Aggie Football: What the New Coordinators Are Saying

Alright, Aggie faithful, let's cut the fluff.

You're probably wondering what the heck is going on with USU football this spring.

New coach, closed practices – it's like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube blindfolded.

But fear not!

Cache Valley Daily snagged chats with the offensive guru Kevin McGiven and defensive mastermind Nick Howell to give you the inside scoop.

Bronco Mendenhall is building something different in Logan, and these two coordinators are key pieces of the puzzle.

Think of it like this: USU football is a fixer-upper, and Mendenhall brought in the best contractors to renovate the offense and defense.

First up, Coach Howell.

This dude's been Mendenhall's right-hand man since 2013, bouncing from BYU to Virginia to New Mexico.

He's like the seasoned general contractor who knows exactly how Mendenhall wants the foundation laid.

"I feel really fortunate and blessed," Howell says. Translation: "I know what Bronco wants, and we're gonna get it done."

Then there's McGiven, the prodigal son returning for his *third* stint with the Aggies.

He's seen USU at its low points and its Mountain West glory days.

"Coming back here, it just felt like I was coming home," he admits.

It's like that old saying: you can take the coach out of Logan, but you can't take Logan out of the coach.

Most people think spring ball is all about X's and O's, but actually, it's about building a culture.

Mendenhall's old-school approach is all about earning everything, even your jersey number.

It's like football boot camp meets a monastery. McGiven, who's new to the Mendenhall way, says he's "along for the ride." Translation: "This is gonna be wild, but I'm in."

Both coordinators are preaching effort and intensity above all else.

Howell raves about the team's energy, while McGiven wants guys playing "100 percent every single snap."

Forget fancy plays for now; it's all about laying the groundwork for a Mendenhall-style team.

They are also looking to fill holes in the roster through the spring portal window.

So, what does it all mean? It's tough to say for sure, but one thing's clear: USU football is undergoing a major transformation.

Mendenhall, Howell, and McGiven are building a program based on culture, effort, and a whole lot of mystery.

Will it work? Only time will tell.

No More Two-Plus-Two: USU's New Vet School Keeps Talent in Utah

Utah's about to get its first homegrown, four-year veterinary school, and it's all happening at USU!

Forget those "two-plus-two" shenanigans with Washington State – we're talking full-on, Utah-bred vets, ready to wrangle everything from Bessie the cow to Mittens the cat.

So, what's the big deal?

Well, for years, Utah's been playing the vet school version of a long-distance relationship.

Aspiring animal doctors would spend their first two years at USU before packing their bags and heading to Washington for the grand finale.

But now, USU's stepping into the spotlight with its own fully accredited program.

Dean Dirk Vanderwall is practically bursting with pride, and rightfully so. He's been hustling since 2012 to make this dream a reality.

Most people think vet schools are all about fluffy puppies and kittens, but the real need is in rural, agricultural areas.

We're talking about the unsung heroes who keep our food supply safe and healthy. USU gets it.

They're tailoring their program to address the shortage of vets in these critical areas.

Plus, they've even struck a deal with Nevada, letting their students pay in-state tuition while Nevada foots the bill for the difference. Talk about a win-win!

And the plot thickens! A shiny new Veterinary Medical Education Building is slated for completion in 2026, which means double the enrollment, double the faculty, and double the impact.

Those fourth-year students won't be stuck in a classroom.

They'll be out in the real world, getting their hands dirty in private practices and specialty clinics. 

🗓️ Mark your Calendars

Cache Valley April 2025 Events

🎨 Classes & Workshops
• Pottery Studio Classes – Ongoing at Cache Valley Pottery Studio, Logan
• HypnoBirthing Classes – Apr 5, 12, 19, 26 (9am–12pm), Teralee Maleo’s
• CacheARTS – Classes & performances (cachearts.org)
• Greenhouse Events – Anderson’s Seed & Garden (Logan), Valley Floral (Smithfield)

🧒 Family Fun
• Baby Farm Animal Days – Apr 3–6 (10am–5pm), American West Heritage Center
• Plaza Movie Nights – Apr 5, 12, 19, 26 (8pm), Carol & Jim Laub Plaza, Logan
• Kids Runs & Eggivities – Apr 19 (10–11am), Downtown Logan
• Downtown Easter Walk – Apr 19 (10am–2pm), Downtown Logan
• Dandy Daughter Dance – Apr 25 (6–8pm), Castle Manor, Hyde Park
• Cache Valley Kids Market – Apr 26 (9am–12pm), Elk Ridge Park, North Logan
• Cinco de Mayo Celebration – May 3 (12–8pm), Cache County Fairgrounds

🎶 Music & Theater
• The Antics Comedy Improv – Apr 11, 18, 25 (7:30–9:30pm), Sky View High School
• Live Music Thursdays – Ongoing at The Gossner Center, Logan
• Sapphire Singers Treble Chorus Festival – Apr 11–12, Logan Tabernacle
• Mount Logan Symphony – Apr 11 (7pm), Mt. Logan Middle School
• 1940s Hangar Hop – Apr 19 (6:30–11pm), Cache Airport Hangar F19
• Sky High Players: Puffs & Sense & Sensibility – Apr 18–24, Sky View High, Smithfield

🌿 Nature & Wellness
• Vines & Views Open House – Apr 12 (4–7pm), Hyde Park
• Spring into Hope: CAPSA Fundraiser – Apr 13 (6pm), Naomi Winery
• Spring 5K & 1 Mile Races – Apr 26 (9am), Logan & North Logan
• National Prescription Drug Take Back Day – Apr 26
• Automate Utah Career Fair – Apr 10 (1–4pm), USU, Logan

👩‍💼 Networking & Business
• Cache Connect – Apr 3, 10, 17, 24 (6–8pm), The Book Table, Logan
• Women’s Networking Group – Apr 10 (6–7:30pm), Bridgerland Tech
• Cache Chamber LinkedIn Luncheon – Apr 15 (11:30am), Elements Restaurant, Logan

🍫 Date Night & Fun
• Aggie Chocolate Factory Date Night – Apr 4 (6:30–8:30pm)
• Dinner Fundraiser – Apr 6 (6pm), Riverwoods Conference Center
• Grand Salmon Film Screening – Apr 10 (6:30pm), Eccles Conference Center
• Sound of Ages Spring Concert – Apr 12 (7:30pm), USU Daines Concert Hall
• CacheARTS Gallery Walk – Apr 25 (6–9pm), Downtown Logan

You won’t believe these simple hacks—have you tried them?

See you around town!
– The Cache Valley Locals Team