Mount Hood

Athletic Bands Director Ben Protheroe talks about current success and future growth

Bailey Thompson | News Editor

Dynamic halftime performances, crowds singing along to the fight song and football games infused with the energy of much larger schools: these are things that Ben Protheroe, director of athletic bands, dreams of for the future of Western’s Athletic Band.

Although having a band is not something that is new for Western, the current aspirations of the group extends beyond anything that the Western Athletic Band has attempted in recent years.

“The Athletic Band has been around in some capacity for a long time. They used to have a marching band back in the ‘80s… it was a pretty big deal back then, and I’m not sure why it fizzled out,” said Protheroe.

Even though it can be challenging for the band to recruit at times since Western has a small Music Department and music majors aren’t required to participate, Protheroe still sees it as a valuable opportunity for many students as well as positive advertising for the program.

“An athletic band is a really good marketing tool for both the music department and the school,” said Protheroe. “When a lot of people look to where they want to go to school, especially if they have been involved with music, being in a marching band can be a big part of it.”

With this thought, he was even able to confirm with a student in the room that she was very close to not coming to Western initially because there used to not be a marching band. Over the span of this year, though, that has begun to change dramatically.

“We started the year with 10 members, which has been the norm for the past five years,” said Protheroe. “And at our biggest this year we hit 34 winds. If you add the drumline to that, it adds another 15.”

This determined group takes their work very seriously and takes pride in their work, but Protheroe shared that they also like to have fun in the process.

“Most everybody has gotten a nickname, and nobody goes by their real names for the most part,” said Protheroe. “And it’s usually something silly.”

Currently, the band only practices once a week for two hours on Sunday nights, but Protheroe explained that this could change in the future if the band continues to expand and take on more group commitments, like local parades or sporting event performances.

Protheroe also shared that it is not required that anyone audition for the band, only for those students who are applying for one of the 10 scholarships that are offered to band members.

“We’ll find a place for you. If you don’t know how to play something, we’ll find a place for you,” said Protheroe, reinforcing the idea that anyone can be involved if they have the desire to.

If students would like to learn more about the band, they can contact Protheroe at protheroeb@wou.edu.

 

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Ashlynn Norton

Men take first, women take second at John Knight Twilight meet

Caity Healy | Editor-in-Chief

McArthur Field was home to 17 different teams, six different levels and a full day of track and field events for the John Knight Twilight, held on April 5. With 38 different events taking place beginning at 1 p.m. on a stormy Friday, the Wolves were ready to come out on top.

The first event that the Wolves were able to capture the title of was women’s 400-meter dash. Olivia Woods of Western completed the race in 58.13 seconds, earning the Women Wolves 10 points.

Up next to the start line were the men, also taking on the 400. After completing the lap, Western’s Gabe Arce-Torres came out on top with a time of 49.38, taking first and adding 10 points to the men’s score.

Continuing on in the day, Wolves managed to come out victorious in the men’s 1500-meter run. With Western’s Justin Crosswhite completing the race in 3:53.42, he earned another 10 points to add to the men’s score.

30 minutes later, Wolves were ready to add another 10. The men’s 3000-meter steeplechase also deemed a Wolf victorious, with Western’s Hunter Mosman completing the race in 9:29.41, earning another full 10 points.

Off the track, Western also took home two first-place wins. The first one came at 4 p.m., with the women’s javelin throw. Western’s Darian Wilson threw 42.14 meters, earning 10 points for the Women Wolves. The second win off of the track also came from the women, with the Women’s Discus Throw. Western’s Moana Gianotti was able to pull out the victory, throwing a 10-point earning 43.24 meters.

By the end of the event, the Wolves had taken first in six total events. They pulled through second place in three other events, and third in six others. By the end of the day, Western men walked away with 116 points, earning them the first-place spot. They were 9 points above the second-place ranked Concordia University. Western women came out with 93 points, just 16 under the first place Southern Oregon University, earning them the title of second place.

The Wolves are on the road for their next event, at the Pacific Luau Invitational in Forest Grove, OR, on April 13.

 

Contact the author at howleditor@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Ashlynn Norton

This week in completely made up horoscopes

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[fruitful_tab title=”Aries 3/21-4/19″] It’s time to flip a table Aries. The second week is coming to an end, but you have 10 assignments, two readings and a quiz due by Monday… which we both know you won’t start until Sunday night. [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Taurus 4/20-5/20″] What an emotional month we’re getting into. The final season of Game of Thrones and Endgame?? Prepare yourself, Taurus. [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Gemini 5/21-6/20″] all work and no play makes gemini a dull sign all work and no play makes gemini a dull sign all work and no play makes gemini a dull sign all work and no play makes gemini a dull sign [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Cancer 6/21-7/22″] It’s raining, it’s pouring, you’re skipping your class in the morning. [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Leo 7/23-8/22″] Those mini trees you see outside? Yeah, those are bushes. [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Virgo 8/23-9/22″] Whoever said that rolling backpacks aren’t cool was a liar and a hater of convenient storage. [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Libra 9/23-10/22″] When your sleeping patterns are as erratic as the weather, it’s probably time to reconsider some things. [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Scorpio 10/23-11/21″] If you haven’t been abducted by aliens yet, you’re not trying hard enough. [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Sagittarius 11/22-12/21″] SAGITTARIUS. CHILL. [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Capricorn 12/22-1/19″] We love that the trees are blossoming and you still have fall decor out. Stay spooky, Capricorn. [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Aquarius 1/20-2/18″] Don’t worry about over-exerting your schedule there, Aquarius. You totally have time for those five clubs and 18 credits worth of class, not to mention your job to boot. Go ape. [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Pisces 2/19-3/20″] Only veins have platelets, so don’t bleed out of an artery or you could die. K? K! [/fruitful_tab]

[/fruitful_tabs]

Guest Opinion: Money matters

Lake Larsen | Alumnus

The world of finance and fiscal management is a stressful and scary place. Just the thought of budgeting will give many a thousand-yard stare. Because of this, far too many college students walk around playing a sort of Russian roulette with their debit cards. Just spending and spending until bam! You’re overdrafted.

Due to this fact, colleges should be required to give some type of basic “how to be an adult” class for students. As an accountant at a university, I deal with students on a daily basis asking questions about their finances. In and of itself, this is not the issue — I love helping students. However, some of the questions I receive baffle me and honestly upset me with the failure of our education system.

Instead of teaching students how to pay down the principle on their student loans, colleges instead force students to take classes unrelated to their major. Yes, it is important to be a well-rounded student. I also understand the benefits to some of the other courses and how they are advantageous to students. However, it’s kind of hard to focus on being well-rounded and to think of the benefits of some unnecessary class when you have $30,000 in debt with a 450 credit score. But hey, at least I have some random knowledge on a subject that will probably never come up again in my life.

If the goal of lower division core classes is to help students potentially find a hidden talent or help develop basic skills, then why not offer things that have a larger chance of actually helping in a student’s life?

This isn’t to say that students can’t or won’t find passion in one of these subjects. I realize that this is a possibility. However, I think it should be a student’s decision if they want to take these extra classes. In the end, it’s their money. It should be up to them entirely if they want to take extra courses.

Some classes need to be required, and I understand that. So why not add a very basic fiscal management course to the list? The skills students will learn in that class will benefit them for the rest of their lives. I can’t say that same thing is true for some of the other courses they’re forced to take.

If colleges want their students to be successful, give them the tools to do so. In a society where money is power, it’s time to teach students how to become powerful. Because in the words of Pink Floyd, “Get a good job with good pay and you’re okay.”

[fruitful_alert type=”alert-info”]Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in guest opinions are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Western Howl. [/fruitful_alert]

Contact the author at llarsen13@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Ashlynn Norton

Top four senior photo spots on campus

Karlene Curtin | Freelancer

The journey towards receiving a degree is commonly regarded as difficult, rewarding and worthwhile. Once every graduation requirement has been fulfilled, the application to graduate is completed, and cap and gowns have been purchased, for many the next step is a fun one: senior photos.

After finding the perfect photographer, the next thing to think about is where around campus the photos will be taken.

Western Oregon is home to several different areas around campus where senior photos have the potential to look fantastic. Here is a list of the top four places on campus to head to for your next session.

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In front of Rice Auditorium

The brick design and the surrounding plants and nature create a stunning, yet simple, background for portraits.

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In front of Todd Hall

Leafy green plants serve for great backgrounds. In the spring, they sprout flowers, which adds to the beauty of the landscape.

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The Grove outside of Ackerman Hall

Gorgeous green hills and tall trees create great open lighting and a playful atmosphere.  

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Western Oregon University sign

This one is a total classic. It has locations on the three out of the four corners of campus. The sign beside Rice Auditorium has the least amount of foot traffic.  

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Contact the author at kcurtin14@wou.edu

Photos courtesy of Karlene Curtin

Easy way to make delicious funfetti cookies gluten-free

Morgan Taylor | Freelancer

Changing your diet to wheat-free can, for many, be challenging; it can be hard to adapt and find enjoyable food to eat. This recipe is easy and simple — it is a delicious and fun twist on a childhood favorite treat.

 

GLUTEN-FREE FUNFETTI COOKIES

Start to finish: 20 minutes

Servings: About 24 cookies

 

Ingredients:

One box of gluten-free Pillsbury Funfetti cake mix, which can be found at Roth’s Fresh Markets

⅓ cup butter (melted)

2 eggs

4.5 ounces softened cream cheese

Powdered sugar to garnish cookies

You will also need a hand mixer, a mixing bowl and a baking sheet.

 

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Spray baking sheet with a nonstick spray.

In mixing bowl, with the hand mixer, combine the eggs, melted butter and softened cream cheese. Blend until smooth.

Slowly add the cake mix and mix with a mixing spoon until it reaches an even consistency.  

Roll dough into small balls, and coat with powdered sugar.

Place on baking sheet, and flatten each dough ball with the base of a glass.

Bake for 9-12 minutes, depending on the size of cookie.

Let cool and enjoy.

 

Contact the author at mrtaylor14@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Morgan Taylor

Six quick tips for beginning gardeners

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle Editor

Confusing weather patterns, allergies acting up and restless seniors are pretty good indicators that spring has arrived at Western. With the sun finally making some appearances again, it’s the time of year that plants begin to bloom.

Planting a garden, whether for purely aesthetic purposes, for growing fresh food or a little of both, is one of the many opportunities that comes along in springtime. Since everyone has to start somewhere, here’s some tips for those just starting out with their own gardens.

 

  • Make sure you have everything necessary for maintaining a garden. Is there enough space for each plant? Are there steady sources of water and sunlight?
  • Try starting small or easy. Some plants require more time and management to keep alive and healthy. According to finegardening.com, some of the easiest plants to grow include snap peas, sunflowers, cucumbers and zinnias.
  • Include the timing in the overall planning. It might be nice to imagine the whole garden blooming at once, but some plants peak in spring and early summer, like blueberries, while others grow best in late summer and fall, like squash and pumpkins.
  • Start building the habit of taking care of the garden. Add watering, feeding and checking for weeds to your routine to avoid forgetting to take care of plants and risking their health.
  • Do some research to find out if it’s a good idea to buy different soil or mulch for the garden. While not necessarily a requirement, they can make it easier to maintain the garden overall. Nutrient-rich soil can help plants stay healthy while mulch helps keep weeds away.
  • Be patient. Whether starting from seed or a small plant, produce plants often won’t yield much in the first year. They will need time to grow and a committed gardener. Flowers can be nice because they give the satisfaction of the quick and near guaranteed payoff of blooming, which can be encouraging to beginning gardeners.

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Ashlynn Norton

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