By: Alvin Wilson Staff Writer
Alex Roth is a third-year business major and basketball player who came to Western for a second chance.
As a guard for the Wolves, Roth averages 10 points per game, with an average of 43 percent from the field, 44 percent from the three-point line, and 73 percent from the free throw line.
Roth started his college career playing basketball for Oregon State, but after contracting a rare nerve disease in his shoulder, he was forced to stop playing.
He decided to transfer to Western after being contacted by a coach who believed he could be useful to the Wolves.
“My main motivation for coming to Western was a second chance to play the game I love,” said Roth. “I was contacted by Coach Shaw with the opportunity to continue playing, so I thought I’d give it a shot here.”
He said his favorite thing about Western is its size and proximity to Salem, where his family lives.
“I love the size of the school and the fact that my friends and family can come to my games,” said Roth.
“So far the biggest difference between both schools is obviously the school size,” he continued. “On the court, though, the biggest difference is the size and speed between PAC-12 and GNAC players.”
Changing schools after two years can be a difficult transition for some to make, but Roth said it hasn’t been difficult for him, saying, “Overall, the transition has been very easy. My teammates, coaches and members of the Western Oregon community have welcomed me with open arms, and I thank everyone for that.”
Roth said his role for the Wolves is different largely because he was injured for two years at OSU, and there’s more opportunity for him to improve here.
“When it comes to my role on the team, I like Western much more due to the fact that at Oregon State I was injured for two years and not playing, but now I have a chance to compete and battle for a top 5 team in the country,” he said.
Roth is optimistic about the current season. Western is currently at the top GNAC and is also ranked No. 1 in Division II.
“We want to win every single day, and hopefully that ends with a national championship victory,” said Roth.
