Sports – The Western Howl

Written by: Jaylin Emond-Hardin | Entertainment Editor

Max Verstappen clinched his fourth World Drivers’ Championship this weekend by finishing one place ahead of championship rival Lando Norris. The Dutch driver is the third driver in the last fifteen years to “fourpeat,” and the second Red Bull Racing driver to “fourpeat.” Former racer Sebastian Vettel holds the first of both of these records.

In April this year, Norris had said, “Verstappen’s dominance could bore fans.” This, of course, was at the beginning of the season, when Verstappen had still been winning every race. Norris had yet to be a championship contender, and would not be one until May, with his maiden win in Miami putting him in second for the championship for the first time in his career.

From then on, for Norris to be able to win the championship, he needed to finish each Grand Prix ahead of Verstappen, a feat he has rarely been able to do.

It was the Las Vegas Grand Prix that would make or break Norris and Verstappen’s championship dreams.

Starting in fifth with rival Norris in sixth gave Verstappen an edge to where he could block him from taking the inside line on corners, as well as allowing Verstappen to block any undercutting from the McLaren driver. Undercutting occurs when a driver pits before the car or cars in front to try and gain a position, a strategy favored by McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella.

These strategy choices were what allowed Verstappen to maintain his fifth-place position, just one ahead of Norris, and to clinch his fourth championship.

Las Vegas also meant a hat trick for Mercedes Racing drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. Hamilton and Russell topped all three free practices on Thursday and Friday, giving the pair an edge for qualifying.

While Hamilton struggled to break the top 10 in qualifying, Russell maintained dominance on the track and clinched pole position for Saturday’s race. Starting in pole, or first position, gave Russell an undeniable edge as he was able to lead by a margin of seven seconds.

A one-stop pit-stop strategy brought Hamilton up to second, but with the margin that Russell led by, he couldn’t catch up to his teammate. By the end of the 50-lap race, Russell and Hamilton had maintained their one-two positions, giving Mercedes the double podium.

With the Mercedes double podium, this also meant that the team had clinched a hat trick. With Hamilton and Russell leading in all three free practices, Russell claiming pole position and a Mercedes double podium, the team dominated the Las Vegas Street Circuit.

Formula One’s last two races of the season are Dec. 1 and Dec. 8, with the drivers traveling to Qatar and Abu Dhabi. While Verstappen has been crowned the World Drivers’ Champion, the Constructors’ Champion — where both drivers’ points combine for a team score — still has yet to be decided. McLaren currently leads with 608 points, with Ferrari just 24 points behind.

The Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix will be streaming on ESPN+ and F1 TV.

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

The Western Howl

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Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

The worlds of modern entertainment and traditional boxing collided on the night of Nov. 15, 2024. Social media star Jake Paul faced off against Mike Tyson, a boxing legend, in one of the most highly anticipated fights in recent history.
In most people’s minds, Tyson’s name goes hand and hand with the sport of boxing. Born in Brooklyn in 1966, Tyson had a troubled youth but found a purpose in boxing. Under the wing of legendary trainer Cus D’Amato, Tyson’s career began to skyrocket. By age 20, Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion in history, capturing the WBC title in 1986.
Nicknamed “Iron Mike,” Tyson was feared for his brutal knockouts and excessive aggression. His career record includes 50 wins, 44 by knockout and only six losses. Despite his success, Tyson’s journey was followed by controversy, including legal troubles and public meltdowns that negatively affected his reputation. He retired from boxing in 2005 but made a surprising return in 2020 for an exhibition bout against Roy Jones Jr., which sparked a new interest in the once-retired fighter.
Unlike Tyson, Jake Paul’s rise to fame came from the entertainment industry. Born in Ohio in 1997, Paul gained notoriety as a Disney Channel star and then became a YouTuber before pivoting to boxing in 2018 as a way to expand his name and take on new challenges. His journey into the ring was initially perceived as a joke, but Paul quickly proved himself as a skilled, disciplined fighter. His journey began with a widely publicized fight against YouTuber Deji Olatunji, the brother of famous influencer KSI, which took place on the undercard of the KSI vs. Logan Paul fight. Paul ended up winning the match, which motivated him to pursue the sport even more. He eventually transitioned to professional boxing in 2020, defeating YouTuber AnEsonGib in his debut fight. Paul began taking part in intense training regimes, working with professional trainers and sparring with established fighters. He has since fought and defeated multiple opponents, including former MMA champions, solidifying his position as a controversial yet influential figure in the boxing world. Going into the fight vs Tyson, Paul held a professional record of 10-1.
The announcement of the Tyson-Paul fight in March 2024 sparked debates across the sports world. For fans of traditional boxing, a 58-year-old Tyson stepping into the ring against a 27-year-old social media star was unimaginable. On the other hand, Paul’s supporters praised the fight, egging on the other side.
Initially scheduled for July 20, the fight faced delays due to Tyson’s health issues. The fight was then rescheduled for Nov. 15 and was billed as a professional match. Adding to the hype, Netflix secured exclusive streaming rights, allowing them to broadcast the fight to their subscribers.
With a crowd of 75,000 in attendance and millions watching online, the stage was set for a showdown between past and present. The eight-round match featured two-minute rounds and heavier gloves — a safety measure given Tyson’s age and the nature of the exhibition.
From the opening bell, it became clear that time had taken its toll on Tyson. His once lightning-fast combinations were visibly slower, even though his boxing IQ and footwork stayed the same. Paul was able to capitalize on his youth, using his speed and stamina to control the pace of the fight.
While Tyson landed a few shots, Paul’s consistent jabs earned him the upper hand. The fight ended with a unanimous decision in Paul’s favor, with judges scoring the match 80-72, 79-73 and 79-73. Paul went on to celebrate the victory as the “most significant achievement of his career,” while Tyson thankfully acknowledged the outcome.
Days after the fight, Tyson let the world know that he had undergone serious health struggles leading up to the event, including significant weight loss and multiple blood transfusions. This gave context to his performance, showcasing the physical toll boxing takes on aging athletes.
Due to technical issues, Netflix received backlash from fans claiming that there were buffering and streaming glitches. Fans were outraged, and a $50 million class-action lawsuit was filed against Netflix, alleging breach of contract.
Despite its controversies, the fight was a commercial success. Paul’s victory solidified his spot as a legitimate fighter, with his team expressing interest in future matchups against legends like Canelo Álvarez and Anthony Joshua.
For Tyson, the fight marked another chapter in his career, one that emphasized resilience and courage. While some questioned his decision to fight at 58 years old, others admired his willingness to step back into the ring.

Contact the author at howlsports@mail.wou.edu

The Western Howl

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Military appreciation football game recap

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

The Western Oregon Wolves hosted the Angelo State Rams on a special night of football under the banner of military appreciation. The game began with both teams testing each other’s defenses and finding early success in the kicking game. Western and Angelo State each managed to drive into field goal range, but both teams fell short of the end zone. Kickers from each side capitalized, and the first quarter ended with a 3-3 tie.
The action-packed second quarter began with Angelo State making its first major statement of the night. They scored the game’s first touchdown within the first two minutes of the quarter, taking a 10-3 lead. Before Western could regroup, Angelo struck again, finding the end zone less than three minutes later. The Rams’ quick two-touchdown burst put the Wolves in a 17-3 hole, but the Wolves refused to back down. Western responded with a deep ball from quarterback Michael Gibson to Damon Hickok that shifted the momentum toward the offense. Shortly after, a clutch reception by Kade Hustler allowed the Wolves to secure a crucial first down, pushing them to the doorstep of the end zone. However, a fumble at the 5-yard line gave Angelo State possession, squashing Western’s hopes for a touchdown on that drive. Fortunately, the Wolves’ defense stepped up when it mattered most, forcing Angelo State into a field goal attempt.
Andrew Simpson’s electric kick return set Western up at the 25-yard line, sparking another drive. A series of clutch plays brought the Wolves within 10 yards of the goal line, but they couldn’t punch it in. Western settled for a field goal from Keaton Emmett, narrowing the score to 17-6.
Just when it seemed like Angelo State was going to take over the game, Western’s special teams delivered a game-changing play. A blocked field goal, courtesy of an impressive effort by Cody Hall, was recovered in the end zone for a Wolves touchdown. Emmett added the extra point with a kick, and Western clapped back to make the score 17-13.
Western’s defense continued to dominate, stopping Angelo’s kick return at the 15-yard line and applying pressure. A stand-out play from the defense was when Daron Ulrich Jr. forced an incomplete pass on a potential Angelo touchdown. Although the Wolves were able to regain possession with about 30 seconds left in the half, time ran out before they could add any more points to the board.
At halftime, the Wolves trailed 17-13, but the momentum was finally on their side.
Angelo State came out of the locker room with renewed energy, scoring a touchdown early and adding the extra point to start the third quarter, extending their lead to 24-13. Western’s offense worked hard to respond, with Damon Hickok making key plays to inch closer toward the end zone. While the Wolves couldn’t capitalize with a touchdown, they managed to add a field goal, trimming the score to 24-16.
However, Angelo State’s offense was on a roll. They answered with another touchdown and extra point, building a 31-16 lead. Despite the deficit, Western’s defense continued to fight, with Joseph Northcutt delivering a sack to stop an Angelo drive. The Wolves’ efforts kept the score steady at 31-16 heading into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter opened with a bang as Aaron Woodard delivered a monster hit that set the tone for a physical finish. Both teams dug in, with defenses dominating and possessions going back and forth. Western managed to produce some highlight-reel moments, such as Andrew Simpson’s kick return that left defenders stuck in the turf, and an acrobatic catch from Kade Hustler that kept the Wolves’ hopes alive.
Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, the Wolves’ offense couldn’t find the spark needed to close the gap. Angelo State’s defense held tight, stopping the Wolves’ final pushes. Both teams traded stops as the clock ticked down, and the game ended with Angelo State securing a hard-fought 38-16 victory.
The 2024 season has sadly come to an end, but the Wolves showed significant improvement compared to last year. This season, Western finished with an overall record of 6-5, and 6-3 in conference play — a notable leap from the previous season’s 3-8 overall record and 2-6 league performance. It was inspiring to see Western’s dedicated fans, players, and staff come together to support the team through these hard-fought games. Their passion and commitment have built tremendous anticipation for the upcoming season.

Contact the author at howlsports@mail.wou.edu

The Western Howl

Home » Sports

The James’ legacy continues

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

The path to the NBA is often filled with trials, tribulations and triumphs. Bronny James Jr., the eldest son of NBA legend LeBron James, has had a unique and challenging journey that is different from most players. Born into the shadow of one of the greatest basketball players of all time, James Jr. has carved his path, proving that he is more than just a name.
James Jr. was born Oct. 6, 2004, in Cleveland, Ohio, during his father’s early years with the Cleveland Cavaliers. From a young age, it was evident that basketball was in his blood. Watching his dad dominate in the NBA did nothing but influence James Jr.’s passion for the game.
Despite growing up with access to everything the NBA had to offer, James Jr. faced significant pressure to live up to his father’s legacy. However, his parents made sure that he had a balanced upbringing.
James Jr. attended Sierra Canyon School in Chatsworth, California, a powerhouse for basketball talent. Joining the program in 2019, he immediately gained national attention. Playing alongside other top recruits and future NBA players, like Ziaire Williams and Amari Bailey, allowed James Jr. to find his style.
As a freshman, James Jr. showed flashes of brilliance. Even though his stats didn’t jump off the page, he showcased a high basketball IQ, higher than most players his age.
Over the years, James Jr.’s game matured. Standing at 6-foot-3-inches, he developed into a two-way guard capable of playing on or off the ball. His defensive presence, court vision and playmaking ability became trademarks of his game.
Unfortunately for James Jr., being LeBron James’ son comes with immense expectations. Every game James Jr. played was analyzed heavily by critics, fans and social media platforms. Comparisons to his father were inevitable, but James Jr. handled the pressure with remarkable composure.
In addition to pressure from the outside world, James Jr. faced the challenge of playing in the social media age. Highlights of his games would go viral within minutes, and any perceived misstep was put on a pedestal. Yet James Jr. remained focused, leaning on his family and inner circle for support.
After an impressive high school career, James Jr. received offers from all around the country but eventually committed to the University of Southern California — USC. This decision was a pivotal moment in his journey. Staying close to home, he joined a winning program with a strong roster. The move allowed him to develop under a skilled coaching staff, while also continuing to build his brand in Los Angeles.

His resilience was tested further in the summer of 2023 when James Jr. suffered a cardiac arrest during a practice session at USC. The incident sent shockwaves through the basketball world, but fortunately, James Jr. recovered and returned to the court.
As a freshman at USC, James Jr. did not put up game-breaking numbers. He had his moments, but once again, what caught the eyes of NBA scouts was his defense and basketball IQ. He embraced a leadership role at USC and was able to showcase his ability to control the tempo of the game while also regularly defending the opposing team’s best player. His combination of skills, basketball IQ and intangibles made him a top prospect for the NBA draft. While he may not have been the most athletic or dominant player on the court, his poised gameplay and mental approach set him apart.
In 2024, James Jr. declared for the NBA Draft, fulfilling a lifelong dream. The basketball world was filled with anticipation as he worked out for teams and attended the NBA Combine. His workouts and interviews showcased his maturity, proving he was ready for the next level.
Draft night was a historic moment, as James Jr. was selected as the 55th pick to the Los Angeles Lakers to play alongside his father. LeBron James, who had publicly expressed his desire to play alongside his son in the NBA, sat proudly in the audience. When James Jr.’s name was called, it marked a new chapter for the James family legacy.
A lot of critics think that James Jr.’s entry into the NBA only happened because of the name on the back of his jersey, but he is more than just a continuation of his father’s legacy. While comparisons to LeBron James will always exist, James Jr. has consistently told the press that he wants to make a name for himself, not anybody else. He may not have the same exemplary athleticism as his father, but his current skill set makes him a valuable asset to any team.
As James Jr. embarks on his NBA career, the sky’s the limit. While the weight of his father’s legacy will always be evident, James Jr. has proven that he has the talent and determination to shine on his terms.
The basketball world eagerly anticipates what the future holds for James Jr. Whether it’s hitting game-winning shots, leading a team to a championship or even creating his legacy off of the court, one thing is clear: James Jr.’s journey is just beginning, and it promises to be nothing short of legendary.

Contact the author at howlsports@mail.wou.edu

The Western Howl

Home » Sports

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

The Western Howl

Home » Sports

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

The Western Howl

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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

Western Oregon University’s Land Acknowledgement
Western Oregon University in Monmouth, OR is located within the traditional homelands of the Luckiamute Band of Kalapuya. Following the Willamette Valley Treaty of 1855 (Kalapuya etc. Treaty), Kalapuya people were forcibly removed to reservations in Western Oregon. Today, living descendants of these people are a part of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Community of Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians.

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WOU prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by WOU.

Mercedes’ hat trick and Max Verstappen’s dominance

Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson

Military appreciation football game recap

The James’ legacy continues

Western’s ascent

Dodgers win!

Dance at Western

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