Mount Hood

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

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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.”

Cross-country starts new season with a strong showing.

By:Grace Knapp
Staff Writer

Motivated by last year’s poor performance at the regional meet, the men’s and women’s cross-country (XC) team have been training harder than ever for the start of the 2015-2016 season and head coach Mark Johnson believes their rigorous preparation shows.

“There is some tough talent to compete with in our league, but we have the potential to run with them,” Johnson said.

So far this season, sophomore David Ribich has already distinguished himself as a top competitor in the GNAC. Ribich placed 10th out of 280 runners at the Sundodger Invitational in Seattle, WA, helping the men’s team secure eighth place out of twenty-six teams.

The women placed 16th overall at Sundodger, lead by transfer student Nichole Maurmann who posted a 6-kilometer time of 22 minutes 59.64 seconds earning her 59th, and senior Stephanie Stuckey who also competed in the 6km finished slightly behind Maurmann at 80th with a time of 23 minutes 15.16 seconds.

Western also hosted the Ash Creek XC Festival on Friday, Sept. 11, 2015. The annual event is a chance to preview the GNAC cross-country field. With respectable showings for both men and women, the Wolves coasted to fourth and eighth respectively.

The runners’ ambitions now turn to the Willamette Invitational at Bush’s Pasture Park in Salem, Ore., Saturday Oct. 10, 2015. – Grace Knapp (Staff Writer)

Early missteps lead to improvement for women’s scocer.

By: Grace Knapp 
Staff Writer

The Wolves women’s soccer team is off to a rockier start than anticipated this season, currently sitting at 4 wins, 3 losses and 1 draw (4-3-1).

Their first two GNAC conference games ended in 0-1 loss at home to Western Washington on Sept. 19, 2015, and 1-2 loss to Montana State Billings on the road Sept. 24, 2015.
Looking for conference improvement, the squad managed a 2-2 draw at Northwest Nazarene with goals on either side of the half from Vicky Rosales (MF) at 12 minutes, and Kealakekua Makekau (MF/D) at 53 minutes.

Despite the opening league losses last week, the women’s soccer team is hopeful of placing top four in conference, securing them a spot at playoffs.
The Wolves are currently 0-2-1 in conference, but head coach Steve Ancheta does not believe their record reflects their talent.

“We are still early in the season, and we still haven’t played our best yet,” Ancheta said. “Each game we get better, so I am excited to see what the girls bring to our next match.”

Saturday Oct. 3, 2015 at 1 p.m. the Wolves will face Central Washington University (CWU) at home on the WOU Soccer Field. The CWU Wildcats are currently 2-5 overall and 0-2 in conference.

For more information on scheduling, tickets, and roster please visit wouwolves.com. – Grace Knapp (Staff Writer)

Wolves football update

By: Katrina Penaflor
Managing Editor

In the opening game of the 2015-2016 regular season Sept. 5, 2015, Western played to a 29-20 loss against Humboldt State.

The loss, however, showcased the talent of senior quarterback Trey Shimabukuro, who rallied to throw for 368 yards and three touchdowns.

When facing Simon Fraser University Sept. 12, 2015 in their first home game at McArthur Field, the Wolves proved strong with a second-half comeback, winning the game 31-14.
Paul Revis (WR), sophomore and Preseason All-American, fueled the team by taking back a 53 yard punt to score in the first quarter.

In the post-game recap, head coach Arne Ferguson said, “Paul Revis is a phenomenal athlete and we want the ball in his hands as many times as we can.”

Western faced a second loss in the regular season against Central Washington University (CWU) on Sept. 19, 2015.

The team’s vigorous attempts at redemption were not enough to overcome the 40 points scored by CWU in the first half. The final score read a grim 19-40.

In the latest game, the Wolves took to Providence Park in Portland, Sept. 26, 2015 to play Division I-AA Portland State University (PSU).

The Vikings dominated the field with a season high 59 rushing attempts for 256 yards. Despite defensive efforts from standout’s Jonathan Breland (LB) senior, who finished with 12 tackles, and senior Doug Parrish (LB), who managed six tackles, PSU took home the victory 31-0.

The season is just getting started though, and in an interview with Wolves sportscaster Mark Gilm, Revis (WR) said, “we’ve just got to utilize our weapons and let our offense march down the field, and I think we’ll have success with that.”

Western plays Dixie State University in St. George, Utah, Friday Oct. 2, 2015 at 6 p.m. – Katrina Penaflor (Managing Editor)

Wolves alumni Tyrell Williams named to Chargers regular season roster.

By: Jack Armstrong
Copy Editor

Western alumnus Tyrell Williams (WR) has been named to the 53-man, regular season roster for the San Diego Chargers in the NFL. He made his official NFL Debut on Sep. 19, 2015 during the Chargers 33-28 win over the Detroit Lions.

Williams’ route to the NFL was far from traditional. Williams had a stand out senior year playing for WOU. After starting 10 games, he racked up a total of 56 catches, 950 yards, and 8 touchdowns.

With a successful senior season under his belt, Williams attended the Oregon State Pro Day on March 13, 2015. As an undrafted free agent, Oregon’s annual pro day was a chance for Williams to work-out in front of the same scouts that evaluate players at the NFL’s Draft Combine.

Undrafted free agents are a unique prospect for many NFL teams looking to make a swoop for quality players who were not invited to participate in the traditional Draft.

Williams actually posted times on his 40-yard dash, vertical jump, and broad leap that would have put him amongst the top 15 wide receivers in the official NFL combine. His three-cone drill time would have seen him be the best in the combine, completing the drill almost a tenth of a second faster the quickest combine player.

Williams’ ability to perform was not in question around Western’s campus, but being an undrafted free agent does come with some additional difficulty breaking into the professional league.

Often talented colligate players are left out of the NFL combine for a variety of reasons. Some reasons are as simple as a coming from a division two school like Williams coming from Western; some reasons are as complicated as on-going criminal investigations like Louisiana State’s La’El Collins (OT).

Regardless of why he was left undrafted, Williams proved himself during pro day and hasn’t looked back. After being signed to the Chargers pre-season squad, he put together a string of impressive performances including 10 receptions in 4 games for a total of 137 yards. One of those receptions led to a 63 yard touchdown.

After the brief possibility of being waived in-favor of a more senior player, it was announced that Williams would be named in the 53-man squad for the Chargers 2015-2016 regular season.

He is currently listed as a practice squad player, however, given the recent injury woes experienced by San Diego – especially fellow wide receiver Jacoby Jones (ankle) – Williams could get a full NFL game-day debut soon.

Women’s volleyball update: starting from scratch.

By: Grace Knapp
Staff Writer

Composed of mostly underclassmen and completely devoid of seniors, the new-look Wolves volleyball team faces an uphill battle in the highly competitive GNAC conference.

“With our overall lack of experience, we get exposed during games,” head coach Brad Saindon said. “But the team is at the beginning of a huge growth spurt, and I’m excited to see what we can become.”

During the run up to the regular season, the women hosted the Western Oregon Volleyball Invitational tournament from Sept. 10, 2015 through Sept. 12, 2015. WOU played to mixed results racking up 2 wins against Adelphi University and Notre Dame De Namur University, and 2 losses against California State University Chico and University of Wisconsin-Parkside.

Western also attended the two-day Oredigger Volleyball Classic in Golden, Co. from Sept. 4, 2015 through Sept. 5 2015 to less success, losing all four games. Two of these games, however, were against Colorado School of Mines and California State University San Bernardino who are ranked #8 and #19 respectively.

The Wolves who are currently 4 wins and 9 losses (4-9) overall and 1-3 in conference will face the defending GNAC champion Northwest Nazarene University at home at 7 p.m. Oct. 3, 2015 in the New P.E. building. NNU is currently 5-7 overall and 2-2 in GNAC. – Grace Knapp (Staff Writer)

Larson earns First-Team All-American Honors

Javelin throwers Justin Larson, Sheila Limas De La Cruz and Amanda Short competed in the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championship. The trio competed at Grand Valley State University’s Track & Field Stadium in Western Michigan from May 21-23.

In his third straight national championship appearance, Larson threw a personal best of 66.68 meters (218-9) on his final throw of the competition. Larson broke a 24-year-old school record set by Western alum David Nickell in addition to earning U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Outdoor All-American honors.

Larson’s top-eight performance earned him the First-Team USTFCCAA All-American honors, a feat that has not been achieved by a Wolf since 2011.

Limas De La Cruz and Short made their national championship debut on Saturday, May 23 in the women’s javelin finals. Limas De La Cruz and Short placed 17th and 19th, respectively. Limas de La Cruz threw 39.19 meters (128-7) and Short threw 38.76 meters (127-2).

2015 NBA FINALS

The NBA Finals Playoff series is set to start in Oakland on Thursday, June 4 with tipoff at 6 p.m. PST. The Golden State Warriors are favored to win the series with in-form Stephen Curry coming in off the back of game three against the Rockets where he broke the record for most three-pointers scored in a playoff season at 67 and counting. Klay Thompson is also heating up for the Warriors sinking 20 points in the final game against the Rockets. This is the Warriors first finals appearance since their last NBA title win in 1975.

The Cavaliers and Lebron James are arriving to the big stage battered and bruised. With at least four players experiencing day-to-day injuries (including James), the Cavs played one less game but are still feeling the physical side. This didn’t stop James’ trophy-hunting side from putting up a triple-double in the overtime game three, and a respectable 23 points in game four against the Atlanta Hawks. Looking for a boost, Kyrie Irving returned to the starting line-up after missing two games and posted an efficient 16 points and 4 rebounds in 20 minutes of play.

Baseball Wins GNAC

PHOTO FROM WESTERN ATHLETICS
PHOTO FROM WESTERN ATHLETICS

After winning three games in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) tournament, the Wolves baseball team clinched its 14th consecutive championship in a 4-3 win against the Northwest Nazarene Crusaders. Left-handed pitcher Darrien Moran earned the title of GNAC Championship MVP.

Right-handed pitcher Jesse Pratt was named to the 2015 Daktronics, Inc. Division II All-West Region Baseball Team.

Pratt was also named to the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association All-West Region Team as an honorable mention selection, along with outfielder Matt Taylor.

The Wolves are waiting for word on whether they qualify for the NCAA Division II West Regional tournament, which will be announced this weekend.

Multiple GNAC champions earn honors on home track during Outdoor Championships

By Rachel Shelley
 Staff Writer
Photos by Rachel Gosney
Photos by Rachel Gosney

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The Great Northwest Athletic Conference Outdoor Championships were held this past weekend on the Wolves home turf to showcase the outdoor track season as well as giving those going a chance to prepare for the National meet.

The first highlight came from Emmi Collier who became the first Wolf to win an individual title in the shot put since 2006. Her lifetime personal best came Friday, May 8, en route to win the shot put with 13.89 meters.

Jeremy Moore was able to step on the podium Friday after a 45.34 mark in the discus to give him a second place finish overall.

For the runners, preliminaries took place Friday. Rochelle Pappel raced the 100-meter hurdles, qualifying for finals in 14.46 seconds. Laura Patrick raced the 100 to qualify for finals in 12.36.

In the 400 hurdles, seniors Audrey Hellesto and Laura Knudson raced to keep their season alive, qualifying for finals in 1:04.31 and 1:04.96, respectively.

The men’s side included Aaron Whitaker finishing the 400 in 49, finishing seventh and qualifying for finals. Standout first year Cody Warner earned a spot in the finals in the 100 with 10.67 and the 200 in 21.68, taking second in both events.

Kaleb Dobson raced the 400 hurdles, winning his preliminary race in 54.18. In the 800, All-American Badane Sultessa, Josh Dempsey and Josh Hanna all earned spots in Saturday’s finals. Sultessa won the prelims with a time of 1:51.46.

On Saturday, senior Rebecca Laible defended her individual title in the triple jump with 11.79 meters. She won the event by 1.50 inches and also achieved a season-best to end her career at Western. Kylie Reinholdt took third in the event with 11.69, a life-time best.

Stephanie Stuckey raced the 1,500, placing third in 4:35.26. Emily Wetherell threw a lifetime best mark of 48.70 in the hammer throw while Amanda Short and Sheila Limas De La Cruz finished third and fourth, respectively, in the javelin. They both threw lifetime bests in 44.12 and 44.04 meters, respectively.

The men took home two individual titles when Sultessa won the finals of the 800 in 1:52.31. He became the Wolves’ third 800 champion since 2011. First year David Ribich took home his first conference title in the 1,500 in 3:50.58, a lifetime best.

Warner finished in second place in the 100 after finals while Dobson finished second in the 400 hurdles after the finals race.

The men’s team finished with 88 points in the conference standings, placing fourth overall after the two days. The women’s team placed fifth with 62 points.

The last opportunity to race during this outdoor season takes place on May 21-23 in Grand Rapids, Michigan at the NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships. The Wolves will wait for the announcement of what times qualify to earn a spot in the meet.

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