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Show . A Year of Change Cover photos Scott A. Miller Referee declares one of Blake Beesley's many wrestling wins this year. Marina Potts sparks her rally for the Weber State women's volleyball team. Quarterback Phil Cooper lofts an aerial pass over the outstretched arms of Idaho State defensive lineman. SIDEIINESF Dave Allison , Sports Editor I This was an exciting year for Weber State sports. While some teams had better years than others, all combined to make 1986-87 a memorable period of time. Thinking back, there were major developments in WSC athletics some good and some bad. But remembering the bad events first and saving the best for last, Weber State sports were as exciting and unpredictable as ever. Probably the biggest event this year would be a sad one for Wildcat sports. With WSC feeling the state's money belt tighten, the athletic department was faced with pulling funding from two programs leading to the extinction of women's golf. The only national championship team at Weber State was tragically dropped for many complicated reasons. It wasn't an easy decision for the athletic department nor for the college, but it was an act of necessity. Wrestling was the other sport cut, but a remarkable money drive by the wrestlers will fund the program next year. Also sad is the number of coaches not returning next year. We'll miss the women's golf coach Carl Lynn of course, but wrestling coach John Webb is leaving on sabbatical for Oklahoma State (he plans to return in two years), and men's assistant basketball coach Dick Hunsaker has taken a similar job with Ball State. Each of these gentlemen contributed greatly to their respective programs and to the college itself. Sportswise, who could figure the men's basketball team's downfall in one of the crudest seasons of WSC basketball history. It was nice and relieving to see them topple Montana State in the Big Sky playoffs they deserved better. So did Weber State's hardluck football team. WSC coach Mike Price kept his sense of humor and made Sports Illustrated' scorecard section twice because of it. Women's sports programs could have used a few more people in the stands this year. Many missed out on one of the best years in Lady Cat sports. But enough with the bad. There were plenty of good times at Weber State, too. How about the tennis program's conference championships in both the Big Sky Conference and Mountain West Athletic Conference. Their dynasties continue. WSC's cross country, indoor track and field, and outdoor track and field teams had one of the most consistant and successful seasons ever this year.- The women's basketball and volleyball programs made big strides developing into quality programs, as did men's wrestling. Youth and inexperience kept them from greatness this year, but next year watch out. The men's golf team was edged out of the NCAA tournament this year, but every year remain in a four-team race in District VII for three tourney spots. Respects must also be paid to campus organizations that kept sports fans busy. Weekend warriors became healthier with on-campus activities provided by the Intramural department and the Wilderness Recreation Center. All in all, the Weber State sporting life was fun, to say the least. Let's hope the following years will be just as good. Dave Allison Inlramurals kept students busy with a variety of activities I this year, including basketball. Intramurals "We do more than just play games" is a slogan which reflects the rising appeal of the Intramural sports program. "The basic mission of intramurals is to provide recreation and competitive sports for students, faculty, staff and alumni of Weber State College," said Tony Onofrietti, assistant director of Intramurals. Student participation is steadily increasing. With 45 different activities available, there is something for everyone. Participation has increased from five percent to 16 percent over the past three years. "The percentage figure is good for a commuter campus, but we are always striving for improvement," Onofrietti said. A recent addition to intramurals was the Sportsfest Invitational, which initiated the Intramural season in September. Some of the highlights included the softball and flag-football tournaments. New programs added this year included the spring classic basketball tournament. "This activity was a success because so many alumni participated," Onofrietti said. Weber State intramurals also hosted the state intramural softball championship and the co-recreation softball championship. Team activities this year featured snow football, basketball, volleyball, soccer and softball. A highlight of team activity has been demonstrated since February of 1986. A basketball team named "Ready for the world" has gone undefeated. They breezed through the holiday tournament, the men's tournament and took first place in the state of Utah Intramural basketball. Individual events cover road races, tennis, archery, marksmanship, ping-pong, basketball, free-throw, handball, racquetball, billiards, bowling, powerlifting, swimming and diving, badminton, pickleball and campus recreation. Approximately 70 percent of student fees allocated for Intramurals were used for student employment. Students were employed as supervisors, referees, umpires, score keepers and announcers," said Onofrietti. Advertising has helped the Intramural program significantly. "The Signpost has been great in supporting us and keeping students aware through sports briefs," said Onofrietti, I J llli I'UIM r t rr ; i -U 1) i The magazine provided by campus recreation, titled Recreational Pursuits, has also been a big support to Intramurals. This magazine is a promotional publication free of charge to WSC students. Promoting social interaction and fellowship within the college through competitive and recreational sports is a goal being reached through the Intramural programs. a Katy Franiisen 2D SignOff Tuesday, June 2, 1987 |