'cat Tales - Weber State Athletics

Kaleb Canales was named the new head coach for the Weber State men's basketball program on April 3, 2026. Canales comes to Weber State with more than 25 years of coaching experience, including 18 seasons in the NBA. Canales is the 11th head coach in the program’s Division I history and arrives in Ogden with nearly two decades of NBA coaching experience. He also spent last season as the associate head coach at Troy, where he helped lead the team to the NCAA Tournament. In his lone season at Troy, Canales helped guide the Trojans to a 22–12 record, capturing both the Sun Belt regular-season and tournament championships, and earning a berth in the NCAA Tournament. A native of Laredo, Texas, Canales began his coaching career in 2001 as a high school assistant coach before moving to the collegiate ranks at UT Arlington for the 2003-04 season, where he helped lead the Mavericks to a Southland Conference title. He then embarked on an 18-year career in the NBA, beginning with the Portland Trail Blazers in 2005

In February 2016, Rashid Shaheed signed to play football at Weber State out of high school. A decade later, he is a Super Bowl champion. Shaheed became the only four-time All-American in Weber State history and cemented himself as one of the greatest players ever to wear a Wildcat uniform. Since leaving Weber State in 2021, Shaheed has developed into an NFL standout, earning All-Pro honors and two Pro Bowl selections. In 2026, he reached the pinnacle of the sport, winning a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks. In the latest episode of the ‘Cat Tales’ podcast with Paul Grua, Shaheed reflects on his remarkable journey—from signing with Weber State to becoming a Super Bowl champion. He discusses his growth as a player, his transition to the NFL, and his experiences in New Orleans and Seattle, including a mid-season trade, a new contract, and his “welcome to the NFL” moment. He also shares memories from his time at Weber State, his success returning kicks, and his passion for mentoring younger players. In fo

Former Wildcat standout Kyndahl Hill has seen the world in the nine years since he left Weber State. Hill has been playing professionally in several countries across Europe, most recently in Israel. He has also played in Italy, Denmark, Ukraine, Germany, and Romania. In this ‘Cat Tales' podcast, Hill talks about his travels and playing in so many different places, learning languages, travel, memories of his time at Weber State, living in the Ogden area, family, and so much more. Hill, a native of Humble, Texas, played four seasons at Weber State from 2013-17 and was part of two Big Sky Championship teams and two teams that played in the NCAA Tournament. He never missed a game in his career and played in 130 games with the Wildcats, tied for the fifth-most games played in school history. He finished his career as the 32nd player in Weber State history to score 1,000 career points. He still ranks third in WSU history in career blocks with 126 and is eighth career rebounds with 734. He was named the Big

It’s the February 2026 Weber State coaches show, presented by the Young Automotive Group. In this episode, hear from new Weber State football head coach Eric Kjar on his first two months on the job, the new roster, preparing for spring football, and much more. Also hear from new WSU football assistant coaches Tanner Jacobsen and Gavin Fowler about their career journeys and their decision to come to Weber State.

Gavin Fowler is the new defensive coordinator for Weber State football under new head coach Eric Kjar. In this podcast, Gavin talks about coach Kjar, why he decided to come to Weber State, being mentored by Kalani Sitake and Jay Hill, his time at BYU as a player, becoming a coach, his love of football, what he loves about coaching, and much more.

Tanner Jacobson is the new Associate Head Coach for Weber State football. Jacobson was named the Associate Head Coach and Special Teams Coordinator for the Wildcats by new head coach Eric Kjar. A former player at Texas Tech and BYU, Jacobson comes to WSU after spending the last four seasons as the head coach at Tyler Junior College in Tyler, Texas. He also also coached at BYU and Snow College. In this 'Cat Tales podcast, Jacobson talks about growing up and playing football in Texas, playing at Texas Tech and his roommate Baker Mayfield. He also talks about playing at BYU, beginning his coaching career, stops at Snow and Tyler and what he's learned as a head coach. He discusses coming to Weber State, working with coach Kjar, coaching special teams, his love of coaching, family, and much more.

The last few weeks and days have been a whirlwind for new Weber State head coach Eric Kjar. Last week, he had his Corner Canyon High School team playing in the high school national championship game in Maryland. Less than a week later, he was introduced as the new head coach of the Wildcat football program. In this Wildcat All In interview, Kjar discusses the whirlwind and becoming head coach at Weber State, what the transition from high school to college will look like, the keys to his success in high school, recruiting the state of Utah, and what attracted him to Weber State. He also talks about his coaching style, what he loves about coaching, growing up playing football and becoming a coach, his family, coaching his sons, and more. Kjar (pronounced “Care”) was hired on Tuesday as the 13th head coach in Weber State’s Division I history. He comes to WSU after unprecedented success as a high school coach. In the last nine seasons, Kjar posted a 112-10 record with six state championships at Corner Ca

Eric Kjar was introduced as the new head football coach at Weber State on December 16, 2025. Kjar is the 13th head coach in Weber State’s Division I history and arrives in Ogden after unprecedented success as a Utah high school coach. Kjar (pronounced “Care”) posted a 112-10 record with six state championships over the last nine seasons as the head coach at Corner Canyon High School in Draper, Utah. He guided the Chargers to three consecutive state titles in 2018, 2019, and 2020, followed by three more championships in 2023, 2024, and 2025, along with two state runner-up finishes. His teams were nationally ranked multiple times, including as high as No. 8 in the nation. Corner Canyon also set a Utah state record with 48 consecutive wins from 2018 to 2021 and advanced to the national championship game in 2025. Kjar coached multiple state MVPs and All-Americans, along with numerous Division I college players and NFL Draft picks, including quarterbacks Jaxson Dart and Zach Wilson, and offensive lineman Jac

As the season begins, hear from Weber State men's basketball head coach Eric Duft as he enters his fourth season as head coach and his 20th season on the coaching staff at Weber State. Coach Duft on coaching the Wildcats for 20 years, this new season and team, the changing landscape of college basketball, the role of new General Manager Damian Lillard, professional Wildcats, scheduling, family time, and much more!

Hear from former Weber State football head coach Mike Price in this ‘Cat Tales podcast, hosted by Paul Grua. Price was the head coach at Weber State from 1981-88, and coached the Wildcats to 46 wins in those eight seasons, including a Big Sky Championship in 1987. He recently returned to Weber State for Homecoming for a 40th reunion of the 1985 Wildcat team. In this interview, Price discusses his return to Weber State, the changes since his coaching days, becoming the head coach in 1981 at the age of 35, his assistant coaches on staff, memorable games, his relationship with players, retirement, and more.

2025 Weber State Athletics Hall of Fame ceremony by 'Cat Tales - Weber State Athletics Podcast

Coach Brent Myers has coached college football for a long time. The Weber State Associate Head Coach is entering his 42nd season as a college head coach, and Weber State’s season opener at James Madison will mark a remarkable milestone for Myers. This Saturday’s game at James Madison will be the 500th game for Myers as a college coach. It will also mark the start of his 12th season on the coaching staff at Weber State. He is the longest tenured coach on the current staff, having joined WSU in 2014, and has been a part of 130 games at Weber State. In this ‘Cat Tales podcast with Paul Grua, Myers talks about just a few memories from his long coaching career, including how he got started in coaching, memorable stadiums and games, coaching connections, how he got to Weber State, and the impact the players have on him. Myers played football at Eastern Washington, then began his coaching career in 1982. He coached at Eastern Washington, Southern Illinois, Northern Arizona, Boise State, Washington, Utah, Ari

Get to know Weber State football senior running back and kick returner Clarence “Bird” Butler in this latest Wildcat All In interview. In this interview, Butler talks about how he got the nickname Bird, growing in Salt Lake City, his high school football career, playing junior college football and at a military institute, his path to Weber State, starting out playing defense and then switching to offense as a Wildcat, making people laugh, his positive outlook, future plans, and much more. He also opens up about overcoming his academic struggles and being on track to graduate from Weber State. Butler is entering his senior season at Weber State in 2025. He has played in 22 games over the last two seasons with the Wildcats and enters 2025 with 222 rushing and 925 kick return yards. Weber State opens the 2025 season at James Madison on August 30.

On August 2, 2025, Weber State legend Damian Lillard hosted another Weber State Basketball Alumni Classic. At the start of the event, Lillard announced to the crowd that he will take on the role of General Manager of the Weber State Men's Basketball program. After the event, Lillard spoke to the media about becoming GM, hosting more alumni classics, and how he will be involved in Wildcat basketball. He was also joined in the press conference by Weber State head coach Eric Duft.

Get to know Jackson Gilkey, one of the new transfer quarterbacks with Weber State football this season. His journey growing up playing football in Texas, what he likes about playing quarterback, his recruitment out of high school, his two seasons at UTSA, how he ended up at Weber State, playing spring ball with the Wildcats, his style of playing quarterback, favorite food, dream vacation, future plans, and more.

Football is almost here, and the Weber State wrapped up the 2025 Big Sky Kickoff this week at the Northern Quest Resort and Casino in Spokane.  Two players and the head coach of all 12 Big Sky football teams assembled in Spokane for the annual kickoff and media days.  Head coach Mickey Mental was joined by Wildcat senior offensive lineman Gavin Ortega and junior defensive tackle Matt Herron at the kickoff. The event included a youth clinic, the annual Big Sky Hall of Fame, meetings and trainings, as well as a media session.  Weber State football opens fall camp for the 2025 season on July 30, with the season opener on August 30 at James Madison.  The home opener will be on September 20 against Butler. Weber State also hosts Sacramento State, Eastern Washington, Montana, and Northern Arizona. 

Joel and Beth Bass have been synonymous with Weber State Athletics for more than three decades. The couple has attended countless Wildcat events and influenced the lives of thousands of WSU student-athletes. The two are retiring this summer after long service to Weber State. In this latest ‘Cat Tales podcast, Joel looks back on his 34 years of work as the head athletic trainer at Weber State. He talks about the role of athletic trainers and how the job has changed, the relationship with doctors, memorable Wildcat games, dealing with injuries, travel, the Boston Marathon, retirement plans, family, and much more. Joel has been the head athletic trainer for Wildcat Athletics since 1991. For the last several years, he has worked as the Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine, where he oversaw athletic training, strength and conditioning, and equipment. He has been the primary athletic trainer for the Wildcat football and men's basketball teams since coming to Weber State in 1991 and has also worked

Get to know Weber State sophomore wide receiver, kick returner, and track athlete Noah Kjar in this latest Wildcat All In interview. Noah talks about growing up playing for his father, his incredible success in high school, and why he chose to come to Weber State. He also talks about his kickoff return touchdown in the win at Montana last season, being on the Wildcat track and field team, his outlook on this year’s team heading into this season, his future plans to be a teacher and coach, and his upcoming marriage. Noah originally signed at Weber State in December 2020. He was a state MVP and a Utah career record holder during his high school career at Corner Canyon. He was the 2020 Utah 6A State MVP and led the nation in receiving yards. He finished his career as Utah’s all-time leader in career receptions with 285. He played for his father Eric at Corner Canyon and helped lead the Chargers to three state championships and a 37-1 record. In his first action at Weber State in 2024, he played in all 11

It’s the June 2025 Weber State Coaches Show, presented by Young Automotive Group. The voice of the Wildcats, Carl Arky, talks with Weber State football assistant coach Robert Conley on the upcoming season for the Wildcats, and WSU softball head coach Kristin Delahoussaye on the softball team’s memorable run to a Big Sky Championship and a trip to the NCAA Tournament. This month’s show takes place at the Young Ogden Hyundai dealership.

Episode 7: Identity Join Jayda Tupea, Stacia Barker, Ashley Gneiting, and coach Miah as they dive into a powerful conversation about identity. From personal reflections on identity development to exploring core values, they share insights on why understanding who we are matters—not just in our program, but in life! “I wanted to change and figure out what I wanted to do… The first step was figuring out who I was and what I value. I wanted to be a good person, spiritually, a good friend & teammate. I didn’t want to make decisions based on other people but on who I was.”