Mount Hood

What just happened?

February 12, 2025

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

In a shocking move, the Dallas Mavericks have traded Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in a three-team deal finalized February 2, 2025. The trade sent Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris to L.A., while Dallas received Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick. The Utah Jazz also joined the trade, acquiring Jalen Hood-Schifino and two second-round picks.
This trade sent shockwaves throughout the league, as there were no rumors or reports leading up to it — just a sudden announcement on a Saturday night. Even more surprising, Dončić never requested a trade and was expected to sign a supermax extension this summer. CBS Sports graded the trade for the Lakers an “A+” for acquiring a 25-year-old generational talent, while Dallas received an “F” for trading away their franchise cornerstone for an aging, injury-prone Davis.
Mavericks general manager, Nico Harrison, is facing intense backlash for the move. Fans feel betrayed, considering Dončić had just led the team to the NBA Finals last season and even purchased a $15 million home in Dallas, proving his commitment to the franchise.
For Dončić, the trade came as a complete shock. “I wanted so badly to bring you a championship,” he told Mavericks fans in an emotional farewell. Now in Los Angeles, he joins forces with LeBron James, forming, potentially, one of the most skilled duos in NBA history. For the first time in his career, LeBron might not be the best player on his team — allowing him to take a lesser role and let Dončić shine.
The Lakers’ biggest concern is defense, as losing Davis leaves a hole in the frontcourt. General manager Rob Pelinka quickly moved to sign Mark Williams, a 7’0” center from the Charlotte Hornets. This addition aims to compensate Davis’ absence, while also providing stability on the defensive end.
For Dallas, acquiring Davis highlights a positive shift toward defense, but concerns about his age, 31, and injury history loom large. While he remains an elite player when healthy, his long-term durability is extremely questionable.
Some speculate the Mavericks made this move for financial reasons, avoiding Dončić’s upcoming supermax contract. However, most fans see it as a massive misstep, as Dončić was the face of the franchise and still had years of prime basketball ahead of him.
This deal is the first time in NBA history that two reigning All-NBA players have been traded for each other midseason. Some compare it to the 1988 Wayne Gretzky trade, which changed the NHL landscape forever.
Regardless of whether the Lakers secure a championship in the coming years, this trade will be seen as a successful, franchise-defining move. However, if the Mavericks fail to remain competitive, this move will go down as the worst in franchise history.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will focus on how Dončić adapts in L.A. and whether Dallas can recover from losing their biggest star. The debate over this trade is far from over — and its true impact will only be revealed with time.

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

Meet Gabe Burchfield

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

Dropped, defeated, denied

February 5, 2025

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

With yet another devastating playoff exit at the hands of Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills, the Baltimore Ravens and their fans find themselves subject to a regrettable — yet predictable — fate. Supporters of the team were full of hope during the regular season, only to be left disappointed when it mattered most. This time, it wasn’t quarterback Lamar Jackson’s performance under the postseason spotlight that cost them; it was a gut-wrenching drop by one of the team’s most reliable weapons, Mark Andrews.
The Ravens entered this season with high expectations, holding a 12-5 record and winning the AFC North title. They had the potential league MVP, Jackson, a dominant running back in Derrick Henry, and a defense that proved to hold its own against the best. Everything was set up for a deep postseason run, but once again, the Ravens failed to deliver when the moment called for it.
Throughout the season, Baltimore displayed grit, following an 0-2 start to the season with a stretch of dominant wins. Per usual, Jackson silenced doubters with his regular-season performances, throwing for over 4,000 yards while showing off his explosiveness as a dual-threat quarterback. Andrews was his dependable target, making clutch plays and serving as a crucial red-zone option. But all of that came crumbling down in the divisional round against Buffalo.
The game itself was a battle. After falling behind early, the Ravens clawed their way back, led by Jackson’s poise and eagerness to win. The absence of wide receivers Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman in the final minutes made things even tougher, yet Jackson led a brilliant 88-yard touchdown drive to bring Baltimore within two points of tying the game. And then, disaster struck. On the two-point conversion attempt, Jackson found Andrews in the end zone — wide open. A perfect throw — a moment frozen in time. And, then, the unthinkable — Andrews dropped it. Just like that, Baltimore’s season ended, not with a fight, but with a gut-punch.
Unfortunately for the Ravens, that drop wasn’t just a fluke mistake. It was emblematic of their continued failures in the postseason, where one crucial mistake seems to define each agonizing exit.
In the 2022 NFL season, a Tyler Huntley-led Ravens team had a chance to take the lead against the Bengals, only for a fumble at the 1-yard line to be returned 99 yards for a Cincinnati touchdown, sealing their fate.
Last year, Zay Flowers fumbled at the one-yard line against the Chiefs, followed by a Jackson interception on the next drive, another playoff dream crushed.
And now, a dropped pass on a two-point conversion attempt that should have sent the game into overtime. It’s a devastating cycle that keeps repeating, and for Ravens fans, patience is wearing thin.
Jackson, despite his excellence, will continue to face criticism. Fair or not, his haters will point to his 2-4 playoff record and question whether he can win when it truly matters. No matter how many spectacular regular-season performances he delivers, the postseason narrative will menace over him. Until he and the Ravens break through, this cloud of doubt may linger.
As Baltimore enters the offseason, tough questions must be asked. The roster is talented, but is it built for playoff success? The receiving corps needs reinforcements, the offensive line requires more depth and though the defense is strong, they could benefit from additional playmakers in the secondary line. Coaching decisions will also be questioned, as the Ravens must figure out how to avoid these self-inflicted wounds when the stakes are highest.
Head coach John Harbaugh has built a culture of toughness and competitiveness, but the results simply haven’t been there come January. It’s not about getting close anymore. It’s about finishing. If Baltimore wants to be a legitimate Super Bowl contender, they must stop beating themselves when pressure peaks.
For now, Ravens fans are left with another painful what-if. Mark Andrews has been a great player for this team, and one bad play never defines a career, but his moment will be hard to forget. Jackson will return, driven as ever. The team will regroup and potentially reload their roster. But until they prove they can handle the pressure of the playoffs, skepticism will remain.

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

AFC championship

February 5, 2025

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

In a thrilling AFC championship game, the Kansas City Chiefs edged out the Buffalo Bills with a 32-29 victory at Arrowhead Stadium, securing their third consecutive Super Bowl appearance. Led by the dynamic Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs overcame a resilient Bills team in a game that was competitive until the final moments.
The matchup featured two of the league’s top quarterbacks, Mahomes and Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills, with both of them showing off their talent on the field. Throughout the duration of the game, Mahomes threw for a total of 245 yards and a touchdown, while also adding two crucial rushing scores. For Buffalo, Allen threw for 237 yards and two touchdowns. Both stars shined bright, but only one was able to come out on top.
The game started with Kansas City taking an early lead as Kareem Hunt rushed into the end zone for a touchdown. The Bills responded with a variety of strong offensive drives, one being a 34-yard touchdown grab by Mack Hollins. Despite the Bills’ efforts, the Chiefs were able to take a 21-16 lead into halftime, with Xavier Worthy playing a key role by racking up six catches for 85 yards, as well as a touchdown.
Whatever Bills head coach Sean McDermott told his team in the locker room seemed to work wonders, as Buffalo opened the second half with an early 1-yard touchdown run by James Cook, who finished with 85 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Unfortunately for the Bills, they failed on the two-point conversion attempt, leaving them trailing 21-22. Mahomes responded quickly, leading the Chiefs down the field and finishing with a gritty 10-yard rushing touchdown, extending their lead to 29-22 after a successful two-point conversion.
The Bills refused to back down, though, executing a 70-yard drive in the fourth quarter. Josh Allen connected with Curtis Samuel in the end zone on a critical fourth-and-goal play, tying the game at 29. The stage was set for another dramatic finish between these AFC heavyweights.
With 6:15 remaining, Mahomes showed why he is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. His poise under pressure allowed him to complete four consecutive passes to set up a 40-yard field goal by Harrison Butker, putting Kansas City ahead 32-29. Buffalo had one last chance to extend the game, but the Chiefs’ defense stepped up when they needed it the most. After Allen converted a clutch first down with his legs, the Chiefs’ defensive front disrupted his rhythm, forcing an incomplete pass on a desperate fourth-down attempt to Dalton Kincaid. Kansas City then ran out the clock, sealing yet another heartbreaking postseason exit for the Bills.
Mahomes, who has now led the Chiefs to four Super Bowl appearances in five years, acknowledged the difficulty of the journey, saying, “It’s just so hard to get to the Super Bowl, and I don’t take it for granted.”
The Bills, who have not reached a Super Bowl since their four straight appearances from 1990 to 1993, were left grappling with another close defeat at the hands of Kansas City. McDermott commended his team’s heart, stating, “I told them they’ve got nothing to be ashamed of, and I love them.”
The Kansas City Chiefs now set their sights on the 2025 Super Bowl, where they will face the Philadelphia Eagles in a highly anticipated rematch. The Chiefs previously defeated the Eagles 38-35 in the 2023 Super Bowl, and they will aim to make history as the first NFL team to win three consecutive championships.

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Finding your center

Written by: Isabelle Jones | Lifestyle Editor

For thousands of years, people have been practicing the ancient art of yoga. The combination of physical postures, breathing techniques, meditation and ethical principles cultivate a harmonious balance between the body, mind and spirit. Yoga offers numerous benefits to anyone, no matter their age, fitness level or lifestyle.

Among the benefits of this practice is its adaptability. Yoga is a spectrum. From gentle stretching to advanced poses that challenge strength and flexibility, it can be tailored to one’s specific needs. With adaptability, this practice isn’t simply about getting into shape or achieving the perfect pose — it’s about honoring the body. This honor develops a sense of balance, peace and strength. 

Emotional well-being is another benefit that comes with yoga. When it comes to fitness, many think about the body, but overlook the mind and soul. Yoga can help one to regulate their emotions and feel completely relaxed. The increase in emotional well-being can potentially reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Once a person is able to connect their mind, body and soul, then everything becomes balanced. 

One cannot forget about the many benefits yoga provides to the heart. Being heart healthy is extremely important since heart disease — heart attack and stroke — is the leading cause of death in the United States. Heart disease can be prevented through physical activity. Yoga has all the essential components of a healthy body and is a perfect style of workout for anyone on a budget. Each pose targets different muscle groups, allowing this practice to become a full-body workout that doesn’t require any equipment. 

If one is looking for a few yoga poses then look no further.

Downward Dog — Keep both toes pointed towards the front of the mat and sink the heels toward the floor, with the weight mostly in the legs and reach the hips high with heels stretching toward the floor. This pose is a great stretch for the hamstrings, calves, shoulders and back while also strengthening the arms and legs.

Warrior I — Start in a standing position, step one foot back and align the hips and shoulders. Keep the arms overhead and engage the core and legs. Look forward while holding the pose for a few seconds, then breathe with control. This pose helps to build strength, stability and flexibility in the legs, hips and upper body. 

Cat-Cow stretch — Start out on all fours. For the cow pose, inhale while dropping the belly to the floor and lifting the chest up. The cat pose starts with exhaling and rounding the back towards the ceiling. This is a simple and effective pose for increasing flexibility and relieving tension in the back. 

Child’s pose — This grounding pose helps to relax and gently stretch the body. Start on the knees, then sit back on the heels and extend the arms forward. Lower the forehead to the mat and breathe deeply. It provides a gentle stretch for one’s back, hips, thighs and ankles. It also does not challenge strength or balance. 

Corpse pose — This is among the most important poses as it becomes a transition from one’s yoga journey to returning to the responsibilities of our daily lives. Having the body remain still for a period of time challenges the mind to find inner peace and calmness. 

Yoga is a powerful and simple way for anyone to improve their health and find inner peace. If one doesn’t know where to begin in their yoga journey, then look no further than Western’s campus recreation. This Winter term, the Health and Wellness Center has yoga classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:10 – 6 p.m. and 6:10 – 7 p.m. 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@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

    Western Oregon University

    Facebook   Instagram   X  YouTube

    WESTERN OREGON UNIVERSITY
    345 Monmouth Ave. N.
    Monmouth OR 97361

    503-838-8000 | 1-877-877-1593

    Tools

    Campus Maps
    Canvas
    Find People
    Portal
    WOU Email
    Technical Support

    Resources

    A-Z Index
    Accessibility
    Academic Calendar
    Class Schedule
    Jobs at WOU
    News
    Explore WOU
    Partnerships
    Student Services
    Freedom of Expression

    Western Oregon University’s Land Acknowledgement
    Western Oregon University in Monmouth, OR is located within the traditional homelands of the Luckiamute Band of Kalapuya. Following the Willamette Valley Treaty of 1855 (Kalapuya etc. Treaty), Kalapuya people were forcibly removed to reservations in Western Oregon. Today, living descendants of these people are a part of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Community of Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians.

    Accessibility    Public Records    Privacy    Student Consumer Information

    WOU prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by WOU.