Mount Hood

Western’s ascent

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

Western’s men’s soccer team has experienced a remarkable ascent in collegiate soccer, particularly during the 2024 season. Established just three years ago, the program has quickly become a powerful force in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference — GNAC — under the guidance of head coach Michael Behonick, a seasoned coach with NCAA Division I experience at Penn State, the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Virginia.
This season has been groundbreaking for the Wolves. In October, they reached their first national ranking, debuting at No. 25 in the United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division II Poll, then climbing to No. 14. With a 12-2-1 overall record and an 8-1 mark in GNAC play as of early November, Western has positioned itself at the top of the conference standings.
Beyond individual talent, the Wolves’ success is rooted in a strong team culture and disciplined leadership. Senior forward Alexis Luna, a key player from Salem, Oregon, has contributed significantly since transferring from Corban University. Luna, inspired by his dad’s passion for soccer, has found motivation in role models like German star Mesut Özil and his mother, who instilled in him the value of hard work. “Soccer-wise, Özil stood out to me. His game was so different from others, and the way he played really caught my attention,” Luna shared.
The Wolves’ team culture, built on unity and discipline, has played a crucial role in their success. “It’s all about unity,” said Luna. “Everyone is comfortable with each other; we don’t exclude anyone.” Coach Behonick reinforces this through discipline, including strict policies on punctuality and attention to detail. “Coach’s regulations make us think about everything we do, allowing us to weigh our options before making decisions. He truly gives us a purpose to work harder for the team,” Luna added.
With aspirations for a GNAC title and potential NCAA tournament participation, the Wolves’ focus remains on disciplined play and strategic execution. With two games left in the conference, Western seeks to take its momentum into the soon-to-come playoffs.  

Contact the author at howlsports@mail.wou.edu

Dodgers win!

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ 2024 season was a testament to resilience, investments and exceptional performances, resulting in their second World Series title in five years. The Dodgers concluded the regular season with a 98–64 record, securing the top spot in the National League West division. Given the team’s challenges with injuries to key pitchers, this achievement was particularly impressive. Despite these setbacks, the Dodgers were able to adapt and maintain consistent performances.
A pivotal factor in the Dodgers’ success was their massive player signing before the season. The organization invested over $1 billion to enhance the roster, with the main addition being Shohei Ohtani. The Dodgers signed Ohtani to a record-breaking $700 million contract, which didn’t just add a dual-threat player to the team, but also energized the fan base and changed the team’s dynamics.
In the postseason, the Dodgers came out victorious against the San Diego Padres in the National League Division Series. Advancing to the National League Championship Series, the Dodgers overcame the New York Mets in six games, highlighted by a decisive 10–5 win in Game 6.
In the World Series, the Dodgers faced the New York Yankees, revisiting a historic rivalry. The Dodgers secured the championship in five games, with standout performances from key players. Freddie Freeman, named World Series Most Valuable Player, delivered crucial hits, while Ohtani’s contributions were impactful throughout the series.
Freeman’s clutch hitting was vital to the Dodgers’ success. Ohtani’s historic season, featuring a remarkable 50 home run and 50 stolen base milestone, showed his versatility and impact.
With the 2024 championship secured, the Dodgers are determined to build on their success. Reports indicate the organization is considering pursuing MLB star Juan Soto, who is a free agent this off-season.
The Dodgers’ 2024 season was nothing short of excellent, and fans all around the world are waiting to see if they can maintain their level of play going into the 2025 season.

Contact the author at howlsports@mail.wou.edu

Dance at Western

Written by: Sadie Latimer | News Editor

Western’s dance team took to the field Nov. 2, during the halftime of a men’s rugby game. They danced to the song “7/11” by Beyoncé with a lively hip-hop routine that was choreographed by Vic Linne and Jo Bell, officers of the dance team. When the song finished, the dancers hit their final pose while the rugby crowd cheered. Each member of the team had a smile on their face as they waved to their audience and ran off the field. 

The dance team also performed at the football game Nov. 9. It was their last performance of the Fall term. They danced to a mash-up of different songs and showcased the four seniors on the team. The seniors being recognized were Anna Martinez, Jo Bell, Diana Gray and Crystal Robertson. Another senior, Vic Linne, was also recognized but didn’t perform at the football game.

Abbi Duhart, an English and dance double major and sophomore at Western, joined the dance team Fall term of 2023. 

“This is my sixth year of doing dance,” said Duhart. “I started when I was in eighth grade, but I did primarily ballet. It wasn’t until I got to college and I joined the dance team that I really branched out into hip-hop.”

Learning hip-hop pushed Duhart out of her comfort zone, but ultimately she was thankful she decided to audition for the team. “It was something I wouldn’t normally do, but … why wouldn’t I want to do something that might be fun or that I might be interested in?” 

During the start of each term, the rehearsals are mainly focused on learning different techniques. Further into the term, the team focuses on learning choreography for their dances. It gets especially busy Winter term during basketball season, where they perform at the home games.

“Sometimes it can even be learning more than one dance in a day,” said Duhart. “It can get stressful, but everyone is really supportive and there for you, especially the officers. It’s a really good community to be a part of, and it’s a lot of fun.”

The dances are mainly choreographed by the officers of the team. “The president probably does the most (choreography), but they all contribute to different dances. In basketball season, it sometimes also opens up to anyone on the team that wants to choreograph,” said Duhart. Students on the dance team can not only learn techniques and hip-hop dances, but they also can get the opportunity to try their hand at choreography. 

Auditions are held at the end of each term for students who are considering joining the dance team.

“(This Wednesday) is open practice. Anyone can come and practice with us for technique to get ready for winter tryouts, which are the following week.”

Auditions will be Nov. 18 and Nov. 20 from 5 – 7:30 p.m. in room 253 of the Health and Wellness Center. The team’s Instagram — @wou_danceteam — has a Google Form linked in their bio for students who are interested to fill out before auditions.

“I think people should audition if they have any inkling of being interested in dance and if they want to have fun with dance and learn new dance styles,” said Duhart. “Anyone can audition regardless of how you identify, how you look or your dance experience. Even if you’ve never danced in your life, you can audition. It’s open to anyone.” Auditions and rehearsals are both spaces that are always free of judgment. 

“Just go for it if you think you might be interested,” said Duhart. If students audition and make it onto the team, they have the option of not performing if they don’t want to. 

“It’s a good outlet for … getting away from school-related things,” said Duhart. She emphasized that the team is a great community, full of accepting and supportive people who want the best for every single member. 

If students want to support the dance team, they can show up to football, rugby and basketball games and cheer on the dancers during halftime. Another way to support the dance team is to buy tickets to their showcase Spring term of 2025. “(The showcase) is where we perform all the dances from the whole year to showcase them. It’s specifically for the dance team, so it really shows support when people go to see it,” said Duhart.

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu 

First-gen week

Written by: Sadie Latimer | News Editor

The week of Nov. 4 – Nov. 8 was dedicated to Western’s first-generation students. Almost 50% of Western’s student population are first-generation college students. Each day of the week had events that were themed around different aspects of being a first-generation student. 

Monday’s theme was financial literacy and basic needs. There were events that taught students how to budget for groceries and meal prep and a financial literacy workshop hosted by Unitus Credit Union.

Tuesday was designated for mental health awareness. Students learned about mindfulness and self-care, wrote gratitude letters and unwound with arts and crafts.

Wednesday’s theme was about finding a support system by meeting new people and making connections. The first event was a meet and greet with first-generation Western employees, with yoga and meditation being offered shortly after. An escape room for first-generation students was put together in the Willamette Room of Werner University Center. That evening,there was a presentation about navigating college life. 

Thursday was centered around career readiness, with events that helped students be prepared for their future careers. Students could get free professional headshots taken. They could also prepare for the Fall Extravaganza, happening Nov. 13, by learning how to network, build a resume and succeed in an interview. Thursday’s theme also had the “Career Readiness Inventory” event and a panel of first-generation alumni.

Friday was the time for people to learn about and celebrate National First-Generation Day. The day started with the Experiential Learning Workshop with Mohammed Soriano-Bital. After the workshop concluded, a panel was held highlighting first-generation Western employees. The last event of the week was a lunch that was catered by Mi Casita Market. 

Along with organizing a first-generation week and celebrating National First-Generation Day, Western has also joined the Alpha Alpha Alpha, or Tri-Alpha, Honor Society. Tri-Alpha is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and celebrating first-generation students who are pursuing higher education. Moravian University in Pennsylvania founded Tri-Alpha in March of 2018. Over 150 universities in the U.S. have since made a Tri-Alpha chapter, but Western is the first public college in Oregon to join the organization. 

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

Get involved

Written by: Sadie Latimer | News Editor

Macy Clemens is the program assistant for marketing and virtual engagement. In Spring 2024, she graduated from Western with a bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in marketing. On campus, Clemens promotes events and is passionate about encouraging students to participate in everything Western has to offer. Because of her interest, Clemens decided that Student Engagement was the perfect place for her.

One tool that Clemens hopes students take advantage of more often is Involve, which is a website that has lists of clubs, organizations and events on campus. 

“With Involve, students can explore everything happening at campus at any given time. It’s like a personal event calendar for all things at (Western), which I think is helpful,” said Clemens. “Involve offers some cool opportunities and it helps students to gain skills and build their networks.” Upcoming events on campus include the “FEM in STEM Speaker Series” Nov. 14 from 4 – 5:15 p.m., the “Show of Green” event Nov. 14 from 8:30 – 8:50 a.m. with a veteran’s breakfast the same day at 9 a.m. Additional information on those events and others can be found through Involve. 

“Involve can either be accessed through (your) portal, or you can download an app on your phone,” said Clemens. Students can connect the app to their Google calendar so they are notified when there is an event coming up. For many organizations and events, students can see more information and sign up directly on the Involve app or website. It also shows users how to contact many of the groups on campus.

“It’s more than an app though — It’s a way for students to find and build a community,” said Clemens. “Involve can help you get connected on campus. And it also helps make connections that extend beyond college.” 

Clemens knows that students may be nervous to try clubs or go to events that are new to them, however, she believes that the experiences students will gain from getting involved will be invaluable. 

“Branching out is what’s really important,” said Clemens. “Taking that first step and going to these different events is really helpful. You might realize it’s actually a lot better, even if (you were) nervous to branch out a little bit.”

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

Powerful poems

Written by: Hannah Field | Editor-in-Chief

Sometimes, a quote or poem can come along that can change the trajectory of one’s life. Maybe about grief, love, friendship and life, words of wisdom can forever impact and alter one’s experience on Earth.

I’ve collected some of my favorite quotes — from coping with loss to making the most of every second alive — to share as possible inspiration for the next time things get hard.

“I was often full of rage and despair. I was always lonely. In spite of all that I was and am in love with life.” — Jeanette Winterson, “Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal?”

“It is a serious thing just to be alive on this fresh morning in the broken world.” — Mary Oliver, “Invitation”

“Here is the world to which I am condemned, in which, despite myself, I must somehow live.” — Fyodor Dostoyevsky, “The House of the Dead”

“‘You’ll always be sad about this,’ she said softly. ‘But it doesn’t mean you made the wrong choice. It’s just something that you have to carry.’” — Celeste Ng, “Little Fires Everywhere”

“Isn’t all that rage so ugly? And isn’t it mine, still? Good god, isn’t it mine?” — Ashe Vernon, “Buried”

“How odd, I can have all this inside me and to you it’s just words.” — David Foster Wallace, “The Pale King”

“She died at 7:07 a.m. PST. It is three hours earlier in Hawaii. Does that mean in Hawaii she hasn’t died yet? But the plane ride to Hawaii is five hours long. This time gap can never be overcome. The difference is called grieving.” — Victoria Chang, “Obit”

“And that I did not give to anyone the responsibility for my life. It is mine. I made it. And can do what I want to with it. Live it. Give it back, someday, without bitterness, to the wild and weedy dunes.” — Mary Oliver, “Staying Alive”

“No one ever tells you that bravery feels like fear.” — Mary Kate Teske

“I want to talk about what happened without mentioning how much it hurt. There has to be a way. To care for the wounds without reopening them. To name the pain without inviting it back into me.” — Lora Mathis, “If There’s A Way Out I’ll Take it”

“Nobody taught me how to want. But now I want. I remain lying down with eyes open, looking at the ceiling. Inside is the darkness. A pulsating ‘I’ is taking shape.” — Clarice Lispector, “Água Viva”

“This morning I woke up so in love with you I didn’t know what to do with my body, which was far from yours … I don’t know how this happened. I just woke up one morning and you were the blood in all my poems.” — Clementine Von Radics, “In a Dream You Saw a Way to Survive”

“I needed to think everything she’d done was out of love. Because I could understand that. I could forgive it. It made me think that maybe one day I might be able to forgive myself.” — Carol Rifka Brunt, “Tell the Wolves I’m Home”

“You are afraid to die, and you’re afraid to live. What a way to exist.” — Neale Donald Walsch, “Home with God: In a Life That Never Ends”

“I’m not much but I’m all I have.” — Philip K. Dick, “Martian Time-Slip”

“I started talking to the stars in the sky instead. / I said, ‘Tell me about the big bang.’ / The stars said, ‘It hurts to become.’” — Andrea Gibson, “The Madness Vase”

“But I want to be better than the lessons they taught me. I want my love to be greater than my hate, my mercy to be stronger than my vengeance.” — Amy Engel, “The Book of Ivy”

Contact the author at howleditorinchief@mail.wou.edu

This week in entirely made-up horoscopes…

The signs while playing Monopoly

Aries: Gets into a fight with the Sagittarius

Taurus: Pretends to not know what’s going on, but is actually weirdly good

Gemini: “Yahtzee!”

Cancer: Cheats their way to winning

Leo: still deciding which piece to use because they don’t want the others to feel bad

Virgo: unbelievably rich

Libra: Takes jail wayyyy too seriously  

Scorpio: eats the dice when they don’t get the roll they want

Sagittarius: Fistfighting everyone for the Dog piece

Capricorn: Obsesses over the relative value of the color groups

Aquarius: Yells whenever any other player does anything

Pisces: Falls asleep 

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