Mount Hood

Herstorical figures of Oregon and cancer surviving athletes of the world

Hannah Greene | Sports Editor

October marks the month of breast cancer awareness, a perfect time to recognize womxn athletes who have achieved great feats and continue to pave the way for upcoming generations. Below are athletes from our very own state, as well as recognized womxn who have fought cancer battles and come back better than ever.

 

Liz Brenner, a five-sport athlete from the University of Oregon, broke multiple roofs for womxn. While at the University of Oregon Brenner competed in; volleyball, basketball, softball, and multiple events in track and field. Brenner shows true power and strength — what it takes to be a veracious athlete. Brenner is a true heroine for young womxn and men across the state of Oregon and beyond. 

Shoni Schimmel, a WNBA All-Star, who’s now a free agent and college coach. A first round draft pick out of college and a top model to people everywhere — especially to Native American girl basketball players — Schimmel is my next pick. Schimmel continues to push womxn sports forward whether through coaching or through bringing recognition to Native Americans. She was raised on the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation here in Oregon. 

Karen Newman, a world-class athlete in her 50’s, has battled cancer twice. Newman has been competing and beating womxn half her age — all after having, fighting and surviving breast cancer. After being diagnosed, she had many different meetings with doctors until she found one that would allow her to continue training while going through chemotherapy. She proved that no one ever has to stop chasing their dreams — a truly inspiring woman.

Novlene Williams-Mills, a track athlete from Jamaica who fought breast cancer and continues to promote body positivity. Williams-Mills is a three-time bronze medalist who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 and made a comeback in 2013, winning the 400 metres qualifying for the World Championships in Moscow. Novlene Williams-Mills is a womxn that shows cancer isn’t the end.

 

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of goducks.com

Photo courtesy of iaaf.org

Photo courtesy of Ghetty Images

Photo courtesy of thekarennewman.com

Power Puff keeps tradition alive with Off-Campus victory

Caity Healy | Managing Editor

In 1978, one of the first recorded Powder Puff games — now referred to as the Power Puff game — made its way to Oregon College of Education. Off-campus, dressed in all black, took on On-Campus, sporting lighter colors. In an intense match — with the male cheerleaders hyping up the spectators — the Off-Campus team took the win 22-0. Flash forward to 2019, and the scoreboard looked pretty similar.

Although this is being referred to as the 40-year anniversary, the game actually goes back at least 41 years. 41 years of On-Campus versus Off-Campus with a very obvious trend — the win typically goes to Off-Campus. 2019 was no exception. 

The cold weather and rain couldn’t put a stop to the energy of the two teams on Oct. 18. As the black-shirted Off-Campus went head-to-head against the pink-shirted On-Campus, it was clear that the ones in black wouldn’t hold back. Immediately, player D-Dre Wright caught a pass and ran the ball all the way into the end-zone without being touched by a single player. The Off-Campus team took the first touchdown of the game just 20 seconds into the competition. In 2018, when On-Campus narrowly lost to Off-Campus with a tight score of 7-6, D-Dre Wright was one of the On-Campus MVPs. 

After the first touchdown, the play continued to be one-sided with On-Campus constantly on defense. Score after score, the game went into halftime with Off-Campus up 19-0.

The teams huddled at the half to figure out adjustments needed for the second half. After a lengthy break, the teams made their way back and the play began again. Similar to the first half, Off-Campus was on offense for most of the remainder of the game. However, On-Campus was able to hold them off, preventing them from scoring again in the entire half. But, On-Campus wasn’t able to find the endzone either, leaving the final score 19-0 in favor of Off-Campus. In the common theme of Power Puff competition, Off-Campus was once again victorious.

Senior Mikaela Wong, a fourth-time Off-Campus player and fourth-time winner, shared how the win felt for her and her team.

“You’d think I’d get used to it by now but it’s the same level of excitement every year,” Wong said. Wong went on to explain how the team was able to secure the win more easily this year, rather than the narrow win in 2018. 

“We really just settled in and had three really simple plays and kept running those over and over again. Last year, the plays were more complicated,” Wong explained. Player Rachel Koljesky added that, “everyone was definitely open with communication if they didn’t know or if they weren’t comfortable with their position so we could change it.” 

To close out, Koljesky explained, in brief words, how the team felt after securing the win: “Oh, fantastic. Four-peat, let’s go.” 

 

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

Photos by Caity Healy

Western Football defeated in Homecoming nail-biter versus Central

Caity Healy | Managing Editor

Packed stands and a mix of sun, rain and wind made for a day of intense competition as Western Oregon prepared to take on Central Washington University for their annual Homecoming game. Taking place on Oct. 19, fans of all ages watched in anticipation with high hopes for the Wolves, who were riding the high of a four-game win streak. Prior to this game, the last time Western played Central was Sept. 28, where it ended in a 36-26 win in favor of the Wolves. 

The sound of the marching band and the cheers of the audience could be heard all around Monmouth right from the start; just 18 seconds in, quarterback Ty Currie found wide-receiver Jarren Ford with a 75-yard catch-and-run that gave the Wolves their first score of the game. With 14:42 left on the clock, Western was up 7-0. 

The energy kept up throughout the first quarter, as nearly three minutes later, the Wolves found themselves in the end zone again. Spirits were high and Wolves were up 14-0. But right before the end of the quarter, Central Washington answered back and found themselves on the board 14-7.

The competition was intense as the game continued with a back-and-forth momentum that led the two teams to the half with a score of 28-21. Coming out of the half, the game continued in this trend; the Wolves would score and the Wildcats would answer immediately. With just 58 seconds left on the clock in the fourth quarter, Western’s defense struggled to put a stop to Central, who brought the score to a tie 35-35. The Wolves and the Wildcats went into overtime — the first time Western had gone into overtime since Sept. 23, 2017, and the first time since 2012 for Central.

The Wildcats were quick to score in OT, pulling ahead of the Wolves for the first time in the game 42-35. The Wolves weren’t ready to give up and answered back with a touchdown, putting the scoreboard 42-41, with the Wolves behind by just a single point. Following the touchdown, the Wolves decided to go for the win and missed the conversion, ending the game in favor of the Wildcats 42-41.

While the Homecoming loss was heartbreaking for the fans, it was still a lively game with Western finishing with a 497 total yards and Central with 503. The Wolves play again Oct. 26 at home against MSU Texas. Kickoff is 1:05 p.m.

 

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

Photos by Caity Healy

Dance and Cheer Teams deliver a halftime to remember

Caity Healy | Managing Editor

With the scoreboard showing the Wolves on top, the spirit was high on Oct. 19 as the Homecoming game went into the halftime break. Following the announcement of the Homecoming court, the energy from the bleachers was kicked up a notch as the Dance Team took to the track for their annual Homecoming performance. 

The sound of silence consumed the crowd as the Dance Team got into formation, partnering with the Cheer Team. With the dancers donned in Western red and black, the music began and the performers started their routine to “Lose Control” by Missy Elliott. It was clear that the dancers were showing the spirit of the Wolves through their high energy. 

“I think the homecoming performance had a lot more energy than the first performance we had,” said senior dancer Jenn Romadka, a public policy and administration major. “With twice the amount of people on the track, it was just a lot of fun to know that both teams were kind of rocking out.”

But on top of the energy felt by the dancers, the high spirits of the crowd were palpable as well.

“I think everyone in the stands always gets more excited during Homecoming, too, so I felt a lot more energy coming from the back of the stands than I have in the past,” Romadka added.

This year, rather than performing alone, the Dance Team decided to work with the Cheer Team. However, the cheerleaders were added to the routine a bit late — Romadka explained that they learned “over half the song the Thursday before the performance,” and the performance was on Friday. As for the Dance Team, they practiced their routine for two weeks before the performance, and practiced together with the Cheer Team just twice before the performance in order to get the spacing down.

For those wanting to see more of what the Dance Team has in store, they perform at home football and basketball games, so they can be watched next on Saturday, Oct. 26 at MacArthur Stadium for the football game versus MSU Texas. For those wanting to learn more or are interested in joining, they can contact Kayley Kildea at kakildea17@wou.edu.

Romadka closed by saying she would, “encourage anyone to join if they want to, the whole experience is just really supportive and about continuous growth, rather than how much dance experience you have when you try out.”

 

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

Photos by Caity Healy

IMa create a league of my own and compete in IMLeagues

Hannah Greene | Sports Editor

Ever wanted to be the leader of a team? The creator, the all mighty powerful emperor of your own squad? IMLeagues is a good way to do this. Every quarter there are multiple teams one can either join, create or even be a free agent — where any team can add you/pick you up.

“Intramural (IM) Sports program offers opportunities for the Western Oregon University community to participate in a variety of team and individual sport leagues,” explains the Western Oregon University Intramural Handbook. 

IMLeagues is accessible through the IMLeagues website, using Western Oregon University as the school and your regular school email as your login. From there, students will create a password and fill out some paperwork and then voila — free to roam and play all the sports or join multiple teams.

As of right now the sports offered are: flag football, volleyball, badminton and a powerpuff team for Homecoming weekend. The teams include different sections like co-recreational, competitive, all men’s or women’s.

Join now, be a part of a team, have fun and step into the community of Western Oregon University Intramurals.

Anyone identifying as female can still join the Powerpuff team before 11:59pm on Oct. 16.

 

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Greene’s picks: Varsity and club game changers on the field, making an impact every second they’re in action

Hannah Greene | Sports Editor

Third week of school means Wolves’s athletics are in full blast. With varsity sports more than halfway through their seasons and club sports just starting, there are so many incredible athletes to spotlight, it’s hard to just pick four. 

Below are Greene’s picks, two varsity players and two club players, all deserving of the recognition and support. Find their next games below to go out and shout their names loudly and proudly.

 

Men’s Football Women’s Soccer Men’s Rugby Women’s Club Soccer
Curtis Anderson

Class: Junior

Major: English Major

Defensive Back

#3

 Isabelle Creighton

Class: Senior

Major: Exercise Science 

Position: Forward

#9

 Riley Bardes

Class: Senior

Major: Exercise Science

Position: 8 Man

#8

 Reilly Penziol

Class: Junior

Major: Exercise Science

Position: Goalkeeper

#2
Curtis Anderson, a defensive back for the Men’s Football team was quite the game changer in Western’s last game against Texas A&M Aumsville — having seven tackles and two interceptions. He makes Greene’s list due to his energy on the field making plays to benefit and push the team forward. Anderson is part of the defense that this football team has needed in the past, helping to keep opponents from not finishing and gaining yards for the Wolves in every inception. Come watch this DB play in the Homecoming game Oct. 19 against Central Washington University at 1:05pm. Isabelle Creighton, the starting forward for the Women’s Soccer team is a force to be reckoned with. Creighton is dominant on the ball, going through defenders to get to the goal, as well as a finesse player with tons of tricks up her sleeve. Fast and strong, she makes opponents defense work extra hard to try and stop her. So far this season, Creighton has scored three goals and set up multiple teammates to join the scoreboard. Creighton is a key component to every lineup, being the game changer and energy booster whenever the Wolves need a pick-me-up. Watch Creighton play in the next home game Oct. 17 against Montana State University Billings at 2 p.m. Riley Bardes, the 8 Man on the Men’s Rugby team has been a key player in the team’s success. The eighth man calls for leadership, smarts, and drive to carry the ball — and Bardes has shown this every play, whether helping the Wolves to attack or defend. During the Wolves’s first match against Oregon State University, Bardes stepped up and made major plays to keep Western ahead — especially playing down two players. Bardes is a solid part of the rugby team, making the starting lineup week in and week out — as well as a very entertaining athlete to watch. Catch Riley Bardes at Men’s Rugby next home game Oct. 26 against Oregon Tech on the turf at 1 p.m. Reilly Penziol, the starting keeper for Women’s Club Soccer was a standout player in the season opener against University of Oregon Gold team. This was her first game back in the goal after tearing her AC (acromioclavicular) joint, making her play on the field. For a first game back, in general and in goal, she brought her best —  saving any opportunity the opponent kicked at her, making great saves and keeping the defense at a shutout. She makes Greene’s list due to her strength and tenacity, only going in to every play at 100%. Come watch and support this goalie at the next home game Nov. 12 against Portland State University on the turf at 4:30 p.m.

 

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Wolves besmirch the Ducks in season opener, Women’s Club Soccer looking stronger than previous team

Hannah Greene | Sports Editor

Death stares are exchanged as the Wolves and Ducks take the pitch to start the 2019 season. The University of Oregon Gold Women’s club team has repeatedly beat the Western Oregon University Women’s club team — but not this weekend. 

The game started out intense, everyone pressing every ball and going into every tackle strong and wanting to win. The battle was even with many transitions between both the Wolves and Ducks, neither team finding the back of the net. The first 25 minutes of play are clearly dominated by the Ducks, but they were unable to capitalize on multiple opportunities. 

The Wolves struggle to get offense going; luckily the defense continued to confidently hold their wall in front of game changer goalkeeper — Reilly Penziol, a junior and third year player for the Women’s Soccer club.

The first half ended with a score of 0-0, neither team able to connect ball to goal. At halftime, the Wolves talked game plan and tried to prepare for the second-half by changing the lineup ever so slightly. 

As the players take the field for the final portion of gameplay, nerves are no longer of concern —  scoring is all that is on mind.

A free kick opportunity was given to the Wolves due to foul play by the Ducks. Center defending midfielder — Hannah Greene, a returning player from last season — takes the free kick posing the first threat against the Ducks’s goalie. No luck — the shot was saved and the game preceded.  

Multiple subs were brought in and out, giving many Wolves’s players rest, while also trying to see where each athlete plays best. 

Towards the end of the game, the Ducks put high pressure against the Wolves, causing the Wolves to drop back and play a defensive game without any transitions to attack on goal. Lacey Knutson, a returner; Sydni Manuel, new addition; and Ming Ng, a returner, kept the wide unbeatable, leaving the Ducks to attack through the middle. The Ducks’s strongest player was left to play by herself as the Wolves anticipated multiple moves and marked up well. Chances were created through the middle, but Hannah Greene, returner, Kawehi Taniguchi, returner, Sarah Texter, returner, and Seidree Kealoha-Albarado, new addition, were there to stop any attack.

Although the battle fell to the Wolves half for most of the game, Western held strong and unwavering. The final score ended in a tie with zero goals for both teams. 

For the Women’s Club team, this was a great result and true test for the upcoming season — leaving the pitch bruised and burned but without a loss against their hardest opponent in the past. 

To finish the weekend, the Wolves played against Willamette University Bearcats, ending the game in another tie, with the final score of 1-1. No wins to start their season but no losses as well. The Women’s Club Soccer team plays against the University of Oregon Green next weekend, Oct. 19, in Eugene at 1 p.m. The Wolves’s next home game will be on Nov. 12 on the turf at 4:30 p.m.

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Photos by  Max Carmona

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.