Mount Hood

Western’s ascent

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

Western’s men’s soccer team has experienced a remarkable ascent in collegiate soccer, particularly during the 2024 season. Established just three years ago, the program has quickly become a powerful force in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference — GNAC — under the guidance of head coach Michael Behonick, a seasoned coach with NCAA Division I experience at Penn State, the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Virginia.
This season has been groundbreaking for the Wolves. In October, they reached their first national ranking, debuting at No. 25 in the United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division II Poll, then climbing to No. 14. With a 12-2-1 overall record and an 8-1 mark in GNAC play as of early November, Western has positioned itself at the top of the conference standings.
Beyond individual talent, the Wolves’ success is rooted in a strong team culture and disciplined leadership. Senior forward Alexis Luna, a key player from Salem, Oregon, has contributed significantly since transferring from Corban University. Luna, inspired by his dad’s passion for soccer, has found motivation in role models like German star Mesut Özil and his mother, who instilled in him the value of hard work. “Soccer-wise, Özil stood out to me. His game was so different from others, and the way he played really caught my attention,” Luna shared.
The Wolves’ team culture, built on unity and discipline, has played a crucial role in their success. “It’s all about unity,” said Luna. “Everyone is comfortable with each other; we don’t exclude anyone.” Coach Behonick reinforces this through discipline, including strict policies on punctuality and attention to detail. “Coach’s regulations make us think about everything we do, allowing us to weigh our options before making decisions. He truly gives us a purpose to work harder for the team,” Luna added.
With aspirations for a GNAC title and potential NCAA tournament participation, the Wolves’ focus remains on disciplined play and strategic execution. With two games left in the conference, Western seeks to take its momentum into the soon-to-come playoffs.  

Contact the author at howlsports@mail.wou.edu

Dodgers win!

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ 2024 season was a testament to resilience, investments and exceptional performances, resulting in their second World Series title in five years. The Dodgers concluded the regular season with a 98–64 record, securing the top spot in the National League West division. Given the team’s challenges with injuries to key pitchers, this achievement was particularly impressive. Despite these setbacks, the Dodgers were able to adapt and maintain consistent performances.
A pivotal factor in the Dodgers’ success was their massive player signing before the season. The organization invested over $1 billion to enhance the roster, with the main addition being Shohei Ohtani. The Dodgers signed Ohtani to a record-breaking $700 million contract, which didn’t just add a dual-threat player to the team, but also energized the fan base and changed the team’s dynamics.
In the postseason, the Dodgers came out victorious against the San Diego Padres in the National League Division Series. Advancing to the National League Championship Series, the Dodgers overcame the New York Mets in six games, highlighted by a decisive 10–5 win in Game 6.
In the World Series, the Dodgers faced the New York Yankees, revisiting a historic rivalry. The Dodgers secured the championship in five games, with standout performances from key players. Freddie Freeman, named World Series Most Valuable Player, delivered crucial hits, while Ohtani’s contributions were impactful throughout the series.
Freeman’s clutch hitting was vital to the Dodgers’ success. Ohtani’s historic season, featuring a remarkable 50 home run and 50 stolen base milestone, showed his versatility and impact.
With the 2024 championship secured, the Dodgers are determined to build on their success. Reports indicate the organization is considering pursuing MLB star Juan Soto, who is a free agent this off-season.
The Dodgers’ 2024 season was nothing short of excellent, and fans all around the world are waiting to see if they can maintain their level of play going into the 2025 season.

Contact the author at howlsports@mail.wou.edu

Meet Cori Metzgar

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

Cori Metzgar, the Wolves’ respected strength and conditioning coach, began her journey in sports at an early age. Growing up, the Alaska native excelled in sports, which initially introduced her to strength training. She continued her athletic career at Fort Lewis College, an NCAA Division II school in Colorado, where she further developed her passion for fitness and competition.

Metzgar’s early exposure to training started with her love for sports. At Fort Lewis College, Metzgar was a downhill ski racer as well as a soccer player. She competed in both sports from freshman to junior year, until a significant turning point redefined her path. 

Going into her senior year, Metzgar suffered two broken vertebrae in her back, hindering her from continuing to participate in sports. During the recovery period, she began working under her coach at Fort Lewis College, assisting him for two years which eventually solidified her path toward a career in strength and conditioning. She also drew inspiration from her father, a cross-country and track coach, who instilled a deep appreciation for sports and training. 

Metzgar began her career as a graduate assistant at Western Michigan University. After completing her master’s degree, she joined Ohio State University as a professional intern. Following a year at OSU, she spent the next five years at Colorado State University, serving as the head assistant for football while also overseeing training for volleyball, swimming & diving, softball, tennis and track. Metzgar then moved to Washington State University, where she worked for five years — first as an assistant and later as the associate head strength and conditioning coach — leading programs for baseball, volleyball, swimming, soccer and rowing. In 2011, she embraced the role of head strength coach at Western, where she has remained since.

A typical day in Metzgar’s role starts as early as 6 – 6:30 a.m. She runs training sessions for various teams every 45 minutes until about 11 a.m., followed by a lunch break. Her afternoons aren’t any slower though, packed with even more sessions from 1 to 3 p.m. Despite the demanding schedule, Metzgar still manages to carve out time for her own workouts, while also prioritizing her responsibilities as a mother. Her role requires a ridiculous amount of organizing, as she also has to fit everyone’s training schedules in cohesively. She develops and programs workouts for all the athletes she trains, which include Western’s football, men’s basketball, men’s soccer, baseball and softball programs. 

When not immersed in her professional responsibilities, Metzgar lives an active and fulfilling life. When asked about what she likes to do with her free time, Metzgar shared, “I love to train, run and spend time with my daughter.” She also mentioned that she enjoys traveling, cooking and exploring local wineries such as Brynmawr, Ankeny and West Hills.

What truly sets Metzgar aside from other people in her field is her approach to coaching. “I think what leads to my success is that I’m very passionate about what I do and the people I work with,” she explained. Understanding the unique needs of each athlete, she tailors her training styles accordingly, recognizing that motivating a basketball player might differ from motivating a football player. Her priority is to establish trust: “I want everyone to know that I care. Once they know that you care, they’re going to trust you more.” She embraces the challenge of reaching every athlete, acknowledging that while it may not always be possible, it remains her goal.

Supporting Metzgar here at Western is Josie Boucher, a dedicated strength coach from Austin, Texas. Boucher’s career began with training high school athletes, eventually leading to a role at the University of Texas at Austin for seven months and then a year at Texas A&M. Now in her second year at Western, Boucher is motivated by her collegiate powerlifting days and a significant injury that sparked her interest in the science of training. “I wanted to be everything I didn’t have,” she says, inspired by a lack of guidance during her own athletic journey. 

Boucher’s day often starts around 7 a.m., where she finalizes programming before going into training sessions with women’s soccer, freshman football, volleyball and track. Beyond the gym, Boucher enjoys spending time outdoors with her German shepherd, Roy, reading — currently the third Lord of the Rings book — and staying connected with her family in Texas. 

When asked what advice they would give to someone aspiring to follow a similar path, both Metzgar and Boucher emphasized the importance of building connections. Metzgar advises upcoming strength coaches to volunteer and spend time in weight rooms to gain experience firsthand, while Boucher highlights the value of building relationships with mentors and continuous self-education in sports science. “Building connections with people who are willing to help and know what they are talking about is key,” Boucher adds. 

Together, Metzgar and Boucher bring a great combination of experience, passion and mentorship to the Wolves’ strength and conditioning program. Their commitment to both the athletes and their craft makes them an exceptional team in collegiate sports training.

Contact the author at howlsports@mail.wou.edu

Fellowship of Christian athletes

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes — FCA — is a nationwide organization that brings student-athletes together through a shared commitment to faith and sports. Its overall mission is to provide a space where individuals can connect and grow in their spirituality. At Western, FCA meets every Monday night at 7 p.m. at the Health and Wellness Center, offering student-athletes an environment of community and encouragement. Over the past year, FCA at Western Oregon has seen a remarkable increase in attendance. While last year’s meetings filled only about half the room, this year’s gatherings have drawn such a large crowd that the group had to relocate to a larger space — and even then it was overflowing. 

A key figure in the success of FCA at Western is Scott Schindelar, the man who turned the idea into reality. Schindelar goes beyond just leading Monday night meetings; he regularly meets with small groups for deeper biblical discussions. Something that truly stands out about Schindelar is his genuine approach to connecting with students. He goes out of his way to greet newcomers and make sure everyone feels welcome, even those he’s just met. Schindelar and his wife, Adrianne, further grow the community by hosting dinners at their home every other Sunday, where as many as 70 athletes have gathered to converse over a home-cooked meal. 

Schindelar believes that FCA is essential for student-athletes at Western. “These are your people,” he says. “This is a group going through the highs and lows of being a student-athlete. We also tackle life’s greatest questions like, ‘Who are you and what is your purpose in life?’” Jessy Hart, a member of the women’s track and field team, shared, “FCA offers a sense of family and community, and a space to grow in your faith.” 

Aliyah Taba, also from women’s track and field, added, “FCA provides a safe space for everyone to come together and gather as followers of Christ.” 

Their testimonials show how FCA serves as more than just a meeting; it’s a place for student-athletes seeking spiritual growth and a like-minded community.

Occasionally, FCA will invite a guest speaker to share their personal testimony and offer advice to the athletes in attendance. This week, the group welcomed Lauren Becraft, a junior on the women’s soccer team at Western Oregon University. Lauren transferred from Montana State University Billings and embraced her new journey at Western with determination, setting a personal goal to make a name for herself by having a breakout season. Reflecting on this ambition, she shared openly with the group, explaining how she had hoped this would be her time to shine. “I came here with that intent, but things have not panned out,” she admitted, adding that her playing time hasn’t been what she envisioned, and the challenges she’s faced have been unexpectedly tough. At this point, it was evident that Lauren’s story resonated deeply with the audience. Not many athletes are willing to talk about struggles with playing time, especially when they’re in the midst of it, and her vulnerability showed the audience they weren’t alone. 

Lauren’s story was more than just an acknowledgment of a tough season, it was a reminder of a deeper truth. “As I’ve been going through this, I have learned an important aspect. You’re not going to find your identity in your sport; the only way you’ll be able to find your identity is through Jesus.” As her testimony drew to a close, the room began to applaud, as the athletes found comfort in her message. Moments like these highlight why guest speakers are so valuable to FCA; they remind struggling athletes that they’re part of a larger community that understands their challenges and supports them in their journey. The consistent turnout and engagement at FCA meetings are a testament to the impact of this faith-centered community at Western. Athletes face a lot of pressure from the demands of their sports, but FCA is able to provide a space where they can openly share these experiences and lean on each other through faith. For those considering joining, remember to arrive early, as the space fills up quickly. 

Contact the author at howleditorinchief@mail.wou.edu

Western falls short

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

Following an eventful homecoming week, Western students and fans were eager for the highlight of the weekend, the homecoming football game. The Western Wolves took on Texas A&M Kingsville in a high-stakes, much-anticipated match. With both teams entering with strong records — Wolves at 5-0 in conference play and Kingsmen at 3-2 — this game was set to be an exciting showdown that would test each team’s grit and endurance.
Jordan McCarty started the game off with a 6-yard run into the end zone, while freshman kicker Keaton Emmett finished it off with an extra point, adding a total of seven points to the scoreboard for the Wolves. It wasn’t long until the opposing offense responded though, as the Kingsmen followed up with a touchdown and extra point of their own.
Going into the second quarter, the score was tied at 7-7. Both teams were getting stops on the defensive end, but Andrew Simpson’s impressive interception midway through the quarter shifted momentum in the Wolves’ favor. Things were looking great for Western, as they continued to gain yards and attention from fans, but unfortunately, they weren’t able to capitalize off of Simpson’s play. The possessions continued to go back and forth, but the Kingsmen were able to score seven points right before halftime, making the score 7-14 in Texas A&M’s favor going into the half.
In an intense third quarter, the Wolves faced an uphill battle as their opponents widened the gap with a touchdown and extra point. This set the score to 7-21. However, a strong run from redshirt sophomore Jermaine Land revived the Wolves’ offense, putting them in position for a much-needed touchdown. Soon after, the Wolves struck, with a crucial touchdown pass and a successful kick to narrow the Kingsmen’s lead to just seven points. Their defense held strong, stopping the opposing offense and leaving the Wolves trailing 14-21 as they headed into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter started with a bang as the Wolves pulled off an impressive series of plays. A well-placed throw found senior wide receiver Damon Hickok, who made an acrobatic catch for a massive gain. Another pass to Hickok set the Wolves within 20 yards of the end zone. The next play, redshirt sophomore Kainoa Sayre had a strategic run, placing them only three yards from tying the game. Despite their efforts, a costly fumble on third down turned the possession over. Yet shortly after, the Wolves’ defense kept the dream alive, capped off by an outstanding interception from redshirt junior Daron Ulrich Jr. However, they couldn’t convert on their final chances, even after blocking a critical punt. Ultimately, Texas A&M ran out the clock, leaving the Wolves just shy of a comeback.
The Wolves — 5-3 overall, 5-1 Lone Star Conference — have a chance to redeem themselves next week as they travel to take on Midwestern State in Wichita Falls, Texas.

Contact the author at howlsports@mail.wou.edu

Hoop & Howl

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

Western men’s and women’s basketball programs shared the stage for the Hoop & Howl event Oct. 11. The night started with player and coach introductions, with the crowd raving in response. Notably, senior guards Bella Pedrojetti and Jason Gallant received favorable ovations from the audience as they walked onto the court to their selected songs. 

Fans were able to watch and even join in on some of the events on Friday night. The men’s and women’s basketball teams competed in a series of events — skills challenges, a three-point challenge and a dunk contest. 

During the skills challenges, players from each team were instructed to choose two individuals from the stands to help them take home the win. The fans that were chosen were happy to be picked and also spread a competitive spirit throughout the gym. They started by making a layup, a free throw and one three-pointer. From there, they began dribbling around a series of cones and then had to finish with another three-pointer to solidify the victory. 

After the skills challenges finished, Wolfie, Western’s school mascot, decided to get in on the action. Two fans from the audience were chosen to race Wolfie to halfcourt and back and, let’s just say, Western’s spirit animal took a big tumble. To wrap up the first sequence of events, the winners ended up leaving with more than just a smile on their faces — they were given an exclusive Hoop & Howl shirt for their performances and willingness to step up. 

The second half of events involved a three-point shootout. The men’s team was on one side of the court while the women’s team was on the other. The players were given five shots on five different spots around the three-point line, with one of these spots being a money ball rack. Each made shot counted as one point, but the money ball rack was especially important because the shots made at that spot counted as two points. 

On the women’s side, freshman guard Brianna Badonie got off to a hot start, scoring 15 points in the first round. Shortly after, senior guard Bella Pedrojetti responded with 15 points, forcing Badonie and Pedrojetti to compete in a tiebreaker. Both players chose two spots on the court to shoot from and attempted five shots from each. It was a close battle, but Pedrojetti took home the win after making six out of her ten total shots. On the men’s side, junior guard Carson Frinke scored 17 points,  allowing little room for any of his teammates to combat. Freshman Mario Williams Jr. put up a fight, but nobody was able to reach Frinke’s score, declaring him the winner.

The dunk contest, the most anticipated event of the evening, included contestants junior forward Anjay Cortez, junior guard Makaio Mims, sophomore guard Makaio Morphy and sophomore forward Hawthorn LaPierre. Although there were four competitors, one was able to shine above the others. In round one, the six-foot-eight-inch forward, Cortez, threw down a 360 alley-oop dunk from his teammate Gallant. This received a total of 49 points out of 50, making it a tough score to beat. Morphy and LaPierre showed off their impressive jumping ability in round one, but Mims threw down a reverse dunk that allowed him to surpass the two sophomores. The final two contestants boiled down to Mims and Cortez. Mims received a score of 45.8 after stuffing in a 360 off the backboard alley-oop that left the crowd in shock. Surprisingly though, his score was not enough to match what Cortez brought to the table. For his final dunk, Cortez performed an under-the-legs dunk that was so impressive it led to a perfect score of 50 from the judges. After a great showing from the contestants, the high-flying forward Cortez took home the dunk contest title. 

Lastly, the winner of the men’s three-point contest battled against the winner of the women’s three-point contest to showcase the better shooter. Carson Frinke and Bella Pedrojetti are both sharpshooters from long range, but only one of them could come out on top that night. The same rules applied — five shots at five spots with a money ball rack — and the two shooters proceeded to go at it. Frinke was on fire, only missing three out of his first ten shots. In contrast, Pedrojetti started slow but began to heat up around her second spot, and from there she didn’t slow down. Despite finishing with a score of 18, Frinke came up short and Pedrojetti’s insane performance of 20 points led her to victory.

When Alex Saindon, the assistant coach for men’s basketball, was asked about his thoughts on the event, he stated, “I think it was a great experience. Hoop & Howl is an important tradition here at Western, and I’m excited to see it grow from here … go Wolves.” 

Overall, Hoop & Howl was a great way to generate more fans to come out and support both the men’s and women’s teams as they start their seasons.

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

San Jose State’s volleyball program facing controversy

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

The San Jose State University volleyball program has recently gained significant media attention due to the potential inclusion of a transgender player on their roster, and in just three weeks, four universities have forfeited their match against San Jose State. These schools include the University of Wyoming, Boise State University, Southern Utah University and Utah State University, which recently canceled their Oct. 23 match against San Jose State University — SJSU. Surprisingly, none of the schools came out with any statements explaining their reasoning behind the decision to forfeit.

The rumors about the SJSU player’s gender identity started in April 2024, when a website by the name of Reduxx published an article titled “Biological Male Quietly Joined Women’s NCAA Division I Volleyball At San Jose State University.” The player mentioned in the article is Blaire Fleming, a redshirt senior who transferred from Coastal Carolina University to SJSU in 2022. As of the 2024 season, Fleming has put up impressive numbers, ranking fourth in kills and fifth in service aces in the Mountain West Conference. 

One of Fleming’s teammates, Brooke Slusser, a senior setter who transferred to SJSU from Alabama in 2023, has also been having a standout season. She is ranked third in assists, and tied for tenth in digs in the Mountain West Conference, but Slusser’s impressive stats aren’t the only reason she’s making headlines.

On September 23, Brooke Slusser filed a lawsuit against SJSU and the NCAA —  “Slusser v. NCAA and San Jose State University.” The lawsuit, centered around Slusser’s teammate, Blaire Fleming, claimed that the university failed to inform her and her teammates that Fleming was transgender. Slusser also claimed that she roomed with Fleming on road trips without knowing about her gender identity, and in April 2024, Fleming allegedly disclosed to Slusser that she identifies as transgender. In a nutshell, Slusser argues that Fleming’s participation raises concerns about fairness and safety for female athletes, and she isn’t alone in this viewpoint. After all of this information surfaced, more than a dozen female college athletes accused the NCAA of violating sex based discrimination laws. 

In regards to Fleming’s performance on the court, Slusser claimed that Fleming’s spikes were recorded at over 80 mph, which, according to her, is way faster than any female player she has ever seen. The lawsuit also shows that some players on the team were even concerned about getting concussions due to Fleming’s hard hitting spikes.

After noticing the attention the university was receiving, the Senior Director of Media Relations for SJSU, Michelle Smith McDonald, stated that the university will not publicly address the gender identity of any student due to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. In a statement by the university, McDonald stated, “It is disappointing that our SJSU student-athletes, who are in full compliance with NCAA and Mountain West rules and regulations, are being denied opportunities to compete. We are committed to supporting our student-athletes through these challenges and in their ability to compete in an inclusive, fair, safe and respectful environment.”

Under current National Collegiate Athletics Association — NCAA — rules, transgender women are allowed to compete on women’s teams if they have undergone at least one year of hormone therapy to suppress testosterone levels, which is believed to reduce any potential competitive advantage. The NCAA’s guidelines are based on the belief that hormone therapy levels the playing field between transgender women and cisgender women. However, despite these regulations, the debate centers on whether the physical differences, even after hormone therapy, provide an unfair, competitive advantage. 

Slusser and her legal team argue that the “Slusser v. NCAA and San Jose State University” lawsuit is about fairness and safety. It raises the question of whether previous policies properly protect female athletes from what they believe is an uneven playing field. This case doesn’t just highlight the debate within SJSU’s volleyball program, it highlights a debate that is playing out across all levels of competition around the globe. Depending on how this lawsuit goes, it could potentially lead to a new legal precedent or even a new set of rules within the NCAA, but as of right now, the debate over whether transgender women should be allowed to compete in women’s sports continues to stir controversy.

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Fall sports calendar

Written by: Jaylin Emond-Hardin | Entertainment Editor

Thursday, Oct. 10

12 p.m. — Men’s Soccer vs. Simon Fraser University B.C.

2:30 p.m. — Women’s Soccer vs. Montana State University Billings

Friday, Oct. 11

8 – 10 p.m. — Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Hoops and Howl

Saturday, Oct. 12

10 a.m. — Women’s Soccer vs. Seattle Pacific University

1 p.m. — Men’s Rugby vs. Oregon State University

1:05 p.m. — Football vs. Eastern New Mexico University

Thursday, Oct. 24

12 p.m. — Men’s Soccer vs. Northwest Nazarene University

7 p.m. — Volleyball vs. the University of Alaska Anchorage

Saturday, Oct. 26

All Day — Women’s+ Rugby, tournament

10 a.m. — Men’s Soccer vs. Montana State University Billings

1 p.m. — Men’s Rugby vs. Washington State University

1:05 p.m. — Football vs. Texas A&M University, Kingsville

7 p.m. — Volleyball vs. the University of Alaska Fairbanks

Sunday, Oct. 27

6 p.m. — Women’s Soccer Club vs. Oregon State University

Thursday, Oct. 31

12 p.m. — Men’s Soccer vs. Saint Martin’s University

2:30 p.m. — Women’s Soccer vs. Western Washington University

Saturday, Nov. 2

10 a.m. — Women’s Soccer vs. Simon Fraser University B.C.

Sunday, Nov. 3

All Day — Cross Country, Stumptown Youth XC Championship

Thursday, Nov. 7

1 p.m. — Women’s Soccer vs. Central Washington University

7 p.m. — Volleyball vs. Saint Martin’s University

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Mental strength transforms you

Written by: Liberty Miller | Lifestyle Editor

To preface this article, I am a terrible role model to follow. I do way too many activities, have way too little time and rely far too heavily on the luck I’ve had making it this far. I am in the volleyball program at Western, which is incredible to be a part of. A large portion of that is because our weights performance coaches, Coach Jo and Coach Metzgar, do their job so well that the only thing we have to do is sleep, eat and show up. The hard part is being able to mentally show up day after day. 

Everybody has heard the famous saying, “The mind gives up long before the body does.” Nobody knows that saying better than me and my team during our twice-a-week cardio sessions. I’ve had struggles with a busy schedule, as well as having attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder which makes it difficult for me to focus and perform actions correctly. It manifests during weights, when I have to remember our barbell complex or during practice, when I forget — once again — to open up my angle during serve receive. Last quarter, I was putting in 32 hours of work in addition to working another job, schoolwork, volleyball and weights sessions. 

It’s frustrating and mentally taxing. If you’re in a similar situation, you know exactly what I’m talking about. When life steps on you every day, refusing to stop and humbling you in ways you didn’t even know were possible, the mind has two choices: it can either collapse or it can grow some muscle to hold up all that weight. 

I remember thinking to myself in mid-March, “Maybe I just wasn’t made for all this. Is this where my athleticism stops? Is this my limit?” Looking back on it, my brain and body needed a break, and I went home for spring break, to vent and reflect on what I’ve been feeling so far. What flashed through my mind was all of those times I thought I wouldn’t make it through cardio. 

I decided that my new belief is — when something is wrong and my mind is tired, I’m going to fight for myself and believe in my potential. I made a few decisions to push myself forward. I took some weights off of the barbell in my brain. I started ADHD medication, I put my foot down at work — weekends only, so volleyball and school take precedence. I even reorganized my room and started opening my blinds so the sun could attempt to fix my circadian rhythm in the morning. Now, who knows whether the changes will be sustainable. However, I’ve already felt like I’ve successfully spotted my brain after it failed a lift. I took some weight off, and I worked my way back up again. Now, the weight moves easier, because I believe in my potential. 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Men’s soccer on winning streak

Written by: Jaylin Hardin | Sports Editor

Men’s soccer is having a smashing start to their season. After going three and two in the preseason, the team did not let this stop them. Starting conference play with a 1-1 tie against the University of Simon Fraser, British Coloumbia, men’s soccer quickly bounced back and are now on a win streak of six — three of these six games were shutouts. 

These wins come as a massive improvement from the 2022 season, where the team had only two wins compared to 13 losses and two ties. This improved record means higher points on season; giving the team 21 points on the season thus far. This is 11 points higher than their total of eight points from last season. 

Freshman Center Back, Olaolowua Balogun, attributed the team’s success to the tight-knit environment the team has.

“We’re like a family and do everything together and no one’s left out,” he said. “Our coach treats us like family, like he’s our dad.” 

Head Coach Michael Behonick started his first year of coaching for Western this season. Previously, Belhonick spent seven seasons as the assistant coach for the University of Pittsburgh men’s soccer team.

Balogun has high hopes for the team this season. “I see us winning GNAC and going to playoffs and going far and better things to come,” he said. Western’s men’s soccer has recently had a limited history in terms of GNAC competition — only officially becoming an intercollegiate team in the 2022 fall season.

“We had recruits come over and we treated everyone as family, even if we didn’t know who the person was, it’s a good environment to be in and everyone’s welcome,” Balogun said.

Against Western Washington University this last Thursday, men’s soccer won 2-1, officially bringing their win streak up to six. Both of Western’s goals were scored in the first 20 minutes of play and within five minutes of each other.

Junior transfer, Gabriel Silva, scored off an assist from Sophomore, Alex Gringon, and Junior, Andres Labate. Five minutes later, it was Gringon who scored the final goal for the team, assisted by Junior, Moises Cisneros, and Freshman, Yahir Ocampo.

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Men’s rugby ranked 17 in Coach’s poll

Written by Jaylin Hardin | Sports Editor

For most, fall means back to school, football and pumpkin spice; for Western’s men’s rugby team, it means the start of a season. With an updated schedule having been released on Aug. 25, the team had plenty of time to prepare for their upper division matchups — four of their six posted matches are against division one schools.

However, the team feels no sweat going into the season. Coaches polls posted to Instagram on Sept. 21 by National Collegiate Rugby placed Western men’s rugby originally at 15, until revised polls posted Sept. 26 placed them at 12 on the national level. At the start of the 2022 15s season, the team was unranked, which means this is a huge jump in favor of the team this season.

This ranking additionally comes from a strong 2022-2023 full season of both 7s and 15s — these numbers denoting how many men are on the field at a time. In the National 7s Tournament, having taken place in Washington D.C. during the last weekend of April, they finished in the tenth spot nationally — after being knocked out of the tournament by Babson College, the current small college national leader. 

Western men’s rugby finished their 2022-2023 season strong, winning champion titles in 7s and 15s, and have high hopes to bring in two more titles this year. This high ranking from the start compounds their hopes, as it is a favorable position and they can continuously strive to move up in the rankings.

This Saturday, the rugby team faces off against Oregon State University at home on the turf fields. Coming off a 5-39 loss against Boise State, they hope to add a win under their belt this next week. Updated coaches polls posted on Oct. 3 placed them at 17, following their loss at Boise. 

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Volleyball team hits early lead with strong preseason

Western’s women’s volleyball team is currently off to a strong start to their Fall season with a record of 8-5. This week they were on the road, playing Central Washington University and Northwest Nazarene University. Western lost against CWU in three sets and won against NNU three sets to two, with a day in between for rest. 

Last week, they played Saint Martin’s University, but were unable to pull out the win. The team had a slow first set, hitting 0.044% with 11 successful hits out of 45 attempts. Western had one service ace and one block, but nine attack errors and two service errors. 

Both teams scored their first points off a hitting error, but it was an attack up the middle from senior Bella MacLellan followed by a service ace from sophomore Chloe Asciuotto that brought Western the energy they needed to rally with Saint Martin’s. 

The first set finished 21-25 in favor of Saint Martins, but the second set was a positive note for Western — ending 25-18. The team’s hitting percentage improved, rising to a .467% with 17 successful kills out of 30 attempts. Western started in a point deficit early in the second set, but kills and errors from Saint Martin’s aided their success. 

The third and fourth sets were not as successful for the wolves, with 0.21% and 0.225% hitting percentages and 12 and nine errors, for a combined 21. On the positive side, in the third set Western had 10 successful kills and two service aces, and 15 successful kills and one service ace in the fourth. 

Western kill leaders were junior outside hitters Bailee Hartsook, Sarah Strus and Madison Hornback. Hartsook had 12 kills, and Strus and Hornback both had 11. Strus was also a service ace leader, along with junior setter Laney O’Neil and sophomore middle blocker Chloe Asciuotto. Strus, Hartsook and Hornback were also point leaders for the night, scoring 13, 12 and 11.5 points. 

Western’s next home game is Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. against the University of Alaska Fairbanks in the New PE Building and will be streamed live on Western Athletics YouTube.

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Next up for Western Athletics

Thursday, Oct. 5 

5 p.m. — Women’s Soccer @ Montana State University Billings

5 p.m. — Men’s Soccer @ Northwest Nazarene University

7 p.m. — Volleyball, HOME v. University of Alaska Fairbanks

Friday, Oct. 6

All Day — Cross Country @ San Francisco State Invitational

Saturday, Oct. 7

11 a.m.  — Men’s Soccer, HOME v. Saint Martin’s University

1:05 p.m. — Football, HOME v. Western New Mexico University

2 p.m. — Women’s Soccer @ Seattle Pacific University

2:30 p.m. — Men’s Rugby, HOME v. Oregon State University

7 p.m. — Volleyball, HOME v. University of Alaska Fairbanks

Thursday, Oct. 12 

12 p.m. — Men’s Soccer, HOME v. Western Washington University

3 p.m. — Women’s Soccer, HOME v. Central Washington University

Saturday, Oct. 14 

All Day — Cross Country @ Linfield George Oja Invitational

11 a.m. — Football @ Montana State University Mankato

1 p.m. — Men’s Rugby, HOME v. Central Oregon University

2 p.m. — Women’s Soccer, HOME v. Saint Martin’s University

7 p.m. — Volleyball @ Western Washington University

Sunday, Oct. 15 

12 p.m. — Men’s Soccer @ Simon Fraser University, British Columbia

Tuesday, Oct. 17 

7 p.m. — Men’s Basketball @ Portland State University (Preseason)

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Spring term athletics event

Check out the spring schedule for Western athletics

Mollie Herron | News Editor

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Come support our athletes by attending some of our home games this term and keep an eye out for our away matches further below!

Home games:

  • April 8 – Track and Field vs John Knight Twilight (mens and womens)
  • April 22 – 1 p.m. baseball vs Northwest Nazarene University
  • April 23 – 12 p.m. baseball vs Northwest Nazarene University
  • April 23 – 12 p.m. softball vs Western Washington University
  • April 24 – 12 p.m. softball vs Western Washington University

Away games:

  • April 8 – 12 p.m. baseball at Montana State University Billings
  • April 9 – 11 a.m. baseball at Montana State University Billings
  • April 13–16 – Track and field at Mt Sac Relays
  • April 14–16 – Track and field at Bryan Clay Invitational
  • April 14–16 – Track and field at Long Beach Invitationals
  • April 15 – 12 p.m. baseball at Central Washington University
  • April 15 – 2 p.m. softball at Northwest Nazarene University
  • April 16 – 12 p.m. baseball at Central Washington University
  • April 16 – 12 p.m. softball at Northwest Nazarene University
  • April 19 – 4 p.m. baseball at Bushnell University
  • April 21–23 – Track and field at Oregon Relays
  • April 29–30 – Track and field at Oregon State High Performance
  • April 30 – 1 p.m. softball at Central Washington University
  • May 1 – 1 p.m. softball at Central Washington University
  • May 5 – 1 p.m. baseball at Saint Martin’s University
  • May 6 – 1 p.m. baseball at Saint Martin’s University

 

Western prepares for spring sports season

Western athletics is moving forward with plans to begin a socially distanced season of  games

Sydney Carpenter | News Editor

Western’s athletics department has announced the return of spring sports pending any changes from the Great Northwest Athletic Conference.

“Spring sports — baseball, softball and track — are expected to be allowed to have games/meets starting next month,” said Western’s President Rex Fuller in a spring term email update sent out on Jan. 21. “We don’t know to what degree spectators will be allowed, but if they are, we encourage you to come out and support your WOU Wolves!”

Western is currently the projected host for GNAC championship games for softball and track and field this coming May, according to the GNAC website.

“We are so excited to host the championships this year,” said softball coach Lonny Sargent. “Being able to go to tournaments all summer and most of the fall is a normal year for us and this year that wasn’t possible.” 

Currently, Western’s athletics department is reflective of Phase Two of the National Collegiate Athletic Association revised three-phase plan — the Core Principles of Resocialization of Collegiate Sport. In Phase Two, groups larger than 50 must have measures of physical distancing and sanitization, restricted staffing, workout areas and facilities must be sanitized and nonessential travel is permitted. In preparation for the conference schedule this year, teams will continue with socially distanced practices and personal scrimmage matches. 

“We haven’t been indoors at all this year due to the strict guidelines,” said Sargent. “Since we are an outdoor sport and can stay socially distant from one another, we have been able to have practices.” 

According to Sargent, player safety is a priority.

“Our players wear their masks, all their equipment bags are at least six feet apart from one another and each player is required to do a health check every morning by 10 a.m. on days they will be on campus,” said Sargent.

Traditionally, athletic teams practice as an entire group, but the department has broken the players down into smaller groups. Practices will be held at various times throughout the day to ensure maximum social distancing and limited contact. 

“It’s very exciting,” said sophomore undecided major and Western baseball pitcher Matthew Dunaway. “We’ve been working hard in the fall, and hopefully we play this spring.”

According to Dunaway, the team has been participating in more scrimmages this winter in comparison to fall term. Dunaway explained that players had been assigned to arrive at certain times for small team meetings.

“Our athletic department has put together a great plan and we’ve been able to follow the protocols to ensure safety,” said baseball coach Kellen Walker. “Our players have done a great job of being flexible with changes to practice times and locations. We’ve obviously had to make adjustments to get our work in, we’ve been creative in making sure our guys are staying as healthy as possible while getting back into shape and ready to compete in the upcoming season.”

Going forward into spring term, the GNAC Senior Management Council will be evaluating whether students will be permitted to gather at upcoming functions.

“We hope to have the fans of Monmouth come out and support us this spring,” said Dunaway.

To learn more about the games, visit wouwolves.com/calendar.

Contact the author at scarpenter18@mail.wou.edu

Western Athletics partially returns for fall term

Western Athletics reflects Phase One of the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Core Principles of Resocialization of Collegiate Sport

Sydney Carpenter | News Editor

During spring 2020, the National Collegiate Athletic Association President Mark Emmert and the Board of Governors suspended spring, fall and winter NCAA championships, citing the decision to be centered around the impracticality of hosting the events during COVID-19. Over the summer, the NCAA released a revised three-phase plan called Core Principles of Resocialization of Collegiate Sport that provided schools with guidelines to follow as they generate their own plan for the upcoming terms. 

Currently, Western’s Athletic department is reflective of Phase One: nonessential travel defunded,  groups larger than 10 must have measures of physical distancing and sanitization, restricted staffing and workout areas or facilities must be sanitized.

For the student athletes who decided to return to Western this term, the Athletics department required and offered Polymerase Chain Reaction testing through the Corvallis Clinic. The Athletics department is not currently using any of the IFC funding they’ve received this term for testing. All funding from IFC this fall term have gone towards new equipment and cleaning.Testing funds came from students’ personal medical coverage or Athletics secondary insurance if a player is not covered.

After being tested and receiving COVID education.

“If a student didn’t feel comfortable with training in this environment, then they were able to opt out,” said Interim Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Randi Lydum. “We want people to feel comfortable.”

The students who opted out of fall term are still receiving their scholarships, Lydum explained.

“If a student is fearful of contracting COVID and passing it to someone else, then they are given a waiver to keep their partial scholarship from athletic aid. It’s really up to the student and what they feel comfortable with. If they opt out, they are not allowed to use the facilities because we want them to be safe.”

The students who have opted to participate claim that the department takes the current pandemic seriously.

“We were delayed to come on campus,” said junior business major and shooting guard for the Women’s Basketball Team Rachel Rogers. “This is our first week back in the weight room. Everything is different. It’s distance and masks all the time. It’s kinda funny because we’re all sweaty and breathing hard through these masks, inside and outside. No one really lets us lax on that; if you pull it down someone is telling you to put it back up.”

As of now, Western is not hosting normal practices; each team conditions its players and schedules small group sessions at various times throughout the day.

“It looks different than it would look pre-COVID,” Lydum reported. “There’d be 100 football players out there doing drills, but we just can’t do that right now. So in a football team we might divide the condition time up by offense and defense and various positions in offense and defense. We might have all of our first-year freshmen split up into groups. It’s really just being creative and finding the best groups that are safe.”

Outside of practices, Western is not participating in games this year, aside from personal socially distanced scrimmage matches. Looking towards the future, athletics hope to regain a sense of normalcy by January 2021.

“The NCAA cancelled all the fall championships so right now we’re looking towards January for starting Basketball competitions and indoor track,” Lydum said. “If the state allows that then we’ll do it, if they don’t then we won’t.”

If students experience symptoms of COVID later in the term, they are being asked to self quarantine, and if further symptoms develop, they will be tested. As more information is released the story will be updated.

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

 

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