Skip to Main Content
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

Jackson Roberts

Jackson Roberts, Staff Reporter

Sports Editor – Fall 2024

Staff Reporter – Winter 2024, Spring 2024

All content by Jackson Roberts
CWU women's basketball at Welly Awards. (Photo courtesy of Rylee Leishman)

Welly Winners: CWU Athletics annual Welly Awards

Jackson Roberts, Co-Editor-In-Chief
June 5, 2025

CWU’s annual Welly Awards were held this past week where 20 athletes were recognized for their work this past season. The student-athletes dressed up for the formal awards ceremony that took place out...

Continue Reading
Dr. Faegan showing off the Wind Ensemble to the crowd.

[Photo] Wind Ensemble & Symphonic Band: A lively concert with a special guest

Elijah Giampietro, Staff Reporter
June 5, 2025

Dr. Faegan speaking to the audience of the concert.

“Están separando una familia.” Los atletas llaman a la decisión de eliminar el rugby de CWU “devastadora” mientras empieza el empuje hacia la transferencia de los atletas.

“Están separando una familia.” Los atletas llaman a la decisión de eliminar el rugby de CWU “devastadora” mientras empieza el empuje hacia la transferencia de los atletas.

Jackson Roberts, Co-Editor-In-Chief
June 2, 2025

El Observer intentó ponerse en contacto con el Director Atlético Dennis Francois para obtener comentarios por medio de una llamada telefónica y por correo electrónico desde algunos días pero no recibió...

Continue Reading
Photo Courtesy of CWU Athletics

Dennis Francois, el director atlético analiza la controvertida decisión de deshacerse del rugby universitario.

Jackson Roberts, Coeditor jefe
June 2, 2025

El director atlético platicó con el Observer para discutir sobre ambos equipos de rugby, el de los hombres y el de las mujeres, que perdieron el patrocinio universitario. Los dos programas han tenido...

Continue Reading
Pepe Gonzalez performing during SWEECY Day.

Los Shadows kicks off tour at CWU

Jackson Roberts, Co-Editor-In-Chief
May 29, 2025

Indie rock band Los Shadows from San Diego, Calif. paid a visit to CWU last Thursday to headline the SWEECY Day concert. The band consists of Andy Saldana, Pepe Gonzalez, Xavier Prieto and Mark Bullard.  Their...

Continue Reading
Students hanging out with their friends during SWEECY Day.

Free food, free music and free fun: SWEECY Day 2025

Jackson Roberts, Co-Editor-In-Chief
May 29, 2025

CWU celebrated its students on May 22 for SWEECY Day. An array of lively students flooded the southside of campus for a plethora of food, games, friends and live music. “This is one of my favorite...

Continue Reading
Wincmachine 2021-2022 frisbee.

The CWU Windmachine: Ultimate Frisbee forms a community

Jackson Roberts, Co-Editor-In-Chief
May 22, 2025

Club sports at CWU provide students an opportunity to meet other students, get physical activity and bond with friends. The clubs are student led and promote building a community. With over 15 sports clubs...

Continue Reading
All I ever wanted was A Grand National tour (concert review)

All I ever wanted was A Grand National tour (concert review)

Brandon: Kendrick Lamar is a once in a lifetime talent, and I have been a fan of his nearly my entire life. His albums each mark times in my life, and you can often tell exactly what mood I’m in by which...

Continue Reading
Brandham Ponce trotting the bases after a home run.

“I love this school so much, I will always bleed crimson:” CWU Baseball seniors reflect on their Wildcat careers

Jackson Roberts, Co-Editor-In-Chief
May 15, 2025

Following the Wildcats’ loss in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) tournament, the Wildcat seniors reflect on their tenures at CWU. Through the transfer portal, many seniors found themselves...

Continue Reading
Oscar Treacy celebrating senior day.

Best in the country: Oscar Treacy’s special season

Jackson Roberts, Co-Editor-In-Chief
May 15, 2025

The 2025 Rudy Scholz Collegiate Athlete of the Year Award was awarded to CWU rugby’s Oscar Treacy. The 6-foot-3-inch, 205 pound senior wing out of Melbourne, Australia caps off an incredible run of talent...

Continue Reading
Photo Courtesy of CWU Athletics

Athletic Director Dennis Francois discusses the controversial decision to cut Varsity Rugby

Jackson Roberts, Co-Editor-In-Chief
May 8, 2025

Athletic Director Dennis Francois sat down with The Observer to discuss both men’s and women’s Rugby losing varsity sponsorship. The two programs have seen much success over their ten year spans, with...

Continue Reading
Photo courtesy of Navaeh Capetillo

From Ellensburg to the NFL: Tanner Volk signs to Seahawks rookie minicamp

Jackson Roberts, Co-Editor-In-Chief
May 1, 2025

Following the hard work senior safety Tanner Volk put into being drafted at the NFL level, he did not hear his name announced in the NFL draft. He did, however, receive an invite to the Seattle Seahawks’...

Continue Reading
Photo courtesy of Pexels

Amenaza al financiamiento de El Observer

Brandon Mattesich and Jackson Roberts
April 27, 2025

La siguiente carta fue enviada a Joel Klucking, vicepresidente Senior de Finanzas y Administración, y a todos los miembros de ASCWU. La carta fue escrita con el apoyo de todo el personal de El Observer...

Continue Reading
Photo by Nathan Herde

“They are breaking up a family:” Athletes call CWU’s decision to cut rugby “devastating” as the push to transfer begins

Jackson Roberts, Co-Editor-In-Chief
April 20, 2025

Athletic Director, Dennis Francois, and President Jim Wohlpart sent out an all-campus email on April 15, stating, “CWU Athletics has decided to discontinue varsity sponsorship of our men’s and women’s...

Continue Reading
Design by Brandon Mattesich

Nearly 100 people attend S&A meeting to protest proposed budget cuts

Brandon Mattesich and Jackson Roberts
April 17, 2025

The Services & Activities (S&A) Committee cut short public comment after nearly 100 people showed up to SURC 301 to protest the committee’s recently proposed budgets. Despite the fact that the...

Continue Reading
The bistro packed on Friendsgiving 2024.

Bistro closed indefinitely: Students share their thoughts

Jackson Roberts, Co-Editor-In-Chief
April 17, 2025

One of CWU’s buildings that is home to sweet treats, seasoned drinks and campus events, is temporarily closed as of April 1. The Bistro located in the Tunstall Commons on the south side of campus has...

Continue Reading
Origami night at AUAP Friends Club

Connecting Cultures: Origami night at the AUAP Friends Club

Jackson Roberts, Co-Editor-In-Chief
April 10, 2025

The Asia University America Program (AUAP) gives students from Asia University a chance to come to America and immerse themselves in new cultures. It is a study abroad program where the students learn...

Continue Reading
Karsyn Decker coming up to bat

Double the Power, Double the Joy: Karsyn Decker launches first two career home runs

Jackson Roberts and Parker Wood
April 10, 2025

Coming into the 2025 softball season, senior outfielder Karsyn Decker, out of Anchorage, Alaska had yet to hit a home run in her collegiate career. During a four game road series taking on Montana State...

Continue Reading
Design by Julia and Brandon | 

Previous header image featuring multiple blurred out athletes was taken down upon request from the athletes in photo. The photos used were from last seasons roster and were picked at random.

“We’re not here to make happy athletes, we’re here to make winners”

Jackson Roberts, Co-Editor-In-Chief
March 13, 2025

Recently, in response to a “campus consensus” survey by The Observer, multiple students cited complaints with coaching on the Track and Field and Cross Country teams. One survey respondent claimed,...

Continue Reading
Coach Rinta.

Wildcats stockpile GNAC awards

Jackson Roberts and Hudson Moore
March 13, 2025

The Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) basketball season is in the books. The men's and women's teams each fell short in the GNAC tournament. However, both the teams had two players make First...

Continue Reading
Malia Smith with flowers and gifts from loved ones.

Sayonara Seniors: CWU says goodbye to three tenured Wildcats

Jackson Roberts and Hudson Moore
March 6, 2025

With another regular season in the books, the spotlight shines on the women's basketball seniors as they prepare to make a push for the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) championship before they...

Continue Reading
Brizee accepting senior award from Associate Head Coach Drew Church.

Capping off Senior Night as GNAC regular-season champs

Jackson Roberts, Co-Editor-In-Chief
February 27, 2025

The Wildcats men's basketball team celebrated senior night by taking down Saint Martin's University 87-70 to become the 2024-25 Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) regular-season champions. Senior...

Continue Reading
Design by Brandon Mattesich

Estudiantes de CWU reaccionan a la represión contra la in-migración

Brandon Mattesich and Jackson Roberts
February 20, 2025

Historia actualizada el 6 de enero, tras la publicación de un comunicado oficial por parte de la oficina de relaciones universitarias. Para su protección legal, así como por el carácter sensible...

Continue Reading

From Pain to Purpose. From Dreams to Reality: Shaquem Griffin talks about overcoming adversity

Jackson Roberts, Co-Editor-In-Chief
February 20, 2025

Former Seattle Seahawk and National Football League (NFL) icon Shaquem Griffin paid a visit to CWU on Feb. 13 to share a message entitled “From Pain to Purpose. From Dreams to Reality”. Students and...

Continue Reading
Photo Courtesy of Pexels

Students share thoughts on Super Bowl: Chiefs Kingdom Dethroned

Jackson Roberts, Co-Editor-In-Chief
February 13, 2025

Super Bowl LIX took place on Feb. 9 in the New Orleans Caesars Superdome where the Philadelphia Eagles dominated the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22. Some students found themselves in the SURC pit for the Super...

Continue Reading
Design by Brandon Mattesich

CWU students react to Trump’s crackdown on immigration

Brandon Mattesich and Jackson Roberts
February 6, 2025

Story updated Jan. 6,  following the release of an official statement by University Relations. "For their legal protection, as well as due to the sensitive nature of the story, all students who volunteered...

Continue Reading
Design by Brandon Mattesich

The Most Shocking Trade in NBA History

Jackson Roberts, Co-Editor-In-Chief
February 5, 2025

The National Basketball Association (NBA) trade deadline is creeping up on teams as organizations look to make moves to fulfill their championship dreams or trade away players in hopes of going in different...

Continue Reading
Design by Brandon Mattesich

Seattle Legend finds a new home

Jackson Roberts, Co-Editor-In-Chief
January 30, 2025

Long-time Seattle Seahawks Head Coach Pete Carroll has signed a three-year contract as the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. Carroll spent 14 years in his head coach position in Seattle, helping lead...

Continue Reading
Photo courtesy of Pexels

Chase for the Lombardi: Conference Championship Chaos?

Jackson Roberts, Columnist
January 21, 2025

The National Football League (NFL) Divisional Round did not disappoint over this past weekend as four teams were eliminated from the playoffs in their chase for the Lombardi Trophy. I am here to once again...

Continue Reading
Demasiado calor, demasiado frío: ¿Se resolverán los problemas de calefacción en la biblioteca James Brooks?

Demasiado calor, demasiado frío: ¿Se resolverán los problemas de calefacción en la biblioteca James Brooks?

Jackson Roberts, Co-Editor-In-Chief
January 21, 2025

Traducido por: Abby Limonteco-Tlatelpa, Josephine Scheopner, Aurora Cuellar Morales, Evelyn Aguiar La biblioteca James Brooks es el lugar donde muchos estudiantes de CWU se sumergen en sus estudios...

Continue Reading
Photo courtesy of Pexels

The chase for the Lombardi Trophy begins

Jackson Roberts, Columnist
January 16, 2025

The NFL playoffs are under way and the wildcard round has wrapped up with my Green Bay Packers being eliminated in the opening slate of games. I can now bring you guys an unbiased playoff bracket over...

Continue Reading
Too Hot Too Cold: Heating Issues in Brooks Library?

Too Hot Too Cold: Heating Issues in Brooks Library?

Jackson Roberts, Co-Editor-In-Chief
January 16, 2025

James E. Brooks Library is where many CWU students find themselves diving into their studies and furthering their academic knowledge. However lately, staff and students are filled with complaints about...

Continue Reading
(Photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures)

Gladiator Two: Are you not Entertained?

Brandon Mattesich and Jackson Roberts
January 14, 2025

Spoiler alert, I was entertained. This film is action packed, full of amazing performances, jaw dropping spectacle and ultimately builds on the legacy of the original without feeling like it was pandering...

Continue Reading
GNAC Championship team photo.

Volleyball wins First GNAC Championship Since 2005

Jackson Roberts and Maggie McBroom
January 14, 2025

For the first time in 19 years the Wildcats volleyball team ended their regular season play as Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) champions. They were dominant all season with a conference record...

Continue Reading
Eli Williams dribbling up the court.

Preparation for Perfection

Jackson Roberts, Sports Editor
November 15, 2024

Men’s basketball non-conference schedule started with a 85-61 win vs Pacific Lutheran University but the Wildcats had a tough test ahead of them as they hosted the California Collegiate Athletic Association...

Continue Reading
Harris throwing down lob pass from Williams. (Photo courtesy of Alistair Hennessey)

New faces make a statement

Jackson Roberts, Sports Editor
November 12, 2024

The Wildcats took down Pacific Lutheran University 85-61 in a scrimmage with the ‘Cats picking up where they left off last season. It was the first game played since the Wildcats took home the Great...

Continue Reading
Livy and Camy's first game together. (Photo courtesy Livy Sander)

Livy and Cami Sander – Senior and Freshman sisters – cheer together

Jackson Roberts, Sports Editor
October 31, 2024

CWU cheer has a new sister duo as senior flier Livy Sander welcomed her little sister freshman back spot Cami Sander to the team. This is the first opportunity the Sander sisters get to cheer beside one...

Continue Reading
Tyler Flanagan after scoring a touchdown.

The Cats are Back in Town

Jackson Roberts, Sports Editor
October 3, 2024

CWU students and alumni packed the stands of Tomlinson Stadium for the first home game of the young 2024 football season. The Wildcats defeated Western New Mexico University (WNMU) in a one sided 36-0...

Continue Reading

Student-athletes recognized at Wellys

Jackson Roberts, Staff Reporter
May 30, 2024

The Welly’s award ceremony was hosted on May 20 at CWU to recognize student-athletes for the work they have put into their respective sports. Twenty awards were handed out and every athlete dressed up...

Continue Reading
Austin Ohland after mound visit. 
(Photo courtesy of Jacob Thompson/Thompson Sports Medis)

First-team all wildcats

Jackson Roberts and Devanee Lopez
May 23, 2024

The CWU baseball season did not end the way the Wildcats wanted it to but their efforts throughout the season did not go unnoticed. Numerous players were recognized with awards for their outstanding play...

Continue Reading

New Faces Same Goals

Jackson Roberts, Staff Reporter
May 16, 2024

Following a 2023-2024 season where the men’s basketball team won the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) Tournament, CWU will lose many key contributors due to graduation. The Wildcat’s future...

Continue Reading
Ashlee Laver Celebrating.
(Photo courtesy of Jacob Thompson/Thompson Sports Media)

CWU softball season comes to an end

Jackson Roberts, Staff Reporter
May 9, 2024

Despite a rough start to the season, the Wildcats were able to make a push for the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) Championship Tournament that commenced on Thursday, May 2. The CWU softball...

Continue Reading

CWU night at T-Mobile Park

Jackson Roberts, Staff Reporter
April 30, 2024

CWU students and alumni traveled to T-Mobile Park in Seattle, Washington on April 27 to watch the Arizona Diamondbacks take on the Seattle Mariners. With the 2,000 tickets allotted for the CWU section...

Continue Reading
Jonathan Garza going through his windup.  (Jacob Thompson/Thompson Sports Media)

Jonathan Garza deals No-Hitter

Jackson Roberts, Staff Reporter
April 25, 2024

April 6 was a big day for CWU baseball; junior starting pitcher Jonathan Garza ll mowed through Saint Martin University's lineup not allowing one batter to record a hit in seven innings of work. This game...

Continue Reading
Coach Storey giving pep talk in GNAC championship game. (Photo courtesy of Jacob Thompson/Thompson Sports Media)

Career Highlight: Head Coach Desi Storey reaches 700 wins

Jackson Roberts, Staff Reporter
April 18, 2024

Head coach of CWU’s baseball team, Desi Storey, reached a career milestone of 700 career wins in his time coaching here in Ellensburg, Washington. Storey has spent 33 seasons as the head coach of the...

Continue Reading
Sound Bite #2

Sound Bite #2

This Week in Music  Welcome to this week's issue of Sound Bite! Recently J. Cole released “Might Delete Later” where he snapped back at Kendrick Lamar for his diss on “Like That” from Future...

Continue Reading
Bradley Swillie driving to the basket.

Freshman Standouts: Carrying the Torch for the Men’s Basketball Team

Jackson Roberts, Staff Reporter
April 10, 2024

Following a historical season of CWU men’s basketball winning the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) tournament, the Wildcats will be losing key seniors to graduation. The 2024-2025 season is...

Continue Reading

Men’s Basketball Crowned GNAC Champions

Jackson Roberts, Staff Reporter
March 10, 2024

The CWU men’s basketball went through a gauntlet in the GNAC conference tournament but were able to come out on top after a hard-fought season. The tournament was held on March 7-9 and for the first...

Continue Reading
Andrew Sharp holding CWU flag. 
(Jacob Thompson/Thompson Sports Media)

Sharp leads off season with GNAC Player of the Week

Jackson Roberts, Staff Reporter
March 7, 2024

The CWU baseball season is underway and the Wildcats have already received Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) awards. Sophomore first baseman and catcher Andrew Sharp started the season off strong...

Continue Reading
Asher Cai shoots from downtown. Photo courtesy Jacob Thompson/Thompson Sports Media

Asher Cai awarded Division II National Player of the Week

Jackson Roberts, Staff Reporter
February 29, 2024

With the final regular season game happening tonight, Thursday, Feb. 29, the CWU women’s basketball team has an overall record of 18-10 and conference record of 9-7. They have clinched a spot in the...

Continue Reading
Colby Gennett makes an unbalanced three-pointer. Photo courtesy Jacob Thompson/Thompson Sports Media

Consecutive career highs as CWU pushes for playoffs

Jackson Roberts, Staff Reporter
February 22, 2024

Coming into the final stretch of the CWU men’s basketball season, the Wildcats sit at an overall record of 15-8 and 8-6 in Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) play. Following a loss on the road...

Continue Reading
The CWU student section packed out during a game against Western Washington University. Photo courtesy Jacob Thompson.

Fueled by the fans

Jackson Roberts, Staff Reporter
February 16, 2024

CWU’s new and improved Nicholson Pavilion reopened to the public on Oct. 7, but they didn’t stop there as a brand-new student section was also opened for students to establish new traditions and have...

Continue Reading
The CWU student section packed out during a game against Western Washington University. Photo courtesy Jacob Thompson.

Energizados por los admiradores

Jackson Roberts, Reportero
February 16, 2024

El 7 de octubre se presentó al público el nuevo pabellón Nicholson que ha sido mejorado. Sin embargo, fueron más allá al abrir una nueva sección para que los estudiantes establezcan nuevas tradiciones...

Continue Reading

Super Bowl Sunday in Vegas

Jackson Roberts, Staff Reporter
February 7, 2024

The NFL conference championships have wrapped up and fans finally have their answer for who will be playing in the 2024 Super Bowl. The San Francisco 49ers will take on the Kansas City Chiefs for the NFL’s...

Continue Reading

Records broken in CWU track and field

Raya Miron and Jackson Roberts
February 2, 2024

Track and field has reaped the rewards of their work over the last couple weeks as five athletes were awarded with Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) Field Athlete of the Week honors during the...

Continue Reading

Looking back on the Wildcats nationally-ranked season

Jackson Roberts, Staff Reporter
January 25, 2024

The CWU women’s volleyball team finished the season with an overall record of 20-7. This secured their spot at number 22 in the nation following their season ending in a loss to California State University,...

Continue Reading
Junior safety Tanner Volk in his second season before switching jerseys to the prestigious number 44. 
(Photo courtesy Jacob Thompson / Thompson Sports Media)

Volk voted top defensive player in Division II

Jackson Roberts, Staff Reporter
January 18, 2024

Junior safety Tanner Volk was awarded the Cliff Harris award which is given to the nation’s top defensive player in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II. His season consisted...

Continue Reading