sports – Page 2 – The Western Howl

February 5, 2025

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

Gabe Burchfield, a fourth-year for Western hailing from Grants Pass, Oregon, has always been an athlete willing to push his limits. Now, as a standout multi-event competitor, he’s making his mark by breaking records and setting his sights on nationals.
Burchfield’s journey in track and field began in sixth grade when his mother encouraged him to join sports. Initially a distance runner, he quickly realized his passion was in a different field. “When I looked over and saw the technique and explosiveness of the high jumpers, I realized that was the stuff I wanted to do,” he recalled.
In high school, Burchfield expanded his resume, adding high jump and long jump to his skill set. While he found these events enjoyable, he craved a greater challenge, leading him to the decathlon. Unfortunately, as soon as he made this decision to compete, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted his plans. However, upon arriving at Western, head coach Octavious Gillespie-Bennett, also known as Coach G, recognized his potential in multi-events and encouraged him to pursue them fully. Training for multiple events is no easy task, as it requires a strict balance of strength, speed, endurance and technique. “Every day, you’re doing something different,” Burchfield explained. “One day it’s explosive work, the next it’s technical. Without the guidance of Coach G, my body wouldn’t be able to handle the wear and tear.”
Though it may sound confusing, Western’s track season consists of two separate seasons: indoor, running from early December to mid-February, and outdoor, spanning late February through late May. During the indoor season, men’s multi-event athletes compete in the heptathlon, which consists of seven events, while the outdoor season features the decathlon, which includes ten events. Of the seven indoor events, Burchfield finds the 1,000-meter run the most challenging. Still, he remains dedicated to improving. “In our last meet, I got a five-second PR. I’ve been adding more cardio on off days, and have already seen results. I’ve realized that I just have to try to enjoy running, because, honestly, the distance events suck.”
On the flip side, his favorite events consist of high jump, hurdles and pole vault. “The adrenaline from pole vault is unmatched, the high jump feels amazing when you clear the bar and hurdles are super intense the whole way through.”
Success in the multis requires more than just raw talent; a rigorous training schedule is essential. Burchfield’s daily practice schedule includes two hours on the field, alternating between explosive and technical workouts, sprints and endurance runs. As a team, they lift three days a week, but Burchfield often trains beyond that, working with sports performance coach Josie Boucher even on his off days. “I’ve been in the weight room for at least three days a week since June 2024 and haven’t missed a single session. Showing up on the days you don’t feel like it is what makes the difference.” His relentless discipline has paid off, as he has already broken Western’s indoor heptathlon record twice, surpassing the previous mark of 4,850 points set by J.J. Walker.
While breaking records is significant, Burchfield remains focused on the bigger picture. “The goal has always been to chase greatness. I wasn’t necessarily aiming for the school record, it was about making it to nationals. Breaking the record was just a step toward that goal, but for now, the job’s not finished.”
One of his proudest moments this year was setting a personal best in his most challenging event during Western’s last multi-event competition in Washington. “I ran with no fear and came out on top. That gave me a lot of confidence heading into my next 1,000-meter run.”
Looking ahead, Burchfield remains dedicated to his primary goal: qualifying for nationals. As for competing beyond college, he remains open to the possibility. “I won’t say it’s impossible, but I want to see where life takes me. If I get the opportunity to compete professionally, I’d take it and run with it — literally.” With his work ethic and hunger for greatness, Gabe Burchfield is proving that the sky’s the limit.

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

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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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Western vs Fraser

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

Western’s men’s basketball team secured their first conference victory Jan. 16, snapping their losing-streak. The Wolves, who faced a challenging start to the season, put up a strong performance in their win against Simon Fraser University.

California native Jahville Collins, a fifth-year for the “Wolves,” dominated throughout the whole game, scoring a career high of 34 points on an efficient 57% from the field. Even with Collins’ performance, the Red Leafs led by as many as 7 points in the first half. Despite the slight point differential, Simon Fraser wasn’t able to pull away, allowing time for Western to get together and overcome their deficit. The “Wolves” were able to do exactly that, fighting back and narrowing the score, and by halftime, the “Wolves” held a 37-36 lead. Coming into the second half, the Red Leafs went on a tear. Simon Fraser, which is 1-6 in conference play, gave themselves a comfortable 9 point lead with about 10 minutes of play left. The “Wolves” were in need of a leader, but they responded with a 16-2 run. Collins continued to score the basketball, but Simon Fraser refused to give up. Luke Howard, a forward for the Red Leafs, was a force in the paint, scoring an impressive 25 points during the game. Howard was getting to his spots the whole second half, and Western didn’t seem to have an answer for him. Luckily, “Wolves first-year Mario Williams stepped up when his team needed him the most, scoring three after three to keep them in the contest. As both teams continued to battle, it was evident that the game was going to be decided at the last second. With only 5 seconds remaining in the match, the score was 77-76 in Western’s favor. With the game on the line, Fraser was forced to foul Western guard Jason Gallant, who went on to shoot free throws. Gallant, who is Western’s leading scorer and a 78% free throw shooter on the season, sank the first free throw, putting his team up 78-76. As he shot his second free throw, it hit the front iron and missed, giving the Red Leafs possession with 5.8 seconds remaining. Both teams scrambled to get to their spots as the time wound down, as Simon Fraser had no timeouts to call. The Red Leafs rushed towards their basket, but there simply wasn’t enough time to get off a quality shot, forcing them to throw up a halfcourt heave, missing the rim completely, leaving the score 78-76 with 0 seconds on the clock. Western proudly took home this conference win, and they look forward to taking even more as the season progresses.

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

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UCLA struggles

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

Mick Cronin, the head coach of the UCLA Bruins men’s basketball team, has recently found himself in an unwelcome spotlight. Despite a strong 10-2 non-conference record, the Bruins have crumbled in Big Ten play, posting a disappointing 3-4 record so far. This slump has visibly weighed on Cronin, who has not held back in publicly expressing his frustration with his team’s performance.
Following a 94-75 loss to Michigan, Cronin’s emotions boiled over during a tense post-game press conference. “We’re soft … we’re too soft to play hard enough,” he stated bluntly, before going a step further by calling out individual players by name. Forward Tyler Bilodeau, along with guards Dylan Andrews, Sebastian Mack and Kobe Johnson, were all singled out in his remarks. Cronin didn’t stop there, however, as he shifted his criticism toward his coaching staff as well.
“I come in, and I have more passion, energy and pride than anybody in there,” Cronin declared. “Right now, I’m frustrated with my players and my staff. The toughest guy in the room can’t be me every day. I’m upset with everybody in that locker room — my assistant coaches and my players.”
He even went on to highlight his own career accomplishments, adding, “I don’t need to do anything else. I’ve got almost 500 wins, and I’m only 53 … it’s a joke.”
These remarks quickly sparked national attention across the sports world, drawing criticism and sparking a debate about Cronin’s leadership approach. Basketball analyst Jay Bilas voiced his opinion during a live broadcast, stating, “Coaches like to talk about accountability a lot, but I don’t think that’s what accountability really looks like. That, to me, looks simply like blame. I heard a lot of ‘I’ — ‘I’m doing this, I’m doing that — and nobody else is doing it.’”
Cronin’s unusual meltdown has obviously ignited controversy, as it’s rare for a head coach to publicly shift the blame away from themselves while their team is clearly struggling. Since the polarizing press conference, the Bruins have continued to fall, losing two of their last three conference games, putting their season further in jeopardy.

As the Bruins fight to turn their season around, all eyes will remain on Cronin to see whether his unfiltered approach can spark a much-needed comeback, or if it will continue to disrupt the dynamics within his team.

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

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Meet Western softball

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

As the Western softball team gears up for their spring season, there’s a sense of energy and excitement in the air. The “Wolves,” backed by a wave of fresh talent and determination, are ready to make this season unforgettable. With insight from players and coaches, here’s why fans should be ready to rally behind this exceptional group.
Jessica Morgan, a senior pitcher from Lewistown, Montana, is entering her final season with the team. Morgan has been laser-focused during the offseason, stating, “Last year, I was really working hard on my drop ball. This offseason, I’ve worked on perfecting it along with my curveball.” Morgan isn’t just looking to elevate her own performance, though. When asked about any personal goals she has set this season, Morgan said, “No matter what happens, I want to be a good role model.” Her dedication to both the game as well as her teammates is a true example of leadership.
Victoria Zimmerman, a junior from Ellensburg, Washington, has been refining her mental game during the offseason. “After last season, I found myself overthinking a lot,” she said. “This offseason, I’ve worked on staying mentally strong, and I’ve put a lot of effort into improving offensively — I’m really excited to bring my full swing into play this year.” Her experience and hunger to improve are clear indicators that she’s ready to take her performance to the next level.
Despite being a young team, what makes Western softball so special is its tight-knit group of players who share chemistry both on and off the field. First-year and California native Lauren Maure shared, “It’s been family-oriented since the beginning. The team atmosphere is very inclusive, and everyone’s worked hard to build relationships.”
Junior Sydney Conklin, a native of Corvallis, Oregon, echoes these statements, saying, “This is by far the most tight-knit team I’ve been a part of. Everyone is super cool and eager to build something special together.”
With many new players in the mix, building team culture has been a priority. Sophomore Brooklyn Schneidt, from Meridian, Idaho, embraced this opportunity. “Almost the whole team is new, so we got to create our own culture. We’re very equal as a team, and we always make sure everyone is involved,” she said.
Head Coach Aly Boytz, a proud Western alumni, leads this young team with passion and purpose. “As a former player, I know what these players are going through,” she said. “We talk a lot about life outside of softball. My philosophy is about creating an environment where we learn and grow from every game.”

Coach Boytz believes this year’s team stands out because of their sheer determination. “We have the will to win. Everyone on this team is gritty, scrappy and genuinely likes each other. It’s rare to see a group come together so quickly. That chemistry will serve us well this season.”
Fans have every reason to believe this will be a standout season for the “Wolves.” Whether it’s the relentless work ethic of Jessica Morgan, the growing confidence of Victoria Zimmerman or the dynamic chemistry of the entire roster, this team is ready to leave it all on the field.
As junior Sydney Conklin noted, one player to watch is Maddie Doyge: “She’s hungry to come back and has been absolutely dialed in.” Other players pointed to Conklin as a potential breakout star, given the incredible effort she’s put in to overcome a gruesome elbow injury.
This season wouldn’t be complete without the “Wolves’” cherished traditions. From their pre-season retreat on the coast to their annual tournament in California, these rituals strengthen the bond between coaches and players. Sophomore Brooklyn Schneidt recalls playing icebreaker games on the beach, while Conklin looks forward to the team’s pregame hype song: “Love” by Keyshia Cole.
With all the talent, grit and unity this team has to offer, the 2025 Western softball season promises to be one to remember. Mark the calendars, bring some peers and get ready to check out the team that’s not just playing softball, but creating a legacy —Let’s go “Wolves.”

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

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Bowl games

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

The 2024-25 NCAA college football Bowl games delivered exciting matchups, showcasing exceptional talent and outstanding team performances. Here’s a breakdown of the highlights from the Rose Bowl, Cotton Bowl, Sugar Bowl, Orange Bowl and Peach Bowl.

Rose Bowl: Ohio State vs. Oregon
In the Rose Bowl, Ohio State came out with a commanding 41-21 victory over Oregon. Ohio State’s defense came to play, limiting Oregon’s playmakers and forcing critical turnovers. The win solidified Ohio State’s place as a semifinal contender in the expanded College Football Playoffs.

Cotton Bowl: Ohio State vs. Texas
The Cotton Bowl featured a clash between Ohio State Buckeyes and the Texas Longhorns in the semifinals. The Buckeyes emerged victorious 28-14, as Ohio State’s defense stifled Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, preventing the Longhorns from gaining any momentum. Offensively for the Buckeyes, they were able to deliver crucial plays that eventually sent them to the national championship game.

Sugar Bowl: Notre Dame vs. Georgia
Notre Dame pulled off a 23-10 upset over Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, showcasing their presence on defense. The Irish stunned Georgia’s rushing attack, while quarterback Riley Leonard managed the game effectively with timely throws and smart decisions. Georgia struggled to generate points against Notre Dame’s defense, which paved the way for the Irish to advance.

Orange Bowl: Notre Dame vs. Penn State
The Orange Bowl provided fans with a thrilling semifinal matchup, with Notre Dame narrowly defeating Penn State 27-24. The Irish showed their grit by overcoming a fourth-quarter deficit, capped off with a 41-yard field goal by kicker Mitch Jeter. Penn State’s offense put up a great effort, but fell just short against Notre Dame’s late-game execution. If Notre Dame is able to win it all, it would be their first championship in 36 years.

Peach Bowl: Texas vs. Arizona State
The Peach Bowl gave spectators one of the most dramatic games of the season, with Texas defeating Arizona State 38-35 in double overtime. Quinn Ewers executed key drives for the Longhorns, including a clutch touchdown pass in second overtime. Two missed field goal attempts by Texas kicker Bert Auburn helped keep Arizona State in the game. Ultimately, the Sun Devils’ defense couldn’t hold off Texas.

These standout bowl games highlighted the best of college football, with top tier competition that set the stage for an exciting conclusion to the 2024-25 season.

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

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Women’s soccer

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

Western’s women’s soccer team recently wrapped up their 2024 season, finishing with a solid record of 6-6-8. Under the leadership of a talented roster and dedicated coaching staff, the Wolves proved to be a force in the Great North American Conference, earning respect as a team that never gave up, no matter the challenge. From close victories to standout performances, the 2024 season was filled with unforgettable moments that will stay with players and fans.
California native Lauren Rose, a junior midfielder for the Wolves, was a key factor for the program this season. Since her first year, Rose has been an essential part of the team, and her dedication both on and off the field embodies the spirit of soccer at Western. With plans to return for her senior season in 2025, she remains a cornerstone of the program.
Rose’s love for soccer began at the age of four, and her passion for the game has only grown over the years. When asked why she plays the sport, Rose said, “What kept me in it this long was how much I loved the game. I’ve met so many people through soccer, and it has brought so much into my life.”
A typical day for Rose starts with early morning weightlifting sessions, followed by classes and a mid-day break to recharge before practice in the afternoon. Her evenings are spent with her roommate, cooking dinner, relaxing or catching up on homework.
On game days, her schedule shifts to focus entirely on mentally preparing for the task at hand. Rose’s pregame routine starts by taking a morning walk, partaking in classes and then getting ready by heading into the program’s clubhouse to get hyped up with her go-to tracks, including Kanye West’s “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” and Drake’s “Headlines.” Rose truly embodies the balance required of a student-athlete. Her daily routine during the season reflects the discipline and commitment it takes to compete at the collegiate level.
Outside of soccer, Rose spends her free time hanging out with family and friends, snowboarding, shopping and staying in shape. “Since I’ve been involved in a sport my whole life, working out is something that just comes naturally to me,” she said. These hobbies give her a healthy balance to the intense demands of her life as a student-athlete.
For those looking to follow in her footsteps, Rose offered some valuable words of wisdom. “You’re blessed to even have an opportunity to become a college athlete. No matter what level you’re at, you truly get out what you put in. Every opportunity you have to grow — take it.” For anyone seeking to pursue and succeed in their sport at a high level, Rose’s advice should be taken into consideration.
When asked about the dynamic of this year’s team, Rose said, “Our success this season wasn’t just built on talent, it was built on trust and a strong team culture. We prioritize team bonding a lot, spending time with each other on trips and always making an effort to support other teams at (Western) by showing up to their games. At the end of the day, it’s really about building each other up.” This culture has created a sense of family that helped the Wolves push through the ups and downs of their season. From cheering each other on during practices to making memories on the road, it was evident that the team had a close-knit nature.
Senior goalie Sophia Pierce, who also works for “The Western Howl,” contributed heavily to the Wolves’ defensive game this year. Pierce had a breakout season, earning a spot on the all-GNAC Second Team, as well as multiple Defensive Player of the Week Awards. In just six games of play, Pierce was able to rack up an impressive 16 saves and two shutouts, earning her notable recognition throughout the conference. Other standout players on the team include Jada Foster, who was selected first-team all-GNAC, as well as Ciara Garcia and Lula Sadler, who were both selected second-team all-GNAC.
One of the most memorable games in the 2024 season included the Wolves’ dominant win over Saint Martin’s University. Western put on an offensive and defensive clinic, showcasing their ability to control all aspects of the game. Juniors Olivia Johnsrud and Emma Smith each scored a goal of their own, while first-year Kameron Wilmsatt added the final blow with a penalty kick, pushing the score to 3-0 in the Wolves’ favor.
It is safe to say that the 2024 season was a testament to the strength and potential of women’s soccer here at Western. With a roster of talented players and coaches, a supportive team culture, and the return of key leaders like Lauren Rose, the Wolves are destined for even greater achievements in 2025.
While the season is over, the memories, lessons and bonds formed throughout this year will continue to shape the program for years to come. As the team reflects on their journey, one thing is clear — the future is bright for Western’s women’s soccer.

Contact the author at howlsports@mail.wou.edu

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.

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Meet Gabe Burchfield

Western basketball struggles

Western vs Fraser

UCLA struggles

Meet Western softball

Bowl games

Women’s soccer

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