Mount Hood

Ribich ready to take on regionals

DemLegsDoeColor

By: Brianna Bonham
Staff Writer

David Ribich started his sophomore year off strong with high hopes for the racing competitions this cross country season.

Being in the lead in the top 6 of the team, David is very determined to work with his team to get to nationals.

“Our ultimate goal is to get to nationals this year, we’re all very committed to that goal […] We’re committed to do the work it takes,” said Ribich.

Ribich said that he team last year “fell short at regionals” and with regionals being at Western this year, the team and David both feel a lot of pressure to perform. They want to make Western proud.

“When the season rolled around one of the highlights was [at] Sun Dodger where I went 24:38 minutes for 8K. It was a minute PR (personal record) and really set the tone for the rest of the season,” Ribich said.

He has been training to be his best in order to get to the goal of nationals.

Ribich recently set a new PR running a 10K at 32:02 minutes. His personal highlight is getting 4th in conference.

“The race started out like I thought it would,” Ribich said, adding “But we’re only climbing. We’re on the uphill for regionals.”

“For regionals right now, we are sitting in the middle of the pack between all the teams […] We’re in the hunt for it,” said Ribich. During their last race, the team exceeded what they were expecting and are feeling good about their ability to compete at regionals. They were ranked 7th in the conference this year and exceeded expectations.

This summer, he counseled at a running camp and was able to train through the summer and work to better his times. He managed multiple new PRs and is continuing to train.

“I just know that if I have support I can go out there and make everyone proud,” Ribich said. He looks to his family and community to support during races, and with Western being the host for regionals this year, he hopes that the community will come to support as well.

“At some point in the race, everyone is going to get physically tired,” he said. For Ribich, the majority of races are a mental challenge as opposed to a physical challenge. He believes that mental preparation is just as important as physical preparation.

Ribich has been running since 7th grade, he went to a small high school that did not offer soccer past 6th grade, and soccer was his passion. His sister ran cross country which inspired him to begin running as well.

He is in his sophomore year here at Western and is majoring in communication studies with a minor in sports leadership and sports development.

“Professional running is a macro goal for me. My micro goal is to pursue athletics,” Ribich said. Choosing this major/minor allows him to pursue his passion for athletics. He wants to pursue a post collegiate career in running and coaching

“Netflix is definitely a post workout priority […] Right now I’m watching Arrow, The 100, Prison Break and Supernatural,” Ribich added. He also finds time outside of workouts to hike and do outdoor activities.

Ribich and the cross country team hope to see Western supporters at regionals. He looks forward to pursuing cross country the rest of his college and professional career.

MSU Yellow Jackets sting Wolves on senior day

Screen Shot 2015-11-01 at 6.42.25 AM

By: Jamal Smith
Sports Editor

The Wolves women’s soccer team lost at home to Montana State University-Billings (MSU) 1-0 on Saturday, Oct. 24.

The loss brings the Wolves overall record to 7-7-1 and 3-6-1 in GNAC conference play.

A large crowd was on-hand to cheer on the pack for senior day, the last home game of the year.

“Senior day is a very exciting day and it’s a really emotional day,” stated head coach Steve Ancheta. “It’s hard to keep all of those emotions in check and come out and play well against a good opponent.”

Western fed off the energy from the crowd and pressed the Yellow Jacket’s defense.
Controversy arose in the 15th minute after the Wolves sent a cross into MSU’s 18-yard box which should have been a hand ball on one of MSU’s defenders. However, the referee chose not to award Western a penalty kick.

MSU took the lead in the 36th minute on a shot from the top of the 18-yard box which sailed over Nicole Tejada’s (GK) outstretched arms.

In the second half, the Wolves continued to press MSU but couldn’t find the back of the net. Western’s best chance for a goal came in the 56th minute when junior Mariah Konyn (M) just missed the top right corner.

The Wolves would outshoot MSU 14-4, but the Yellow Jacket’s stingy defense held their clean sheet.

“Although we lost, we still worked really hard as a team, and I’m really happy for our seniors,” stated Ancheta. “They brought a lot to this team and I will miss all those guys.”

The Wolves hit the road for the final two games remaining on their schedule. The first is against Seattle Pacific University on Thursday, Oct. 29, and the final game of the season is against Simon Frasier University Saturday, Oct. 31.

Basketball hype and expectations

By:Jamal Smith

Are you getting excited for basketball? Lucky for you, both the men’s and women’s basketball teams are currently preparing for the start of the season.

The GNAC coaches’ poll, released on Thursday, Oct. 15, ranked the men’s team no. 2 out of the 11 teams in the conference.

The expectations for the men’s team are high on the shoulders of last season’s successes.

The Wolves finished the season with a program best winning record of 23-7 and reached the NCAA Division-II West Regionals for the first time in school history.

“The season is just a journey and we are starting out 0-0 just like everybody else, and last season doesn’t mean anything,” stated head coach Jim Shaw. “We have to approach this year as an opportunity to get better every day, and then we will be all right.”

The men’s team has four returning starters, and two First Team All-GNAC selections in redshirt: senior Andy Agvi (F) and senior Julian Nichols (G).

Agvi was also selected for the GNAC pre-season All-American Team. In his junior year, Agvi averaged 18.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game. He also was named the 2014-15 GNAC player of the year.

“Our foundation comes back to four things: our attitude, our work ethic, our leadership and our ability to work as a team,” added coach Shaw. “I expect them to compete every night, no excuses. We have to leave everything out there on the floor and let the results speak for themselves.”

Last year, the women’s team had an overall record of 8-18, and 5-13 in GNAC conference play. In the GNAC coaches poll, the Wolves were ranked no. 10 in the conference.

The women’s team looks to the return of three starters from last year, including GNAC preseason team selectee junior Jordan Mottershaw (G). Last year, Mottershaw led the Wolves in scoring, averaging 12.0 points per game.

Returning sophomore Sami Osborne (G/F) had a great second half of the season last year, and started 13 games for the Wolves. Last year, as a true freshman, Osborne averaged 8.8 rebounds per game.

The men’s team faces a huge test in an exhibition game against the Oregon State Beavers on Thursday, Nov. 5 in Corvallis at 7 p.m.

The first exhibition game for the women’s team is also on Thursday, Nov. 5, on the road against Weber State University at 7 p.m.

Cross country competes in GNAC championships

By: Jamal Smith
Sports Editor

Western’s cross country team competed in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) Championships Saturday, Oct. 24, in Bellingham, Wash.

Out of 11 schools, Western’s men’s team placed fourth overall, and the women’s team placed sixth.

The men were led by sophomore David Ribich, who tallied 122 points and finished fourth out of ninety-one athletes on the 8K course. Ribich ran a personal-best time of 24:59, which was 57 seconds faster than his run in the 2014 GNAC Championships.

Senior Stephany Stuckey placed thirteenth out of ninety-seven with a spectacular time of 22:40 on the 6K course.

“I went into the race and felt fantastic and had so much fun with it,” stated Stuckey. “I talked with my teammates before the race about believing that the people behind us on our team was really going for it and putting their best foot forward.”

“I’m really proud of my work, but also of my teammates work,” Stuckey added. “We just did really well as a team.”

Next up, the Wolves will host the NCAA West Regional Championship on Saturday, Nov. 7 at the Ash Creek Preserve in Monmouth, Ore. The women will start at 10 a.m., and the men will begin at 11:15 a.m.

Braxton leads Wolf Pack to victory against Simon Frasier

By: Jamal Smith Sports Editor

In a clash north of the border, the Wolfpack headed to Canada on Saturday, Oct. 24, defeating Simon Frasier University (SFU) 37-26.

The Wolves were led by freshman Malik Braxton (RB) who had a record-setting game, and was awarded the GNAC Football Offensive Player of the Week. Braxton finished the game with 199 yards of all-purpose yards: including 179-yards rushing, two rushing touchdowns and a touchdown pass.

Redshirt sophomore Phillip Fenumiai (QB) got the start for the Wolves and would show his dual threat abilities on Western’s first possession, rushing on third down for a 45-yard first down. Fenumiai tallied 81-yards rushing for the game, adding another 55-yards through the air.

Braxton would finish out the first drive with a bit of trickery, throwing a touchdown pass to sophomore Paul Revis (WR) which evened the score at 7-7. Revis finished the game with five receptions for 105 yards and two touchdowns.

On the next drive, Braxton would break away for a ridiculous 75-yard touchdown run which would give the Wolves a 14-7 lead.

In the second quarter, SFU would outscore the Wolves 10-3 and take a 20-17 lead going into half time.

Midway through the third quarter, senior Trey Shimabukuro (QB) made his return to the field after a three week absence due to injury. On his second drive, Shimabukuro would throw a 56-yard touchdown strike to Revis which gave Western a 24-20 lead, and would be the only points scored by either team in the quarter.

Just seconds into the fourth quarter, and on the first play of the drive, Shimabukuro would connect with redshirt sophomore Katakana Apelu (WR) for a 50-yard touchdown pass which increased the Wolves’ lead to 31-20.

SFU answered the Wolves’ touchdown on their ensuing possession with a seven play, 73-yard touchdown drive to bring the score to 31-26.

With 8:05 remaining in the game, the Wolves started their drive from the one yard line.
On the first play, Braxton broke through and raced past the SFU’s defense, running for a 99-yard touchdown, which set a GNAC record for the longest rushing touchdown and sealed the victory for the Wolves.

The impressive win improves the Wolves’ overall record to 5-3 and 3-1 in GNAC conference play. This is Western’s fourth consecutive victory.

Western’s next game is at home on Saturday, Oct. 31, against GNAC opponent Azusa Pacific University at 1:00 p.m. at McArthur Field.

Volleyball secures dramatic four set victory

By: Jamal Smith
Sports Editor

The women’s volleyball team edged out Saint Martin’s University (SMU) in a tense four sets on Saturday Oct. 24.

The scores for the four sets were 25-19, 25-23, 21-25 and 29-27.

After winning the first two sets, WOU looked to sweep SMU with a win of the third set.

With the score tied at 10-10, the Saints would go on a five point unanswered run and would pull away from the Wolves, eventually winning the set 25-23.

SMU continued to build momentum in the fourth set, going up on WOU 11-5. But the Wolves clawed their way back, eventually tying the score at 23-23.

Seeing the score tied at 25-25, the Wolves buckled down and took their first lead of the fourth set at 26-25 on a long back-and-forth volley. SMU wouldn’t go down without a fight though, and responded by leveling the score twice before the women would put SMU away with a kill from redshirt sophomore Sydney Blankinship.

“I was really happy at how hard we fought today, especially in that last set,” head coach Brad Saindon said.

Redshirt sophomore Alisha Bettinson (OH) led the Wolves with 14 kills and 6 blocks, and redshirt sophomore Sydney Blankinship (MB) and redshirt freshman Amanda Short (OH) each added 9 kills.

“We are improving each game and our confidence is coming around,” added Saindon. “I think we can be a really threatening team for the rest of the season, and the future looks bright for us as well.”

The conference victory improves Western Oregon’s overall record to 7-14, and 4-8 in GNAC conference play, and is the Wolves’ third consecutive victory.

The Wolves hit the road on Saturday, Oct. 31, to play Northwest Nazarene University before returning home to play Western Washington University on Thursday, Nov. 5, at 7 p.m.

Drought Relief

By: Jack Armstrong 
Copy Editor

S_Timbers

The Portland Timbers have ramped up their efforts to qualify for the 2015 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs with a 5-2 win against the L.A. Galaxy on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2015 in Los Angeles.

Portland fielded a familiar lineup with the exception of young right back Taylor Paey (D) in place of regular starter Alvas Powell who was suspended for the clash. The Galaxy were quick to test the new man, but he proved himself to the fans throughout the night, effectively managing the left hand attack of L.A.

Despite the Timbers cohesive back line, Steven Gerrard (M) rattled the crossbar from a free kick just inside of three minutes into the first half.

Gerrard set the tone for the Galaxy going forward, and in the 35th minute, captain Robbie Keane hammered home a glorious curing volley into the top left corner of the Timbers’ goal.

As the second half kicked off with L.A. controlling the game with a 1-0 lead, Portland roared into life in the 64th minute on the back of leading scorer Fernando Adi (F).

Holding the ball up in L.A.’s box after some brilliant team play, Adi turned and struck a rising shot in the back of the net.

Adi would strike again as he drew a penalty two minutes later. Electing to take it, Adi stepped up and slotted the ball just underneath former Portland Keeper Donovan Ricketts (GK).

This opened the taps with Diego Chara (CDM) scoring a flying header in the 73rd minute.
Even though Keane was able to scrape one back to make it 3-2, Portland would grab two more unanswered goals almost instantly, one from Darlington Nagbe (M/F) in the 84th and another courtesy of Maximiliano Urruti (F) in the 89th minute.

Speaking to mls.com after the game, head coach Caleb Porter said “Maybe there are some guys in LA that are more talented than us, but we wanted to be the better team today.”

Racking up two wins in two against conference rivals including Real Salt Lake, Portland stands on the precipice of a playoff series, but it isn’t a dead lock just yet.

The Timbers must win in their last game against the Colorado Rapids Sunday, Oct. 25, 2015 at Providence Park. If they lose, they must bank on Seattle or San Jose losing their last game, or Kansas City losing both of their final outings.

If Portland can manage to win on Sunday, there is the possibility that they will be the number two seed in the playoffs, granting them automatic passage to the semi-finals and a home game during the cup run.

The number two seed is up for grabs but only if Vancouver loses their last game while Sporting Kansas City and Los Angles draw, or if Vancouver loses and Sporting Kansas city draws or loses to their last game against the Rapids.

If the Timbers don’t secure the number two seed, they will be forced into the knockout rounds to play for a spot in the semifinals.

With a the goal drought still in very recent memory a knockout round with little to no rest could spell disaster for the team, but Portland have been playing better on the road than at home this season and the long rest between the end of the season and the semifinals could cool off their new-found momentum.

With all that being said, those of us in the stands can just sit back and look forward to an exciting round of matches approaching.

Homecoming powder-puff

By: Amanda Clarke 
Staff Writer

The annual powderpuff game took place on Friday, Oct. 16, 2015, at 6:30 p.m. at the intramural recreational field on campus.

This year’s game featured a match up between students living on-campus against students living off-campus.

“There were a lot of students supporting others, which was wonderful to see and be a part of such a united community!” said Karisa Merrill, a sophomore with a pre-professional biology major.

There was a pre-game tailgate that included free food. The event, which was hosted by the Student Activities Board, also gave all attendees chance to take pictures with mascot Wolfie before the game.

A firework display followed the powderpuff game.

The off-campus team sported black uniforms with pink lettering, and the on-campus team sported pink uniforms with black lettering.

Ann-Marie Matagi, a junior social science major, said she felt the game went well.

“There were times when it was aggressive, but other than that our team went out and had fun,” she said.

Matagi played for the off-campus team for her first year at Western this year.

The homecoming court nominees were introduced at halftime. They consisted of students who attended the homecoming activities throughout the week. Members of the Homecoming Court included Jordan Ducotey and Nathan Tew, Shay Guyton and Bryan Kelly and Kaylee Church.

The homecoming honorees from 2014 also made an appearance.

The final court was scheduled to be announced on Saturday, Oct. 17 at the homecoming football game.

The final score of the powderpuff game was 8-0 with off-campus emerging as the victors.

Western a hotspot for Hawaiian student-athletes

By: Jamal Smith 
Staff Writer

It has been well documented within the past decade that Oregon’s major universities have been a draw for Hawaiian athletes.

Although Western is a much smaller college than the University of Oregon or Oregon State, the Wolves still play host to a growing number of Hawaiian student-athletes.

On all three rosters of the football team, soccer team, and volleyball team, the Wolves have a total of 22 Hawaiian athletes; 13 on the football team, six on the soccer team, and three on the volleyball team).

These numbers may not seem all that staggering, but when comparing the number of Western’s Hawaiian athletes to the rosters of the other ten schools in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC), it becomes clear that Western is a stand out in attracting Hawaiian players.

The rosters of football, soccer, and volleyball from all of the other 10 schools in the GNAC conference only have a grand total of 15 Hawaiian students (11 for football, three for soccer, and one for volleyball).

Yes, you read correctly. Western Oregon has seven more Hawaiian athletes in football, soccer, and volleyball than the 10 other teams in the GNAC conference combined.

Generally, Division-II schools across the country recruit athletes within their state lines or bordering states.

Central Washington’s women’s soccer team, for example, has a 28 person roster, all of which are from the state of Washington.

So what makes Western Oregon such a hot destination for Hawaiian athletes?

“I like the people; they’re all friendly,” stated first year midfield soccer player Taylor Cadiz from Mililani, Hawaii. “I also like that it’s a small school. The classes are really small and it’s easier to go to the professors and get help compared to a bigger university.”

Junior midfield/forward soccer player Machaela Rapozo from Lihue, Hawaii said, “I chose Western Oregon because it’s under the WUE (Western Undergraduate Exchange Program) and we get in-state tuition here. Also, Oregon is pretty close to Hawaii because it’s on the west coast so we don’t have to travel that far to go back home.”

“There’s still a lot of [Hawaiians] here so you can get away from home but at the same time there’s still the comfort of having other [Hawaiians] here,” Rapozo added.

Whatever the reason may be for a Hawaiian athlete or student to choose Western Oregon over other universities, the Wolfpack is certainly happy to have them.

Wolfpack finds its stride

By: Jamal Smith
Staff Writer

The Western football team defeated Central Washington University (CWU) 31-25 on Saturday Oct. 17, 2015, at McArthur Field.

After last week’s emotional upset of no. 6 ranked University of Northern Alabama, the Wolves didn’t disappoint; they controlling the game from start to finish.

Sophomore Phillip Fenumiai (QB) got his first career start at quarterback for the home team.

In the game he would throw for 131 yards and two touchdowns, both to junior Andy Avgi (TE), in addition to running the ball for 44 yards with one 4-yard rushing touchdown.

“Our game plan was just simple enough to where everything was just easy and within my control,” stated Fenumiai. “[It] was nice because it got me rolling around on my feet, which I’m good at.”

After the Wolves exchanged three-and-outs with CWU on both teams’ first drives, Western got the ball back on their own 9-yard line for their second possession, marching downfield with a 12-play 91-yard touchdown drive.

First year Malik Braxton (RB/WR) who also got his first start, capped off the drive with a breakaway run for 44 yards and the touchdown, which put the Wolves up 7-0.

Braxton finished the game with 131-yards rushing. “We came in knowing that we wanted to run the ball on first and second down and the [offensive line] opened the holes,” stated Braxton.

CWU would answer on their second possession with a 4-play, 69-yard touchdown drive. After converting on a 2-point conversion, the Wildcats would take the lead 8-7 near the end of the first quarter.

On Western’s ensuing drive, the Wolves would find themselves in two third-down and long situations.

However, Fenumiai would keep the drive alive with a 29-yard scramble on 3rd and 7, and then a 26-yard pass to senior James DePew (WR) on 3rd and 18. Fenumiai would finish off the drive with a 4-yard touchdown run, putting the Wolves up 14-8.

The home side’s defense was good at stopping CWU’s running game, but had problems defending the deep ball. CWU would capitalize midway through the second quarter when Wildcats quarterback Justin Lane would throw a 39-yard touchdown pass to put CWU up 15-14.

But Western would not be stopped, running seven straight rushing plays. Eventually, Fenumiai would finish the drive with a 22-yard touchdown pass to Avgi, for his first of two touchdowns.

The Wolves would take a 21-15 lead going into halftime.

In the third quarter, Western started to pull away from the Wildcats.

After CWU added 3 points on a field goal, the Wolves would score a touchdown on Fenumiai’s second touchdown pass to Andy Avgi, this time for 17-yards.

Then, senior kicker Jesse Correa would add a 32-yard field goal to put the Wolfpack up 31-18 going into the final quarter.

CWU closed the gap on another long touchdown pass from Lane. The touchdown put CWU within 6 points of Western with 8:46 remaining for the game.

After three first-downs on their next drive, CWU would force the punt, but the Wolves would eat up over five minutes of clock. The Wildcats were left with only three minutes remaining for the game.

CWU started their final drive on their own 9-yard line and moved down field to the edge of the home team’s end zone.

The Wolves defense bunkered down and forced the Wildcats into a 4th down with only a yard to keep their drive alive. CWU handed the ball off to their running back on 4th down, but he was brought down simultaneously by junior George Swartzlender (DL) and senior Shane Kuenzi (LB) for a turn over on downs.

The Wolfpack would run out the clock to seal the victory.

This victory marks a turning point in the season, and is Western’s third consecutive win. The win improved their overall record to 4-3 and 2-1 in GNAC conference play.

“We try to focus on one week at a time and get better,” stated head coach Arne Ferguson after the game. “To get a win against a real good team like Central Washington, that’s a serious accomplishment, but we have some skills that we need to get better at.”

Western hits the road and heads north of the border to take on Simon Fraser University in British Columbia on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015.

The next home game is Saturday Oct. 31, 2015, against Azusa Pacific University (CA) at 1 p.m. at McArthur Field.

Volleyball beats MSU-Billings in three straight sets

By: Jamal Smith
Sports Editor

The Wolves’ volleyball team swept Montana State University-Billings on the road in three straight sets on Thursday Oct. 15, 2015. The set scores were 25-15, 26-24 and 26-24.

The Wolves snapped a seven game losing stretch and also recorded their first road victory of the season.

Redshirt freshman Amanda Short (OH) led Western with a match-high 14 kills, and also racked up 2 blocks. Sophomore Alisha Bettinson notched 11 kills.

With the road win, the Wolves improved to 5-14 overall and 2-8 in GNAC conference play.

Soccer drops game to Concordia 2-0

By: Jamal Smith 
Sports Editor

The Western women’s soccer team fell on the road to Concordia University Saturday Oct. 17, 2015.

After a scoreless first half, the Wolves conceded two goals, with the first coming in the 57th minute, and the second in the 90th with seconds remaining in the game.

The Wolves’ best chance at a goal came in the 86th minute when junior Kealakekua Makekau (M/D) sent a cross into the 18-yard box which junior Taylor Higa (F/M) volleyed just over the top of the goal.

During the course of a late five minute push, Western would take five shots on goal but were unable to find the back of the net.

After the heart-breaking loss, the Wolves overall record is 6-6-1 and 2-5-1 in GNAC conference play.

Volleyball falls short in close contest with Concordia

By: Jamal Smith 
Freelancer

The Western Oregon volleyball team lost at home in four sets on Oct. 13, 2015 to Concordia University (CU). The set scores were 25-19, 25-22, 21-25 and 25-20, in favor of CU.
The Wolves fell behind in the first set 5-12 but clawed their way back, eventually bringing the score to 14-19. It would continue to go back and forth from there, but CU would eventually win the set 25-19.
CU won the second set after a tight battle, resulting in 25-21.
After the two-set break, the Wolves came out with great energy and determination, winning the third set 25-20.
The fourth and final set was even at 13-13, but CU would outscore the Wolves 12-7 to close out the match.
First year player Amanda Short (OH), led the Wolves with 13 kills, and she also tallied 1 ace and 2 blocks. Junior Paige Kelsey (S/OPP) had 9 kills, 1 ace and 6 blocks.
The loss brings the Wolves’ overall record to 4-14 and 1-8 in GNAC conference play.
The Wolves’ hit the road on Thursday, Oct. 14, 2015 to take on Montana State University, before heading home for a two game stand against Seattle Pacific University on Thursday Oct. 22, 2015 at 7 p.m. and then Saint Martin’s University on Saturday Oct. 24, 2015 at 7 p.m. in the New P.E. Building.
For more information about the game or to purchase tickets, please call 503-838-8917 or visit the New P.E. Building, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Soccer posts 3-1 loss to Seattle Pacific

By: Jamal Smith 
Staff Writer

The Western women’s soccer team lost 3-1 at home to Seattle Pacific University (SPU) on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2015.
The loss brings the Wolves’ season record to 5-5-1, and 1-4-1 in GNAC conference play.

In another blow, senior forward and leading goal scorer Makana Pundyke suffered an injury in the 5th minute after the ball struck her in the head. Pundyke would not return for the rest of the match.

SPU scored their first goal in the 34th minute after a cross into the home goal box, finding its way past sophomore goalkeeper Lindsey Mabinuori. Mabinuori would have a spectacular save later in the half, denying the Falcons an opportunity to go into the half two up.

Western came out in the second half with more energy and increased possession.

The Wolves’ efforts paid off in the 53rd minute when junior forward Savannah Bogan equalized the score at 1-1 with a shot into the top right corner.

Bogan was assisted by freshman midfielder Dacia Alexander. “The goal was a good all-around team effort. It was good work by Dacia to get the second ball, and we are all confident in each other to take good shots,” stated Bogan after the match.

Seattle Pacific would go on to grab another goal in the 63rd minute, and then again right at the death in the 86th minute. “It’s always a battle with them [Seattle Pacific] and we have to compete because they are a quality team,” stated Wolves head coach Steve Ancheta. “But our girls worked hard today.”

Western’s next two games are on the road where they take on Saint Martin’s University on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2015 and then Concordia University on Saturday, October 17, 2015.

Tough stuff at Powder Tuff

TUFFPUFFSTUFFPUFF

By: Rachael Jackson 
Freelancer

The third day of Homecoming Week, Wednesday Oct. 14, 2015 hit a peak with the boys’ Powder Tuff volleyball game.

Sharing the day with Pink Out, most players and spectators wore pink garments, such as shirts, socks, and bandanas, in order to raise breast cancer awareness.

The game began with a huddle around the Assistant Director of Intramural and Club Sports, Ben Prahl. Normally the game is broken up between teams of those who live on- or off-campus, but low attendance meant teams were mixed this year.

The audience sat attentive as the first plays were set in motion, the first points garnering excited whoops and cheers.

Watching from the sidelines and nearly hit by a wayward ball, Shay Guyton, a senior and Community Health major, surveyed the game with a watchful eye.

“It’s really great that there is so much spirit displayed,” Guyton said, “I’m loving that people are wearing pink, the students, the players, even Wolfie.”

Though they did not practice beforehand, most players seemed to come prepared with a working knowledge of the game.

One player, Reece Blatch, a junior American Sign Language Interpreting and American Sign Language Studies double major, mentioned he plays volleyball at both Seaside and Corvallis. A source from the crowd pointed out several of the players that take part in intramural and open gym volleyball. Their skill showed as both sides held their own during the game.

The boys played a series of rounds, the game ending with the home team taking the win with a final score of 25-20.

Don’t miss the Powderpuff game, taking place Friday Oct. 16, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. The game will take place on the turf field. Show up early for a tailgate at 5:30 p.m. and stick around after the game for a fireworks show.

Upset

By: Jamal Smith 
Staff Writer

The Wolves football team edged out undefeated University of Northern Alabama (UNA), winning at home 24-22 Saturday, Oct. 10, 2015, at McArthur Field.

The Wolves were considered massive underdogs against UNA, who came into the game as the no. 6 ranked team in the country in Division II football.

Throughout the game, the Wolves defense was spectacular. On Northern Alabama’s first drive, junior Danny Hankins (DB) intercepted UNA’s Luke Wingo (QB).

After the Lions forced a punt on Western’s next possession, the Wolves created another turnover when senior Jonathan Breland (LB) got to Wingo and forced a fumble. The Wolves capitalized and went ahead 3-0 on a 39 yard Jesse Correa (K) field goal.

Northern Alabama’s next drive was cut short after yet another turnover; this time an interception by Breland who would have a total of two interceptions for the game and one forced fumble.

Junior David Sowards (QB) would lead the Wolves downfield on the next possession, but UNA stopped the offense in the red zone, setting up an apparent 4th down field goal.

Western had other plans and faked the field goal. Sophomore Paul Revis (WR) threw a touchdown pass to sophomore Devin Williams (DL). WOU would go up on Northern Alabama 10-0 going into the second quarter.
The Wolves’ defense continued their outstanding form in the second quarter, forcing UNA to punt twice, and adding another forced fumble, this time by junior Jeremy Moore (DL).

The only blemish in the first half for WOU’s defense came late in the second quarter when Wingo would connect with one of his wide receivers for a 60-yard touchdown. The Wolves led the Lions 10-7 at the half.

Just a few minutes into the third quarter, Wolves quarterback Sowards limped off the field after being hit on a pass attempt. He was replaced with third-string sophomore Phillip Fenumiai (QB).

“You just have to wait for your time to get in there and just go to work, and everything that you prepare for in the offseason just makes its way into the game,” said Fenumiai after the game.

The Lions would score the only points of the third quarter on a field goal, and then score another field goal early in the fourth quarter, taking the lead 16-10.

Fenumiai led the Wolves to two unanswered fourth quarter touchdown drives; the first ended when Fenumiai scrambled for a 13-yard touchdown, and the second on a Fenumiai 8-yard pass to junior Andy Avgi (TE) which increased the Wolves lead to 24-16.

The Lions would show why they were ranked the number six team in the country on their next drive, answering the Wolves touchdowns with an 11 play, 68-yard touchdown drive of their own.
However, with the score 24-22, WOU’s defense stopped the Lions from converting on the 2 point conversion. With 1:24 remaining in the game, the Lion’s kicked an onside kick, which Northern Alabama recovered near midfield.

Lions quarterback Wingo marched Northern Alabama downfield with a five play, 42-yard drive that put the Lions in field goal position on Western Oregon’s 23 yard line with just seconds remaining in the game.
On 2nd down and 10, Wingo dropped back to pass, but Wolves’ linebacker Breland jumped the rout and got his second interception of the game, sealing the victory for the Wolves.

“To put the game away against the number six team in Division 2 football, it is a great feeling for me personally but I just love my team,” stated an exuberant Breland after the game. “My defense, my offense, I love playing with these guys and I was just glad to make a play for them.”

“I’m really proud of our defense stepping up in a big way and getting the ball to our offense,” said Wolves’ head coach Arne Ferguson. “We capitalized in the fourth quarter when we needed to.”

The win against UNA brings the Wolves’ record to 3-3 overall, and 1-1 in GNAC conference play.

“Western Oregon, we’re here to play,” stated Breland. “We had it a little bit rough in the beginning of the season, but we feel like right now were we are at, we will just keep climbing from here.”
The Wolfpack’s next game is against Central Washington University on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2015 at 1:05 p.m. on McArthur Field.

For more information or ticket sales, please contact the ticket office at 503-838–8917, or stop by the New P.E. Building, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Men’s club rugby eyes national championship

By: Jack Armstrong 
Copy Editor

The Western men’s rugby club is looking forward to their most successful season yet.
On the back of returning seniors and an injection of fresh blood underclassmen, the prospect for a winning run at the USA National Rugby Championship is starting to seem more and more plausible.

“We actually made the Varsity cup last year,” said Sean Pomeroy, a Prop at the club, and a senior education major. “We hosted Montana State and won, but due to unforeseen circumstances, we couldn’t progress on to the finals.”

Pomeroy was hopeful saying, “with the Squad we’ve put together this year, I really think we have a shot at the National Championship.”

According to Pomeroy, there were enough interested players to form a secondary squad this season.

“We have around 40 players total in the club,” he said, “some play on b-side, and we have people who swing between a-side and b-side, but we try to take as many people with us to games as possible. It helps to learn the game and get questions answered.”
Questions like: what exactly does a prop do in rugby?

“A prop acts like a guard on a football team,” said Pomeroy, “we do a similar job to an offensive lineman.”

There is a wide range of positions with lots of different play styles offered for students interested in joining the team.

Rugby season is year-round, and students wanting to try out can stop by any team practice. The club meets every Monday through Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. on the turf field next to the softball diamond.

“We’ll take anybody we can get who has a love for big hits and tough play,” Pomeroy said.

The Wolves face a tough challenge in their next game in the NCRC 7’s Championship hosted in Ellensburg, Wash. on Oct. 17, 2015.

A full schedule of matches and a contact page for interested students can be found on wourugby.org, and on the WOU Men’s Rugby Facebook page.

Women’s soccer triumphs in conference game

By: Jamal Smith 
Freelancer

WOU vs. Central Washington University (CWU) – Oct. 3, 2015

The Wolves women’s soccer team got their first conference win at home on Sat., Oct. 3, 2015 over Central Washington University with a final score of 2-1.

Senior Makana Pundyke (CF) scored two second-half goals which secured the WOU’s comeback victory.

CWU took the lead after a goal in the 20th minute when the ball bounced around in the box and found its way into the back of the net.

Although the Wolves had multiple opportunities to score in the first half, they were left empty handed going into halftime.

In the second half, Western had better ball control and more energy which put pressure on CWU’s defense.

The Wolves first goal came in the 56th minute on a Brooke Steinberg (D) free kick just outside of the 18-yard box. The free kick was headed off the top of the crossbar by senior Dana Goularte (D), and after a scramble, Pundyke put the ball past CWU’s goalkeeper.

Pundyke got her second goal in the 63rd minute when a scrum in the box saw the ball fall to her from a corner kick from junior Kealakekua Makekau (CM).

Western’s head coach Steve Ancheta attributed the Wolves’ second half success to half-time adjustments. “In the second half we pressed a little bit higher which caused them a little bit of stress and it led to free kicks and penalty kicks,” Ancheta said.
The Wolves improved their overall record to 5-3-1 for the season, and 1-2-1 in GNAC conference play.

WOU vs. Concordia University (CU) – Oct. 5, 2015

The team lost 2-0 at home on Tuesday against Concordia University. The loss brings the overall record to 5-4-1 and 1-3-1 in GNAC conference play.

Concordia got their first goal in the 20th minute on a free kick at the top of the goal box. Although Western’s goalkeeper, Lindsey Mabinuori, was able to make the save, she couldn’t get both hands on the ball and a Concordia player took advantage by finding the back of the net.

In the second half, the Wolves applied the pressure and had great ball control but couldn’t conceive a goal. Western had multiple chances to score that saw the ball go just wide of the goal posts on multiple occasions.

Concordia’s second goal came in the 59th minute on a thru ball on a counter-attack.
The loss to Concordia was the second game in the Wolves’ three game home stand. The next home game is on Saturday October 10th at 11 a.m. against Seattle Pacific University before they hit road to take on Saint Martin’s University on Saturday, Oct. 17th.

Women’s volleyball falls to Northwest Nazarene

By: Jamal Smith 
Freelancer

The Western Oregon women’s volleyball team lost at home in three sets on Sat., Oct. 3, 2015 to Northwest Nazarene University (NNU). The set scores were 15-25, 20-25 and 17-25, all in NNU’s favor.

NNU pulled away from the Wolves in the first set, accumulating a lead that Western couldn’t claw back from.

The second set was much closer and went back and forth until the Wolves found themselves even with NNU with a score of 20-20. However, NNU would score the next 5 unanswered points to win the second set.

Western showed determination in the third set, but they were out matched again and lost the set with a score of 17-25.

Sophomore Alisha Bettinson had 10 kills, 1 block, and 1 ace. First-year Amanda Short and Mariella Vandenkooy both had 8 kills for the Wolves.

The conference loss gives Western Oregon an overall record of 4-11, and 1-5 in GNAC conference play.

The next two games for the Wolves are on the road when they play Simon Fraser University on Oct. 8, 2015, and then Western Washington University on Oct. 10, 2015. The next home game is against Concordia on Tuesday Oct. 13, 2015 at 7 p.m. in the New P.E. building.
The Concordia test is also a “Red Out!” game, so be sure to dress in red. For more information please contact WOU Athletics at 503-838-9030.

Wolves athlete finds drive to play two sports

By: Alvin Wilson 
Freelancer

The phrase “go hard or go home” may be the most accurate way to describe Andy Avgi, a junior athlete who has a strong desire to compete.

While most athletes’ thirst for competition and victory would be quenched by one sport, Avgi thirsts for more. And at 6’6“ and 270 lbs., Avgi is built well to play a wide variety of competitive sports.

Avgi has been playing basketball for three years at Western, and, on his final stretch toward graduation, he decided to try for football.

“When I decided to play basketball in college, I knew there would be some point in my life that I would want to play [football] again,” said Avgi.

Avgi mentioned a talk with Kevin Boss, NFL tight end and Western alumnus, that influenced his decision.

“I talked with Kevin Boss, who used to play football and basketball here, about the opportunity of playing after college,” Avgi said, “I really do want to play after college, potentially the NFL. I think that’s really what pushed me to do it.”

Although Avgi sees football in his future, he said basketball was his first passion.

“In high school I played a lot of sports, the main ones being basketball and football, and honestly I enjoyed basketball more,” he said. “I think a big part of that was that we were better in basketball than we were in football. In football we were kind of at the bottom of the pack.”

Avgi has been a competitive person for as long as he can remember. This drive for competition fuels his desire to perform to his full potential.

“When I was growing up, I was really competitive,” said Avgi. “I want to be the best at whatever I do. It’s just kind of ingrained in my brain. Whatever I’m doing, I’m going to do it to my fullest.”

Playing two sports at a time sounds like a difficult task, but Avgi is handling it well.

“It’s actually not too bad,’ he said, “Basketball season doesn’t officially start until November. Right now I’m just focused on football until football season is over. When it’s basketball season I’ll focus just on that. I’ll probably start shooting with the coach within a week or so, but it works out pretty well. “

Loyalty to the team is highly valued in sports, but Avgi said his teams understand his decision to play both sports.

“There’s always a lot of joking around, like, ‘oh come on, just play basketball,’ or, ‘just play football,’ but they know it’s in my best interest to play both. I can actually help out on both teams.”

Avgi is enjoying his experience so far, especially because it is something new.

“It’s definitely fun. I like it because it’s different. It’s something I’m not used to,” said Avgi. “It’s re-learning something I haven’t done in a while. I’ve been doing the same things in basketball, so it’s nice learning different things and things I never knew about football when I was in high school.”

Western Oregon University

Facebook   Instagram   X  YouTube

WESTERN OREGON UNIVERSITY
345 Monmouth Ave. N.
Monmouth OR 97361

503-838-8000 | 1-877-877-1593

Tools

Campus Maps
Canvas
Find People
Portal
WOU Email
Technical Support

Resources

A-Z Index
Accessibility
Academic Calendar
Class Schedule
Jobs at WOU
News
Explore WOU
Partnerships
Student Services
Freedom of Expression

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.

Accessibility    Public Records    Privacy    Student Consumer Information

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