Mount Hood

Western moves on

March 12, 2025

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

After six seasons, Western has officially announced the departure of men’s basketball head coach Wes Pifer and his accompanying staff, marking the end of a challenging era for the Wolves. This decision comes after a series of disappointing seasons, culminating in a two-year stretch where the team held a record of just 10-44, with three of those closely contested victories coming against NAIA or Division III opponents — teams that a Division II program like Western would typically be expected to defeat.
Wes Pifer took charge of the Western men’s basketball program at the start of the 2019-2020 season, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his previous coaching job at Division I Northern Arizona University. In his initial season with the Wolves, Pifer led the team to nine wins out of their first 11 games. This impressive start drove them to the No. 24 spot in the National Association of Basketball Coaches poll. A standout moment during this period was a decisive 16-point victory over then No. 6 ranked Dixie State, a team that has since transitioned to Division I competition.
Despite the initial success, the program’s performance began to decline in following seasons. Over the course of Pifer’s tenure, the Wolves compiled an overall record of 50-84, translating to a .373 win percentage. They also had an overall record of 32-58 in Great Northwest Athletic Conference — GNAC — play under Pifer’s leadership. As stated before, the past two seasons were particularly challenging, with the team recording a dismal 10-44 record.
Many factors contributed to the team’s decline during Pifer’s leadership. The 2023-2024 season was spoiled by numerous season-ending and in-season injuries, including those to key starters as well as potential stand-out players. Of the 14 active players in the 2023 season, three were sidelined with season-ending injuries early on, one left the team due to internal conflicts and others battled persistent injuries throughout the year. This significantly limited Western’s roster, leaving them with only seven healthy players available on some nights. These setbacks scattered overall team performance, ultimately leading to the Wolves missing the GNAC Championships after three consecutive appearances. Recruitment challenges also played a role in the program’s struggles. Maintaining a competitive edge in collegiate athletics relies on effective recruitment, and the Wolves faced difficulties honing in on top-tier talent at the center position coming into the 2024-25 season, impacting their ability to compete at a high level within the GNAC. The GNAC, known for its high-level competitiveness, contains several teams that perform at the best of their abilities on a nightly basis. The lack of a presence in the paint heightened competition, making it even more difficult for the Wolves to secure wins.
Beyond injuries and recruiting challenges, another issue that plagued the Wolves was their inability to close out games. Many of their losses were by narrow margins, with late-game execution proving to be a major weakness. This inability to finish games often frustrated players and fans alike, as the team, along with their coaching staff, struggled to maintain composure in critical moments. Though some of these struggles could be attributed to inexperience and a lack of depth, it became clear that a fresh approach was necessary to change the team’s trajectory.
The decision to part ways with Coach Pifer and his staff was not made lightly. Athletic Director Randi Lydum acknowledged Pifer’s passion and dedication to the program, but emphasized the imperative need for a new direction to restore the team’s competitiveness within the conference. “Coach Pifer is a dynamic and passionate leader. I am grateful for his commitment to our student-athletes and the men’s basketball program,” Lydum stated. “We wish Wes and his family the very best in the future.”
Coaching changes invariably affect student-athletes, both current team members and potential recruits. Current players may experience uncertainty regarding their roles and futures with the program, while new recruits might reconsider their commitments. The ability of Western’s athletic department to quickly hire a strong leader will be consequential in reducing these concerns.
With the search for a new head coach underway, the university is aiming to identify a leader who can rejuvenate the program and steer it back to its winning ways. It is likely that key qualities sought in the next coach will include a proven track record of success, strong recruiting capabilities and the ability to develop student-athletes both on and off the court. Finding a coach who can truly lead a team will be essential, as Western seeks to reestablish itself as a competitive force within the GNAC. The hiring process will be closely watched by alumni, fans and players who hope that the next chapter of Wolves basketball will be defined by progress rather than continued struggles.
The departure of head Coach Wes Pifer and his staff signifies a pivotal moment for Western’s men’s basketball program. The coming months will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the team, and with the right guidance, the Wolves have the potential to rise from the ashes and compete at the highest level within their division.

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Giving back

February 26, 2025

Written by: Sadie Latimer | News Editor

March 4, 2025, marks Western’s annual Giving Day — a way for people to donate to their chosen clubs, organizations, scholarships or other funds. Started in 2016, Giving Day has been an integral part of making sure the university and its students have the resources they need. 

Nearly every college and university has a day specifically for crowdfunding. For Western, it’s  “Howl from the Heart.” It is a component of “Wolves Rising: The Campaign for Western Oregon University,”a fundraising program launched Dec. 14, 2024, with an overall goal of raising $20 million for the university to better support students overall. 

Western has highlighted funds on the Giving Day website, including athletics, the Student Success Center, scholarships and the “Future Wolves Fund.” The website also promotes donating to the “Fund for WOU.” This is a general fund that will go toward the areas with the most need, such as campus maintenance and facilities, offsetting operating expenses and funding current campus activities. 

Every year, Giving Day gets bigger and better. This year, Western has a goal in sight of $300,000, compared to the nearly $250,000 that was reached last year. The crowdfunding day also has more than 60 funds to support, compared to last year’s 40 funds. 

On Giving Day 2024, the university created a service and volunteer aspect so students can give back to both Western and the surrounding communities. This year, the students’ community service will extend to Salem for park cleanup — an occupational therapy project. Alongside it, a blood drive on campus was hosted successfully. A need for student volunteers remains at Heron Pointe Senior Living in Monmouth to spend time with seniors from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on March 4. Students can sign up to volunteer by going to this Google Form.

If students want to find volunteer opportunities outside of Giving Day, a service fair will be held on campus on March 4, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Willamette room of the Werner University Center that will help organizations needing volunteers get connected with students. 

If a certain club, organization or other facet of Western isn’t listed on the website, donors can press the red “Make a Gift” button in the top right corner. This page allows donors to designate their gift to the place of their choice. 

Everyone is welcome to participate in Western’s Giving Day, including students, alumni, faculty, friends of the university and other community members. It is a great way for anyone to show their support, regardless of their affiliation with Western. 

If people would like to get more involved in Giving Day, and potentially win a $50 gift card, they can sign up to become a Giving Day Ambassador. 

“Giving Day Ambassadors are people just like you — students, staff, faculty, parents and friends of the university,” David Beasley, the director of development, annual giving and sponsorships, said in an email to the student body. “By signing up to be a Giving Day Ambassador, you can let alumni, friends, family, colleagues and others know about how they can support Western students.”

Two students can each win a gift card, with one student bringing in the most gifts and the other raising the most money. To become an ambassador, press the “Ambassador Sign-up” button on the Giving Day website. Then, fill out the short form and choose what program to support. After submitting the form, potential ambassadors will receive a unique donation link through email. When Giving Day arrives, they can share the link with others and give them the opportunity to donate to the ambassador’s chosen fund. 

If one does not receive a link from an ambassador and would still like to donate, many options are available, including calling 503-838-8814, visiting the Giving Day website — givingday.wou.edu — or going to The Cottage on Western’s campus and giving donations in-person. 

A Feb. 12 press release written by Maureen Brakke stated, “Join Western Oregon University on March 4, 2025, for Howl from the Heart. Make a meaningful contribution and help ensure that every student at Western has the resources they need to thrive.” 

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu 

From court to court

February 26, 2025

Written by: Quincy Bentley & Hannah Field | Sports Editor & Editor-in-Chief

Western is at the center of a high-profile lawsuit, as nine former women’s basketball players have filed a lawsuit seeking $28 million in damages. The plaintiffs have filed claims not only against  the university but also individually against the university’s president, athletic director, dean of students, head coach Jessica Peatross and assistant coach Demetrius “DJ” Marlow. The claim, filed in January 2025, alleges that all defendants took actions to retaliate against plaintiffs.
The university previously conducted an internal investigation against the coaching staff in 2024, canceling their season 23 games in. The investigation resulted in no substantiated claims against the coaches, leading the university to bring back both Peatross and Marlow and, consequently, the former players to seek legal consequences after the alleged abuse. According to the lawsuit, Peatross and Marlow engaged in a pattern of abusive behavior such as excessive conditioning, medical negligence and mental health interference.
In the case of excessive conditioning, players claim they were subjected to grueling training sessions that led to dehydration, exhaustion and injuries. Cali McClave, the team’s leading scorer and captain last season, stated, “I played at Western for five years, and as an athlete, you’re built to be able to do conditioning; to be able to do a lot. A lot of it is mental toughness, but they used it in the way of fear and a way of (saying), ‘I’m holding this over your head. I have all the power here.’ Pretty much everyone was in the training room due to these coaches and that excessive running.”
Key factors in the medical negligence claim include statements from Ana McClave, the sister of Cali McClave, who is also one of the nine players involved in the lawsuit. As a junior guard for Western last year, Ana alleged she was pressured to participate in practices despite not being medically cleared after knee surgery. Additionally, during a bout of bronchitis, even with a doctor’s note to excuse her, she claimed she was forced to play.
Former forward Jodi Noyes also had a lot to say about the mental health interferences she experienced while playing under Peatross. Noyes reported that coaches urged her to discontinue prescribed antidepressant medication. She was allegedly mocked with the nickname “Eeyore” and told that taking medication before games made her weak. “(Peatross) would question me before games and stuff being like, ‘Did you take it today?’ One time I missed a shot in the middle of a game and just wasn’t playing good, and (Marlow) ripped me out. He was like, ‘Jodi, did you take your pills today?'” Noyes stated.
Players who voiced concerns claim they faced severe consequences, including increased conditioning, less playing time and, in some cases, expulsion from the team. The situation escalated further Feb. 12, 2024, when Peatross filed a police report accusing freshman guard Hanne Hopkins of assault. Surveillance footage disproved the claim, but the lawsuit alleges this was a “false police report” as well as an attempt to intimidate players into silence. The plaintiffs argue that Western failed to take adequate action despite multiple complaints.
When the coaches were reinstated in April 2024, six of the eight players who had filed complaints and still had remaining eligibility were dismissed from the team by Peatross and Marlow.
In 2024, “The Western Howl” covered this incident, gathering information from multiple sources to provide a detailed account of the situation. Reflecting on Peatross’ past, the original article included the following quote: “An anonymous source stated that ‘The head coach lied on her resume that she played division one basketball when she didn’t.’ Further investigation shows that the introductions for Coach Peatross into both Salem University and Western Oregon University included that ‘Peatross received a Division-1 scholarship to play golf, basketball and track at Chicago State University’ — however, there are no digital records of Peatross ever competing or being on the roster of the Chicago State women’s basketball roster between 2010-2014, when she attended the university; there are records of Peatross competing at Chicago State in track and field and golf.”
After reaching out to both sides of the legal dispute, “The Western Howl” was able to get a statement from attorney Jason Kafoury, who is representing the nine former players. As for the university, “The Western Howl” was informed, “The university cannot comment on open litigation, WOU personnel or student matters. We appreciate your understanding and patience as the university handles this matter and will share updates as appropriate.”
Kafoury alleged that Western negligently hired Peatross despite her controversial history at previous institutions. The lawsuit claims the university failed to properly vet her background and overlooked allegations of abusive behavior at Salem University, her prior coaching job in West Virginia. Additionally, line 208 of the complaint document alleges that both Peatross and Marlow “lied on their resumes and lacked requisite qualifications,” raising further questions about the university’s hiring practices.
Kafoury went on to state, “Western Oregon University hired an abusive coach, and when the student-athletes stood up to the horrible treatment, they were retaliated against by losing their basketball careers and scholarships.” He argued that this lawsuit is not just about Western, but about setting a precedent that holds coaches responsible for their treatment of student-athletes. The claim suggests that if universities continue to overlook red flags in hiring while also failing to address player concerns, they could face similar legal and financial repercussions.
“This case is about sending a message to coaches across the country that they just can’t treat players this way and get away with it,” said Kafoury.
Western has yet to release a detailed response to the student body and local community regarding the dispute.
The lawsuit has sparked mixed reactions among students here at Western. One student commented, “I am extremely nervous for the future of Western. If this goes through — it could be detrimental for us.” A first-year student stated, “I was not fully aware of what was even going on, but now I am a little concerned considering I am a freshman planning to graduate from Western.” However, skepticism remains among some students, with one saying, “I wonder if anything really happened, or if this story is fabricated due to a losing season. I guess time will tell.”
This lawsuit brings potentially broader issues to light regarding the importance of player welfare and university accountability. If successful, it could set an example for how institutions should handle abuse allegations within collegiate athletics. As the legal battle unfolds, Western faces not only financial consequences but also a reputational crisis that could impact recruitment, enrollment and the future of its athletics program. The outcome of this case may serve as a landmark decision in the evolving conversation about player rights and coaching accountability in college sports.

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Outdoor season begins

February 12, 2025

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

With the transition from indoor season to outdoor season, Western’s multi-event athletes Macy Clemens and Alexa McGowan are preparing to take on new challenges. 

A native of Albany, Oregon, first-year Alexa McGowan has been steadily adjusting to collegiate competition. Her track and field journey began in middle school as a way to stay in shape for soccer, but she soon discovered a profound passion for the sport. Initially a sprinter, she later expanded her skill set, competing at the state level before discovering her love for multi-events. During the indoor season, McGowan competed in her first collegiate multi-event meet.
While she is still refining her technique in hurdles, McGowan has embraced the challenge, knowing that she is only starting out and will improve with more experience. However, pole vault is McGowan’s strong suit and remains her favorite event, despite it not being part of the heptathlon. “Ever since I started my junior year of high school, the more I do it, the more I have fun.” 

As she transitions into the outdoor season, her focus is on gaining experience in the full heptathlon. While she doesn’t see herself competing beyond college, she is determined to make the most of her time as a student-athlete. Her advice to younger athletes is, “Put in the effort. Once I committed to training, I saw real progress. Trust your gut and have fun.”
Senior Macy Clemens, from Klamath Falls, Oregon, is embracing her last season with Western’s track team. Like McGowan, she initially took up track in high school to stay in shape for other sports but soon became drawn to the competition track had to offer. Originally a hurdler and jumper, she transitioned into multi-events in college at the encouragement of her coach. For Clemens, the transition to outdoor track means preparing for the full heptathlon — a seven-event competition that tests every aspect of the sport. Out of all the events, the 800-meter run poses the biggest challenge for Clemens. “Whenever I run the 800, I have to switch up my entire mindset. It’s a really tough event, and even though I dread it at times, I know I have to run it regardless. I just get myself hyped up to do it and try my hardest.” 

One of Clemens’ proudest achievements this year was her performance at the Reno Invitational, where she recorded personal bests despite coming off an injury. This moment validated her dedication and effort she invested throughout the offseason.. 

Balancing track and academics has also been a priority for Clemens. While succeeding on the track, she has also gained experience in digital marketing, a field she hopes to pursue after graduation. With a degree in business marketing and a current focus on organizational leadership in graduate school, she is preparing for life beyond athletics. 

As the outdoor season gets underway, Western fans can expect to see these two athletes continue to push their limits. While first-year McGowan aims to gain experience and build a strong foundation, fourth-year Clemens looks to end her collegiate career on a high note. With their sights set on personal bests and strong performances, Alexa McGowan and Macy Clemens are ready to take on the upcoming outdoor season with style.

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

ASWOU

February 5, 2025

Written by: Sadie Latimer | News Editor

The Associated Students of Western — ASWOU — is Western’s official student government. It is run by students, for students. 

ASWOU is extremely active on campus, representing students’ interests and needs, overseeing clubs, putting together programs on campus and ensuring that students have their voices heard. 

ASWOU President Brenda Rocio Martinezis a fourth-year student at Western, double majoring in communications and public policy and administration. 

“My role is (mainly) representing students in general and having their best interest in mind,” Rocio Martinez said. As a student herself, Rocio Martinez is always looking for ways to support her peers. “We always like to put our ear to the ground and see (what students want and need.)”

ASWOU not only supports individual students but student clubs as well. Joining a club is how Rocio Martinez first got involved on campus, followed by her becoming a justice in the judicial branch of ASWOU. After that, she was ASWOU’s director of PR, then, finally, the president. 

Rocio Martinez knows the importance of getting involved through clubs on campus, so she strives to make sure the clubs have the resources, training and support they need. One of her goals is to allow the clubs to collaborate and connect with each other. 

“I just want to be able to serve students,” Rocio Martinez said. “We are student-funded, so we’re here for (students).” ASWOU is funded by the IFC — Incidental Fee Committee. Students pay a set amount as part of their tuition and fees, which goes towards several student activities on campus, including but not limited to ASWOU, student media, Abby’s House, WOLF Ride, athletics, campus recreation, childcare and more.

Every person involved in ASWOU is dedicated to making their fellow students’ voices heard. “People in higher positions like faculty and staff are wanting the students’ perspective, and ASWOU can give that perspective,” Rocio Martinez said. 

“Elections should be coming pretty soon for anyone who wants my position in the future. And I will say this: it’s not hard, it’s fun,” Rocio Martinez said. She loves getting to be more involved in her community as ASWOU president. According to Rocio Martinez, the position has helped her become a better leader. It has also been helpful for her field of study and will likely apply to the career path she wishes to follow. ASWOU elections will begin at the start of spring term. For students who wish to run for election, applications open March 8. 

ASWOU has weekly public meetings on Fridays in the Calapooia room of the Werner University Center. The executive branch of ASWOU holds their meeting at 12 p.m. and the senate meets at 2 p.m. 

The judicial branch’s meetings are not weekly, instead they are held “when there’s work to do,” Rocio Martinez said. “That entails rules being broken by any clubs or any students, if there are any concerns or if people just want an interpretation of a law.”

For students who have concerns, comments or questions, an ASWOU senate meeting is the place to be. The senate focuses on things such as bylaws, getting involved with the clubs they oversee and the needs of students. 

If students have large concerns, they can fill out an ASWOU student feedback form, which goes to the senate. The form is located on the student portal under the My Programs tab. 

Rocio Martinez knows how difficult it is to advocate for every student, which is why it is important for students to bring their concerns and feedback to ASWOU’s attention. A community thrives when everyone supports each other and works together to make positive changes. 

“We ensure that students are well represented if they feel anything should change,” Rocio Martinez said. “Change comes with many people. It takes a village to make true change.”

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

Western basketball struggles

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

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

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

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