As the leaves start to change colors, fall is slowly turning into winter. That can mean many things, but for some student-athletes at Weber State, their college careers are coming to an end. Some have aspirations of making a career out of the sport they love while others will slowly ride off into the sunset. Each athlete has their own story of how they got here and each will leave their own footprint on the program.

What is an athlete supposed to do after sacrificing four or five years of their life representing the Wildcats? These student athletes have created memories that they will cherish forever.

Mike Hardy, a senior member of the cross country and track team, has fond memories of his days representing the Wildcats, whether it be running in circles or through the woods. Hardy will graduate with a degree in electronics engineering.

“My sophomore year I qualified for the first round of nationals in the steeple,” Hardy said. “It was something unexpected but I was really excited about it. They take 12 people from each round and I was the last person to make it. But my favorite memory would probably be meeting my future wife in the only English class that I had to take for my degree. We kept in touch throughout my mission and now we have been married for over a year.”

Hardy joined the Wildcats after graduating from Morgan High School back in 2008. Hardy has excelled both on and off the track and has already been honored as Big Sky athlete of the week this fall.

Audrey Biggs, a senior outside hitter on the volleyball team, will end her career later this year but her name may forever be remembered in team history books.

Biggs joined the Wildcats after spending her freshman year at Wichita State and has been a key player since. As of Monday, Biggs leads the Big Sky in kills per set and it’s not even close. But she isn’t going to miss all of the accolades or praise, instead she’ll miss her teammates and coaches.

“I’m going to miss the early morning workouts and the long hours of practice in the afternoon,” Biggs said. “Being a student-athlete has been one of the most rewarding yet challenging experiences of my life. But I’m going to miss the camaraderie between my teammates and having somebody supporting and pushing me to be the best I can be.”

As Biggs and the other seniors step on to their respective playing fields or courts for their final games, they won’t only be playing for themselves but also for the name that lays upon their chest. Win or lose, they are still be proud to be Wildcats.

“It’s been a crazy journey with tons of ups and downs but I wouldn’t change a thing,” Biggs said. “It’s going to be so surreal when I realize that senior night will be my last time ever stepping onto a volleyball court and playing for my school.”