000 hours in their local commu- only found out in early 2015 that he through the years, and now a new nities while collecting redeemable was eligible to compete in the chapter begins with the summer box tops. Paralympics. He won a silver in the announcement of the Beehive Clas- The Wildcats led the competition discus and bronze in the shot put in sic. with 7,174 volunteer hours and the 2015 World Championships The Classic, sponsored by Zions more than 15,000 box tops. while representing the United Bank and backed by Larry H. Miller Well done, Wildcats. States. Sports and Entertainment, will fea- ture WSU, BYU, Utah and Utah State Gold-medal performance Basketball officiating group playing in doubleheaders each Weber State alum Dave Blair The Big Sky Conference just December at Vivint Smart Home won a gold medal at the 2016 - Arena, home of the Utah Jazz. Paralympic Games in Rio in mid-Sep- sortium this summer. The consor- The three-year event will begin tember, setting a world record in the joined the Western Officiating Con in December 2017. men’s discus. Pac-12, Mountain West, Big West, Blair, an Ogden native who Westtium Coast includes and officials Western from Athletic the Golf staff changes attended Davis High School, com- conferences. Scott Erling, who has been the peted for the Wildcats from 1993 to The group now comprises all six WSU men’s golf coach for four sea- 1999, set a record mark of 210 feet, Division 1 men’s basketball leagues sons, has been named the new 4 inches in the discus on Sept. 16, in the western U.S. The goal of the Director of Golf at Weber State. He breaking a 16-year-record. group is to develop consistency and replaces former colleague Jeff Smith, “I should have been at this party who passed away this year. a long time ago,” the 40-year-old throughout the season. Sara Federico will be the wom- Blair lamented. performance in basketball officials en’s golf coach. A former assistant

42 Bleed Purple Fall 2016 Veteran official Bobby Dibbler WeberStateSports.com to Smith, Federico played for the Rodou basketball squad in the Greek star Brittney Dunbar just started Wildcats from 2010 to 2013, helping A-1 League. ... WSU win the 2010 Big Sky champi- Former WSU All-American David Maxol WIT Wildcats, a women’s onships. As interim coach earlier Hale has joined Wildcat football her first season as a member of the this year, she guided WSU to fourth radio broadcasts as color commen- place in the 2016 tournament. tator on KL-AM 1430. Hale, who A newly-created position in the spent three seasons in the NFL will WSU golf program will be the Direc- team up with Steve Klauke for foot- tor of Player Development, which ball games. … Rich Friend. Former Weber State football star Lee White (1965-67) is on the 2017 was filled by ballot for the College Football Hall

basketball squad in the Ireland- Super League. … WSU Jadrian Clark participated in the Friend played at Weber State in NCAA Career in Sports Forum in the late 1970s, and helped the Wild- June. … cats witn Big Sky titles in 1979 and of Fame ballot. White, an All-Amer- Weber State’s men’s and women’s ican running back from Las Vegas, the NCAA tournament as well. He is a member of the WSU Hall of Fame to the All-Academic Team by the was1980, the and 1980 posted Big topSky 25medalist. finishes at and Big Sky Conference Silver Anni- Unitedtrack and States field Track teams and were Field named and Friend has been the head golf pro versary Team. He was drafted by the Cross Country Coaches Association. at Tacoma Country Club (Lakewood, Wash.) since 1989. the 1968 NFL draft. The inductees Chris J. Miller, a 1986 graduate of Weber New York Jets in the first round of State, is a former Weber State Signpost will be announced in January. … sports editor and editor in chief, as well as Tidbits Weber State’s men’s basketball a former longtime sports editor at the Stan- attendance average was 75th best dard-Examiner. He can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on feature night games, thanks to a in the nation, and among the top 14 Twitter at cjmsports. generous The Weber donation State from soccer the field Robert will schools in the western U.S. Averaging Burton family, WSU’s on-campus 4,744 fans per game at the Dee - Events Center, the Wildcats topped the Big Sky attendance for the heldfield onreceived Oct. 14, lights against around Big Sky the rivalsoc eighth-straight season, 13 of the last Idaho.cer pitch. … Their first night match was 15 years. … Former Weber State After a stint on the Toronto Rap- standout steeplechaser Farley Ger- tors NBA Summer League squad, ber will be inducted into Utah Sports former ’Cat guard Davion Berry Hall of Fame on October 18. ... recently joined the VAP Kolossos Former Weber State basketball WeberStateSports.com Fall 2016 Bleed Purple 43 TOP TWEETS Recent highlights from our Social Media Channels

44 Bleed Purple Fall 2016 WeberStateSports.com WeberStateSports.com Fall 2016 Bleed Purple 45 “My scholarship means a lot to me because not a lot of people get the chance to play at the collegiate level. So I thank God every day.”

Richaud Gittens - Basketball Tempe, AZ Class of 2017

Join the Wildcat Club and help support WSU Student-Athlete Scholarships Call 801-626-6576 or visit WeberStateSports.com for more information or to join. 46 Bleed Purple Fall 2016 WeberStateSports.com WeberStateSports.com Fall 2016 Bleed Purple 47 48 Bleed Purple Fall 2016 WeberStateSports.com