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By the students, for the students of Central Washington University

The Observer

By the students, for the students of Central Washington University

The Observer

By the students, for the students of Central Washington University

The Observer

Gabriel Strasbaugh, Staff Reporter

Staff Reporter - Fall 2020

Staff Reporter - Winter 2021

Staff Reporter - Spring 2021

All content by Gabriel Strasbaugh
Courtesy of CWU Athletics | Samantha Stanfield #10 Ace Pitcher

A near Cinderella Season concludes after duels against Western and Concordia

Gabriel Strasbaugh, Staff Reporter
June 2, 2021

After a season that included wins, loses and cancelations, the Wildcats’ softball season concluded after a 9-2 loss to Concordia Irvine. The loss came just two days after sending the Vikings of Western...

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Welcome to the NFL Rookie

Gabriel Strasbaugh, Columnist
May 26, 2021

The 2021 NFL draft saw the hierarchy of quarterbacks come first once again. From teams swinging for the fences in the first round with a franchise savior, to one of the greatest talents to ever command...

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Courtesy of CWU Athletics | Harlee Carpenter

Softball awaits decision on Postseason while players earn recognition

Gabriel Strasbaugh, Staff Reporter
May 21, 2021

Five members of the Wildcat softball team were selected to the Great Northwest Athletic Conference All-GNAC squad. Some players are not only leading their team in stats but leading all of Division II in...

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Courtesy of CWU Athletics

CWU adds another Pepper to their illustrious history

Gabriel Strasbaugh, Staff Reporter
May 12, 2021

A family tradition continues at CWU. Selah forward Noah Pepper has committed to the Wildcats at the end of his senior year. This is the third man of the Pepper family to put their stamp on CWU’s men’s...

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Photo courtesy of CWU Athletics

Senior Wildcats look to make the best of their extra and final season at CWU

Gabriel Strasbaugh, Staff Reporter
May 5, 2021

With the NCAA granting another year of eligibility, many seniors’ last season has more to offer than they originally thought. Athletes like soccer forward Jayme Woodfill, get this spring exhibition season...

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The golden age of football was 2006-2011

Gabriel Strasbaugh
May 5, 2021

From a period of 2006 to 2011, the NFL reached a status that those who lived through it will never forget. From one of the greatest upsets in sports history, to the first teams in history to ever have...

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Courtesy of CWU Athletics

Transfer leaves the starting running-back position up for grabs

Gabriel Strasbaugh, Staff Reporter
April 28, 2021

With Michael Roots entering the transfer portal, the starting position at tailback is now on the table. A trio of running-backs are all vying for their bid at the job. Senior Rey Green, who works for the...

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NFL owners vote to expand number selections for skill positions for the upcoming 2021 season

Gabriel Strasbaugh, Staff Reporter
April 22, 2021

The NFL owners’ meetings for the 2021 season are in full swing. Many new rule proposals and changes are on tap for the league to vote on. One rule that has players taking their voices to social media...

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Courtesy of CWU Athletics

CWU looks to rebound and take accountability after a rough first outing since 2019

Gabriel Strasbaugh, Staff Reporter
April 22, 2021

The Wildcat football team began their 2021 campaign with a 59-3 loss on the road against Montana. Changes to the roster forced back-ups into starting roles without much warning. Two-time All-American running...

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Wildcats took home a win against Life University 10-5 Saturday, March 27.

Women’s rugby look to defend their home in semi-final

Gabriel Strasbaugh, Staff Reporter
April 14, 2021

Looking at the 2021 season up to this point, success has fallen in favor of the Wildcats. Their 4-1 record has propelled them into a playoff semi-final at home against Life University on April 17.  The...

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DII Football looks to defy the odds of the pros

Gabriel Strasbaugh, Staff Reporter
March 10, 2021

With just one season left, many senior football players are preparing for a final highlight reel for an opportunity at the professional level. Coming from a Division II university, the chances of making...

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Tiger Woods not only became the GOAT, he made it fun doing it

Gabriel Strasbaugh, Columnist
March 2, 2021

From majors, to records galore, to being elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame, Tiger Woods' mark on sports has transcended more than just the playing green. Woods has become an instant icon throughout...

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Fast Food Restaurant adapts to COVID-19 in the ‘Burg

Fast Food Restaurant adapts to COVID-19 in the ‘Burg

Gabriel Strasbaugh, Staff Reporter
March 2, 2021

As COVID-19 swept the nation and shut down multiple places of establishment, one thing that stayed strong was the empire that is fast food. CWU students and Ellensburg residents immediately drew toward...

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CWU’s pool opens for the first time in nearly a calendar year

Gabriel Strasbaugh, Staff Reporter
February 23, 2021

If the snow and ice was not enough water for the students of CWU, the pool has reopened for the first time since COVID-19 hit the university last March. Located in the Aquatics Center at 1699, 1601 N Walnut...

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Men’s basketball team prepares for their first competition since 2019

Men’s basketball team prepares for their first competition since 2019

Gabriel Strasbaugh, Staff reporter
February 16, 2021

The cancellation of GNAC championships has not stopped the competitive edge of the Wildcats. The men’s and women’s Wildcat basketball teams prepare for upcoming exhibition games. The men’s basketball...

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Senior athletes recount some of their biggest moments at CWU

Gabriel Strasbaugh, Staff Reporter
February 10, 2021

The release of team schedules and recruiting classes the first week of February have the Wildcat teams’ reality of a season coming true. With the lack of live sports in the previous spring, fall and...

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Tomlinson Stadium is electrifying on Saturday’s especially with the band and fans.

Tomlinson Stadium: A home for all

Gabriel Strasbaugh, Staff Reporter
February 2, 2021

Tomlinson Stadium’s profound impact on CWU and its students transcends nearly seven decades. Named in 1940 after star running back Jack Tomlinson, the name Tomlinson stuck and has been host to many events...

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CWU and Kittitas County are preparing as the next batch of COVID-19 vaccines work their way through the residents and students of Ellensburg

Gabriel Strasbaugh, Senior Reporter
January 27, 2021

Amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, CWU’s athletics have finally resumed practice after approximately 10 months. As of Jan. 19, Kittitas County has received 2,000 doses of Moderna and Pfizer vaccines....

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CWU’s football team participating in a ROTC winter condition last year inside the field house of Nicholson Pavilion.

Football team targets character building as it continues to preserve through COVID-19 restrictions

Gabriel Strasbaugh, Staff Reporter
January 20, 2021

The Wildcats’ return has the football team preparing for a season that’s better late than never. Despite the continuation of the pandemic, the football team’s 2020 season is in the final stages to...

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Students give mixed reviews on whether in-person classes are the most effective method of teaching

Gabriel Strasbaugh, Staff Reporter
November 12, 2020

For many, the 2020-21 academic year will be online. Most departments have shifted from in-person classes to either online or real-time online.  Real-time online classes are classes that require students...

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Women’s soccer looks to capitalize on a solid 2019 season with the return of key injured pieces.

Women’s soccer looks to capitalize on a solid 2019 season with the return of key injured pieces.

Gabriel Strasbaugh, Staff Reporter
October 27, 2020

The 2020 season for women’s soccer looks to improve on the strengths from last season. Conference success plays to the gameplan Coach Michael Farrand has instilled in his players.  The Wildcats ended...

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Hunters prepare for a new look, season and gameplan with old roads closing

Hunters prepare for a new look, season and gameplan with old roads closing

Gabriel Strasbaugh, Staff Reporter
October 20, 2020

Oct. marks the beginning of hunting season, a tradition that many Washington state residents partake in each year with the hopes of a successful harvest to provide sustenance and stories for a lifetime.  Part...

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OPR offers a variety of equipment for student use

OPR offers a variety of equipment for student use

Gabriel Strasbaugh, Staff Reporter
October 20, 2020

Outdoor Pursuits and Rentals (OPR) continues to provide students with equipment for their trips. As the leaves begin to turn from green to its fall attire, more students are finding themselves strapping...

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[Video] Club sports start up again

Gabriel Strasbaugh, Reporter
October 20, 2020

Club sports provide opportunities for students to not only participate in events together, but to create their own matchups and schedules. Each club is student run allowing them to develop leadership and...

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A time in sports we may never see again

A time in sports we may never see again

Gabriel Strasbaugh, Columnist
October 13, 2020

Despite the dark clouds that have loomed over the world recently, there is a silver lining: the same Tiffany silver of the Vince Lombardi Trophy. The sports equinox has graced our lives in a time we needed...

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Outdoor activity keeps the minds of staff and students fresh and ready

Outdoor activity keeps the minds of staff and students fresh and ready

Gabriel Strasbaugh, Staff Reporter
October 7, 2020

More people are looking for things to do while our state and country remain somewhat closed. Students have decided to take this time to enjoy the fresh air and outdoor activities this state offers, including...

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The CWU football team has had to learn how to adapt to non contact activities to prepare for a sport that’s full of human contact.

Football team gets creative with its sights on potential return

Gabriel Strasbaugh, Staff Reporter
September 24, 2020

Football has been forced to reschedule its regular season in the spring. Stipulations applied to this agreement to play in the spring are required. Despite the hurdles created by COVID-19, the football...

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