< PreviousSNOW COLLEGE MAGAZINE | 2025 28 Jr. Badger Den2025 | SNOW COLLEGE MAGAZINE 29 Illustration by Megan Woodland, Class of ‘25SNOW COLLEGE MAGAZINE | 2025 30 By Drayson Ball Snow College boasts an ever-growing athletics program that has developed into a recognizable powerhouse within the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). Since 2016, Snow College has nearly doubled the number of NJCAA-sponsored sports offered to athletes nationwide. In addition to football, volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, rodeo, softball, cheer, and the Badgerettes, Snow College has introduced programs for both men and women in soccer, cross country, and wrestling, including the only collegiate women’s wrestling program in the state of Utah. During that time, these new programs have achieved impressive athletic milestones. Soccer has garnered five conference championships, seven region championships, and one district championship. In just three years, the wrestling teams have produced 24 All-Americans, including a national champion in women’s wrestling. The new programs have also achieved great academic success. Following the conclusion of the 2023-24 academic year, the athletic department saw a school-record 96 student-athletes named to the NJCAA All-Academic Teams, including 43 from the soccer and wrestling programs. Of the six new athletic programs, four are stationed on the Richfield campus. This decision was made to enhance the campus experience and boost enrollment by expanding general education opportunities in Richfield, in addition to the technical education classes currently offered. Snow College has supported the increased number of student-athletes in a myriad of ways, such as building the Bergeson Athletic Center in 2019, hiring a second full- time athletic trainer and strength and conditioning coach. Numerous sports medicine internships have allowed Snow College student-athletes to train and recover better than ever before. Hiring a full-time academic advisor for student-athletes has also made a noticeable impact. With personalized academic planning and a stronger emphasis on academic success, student- athletes are better equipped to stay on track, transfer smoothly, and find success at four-year institutions after graduation. Students attending Snow College had the opportunity to attend 75 home events throughout the 2024-25 athletic season. The Badgers’ “Rowdy Crowd” provides a strong home-field advantage and helps Snow College rank among the nation’s leaders in attendance. Whether it is adding opportunities for more student-athletes to attend the school or enhancing the experience of those already enrolled, Snow College continues to be a beacon of athletic and academic success. Built for Greatness: A Decade of Growth in Snow College Athletics Above, Women's wrestling Blue and Orange Intersquad Scrimmage winner. Facing Page, The cross country team gets in a practice before a meet. Photo by Issac McIffPhoto courtesy of Shutter Scorpion SNOW COLLEGE MAGAZINE | come cheer your favorite badger team on to victory! scan the qr code for full team schedules Badgerettes • Basketball (Men’s and Women’s) Cheer • Cross Country (Men’s and Women’s) Football • JV Football Rodeo • Soccer (Men’s and Women’s) • Softball Volleyball • Wrestling (Men’s and Women’s)2025 | SNOW COLLEGE MAGAZINE 33 By Shannon Allred Before most Americans had even defrosted their Thanksgiving turkey, the Snow College men's basketball team was starting the best winning streak in program history. Fast forward nearly three months, and the number one team in the nation found itself the winner of 25 games in a row and had claimed the Scenic West Athletic Conference (SWAC) Championship, the Region 18 Tournament Championship, and, for the first time in school history, the West District Championship. The team finished with a 32-2 overall record and went undefeated in conference play. While their bid for the NJCAA National Championship was cut short in a devastating loss to Connors State, the 2024-2025 season will go down as a season for the ages. Their dominance extended beyond team honors with a record 13 Player of the Week awards earned throughout the season. Sophomore guard Isaac Finlinson joined the 1000-point club. Finlinson is the fifth player in school history to achieve this honor. Finlinson also swept the National Player of the Year honors from the NJCAA, NABC, and JUCO Jam – a first for any Snow College athlete. Head Coach Andrew May was named SWAC Coach of the Year, West District Coach of the Year, and JUCO Jam National Coach of the Year, underscoring his unparalleled leadership - inspiring the team to new heights. “This group of players and coaches has redefined what’s possible at Snow College,” said Rob Nielson, Snow College Athletic Director. “Their work ethic, unity, and relentless pursuit of excellence were on display every single game. Coach May and his staff not only built a championship team, they built a culture that will inspire future Badgers for years to come.” Snow College Men’s Basketball Completes Historic 2024-2025 Season Men's Basketball team celebrates after winning West District Championship. Photo by Kyle Parry, Sideline focusSNOW COLLEGE MAGAZINE | 2025 34 Introducing the Snow Alumni Network: by Nathan Bradley Your experience matters. Your network can change lives. Join the Snow Alumni Network to empower students, forge connections, and rekindle your Badger ties. Reunite with Your Badger Roots: Be Part of Something Bigger Snow College proudly launches the Snow Alumni Network—a vibrant bridge reuniting alumni with students for collaboration and growth. Share your expertise, form lasting bonds, and boost our shared legacy, no matter your graduation year. Unlock opportunities for future Badgers through flexible engagement. Collaborate with departments, faculty, and staff to provide that signature Snow high- touch experience. Build student confidence, offer real- world guidance, and foster thriving futures. Reinvest in Snow College by expanding your network and aligning with our mission of empowerment. Your involvement creates a ripple effect, strengthening our community for years to come and opening pathways to success. Our Vision & Mission Cultivate connections among alumni, students, faculty, and staff to deliver wisdom, networks, and confidence for success. Enable flexible alumni involvement to inspire an Below and facing page, Snow College alumni gathered at the Bees game to reconnect and celebrate Snow College. Connecting Badgers for a Thriving Future interconnected, global Badger community—enhancing programs like the Alumni Council and scholarships for enduring prosperity. Choose How You Connect Tailor your involvement to fit your life—every bit counts: Department Sponsor: Partner with faculty or staff to host department-specific presentations, panels, or Q&A sessions—virtually or on campus—to inspire entire groups of students. Industry Expert: Share your expertise at invited student events and panels, providing an insider's view of your field and illuminating potential career trajectories. Connection Partner: Get matched with students for personalized interactions via email, LinkedIn, virtual coffee chats, or informal discussions, offering tailored advice that sparks breakthroughs. Photo by Shannon Allred2025 | SNOW COLLEGE MAGAZINE 35 What Alumni Are Saying "The Snow Alumni Network is a game-changer for connecting students with real-world opportunities. Being part of its creation has been an honor, and I’m excited to see Badgers come together to inspire the next generation." —Mike Durham, Alumni Council Member "I am humbled and honored to serve the people of Snow College, an institution that served as the bedrock for the countless opportunities that have enriched my life. Snow College was not just a stepping stone; it was the foundation upon which my future was built." —Melissa Lowry Judy, Alumni Council President "There are high-character, hard-working people at Snow that truly care about the students and the college. I will always be thankful for my association with the college because of that. Once a Badger, always a Badger." —Tyler Hughes, Distinguished Alumnus Your Voice. Your Network. Your Legacy. Eager students await your insights. Join to shape their futures, honor our heritage, and propel Snow forward— your impact starts now. Reconnect. Reinvest. Reunite. Photo by Sydnee Atwood JOIN TODAY! Go to snow.edu/alumni/network or scan the QR code to apply and join the network. Curious? Contact the Alumni Office at 435-283-7009 or alumni@snow.edu with any questions or to get involved. Join us today and reconnect to ignite enduring bonds, reinvest to empower soaring dreams, and reunite to inspire a lasting legacy. Once a Badger, always a force for good.SNOW COLLEGE MAGAZINE | 2025 36 Honoring Our Past, Inspiring Our Future: By Nathan Bradley Snow College proudly announces the inaugural Snow College Legacy Banquet and a reimagined alumni and emeriti awards program, celebrating the enduring legacy of our Badger community. This historic first year strengthens our commitment to recognizing alumni and emeriti whose excellence, leadership, and dedication embody the Spirit of Snow. As former director James A. Nuttall declared in 1938, Snow College boasts “a strong and loyal alumni group,” a foundation we build upon as we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. From the historic Co-op Building on Main Street—now the vibrant Alumni Center for Snow College—our alumni, emeriti, and students remain the pulse that makes Snow College, Snow. Through this inaugural event, we celebrate this legacy and inspire a thriving future. The Snow College Legacy Banquet, debuting this year, expands the tradition of our Distinguished Alumni ceremony to honor both alumni and, for the first time, our emeriti—former faculty, staff, and retirees who represent the beating heart of Snow College. These awards celebrate the diverse contributions that have shaped our institution’s legacy of academic excellence and community strength, inspiring future generations to carry forward the Spirit of Snow. The Legacy Banquet will take place on Friday, October 10, 2025, in Founders Hall of the Noyes Building on our Ephraim campus—celebrating our shared heritage and bright future. The Alumni Legacy Award (Golden Badgers) will be presented at the Golden Badger Reunion on Saturday, October 11, 2025, in the same historic venue. Distinguished Alumni Award This prestigious award, unchanged in its essence, honors Snow College graduates with a lifetime of extraordinary achievement, leadership, and transformative impact in their fields or communities. Eligible alumni inspire others with excellence and purpose. Rising Alumni Award Recognizing young alumni from the past 20 years, this award celebrates innovation, leadership, and early-career impact. Eligible graduates embody Snow’s values, inspiring future generations with their bold contributions. Alumni Legacy Award (Golden Badgers) This award honors alumni who graduated 50+ years ago for their career achievements, mentorship, or contributions to Snow College. Presented at the Golden Badger Reunion, it celebrates those who have shaped our enduring legacy. Spirit of Snow Award (Alumni and Emeriti) This cherished award, given annually to one recipient or shared, honors alumni or emeriti for selfless service, philanthropy, or contributions that strengthen Snow College’s community and mission, uniting us in purpose. These awards reflect the leadership that drives Snow College forward, building on the strength of our alumni, emeriti, and students. We urge our Alumni Association and Badger community to nominate deserving individuals at snow.edu/alumni/award or by scanning the QR code on the facing page. Your nominations will honor those who have shaped our past and empower visionaries to lead Snow College into a thriving future. The Inaugural Snow College Legacy Banquet and Awards A L U M N I S N O W C O L L E G2025 | SNOW COLLEGE MAGAZINE 37 Above, Distinguished Alumni Art and Heather Enke ride in the homecom- ing parade. Below, Distinguished Alumni Larry and Jennifer Farnes are gifted the game ball at Homecoming 2024. Photos courtesy of Shutter Scorpion snow.edu/alumni/awardNext >