Mount Hood

Club Sport highlight: Get to know Western’s Dance Team

Caity Healy | Editor-in-Chief

How long has Western’s dance team been around?

WOU Dance Team has been a part of the WOU Club Sports for about 4 years.

What does an average day look like for someone who is on dance team?

The great thing about the dance team, (it) does not typically interfere with a student’s school schedule or ability to participate in other extra curricular activities at school. We practice three times a week in the evening Tuesday through Thursday.

How many people are involved with it?

For this academic year, we had 21 girls involved with the team by the end of basketball season. That has been the largest amount of participation and positive growth I have seen since I have been involved with the team in the past four years.

Is dance team currently doing anything on campus?

Spring Term is usually considered our “off season”- it is much more relaxed regarding our practice and performance schedule, but right now we are prepping for our upcoming kid’s clinic on May 25.

If someone is considering joining or trying out for the team, what is your advice?

Something that is really cool about our try-out process, is that we have two per year. One during Spring Term for the following fall and one at the end of Fall Term in the current academic year for basketball season in the winter. For somebody considering joining … my best advice is to have a positive attitude and have fun. Of course the dance team values somebody who is committed and a harder worker, but all we can ask is for  an individual who is willing to learn and have fun. We are not a competition team, so our schedule is not as rigorous as some people may think. We encourage people who have a background in dance such as other previous dance team experience, hip-hop, jazz, or pom to try out, but it is not required.

Where can students go if they are wanting to join, or wanting more information?

If you want to stay updated on current events, you can like our Facebook page “Western Oregon University Dance Team” or follow us at “WOU_danceteam” on Instagram. We have tryouts coming up at the end of May for football season of 2019. Follow our social media for updates if interested.

 

Contact the author at howleditor@wou.edu

Photo by Paul F. Davis

Women’s rugby faces off against unplanned Alumnae/outside player team

Cora McClain | Copy Editor

There was a chill in the air on the drizzly morning of April 13 as Western’s women’s rugby took to the pitch against a team sporting very similar colors to our Wolves. An interview with club president Lexi Osborn after the game cleared up the confusion.

“Eastern cancelled on us Wednesday, so we sent out a mass Facebook post inviting any women ruger (rugby player) in the Oregon area to come out for our seniors’ last home game … most of them are alum,” Osborn explained.

The Alumnae and Wolves faced off for this exciting match. From the first blow of the whistle, the energy between the two teams was palpable, both giving their all. The experience of the alumnae was obvious from their expert passing and pushing against the Wolves as they held their defensive line. However, it couldn’t hold the Alums back from scoring the first try of the game. This was followed shortly by a quick play by the Wolves that won them their first try.

After, the aggressive teams struggled up and down the sideline. Their bodies slammed together, each team pushing as the rain began to pour. The raw power of the Wolves gave them the ability to crawl along the sideline to their next try, making it through the uprights for the extra points, taking the lead. However, the Alumnae retaliated with their fast passing to earn their next try.

This struggle continued as the cheering of supportive fans rang out as the Wolves found a break in the Alumnae’s defensive. Sprinting down the center of the field to a slide through the uprights earned the Wolves their final try for the half. The hard work of each team displayed in the final score of the half, 24-20 Wolves.

The second half saw the teams come back with even more energy than before. A battle that traveled from sideline to sideline ensued, with injuries sustained from both the Wolves and Alumnae as the later pulled ahead with decisive passing and power pushing them into a lead. However, as the clock had 16 minutes left, the teams broke and gathered together into a huddle. Hip-hip-hoorays rang out over the field as the sun peaked out from the clouds.

After the seniors were presented to the crowd of cheering fans, each sporting a crown of flowers, Osborn explained that it was the Wolves’s final home match for the season.

“We wanted to give the seniors a good send-off,” Osborn said. When asked about the future of the club, she explained that half of the team are rookies who started just two weeks earlier.

“We have a lot to learn,” Osborn said. She explained how they were going to have to work on their defense for future games.

The Wolves will be taking to the pitch once again on April 20 to face off against University of Portland.

 

Contact the author at cmcclain17@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Paul F. Davis

Western Oregon host Northwest Club Basketball Championship, takes first

Shariff Youngblood | Freelancer

On a typical Pacific Northwest cold and gloomy day, five teams battled for the Northwest Basketball Club League Championships. A trophy was on the line, and there was only one team that was going to go home with it.

On April 13, the Wolves, University of Portland, Seattle University, University of Oregon and a second Western club team, which was added due to a team dropping out, came together. Western students gathered around the gym to show support for the home team.

The first game of the tournament on April 13 saw the Wolves take on the University Of Portland Pilots. The Pilots came out scoring in the first half, and kept hitting shots in the second; they ended up closing out Western, 71-52.

With a game under their belt and a loss on their record, the Wolves responded by coming out on fire versus the University of Oregon as they built a comfortable halftime lead of 47-32. The University of Oregon would not go quietly as they hit three-pointer after three-pointer and cut lead down to six with about five minutes remaining, but it was all Wolves from there as they pulled away late with a final score of 96-77.

After every team played two games, the tournament playoffs began. The Wolves were matched up against the Pilots. Western’s second club basketball team was matched up with Seattle University. The Wolves had revenge on their mind as they looked to knock the Pilots out of the tournament; Western’s second club team was looking to advance to the championships.

Western’s second club team played a close game all the way through the second half. The deficit was cut to three points in the closing seconds. Seattle University stepped up late and made four free throws to close out the game, 47-41.

The Wolves started their game against the Pilots by hitting six threes in the first half. However, the Pilots were determined to make it a close game and cut the lead down to single digits with the score being 35-28 going into the second half.

The second half proved to be a physical game with both teams trading buckets until the last four minutes, when Western held to the win. Both teams fought hard, but the Wolves hung on with a 54-44 win to advance to the championships versus Seattle University.

The championship game was finally here. The Wolves were matched up against the  undefeated Seattle University team. Western came out fired up and was able to build a double-digit lead in the first couple of minutes. The teams traded baskets but the Wolves were leading 38-23 going into the second half.

The second half was a completely different game as Seattle University started making shots. They fought their way back and cut the lead down to four points with about six minutes to go. With his team needing to extend the lead, the Club Sports player of the week Joey Gaylord took over. Gaylord started the runoff by hitting back to back deep threes extending the lead to 10 in the closing minutes.

However, Seattle University would not let up, and cut the lead down to six with about 40 seconds of play left. The Wolves made their free throws and closed out the game 54-46, capping off a 3-1 finish and earning the title of Basketball Club League Champions.

“This championship is really big for WOU with us being such a small school. We have about 6,000 students and were playing against D1 schools and we have proven ourselves as one of the top D2 schools out there,” said Gaylord.

 

Contact the author at syoungblood16@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Paul F. Davis

Get to know your Western athletes: Cheyanne Rimer

Mikaela Wong | Staff Writer

It’s typical for students to watch school sporting events and cheer on the athletes from the stands. However, it’s also easy to forget that the very athletes they are there to watch, are students too, who have lives outside of their sport.

Cheyanne Rimer, a senior and exercise science major, is one of these student-athletes, who plays third base on Western’s softball team. It can be difficult to see her outside of this lens, especially when she’s reaching high success with the team.

An example of this success came during the matchup against the Montana State University Billings on April 8. Rimer hit a grand-slam, which sealed her sixth homer of the year. Western conquered both games, 12-0 and 11-1.

When asked what got her first interested in playing softball, her answer was honest.

“I’m from Scio, Oregon and to be honest, there’s not a lot to do in Scio… My graduating class was 59 people and I knew most of them since pre-school.”

For this reason, she picked up the sport. But she didn’t want to quit, and she had a reason for that.

“Softball just happened to be my favorite sport, so I just kind of kept with it.”

While some may see her and think of her as only an athlete, there’s more to Rimer than softball. When asked to describe her personality in a nutshell, she explained it in simple terms: “I’m goofy, kind of loud, friendly, approachable,” Rimer said.

While there are many reasons to enjoy the sport, Rimer said her favorite part of playing softball actually has to do with her teammates.

“I never grew up with a sister, so I feel like I was kind of shorted out on that aspect,” said Rimer, “but I get that with them.”

Although it’s clear she built important relationships with the teammates she works so closely with on and off the field, Rimer also has traditions she keeps with her friends apart from those she made through softball.

“My roommates and I have ‘roomie nights’ where we all make something for dinner and then watch a movie together — usually classic ‘80s movies,” Rimer explained.

After the end of the season, Rimer will be graduating from Western. Upon her graduation, she has plans to hone in on her future career aspirations.

“I have an internship in the fall for Cardiac Rehab which is where I want my career to go,” said Rimer. “And then eventually (I’ll) move to Roseburg because I really like it down there.”

As for her potential to ever give coaching a try, Rimer’s stance wasn’t entirely certain.

“I would consider coaching but not right away because I want to focus on my career. But I can see myself going back to it in the future.”

Catch Rimer and the rest of Western’s softball team at their next game. April 13, Western will be playing a doubleheader at Concordia University, followed by another doubleheader against Concordia University at home on April 14.

 

Contact the author at mwong16@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Ashlynn Norton

Club spotlight: Rock climbing club

Paul F. Davis | Managing Editor

So often, sports involve the mastery of ball use or implement to be truly great in competition. However, climbing is different; it requires a mastery of one’s body instead. Dyno’s, side pulls and gastones could potentially be in the near future of those wanting to participate in a challenging, yet exhilarating, sport that always allows its competitors to improve. If this peaks your interest, then luckily, there’s a resource ready at Western for you: Rock Climbing Club could be your perfect fit.

Western Oregon University Rock Climbing Club started in 2015 and has been growing ever since.

Senior Kayla Baker, club captain, loves climbing because, “there’s a lot of problem-solving involved so it’s a really satisfying way to stay active … and there is always room to grow as a climber.”

Rock Climbing Club meets at Salem’s climbing gym Rock Boxx Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.; Rock Boxx is located at 3895 Cascadia Canyon Ave SE, Salem, OR 97302.

For anyone who may feel nervous about joining, Baker noted that, “I don’t think there’s any group more welcoming than the climbing community.” Not only is the community extremely inviting, but the best time to join is right now. This is especially true for those interested in competing against other collegiate climbers in the Northwest Collegiate Climbing Circuit. This is because the last three competitions of the year are occuring in the next three weeks: April 13 at Portland State University;  April 20 at Whitman College; and April 27 at the University of Washington.

For those that have just started climbing, or for those that have climbed a majority of their life, feel free to email Baker at kmbaker15@wou.edu, so you, too, can start solving new problems and finding solutions to them as a part Western’s Rock Climbing Club.

 

Contact the author at pfdavis14@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Paul F. Davis

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

Men’s basketball 2019 postseason, 2-2

Paul F. Davis | Managing Editor

A year after one of the most successful seasons in Western Men’s Basketball history,  this year’s team was not expecting to be nearly as dominant as last year; the Wolves had graduated a majority of their most highlighted players from the year prior. Still, the basketball team showed that even though this may be true, the newer and less experienced team could still take home wins in the postseason.

The GNAC’s fourth-ranked Western Men’s team started the postseason at the GNAC Championship Tournament, located in Bellingham, Washington on March 7, by playing the fifth-ranked Montana State Billings. The game ended in a close 79 to 72 win for the Wolves.

In the semifinals of the tournament played on March 8, Western faced a team which they had already lost to twice. In this game the Wolves faced first ranked Saint Martin’s University. In the beginning of the game, odds were not in Western’s favor and neither was the score. The Saints started the game by holding Western scoreless for almost five minutes. The Wolves eventually did score, but at half they were down 23-33.

The Wolves, who trailed the entire game up this point, came back fired up and ready to control the odds. Only the players and assistant coaches know what Coach Jim Shaw said during half time, but one can assume it turned a switch in the Wolves.

At the third minute of the second half, the five players on the court started to light up Saint Martins. In the next six minutes, Western went on a 22-6 run which clinched Western’s first lead of the night. From this moment on, Western kept the lead and won with dominance over the first seeded saints 70-53.

In the final game of the GNAC tournament, on March 9, Western’s mental grit was nowhere to be found. They played the second-ranked team, Seattle Pacific, and fell short in a loss of 66-78.

With their impressive performance at the GNAC championship the Men’s basketball team was invited back to the NCAA Division II Basketball Tournament. They came into the tournament ranked eighth in their bracket and that meant facing first seeded Point Loma. Facing a team with a 27-4 record proved too much for the inexperienced Wolves in a game that ended with a score of 58-70.

After splitting wins and losses in the postseason, the Western Men’s team came home with more postseason experience and hopefully that will translate to them coming back next year ready to win.

 

Contact the author at pfdavis14@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Ashlynn Norton

Club vs. Varsity: An unprecedented battle

Caity Healy | Editor-in-Chief

The skies darkened and the clouds rolled in as the two teams made their way to the turf. Raindrops rolling down their cheeks as the unforgiving showers would not surrender, the women showed their game-faces, signaling that they’d fight with the same tenacity as the storm overhead. On April 1, the ladies went head to head to start an unprecedented battle: Women’s Club Soccer versus Women’s Varsity Soccer.

Though the scrimmage, which was spearheaded by Women’s Club Soccer’s captain Haylie Shinsato and their coach Robert Oretaga took place on April Fool’s Day, there were no laughs; both teams meant business. According to Rip Horsey, Director of Campus Recreation, this was the first time in his 10 years at Western that a club sport played against a varsity one. Nobody was sure of what the result would be.

“Our team was really nervous … but also excited because it was a nice opportunity to be able to play each other and support each other,” said junior Spanish and art and design major Hannah Greene, who played for Club.

Meanwhile, Selene Konyn, junior pre-early childhood and elementary education major and Varsity player, noted a different energy as their team went into the game.

“Our energy was really high. We just got a new coach and we feel like we created a new identity as a team and we just really wanted to go out there and prove to everyone and prove to ourselves that we are good soccer players,” Konyn said.

From the beginning, the action started off slow. Both teams found themselves running up and down the field, playing an equal share of offense and defense. As the game progressed, Varsity was able to make their way down the field, forcing Club onto defense for a substantial portion of the half.

Despite this, Club wasn’t ready to wave their white flag; their defense was able to prevent the ball from reaching the goal in the face of the relentless attempts by Varsity’s offense. This kept up until, near the end of the half, Varsity made their first goal of the game. As the horn signaled the half, the scoreboard displayed 1-0, with Varsity in the lead.

Once the women made their way back to the field, Varsity seemed to have picked up momentum, as they were able to keep Club on defense for almost the entire half. Though Varsity’s offense was fierce, so was Club’s defense. Numerous goals were attempted; most were prevented. By the end of the half, Varsity was eager to win, and Club seemed to have lost their momentum. After two more goals were snuck in by Varsity, the scrimmage came to a close, 3-0.

Afterwards, Greene discussed what this scrimmage meant for her and her team.

“Our school is united and supporting each other, which I really appreciate … this showed that we can play but still be a team after all,” said Greene. “I hope it becomes (a tradition).”

 

Contact the author at howleditor@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Ashlynn Norton

Western hosts Rugby Pacific Coast Challenge Cup, takes third

Caity Healy | Editor-in-Chief

The final two days of Spring Break were greeted with sunshine, warm weather and four teams coming together to go head to head for a bid to the big stage: the National Small College Rugby Organization National Championship Tournament. On March 30-31, Western was home to the Pacific Coast Regional Challenge Cup, which saw the Wolves, Azusa Pacific University, Humboldt State University and Central Oregon Community College battle each other out in a single-elimination tournament.

In order for Western to have the opportunity to act as host, they had to apply and fall under a number of specific qualifications.

“It was a comprehensive application process,” said Assistant Director of Campus Recreation Andy Main. “We had to outline everything from the size of your bleacher seating … the capability to do live stream … manage parking … manage the staff.” This information was outlined as clearly as possible for NSCRO, which is what Main believes won the Wolves the bid, along with their high level of organization which differentiated us from other schools.

When the bid was awarded to Western, excitement was felt for a couple of reasons.

“Not only were we excited for all the good things it could do for Western,” said Main, “but it meant that our team would be able to play in this tournament. If we hadn’t gotten the bid, we would not have been eligible for this tournament.”

The first semifinal of the tournament on March 30 saw the Central Oregon Bobcats take on the Humboldt State Lumberjacks. After 80 minutes of action, the Lumberjacks came out on top with a final score of 27-17, setting themselves up for the championship match 24 hours later. 

With game one of the tournament over, the Wolves made their way onto the rugby pitch to face the Azusa Pacific Cougars for the second semifinal, ready to see who would take the final seat in the championship match the following day.

From the opening kick, Western was met with a relentless offensive attack from Azusa Pacific. After four tries, three conversions and a 3-point play by the Cougars, the first half came to a close, posting a harsh score of 0-29.

As the second half began, Western was ready to turn things around. Nine minutes in, they scored their first try and conversion of the game, bringing the score to 7-29.

The Cougars were unyielding, but the Wolves weren’t ready to give up the fight. For the remainder of the game, Western put up a noble defensive blockade, holding Azusa Pacific from scoring at all in the second half. The game ended with a final score of 21-29, with the Cougars on top, earning their seat in the championship match.

The sun was shining brightly on March 31 as the four teams made their way to the pitch for day two. This seemed to stir up a sense of optimism in Western, who exhibited a clear hunger for victory as they got ready to take on Central Oregon.

“We came into the game with some energy,” said exercise science major Riley Bardes. “We knew we didn’t come into the game yesterday with energy, so we wanted to do the opposite of that.”

Right from the beginning, the Wolves came out firing. Within the first five minutes, Western scored two tries. The men continued a ruthless, offensive assault throughout the game, holding the Bobcats from scoring until the home-side had 17 points posted on the scoreboard.

The attack only got more brutal from there. The cheers from the audience continuously got louder as the ball seemed to live in the hands of the Western Oregon Rugby Men. Any attempts by the Bobcats to inch towards the goal-line were halted immediately by the Wolves until the game came to a close, 49-7.

“We finished (the season) well here today,” said Bardes, “that’s what we wanted to do… I’m really proud of today.”

In the final match of the tournament, Azusa Pacific came out on top over Humboldt State, 25-5, earning their bid to the NSCRO National Championship Tournament, which is set for April 27-28.

 

Contact the author at howleditor@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Ashlynn Norton

Wolves stomp Eagles, fall to Boxers

Lake Larsen | Sports Editor

For the final time before the Challenge Cup, the Wolves took the field for back-to-back home matches on March 2 and 3. Their first of the two opponents was Eastern Washington University. Due to the Eagles being short on players, the Wolves agreed to adjust the match from the typical 15 vs 15 contest to only 10 vs 10. But regardless of the numbers, the Wolves were ready.

From the opening whistle it became clear that this game was far from typical rugby.

The Wolves blew past the Eagles and were off to the races on a seemingly regular basis. This supposed rugby match quickly became a track meet as both sides were able to make a single tackler miss and sprint to the goalline for a try.

As the game continued on, the only thing running faster than the clock was the score. With the Wolves on top by an amazing twenty points, the scoreboard began to look like that of a basketball game. Players could be heard laughing and joking with each other as the points kept piling on.

By the final whistle, Western put up an astonishing 73 points. Eastern Washington had put up a valiant fight as they finished with 53, leaving the teams to combine for a total of 126 points — an unofficial record for the club. But now the Wolves looked forward to their next opponent, Pacific University.

“We know we’ll have a really physical game” commented senior criminal justice major Chris Davis. “They’re a well conditioned team and communicate well so it will be a good game.”

As the Wolves stepped back onto the field for the second time, it became clear that today’s match would pale in comparison to the previous. The once high-scoring heroics of the offense would have to shift to hard-hitting defense for the Wolves to win.

No team had an advantage over the other as both sides stood their ground. The defensive powers collided over and over like the rumble of thunder. But finally, a crack a lightning struck the Wolves.

A firm Western pass out to the wing was intercepted by an opposing Boxer. The Wolves quickly changed their direction and began their pursuit, but it was too late. Pacific found its way onto the scoreboard first, leading 0-7.

The first half wore on, deprived of another score. Both teams knew that whichever side follied first would suffer. With only 11 minutes left to play, a slick juke followed by a hard cut let to a Boxer breakaway and another score. The Wolves now trailed 0-14.

With only a couple minutes remaining before the half, Western was in desperate need of a score. Thrice before the Wolves had seen their offensive push foiled by Pacific, but with only two minutes remaining, the Wolves caught a break.

Throwing down a would-be tackler with a violent stiff arm, senior Matthew Cornish broke away and flew down for a try. But with a nearly 40-yard conversion try falling short, the Wolves still trailed by two scores, 5-14.

With the second half underway, the abundance of scoring from the previous day showed to be more of a liability than an asset. Out of breath, the Wolves were unable to match pace with the well-rested Boxers. Tries began to pile up on the Wolves as they seemed to have no answer. In the echo of the final whistle, Western eked their way to one last try and conversion. But the match was all but over with Western having fallen 35-11.

After splitting the weekend 1-1 the Wolves look forward to some much needed rest. With their final regular season games now behind them, they prepare to host the Challenge cup on March 30 and 31.

 

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Ashlynn Norton

Women’s basketball gets slaughtered on senior night

Lake Larsen | Sports Editor

March 2 marked the final time the Wolves would take their home court for the 2019 regular basketball season against Saint Martin’s. Fresh off of a 60-53 win over Seattle Pacific on Feb. 28, the Wolves were ready to finish their season off with a win on senior night. With a pregame ceremony for the graduating senior players as well as for the senior dance team members coming to an end, the Wolves focused on the game ahead of them.

Due to the abysmal 8-17 record for the Wolves leading up to the night, there would be no chance for a postseason. But despite this reality, Western still took to their court with a vengeance.

The Wolves wasted no time as they jumped out to a massive lead half way into the first. A flurry of good jumpers slung Western to a 12-6 lead. This dominating burst was short-lived, however, as the Saints came marching back in the closing minutes of the first. By the end of the opening quarter, Western clung to a one-point lead.

The second quarter showed no team had a clear advantage over the other as both teams swapped the lead back and forth. Each good bucket was met with another by the opposition. But as the minutes dwindled down, Saint Martin’s went on a hot streak that carried them into halftime with a seven point lead.

The momentum gained in the closing of the first half carried into the second as the Saints again buried with Wolves with shot after shot. Saint Martin’s had taken their seven point lead and pushed it to a high of 12 before finally settling at eight.

The fourth quarter showed signs of an all too familiar final quarter of the Wolves. What started as a close match quickly devolved into utter chaos as the Saints pushed their lead higher and higher. With little resistance from Western, the score quickly got out of hand. The final buzzer had the Wolves leaving with their tail between their legs, with the final score reading 82-58.

 

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Ashlynn Norton

Western baseball hits a walk-off home run, saves game


Sarah Pitz | Freelancer

A bright sunny Saturday afternoon proved a perfect day for baseball. Add to that an excited crowd of 150 spectators, and it was evident the Wolves were ready to bring home a win in their doubleheader against Montana State Billings Yellowjackets on March 2.

The first inning showed some solid hitting by both teams, but none that were able to bring in runs. Pitchers rallied in the second inning. Despite almost getting hit in the face by a pitch in his previous at bat, Western’s Alex Roth delivered with two strikeouts in a row.

Montana State countered, also delivering a pair of strikeouts. With the game scoreless until the fourth inning, things began rolling for the Wolves when Collin Runge scored the game’s first run on a wild pitch.

By the sixth inning, Montana State was scrambling to score. That finally occurred with a run by the Yellowjackets’s Conner Linebarger due to a throwing error by the Wolves. That was rapidly followed by runs from Montana State’s Jalen Garcia, Brandon Koszuth, Daniel Cipriano and Matt Dillion. By the end of the inning, Montana State University had collected five runs.

While the Wolves turned around collecting three more runs of their own — Jared McDonald, Thomas Ahlstrom and Connor McCord all scored — Montana State dominated with an ending sixth inning score of 5-4.  

In the seventh inning, both teams were able to hold their own. But that changed in the eighth inning when Montana State’s Andrew Schleusner picked up yet another run.

However, it was the ninth inning that proved to be the game-changer as Montana remained scoreless and Western pushed ahead.

The break came for the Wolves when Patrick Chun sent a ground ball to second base allowing Derek Maiben to score. Later in the inning, it would be Jared McDonald who hit a home run ball to right center field, bringing home Griffey Halle and Collin Runge. The three run play brought the crowd to their feet and clinched the win for the Wolves.

The 8-6 victory marked Western’s second continuous win and their first home win of the season. The Wolves would continue to end up on top in their four game series with the Yellowjackets with three wins and one loss.

 

Contact the author at spitz18@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Ashlynn Norton

Men’s Basketball smothers the Wildcats

Lake Larsen | Sports Editor

For the final time in the 2018-19 season, the Wolves took their home-court on Feb. 23. Having beaten Central Washington University early in the season on Jan. 24, Western knew their final match was a must-win to finish their home-season off right.

After a senior night presentation for the departing members of the team, the Wolves started to take it to the Wildcats. Within minutes of tipoff, the Wolves sank a couple of baskets to jump out to a slim four-point lead. This minimal lead proved to withstand the precision shooting of Central Washington as the Wolves clung to it. By midway through the half, Western was able to build off of their lead, pushing it to seven.

The Wildcats were nipping at the heels of the Wolves throughout the final minutes of the first half. However, every comeback attempt by Central Washington was met with a barrage of shots by the Wolves. Western’s lead was extended to a double-digit margin with only a handful of minutes left. But a relentless final push by the Wildcats shrank that lead to four by halftime.

The Wildcats were able to carry the momentum they built in the closing seconds of the first half to the second. The once mighty double-digit Western lead had been diminished to a single point. This minuscule lead was soon eliminated as Central Washington took their first lead of the game.

Less than 10 minutes remained on the clock as the score stood deadlocked at 51 each. After a good free throw and a breakaway dunk, the Wolves were back on top. And this time, the Wolves wouldn’t surrender their lead. Every shot by the Wolves pushed their lead higher and higher. The Wildcats had no answer for this deadly finale by Western.

The Wolves had taken a tied game, and 10 minutes later had beaten the Wildcats by a huge 15 point margin. Smiles could be seen across the Western side as the Wolves had blown away Central Washington 77-62.

The Wolves finish their season with two more matches against Western Washington and Simon Fraser before heading to the GNAC Tournament.

 

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Paul F. Davis

Club Sports know how to win

Lake Larsen | Sports Editor

Western’s Club Sports department has been continually expanding with new team after new team in the past two years. One thing that these teams seem to have in common — winning. This tradition was proved true again as the Wolves club sports took to their respective fields on Feb. 23 and 24.

One of the teams competing was the brand new Men’s Basketball Club. Just weeks after being introduced as a member of the club sports family, the team took to the court in a multi-game tournament at the University of Portland. With three teams listed to play, the men knew their games would be anything but easy.

Just as the basketball team took to the court in Portland, the year-old Women’s Soccer Club took to the pitch in Corvallis. The tournament was a two-day event, spanning the weekend. Just a year ago, the Wolves took part in this tournament for their first-ever game.

The last of the competing teams was the Women’s Rugby Club on their home turf in Monmouth. The Women’s team has only played a handful of games due to scheduling problems. Despite these difficulties, the Wolves were still ready to play.

Scores began to ring in from all across Oregon, and most scores followed a familiar trend — Western wins.

The day started off with a disappointing loss from Women’s Rugby, falling to the University of Puget Sound on Feb. 23. But the sorrows quickly shifted as the basketball scores were posted.

Despite being only a few weeks old, Men’s Basketball had beaten the University of Oregon, Portland State University and the hosting University of Portland. This undefeated record caused the Wolves to be named the tournament champions — an amazing feet for a team that was only an idea a few months ago.

The final games of the weekend were to be played on the soccer pitch. The first day of the Oregon State University tournament was huge for the women, as they took on both the first University of Oregon team as well as the hosting Beavers. With a relentless offense, the Wolves blew past both teams to post a 2-0 record on day one. The following day, the Wolves took on the second Oregon and Oregon State squads. Again, the Wolves topped the hosting Beavers, but fell at the hands of the Ducks. After a strong showing, the Wolves finished third overall in the tournament.

With two of the three teams competing being founded during or after the previous school year, Western’s club sports are a new force to be reckoned with.

To become a member of a club sports team, visit IMLeagues.com/wou/clubsports.

 

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Paul F. Davis

Women’s basketball falls to Yellowjackets

Lake Larsen | Sports Editor

Nearly a month after their last meeting, the Wolves took the court again against Montana State Billings on Feb. 21. With a disappointingly long five-game losing streak hanging above the team, Western was in desperate need to end the spell. Sitting third from last in the GNAC standings, the Wolves were ready to attempt to pick up a much needed win.

The first quarter looked promising for the Wolves, as they quickly jumped out to the lead over the Yellowjackets. Efficient passing helped push the Wolves to a growing lead as the quarter’s time passed.

Montana State Billings was able to post a short run of their own to narrow Western’s lead, but the Wolves were relentless with the rebounds to help extend their lead to nine as the first quarter closed.

With the momentum still swinging their way, the Wolves offense came out even stronger in the second quarter. Western quickly scored a pair of baskets to push their lead to more than double that of the Yellowjackets. The Wolves edge seemed to hover in the low teens as the clock ticked to only a minute left before the half. However, cracks began to form as a pair of missed three-pointers from the Wolves let the Yellowjackets to narrow the gap to five.

The pendulum of momentum started to slip away from the Monmouth women in the third quarter. The Wolves’ lead began to follow a trend of one step forward, two steps back as their five-point lead jumped to seven, only to be cut to three just moments later. The Yellowjackets eroded what was once a double-digit Western lead. By the end horn of the third, the Wolves were down by one.

The fourth quarter was shaping up to be an all out brawl as the Yellowjackets and Wolves traded baskets. The opening minutes of the final quarter seemed to be anyone’s game, but this slugfest ended as the Wolves seemed to buckle under the pressure. Two missed layups and a missed jumper from the Wolves let the Yellowjackets grab a lead they wouldn’t let go.

The final minutes of the game were a disaster for the Wolves as the Yellowjackets sealed Western’s fate. It took the Wolves over a quarter to grow a double digit lead — Montana State Billings was able to do so in just three minutes. By the final whistle, the Wolves’ losing streak pushed to another high, falling 80-70.

 

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Ashlynn Norton

Western lacrosse thrashes Seattle University

Lake Larsen | Sports Editor

The sun began to set over the hills as the Wolves broke from their huddle for the pregame lineup. Standing shoulder to shoulder in their icy white uniforms and matte black helmets, the Wolves looked ready to dominate in their first home match of the regular season on Feb. 16.

Hoots and hollers rang out from the Western bench as the players knelt for the opening faceoff. Within seconds of the starting whistle, it became obvious that the 0-0 score would be the closest the Redhawks would be to keeping this game close.

After winning the opening faceoff, the Wolves swept the ball around to the back of the goal to let senior attackman Andrew Barnett begin to pick apart the defense. Minutes later, the Wolves found their way onto the scoreboard.

From that point forward, it became evident that Seattle University was no match for Western. With every pass the offense threw, another Western player waved their stick to signal they were open. Once the pass connected, a blisteringly quick shot found its way to the back of the net. At the end of the half, Western stood tall over the Redhawks, 16-0.

With the game already essentially over, the Wolves started to ease up on Seattle University. The final quarters highlighted Western’s restraint and their drive to improve. After putting up 16 points, the Wolves shifted their focus from hammering the back of the net to improving their offensive gameplay.

In the two games leading up to the home-opener, the offense seemed to have been struggling, only able to put up an average of six goals a game. But now with score heavily in Western’s favor, the Wolves wanted to ensure their offense was running as it should.

“The ball movement was a lot better,” said senior history major Alex Eidler. “Everyone was on the same page, and there was not as much selfish play. It was good.”

“I think we’ve got a lot of work to do, but it’s starting to come together. Once we learn to come together as a team, we’ll start playing better,” added Barnett.

On the other side of the field, Western’s defense was also a main influence on the lopsided win. The first and only goal the Redhawks scored was deep into the third quarter on the heels of a fluke play.

After snatching the ball and rocketing down the sideline, first-year goalie Wyatt Livengood was knocked out of bounds, later to be flagged for a delay of game. Being sent to the penalty box, the Wolves were forced to play in a man-down situation with a backup goalie. A powerful shot snuck past the Wolves, leading to a single smudge on an otherwise perfect day for the defensive unit.

“It was a good game, but kind of boring. We weren’t on defense a lot but it was still good,” said Livengood on the blowout win. “I think the defense played really well. I think the defense is what kept us in the last two games as well as tonight.”

As the final horn sounded, the Wolves were on top 23-1. Five different Wolves posted hat tricks, having scored three or more goals. Further, Livengood was credited with a statistical shutout having had six saves and not given up a goal. This victory marks the first home win for the Wolves as well as the first regular season win.

 

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Cora McClain

Western’s new club sport: Women’s Volleyball

Mikaela Wong | Staff Writer

Another recent development in Club Sports has emerged — Women’s Volleyball. Started by multiple students who were interested in playing year-round for fun, the club is off to a strong start.

In the weeks since its inception as an official club, Women’s Volleyball has gathered 13 players. The team has already found its way onto the court by hosting weekly practices in the Health and Wellness Center. Along with this, the team has acquired a coach, junior exercise major Michael Burns, and is currently looking into holding friendly scrimmages with other local teams such as Willamette University.

“We just want it to be fun and give a chance to people who are interested in volleyball to be able to do it. That’s our main focus,” said Tatianna Brock, a senior psychology major who helped start the club and is currently co-president.

“I think a lot of people … get really involved in volleyball in high school and then go to college and say ‘what now?’ Because yes, there are intramurals, but that only happens for a couple weeks out of the year,” added Brock about how the club hopes to be a good transition from high school competitive sports to more recreational activity.

Many of those who know the struggle of wanting to continue their love for their sport without playing for the school can relate to Brock.

“That’s what happened to me. I got out of high school and knew I loved volleyball but I didn’t really want to play competitively at a college — I’m not really at that level yet,” Brock explained.

At the end of Winter Term, Brock is graduating from Western, but hopes the team of mostly first-years carry on what has been laid down as foundation for the club.

“We want this club to get to the point where we feel confident playing other schools and in tournaments,” Brock added. “I wish there was something like this when I was a freshman.”

Currently, the club does not have any matches scheduled but does still practice regularly, offering perspective athletes the chance at something a little more competitive than intramurals. Students can join the club or learn more information on IMLeagues.com/wou.

 

Contact the author at mwong16@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Ashlynn Norton

Winter Intramural leaderboard

Lake Larsen | Sports Editor

Basketball
Co-Rec W-L
Backdoor buddies 4-0
big girls don’t Kawhi 3-1
Ball is Life 1-3
Wienie Hut Jr 0-4
Men’s Competitive W-L
Lake Show 2-0
Rimshots Only 2-1
DB’s are here 2-1
Show Your Worth 1-2
The Sailor Cats 1-2
off in the woods 0-2
Men’s Recreational W-L
Butterbuckets 3-0
Dino Nuggets 2-0
King’s in The North 2-0
11 HC’s 3-1
Bye Week 2-1
Los Treys Leches 1-2
Air Ballers 0-2
Confused Athletes 0-2
Backcourt Violators 0-2
Team Name 0-3
Women’s W-L
CA$H Money 3-0
SWISH 2-1
Hoop There It Is 1-2
LeBrontourage 0-3

[fruitful_sep]

Futsal
Men’s W-L
Los Busties 3-0
The Republic 2-1
The OGs 1-2
Burger King 0-3
Open W-L
Dunder Mifflin 3-0
Landage 3-0
Italy 2-1
Kekambas 1-1
Ball Kickers 1-2
Fury 3-0
Grace & The Funky Bunch 0-2
Team Name 0-1

 

 

Men’s Rugby takes a snow-covered victory over Pacific University

Lake Larsen | Sports Editor

The Wolves couldn’t escape the impending blizzard as they headed to Pacific University for their next match. Ready to play in the frigid temperatures, Western stepped onto a snow covered field on Feb. 9. With a large number of first-year players making the start, the Monmouth men were apt to build off of their previous win over Oregon just a week before.

The advantage seemed to be with the home team early in the match as Pacific quickly drove down the field, scoring a pair of tries with successful conversions. Shaking off the snow, Western responded with a try and successful conversion of their own to bring the game back to just a single score deficit. Despite the Wolves’s ferocious defense, the Boxer’s found their way down the field to put up another score and tacked on the conversion.

At the half, Western was two scores behind with a score of 12-21. A cloud of frozen breath steamed out from the Wolves huddle as they discussed how to climb out of the hole that was dug in the first half.

With the opening of the second half, the Wolves looked up to the task. Western bashed their way down the field, fighting for every inch. The Wolves tenacity shrank the lead to only two points after scoring a try and conversion.

Pacific wasn’t ready to roll over yet. After Western had brought the game back to only a single possession, the Boxer’s forced their way back down the field. Just as in the first half, a pair of Pacific tries knocked the Wolves back into a deep hole. With the clock working against them, Western knew they needed to score, and quickly.

The crunching of snow and the grunts of Wolves could be heard as Western fought back down the field. The defense of Pacific showed cracks that the Wolves were able to slip through to score their first try of their comeback attempt. But after the missed conversion, the Wolves were still down 24-33.

Players from both teams kept an eye on the clock as Western again trucked their way down the field. The tired Boxer defense again let the Wolves slip through, scoring another try. With only minutes to go, Western had shrunk their deficit to only four points.

As the Boxers fought to hold off the Wolves, the time continued ticking away. But the Wolves kept their heads down and drove. Pitch after pitch, the Wolves continued to advance the ball until finally they were able to break through once again. The final try was scored and the successful conversion put the Wolves on top 36-33. The last seconds ticked off the clock and the miraculous comeback was final. The Wolves pulled off a snow-covered come from behind victory.

 

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Andy Main

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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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