Mount Hood

Rugby is here

Simson Garcia | Sports Editor

Saturday evening, Nov. 4: cool, calm and then collected were the Western women’s rugby team as a few of the members, coaches and players, coalesced into a group to watch the men’s team rally to get a tough home win against Willamette University.
Despite the ladies losing earlier that morning to Willamette, spirits were high as both Wolf clubs have recently returned to the field from an offseason with lots to look forward to.
But even with the difference in outcome between the two teams, what was seen on the field on Nov. 4 was rather a family affair as the women’s team cheered the boys on.
While the men played, plenty was happening on the sidelines.

A confident expression of “no worries” was uttered by senior lock of the women’s team, Maddi Fagnani. Many of her teammates and coaches wore cheerful countenances, as did she. Many of them huddled together two or three at a time to keep warm in the frigid cold with large blankets.
And still, there was a battle, a game plan, something to work on and keep in mind for on and off the field.
“We need to improve on our defensive structure,” said assistant coach Emily Applegate. “(Willamette) didn’t break through our defensive line, but they beat us on the outside, and we need to improve on our scrums; we need to get a little bit lower.”
Perhaps something of a weapon for future foes, however, was the tackling.

“We were really nailing our tackles,” said Fagnani. “We had a lot of light bulbs click, and in rugby, it takes a lot to get the light bulbs to click. For that, I’m proud of my team.”
Chalk up a win from their spirits and motivation, but the battle was only half won until the men made due.
Close, up until the end, the boys would seal their victory with a final try, with two minutes left in play.
“This is a good starting point, and we’re going to build on it and hopefully become better each week,” said sophomore forward Matthew Cornish.
Still room for improvement, junior fullback Bernard Barber felt that the spreading needs to improve and that Willamette “capitalized and got out on the outside. But we were able to stop them and rally back.”
For what was a fight, battle, tooth and nail and eventual win, so too was a moral victory spread around to everyone that night.

 

Contact the author at journalsports@wou.edu

Wolves stay close for a quarter before the Cougars pull away

Photo by Hanna Kristensen

Riley Buerk | Freelancer

Western got off to a strong start against the Azusa Pacific Cougars, scoring on two early drives of the game for a 13-7 lead. The Cougars would eventually get back on track en route to a 41-16 win.  
The first scoring drive was quick, with the Wolves going 79 yards in 48 seconds. Sophomore running back Devon Fortier scored on an eight-yard run.
Azusa answered back right away, going 72 yards in just under two minutes with redshirt freshman quarterback Tyrone Williams Jr. finding sophomore wideout Darrell Adams Jr. for a 58-yard touchdown.
At the end of the first quarter, the Wolves struck again, with senior quarterback Nick Duckworth connecting with senior receiver Paul Revis for a two-yard touchdown pass, completing a drive that lasted seven and a half minutes.  
The Wolves were outscored 21-0 in the second quarter, making the total tally at halftime 28-13, and Azusa never looked back.
The only score in the third quarter came on a 27-yard field goal by Wolf junior Adrian Saldana. The Wolves headed into the fourth quarter down 28-16.

Azusa struck quickly in the fourth, scoring on their first two drives and putting the game out of reach. Junior tailback Kurt Scoby would score both touchdowns, the first on a 19-yard run and the second on a one-yard run.  
Duckworth finished with 243 yards on 20-47 passing with one touchdown, while Fortier had 105 yards on 18 rushing attempts.

Western looks to bounce back on Nov. 11 against Simon Fraser on senior night.

 

Contact the author at rbuerk17@mail.wou.edu

Trump v. Free Speech

Photo by Paul F. Davis
Stephanie Blair | Editor-in-Chief

Being a journalist with disdain for Donald Trump is not a new phenomenon. However, I’d like to take these few column inches to give a fuller explanation as to why I — as a journalist and not as anything else — have a particular problem with him.

Donald J. Trump has no respect for the press and its role in society but, even worse, he has no respect for the First Amendment.

His list of assaults on the First Amendment is almost as long as the list of his assaults on women, so I can’t enumerate all of them. However, for some context, in February of 2016, before his election, Trump stated, “one of the things I’m going to do if I win — and I hope I do, and we’re certainly leading — is I’m going to open up our libel laws, so when they (the media) write purposely negative and horrible and false articles, we can sue them and win lots of money.”

Okay, so he wants to partially repeal the First Amendment. But hey, that was pre-election. He said lots of things before the election. But what has he said now that he has been elected?

Most recently, he tweeted that NBC should have their broadcasting license revoked because the stories they report are damaging to his reputation and, he claims, false.

On Oct. 11, Trump started the day by tweeting, “with all of the Fake News coming out of NBC and the Networks, at what point is it appropriate to challenge their License? Bad for country!” Later in the day, he continued, saying, “network news has become so partisan, distorted and fake that licenses must be challenged and, if appropriate, revoked. Not fair to public!”

Not only is shutting down news sources simply because they don’t help the agenda of the government absurd and a blatant violation of the First Amendment, but him threatening to do so is, too.

In 2015, the Seventh Circuit stated that “a public official who tries to shut down an avenue of expression of ideas and opinions through ‘actual or threatened imposition of government power or sanction’ is violating the First Amendment,” in the case of Backpage.com v. Dart.

Either our president is completely unfamiliar with our Bill of Rights, or he simply doesn’t care. Given how vocal he’s been about the Second Amendment, I would guess the latter. And that should scare the daylights out of every citizen in our country.

Even Thomas Jefferson, the slave owning, rapist, P.O.S. that he was, recognized that “our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost.”

 

Contact the author at sblair13@wou.edu

The delta of fashion

Paul F. Davis | Photo Editor

Since the term “fashion” was first keyed, it has always been centered around the craft and artistry of skilled seamstresses and how they could manipulate their materials into wearable pieces of art.

In the 1800s, women’s and men’s clothing were made exclusively out of natural cloths, such as cotton, wool, leather and silk, so the only way to show the level of fashionability was through intricacy of design. This intricacy meant that clothing was heavy, unwieldy and uncomfortable when compared to today’s standards. But with the turn of 20th century in sight, the discomfort that fashion posed began to change.

In 1884, rayon was invented: the first synthetic clothing material. Later, when rayon was released to the masses, it was praised because it was a cheap stand-in for silk, something that was very spendy at the time. This new wonder material ushered in a new age of material science breakthroughs because people no longer wanted to feel restrained by their clothes, and they now knew that that request was not unreasonable. Materials like nylon, polyester, velcro and spandex along with other production techniques were created soon after.

With this change from natural to artificial materials, fashion was forever changed. One could make statements about their fashionability without super complicated patchwork; all a person needed now was a shirt that could be anything with one screenprint.

With the turn of a new century, the process of creating new and more desirable science fiction materials into science fact is accelerating. Materials, and the production of those materials, is quickly becoming an equal or even more important part of fashion than the style of the clothing itself, which is a change from the past.

In the last decade, the most coveted and acclaimed pieces of clothing have not been known for their cut or style; they have almost exclusively focused on the material used. Yeezy Boosts, a shoe that can resell for up to $1,300 even though it has a simple silhouette is rather coveted for their sole material: Boost. This material claims that it has the highest energy return of any sole ever invented.  In addition to the Boost’s high energy return qualities, these shoes have been credited with re-establishing Adidas atop the sportswear sector, a spot they were quickly beginning to lose.

Another material that created excitement in the fashion industry was created in a collaboration between Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Reebok, a material called Biologic, the first bio-dynamic material to be integrated into clothing. Biologic is bacteria culture sandwiched between two layers of latex cover that when exposed heat will begin to fold due to a size increase in the bacteria. This folding property, when combined with another fabric, can create a material that will actively cool off the user and warm the user when temperature is correct.

In the near future, materials will be the only thing that matter when choosing fashion and we will soon scoff at the fashion of past for its ridiculous over-complication a future that we all should look forward to.

 

Contact the author at pfdavis14@wou.edu

Homecoming sparks pride at Western

Sam Dunaway | News Editor

When the fire burns in the shape of a “W,” students gather to touch-up Western’s logo on Church Street and hundreds take to the bleachers to cheer on the Wolves, it can only mean one thing: homecoming.

The theme of the week, “Feels like ‘97: 20 years of WOU,” referred to the change from Western Oregon State College to Western Oregon University in 1997. The ‘90s theme spread throughout the week, from a throwback office decorating contest to a ‘90s trivia night.

Matthew Ciraulo helped plan the homecoming events in his second year as Director of the Student Activities Board.

When asked what his favorite thing about homecoming is, he replied, “I love that it’s one week of events jam-packed and we always try to make something for everyone. It takes a lot of skill to put on a whole week and make it go successful, but I think everyone’s doing a great job.”

“It’s a really great time to show your WOU spirit and show all the reasons why you chose to go to WOU and why you love WOU,” Ciraulo added.

Though the week culminated at the football game on Saturday, there were several events that all students, including the non-sports enthusiasts, could engage in.

Photo by Madison Hocker

 

Carnival

The festive week kicked off with the carnival. This brand new event set the tone for the rest of the week featuring carnival games, food and, most importantly, prizes. Games like plinko, ring toss and bingo created a genuine carnival feel. A “test your strength” hammer game inspired competition and determination to ring the bell at the top of the tower. The ‘90s theme prompted a “pin the crown on Biggie Smalls” game and a Central Perk sitting area.

“Honestly, I love any event that has free food,” senior Amy Watkins remarked. “SAB always does a great job with trying new traditions … and I love that the whole event incorporated the ‘90s.”

 

Paint the Town Red

Paint the Town Red was a new homecoming tradition that encouraged clubs and organizations to help decorate windows in businesses around Monmouth. 14 businesses in downtown Monmouth displayed the spirit of homecoming for the whole town to see.

“I know that businesses want to be more connected with the university,” commented Kelsey Elam-Geuting, Coordinator for Organization and Activities at Western.

Miriam Haugen, owner of Haugen’s Galleri, enjoyed the event; “I think it’s really a great way to increase the connection between the business community and the college and show support. We’re all in it together,” she said.

 

Haunted House

Oct. 31 has come and gone, and the giant sequoia is being ornamented with lights, but it’s never too late for a spooky haunted house for those who are feeling the post-Halloween blues. A traveling haunted house company set up the spine-tingling attraction in the Pacific Room, and a line almost out the door was filled with eager students ready to be spooked. Frightening jump scares, creepy dolls and terrifyingly tight paths intensified the fear.

Theatre students and other volunteers played “haunters” in the dark and creepy maze. “It was fun,” senior Lindsay Spear commented. “Even for someone like me who is terrified by haunted houses.”

The haunted house was a good opportunity to connect the fun of homecoming week with the terror of Halloween.

Photo by Paul F. Davis

 

Bonfire

Despite the bleak and rainy weather that troubled Monmouth during homecoming week, the annual bonfire raged on after Friday’s Powderpuff game. The event, which usually occurs at the beginning of the week, deliberately took place on Friday evening to increase excitement and spirit for the next day’s homecoming football game.

“The one thing I want to make sure we do is get the whole school involved,” Ciraulo remarked.

The football team attended the bonfire to light the “W,” cheerleaders pumped up the crowd for the game and the annual pie eating contest provided hilarious entertainment.

Photo by Paul F. Davis

 

Royalty

Not only did Saturday bring the much anticipated homecoming football game, it also brought the crowning of the Wolf Royalty.

Efra Quevedo and Poka Matagi had the honor of being selected as Wolf Royalty for Homecoming 2017. Quevedo is the Treasurer of Omega Delta Phi fraternity and President of the Fraternity and Sorority Council, the Student Coordinator for the Upward Bound program and volunteers as a Multicultural Representative mentor. Matagi is Vice President of Western’s Kappa Delta Chi chapter, as well as a Multicultural Representative mentor with the Multicultural Student Services and Programs office. Both Quevedo and Matagi are serving in Costa Rica this December and volunteering with at-risk youth in impoverished areas.

The crown was awarded to current Western seniors who have been nominated by students, organizations and staff members. In years past, the two Wolf Royalty individuals were chosen solely by popular vote. This year, however, the nominees underwent an interview process to be eligible for Wolf Royalty. The nominees were given scores in the interview based on the core values that Western leaders should possess: excellence, diversity and respect, and sustainability and stewardship. The score from their interview combined with the popular vote score decided which individuals received the crown.

 

Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu

Duckworth is prepared

Photo by Paul F. Davis
Simson Garcia | Sports Editor

“I’ve never seen that much rain in my life,” said Wolves quarterback Nick Duckworth, of experiencing the complete weather difference between here and Arizona, his native home state. Duckworth transferred to Western from Phoenix Community College.

He grew up in Scottsdale, but is now prepared for the new forecast of this here Oregon weather. He’s also prepared to fulfill the position of a starting quarterback for the Wolves football team as he is about to finish his two-year career at Western.

While he prepares for the final stretch, he’s also working on finishing up his degree in economics, with a business minor.

Athletes, too, have a lot to prepare for during a transfer transition. Usually, junior college transfers make that transition between their sophomore year and the start of their junior year at the university they’re transferring to. Duckworth is one of those transfers. He’s also understood, very well, the differences between the two institutions of community college and universities.

“It’s a challenge at first,” said Duckworth. “With the four-year school, there’s more of a social aspect with it.”

Perhaps what makes him more ready and at ease with the transition is based on the fact that he’s not alone, and that that social aspect is present here at Western.

This is the case especially when it comes to his teammates.

“I was worried about getting acclimated with all the guys, but that was the easiest part… and I think we’ve had a lot of junior college transfers as well, so it helps that we’ve been through a lot of the same stuff,” he said.

In fact, according to the Western’s website, 10 players from the Wolves football roster, including Duckworth, are transfers from junior colleges. That shared bond with teammates is something he’ll take with him long after he’s graduated from college.

When asked about what he would carry with him from the experience of playing at Western, Duckworth answered, “definitely the relationship with my teammates. The relationship with those guys, I feel like I’ll have a lot of lifelong relationships with, even though I’ve been here in such a short time.”

In the short amount of time he’s had on the field, he’s amassed 3,121 in passing yardage, and has nearly doubled his touchdown number, from 9 to 16, compared to last year.

Of course, last year he didn’t start a single game and only played six games total. The fact remains that he became ready when his number was called upon.

“Last year,” speaking on his first touchdown on Western soil. “Winter was not fun.”

And the recurring theme here is that he may just be warming up.

Duckworth had said that he would like to continue the profession of football, and wants to turn it into coaching at some point after college.  

Speaking on the change from year one to year two, he said it has been quite a shift; “I’ve put on a lot more warmer clothes. I definitely can get used to it. The first year was very tough, but I think I’m more prepared now.”  

Duckworth will have another chance to ready himself on senior day, when he and the Wolves look to sweep the season series against Simon Fraser on Nov. 11 — and where they will look to end a tumultuous season on a high note. But he’ll have more chances, during life after Western.

“I love the summers up here,” he said.

And perhaps, after next summer, a shot at the green — the golf course, of course, not the gridiron.

If there was another sport he was as equally as passionate about as football, it’s golf.

“I play golf a lot—that gets my competitive juices flowing,” Duckworth said. “I actually worked at a golf course last summer.”

And his favorite club: “Definitely the driver.”

Taking this into consideration, in the way he uses his club on the course, or his arm on the field, there’s a drive in him towards accomplishing a goal.

Contact the author at journalsports@wou.edu

DIY bath bombs made simple

Photo by Caity Healy
Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

It’s seems as if I can’t go on any social media without seeing the new fad: bath bombs. With eco-friendly brands, such as Lush, being one of the largest sellers of this product, many people have given it a try. It seemed like an exciting and fascinating thing to use, so I wanted to give it a go as well. However, being a college student on a budget, I decided to turn it into a DIY project anyone could do. Using cheap ingredients, many of which are found in your pantry, it’s a straightforward activity that won’t break the bank.

I must admit, I was a little nervous that using red food dye in something that I would bathe in would turn my skin a semi-permanent shade of pink. Nonetheless, I gave my DIY bath bomb the benefit of the doubt, and I loved it. The project was easy to do overall, it worked very well and I had a lot of fun getting to try out the new trend for the first time. By following some simple instructions, you can try the exciting craze as well.

 

Directions:

-Mix 1 cup of baking soda with ½ cup of citric acid (I bought mine on Amazon), ½ cup of cornstarch, and ½ cup of epsom salts.

-In a separate bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of water, 1 teaspoon of essential oils if you have them, 3 teaspoons of oil (can be coconut, olive, vegetable or any that you’d like), and a couple drops of food coloring if you want to make it more fun.

-Slowly add the liquid mixture to the dry mixture, a spoonful at a time, mixing as you go. Make sure to mix quickly so that it doesn’t completely dry out.

-If you’d like to buy a bath bomb mold online to make them look more professional, you can. I just molded them into spheres myself, and that worked just fine.

-Allow to dry for about 24 hours

-Yields about four bath bombs

 

Based on instructions found on instructables.com

 

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

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