It was clear almost immediately that Utah State athletic director Diana Sabau is on a mission.
Behind the friendly smile that was emblazoned across her face as she greeted Aggie alumni and chatted with coaches and student-athletes Thursday night at USU’s Bastian Agricultural Center in South Jordan, there was a steely determination. One that almost toed the line of desperation.
That may be what is needed in an ever-changing world of collegiate sports, though. A world that the Aggies boldly declared Thursday night that they are intent to remain a viable part of.
Utah State announced a new fundraising campaign for Aggie athletics — the ‘Reach and Rise’ Fundraising Campaign — which is USU’s first-ever comprehensive capital campaign and the largest and most ambitious fundraising effort in the history of the university.
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All told, USU hopes to raise $125 million over the next five years, with $20 million already raised thanks to a pair of anonymous $10 million donations.
It is — for lack of a better descriptor — a fundraiser for the survival of Aggie athletics as presently constituted.
“If we don’t take this moment right now, if we don’t invest in our ‘Reach and Rise’ campaign, Utah State athletics will not be able to keep up with the changing times, with where intercollegiate athletics is going,” Sabau said. “We are already behind with most of our peers in the Mountain West. When you look at Utah State and the number of investors, contributors and donors to our athletic department, we are second from the bottom in the MWC with number of contributors. We must grow that base.”
She continued: “…. We need to do more (so we can provide a) new field for our women’s soccer players, a new locker room for our men’s basketball players or frankly modernizing a great football stadium. Shining it a little bit to make it the gem of Logan so that everyone can be proud and we can have the best competitively.”
Chris Samuels, Deseret News
The proposed investment in Aggie athletics is for the benefit of the entire university, president Elizabeth Cantwell said.
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“Athletics plays this critical role in elevating all of USU,” she noted.
Added Sabau: “I deeply believe that athletics is the lifeblood of a university. It creates memories. It creates legacies within families. Gives you purpose and is a gathering place, a point of pride.”
The significance of the proposed investment was not lost on USU coaches or student-athletes.
“I think it is so powerful,” men’s basketball coach Jerrod Calhoun said. “It shows a huge commitment, to not only men’s basketball (but) to all of our sports team. It is one big family there. With so many things changing I think fundraising drives a lot of this. And so your donor base, your alums, you have to be able to reach people who may have not been given. These are what these events are about and really bring awareness to Utah State athletics and I thought they’ve done a masterful job.”
Said rising sophomore Mason Falslev, one of Calhoun’s more recognizable players and a Cache Valley native: “I didn’t really know about all this, about the number, but that is a lot of money and can make a huge difference in a lot of our lives. Especially in football and basketball, we appreciate it. We love being Aggies and that extra money will do a lot for us.”
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Freshman guard Mason Falslev looks to pass during the Aggies’ exhibition game against Montana State Billings on Nov. 3 at the Spectrum in Logan. (Jeff Hunter) | Jeff Hunter, Associated Press
The official purpose behind the $125 million fundraising campaign is three-fold:
To redefine the student-athlete experience by providing tools for success beyond their athletic careers.
To raise the standard of excellence with a renewed commitment to increase funding for recruiting and retaining student-athletes and staff, along with facility enhancements.
To change lives through education by funding student-athlete scholarships.
All of which, Sabau said, boils down to providing the means necessary for Utah State to compete for and win championships.
“We are always going to maximize and not really complain, but the reality is that the amount of success we are looking to achieve is not sustainable in the current conditions,” USU women’s soccer coach Manny Martins said.
Bold. Ambitious. Brazen. Lofty. However USU’s ‘Reach and Rise’ fundraising campaign is viewed, almost all are in agreement — Utah State athletics won’t survive in the increasingly costly collegiate sports world without it.
“It is necessary in today’s day and age,” Utah State starting quarterback Spencer Petras said. “I think it is great. It is empowering and makes you feel cared for as a student-athlete. Who knows how much we will raise, but that is a great goal. I don’t know any other way to phrase it — we want to compete at the highest level and these are the things we need to do in order to do that.”
As the ski season has started, many wonder when’s the best time to hit the slopes. Ski season in Utah runs from November to May, though dates vary by resort.
Every skier and snowboarder has their own idea of the perfect day. Let’s figure out when it’s right for you to go.
Over the years, you’ve probably curated your own unique mountain style. With a seven-month season, there are different windows — each offering something different to fit your needs.
Whether you’re an après enthusiast, a powder fanatic or a fair-weather shredder, we’re here to help you figure out the best time to hit Utah’s resorts.
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When the après-loving skier should hit the slopes
While the early months of the ski season — November and December — may offer fewer inches of snow, they still bring high-quality mountain memories and a vibrant ambiance for skiers and snowboarders alike.
That’s especially the case for après-loving punters — which “is a catch-all phrase that marks the shift from leg-burning ski runs to the social activities that follow,” according to Travel and Leisure.
Snow may be unpredictable in the early season, but the hustle and bustle of social skiers fills the lodges.
For a livelier vibe, Timberline Lodge at Powder Mountain offers live music, great food and dancing — perfect for warming up those cold limbs.
We all know skiing works up an appetite. If your stomach growls while riding the lifts at Solitude, head to St. Bernard’s for a tasty après buffet. One thing’s for sure: Whether or not the snow’s arrived, Utah’s ski resorts will never disappoint in a good time.
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When the deep-powder skier will find the best conditions
Peak ski season runs from January through February, according to Canyon Services, since those months offer the best conditions of the year.
“Cold weather and abundant snowfall allow the base to settle, creating well developed bases with deep powder,” the article states.
While champagne powder calls your name, so do the long lines and crowds — January and February are the busiest months. But don’t let that discourage you.
With 15 resorts and hundreds of runs to choose from in Utah, there’s always a place to carve out your own perfect day.
When the fair-weather skier should make their mountainside appearance
Spring skiing runs from March through May. Many fair-weather skiers eagerly await the perfect bluebird day. Bluebird days involve bright sunny skies, calm conditions and often maintain average to above-average snow conditions.
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On average, Snowbird enjoys 22.4 bluebird days between March and May, according to Snow Forecast.
As temperatures rise and layers come off, ski season starts winding down. To keep the stoke alive, Utah resorts host fun events and competitions to distract from the melting snow beneath our skis.
At Alta, skiers don wild costumes for the famous Frank World Classic event where skiers come together to celebrate the season and ski community, according to FreeSkier.
At Solitude, you can cheer on skiers at the Pond Skim Beach Party, according to their website, and relive the season at their Ski DJ parties. Snowbird invites you to rock your ‘80s gear while showing off your tricks in style.
Whether you join in on the festivities or just watch the entertainment, one thing’s certain: You’ll bask in the warmth of the sun, maybe even shedding your coat for the last runs of the season. Don’t forget your sunscreen!
Miami Heat (18-17, sixth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Utah Jazz (9-26, 14th in the Western Conference)
Salt Lake City; Thursday, 9 p.m. EST
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BOTTOM LINE: Utah is looking to end its eight-game home slide with a win against Miami.
The Jazz have gone 2-13 in home games. Utah allows 118.5 points to opponents and has been outscored by 6.9 points per game.
The Heat are 8-10 on the road. Miami is 10-6 in games decided by at least 10 points.
The Jazz’s 14.1 made 3-pointers per game this season are just 0.5 more made shots on average than the 13.6 per game the Heat give up. The Jazz average 111.3 points per game, 7.2 fewer points than the 118.5 the Jazz allow.
TOP PERFORMERS: Collin Sexton is averaging 17.9 points and 3.9 assists for the Jazz.
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Terry Rozier is shooting 40.0% and averaging 12.1 points for the Heat.
LAST 10 GAMES: Jazz: 4-6, averaging 116.1 points, 48.8 rebounds, 25.6 assists, 7.2 steals and 5.0 blocks per game while shooting 46.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 114.0 points per game.
Heat: 5-5, averaging 109.3 points, 42.1 rebounds, 25.8 assists, 8.3 steals and 4.1 blocks per game while shooting 46.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 111.7 points.
INJURIES: Jazz: Keyonte George: day to day (heel), John Collins: day to day (personal), Jordan Clarkson: day to day (plantar ), Taylor Hendricks: out for season (fibula), Brice Sensabaugh: day to day (illness).
Heat: Dru Smith: out for season (achilles), Josh Richardson: day to day (heel).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Florida State came up short in its pursuit of a top running back transfer.
On Tuesday, Utah State running back transfer Rahsul Faison announced he was committing to South Carolina. Faison chose the Gamecocks over FSU, Alabama, North Carolina, UCLA, and UCF.
The Seminoles hosted Faison for a visit last weekend but he continued to take trips elsewhere. Florida State could very well kick the tires on another transfer during the spring window.
Faison spent two seasons with the Aggies and had a career year in 2024 where he rushed 198 times for 1,109 yards and eight touchdowns while catching 22 passes for 99 yards. He had five games of 100+ rushing yards, including a season-high 20 carries for 191 yards and a touchdown in a 55-10 victory against Hawaii on November 16. He was named second-team All-Mountain West for his performance last fall.
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During his first season at Utah State, Faison rushed 118 times for 736 yards and five touchdowns. In total, he appeared in 25 games, making 13 starts, and totaled 316 carries for 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns. Faison also caught 33 passes for 151 yards.
The Pennsylvania native signed with Marshall as a two-star prospect in 2019. He ultimately spent that season at the junior college level at Lackawanna College and was with the Thundering Herd in 2020. Faison didn’t appear in a game with either program and elected to go back to the JUCO level with Snow College. He rushed 88 times for 355 yards and six touchdowns prior to transferring to Utah State.
The 5-foot-11, 200-pound running back has at least one season of eligibility remaining due to the new junior college ruling.
READ MORE: Elite FSU Quarterback Commitment Gets First Chance To Meet New OC Gus Malzahn
Florida State has six scholarship running backs eligible to return in 2025; redshirt senior Roydell Williams, redshirt senior Caziah Holmes, redshirt junior Jaylin Lucas, redshirt sophomore Samuel Singleton Jr., sophomore Kam Davis, and redshirt freshman Micahi Danzy.
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The Seminoles signed four-star Ousmane Kromah during the Early Signing Period.
READ MORE: Standout Utah State Running Back Transfer Lists Florida State In Top-Six
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