Mount Hood

Western Football defeated in Homecoming nail-biter versus Central

Caity Healy | Managing Editor

Packed stands and a mix of sun, rain and wind made for a day of intense competition as Western Oregon prepared to take on Central Washington University for their annual Homecoming game. Taking place on Oct. 19, fans of all ages watched in anticipation with high hopes for the Wolves, who were riding the high of a four-game win streak. Prior to this game, the last time Western played Central was Sept. 28, where it ended in a 36-26 win in favor of the Wolves. 

The sound of the marching band and the cheers of the audience could be heard all around Monmouth right from the start; just 18 seconds in, quarterback Ty Currie found wide-receiver Jarren Ford with a 75-yard catch-and-run that gave the Wolves their first score of the game. With 14:42 left on the clock, Western was up 7-0. 

The energy kept up throughout the first quarter, as nearly three minutes later, the Wolves found themselves in the end zone again. Spirits were high and Wolves were up 14-0. But right before the end of the quarter, Central Washington answered back and found themselves on the board 14-7.

The competition was intense as the game continued with a back-and-forth momentum that led the two teams to the half with a score of 28-21. Coming out of the half, the game continued in this trend; the Wolves would score and the Wildcats would answer immediately. With just 58 seconds left on the clock in the fourth quarter, Western’s defense struggled to put a stop to Central, who brought the score to a tie 35-35. The Wolves and the Wildcats went into overtime — the first time Western had gone into overtime since Sept. 23, 2017, and the first time since 2012 for Central.

The Wildcats were quick to score in OT, pulling ahead of the Wolves for the first time in the game 42-35. The Wolves weren’t ready to give up and answered back with a touchdown, putting the scoreboard 42-41, with the Wolves behind by just a single point. Following the touchdown, the Wolves decided to go for the win and missed the conversion, ending the game in favor of the Wildcats 42-41.

While the Homecoming loss was heartbreaking for the fans, it was still a lively game with Western finishing with a 497 total yards and Central with 503. The Wolves play again Oct. 26 at home against MSU Texas. Kickoff is 1:05 p.m.

 

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

Photos by Caity Healy

Dance and Cheer Teams deliver a halftime to remember

Caity Healy | Managing Editor

With the scoreboard showing the Wolves on top, the spirit was high on Oct. 19 as the Homecoming game went into the halftime break. Following the announcement of the Homecoming court, the energy from the bleachers was kicked up a notch as the Dance Team took to the track for their annual Homecoming performance. 

The sound of silence consumed the crowd as the Dance Team got into formation, partnering with the Cheer Team. With the dancers donned in Western red and black, the music began and the performers started their routine to “Lose Control” by Missy Elliott. It was clear that the dancers were showing the spirit of the Wolves through their high energy. 

“I think the homecoming performance had a lot more energy than the first performance we had,” said senior dancer Jenn Romadka, a public policy and administration major. “With twice the amount of people on the track, it was just a lot of fun to know that both teams were kind of rocking out.”

But on top of the energy felt by the dancers, the high spirits of the crowd were palpable as well.

“I think everyone in the stands always gets more excited during Homecoming, too, so I felt a lot more energy coming from the back of the stands than I have in the past,” Romadka added.

This year, rather than performing alone, the Dance Team decided to work with the Cheer Team. However, the cheerleaders were added to the routine a bit late — Romadka explained that they learned “over half the song the Thursday before the performance,” and the performance was on Friday. As for the Dance Team, they practiced their routine for two weeks before the performance, and practiced together with the Cheer Team just twice before the performance in order to get the spacing down.

For those wanting to see more of what the Dance Team has in store, they perform at home football and basketball games, so they can be watched next on Saturday, Oct. 26 at MacArthur Stadium for the football game versus MSU Texas. For those wanting to learn more or are interested in joining, they can contact Kayley Kildea at kakildea17@wou.edu.

Romadka closed by saying she would, “encourage anyone to join if they want to, the whole experience is just really supportive and about continuous growth, rather than how much dance experience you have when you try out.”

 

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

Photos by Caity Healy

IMa create a league of my own and compete in IMLeagues

Hannah Greene | Sports Editor

Ever wanted to be the leader of a team? The creator, the all mighty powerful emperor of your own squad? IMLeagues is a good way to do this. Every quarter there are multiple teams one can either join, create or even be a free agent — where any team can add you/pick you up.

“Intramural (IM) Sports program offers opportunities for the Western Oregon University community to participate in a variety of team and individual sport leagues,” explains the Western Oregon University Intramural Handbook. 

IMLeagues is accessible through the IMLeagues website, using Western Oregon University as the school and your regular school email as your login. From there, students will create a password and fill out some paperwork and then voila — free to roam and play all the sports or join multiple teams.

As of right now the sports offered are: flag football, volleyball, badminton and a powerpuff team for Homecoming weekend. The teams include different sections like co-recreational, competitive, all men’s or women’s.

Join now, be a part of a team, have fun and step into the community of Western Oregon University Intramurals.

Anyone identifying as female can still join the Powerpuff team before 11:59pm on Oct. 16.

 

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Greene’s picks: Varsity and club game changers on the field, making an impact every second they’re in action

Hannah Greene | Sports Editor

Third week of school means Wolves’s athletics are in full blast. With varsity sports more than halfway through their seasons and club sports just starting, there are so many incredible athletes to spotlight, it’s hard to just pick four. 

Below are Greene’s picks, two varsity players and two club players, all deserving of the recognition and support. Find their next games below to go out and shout their names loudly and proudly.

 

Men’s Football Women’s Soccer Men’s Rugby Women’s Club Soccer
Curtis Anderson

Class: Junior

Major: English Major

Defensive Back

#3

 Isabelle Creighton

Class: Senior

Major: Exercise Science 

Position: Forward

#9

 Riley Bardes

Class: Senior

Major: Exercise Science

Position: 8 Man

#8

 Reilly Penziol

Class: Junior

Major: Exercise Science

Position: Goalkeeper

#2
Curtis Anderson, a defensive back for the Men’s Football team was quite the game changer in Western’s last game against Texas A&M Aumsville — having seven tackles and two interceptions. He makes Greene’s list due to his energy on the field making plays to benefit and push the team forward. Anderson is part of the defense that this football team has needed in the past, helping to keep opponents from not finishing and gaining yards for the Wolves in every inception. Come watch this DB play in the Homecoming game Oct. 19 against Central Washington University at 1:05pm. Isabelle Creighton, the starting forward for the Women’s Soccer team is a force to be reckoned with. Creighton is dominant on the ball, going through defenders to get to the goal, as well as a finesse player with tons of tricks up her sleeve. Fast and strong, she makes opponents defense work extra hard to try and stop her. So far this season, Creighton has scored three goals and set up multiple teammates to join the scoreboard. Creighton is a key component to every lineup, being the game changer and energy booster whenever the Wolves need a pick-me-up. Watch Creighton play in the next home game Oct. 17 against Montana State University Billings at 2 p.m. Riley Bardes, the 8 Man on the Men’s Rugby team has been a key player in the team’s success. The eighth man calls for leadership, smarts, and drive to carry the ball — and Bardes has shown this every play, whether helping the Wolves to attack or defend. During the Wolves’s first match against Oregon State University, Bardes stepped up and made major plays to keep Western ahead — especially playing down two players. Bardes is a solid part of the rugby team, making the starting lineup week in and week out — as well as a very entertaining athlete to watch. Catch Riley Bardes at Men’s Rugby next home game Oct. 26 against Oregon Tech on the turf at 1 p.m. Reilly Penziol, the starting keeper for Women’s Club Soccer was a standout player in the season opener against University of Oregon Gold team. This was her first game back in the goal after tearing her AC (acromioclavicular) joint, making her play on the field. For a first game back, in general and in goal, she brought her best —  saving any opportunity the opponent kicked at her, making great saves and keeping the defense at a shutout. She makes Greene’s list due to her strength and tenacity, only going in to every play at 100%. Come watch and support this goalie at the next home game Nov. 12 against Portland State University on the turf at 4:30 p.m.

 

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Wolves besmirch the Ducks in season opener, Women’s Club Soccer looking stronger than previous team

Hannah Greene | Sports Editor

Death stares are exchanged as the Wolves and Ducks take the pitch to start the 2019 season. The University of Oregon Gold Women’s club team has repeatedly beat the Western Oregon University Women’s club team — but not this weekend. 

The game started out intense, everyone pressing every ball and going into every tackle strong and wanting to win. The battle was even with many transitions between both the Wolves and Ducks, neither team finding the back of the net. The first 25 minutes of play are clearly dominated by the Ducks, but they were unable to capitalize on multiple opportunities. 

The Wolves struggle to get offense going; luckily the defense continued to confidently hold their wall in front of game changer goalkeeper — Reilly Penziol, a junior and third year player for the Women’s Soccer club.

The first half ended with a score of 0-0, neither team able to connect ball to goal. At halftime, the Wolves talked game plan and tried to prepare for the second-half by changing the lineup ever so slightly. 

As the players take the field for the final portion of gameplay, nerves are no longer of concern —  scoring is all that is on mind.

A free kick opportunity was given to the Wolves due to foul play by the Ducks. Center defending midfielder — Hannah Greene, a returning player from last season — takes the free kick posing the first threat against the Ducks’s goalie. No luck — the shot was saved and the game preceded.  

Multiple subs were brought in and out, giving many Wolves’s players rest, while also trying to see where each athlete plays best. 

Towards the end of the game, the Ducks put high pressure against the Wolves, causing the Wolves to drop back and play a defensive game without any transitions to attack on goal. Lacey Knutson, a returner; Sydni Manuel, new addition; and Ming Ng, a returner, kept the wide unbeatable, leaving the Ducks to attack through the middle. The Ducks’s strongest player was left to play by herself as the Wolves anticipated multiple moves and marked up well. Chances were created through the middle, but Hannah Greene, returner, Kawehi Taniguchi, returner, Sarah Texter, returner, and Seidree Kealoha-Albarado, new addition, were there to stop any attack.

Although the battle fell to the Wolves half for most of the game, Western held strong and unwavering. The final score ended in a tie with zero goals for both teams. 

For the Women’s Club team, this was a great result and true test for the upcoming season — leaving the pitch bruised and burned but without a loss against their hardest opponent in the past. 

To finish the weekend, the Wolves played against Willamette University Bearcats, ending the game in another tie, with the final score of 1-1. No wins to start their season but no losses as well. The Women’s Club Soccer team plays against the University of Oregon Green next weekend, Oct. 19, in Eugene at 1 p.m. The Wolves’s next home game will be on Nov. 12 on the turf at 4:30 p.m.

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Photos by  Max Carmona

Knock knock, Men’s Rugby team knocking down doors to reach new endgame, bringing home a win against Oregon State University

Hannah Greene | Sports Editor

Saturday morning called for misty skies, hot tea and the first home game for Men’s Rugby. Oct. 5, the Wolves played Oregon State University as their debut match for the 2019 season, bringing home a well-earned win.

Stepping onto the pitch, players and spectators could barely see 10 yards in front of them, as the mist circled each player as they warmed up. The fog continued to lay across the field, claiming its stake.

“This is great rugby weather!” exclaimed the sir of the match. 

Bernard Barber — a senior for the Wolves, studying business with a focus in marketing — felt confident in himself and his team to start this season on the right foot. 

“We’ve done a lot of preparation… watched a lot of film. I believe every guy is prepared today, I believe we’re more confident this year,” Barber said. 

With a lot of seniors from the previous team now gone and a tough playoff loss in the previous season, the Wolves have something to climb for. 

“We want to come back and prove ourselves this year and be better than we were last year,” said Barber. The Wolves got an early start to the season by beginning their practices during the summer, as well as adding an extra day, making practice five days a week.

The start of the game was filled with energy and consistenecy from both teams. Oregon State University, a rival, has been a difficult opponent for the Wolves in the past. Throughout the match, the Beavers put up great battles to stop scoring opportunities for the Wolves. Oregon State University won some rough tackles and completed two unanswered tries before Western could put one down. 

The Wolves continued to push on to get some points on the scoreboard. 

Breakthrough player — first-year on the team, Keegan Echevarria — scored a try after an intense run, being tackled into the point. This was followed by a conversion of two points from kicker and player — a returning sophomore, Braedon Eltagonde — leaving the Wolves hungry for more. 

Keegan Echevarria scored the Wolves’s second try as well, catching them up to the Beavers. The Wolves kicker completed the second two-point conversion putting the team ahead of Oregon State University.

But the Beavers weren’t done yet. They answered the Wolves point with another completion, making their score 19. Unfortunately for the Wolves, Echevarria was unable to finish the game due to an injury sustained during play, leaving them a man down. That didn’t stop them, though, as they continued gaining momentum. 

Moments later, Trever Kahunahana — one of the Men’s Rugby team captains — left to the sideline after a strain in his right leg kept him from finishing the game, leaving the team to play two men down. 

This had no effect on the Wolves. They came back with another completion by Bernard Barber and a two-point completion by Braedon Eltagonde, making the score 19-21, Western. 

The last minutes of the game had everyone on the edge of their seats with the seconds ticking away. The final whistle blew as the Wolves rushed the field to celebrate their first season win. 

“We put it all together out on the field… makes me feel good, feel proud of everyone out here,” said Riley Bardes, a senior studying Exercise Science, in regards to their first win at home. “We have a pretty bright future — a lot to live up to — but we’re more than ready to do it.” 

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Photos by Hannah Greene

Men’s Soccer has a rocky start to season with big loss to University of Oregon

Hannah Greene | Sports Editor

A perfectly sunny day welcomed the Men’s Soccer team to the pitch for their first home game. Oct. 6 our Wolves played the University of Oregon Ducks — the team that has showed no mercy to Western in the past. 

As warm ups began, nerves were shaken out. The Wolves brought a squad of only 12 men including one goalkeeper, meaning only one substitute was available during the game. 

In the first three minutes of the game, the Ducks scored their first goal from a slip pass to an unmarked forward, making the score 1-0. 

The Wolves’s goalkeeper — first-year Wyatt Haak — heightened the energy with a tackle against a Ducks’s forward, not only taking the ball but taking out the forward as well. 20 minutes into the game, Western’s own forward stepped off of the field due to an injury leaving 10 players on the field, giving the University of Oregon a huge advantage.

The Ducks took a corner kick bringing the goalkeeper out for a 50/50 ball, leaving the goal wide open. Wolves’s defender made the save and kicked the ball out of the goal before it could cross the white goal line.

An offensive attack from the Ducks created another opportunity, making the defense work hard and save yet another goal by clearing the ball out. At the 31 minute mark Wolves’s goalie made another save against an unmarked Ducks’s forward, tackling the player and hitting the ball out. Western’s defense continued to maintain the tempo of the game to keep University of Oregon at only one goal.

The Ducks connected a one-two pass to the goal and shot the ball with a fast spin; Wolves’s defender went to stop the ball and it came off his foot wrong and right into Western’s own goal, making the score 2-0 Ducks.

The Wolves got multiple breakaways and transitions towards the Ducks’s goal, but were unable to find a way to finish. The last five minutes of the first-half, the Ducks gave high pressure and continued to take chances at the goal, causing panic among the Wolves, but the Wolves kept pushing forward to keep the first half 2-0.

The Wolves started the second half on the wrong foot; only 10 minutes in and the University of Oregon scored two more times to make the score 4-0. 

Both teams continued to show perseverance and effort, with strong battles to every ball. Even though the Wolves had no luck to score, they created multiple chances and kept a cool head in the game. 

Towards the end of the game, the Wolves began to show frustration with each other, with the defense unable to find any offense. Then, out of nowhere, the Wolves hit a long ball over the Ducks’s defense, leaving Western’s forward to shoot the ball, only to have it hit the keeper. The forward didn’t stop and kicked the ball again to see it to the back of the net. Western Oregon University now had one point on the scoreboard. 

The final score: University of Oregon 6 and Western Oregon University 1.

Although the Wolves lost their first home match, they made for a game that kept the audience on the edge of their seat. While only having 10 men on the field for a portion of the game and no subs, the Wolves stayed strong and left every bit of energy on the field.

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu 

Photos by Hannah Greene

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