Mount Hood

Off-campus study spots

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle editor

Many students regularly find themselves needing a study space. Some prefer the comfort of their own homes, or the convenience and resources of Hamersly Library. For some, however, sometimes physical space away from campus helps clear the head. For these needs, I’ve compiled a list of a variety of off-campus study spots.

DIY Tea and Beyond is closest to campus, located right behind Urban Deli, but it is set up to be the perfect student hangout. The cafe offers both caffeinated and un-caffeinated beverages, as well as wifi and a printer. 176 Main St, Monmouth is where students can find this location.

Java Crew is a cafe located on Monmouth Avenue, right on the edge of downtown Monmouth. This cafe is perfect for morning or afternoon study sessions for those that love an atmosphere that’s not too busy and not too quiet, has different seating options and has access to coffee. This cafe’s address is 139 Monmouth Ave, Monmouth.

A similar cafe can be found just down Main Street. Rick’s Place also has a calm atmosphere great for mornings or afternoons, and is a little more open spacewise. Find Rick’s Place at 123 Main St, Monmouth.

For those that don’t require refreshments and prefer quieter environments, Monmouth and Independence have public libraries. These would offer students similar resources to Hamersly Library, but will likely not be as full of other students. In Monmouth, the public library can be found at 168 S Ecols St, and in Independence at 175 Monmouth St.

However, for those that like their long-term study spots to be open later and offer food, there’s Koyote’s Tacos right next to campus. Students can study at this location using the free wifi until two in the morning, and enjoy affordable food while doing so. Koyote’s is located at 159 Monmouth Ave N.

Another option including food and later hours is Brew Coffee and Tap House, located in downtown Independence. Students can expect a busier atmosphere, but have the options of coffee and food available to them. Students can find Brew Coffee at 211 S Main St, Independence.

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Ashlynn Norton

Preview: Men’s Basketball

Mikaela Wong | Freelancer

Returning from a spectacular 2017-2018 season, the Western men’s basketball team is back and ready to fight for what they were so close to achieving last season. After losing to California Baptist University from a last-minute comeback that fell just short in the NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball West Regional, the Wolves concluded their season at No. 3. Western’s 24-game win streak was ended and finished with a 31-2 record.

However, after having a less than ideal ending to their previous season, the mindsets of the players are now stronger than ever. Riley Hawken, a senior business major and a returning power forward, is confident that the team will carry over its success.

“This year’s going to be another phenomenal year and we’re going to have a lot of phenomenal players. A lot of the guys are hungry and we’re all just wanting to do the best we can to represent WOU as great as we can,” said Hawken.

The men’s basketball team has gained quite the following after their previous historic season and do not plan on slowing down any time soon.

“We have a winning culture,” stated Buster Souza, a senior majoring in business and also returning as a power forward, “and that is going to come not just this year and next year, but years and years after that.”

Many players were wondering how this year’s team would measure up to last season’s, especially having nine players graduate last year. But Souza was quite reassuring. “Something we had to work on (over the off-season) was our depth because we lost so many players last year, but we really corrected that just with our recruiting and our deep line-up. Our skillset is pretty even across the board…we have a lot of young talent coming in as well as veterans returning.”

Hawkens adds, “a lot of the (new recruits) have really good attitudes that are (just as) hungry and want to continue on the success that we’ve had. The coaches did a really good job of getting guys in here who could fill the spots (of the graduated players).”

Hawken was unanimously named to the 2018-19 GNAC Men’s Basketball Preseason All-Conference Team over the off-season. When asked about what things he is looking forward to most this season, Hawken said, “the biggest part of the journey is how you come together as a team. The thing I’m most excited for is the new team to come together…to see how all these new pieces are going to come together…and how well we are going to progress as a team…and it’s coming along really well right now.”

Western’s men’s basketball team’s first regular season game is against Warner Pacific University on Thursday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. in New PE.

 

Contact the author at mwong16@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Paul F. Davis

Women’s rugby overpowers Whitman

Lake Larsen | Sports editor

It was a still morning with a chilling breeze that cut through the air. All seemed calm as the Wolves took to the field to battle the Whitman Blues. This match was special for the women’s team as it marked their second and final match of the fall season as well as their only home game in the fall. Despite this, the Wolves were ready for a fight.

Within minutes, Western’s offense quickly took it to Whitman. Back to back scores with only one missed conversion rocketed Western to a quick 12-0 lead. But the slow start for the Blues came to an end as they scored back to back tries, missing both conversions to make it a 12-10 game.

In the second period the Wolves offense started to show their strength. Whitman was unable to handle the relentless Wolves as they powered their way down the field time and time again. The Blues were so far back on their heels, they couldn’t even advance the ball on offense, leading to Western growing their lead to 32-10.

“Communication was important. We weren’t tackling very well but I think our offense did a great job,” commented junior ASL/English interpreting major Lexi Osborn.

After some intermission adjustments, both teams took the field for the final period. Western’s defense was unable to contain the Blues as Whitman put up 19 points in a short nine minute window to start the period.

“We have a lot of rookies, so tackling is the scariest part. (They) just have to learn ‘it’s not going to hurt that bad, just get in there and tackle,’” said Osborn on the defense’s play.

After a quick meeting following the team’s giving up another try, the Wolves defense locked down Whitman. Their comeback attempt was cut short when the Wolves finally found their footing and scored a pair of tries. As the high scoring final period came to a close, the Wolves were victorious with a 42-29 win.

 

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Cora McClain

Lighting issues put a quick end to Western lacrosse’s season

Lake Larsen | Sports editor

With gear bags slung over their shoulders and sticks in hand, Western lacrosse walked onto a pitch black field at the University of Oregon to take on the Ducks. Murmurs of what could be going on spread across the team as game-time ticked closer. Due to the adjacent Hayward Field being under construction, there were major lighting issues at the lacrosse field.

After a few pulls of a ripcord, a generator roared to life to finally light up the field on a cold Nov. 9 night. Western took the the field to start their warm ups for the final game of the fall season. They hoped to end the pre-season on a high note but a few passes into their warm up, the hum of the generator faded and so did the lights. Again, the Wolves and the Ducks were left in the dark.

The official game time came and went and the lights were unable to stay on for more than just a couple of minutes. Nearly 45 minutes after what should have been the start of the game, the Wolves and Ducks lined up for the faceoff.

Western had been unable to get a complete warm up due to the lighting issues. Because of this the Wolves quickly sank to a multiple goal deficit. Unable to set up their offense, the Wolves couldn’t seem to find a way to mount a comeback attempt.

This action didn’t last long however. After a short 30 minutes of play, again the teams found themselves engulfed in darkness. This was the final straw for the coaches. With the inconsistent lightning, the game was canceled. This delay and eventual cancelation left the Wolves very ill tempered.

“We were (very upset). We drove all the way to Eugene for a game time that was already late. Then, add on the 45 minutes we had to wait in the cold and the game was canceled. It really got under our skin,” said senior education major Bryce Hinkle.

After the official cancelation the game only lasted approximately 30 minutes. This short game with a lack of warm up ended the Wolves fall ball leaving them 3-5. Western packed up and got ready for the short off season with their first game only two months away.

 

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Western men’s soccer defeats Reed College

Lake Larsen | Sports editor

As the season draws closer to an end, the Wolves looked to pick up a much needed win against Reed College Griffins. In their last meeting on Nov. 3, the Wolves lost a very lopsided game to the Griffins 8-1. But now at home, Western took the field with revenge in mind.

The first 20 minutes of the half saw Western continually challenging the goalkeeper for the Griffins. Although the ball stayed glued to Reed’s side of the field, the Wolves couldn’t seem to find the back of the net.

After several saves from the Griffin’s goalkeeper, the Wolves offense still fought for points. With a deeply kicked ball, Western sprinted up the field to bury the first goal of the game. From this point, the Wolves took complete control of the Griffins.

Due to the relentless offense of the Wolves, the Griffins unable to clear the ball. Another break away lead to a high powered shot finding the back of the goal to make the score 2-0. Moments later, the Wolves scored yet another goal to finish off the first half of play.

The first half was an offensive firestorm with Western spending a vast majority on the attacking side of the field. Reed needed to find a way to slow down the offense of Western if they wanted any chance to win. But the Wolves had other plans.

The second half saw Western’s offense continuing with their momentum from the first half. Two more points from the Wolves was matched by only one from Reed. Western finished the game on top with a final score of 5-1.

 

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Ashlynn Norton

Western’s fall sports wrap-up

Lake Larsen | Sports editor

[fruitful_tabs type=”accordion” width=”100%” fit=”false”]
[fruitful_tab title=”Lacrosse”]

Record: 3-5

Biggest win: In the Fall Tournament in Bend, Oregon the Wolves took on Humboldt State. While the game was shortened due to being a tournament game, the Wolves still overpowered the Lumberjacks to cruise to an easy 6-2 win.

[/fruitful_tab]
[fruitful_tab title=”Men’s Rugby”]

Record: 4-1

Biggest win: On Nov. 3 the Wolves took on Willamette University. Even though the game was cut short at halftime due to the Bearcats losing too many players to injury, there was no shortage of scoring. The Wolves’s offense tore the bearcats to shreds, putting up 33 points. The defense mirrored the offense’s dominant performance by not giving up a single score.

[/fruitful_tab]
[fruitful_tab title=”Women’s Rugby”]

Record: 1-1

Biggest win: Despite having only one home match, the Wolves did not hold back against Whitman University. The game was a tough defensive struggle for the first two periods. Whitman battled their way back into the game early in the final period but the lead was too much to overcome as the Wolves powered their way to a 42-29 win at home.

[/fruitful_tab][fruitful_tab title=”Men’s Soccer (Still competing)”]

Record: 3-4-1

Biggest win: On Nov. 11 the Wolves took on Reed College. From the first whistle it was evident that the Wolves were playing on a different level than the Griffins. By half the game was 3-0 in favor of the Wolves. After giving up a single point, Western was victorious with a score of 5-1.

[/fruitful_tab][fruitful_tab title=”Women’s Soccer (Still competing)”]

Record: 4-0

Biggest win: The Wolves took on the University of Oregon in their second match of their first official fall season as a club sport at Western. Stellar goalkeeping and a strong offensive drive helped the Wolves shutout the Ducks 2-0.

[/fruitful_tab]
[/fruitful_tabs]

[fruitful_tabs type=”accordion” width=”100%” fit=”false”]
[fruitful_tab title=”Football”]

Record: 5-6

Biggest win: The Wolves best game of the year came Sept. 29 against Simon Fraser University. Western’s offense, defense, and special teams all combined for a season high of 54 points. Meanwhile the defense held the Clan to only 13 points. The defense forced a school and GNAC record nine interceptions in this meet up.

[/fruitful_tab]
[fruitful_tab title=”Volleyball”]

Record: 6-21

Biggest win: There are two games worth mentioning as the highlight of the year for the Wolves. On Sept. 1 the Wolves swept Hawaii Pacific University, winning each match by an average of five points. Later in the year, Western swept conference rival Montana State University Billings in three straight matches, winning each match by an average 4.66 points per match.

[/fruitful_tab]
[fruitful_tab title=”Women’s Soccer”]

Record: 5-9-3

Biggest win: One of the most exciting games this season came in their matchup on Sept. 10 against Pacific University. After Pacific jumped to an early 1-0 lead, the Wolves battled their way back into the game by burying a game-tying shot in the second half to force overtime. Western’s defense held strong, and the offense came up big to overcome Pacific 2-1 in overtime.

[/fruitful_tab][fruitful_tab title=”Cross Country”] Best finish: Prior to the start of the school year, the Wolves men and women teams ran the table in their first home meet at Ash Creek. Both the men and the women defended their home course with first place finishes. The women narrowly defeated their closest competitor by a slim two points. The men dominated the field, with their next closest team being over 20 points behind. [/fruitful_tab]
[/fruitful_tabs]

 

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Paul F. Davis (Football), Ashlynn Norton (Soccer)

Western leaders react to hate speech in Monmouth

Bailey Thompson | News Editor

On the evening of Nov. 8, a demonstration of racist and hateful graffiti was found near Western’s campus on Southgate Drive. Within the graffiti, the responsible party had written “Proud Boys MAGA” and had drawn a number of swastikas on the road. Images of this nature are in direct opposition to Western’s official values of community, diversity, respect and empowerment, and it is crucial to the future success and safety of the university that students, faculty and staff are able to come together to take a stand against such forms of injustice.

With this particular form of hate speech, the vandals represented the ideals of the Nazi party as well as those of the Proud Boys — a hate group established in 2016 who denies any connection to the alt-right, but who claims to adhere to an “anti-political correctness” agenda.

According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, a nonprofit legal advocacy organization that focuses on civil rights issues, the Proud Boys are a group known for creating misogynistic, anti-Muslim and anti-Semitic propaganda, amongst other forms of hate speech.

Reacting to this display of hate in Monmouth’s community, the ASWOU executive board released a statement on Nov. 9 that announced and condemned the graffiti, offering support for Western students who are impacted by this event. The ASWOU senate also passed a resolution during their meeting which officially condemned the recent act of hate.

ASWOU Vice President and senior philosophy major Erik Morgan shared that ASWOU is in the process of determining what further actions should be taken moving forward.

“We… realized that unfortunately there was likely at least one student who did not feel safe on campus at this point in time,” said Morgan. “So, we started immediately brainstorming ideas about how we can reach out to those students, the community at large, the administration and the city council community leaders to make sure we can come together as a community.”

Morgan also encouraged students to reach out for support, and he said that ASWOU was a resource available to any student who would like to talk.

On Nov. 13, President Rex Fuller sent an email to the Western community which included a letter signed by President Fuller along with the mayors of Monmouth and Independence and the Superintendent of Central School District.

“As community leaders, it is our goal to ensure everyone is welcome and is provided with a welcoming community that allows each of us to thrive,” stated the letter.

If students would like to talk with someone in light of this event, there are a number of resources on Western’s campus they can reach out to such as the Student Health and Counseling Center at (503) 838-8313 and Abby’s House at (503) 838-8219.

 

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu

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