Mount Hood

Late night dreams to real time reality, Dom Akina signs first pro rugby contract

Hannah Greene  | Sports Editor

Dom Akina, a former Western Men’s Rugby player, who has signed a professional contract for rugby with the Austin Herd — spoke with me about his future endeavors. Akina was born in Kahuku, Hawaii and started playing rugby about seven years ago. Currently, Akina plays flanker, the player to stop the attack and take the ball away from the opposing team, and wing, those who attack and defend on the “outskirts” of the field. 

 

Hannah Greene: How has the transition been from playing club rugby at WOU to signing a professional contract and playing at the next level?

Dom Akina: A major change and (an) eye opening experience. (I) didn’t believe it was real until I actually moved into my apartment in Texas.

 

HG: What would you say has been a great inspiration and driving force towards pursuing pro?

DA: I have to say the driving force was creating a better opportunity, not just for myself but for my family and most importantly my brothers.

 

HG: Has this been a long time dream?

DA: NFL was actually my dream until about 6 years ago. I really started to love the game (rugby) after my first year when I got to know the game more.

 

HG: What are some expectations you foresee in going pro?

DA: I expect challenges from players and athletes. I know (the) fitness, physical and mental parts of the game are going to have to be elite in order to stay in the game. 

 

HG: Are there any fears or nerves in the upcoming season?

DA: “No fear.” I started living by that motto for a long time and I believe that’s how I got to where I am today. Just being able to not be scared and be confident. I was always the small guy growing up and I had to prove a lot and work even harder. 

 

HG: Who is your idol?

DA: My grandma. My grandma is my everything.

 

HG: Any last thoughts or things you’d like to say?

DA: Just want to thank Coach Arne Ferguson for everything he had helped me with in football, and just (for) making better choices in life. Thank you to the football program, athletes, and coach Metzgar for teaching me the fundamentals of lifting and helping increase my knowledge of lifting. Lastly just want to thank the Rugby program because I probably would have never played rugby if our school did not have a program. 

 

Follow the Austin Herd on instagram @austinherdrugby to catch highlights and regular updates.

 

Contact the author at hgreene18@wou.edu

Photos courtesy of Tava’e Sina Kalena Sofa-Kini

David Ribich, a former Western runner, makes the Olympic trials

Hannah Greene  | Sports Editor

Former Western runner, David Ribich, qualified for the 2020 Olympic trials. Ribich is currently a professional runner for Brooks, a running company based in Seattle, and has achieved a goal most can only dream of. Come June 2020, Ribich will compete in the Olympic trials in Eugene, Oregon. 

Ribich’s time at Western made for a good one — he set three records in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II and claimed two records in the NCAA DII national titles.

In 2018, Ribich ran three minutes and 37 seconds in the men’s 1500-meter run, which qualified him for the Olympic trials — but to meet the “Olympic A standard” Ribich must cut two seconds off his time to hit the mark of 3:35.00.

As of right now, Ribich’s entire focus is centered around cutting those two seconds off of his time before entering race day at Hayward Field in Eugene. Shaving these two seconds would guarantee a spot on the Olympic team. If Ribich is unable to get those two seconds swiped off, he must place in the top three or win his race to make the Olympic team.

The Olympic Trials will be held at the Hayward Field from June 19-28 of this year. The first round for the men’s 1500-meter run will be on Thursday, June 25 at 6:04 p.m., where it is open to the public to view and be a part of.

 

Contact the author at hgreene18@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of wouwolves.com

Men’s Basketball soar and fall, during two GNAC games at home

Hannah Greene  | Sports Editor

During the first week back, the Men’s Basketball team held two home GNAC games.

Thursday, Jan. 9, the Wolves played against Saint Martin’s University.

The first quarter began and right away the Wolves took the lead and found their tempo. The Wolves continued their A-game from defense to offense, causing multiple turnovers from the Saints. From starters to bench players, every member of the Wolves were able to make an impact and even score. When the final buzzer rang, the Wolves brought home their third GNAC win, beating the Saints 108-73.

After winning a great game, the Wolves came back this past weekend to play Seattle Pacific University on Saturday, Jan. 9 — a battle that ended in overtime.

The Wolves and Falcons brought energy and desire to win, each team flipping the tables every quarter of the game. After ending the fourth quarter with a score of 76-76, the Wolves and Falcons entered overtime.

Though each time was on fire, the Falcons pulled away and were able to secure the lead to win the game. The Falcons flew home with a 10-point lead over the Wolves’ 88 points.

Up next the Wolves travel to play Simon Fraser University on Jan. 16 at 7 p.m.

 

Contact the author at hgreene18@wou.edu

Photos by Kay Bruley

Ready, set, go: intramurals and club sports are back

Hannah Greene  | Sports Editor

Winter term means new teams to join or create for intramurals. Gather your friends or foes to battle it out on the courts and have some fun. 

For the remaining of January IM’s offers teams in basketball and futsal. Basketball offers teams in men’s competitive, men’s recreation, women’s and co-rec. Futsal, indoor soccer, offers teams in men and co-rec. 

Currently all sports are open to join and the last day to join is Jan. 20 by 11:30 p.m.

Each team costs $50 to join, but split between all your teammates it won’t cost much at all. 

Sign up now and join some on campus activities.

This winter, Club sports are also back in action — for students looking for more competitive play, a stronger team-like experience and the possibility of traveling for games, club is a great option. Currently, Women’s Soccer, Women’s Rugby, Men’s Rugby, Men’s Lacrosse, Climbing Club and Women’s Volleyball. All teams are still accepting members and can be contacted through the IMLeagues website or by going to the club sports page under campus recreation on the WOU website — here one can find all the contact information for each team.

Join today.

 

Contact the author at hgreene18@wou.edu

Smashing barriers, Women’s Basketball topple the Yellowjackets

Hannah Greene  | Sports Editor

Women’s Basketball played in their sixth GNAC conference game on Saturday, Jan. 11 against the Montana State University Billings Yellowjackets. 

At 2 p.m. the start of the first quarter began and the Wolves gained the lead. Not long after, the Wolves hit a roadblock and allowed the Yellowjackets to come back.

Later, the Wolves thrashed through their stoppage and scored enough points to put them back on top.

Standout player, Shariah Green, a senior forward and center, came off the bench to add rebounds and finished in double figures — making this her collegiate best in scoring.

This game proved to be a highlight for the Wolves’ defense, which has struggled in the past. 

Two other Wolves that made differences on the court were; Amber Winkler, a sophomore forward, and Keyonna Jones, a junior guard. The Wolves were able to work together as a team and therefore bring home a win.

The final quarter showed for the offense and defense putting in work for each other, and remained consistent to pull through until the end. Wolves took home the dough, and won 64-56.

Women’s Basketball leave home to challenge Saint Martin’s University on Thursday, Jan. 16.

Their next home game will be Thursday, Jan. 23 at 5:15 p.m.

 

Contact the author at hgreene18@wou.edu

The Clan tames the Wolves During Conference, Women’s Basketball lose to Canadian neighbors

Hannah Greene  | Sports Editor

Western Women’s Basketball started the new year with GNAC conference games. On Jan. 2 the Wolves took on the Western Washington Vikings, and brought home a win — beating them 73-70 in overtime.

Last Saturday the Wolves played against our Canadian neighbor, Simon Fraser University Clan. Unfortunately, a “dub” was not taken. 

Though the Wolves suffered a GNAC loss, their play throughout the first quarter showed for strength and strong offense. 

Heading into the third quarter, the Wolves were up by five points, not ahead enough to keep the lead – but this changed once the Wolves were able to gain five more points, to put them at 10 points more than the Clan.

The Wolves stayed strong and held their lead into the final quarter where they were met with a locomotive offense — the Clan challenged every play and took advantage of every mistake. 

The Clan was able to put up 27 points, outscoring the Wolves by 15 points. 

The Wolves weren’t done yet, multiple players took it upon themselves to try and regain the lead, among them, Shariah Green who scored 17 points and Amber Winkler who scored 14 points.

Though the Wolves inched back, it wasn’t enough to overthrow the Clan. 25 turnovers caused great effect to the Wolves, the most turnovers this season and since Feb. of last year.

The fourth quarter ended, leaving the Clan ahead 64-57.

Next, the Wolves face off against Concordia University, away at 7 p.m. on Jan. 7. Their next home game is Saturday, Jan. 11 at 2 p.m.

 

Contact the author at hgreene18@wou.edu

Wild in wintertime, 2020 Winter term sports schedule

Hannah Greene  | Sports Editor

Winter Term Sports Schedule, home games as of January 10th.

 

January

    Men’s Basketball

    11th: 4:15 p.m. in NPE vs. Seattle Pacific

    23rd: 7:30 p.m. in NPE vs. Northwest Nazarene

    25th: 4:15 p.m. in NPE vs. Central Washington

   

    Women’s Basketball

    11th: 2 p.m. in NPE vs. Montana State Billings

    23rd: 5:15 p.m. in NPE vs. Northwest Nazarene

    25th: 2 p.m. in NPE vs. Central Washington

   

    Track & Field

    25th & 26th: away @ University of Portland

 

February

    Men’s Basketball

    13th: 7:30 p.m. in NPE vs. Western Washington

    15th: 2 p.m. in NPE vs. Simon Fraser

    27th: 7:30 p.m. in NPE vs. Alaska Anchorage

    29th: 4:15 p.m. in NPE vs. Alaska

   

Women’s Basketball

    4th: 7 p.m. in NPE vs. Concordia

    13th: 5:15 p.m. in NPE vs. Seattle Pacific

    15th: 4:15 p.m. in NPE vs. Saint Martin’s

    27th: 5:15 p.m. in NPE vs. Alaska Anchorage

    29th: 2 p.m. in NPE vs. Alaska

   

 

    Baseball

    29th: 12 p.m. home vs. Montana State Billings

   

Softball

    8th: home vs. Eastern Oregon

March

Baseball

    1st: 12 p.m. home vs. Montana State Billings

    14th: 1 p.m. home vs. Concordia University

    15th: 1 p.m. home vs. Concordia University

    18th: 2 p.m. home vs. George Fox University

 

    Softball

    13th: home vs. Montana State Billings

    14th: home vs. Montana State Billings

 

Contact the author at hgreene18@wou.edu

First Year, First Race, First Record

Hannah Greene  | Sports Editor

The ending of Cross Country means the start of Indoor Track and Field, and the welcoming of new members to the team.

Maya Hopwood joined the Wolves this season and right off the blocks made an impact. 

During Hopwood’s first collegiate meet, she set a new school record in the 55 meter sprint, with a time of 7.02 seconds.

Not only did Hopwood break a Western school record, but also earned GNAC Track Athlete of the Week honors.

For a first year, Hopwood is starting on the right foot and gaining well deserved recognition.

The Wolves’ track team return Jan. 18 to start their indoor season in Seattle, Washington.

 

Contact the author at hgreene18@wou.edu

Hoop yeah, Men’s Basketball sleigh over break

Hannah Greene  | Sports Editor

Men’s Basketball held their final exhibition game on Dec. 14, against the Corban University Warriors. After a rough start to their GNAC conference, losing to both Alaska and Alaska Anchorage, the Wolves came home and dominated over their rival Warriors.

This game was no back and forth battle, but a high scoring game with long point streaks. 

During the second half, the Wolves were able to counter on every mishap the Warriors created, from turnovers to steals — scoring 21 points. 

The final score ended with the Wolves ahead by 20 points, beating the Warriors 91-71. 

This was the Wolves ninth consecutive win over the Warriors since 2002, and this game being won with the most points.

On Dec. 20 the Wolves took on #6 Dixie State University, with another blowout — beating them 91-75, a great sendoff into a New Year. The Men’s Basketball play Concordia next, on Dec. 31 at 2 p.m. at home.

 

Contact the author at hgreene18@wou.edu

New Year, new WOU — former Western athlete qualifies for 2020 Olympic Trials

Hannah Greene  | Sports Editor

Kennedy Rufener, an Oregon native and two-time All-American Western athlete qualified for the 2020 Olympic trials after running a mark of 2:44:17 during the California International Marathon.

During the marathon, Rufener placed 474th overall, after competing against 7,502 other runners. Out of the women’s section, Rufener placed in the top-100, taking 56th place out of 3,273 other female runners.

During her two years, 2016-2017, at Western, Rufener broke five school records, was a two-time All-American — hypothetical sports teams made of the top eight finishers in each event — an All-Region qualifier in cross country and earned many other accolades during her time as a Wolf. 

Rufener’s top indoor 5k marked at a 17:24 and her best mile finishing with a 4:57. 

Right around the corner, Rufener is given the chance to compete in the 2020 Olympic Trials on Feb. 29 to try and take her place on the USA Team to compete in Tokyo, Japan. An opportunity  like that doesn’t happen all the time, and will be a great experience to add to the resume. 

Currently, Rufener is helping coach for the Western Washington track and field and cross country programs, while also training herself for the big day.

 

Contact the author at hgreene18@wou.edu

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