Sports – Page 2 – The Western Howl

February 5, 2025

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

Gabe Burchfield, a fourth-year for Western hailing from Grants Pass, Oregon, has always been an athlete willing to push his limits. Now, as a standout multi-event competitor, he’s making his mark by breaking records and setting his sights on nationals.
Burchfield’s journey in track and field began in sixth grade when his mother encouraged him to join sports. Initially a distance runner, he quickly realized his passion was in a different field. “When I looked over and saw the technique and explosiveness of the high jumpers, I realized that was the stuff I wanted to do,” he recalled.
In high school, Burchfield expanded his resume, adding high jump and long jump to his skill set. While he found these events enjoyable, he craved a greater challenge, leading him to the decathlon. Unfortunately, as soon as he made this decision to compete, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted his plans. However, upon arriving at Western, head coach Octavious Gillespie-Bennett, also known as Coach G, recognized his potential in multi-events and encouraged him to pursue them fully. Training for multiple events is no easy task, as it requires a strict balance of strength, speed, endurance and technique. “Every day, you’re doing something different,” Burchfield explained. “One day it’s explosive work, the next it’s technical. Without the guidance of Coach G, my body wouldn’t be able to handle the wear and tear.”
Though it may sound confusing, Western’s track season consists of two separate seasons: indoor, running from early December to mid-February, and outdoor, spanning late February through late May. During the indoor season, men’s multi-event athletes compete in the heptathlon, which consists of seven events, while the outdoor season features the decathlon, which includes ten events. Of the seven indoor events, Burchfield finds the 1,000-meter run the most challenging. Still, he remains dedicated to improving. “In our last meet, I got a five-second PR. I’ve been adding more cardio on off days, and have already seen results. I’ve realized that I just have to try to enjoy running, because, honestly, the distance events suck.”
On the flip side, his favorite events consist of high jump, hurdles and pole vault. “The adrenaline from pole vault is unmatched, the high jump feels amazing when you clear the bar and hurdles are super intense the whole way through.”
Success in the multis requires more than just raw talent; a rigorous training schedule is essential. Burchfield’s daily practice schedule includes two hours on the field, alternating between explosive and technical workouts, sprints and endurance runs. As a team, they lift three days a week, but Burchfield often trains beyond that, working with sports performance coach Josie Boucher even on his off days. “I’ve been in the weight room for at least three days a week since June 2024 and haven’t missed a single session. Showing up on the days you don’t feel like it is what makes the difference.” His relentless discipline has paid off, as he has already broken Western’s indoor heptathlon record twice, surpassing the previous mark of 4,850 points set by J.J. Walker.
While breaking records is significant, Burchfield remains focused on the bigger picture. “The goal has always been to chase greatness. I wasn’t necessarily aiming for the school record, it was about making it to nationals. Breaking the record was just a step toward that goal, but for now, the job’s not finished.”
One of his proudest moments this year was setting a personal best in his most challenging event during Western’s last multi-event competition in Washington. “I ran with no fear and came out on top. That gave me a lot of confidence heading into my next 1,000-meter run.”
Looking ahead, Burchfield remains dedicated to his primary goal: qualifying for nationals. As for competing beyond college, he remains open to the possibility. “I won’t say it’s impossible, but I want to see where life takes me. If I get the opportunity to compete professionally, I’d take it and run with it — literally.” With his work ethic and hunger for greatness, Gabe Burchfield is proving that the sky’s the limit.

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

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Dropped, defeated, denied

February 5, 2025

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

With yet another devastating playoff exit at the hands of Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills, the Baltimore Ravens and their fans find themselves subject to a regrettable — yet predictable — fate. Supporters of the team were full of hope during the regular season, only to be left disappointed when it mattered most. This time, it wasn’t quarterback Lamar Jackson’s performance under the postseason spotlight that cost them; it was a gut-wrenching drop by one of the team’s most reliable weapons, Mark Andrews.
The Ravens entered this season with high expectations, holding a 12-5 record and winning the AFC North title. They had the potential league MVP, Jackson, a dominant running back in Derrick Henry, and a defense that proved to hold its own against the best. Everything was set up for a deep postseason run, but once again, the Ravens failed to deliver when the moment called for it.
Throughout the season, Baltimore displayed grit, following an 0-2 start to the season with a stretch of dominant wins. Per usual, Jackson silenced doubters with his regular-season performances, throwing for over 4,000 yards while showing off his explosiveness as a dual-threat quarterback. Andrews was his dependable target, making clutch plays and serving as a crucial red-zone option. But all of that came crumbling down in the divisional round against Buffalo.
The game itself was a battle. After falling behind early, the Ravens clawed their way back, led by Jackson’s poise and eagerness to win. The absence of wide receivers Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman in the final minutes made things even tougher, yet Jackson led a brilliant 88-yard touchdown drive to bring Baltimore within two points of tying the game. And then, disaster struck. On the two-point conversion attempt, Jackson found Andrews in the end zone — wide open. A perfect throw — a moment frozen in time. And, then, the unthinkable — Andrews dropped it. Just like that, Baltimore’s season ended, not with a fight, but with a gut-punch.
Unfortunately for the Ravens, that drop wasn’t just a fluke mistake. It was emblematic of their continued failures in the postseason, where one crucial mistake seems to define each agonizing exit.
In the 2022 NFL season, a Tyler Huntley-led Ravens team had a chance to take the lead against the Bengals, only for a fumble at the 1-yard line to be returned 99 yards for a Cincinnati touchdown, sealing their fate.
Last year, Zay Flowers fumbled at the one-yard line against the Chiefs, followed by a Jackson interception on the next drive, another playoff dream crushed.
And now, a dropped pass on a two-point conversion attempt that should have sent the game into overtime. It’s a devastating cycle that keeps repeating, and for Ravens fans, patience is wearing thin.
Jackson, despite his excellence, will continue to face criticism. Fair or not, his haters will point to his 2-4 playoff record and question whether he can win when it truly matters. No matter how many spectacular regular-season performances he delivers, the postseason narrative will menace over him. Until he and the Ravens break through, this cloud of doubt may linger.
As Baltimore enters the offseason, tough questions must be asked. The roster is talented, but is it built for playoff success? The receiving corps needs reinforcements, the offensive line requires more depth and though the defense is strong, they could benefit from additional playmakers in the secondary line. Coaching decisions will also be questioned, as the Ravens must figure out how to avoid these self-inflicted wounds when the stakes are highest.
Head coach John Harbaugh has built a culture of toughness and competitiveness, but the results simply haven’t been there come January. It’s not about getting close anymore. It’s about finishing. If Baltimore wants to be a legitimate Super Bowl contender, they must stop beating themselves when pressure peaks.
For now, Ravens fans are left with another painful what-if. Mark Andrews has been a great player for this team, and one bad play never defines a career, but his moment will be hard to forget. Jackson will return, driven as ever. The team will regroup and potentially reload their roster. But until they prove they can handle the pressure of the playoffs, skepticism will remain.

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

The Western Howl

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AFC championship

February 5, 2025

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

In a thrilling AFC championship game, the Kansas City Chiefs edged out the Buffalo Bills with a 32-29 victory at Arrowhead Stadium, securing their third consecutive Super Bowl appearance. Led by the dynamic Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs overcame a resilient Bills team in a game that was competitive until the final moments.
The matchup featured two of the league’s top quarterbacks, Mahomes and Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills, with both of them showing off their talent on the field. Throughout the duration of the game, Mahomes threw for a total of 245 yards and a touchdown, while also adding two crucial rushing scores. For Buffalo, Allen threw for 237 yards and two touchdowns. Both stars shined bright, but only one was able to come out on top.
The game started with Kansas City taking an early lead as Kareem Hunt rushed into the end zone for a touchdown. The Bills responded with a variety of strong offensive drives, one being a 34-yard touchdown grab by Mack Hollins. Despite the Bills’ efforts, the Chiefs were able to take a 21-16 lead into halftime, with Xavier Worthy playing a key role by racking up six catches for 85 yards, as well as a touchdown.
Whatever Bills head coach Sean McDermott told his team in the locker room seemed to work wonders, as Buffalo opened the second half with an early 1-yard touchdown run by James Cook, who finished with 85 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Unfortunately for the Bills, they failed on the two-point conversion attempt, leaving them trailing 21-22. Mahomes responded quickly, leading the Chiefs down the field and finishing with a gritty 10-yard rushing touchdown, extending their lead to 29-22 after a successful two-point conversion.
The Bills refused to back down, though, executing a 70-yard drive in the fourth quarter. Josh Allen connected with Curtis Samuel in the end zone on a critical fourth-and-goal play, tying the game at 29. The stage was set for another dramatic finish between these AFC heavyweights.
With 6:15 remaining, Mahomes showed why he is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. His poise under pressure allowed him to complete four consecutive passes to set up a 40-yard field goal by Harrison Butker, putting Kansas City ahead 32-29. Buffalo had one last chance to extend the game, but the Chiefs’ defense stepped up when they needed it the most. After Allen converted a clutch first down with his legs, the Chiefs’ defensive front disrupted his rhythm, forcing an incomplete pass on a desperate fourth-down attempt to Dalton Kincaid. Kansas City then ran out the clock, sealing yet another heartbreaking postseason exit for the Bills.
Mahomes, who has now led the Chiefs to four Super Bowl appearances in five years, acknowledged the difficulty of the journey, saying, “It’s just so hard to get to the Super Bowl, and I don’t take it for granted.”
The Bills, who have not reached a Super Bowl since their four straight appearances from 1990 to 1993, were left grappling with another close defeat at the hands of Kansas City. McDermott commended his team’s heart, stating, “I told them they’ve got nothing to be ashamed of, and I love them.”
The Kansas City Chiefs now set their sights on the 2025 Super Bowl, where they will face the Philadelphia Eagles in a highly anticipated rematch. The Chiefs previously defeated the Eagles 38-35 in the 2023 Super Bowl, and they will aim to make history as the first NFL team to win three consecutive championships.

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

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Finding your center

Written by: Isabelle Jones | Lifestyle Editor

For thousands of years, people have been practicing the ancient art of yoga. The combination of physical postures, breathing techniques, meditation and ethical principles cultivate a harmonious balance between the body, mind and spirit. Yoga offers numerous benefits to anyone, no matter their age, fitness level or lifestyle.

Among the benefits of this practice is its adaptability. Yoga is a spectrum. From gentle stretching to advanced poses that challenge strength and flexibility, it can be tailored to one’s specific needs. With adaptability, this practice isn’t simply about getting into shape or achieving the perfect pose — it’s about honoring the body. This honor develops a sense of balance, peace and strength.

Emotional well-being is another benefit that comes with yoga. When it comes to fitness, many think about the body, but overlook the mind and soul. Yoga can help one to regulate their emotions and feel completely relaxed. The increase in emotional well-being can potentially reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Once a person is able to connect their mind, body and soul, then everything becomes balanced.

One cannot forget about the many benefits yoga provides to the heart. Being heart healthy is extremely important since heart disease — heart attack and stroke — is the leading cause of death in the United States. Heart disease can be prevented through physical activity. Yoga has all the essential components of a healthy body and is a perfect style of workout for anyone on a budget. Each pose targets different muscle groups, allowing this practice to become a full-body workout that doesn’t require any equipment.

If one is looking for a few yoga poses then look no further.

Downward Dog — Keep both toes pointed towards the front of the mat and sink the heels toward the floor, with the weight mostly in the legs and reach the hips high with heels stretching toward the floor. This pose is a great stretch for the hamstrings, calves, shoulders and back while also strengthening the arms and legs.

Warrior I — Start in a standing position, step one foot back and align the hips and shoulders. Keep the arms overhead and engage the core and legs. Look forward while holding the pose for a few seconds, then breathe with control. This pose helps to build strength, stability and flexibility in the legs, hips and upper body.

Cat-Cow stretch — Start out on all fours. For the cow pose, inhale while dropping the belly to the floor and lifting the chest up. The cat pose starts with exhaling and rounding the back towards the ceiling. This is a simple and effective pose for increasing flexibility and relieving tension in the back.

Child’s pose — This grounding pose helps to relax and gently stretch the body. Start on the knees, then sit back on the heels and extend the arms forward. Lower the forehead to the mat and breathe deeply. It provides a gentle stretch for one’s back, hips, thighs and ankles. It also does not challenge strength or balance.

Corpse pose — This is among the most important poses as it becomes a transition from one’s yoga journey to returning to the responsibilities of our daily lives. Having the body remain still for a period of time challenges the mind to find inner peace and calmness.

Yoga is a powerful and simple way for anyone to improve their health and find inner peace. If one doesn’t know where to begin in their yoga journey, then look no further than Western’s campus recreation. This Winter term, the Health and Wellness Center has yoga classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:10 – 6 p.m. and 6:10 – 7 p.m.

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

The Western Howl

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Western basketball struggles

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

Western’s men’s basketball team has faced a challenging stretch this season, and the struggles were visible during their recent matchups against Northwest Nazarene and Central Washington. The “Wolves’” game against the Northwest Nazarene Nighthawks Thursday was emblematic of their season’s difficulties. Though they had an encouraging start to the game, Western fell 84-60 in front of their home crowd at New PE. Leading scorer Jason Gallant finished the contest with 14 points and two steals, continuing to prove he is a reliable source on offense. Senior guard, Jahville Collins, followed up with 12 points and grabbed six rebounds, while forward Anjay Cortez chipped in seven points with two steals. Despite these individual efforts, the team struggled to generate momentum on the defensive end, where they were unable to contain the Nighthawks. Unfortunately, the loss dropped the “Wolves” to 4-14 overall and 1-7 in GNAC play.
Just two days later, Western hosted Central Washington. The “Wolves” suffered another lopsided defeat, falling 93-71, marking their 15th loss of the season. They started the game focused, even taking an early 11-9 lead after a three-pointer from Gallant. However, Central Washington quickly regained control and never looked back. The biggest struggle for the “Wolves” seemed to be their defensive lapses and turnovers, which were exploited by Central Washington, allowing them to build a comfortable lead by halftime. The second half saw more of the same as the “Wolves” struggled to keep pace.
Gallant delivered another strong performance, pouring in 25 points on 10-of-16 shooting. His ability to score efficiently has truly been one of the few bright spots for Western this season. Collins also added 15 points and three steals, while first-year Mario Williams Jr. contributed 10 points and five rebounds, including three on the offensive glass.
The back-to-back losses to Northwest Nazarene and Central Washington highlight the broader challenges Western has faced throughout the season. Defensively, the “Wolves” have struggled, allowing their opponents to generate far too many high-percentage shots. On the offensive side, the “Wolves” have relied heavily on a few key players, particularly Gallant, Williams and Collins, to shoulder the scoring load.
As the season continues, Western’s ability to learn from their struggles will determine how they finish. While the results have been disappointing, the lessons learned during this challenging season could lay the groundwork for future success. For now, the Wolves remain focused on improving with each game, one possession at a time.

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

The Western Howl

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Rugby All Stars

Written by: Jaylin Emond-Hardin | Entertainment Editor

National Collegiate Rugby, the governing body for all collegiate rugby teams and clubs, annually hosts an All-Star tournament. The teams are composed of the best of the best from each region, featuring All-Stars and Rising Stars brackets.

This year, both the men’s and women’s+ rugby teams sent players to the tournaments in Atlanta, Georgia. Isaac Bare and Sangato Letisi represented Western on the Pac-Coast Grizzlies, and seven of the twelve Cascade Rising Stars were from Western’s women’s+ team — Emily Moore, Estela Miranda-Aguilar, Jada Miller, Journey Petry, Katie Allydice, Kayla Anderson and Tessa Medina.

This was the second year that Bare and Letisi have represented Western at the All-Stars tournament, their first year being in Austin, Texas for the 2024 team. However, this is the first time the women’s+ team, and their conference, have been represented at the tournament since 2020.

It wasn’t just Western players representing at the tournament, either. Women’s+ Head Coach Nic Smith led the Cascade Rising Stars, with Moore and Miranda-Aguilar as captains.

“As a coach, I had to figure out how to adapt in a way that was beneficial to the team, putting the pieces together to form a roster that worked given the variety of experience and skill presented in each player,” Coach Smith said. “The players were receptive and each game they got better and better, working with each other and trusting in one another’s ability. It was a beautiful thing to watch and be a part of.”

Smith also touched on the differences between coaching an All-Stars team and coaching during the regular season. “[In the regular season], you have the ability to practice weekly, honing skill and building chemistry amongst the team, identifying what works and what doesn’t … coaching an All-Stars team where players come from multiple teams, you don’t get that opportunity.”

During the men’s tournament, Letisi scored one try for the Grizzlies. Unfortunately, Bare went scoreless, though he felt he was strongest when it came to making tackles and being present in the rucks.

Miranda-Aguilar and Moore also made waves at the tournament; Miranda-Aguilar was named for the Rising Stars All-Tournament Team and Moore was in the top three of conversions scored. Together, they scored five of the team’s 15 tries, and Moore made all seven of the team’s conversions. Medina scored two tries during the tournament as well.

Both Moore and Miranda-Aguilar were named MVPs for the team, with Moore claiming Backs MVP and Miranda-Aguilar Tournament MVP.

Moore was also chosen for the Pacific Northwest U23 Selects, a team composed of the top players from the Pacific Northwest. PNW Rugby, the governing body for senior club rugby in the Pacific Northwest, oversees the growth, regulations and standards for Rugby Union clubs in Oregon, Washington and Idaho. The PNW U23 team will face Central Washington University Feb. 15.

Both of Western’s teams head into their spring sevens season with their eyes set on punching a ticket to the National Tournament in Washington, D.C., in April of 2025. With strong rosters and impressive team unity, this goal might be closer than they think.

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

The Western Howl

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National championship

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

In a thrilling finale to the 2024 college football season, the Ohio State Buckeyes secured their ninth national championship title by defeating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 34-23 Jan. 20. This crucial game, played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, marked Ohio State’s first national championship since 2014. What was particularly significant about the contest is that it occurred in the inaugural year of the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff format.
Entering the playoffs as the No. 8 seed with a 13-2 record, Ohio State faced notable opponents, including a clutch 28-14 victory over Texas in the Playoff Semifinal at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. The Buckeyes’ path to the title was different than most, being the first national champions to have lost two regular-season games, highlighting their ability to triumph over obstacles.
In the championship game, Ohio State controlled the early possessions, scoring touchdowns on each of their first four tries while also adding a field goal on their fifth. Led by quarterback Will Howard and running back Quinshon Judkins, the Buckeyes jumped to a 31-7 lead by the middle of the third quarter. Judkins, a transfer from Mississippi, racked up 100 yards on just 11 carries, scoring three touchdowns, including an insane 70-yard run.
However, Notre Dame refused to back down. Two quick touchdowns and two successful two-point conversions brought the Fighting Irish within eight points late in the fourth quarter. As tension filled the stadium, legendary former Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz was shown on the big screen, giving his team a thumbs-up and sending energy through the crowd. But, ultimately, Notre Dame’s revival fell short when Jeremiah Smith’s highlight catch allowed Ohio State to retake control and crush their opponent’s momentum.
Will Howard, a Kansas State transfer, was a gem for the Buckeyes throughout the playoffs and shined in the championship game. He completed 13 straight passes at the start of the contest, finishing the night with 231 passing yards and two touchdowns. While his final stats were impressive, it was his calm demeanor and ability to deliver under pressure that will be remembered. Jeremiah Smith, the team’s standout receiver, also came through when it mattered most, turning a relatively quiet night into one for the ages with a pivotal catch.
The addition of Quinshon Judkins via the transfer portal also highlighted Ohio State’s strategic roster building. His physical play style, combined with his playmaking ability, gave the Buckeyes a big advantage that opposing defenses struggled to contain throughout the playoffs.
Although they had multiple clutch plays, Ohio State’s dominance extended far beyond that. The Buckeyes were able to outgain Notre Dame 445 yards to 308 and punted just once all evening. Howard’s efficiency and the offensive line’s control over the game were critical factors in the Buckeyes’ success.
Postgame, Notre Dame’s head coach Marcus Freeman faced some tough questions, including one about the decision to attempt a fake punt that failed and a missed field goal attempt off the left upright. There were great plays made on both ends of the field, and though the Irish gave a valiant effort, especially in the fourth quarter, they simply just couldn’t match Ohio State’s execution.
Although they came up short in the National Championship, Notre Dame has plenty to be proud of. Finishing the season with an impressive 14-2 record, the Fighting Irish defeated multiple top-tier teams on their journey to the title game. Reaching this stage is a dream for most players, and for Notre Dame, it’s a testament to their grit and determination. With their eyes set on the future, the Fighting Irish can take pride in this remarkable season while also aiming to change the outcome the next time they have the opportunity to do so.

Contact the author at howlsports@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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Meet Gabe Burchfield

Dropped, defeated, denied

AFC championship

Finding your center

Western basketball struggles

Rugby All Stars

National championship

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