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

Austin Lane, Sports Editor

Sports Editor - Spring 2020

Sports Editor - Winter 2020

Senior Sports Reporter - Fall 2019

Staff Reporter - Spring 2019

 

All content by Austin Lane
Five players the Seahawks could pick in this week’s NFL Draft and why

Five players the Seahawks could pick in this week’s NFL Draft and why

Austin Lane, Columnist
April 22, 2020

The Seattle Seahawks had a 2019 season similar to what they saw in 2012. In both seasons, a good rookie draft class combined with some veterans and team leaders led the team to an 11-5 record but a loss...

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Coaching from home

Coaching from home

Austin Lane, Sports Editor
April 15, 2020

Instead of getting up in the morning to go to his office on campus or to go run a team practice, CWU Track and Field head coach Kevin Adkisson gets up and goes on his computer. “You’re used to just...

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With no other options, WrestleMania was a light in the dark

With no other options, WrestleMania was a light in the dark

Austin Lane, Columnist
April 9, 2020

Yes, ESPN is constantly airing classic games. Yes, the NFL draft is still going to happen and is right around the corner. But there’s something different about live sports. There’s something special...

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Left to right: assistant coach Brittany Aanstad, senior Samantha La Rue, assistant coach Wyatt Meyring and senior Erykah Weems explore downtown Alabama, not knowing the National Championships were going to be cancelled.

Track and Field athletes sent home from Alabama day before national championships

Austin Lane, Sports Editor
April 9, 2020

Seniors Erykah Weems and Samantha La Rue woke up early on March 11, got on a bus to SeaTac and flew to Birmingham, Alabama for the NCAA DII Indoor Track and Field National Championships.  The event...

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Spring quarter fees announced

Spring quarter fees announced

Austin Lane and Bailey Tomlinson
April 4, 2020

An email was sent to the student body from President James Gaudino detailing which fees the university would be waiving for the upcoming spring quarter. This information was sent out 11 days before the...

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One last ride

One last ride

Austin Lane, Staff Reporter
March 4, 2020

CWU Women’s Basketball finished their regular season last weekend with a win over Seattle Pacific University (SPU). CWU finished the regular season on a four-game winning streak and finished 13-7...

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Courtesy of Lauren Orr

Wildcats Find Success in Nampa

Austin Lane, Sports Editor
February 26, 2020

The CWU Track and Field team competed in the GNAC Indoor Championship on Feb. 21-22 in Nampa, Idaho. Both the men’s and women’s side took third place out of 10 teams in the event. The men finished...

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Teagan Kimbro

Student athletes unfazed by travel demands

Austin Lane, Sports Editor
February 19, 2020

Student athletes who travel for away games, matches or meets are in an interesting situation due to the location of Ellensburg.  The closest opponent for CWU Football in the GNAC is Western Oregon...

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CWU Athletic Communications

Baseball ready to put last year in the past

Austin Lane, Sports Editor
February 12, 2020

After a 13-27 conference record in 2019, the CWU Baseball team is looking for success in 2020. It was the first time since 2015 the team finished under .500 in GNAC games and the most losses in one...

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CWU Football encounters coaching carousel

Austin Lane, Sports Editor
February 12, 2020

The offensive and defensive coordinator positions are being filled for CWU football after the departure of two coaches this offseason. Defensive coordinator Ivan Cordova was released and offensive coordinator...

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Paneal Holland

Men’s basketball needs strong finish to make playoffs

Austin Lane, Sports Editor
February 12, 2020

With six games left in the season, CWU Men’s Basketball is 7-7 in conference games and is currently tied for sixth in the GNAC. The GNAC postseason tournament takes the top six teams in the GNAC, so...

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Paneal Holland

Wildcats sink Vikings fleet

Austin Lane, Sports Editor
February 5, 2020

CWU Men’s Basketball defeated Western for the first time in two years on Saturday. Brandon Rinta got his first win over the Vikings as head coach for CWU, with a final score of 82-60. That was...

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CWU wins third straight game with important victory over Northwest Nazarene University

Austin Lane, Sports Editor
February 5, 2020

After a 5-15 conference record in the GNAC last season, CWU Men’s Basketball are now 6-7 and find themselves just one and a half games behind three teams in the GNAC for a spot in the playoffs. The Wildcats...

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Courtesy of CWU Athletics

CWU defense steps up to give Rinta first win over Western

Austin Lane, Sports Editor
February 1, 2020

CWU Men’s Basketball secured their first win over the Western Washington University (WWU) Vikings in two years Saturday night with an 82-60 win in the Nicholson Pavilion. The CWU defense came to play,...

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Remembering Kobe Bryant

Remembering Kobe Bryant

Austin Lane, Sports Editor
January 29, 2020

Ever since the Seattle SuperSonics left Seattle after the 2007-08 season, I haven’t been a huge fan of the NBA. As a sports fan who enjoys other sports like the NFL and MLB, the NBA has never given me...

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Phiakhamngon... how do you pronounce that?

Phiakhamngon… how do you pronounce that?

Austin Lane, Sports Editor
January 29, 2020

“She’s a super sweet young lady, very intelligent and is just a fun person to be around.” That’s what CWU Women’s Basketball head coach Randi Richardson-Thornley had to say about the athlete...

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Creative Commons

CWU Athletics’ Hall of Fame adds four members, reaches 200 total

Austin Lane, Sports Editor
January 22, 2020

CWU Director of Athletics Dennis Francois and the CWU Athletics’ Hall of Fame Committee announced the addition of four new members to the CWU Athletics Hall of Fame this year. This year’s inductees...

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Transfers make impact on court

Austin Lane, Sports Editor
January 15, 2020

Despite a 1-5 conference start, the CWU Men’s Basketball team has seen positive signs from some of the transfers on the team that are new to CWU this season.  One athlete that has been making his...

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Mitchell steps up to the plate

Austin Lane, Sports Editor
January 15, 2020

CWU Athletic Director Dennis Francois has made his choice. Alison Mitchell will take over as CWU’s new head coach for the softball program after previous head coach Mike Larabee left the program in...

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Connecting students with professionals

Connecting students with professionals

Austin Lane, Senior Sports Reporter
December 4, 2019

CWU Sport Management Club invites students from all majors to come learn more about working in the sports industry. As one of the newer clubs on campus, it is still in the process of growing and setting...

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PE Classes offer stress relief

Austin Lane, Senior Sports Reporter
December 4, 2019

According to the American Psychological Association, one way that’s been proven to avoid stress is by working out. When you work out or stay active, endorphins -- chemicals that act as natural painkillers...

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Volleyball digs way into playoffs

Volleyball digs way into playoffs

Austin Lane, Senior Sports Reporter
December 4, 2019

The CWU Volleyball team sneaked into the NCAA Division II West Region playoffs this year as the number eight seed. They will take on California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB), the number one...

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Wellington: a beacon of Wildcat pride

Wellington: a beacon of Wildcat pride

Austin Lane, Senior Sports Reporter
November 19, 2019

You may have seen him at a CWU football game, CWU Night with the Seattle Mariners or even at his own wildfire event. Even if you haven’t caught a glance of this unit of a cat, Wellington the Wildcat...

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Austin Lane

Fisk leads Bulldogs to second in state

Austin Lane, Senior Sports Reporter
November 19, 2019

The Ellensburg High School (EHS) volleyball team finished second in state after the WIAA State Tournament this past weekend. The tournament was hosted on campus at Nicholson Pavilion. EHS plays in the...

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Swimming culture lives on at CWU

Austin Lane, Senior Sports Reporter
November 13, 2019

The CWU Swimming Club hosted the Wildcat Invite, its first swim meet of the school year last Saturday. Swimmers from both the CWU and Washington State University (WSU) swimming clubs met at the CWU Aquatic...

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Sports opportunity off the field

Sports opportunity off the field

Austin Lane, Senior Sports Reporter
November 13, 2019

According to CWU’s website, there are over 135 majors offered at CWU. For students that are interested in sports, there are multiple options for choosing a major that pertains to sports in some fashion.  One...

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Alumni challenge in full swing

Austin Lane, Senior Sports Reporter
November 7, 2019

The Wildcat Alumni Challenge is a fundraising event hosted by CWU Athletics once a year. The event gives former CWU athletes a chance to donate money that goes towards the different sporting teams at CWU....

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Hawks facing biggest game of the season

Austin Lane, Senior Sports Reporter
November 7, 2019

After a big win last week against the Atlanta Falcons, to move to 7-2 on the season the Seattle Seahawks have their biggest test of the season this Monday night against the undefeated San Francisco 49ers...

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The Observer stands for a free and unregulated press

The Observer stands for a free and unregulated press

The Observer holds transparency between the publication and its readers as a top priority. We believe it’s our duty and a crucial factor in our pursuit of journalistic integrity. For these reasons,...

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Basketball opens season with a win

Basketball opens season with a win

Austin Lane, Senior Sports Reporter
November 1, 2019

The CWU Men’s Basketball team kicked off their 2019-2020 campaign with an exhibition win against the University of Idaho (UI) Vandals by a final score of 88-81. The game was a chance for the Wildcats...

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Football contends for top GNAC spot

Football contends for top GNAC spot

Austin Lane, Senior Sports Reporter
November 1, 2019

Wildcat football entered Saturday night looking to continue their winning streak and left Tomlinson Stadium with their biggest win of the season.  After a big 56-yard touchdown run by Michael Roots on...

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The right way to pay college athletes

Austin Lane, Senior Sports Reporter
October 24, 2019

Senate Bill No. 206, otherwise known as the Fair Pay to Play Act, allows student athletes to receive compensation for their name, likeness and image. The bill was passed this year, with California Gov....

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Volleyball goes in for the kill

Austin Lane, Senior Sports Reporter
October 16, 2019

Coming into Thursday night riding a three-match losing streak, the CWU Women’s Volleyball team secured a win against Montana State University Billings’ (MSUB) Yellowjackets. The win puts the Wildcats...

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Larabee leaps up a division

Larabee leaps up a division

Austin Lane, Senior Sports Reporter
October 16, 2019

Editor's Note: The Observer staff attempted to interview current CWU Softball players about head coach Mike Larabee resigning from CWU. The CWU Athletics Department requested student journalists send in...

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Courtesy of CWU Athletics

Track and field competed at Nationals

Austin Lane, Staff Reporter
May 29, 2019

CWU Track and Field sent seven athletes to Kingsville, Texas for this year’s NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships. Here’s a look at how each athlete did in the events they qualified...

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The International Center gives counseling to students from other countries, provides immigration services and helps form the educational experience for international
students. The center is located off of E Dean Nicholson Blvd behind Michaelson Hall.

WorldCat Institute welcomes international students

Austin Lane, Staff Reporter
May 29, 2019

The CWU WorldCats Institute is a short-term academic and cultural experience program at CWU. CWU Worldcats welcomes international students to come to CWU for one to six weeks and participate in English...

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Courtesy of CWU Athletics

Shindruk nominated for NCAA Woman of the Year

Austin Lane, Staff Reporter
May 22, 2019

CWU Track and Field long-distance runner Alexa Shindruk has been nominated for NCAA Woman of the Year. She is the only representative of CWU this year. Each school in the NCAA can nominate up to two women,...

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Men’s basketball fills gaps in offseason

Men’s basketball fills gaps in offseason

Austin Lane, Staff Reporter
May 15, 2019

CWU Men’s Basketball has added seven players to the team roster so far this offseason. Recruiting is a year-long process but at this time of the year, players signing is at a peak. Here’s a look at...

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Culture on stage at PolyFest

Culture on stage at PolyFest

Austin Lane, Staff Reporter
May 10, 2019

There's a variety of clubs that focus on culture at CWU. One of those clubs is PolyCentral. Every year, PolyCentral hosts PolyFest, a celebration of Polynesian culture with food, dance and other activities....

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The CWU women’s track team is ranked 5th in the U.S, making them a top-ranked team in the nation.

Track prepares for GNAC chamionships

Austin Lane, Staff Reporter
May 9, 2019

The CWU Track and Field season is winding down to its final two events. This weekend, the team will travel to Monmouth, Oregon for the GNAC Outdoor Track and Field Championships. Western Oregon University...

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College of Arts and Humanities honors students and faculty

Austin Lane, Staff Reporter
May 7, 2019

The College of Arts and Humanities (CAH) year end celebration was tonight in the SURC Ballroom. The celebration recognized students and faculty within the college. The Thomas Gause Award for Achievement...

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Montoya played at Seattle University until his sophmore year. He came to Ellensburg to spend the last two years of his career as a college athlete with the Wildcats. He has declared that he will be entering into the 2019 NBA draft.

Montoya declares for NBA draft

Austin Lane, Staff Reporter
May 1, 2019

CWU Men’s Basketball’s guard Malik Montoya announced in a tweet on April 16 that he will enter his name into the 2019 NBA draft. “I enjoyed my four years of college basketball and I gave it my...

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Photo courtesy of CWU Athletics

CTE growing prevalence in collegiate athletics

Austin Lane, Staff Reporter
April 24, 2019

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a dangerously growing disease found more and more in college athletics, especially college football. CTE is described by Boston University as, “a progressive...

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OPR offers rafting trips throughout the spring. Their first trip of 2019 is on Saturday, May 18 and departs
from OPR at 10 a.m.

Rafting offers outdoor adventure

Austin Lane, Staff Reporter
April 24, 2019

Rafting is an activity that is available during the spring and summer here in Central Washington. It’s an activity that can cure the need for something to do in the area. Students are not limited to...

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Stores like Grocery Outlet are popular among those who are sticking to a tight
budget. These stores offer food and common household items for low prices.

Budgeting in college: The do’s and don’ts

Austin Lane, Staff Reporter
April 24, 2019

Budgeting your money correctly in college is tough. The amount of time spent in a classroom, doing homework, studying, being social and having a life leaves less room to work a job and have a steady flow...

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Inaugural track meet held at Recreation Sports Complex

Inaugural track meet held at Recreation Sports Complex

Austin Lane, Staff Reporter
April 17, 2019

The CWU Track and Field team had their first home meet at the new Recreation Sports Complex last weekend. Multiple Wildcats got first place in their respective events as they prepare for the Azusa/Long...

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Senior Kayla Smith is nearing the end of her collegiate softball career. She spent her first three seasons as a
pitcher and will spend her final season in the oufield.

Smith moves off the mound

Austin Lane, Staff Reporter
April 17, 2019

After her first three seasons as a pitcher, Kayla Smith is in the process of finishing her collegiate career as an outfielder. Smith made 69 appearances as a pitcher for CWU from 2016 to 2018 with...

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Opinion: WrestleMania 35 begins hot, ends cold

Opinion: WrestleMania 35 begins hot, ends cold

Austin Lane, Staff Reporter
April 10, 2019

WrestleMania 35 last Sunday surprisingly began with the Universal Championship match between part-time wrestler Brock Lesnar and The Architect Seth Rollins. WWE finally took Brock off the belt and gave...

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Kelly Bills is the new offensive coordinator. Bills the former assistant coach and quarterbacks coach for Weber
University.

New offensive coordinator looks to make impact on and off the field

Austin Lane, Staff Reporter
April 10, 2019

The CWU football team has had much success in the past couple seasons. Since 2016, the team is 21-3 in GNAC conference games, including a perfect 8-0 record in the GNAC in 2017. Part of CWU’s successful...

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Men’s basketball looks on at their teammates during their recent home game against the Alaska Anchorage
Seawolves. The Wildcats lost once again, their seventh in the last eight games.

Men’s basketball on the brink of elimination

Austin Lane, For The Observer
February 21, 2019

With four games left in the regular season, the CWU men’s basketball team will more than likely not be preparing for the 2019 GNAC men’s basketball championship. The GNAC takes six out of the top 11...

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Opinion: Mariners vs. Martin - too early to tell

Opinion: Mariners vs. Martin – too early to tell

Austin Lane, For The Observer
January 16, 2019

The Seattle Mariners hired Doctor Lorena Martin as MLB’s first ever Director of High Performance in November 2017 for the 2018 season. After the season was over, Martin filed a lawsuit and accused the...

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Opinion: Seattle Mariners offseason trade report card

Opinion: Seattle Mariners offseason trade report card

Austin Lane, For The Observer
January 10, 2019

After finishing last season with a final record of 89-73 and missing the playoffs for the 17th straight season, the Seattle Mariners faced a tough decision this offseason. General Manager Jerry DiPoto...

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Opinion: Politics not actually the reason NFL is declining

Opinion: Politics not actually the reason NFL is declining

Austin Lane, For the Observer
November 1, 2018

The professional sporting landscape in the U.S. has changed substantially in the past three years. The five major sports leagues in the U.S., the National Football League (NFL), National Basketball Association...

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Boston cements a legacy at CWU

Austin Lane, Staff Reporter
May 30, 2018

The GNAC Outdoor Track and Field Championships on May 11-12 was considered by CWU Track and Field head coach Kevin Adkisson to be a good chance to “get your bragging rights” as a team. CWU Track...

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Track and Field Sends eight to nationals

Austin Lane, Staff Reporter
May 23, 2018

This season will be marked as historic for CWU Track and Field. The team is sending a record seven women to the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships. The women will be accompanied by...

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Senior pitcher Dom Baker attempts to bring CWU back from a 5 run deficit against Montana State Billings University in the bottom of the fourth inning.

CWU Baseball falls short in GNAC tournament

Austin Lane, Staff Reporter
May 17, 2018

“I’m proud of ‘em,” Storey said about the seniors after their final game in a Wildcats jersey. “They never quit… Nobody hung their head and they just kept getting after it. That’s all you...

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Williams Finds Home in CWU Softball

Williams Finds Home in CWU Softball

Austin Lane, Staff Reporter
May 9, 2018

CWU Softball Pitcher Taylor Williams comes from a small-town city east of Los Angeles. With a population of about 40,000, Brea, California is where Williams played her high school softball. Coming from...

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Opinion: James Paxton is the next Felix Hernandez

Austin Lane, Staff Reporter
May 9, 2018

When the Seattle Mariners needed a young pitcher to come in and fill the shoes of starting pitcher Felix Hernandez, they got James Paxton. Hernandez will go down as one of the greatest Mariners pitchers,...

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Seattle Mariners have big opening month

Austin Lane, Staff Reporter
May 2, 2018

The Seattle Mariners ended April with a 16-11 overall record which was good enough to finish a half game above the Los Angeles Angels for second place in the AL West. What seems to be the case though...

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Opinion: LeBron James is the G.O.A.T

Opinion: LeBron James is the G.O.A.T

Austin Lane, Staff Reporter
May 2, 2018

It’s no question anymore; LeBron James is the greatest basketball player of all time. The thing that pushes LeBron over Michael Jordan as the best NBA player in history is the talent surrounding each...

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Athletes set sights on GNAC Championships

Austin Lane, Staff Reporter
May 2, 2018

According to head coach Kevin Adkisson, individuals are what makes up the track team, but the combination of all the individuals into one team effort is what makes the Outdoor Championships a big part...

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Tyson Rainwater and Daniel Johnson butt heads during wide receiver drills during spring practice on April 24.

CWU prepares to tackle spring football

Austin Lane, Staff Reporter
April 25, 2018

As the month comes to an end, all that’s left for CWU Football is two practices and their spring game. Special teams and defensive backs coach Benny Boyd, who’s currently interim defensive coordinator,...

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Storey records No. 600 for CWU

Austin Lane, Staff Reporter
April 20, 2018

CWU Baseball head coach Desi Storey is now at 603 career wins, a career milestone. He got his 600th career win during the Wildcats’ home series against Montana State University Billings (MSUB). For...

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February 16, 2108: Day one of the GNAC indoor Track and Field Championships.

Ortega breaks records at CWU

Austin Lane, Staff Reporter
April 11, 2018

HarLee Ortega grew up wanting to play softball, but it was when her eighth-grade math teacher told her she had the potential to be good at track and field that she joined. Now, Ortega has cemented her...

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