Mount Hood

GNAC champions back again

Simson Garcia | Sports Editor

The Wolves baseball team are champions for a second time consecutively, after downing the Montana State Yellowjackets, 8-4, on May 11 in the GNAC double elimination championship.

GNAC champions for the fourth time in six years, Western had to batter up through three previous tournament games in order to reach the final. The championship run began with them taking down tournament host Central Washington, 4-3, on May 10.

Tied, 3-3, in the bottom of the ninth inning, Griffey Halle, junior outfielder, hit not only a walk-off for the team’s fifth overall, but a home run just over the right side fence. Halle was four-for-four with his at-bats. While the walk-off contributed momentum, pitching was also a game changer; four pitchers were utilized to strikeout Central 11 times.

The Wolves met the Montana State Yellowjackets in the following round of the winner’s bracket, a team they forfeited four seasonal games to due to scheduling conflicts. The forfeits affected who would be seeded first in the GNAC and, by a few games, Montana took over the top spot. Western paid no mind to seeding in a reroute of the ‘Jackets, 14-8.

The games forfeited, although, meant much to players like senior infielder Nyles Nygaard who couldn’t wait for the matchup.

“We wanted to beat them by a lot of runs, so the first game we came out and just handed it to them,” Nygaard said.

Home runs switched hands in the early innings but a more favorable one for the Wolves entered the stands in the fourth. A three-run shot, for an 8-4 lead, was delivered by sophomore infielder Connor McCord. The infielder had the green light for most of the game, hitting four of his five at bats while earning five runs-batted-in. The Wolves put on a hitting clinic, earning 19 on the game.

One more win was needed for Western, but the tone changed when the ‘Jackets returned to edge out Western, in a pivotal 6-4 result. Both teams strategized in their pitching as multiple mound visits occurred. Montana did just enough with one pitcher to hold of their opponents, and keep their tournament in play.

It came around to the final championship game, while neither team couldn’t afford to lose. The Wolves made sure their season didn’t end in the first period. Five consecutive runs started them out. Montana hit two key homers to come within two, but the game was for the Wolves’s taking. Western got their players on bases earning 13 hits and seven walks en route to their title.

Jacob Martinez, senior infielder, was named MVP of the tournament. He went 9-16 in at-bats with a .750 on-base percentage.

The championship win, however, wasn’t enough to get selected into Nationals. The team finished their season at 27-21.

“It would have helped when we went down to California early in the season if we won a couple of those close games … to win back-to-back GNAC championships is the best way to go out,” said Nygaard.

Contact the author at journalsports@wou.edu

Photo by: wouwolves.com

Admiring diversity from around the globe

Caitlyn Nakatsukasa | Staff Writer

Western’s International Night aimed to break culture shocks and express the diversity of students from around the world. The event was hosted on May 11 by the International Club, an organization that promotes cultural awareness and fosters friendships with students from around the world.

“This club helps international and domestic students broaden their horizon and perspectives on cultures, individuality, and life,” said junior and International Club Vice President Berlyn Buncal. Buncal has been a member of the club since her first year at Western. “[Our purpose] is to share and let other students make friends with people they never thought they would click with too.”

Junior Faafili Papalii agreed, stating that, “the club is worldwide. It means that anyone can welcome to join and share with us.”

This is Papalii’s third year participating in the International Night as a dancer. “We help each other and the new students who need friends, directions and education,” said Papalii. “The club thinks that students are away from their families and they are far away from home, so International Club is home away from home.”

This annual event provides the audience with a wide scope of diverse cultures and acknowledges a variety of backgrounds.

“International Night is about sharing different cultures with the university and the community at an evening,” said Buncal. She believes the event helps create visibility of the wide variety of international students attending Western. “It is where people from other parts of the world can feel at home. They get to see that there are other international [students] and share their culture, something that not many have the opportunity to do.”

The event had Arabic entertainment booths such as Henna artwork, samples of tea and treats, displays of handcrafted clothes and a person that wrote guest’s names in Arabic. It gave people the opportunity to explore the lifestyles of people from Saudi Arabia.

The dinner consisted of specialty dishes from around the globe, such as ye’abesha gomen from Ethiopia, beef bulgogi from South Korea, yakisoba noodles from Japan and vanillekipferl from Germany.

The entertainment portion of the event kicked off with a fashion show extravaganza that foreshadowed the upcoming performances. International Club members had the chance to show off traditional clothing from different countries such as Nepal, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Ghana and Thailand. Members had the opportunity to flaunt clothing from their own native countries and demonstrate what they normally wear in their hometowns.

Throughout the night were various performances that represented various cultures and rituals. There was the Yasugi Bushi performance, a famous folk song from Japan that involved two participants dancing while wearing face masks. Another performance was the Bollywood dance, a performance that demonstrated many different Indian dance styles. There was even a Rubik’s Cube performance where Lianhua Zhou solved the puzzle in a matter of minutes. The Rubik’s Cube is a popular puzzle that is well-known in western culture.

The event wrapped up with the emcees thanking the audience for attending and bringing all of the volunteers and performers to the stage.

“[Tonight is] a night that we invite everyone to celebrate and promote the unity of International on campus,” said Papalii. “It doesn’t matter what race, color, or language we are; we believe in equality.”

Contact the author at cnakatsukasa15@wou.edu.

Photo by: Paul F. Davis

Take a bite out of these bagels

Zoe Strickland | Editor-in-Chief

Ingredients:

2 teaspoons active dry yeast

1 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar

1 ¼ cups warm water

3 ½ cups flour (you can use bread flour, but regular flour is more useful to keep around)

1 ½ teaspoons salt

Any toppings you desire — I recommend Everything but the Bagel seasoning from Trader Joe’s

Extra flour for creating a non-stick counter surface

 

Adapted from sophisticatedgourmet.com

 

Directions:

This recipe takes around two hours, so it isn’t for those with scarce time but these bagels are pretty great, once prepared.

In a bowl with ½ cup of the warm water, add in the sugar and yeast — but don’t mix it. Let it sit for about five minutes, or until the mixture has become frothy.

In a separate large bowl, mix the flour and salt together. After it’s mixed, pour in the yeast mixture and the rest of the warm water. Combine into a rough dough.

Once combined, place the dough on a floured countertop and begin kneading it with your hands. After about 10 minutes, the dough should be able to form a smooth and firm ball.

Put the dough ball in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a damp towel for an hour. The dough should double in size. Once doubled, punch the dough down and let rest for around ten minutes.

While the dough is resting, bring a pot of water to a boil. Take the dough and place it back onto a counter, dividing it into eight evenly-sized pieces — or 12 to 16 if you want to make mini-bagels.

Take each piece of dough and roll it into a ball. Some people prefer to form the balls by pressing and rolling the dough against a counter, others prefer to roll the dough in between their hands.

Once the dough balls are formed, use your finger to punch a hole in the center of the ball, spinning the bagel around your finger to make the hole larger.

After all of the bagels are formed, put groups of them in the boiling water, flipping them over after a minute. Once all of the bagels have been boiled, place your selected toppings on them and put them on a parchment-paper-lined baking sheet. Bake them in a 425 degree oven for 20 minutes, or until the bagels are golden.

Contact the author at journaleditor@wou.edu

Photo by: Zoë Strickland

Exercising with a partner

Mikaela Wong | Freelancer

In this day and age, social media has proven to be an influential tool to educate a broad audience a multitude of skills – specifically, fitness exercises. This progressive movement in the area of health and wellness has brought about newfound motivation for many people of all ages.

One of the biggest trends right now is partner workouts – exercises that are based on manipulating a partner’s body weight in various positions and vice versa, such as a push-up/squat. It’s a concept that promotes exercising with friends rather than working out alone. However, many of these workouts are very easy to perform with improper form because one doesn’t only have to be very aware of how their body is moving, but they also have to be skilled enough to control their body movements in reaction to the constantly-changing body of their partner’s. The goal of partner workouts is to exercise with a friend simultaneously and have fun with it; one shouldn’t have to sacrifice the safety of their body in order to do it. Instead, there are ways to have a fun and exciting workout with a friend that maximizes progress and minimizes the potential for injury.

Interval training is a type of training in which an athlete will alternate between two different types of exercises that require varying amounts of effort and speed, and have been proven to be an effective type of training that is safe and modifiable. Whether you and your partner are alternating between one workout and the next, or you do the same workouts at the same time, each person can focus on their steady exercise without having to rely on the inconsistent stability of their partner or even their own.

 

Example Workout: Full Body

Partner 1:

  1. 20 second push up
  2. 10 second rest
  3. 20 second plank
  4. 10 second rest
  5. 20 second mountain climbers
  6. 10 second rest

Partner 2:

  1. 20 second jump squat
  2. 10 second rest
  3. 20 second wall sit
  4. 10 second rest
  5. 20 second high knees
  6. 10 second rest

Contact the author at mwong16@wou.edu

 

Dedication illuminated through dance

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

One by one, the audience shuffled to their seats and waited in anticipation for the art they’d soon witness. After some time, the lights slowly dimmed to full darkness. With a hush that consumed the room and the sweeping of a curtain, it was time for the show to begin.

The 2018 Spring Dance Concert took place from May 10-12 in Rice Auditorium. Showcasing the work and dedication that went into 10 different performances, audience members showed up and supported the art that their friends, family and peers had worked to perfect.

The show displayed the work of students, alumni, and the Rainbow Dance Theatre, as all worked together to put on the two and a half hour production.

From the eyes of a viewer, what was seen was nothing short of phenomenal. Opening with a performance titled “Last Light,” choreographed by senior Andrew De La Paz, audiences saw animalistic forces charging after the dying light presented by soloist senior Alaina Meyer. Ultimately, the piece showed that no matter how hard the force attempted to steal the light from her, she would not surrender.

This piece set the scene for the rest of the concert; from then on, audiences were able to see more dark material, with visuals that would send shivers down one’s spine and had perfectly chosen music to match.

These dance performances didn’t shy from tackling controversial topics, such as the stereotypes surrounding different races brought to light in “One,” choreographed by senior Tunya Dhevaphalin.

“Each piece told a story,” explained dancer sophomore Noah Nieves Driver. “Whether it be one of determination, grief, or just for pure entertainment … (each was) full of everyone’s heart and soul.”

Art was exhibited within each performance; the set designs, the lighting that flawlessly reflected the mood of the piece, the film used in choreographer Kristie Lauren’s “Chalk, Chalkboards, and Classroom Covens,” and even the painting produced on the spot by Professor Gregory Poulin in “Men Dancing: the Painter,” choreographed by dance professor Darryl Thomas in collaboration with the dancers — all left the audience in awe.

Behind the curtain, what made the production of this art possible can be seen.

“A lot of preparation went into the Spring Dance Concert,” said dancer sophomore Maria Krueger. “We put five months worth of rehearsal time in, with practices twice a week for two hours each practice.”

Krueger was a part of two performances: “Last Light” and “False Hologram.” She added that, on top of the work she and the rest of the crew put into the pieces, there were also “two previews during that time, where the dance facility overlooked the dances and helped students perfect their pieces.”

With numerous dancers involved, choreographers, costume designers, lighting designers and more, the hours on top of hours and immense passion put into the production was evident.

Following the final piece, “The Garden of Earthly Delights,” choreographed by Valerie Bergman and professor Darryl Thomas, both a part of the Rainbow Dance Theatre, the show came to a close. As the faces of each performer made their way to center stage to take a final bow, much of the audience gave a standing ovation to show their respect and admiration towards everyone involved.

Driver noted that as he was taking his bow, he felt “sadness that the run is over … and happiness to finally have free time again.”

“It felt amazing to perform these pieces, to show off five months of hard work,” added Krueger.

As the lights brightened the room and the audience made their way down the rows and out of the auditorium, those involved in the show were greeted with the smiling faces of all of their supporters, waiting to congratulate them on the work they had done.

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

Photos by: Paul F. Davis

Football springs back into shape

Simson Garcia | Sports Editor

Since April 23, Western’s football team has held spring training and practice between McArthur Field and the campus turf field. The team had the opportunity to try out its new roster in a scrimmage on May 12 at Central High School’s football field.

“The secondary and the backers are starting to be in a place where we’d like speed wise and communication wise,” said head coach Arne Ferguson.

After fall ball, 23 upperclassmen left the team, but the Wolves have sprung back to practice 35 first-year redshirts from 2017.

“Any time you lose 23 seniors — especially a receiver like Paul Revis — it’s really good to see some young receivers step up. (Tyler) Sweet had a great day today,” said Ferguson.

The team lost two potential starting quarterbacks to graduation last season. The last two years were spent rotating between seniors Nick Duckworth and Phillip Fenumiai. Next season, the Wolves quarterback depth chart will consist of first-years Ryan Worthley, Jordan Hickman and junior passer Ty Currie.

“Quarterback Ryan (Worthley) did a really nice job with our second group,” commented Ferguson.

Many were added to the defensive back and receiving corps from past recruitment, like wideout Tyler Sweet, first-year, who could boost the team with his catching and speed mechanics. Sweet will play alongside his brother, junior Torreahno Sweet, who was a dual threat as a running back and kick returner in the 2017 season.

The football team will also see the return of multiple upperclassmen. Staying with the team and turning senior in the 2018-19 season is linebacker Bo Highburger, who earned an all-GNAC first team defensive selection in 2017.

Defensive backs Curtis Anderson, incoming sophomore, and Jacob Kantola, incoming senior, also returned for spring training and will add leadership to the team.

Kantola reflected on the first-year group, saying, “Sometimes you get guys who don’t really want to play, but these guys are ready to jump in and have fun. They’re in with the mix.”

The scrimmage session provided ample time for the team to work and get used to each other. The team was divided up into several groups to practice specific plays.

“We were over 100 plays, which is our goal, so they’re getting a lot of work in the spring, which is what they need,” said Ferguson.

Contact the author at journalsports@wou.edu

Photo by: Simson Garcia

$4 million surplus in university budget provides opportunity for growth

Sam Dunaway | News Editor

On May 8, a university budget update given by president Rex Fuller and interim Vice President for Finance and Administration Jay Kenton disclosed a new revelation to Faculty Senate: the university budget, which was previously thought to be in a deficit, is actually in a $4 million surplus.

This surplus of money arose from various sources. Though enrollment is still declining, the university is attracting more out-of-state students, who pay more for tuition than Oregon residents. This unexpected revenue cuts down the deficit. Additionally, the migration from the Banner software system to the cloud application saved the university a one-time savings of $450,000. And nearly half of the $4 million was money that was budgeted for various departments but not being utilized. Instead of re-allocating these funds halfway through the year, the administration decided to be proactive about their investments.

“It allows us to be a bit more investment-oriented,” explained Fuller. “We’re moving to a point where we’re creating our future as opposed to simply being in reaction mode.”

Now the question is: what will the university invest in? Fuller thinks it’s important to focus on increasing enrollment at Western.

“We need to be more creative and innovative about driving enrollment to Western,” Fuller stated.

One way to accomplish this is to establish a campus in Salem to appeal to students that are currently commuting from Salem to Monmouth. Another focus would be creating new programs with an emphasis in professional STEM fields and implementing more accessible degree paths through online classes.

An important change, what Kenton refers to as a ‘new paradigm,’ is decentralizing the budget and allowing individual departments to manage their own budgets.

“Everything was very centrally controlled here,” Kenton commented. “Most universities push responsibilities out — decisions are better made closer to their point of impact.”

The way it is now, departments only manage nearly 20 percent of their own budgets. Kenton aims to change this.

He explained that faculty are stakeholders in the university, stating: “You (the faculty) are part owner of this operation and you deserve to have this information to know how your organization’s doing and how you’re going to be impacted by decisions we make. We need to be inclusive and transparent.”

Dr. Kimberly Jensen, professor of history, believes that the administration should provide more information to the faculty and explain why this surplus was not found sooner.

“This was money, over time, that could have supported faculty and the wonderful students we teach in many ways,” Jensen explained. “I would like to see the administration provide us more information about the specific accounting, and I would like the administration to see that there is restitution for what has happened.”

Dr. Karen Haberman, professor of biology, suggested that these funds be used to provide competitive pay for open faculty positions.

“In light of budget surpluses going back many years, we need to prioritize filling tenure-track positions that were vacated due to retirements,” Haberman proposed. “Several of these positions have been open for many years, presumably due to budget constraints.”

The discovery of a budget surplus came in the middle of faculty bargaining, where faculty and administrators meet to explain their positions and come to an agreement regarding faculty compensation and benefits. Kenton believes that the budget will play a role in faculty negotiations going forward.

“This revelation may complicate bargaining,” Kenton remarked. “I think the expectations are high as a result.”

Jensen agreed, stating: “This has undoubtedly affected our collective bargaining processes as we seek to have faculty salaries that will recruit and retain faculty, decisions about replacing faculty who have left (Western), and funding for programs to benefit faculty and students here at (Western) as we seek to make this the best educational experience for students we possibly can.”

Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu

Photo by: Paul F. Davis

 

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