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Show Conference Play Opens; Weber To Clash With BAC Tilt Will Be Acid Test For Untried Cagrers Weber's Wildcats will open their '4ti conference season when They journey to Cedar City to tangle with Branch Agricultural college Jan. 18. The Weber .squad Is rated as the underdog because the present squad Is composed of returned vets who have had little time to work together.Coach Reed Swenson of Weber looks for a hard fought battle and is confident that Weber will come out on top. He declined to make any further prediction because he has no dope on Ihe comparative strength of the two schools. Probable starting lineup will show Jesperson holding down one forward position while either Bingham or Thorne will play the other. Center is expected to be big Ed Martin, and one guard spot has been slated for Kenny, Lowder or Stringham will start as the other guard. Swenson is expected to use reserves freely in a continued juggling process to get a smooth working team. The season's schedule calls for 14 games, seven at home and seven away. Take Your Choice There are six million women named Mary in the United States today. Swenson Capitalizes On Breaks, Builds Team Over Holidays; Squad Now Made Up Of Vets By Phil Kenny A happy man about the cam- pus these days is Coach Reed Swenson, whose Come What may, it's senseless to worry" outlook on life and basketball really paid off last week. . Earlier in the fall when the first basketball practices were called, Swenson got a pretty good turnout of boys who were, on the whole, good ball handlers dent disadvantage was that the vast percentage of the boys were 18 years old, who were destined for service in the armed forces. They were good, but they were young, lacking in the experience which characterizes the present team, as was proven by practice games. This condition caused no little worry for the boys who were playing. They were happy to be representing Weber, but still most of them felt that they would be no match for other teams. Local sportwriters had it doped out that this year would be just another year for the cagers. But all the while Coach Swenson went about his daily affairs, confident that things would eventually shape up. Then along in December, Swenson' s looked for luck began to come in, at first slowly, then faster and faster, until now it seems that he has a reserved seat on what Is called the gravy train. First, Don Jesperson, a Marine Corps veteran, began working out with the squad in preparation lor his active participation in the Winter quarter. After that came Russ Thorne, Ed Martin, and his brother Paul. Joe Kenny, Max Lowder, Roy Sessions, Paul Jack and Junior Preece, all of whom played on local high school teams before the war. When Swenson recovered from his amazement, and I think it was amazement because even he didn't expect a turnout like that, he hurriedly set to work. Practices were held every day during the Christmas holidays to get the combination which would get the most from the material he had. Swenson juggled and shifted men, and finally last week when the Wildcats tangled with USAC, the startled Aggies came out on the short end of the score. No matter what happens during the rest of the season in the way of luck or bad breaks, one thing is certain, Weber has a team which is as good as many of the pre-war squads, and if the ragged edges are ironed out of the play, Weber will have one which is better. The one factor which mars this rosy future is that the other colleges also are experiencing the same influx of men and will have better teams than they have had for years. Sidelights On Our Boys In fiuple Sliirts and Multicolored Water Show To Feature Losee & Champneys The man with the splash is again doing the proverbial heating of our one time frigid pool. Acquacade specialist, you name it and I'll do it, Ferron Losee is now seriously indulging in ian-dum formations and aquatic nonsense in preparation for the show of water shows to be presented for the veterans at Bushnell hospital, Thursday night, January 10. The evening will bring forth vivacious mermaids from Ogden High School who will make with the grape vines, sun flowers, shooting stars and beautious wat cr waltzes. A demonstration of strokes will also head the pro gram consisting of every water paddle known; everything from the Ugly Duckling Mud Crawl to the Clark Gable, or Hollywood Back Stroke. Fancy diving is also slated, mingled with clown swimming and acquatic suicide, commonly down clown diving. To give the evening a more lagubrious atmosphere Ferrin Losee and Floyd Champneys will demonstrate, "How Not To Make A Swimming Rescue," or "He Wants Help Not Company." With the diligent efforts of the participants and adequate facilities with which to work the cast feels certain of providing a pleasant evening for those who have given so much for our own happiness and security. Floyd Champneys. Trunks Although no men have been positions on . ... ine nrsi ream, n seems lamy certain that Don Jesperson and Joe Kenny will soon have become permanent fixtures in the positions of forward and guard. Jesperson seems to have taken the title of Weber Wildcat to heart, or so it seems from his performance at the Aggie game. During the fracas he got a black eye, a lovely split lip, and a still lovelier box score of 23 points. Kenny totaled 12 points in his first competition since being discharged from the service. While in the Army, he played on a service team which played off the West Coast championship, but lost. Still later, in England, this same team was defeated by one point in the English-American championship game. All this playing adds up to the fact that Kenny is a better man than when he left and it seems that other people have noticed it too. A nickname which may stick on Joe is "Hell on Wheels Kenny." During the war he was attached to Patton's 2nd Armored Hell on Wheels Division as a radio operator, hence the name. Another man who seems likely to slip into the high geared first string combination is Junior Preece, a former pilot of a Navy Corsair. Ernie Bingham should be back in his old form soon, it is rumored. Roy Sessions has several times compained that he hasn't been able to get hot. Others claim that he hasn't been hot since he was in his incubator. I am an impartial observer. Max Lowder has been displaying real ability, but I have heard it whispered that he is not keeping training. Two dark horses right now are Ed and Paul Martin. Before the war they were both smooth players but now it is a question of whether or not they can regain their old skill. Ed Martin is slightly handicapped though, what with a new wife, and different other family matters. A boy who is in there all the time is short, wiry Russ Thorne. former Army paratrooper. I think that no one who witnessed it will ever forget the look on Russ' face when he tottered into the shower room after his first scrimmage. Since then he seems to have gotten back into pretty fair shape, though. A constant source of amazement is little Grant Garner, who, although I don't believe he stands more than five feet six inches tall, is on the first string and intends to stay there. On offense he manages to get his share of shots even though he is usually smothered by the big boys, but on defense he really shines. Fred Stringham and Garner are the only boys now playing on the first team who were there Page i A Real, Live Wildcat . . Joe Kenny, left above, husky guard, is pictured getting in shape, after three years in the army. Kenny, who scored 12 points in the TJSAC fray and played a dazzling defensive game, is slated to be holding down a guard position when BAC and Weber line up for the opening jinirp. Intra-Murals To Start Monday . "Plans for the men's intra murals have been completed and games will get under way the first of next week," reported Ferron Losee, swimming in structor. Events scheduled are oasket- ball, water basketball, swim ming boxing, wrestling, rabbit hunts, handball, and ping pong. Schedules will be posted on the gym bulletin board in advance of playing date. Intra mural champs will have a picture taken for publication in the "Signpost" after the com pletion of each tournament. Men! Have You Heard The Latest? If your classes are so dull or so hard that you need a cigarette to brace you, don't sneak out behind the Central building. Current rules allow smoking on the campus but not in any buildings. So don't get that trapped look in your eyes when someone sees you blowing one, just relax and take it easy. But .just remember to restrain yourself until you are outside. Attend The Game Weber and Fort Douglas; 4 P. M. a month ago. Stringham and his rosy cheeks have done a pretty good job of hanging on and I think it is safe to say that if his health doesn't fail he will get his fill of playing this winter.The Odds Are In The Girls' Favor If Weber had some of the support that Ogden high school had at their last game, many people would be very, very happy. Whenever a high school game is played the stands are jammed with enthusiastic rooters who put their team above their pride and come to the affairs unescorted, stag. I know that to-come to a school function by herself would be very much beneath the dignity of many college girls, but I hope that these words are read by someone who has some influence with the alleged fairer sex and who can swing some kind of a deal to get them to our games. And besides, there is always the chance that they don't go home alone. Anyway, I hope there are several thousand people at the game with Branch Agricultural College. WEBER COLLEGE SIGNPOST Wednesday, January 9, 1U-J6 Ferron Losee Returns To Coach Swimming Team; Tank Future Seems Bright With the return of Coach Fer-' rin Losee to the athletic staff, hopes run high for Weber's swimming team. Losee, who has made more swimmers for the Navy then Dr. Young has lost hair, looks for a good year with the tank team. Ferron was formerly the coach of Morgan High School but was brought to Weber College in 1932 to coach our swimming teams. He himself was one of the great swimmers of the West. It was not long until he had trained a team 'who won the state championship in swimming, then went on through Colorado and was still undefeated by members of the Rocky Mountain conference group. Some of the well known swim mers Ferron Losee coached were Bob Petty, Boyd Farr, John Murphie, Perry Leavitt, and Virginia Nelson Rich, who was an outstanding diver and swimmer. Virginia was lucky enough to attend the Olympic games and to come out a champion under the coaching of Ferron. He also directed the men's intramural groups which were very active during those years. Left For Navy In 1942, he left us to accept the position of recreation director of Las Vegas, Nevada. He served only a month or two in ! this position before he joined the navy. He is soon to be discharged after serving in the navy for almost three years. Two AAU meets are scheduled at Salt Lake City during the season, a senior intermountain meet at the Desert gymnasium, and a similar junior meet at the Municipal Plunge. Such top teams as the Utah State Agricultural college. University of Utah and entrys from Idaho, Wyoming and Colorado along with Weber are expected to compete. Much confidence is held in Weber's ability to hold its own under the firm hand of Coach Losee. In 1942, with a well balanced team he invaded Wyoming and Colorado. So successful was their attack, that the University of Wyoming failed to take a single first or second place in the meet and Colorado U received their first defeat in 11 years. ' Later in the season a repetition of the trip and its success is hoped for. An invitational meet will be held for the tanksters on home waters, which will be very advantageous to our swimmers and also give the students an opportunity to see them in action. Prospects Fairly Good Among the would-be tank stars is James Farr, brother of Weber's own Boyd Farr who set many new records with his speed as a sprint and distance swim- Navy Instructor Ferron Losee mer. "James shows good promise of following his brother's wake, and yours truly is informed that his eyes glitter with expectancy and the gold medals he hopes to earn in competition. Powers, a new face on the campus and all the name implies, having outgrown Box Elder's pool is now making his bid for a top place among the tank artists. As soon as the pool is equipped with a new board, the lithe figure of Grant Garner will be seen making with the dives in ye old tank. A rigid training program has been imposed to prepare the team for the year's schedule, so girls if he looks at you with watery, blood shot eyes, don't shy away, he is a faithful swimmer. Buzz Champneys Just Arrived! SLACKS Made From The Famous ALEUTIAN CLOTH Tougher, Smarter Priced At $6.95 At The Modern --And His Deadly Running Partner Don Jesperson, above right, is .shown sharpening his claws in preparation for the coming title with Branch Agricultural college, .Ian. 18. Jesperson is expected to be starting at forward after scoring 23 points in the upset over Utah State Agri-cultural college last Wednesday. Jesperson is a veteran of the Marine Corps. Weber Tankman Leaps Into Pool Of Flaming Gas For Bond Buyers The time, July, 1945; the place, Monroe, Louisiana; the scene, a war bond drive. On the 15-foot diving board a figure appeared, shrouded with gasoline soaked, flaming gunny sacks. It paused a moment, then hurtled through the air and into the burning gasoline below. This was noe of the many experiences of Floyd "Buzz" Champneys, late of the army, now back at Weber. Champneys recalls that a thrilling moment of the exhibition was when his hair cuaght on fire and before he could remedy Excelsior Elects Frank Read As Pres.; Severe Hazing Slated; 2 Pledges Leave To Keep Peace High spot of the recent Excel sior club meeting was the election of Frank Read, former Air Corps officer, to the position of president, succeeding Art Al-bertson who held the office during the Fall quarter. Bud Sorenson, an ex-marine, was selected as vice president, succeeding Harold Tippetts, and Paul Vernieu was retained as secretary. , The position ofSergeant-at-arms will now be filled each week to give the members an equal chance at the upturned bottoms of the pledges. Phil Kenny was appointed scribe, succeeding Keith Midge-ley.This quarterly election saw the first participation of pledges in voting. Flying Instructor and Inspector Read attended Weber in 1942-43 but left for flying cadet training in his freshman year. He received his wings at New Georgia. He was then made an instructor and later an inspector general. Read's hopes for the continued progress of the club were optimistic but he pointed out that that pledges needed a little more of the old fashioned treatment i which was doled out to him in his goat days. In a short speech before taking office, he pledged himself to SKIERS We have a few good Gros-wold Laminated Skiis. Also boot harnesses, ski caps . . . jackets, etc. General accessories. , WE INSTALL SKI EDGES See Us For Your Winter Sports Needs Kammeyers SPORT STORE 318 - 24th Street the situation half of it was burned off. While at Weber in 1941-42, he won fame as one of the leading swimmers and divers in the state. During his high school days he swam for Weber at Junior AAU meets and when he finally did attend Weber he was an essential part of the team. Champneys left Weber in 1943, was sent to a tank destroyer outfit for training, and was later transferred to the air corps. At the time of his discharge last month he was training at Ama-rillo, Texas, as a B-29 cadet. ao his best m his new position and to do all in his power to keep Phoenix in its place as the sec-nd best men's club. The first act of the new president was to , lay the ground work for Excelsior's annual Sweetheart Ball in February. Committees are now in the process of being selected. Letters numerous have been sent to officials by the secretary and replies are expected very soon. The War Is Not Yet Over A note of sadness and irony was instilled into the meeting when two pledges, Don Jones and Lynn Winchester, made their last farewells and took leave of the fellows. They are now deeply in the task of keeping the peace. Phil Kenny and Lewis Russell also plan to take up recruiting poster offers of "Travel, Education, Career, Security," at the special request of draft board number four of Weber county. A testimonial originally scheduled for Wednesday was postponed until January 9. HAVE YOUR CAR RUN LIKE NEW. BRING Ridges An to 3174 Washington Blvd. Old Men Prove To Be Masters of College Boys Zone Defense Of Alumni Is One Of Deciding Factors An anticipated easy victory for Weber turned into a dismal last ft minute defeat as Bob Sneddon of the alumni team scored four points in the last two minutes of play to put the "Old Man" team on the long end of 36-33 score. Sneddon was the outstanding player of the day, claiming 11 points and covering the floor closely. Sneddon played football with the Washington Redskins last season and was in good physical condition. Other alumni players were not so fortunate, the average man not having played for two years, and in the latter part of the fray it could be seen that they were on r their last tegs, Weber took the lead early . in the encounter, but It was a lead of only several ..BOipts. When Sneddon made j"tlmely counters, the desperate collegiate y team could not hit the basket to tie. Wober Play Ragged and Non-cooperative Weber looked like a different team than the one which tamped USAC last, week. Shooting was poor and team play was at a minimum. For the first time the Wildcats ran up against a strong zone defense and this factor loomed large in the picture as the game progressed. Weber also missed the majority of foul pitches while the alumni bucketed a good percentage of their's. A strong undercurrent of personal desire for glory seemed to be running through the team. k Numerous long shots were attempted from unfavorable angles while teammates stood in the clear near the hoop. Thorne and Garner sparkled on defense during their period of play, constantly worrying ball a. handlers and intercepting passes. Swenson used 18 men, three different squads, in an effort ta get some smooth playing from the first team, but to no avail. Scoring was evenly divided ' among the purple and white players. Martin and Jesperson each claimed six points. Coach Reed Swenson's only comment was that, "The boys were up against a superior bunch of players. With a little more practice I think they will not be so ragged." FELLOWS! COME HERE FOR 0 Sporting Goods Hunting Supplies Billiards Q Pool 0 Magazines The Mecca 338 - 25th Street IT TO Brothers Service phone 4202 |