Mount Hood

Women’s+ rugby

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

Western’s women’s+ rugby team has taken the Cascade Conference by storm this season. Finishing the fall season with an undefeated 13-0 record, the team is dominating on the field.  Representing more than just athletic success, the Wolves have built a program rooted in inclusivity and teamwork.
Western’s rugby team is rewriting the playbook on inclusivity in sports. While rugby has historically been male-dominated, Western’s team is proving that there can be a space for anyone who wants to play. Jaylin Emond-Hardin, a junior on the team who also works with “The Western Howl,” emphasized its unique approach by saying, “It’s a movement for inclusivity. We love the saying ‘rugby is for everyone’ because it’s true. Women’s+ means anyone, whether cis, trans or gender non-conforming, are encouraged to join.” This policy fosters an environment where athletes of all backgrounds can thrive and feel welcome.
While inclusivity is the heart of the program, the team’s athletic achievements are undeniable. Competing as a club sport, the Wolves play in the Cascade Conference along with schools such as Willamette University, the University of Puget Sound and the combined team of Reed College and Lewis & Clark University. Throughout the fall season, Western showed everyone in attendance that they were the team to watch out for.
Behind the Wolves’ success are several standout players who have delivered exceptional performances this fall. Estela Miranda-Aguilar, a senior scrum, plays a role comparable to a quarterback in football, directing plays and orchestrating the offense. Her 14 tries this season highlight her scoring ability, while her leadership also earned her the Back MVP award. Emily Moore, the senior flyhalf, leads the team in tries with 17 this season. Moore’s consistent ability to score and create opportunities for teammates has been an imperative factor in the team’s success. Journey Petry, a first-year prop, came to rugby with a background in high school tackle football, and her defensive skills have transferred smoothly. Petry is known for her hard-hitting tackles, and she has proven to be a reliable presence on the field. Lastly, while being a full-time student and a student employee, Emond-Hardin has found a way to balance rugby, school and her work at “The Western Howl.” This season, she was recognized by her coaches and teammates as the hardest worker. Emond-Hardin credits much of her growth as a player to observing her skilled teammates Petry, Miranda and Moore.
For many players, club sports offer more than just a chance to compete — they provide a sense of belonging. Emond-Hardin spoke about how the Rugby team has shaped her college experience by saying, “Rugby is a great community. It is very open and welcoming, and I have felt a part of the team since I joined freshman year.” Having played sports her whole life, Jaylin was introduced to rugby through a high school ex-boyfriend who played the sport. Since then, she has embraced it as a way to stay active and engaged at Western.
While the fall season has come to a close, the Wolves are already setting ambitious goals for spring. Last year, they achieved a national ranking of 14th, but they’re determined to improve on that in 2025. With their current momentum, strong leadership and dedication, a higher ranking is well within their reach. As the Wolves prepare for spring, they carry the hopes of their university and the broader rugby community. Whether they’re crushing tackles on the field or breaking barriers off of it, Western’s women’s rugby team is a great example of what club sports have to offer. 

Contact the author at howlsports@mail.wou.edu

Women’s professional hockey season opener

Written by: Jaylin Emond-Hardin | Entertainment Editor

The Professional Women’s Hockey League — PWHL — has kicked off its second season. Founded in June 2023, the league hopes to build off the success of their inaugural season. 

The season opener, which featured games for all six teams, launched a 30-game per team season, up from the previous 24. 

In the 2000s and early 2010s, players were not offered salaries from the existing Women’s Canadian Hockey League, as it was run by a non-profit. In 2015, the Premier Hockey Federation was founded in the United States, expanding to Canada in 2020, with players being offered salaries.

The Women’s Canadian Hockey League was dissolved, but players from the league were quick to found the Professional Women’s Hockey Players’ Association, or PWHPA. From there, they boycotted existing leagues in pursuit of a unified, financially stable league. In 2022, the PWHPA entered a partnership with the Mark Walter Group, the PWHL entered its infancy. 

This season also gives teams their identities. Initially lacking team names and logos, PWHL league executives were in a time crunch to design them so the teams would have them for uniforms and merchandise for the second season. During their inaugural season, teams were referred to by their city name with a PWHL prefix — for example, PWHL Toronto. 

With an influx of college graduates, US Olympians and European players coming into the league, they continue to hope to ride the wave of women’s sports growth in North America. 

“It’s hard to put into words, to be honest. Obviously, the first season exceeded all of our expectations,” vice president of hockey operations Jayna Hefford said. “We always believed. We had a vision for it. But to see it happen as quickly as it did was something that was pretty special.”

With the Minnesota Frost coming off a championship high, other teams have hoped to capitalize on the team’s shaky off-season — the team’s general manager was dismissed following a league review that revealed a rift between her and Frost head coach Ken Klee. 

“For me, it’s just about getting our group back together,” Klee said. “We’re focusing on the future. Pro-hockey, things happen, some unfortunate things and some things out of our control, and we’re just really looking forward and excited to get the season going.”

Most matches will be streaming on The Sports Network and Réseau des Sports, Canada’s top sports service, with select matches streaming on Prime Video and Madison Square Garden Sports. 

Season opener score report:

Boston Fleet v. Toronto Sceptres — 1 – 3

Ottawa Charge v. Montreal Victoire — 3 – 4

New York Sirens v. Minnesota Frost — 4 – 3

Contact the author at howlentertainment@mail.wou.edu

Feminism in sports

Written by: Molly Martinka | Freelancer

Content Warning: This article contains references to sexual assault

“No matter what life throws at you, or how unfair you think it is, never give up. Pick yourself up and go on.” — Megan Rapinoe, soccer player

Since the beginning of time, society has demonstrated the importance of hierarchy. Whether it be women against men, race against race or right against wrong, there has always been a society where divide is a normality. Though many can admit that the adversities that permeate society are harmful to mankind, people seldom take the initiative to make a change. These feelings of hesitancy commonly arise from the idea that one person is not capable of making a difference for a change that must occur by the masses. There are some female athletes, however, that have changed this narrative, and took it upon themselves to make a change in the capacity that they can.

Sports are of great importance in the individuality and collectivism that shapes our cultures, and the idea of an “athlete” manifests in various forms. Such a captivating force is the ideal platform for athletes to make changes in the fabric of society, whether it be miniscule alterations or mass diversion. Female athletes have faced discrimination for centuries, and continue to face adversity today. This, when combined with other social repressions, creates the urge for change to cultivate within some iconic athletes such as Simone Biles, Serena Williams and Megan Rapinoe. These three women highlight the importance of feminism in sports, and racial equality in the world. 

Simone Biles is undoubtedly one of the most prominent figures in the Olympic and gymnastics community, but her success did not come without hardship. Biles has demonstrated perseverance, grit and strength that many women take deep inspiration from. Though millions recognize her for her skills and agility, there is far more praise to be given for her role in the women’s movement of female athletes. Not only did Biles express the importance of women’s mental health when she stepped back in the Tokyo Olympics, but she also brought justice to thousands of women by exposing the sexual abuse caused by Olympic doctor Larry Nassar. By demonstrating the fearlessness to speak out on a male perpetrator at such a high profile, Biles reminded society that no matter the cost, justice takes precedence over press. Though she was aware of the negative backlash she could potentially face, she took the step towards change and away from gender inequality. 

Serena Williams also demonstrated feminism and called for change when she spoke out against unequal pay for black female athletes. Her statement, “I’m a black woman in a sport that wasn’t really meant for black people,” in an interview with The Hill emphasizes the social culture historically surrounding tennis. Williams knowingly entered a sport that was often for the highest profile white wealthy families, and became one of the icons of the sports for years to come. 

Williams takes action in many ways, including opening secondary schools in Kenya, representing UNICEF as an ambassador and creating her own venture capital firm which invests in technology companies created and run by African American women. These actions help further the women’s movement in sports in parallel with the Black Lives Matter movement, serving as inspiration to millions. 

Megan Rapinoe is a female soccer player, who took a stance to speak on the hardships of calling for change. She has spoken out fearlessly against systemic racism, homophobia in sports and abuse of women within the industry. She calls for a “paradigm shift,” and encourages other female athletes not to hesitate to speak out against injustices. One of her most prominent actions to further the women’s sports movement is her lawsuit against unequal women’s pay. Her call for change created a ripple effect amongst female soccer players, and the lawsuit ended in a $20 million settlement and a promise for equal pay in the future. 

Though the women’s rights movement will never be complete, and there is still great room for change, one cannot overlook the strength and progress that has been made thus far. These female athletes helped craft a safer future for oppressed athletes all over the world. A call for change has been spoken, and these powerful icons answered that call. Though their work is not done, a newfound courage has been sparked in sports fans everywhere. Together, the fabric of society can change, and these female athletes demonstrated just that. 

The women’s rights social movement will continue to grow and evolve, and sports will remain one of the most compelling platforms for political expression. With the power of these strong female athletes, evolution is inevitable. It takes one match to start a fire, and these women have done just that. 

Contact the author at mmartinka23@mail.wou.edu

Mercedes’ hat trick and Max Verstappen’s dominance

Written by: Jaylin Emond-Hardin | Entertainment Editor

Max Verstappen clinched his fourth World Drivers’ Championship this weekend by finishing one place ahead of championship rival Lando Norris. The Dutch driver is the third driver in the last fifteen years to “fourpeat,” and the second Red Bull Racing driver to “fourpeat.” Former racer Sebastian Vettel holds the first of both of these records. 

In April this year, Norris had said, “Verstappen’s dominance could bore fans.” This, of course, was at the beginning of the season, when Verstappen had still been winning every race. Norris had yet to be a championship contender, and would not be one until May, with his maiden win in Miami putting him in second for the championship for the first time in his career. 

From then on, for Norris to be able to win the championship, he needed to finish each Grand Prix ahead of Verstappen, a feat he has rarely been able to do.

It was the Las Vegas Grand Prix that would make or break Norris and Verstappen’s championship dreams.  

Starting in fifth with rival Norris in sixth gave Verstappen an edge to where he could block him from taking the inside line on corners, as well as allowing Verstappen to block any undercutting from the McLaren driver. Undercutting occurs when a driver pits before the car or cars in front to try and gain a position, a strategy favored by McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella. 

These strategy choices were what allowed Verstappen to maintain his fifth-place position, just one ahead of Norris, and to clinch his fourth championship. 

Las Vegas also meant a hat trick for Mercedes Racing drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. Hamilton and Russell topped all three free practices on Thursday and Friday, giving the pair an edge for qualifying.

While Hamilton struggled to break the top 10 in qualifying, Russell maintained dominance on the track and clinched pole position for Saturday’s race. Starting in pole, or first position, gave Russell an undeniable edge as he was able to lead by a margin of seven seconds.

A one-stop pit-stop strategy brought Hamilton up to second, but with the margin that Russell led by, he couldn’t catch up to his teammate. By the end of the 50-lap race, Russell and Hamilton had maintained their one-two positions, giving Mercedes the double podium.

With the Mercedes double podium, this also meant that the team had clinched a hat trick. With Hamilton and Russell leading in all three free practices, Russell claiming pole position and a Mercedes double podium, the team dominated the Las Vegas Street Circuit. 

Formula One’s last two races of the season are Dec. 1 and Dec. 8, with the drivers traveling to Qatar and Abu Dhabi. While Verstappen has been crowned the World Drivers’ Champion, the Constructors’ Champion — where both drivers’ points combine for a team score — still has yet to be decided. McLaren currently leads with 608 points, with Ferrari just 24 points behind. 

The Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix will be streaming on ESPN+ and F1 TV. 

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

The worlds of modern entertainment and traditional boxing collided on the night of Nov. 15, 2024. Social media star Jake Paul faced off against Mike Tyson, a boxing legend, in one of the most highly anticipated fights in recent history.
In most people’s minds, Tyson’s name goes hand and hand with the sport of boxing. Born in Brooklyn in 1966, Tyson had a troubled youth but found a purpose in boxing. Under the wing of legendary trainer Cus D’Amato, Tyson’s career began to skyrocket. By age 20, Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion in history, capturing the WBC title in 1986.
Nicknamed “Iron Mike,” Tyson was feared for his brutal knockouts and excessive aggression. His career record includes 50 wins, 44 by knockout and only six losses. Despite his success, Tyson’s journey was followed by controversy, including legal troubles and public meltdowns that negatively affected his reputation. He retired from boxing in 2005 but made a surprising return in 2020 for an exhibition bout against Roy Jones Jr., which sparked a new interest in the once-retired fighter.
Unlike Tyson, Jake Paul’s rise to fame came from the entertainment industry. Born in Ohio in 1997, Paul gained notoriety as a Disney Channel star and then became a YouTuber before pivoting to boxing in 2018 as a way to expand his name and take on new challenges. His journey into the ring was initially perceived as a joke, but Paul quickly proved himself as a skilled, disciplined fighter. His journey began with a widely publicized fight against YouTuber Deji Olatunji, the brother of famous influencer KSI, which took place on the undercard of the KSI vs. Logan Paul fight. Paul ended up winning the match, which motivated him to pursue the sport even more. He eventually transitioned to professional boxing in 2020, defeating YouTuber AnEsonGib in his debut fight. Paul began taking part in intense training regimes, working with professional trainers and sparring with established fighters. He has since fought and defeated multiple opponents, including former MMA champions, solidifying his position as a controversial yet influential figure in the boxing world. Going into the fight vs Tyson, Paul held a professional record of 10-1.
The announcement of the Tyson-Paul fight in March 2024 sparked debates across the sports world. For fans of traditional boxing, a 58-year-old Tyson stepping into the ring against a 27-year-old social media star was unimaginable. On the other hand, Paul’s supporters praised the fight, egging on the other side.
Initially scheduled for July 20, the fight faced delays due to Tyson’s health issues. The fight was then rescheduled for Nov. 15 and was billed as a professional match. Adding to the hype, Netflix secured exclusive streaming rights, allowing them to broadcast the fight to their subscribers.
With a crowd of 75,000 in attendance and millions watching online, the stage was set for a showdown between past and present. The eight-round match featured two-minute rounds and heavier gloves — a safety measure given Tyson’s age and the nature of the exhibition.
From the opening bell, it became clear that time had taken its toll on Tyson. His once lightning-fast combinations were visibly slower, even though his boxing IQ and footwork stayed the same. Paul was able to capitalize on his youth, using his speed and stamina to control the pace of the fight.
While Tyson landed a few shots, Paul’s consistent jabs earned him the upper hand. The fight ended with a unanimous decision in Paul’s favor, with judges scoring the match 80-72, 79-73 and 79-73. Paul went on to celebrate the victory as the “most significant achievement of his career,” while Tyson thankfully acknowledged the outcome.
Days after the fight, Tyson let the world know that he had undergone serious health struggles leading up to the event, including significant weight loss and multiple blood transfusions. This gave context to his performance, showcasing the physical toll boxing takes on aging athletes.
Due to technical issues, Netflix received backlash from fans claiming that there were buffering and streaming glitches. Fans were outraged, and a $50 million class-action lawsuit was filed against Netflix, alleging breach of contract.
Despite its controversies, the fight was a commercial success. Paul’s victory solidified his spot as a legitimate fighter, with his team expressing interest in future matchups against legends like Canelo Álvarez and Anthony Joshua.
For Tyson, the fight marked another chapter in his career, one that emphasized resilience and courage. While some questioned his decision to fight at 58 years old, others admired his willingness to step back into the ring.

Contact the author at howlsports@mail.wou.edu

Military appreciation football game recap

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

The Western Oregon Wolves hosted the Angelo State Rams on a special night of football under the banner of military appreciation. The game began with both teams testing each other’s defenses and finding early success in the kicking game. Western and Angelo State each managed to drive into field goal range, but both teams fell short of the end zone. Kickers from each side capitalized, and the first quarter ended with a 3-3 tie.
The action-packed second quarter began with Angelo State making its first major statement of the night. They scored the game’s first touchdown within the first two minutes of the quarter, taking a 10-3 lead. Before Western could regroup, Angelo struck again, finding the end zone less than three minutes later. The Rams’ quick two-touchdown burst put the Wolves in a 17-3 hole, but the Wolves refused to back down. Western responded with a deep ball from quarterback Michael Gibson to Damon Hickok that shifted the momentum toward the offense. Shortly after, a clutch reception by Kade Hustler allowed the Wolves to secure a crucial first down, pushing them to the doorstep of the end zone. However, a fumble at the 5-yard line gave Angelo State possession, squashing Western’s hopes for a touchdown on that drive. Fortunately, the Wolves’ defense stepped up when it mattered most, forcing Angelo State into a field goal attempt.
Andrew Simpson’s electric kick return set Western up at the 25-yard line, sparking another drive. A series of clutch plays brought the Wolves within 10 yards of the goal line, but they couldn’t punch it in. Western settled for a field goal from Keaton Emmett, narrowing the score to 17-6.
Just when it seemed like Angelo State was going to take over the game, Western’s special teams delivered a game-changing play. A blocked field goal, courtesy of an impressive effort by Cody Hall, was recovered in the end zone for a Wolves touchdown. Emmett added the extra point with a kick, and Western clapped back to make the score 17-13.
Western’s defense continued to dominate, stopping Angelo’s kick return at the 15-yard line and applying pressure. A stand-out play from the defense was when Daron Ulrich Jr. forced an incomplete pass on a potential Angelo touchdown. Although the Wolves were able to regain possession with about 30 seconds left in the half, time ran out before they could add any more points to the board.
At halftime, the Wolves trailed 17-13, but the momentum was finally on their side.
Angelo State came out of the locker room with renewed energy, scoring a touchdown early and adding the extra point to start the third quarter, extending their lead to 24-13. Western’s offense worked hard to respond, with Damon Hickok making key plays to inch closer toward the end zone. While the Wolves couldn’t capitalize with a touchdown, they managed to add a field goal, trimming the score to 24-16.
However, Angelo State’s offense was on a roll. They answered with another touchdown and extra point, building a 31-16 lead. Despite the deficit, Western’s defense continued to fight, with Joseph Northcutt delivering a sack to stop an Angelo drive. The Wolves’ efforts kept the score steady at 31-16 heading into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter opened with a bang as Aaron Woodard delivered a monster hit that set the tone for a physical finish. Both teams dug in, with defenses dominating and possessions going back and forth. Western managed to produce some highlight-reel moments, such as Andrew Simpson’s kick return that left defenders stuck in the turf, and an acrobatic catch from Kade Hustler that kept the Wolves’ hopes alive.
Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, the Wolves’ offense couldn’t find the spark needed to close the gap. Angelo State’s defense held tight, stopping the Wolves’ final pushes. Both teams traded stops as the clock ticked down, and the game ended with Angelo State securing a hard-fought 38-16 victory.
The 2024 season has sadly come to an end, but the Wolves showed significant improvement compared to last year. This season, Western finished with an overall record of 6-5, and 6-3 in conference play — a notable leap from the previous season’s 3-8 overall record and 2-6 league performance. It was inspiring to see Western’s dedicated fans, players, and staff come together to support the team through these hard-fought games. Their passion and commitment have built tremendous anticipation for the upcoming season.

Contact the author at howlsports@mail.wou.edu

The James’ legacy continues

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

The path to the NBA is often filled with trials, tribulations and triumphs. Bronny James Jr., the eldest son of NBA legend LeBron James, has had a unique and challenging journey that is different from most players. Born into the shadow of one of the greatest basketball players of all time, James Jr. has carved his path, proving that he is more than just a name.
James Jr. was born Oct. 6, 2004, in Cleveland, Ohio, during his father’s early years with the Cleveland Cavaliers. From a young age, it was evident that basketball was in his blood. Watching his dad dominate in the NBA did nothing but influence James Jr.’s passion for the game.
Despite growing up with access to everything the NBA had to offer, James Jr. faced significant pressure to live up to his father’s legacy. However, his parents made sure that he had a balanced upbringing.
James Jr. attended Sierra Canyon School in Chatsworth, California, a powerhouse for basketball talent. Joining the program in 2019, he immediately gained national attention. Playing alongside other top recruits and future NBA players, like Ziaire Williams and Amari Bailey, allowed James Jr. to find his style.
As a freshman, James Jr. showed flashes of brilliance. Even though his stats didn’t jump off the page, he showcased a high basketball IQ, higher than most players his age.
Over the years, James Jr.’s game matured. Standing at 6-foot-3-inches, he developed into a two-way guard capable of playing on or off the ball. His defensive presence, court vision and playmaking ability became trademarks of his game.
Unfortunately for James Jr., being LeBron James’ son comes with immense expectations. Every game James Jr. played was analyzed heavily by critics, fans and social media platforms. Comparisons to his father were inevitable, but James Jr. handled the pressure with remarkable composure.
In addition to pressure from the outside world, James Jr. faced the challenge of playing in the social media age. Highlights of his games would go viral within minutes, and any perceived misstep was put on a pedestal. Yet James Jr. remained focused, leaning on his family and inner circle for support.
After an impressive high school career, James Jr. received offers from all around the country but eventually committed to the University of Southern California — USC. This decision was a pivotal moment in his journey. Staying close to home, he joined a winning program with a strong roster. The move allowed him to develop under a skilled coaching staff, while also continuing to build his brand in Los Angeles.

His resilience was tested further in the summer of 2023 when James Jr. suffered a cardiac arrest during a practice session at USC. The incident sent shockwaves through the basketball world, but fortunately, James Jr. recovered and returned to the court.
As a freshman at USC, James Jr. did not put up game-breaking numbers. He had his moments, but once again, what caught the eyes of NBA scouts was his defense and basketball IQ. He embraced a leadership role at USC and was able to showcase his ability to control the tempo of the game while also regularly defending the opposing team’s best player. His combination of skills, basketball IQ and intangibles made him a top prospect for the NBA draft. While he may not have been the most athletic or dominant player on the court, his poised gameplay and mental approach set him apart.
In 2024, James Jr. declared for the NBA Draft, fulfilling a lifelong dream. The basketball world was filled with anticipation as he worked out for teams and attended the NBA Combine. His workouts and interviews showcased his maturity, proving he was ready for the next level.
Draft night was a historic moment, as James Jr. was selected as the 55th pick to the Los Angeles Lakers to play alongside his father. LeBron James, who had publicly expressed his desire to play alongside his son in the NBA, sat proudly in the audience. When James Jr.’s name was called, it marked a new chapter for the James family legacy.
A lot of critics think that James Jr.’s entry into the NBA only happened because of the name on the back of his jersey, but he is more than just a continuation of his father’s legacy. While comparisons to LeBron James will always exist, James Jr. has consistently told the press that he wants to make a name for himself, not anybody else. He may not have the same exemplary athleticism as his father, but his current skill set makes him a valuable asset to any team.
As James Jr. embarks on his NBA career, the sky’s the limit. While the weight of his father’s legacy will always be evident, James Jr. has proven that he has the talent and determination to shine on his terms.
The basketball world eagerly anticipates what the future holds for James Jr. Whether it’s hitting game-winning shots, leading a team to a championship or even creating his legacy off of the court, one thing is clear: James Jr.’s journey is just beginning, and it promises to be nothing short of legendary.

Contact the author at howlsports@mail.wou.edu

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.