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

Hanson Lee, Managing Editor

Managing Editor - Spring 2019

Sports Editor - Winter 2019

Sports Editor - Fall 2018

Sports Editor - Spring 2018

Senior Sports Reporter - Winter 2018

All content by Hanson Lee
Baseball is gearing up and hitting the road to take on the Northwest Nazarene University Nighthawks in a four
game series.

Baseball closes out season on the road

Hanson Lee, Managing Editor
May 1, 2019

Ellensburg’s wind is picking up, but baseball season is winding down for the 2019 season  as the Wildcats prepare to hit the road and take care of the Northwest Nazarene University Nighthawks (21-21)...

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In her second year as a Wildcat, Moyle has excelled at the catching position, as well as offensively at the plate. Up next, Moyle and the Wildcats will host Simon Fraser
University on April 6.

Moyle lights spark on softball offense

Hanson Lee, Managing Editor
April 3, 2019

With an 19-11 start to 2019, the Wildcats have gotten out to a nice start on the season. Behind the team’s early success has been sophomore catcher Theresa Moyle. In 22 games played and 17 games started,...

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Shoemaker hired as new EWU offensive coordinator, officially parts ways with Wildcat football

Shoemaker hired as new EWU offensive coordinator, officially parts ways with Wildcat football

Hanson Lee, Sports Editor
February 26, 2019

CWU head coach Ian Shoemaker will be parting ways with the Wildcat football program after accepting a coaching position as the offensive coordinator for the Eastern Washington University Eagles. After...

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Womens basketball huddles before their game against the Saints earlier this 2018-19 season.

Women’s basketball aims for fifth straight tournament bid

Hanson Lee, Sports Editor
February 21, 2019

With only four games left to go in the regular season, the Wildcats currently stand at fourth place in the GNAC with an overall record of 15-8 and a GNAC record of 10-6. As of now, the team has yet to...

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Softball has officially begun for the 2019 season. Although it’s a new season, training has been nothing unfa-
miliar as the team has been putting in work since the beginning of last fall as seen here.

Softball heats up for 2019 amidst winter frenzy

Hanson Lee, Sports Editor
February 21, 2019

About three weeks into the regular season and the Wildcats have strung together an early season record of 5-3. Head coach Michael Larabee has been pleased with the team’s performance on the season thus...

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Red Top Hill hike offers views of the mountains without having to put in too much effort. A large portion of the adventure is the drive to the top.

A vast view of local landscape: Red Top Hill

Hanson Lee, Sports Editor
February 21, 2019

Ellensburg’s elongated winter frenzy may have you missing the area’s hot summer days. If that’s the case, then Red Top Hill’s summer hiking experience is an adventure to look forward to in the...

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Mens basketball sets sights on second half of season

Men’s basketball sets sights on second half of season

Hanson Lee, Sports Editor
January 10, 2019

Men’s basketball is well underway as the Wildcats have already put together a 7-5 overall record on the season under the tenure of new head basketball coach Brandon Rinta. With last season marking the...

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Womens basketball sees best start since 2015 season

Women’s basketball sees best start since 2015 season

Hanson Lee, Sports Editor
January 10, 2019

Classes are back in full swing for Winter quarter and so is women’s basketball as the Wildcats are already nearing the midway point of their 2019 season. The team currently boasts an overall record of...

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CWU welcomed West Texas A&M University for the grand reopening of Tomlinson Stadium. The Buffalos defeated the Wildcats 28-26, CWUs second loss of the season.

[Photo] Stadium renovations bring buzz to Tomlinson

Bryce Weedman, Staff Reporter
October 4, 2018

Senior running back Cedric Cooper makes a cut along the sideline in Saturday's game. Cooper had 39 yards on 8 carries.

CWU strives to increase concussion safety for athletes

Hanson Lee, Sports Editor
September 28, 2018

CWU wide receiver Landon Jones is set to receive the punt from the Texas A&M Commerce Lions. It’s a line drive and Jones gets ready to make a return upfield. With stadium lights illuminating the...

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CWU football preps for home-opener under the lights

Hanson Lee, Sports Editor
September 27, 2018

School is in session and Wildcat Football is already well underway for the 2018 calendar year. The Wildcats are 3-1 on the season thus far and remain undefeated within the GNAC, with their only loss coming...

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Capitani and Torgerson join football staff

Hanson Lee, Sports Editor
April 11, 2018

The CWU football program has officially added Spencer Capitani and Grant Torgerson to their 2018 coaching staff. Capitani is joining the Wildcats as an assistant coach on the defensive end after spending...

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Power says farewell to CWU

Hanson Lee, Sports Editor
April 11, 2018

Defensive Coordinator Scott Power has chosen to part ways with the Wildcat program after recently accepting a coaching position as the defensive coordinator at Texas A&M University Commerce (TAMUC)....

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Athletics renovations begin phase one

Hanson Lee, Sports Editor
April 4, 2018

Phase one of the Wildcat Commons Project is currently underway. This project involves numerous renovations to CWU’s Tomlinson Stadium, as well as a recreation expansion which will involve the installment...

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Taelor Griffin passes the ball to first base in an attempt to out a Western Oregon University in the top of the fourth inning

Softball ready for Western rivalry game

Hanson Lee, Sports Editor
April 4, 2018

Coming off a doubleheader sweep against Concordia last weekend, the Wildcats are looking for a rivalry matchup against Western Washington University (WWU) on Saturday, April 7. With an overall record of...

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Softball hits the ground running

Hanson Lee, Sports Editor
April 4, 2018

The Wildcats put together an impressive start to the season and have been able to stay strong up until this point. With an Overall record of 21-8 and a conference record of 9-3, the Wildcats are currently...

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Sparling will not return for CWU

Sparling will not return for CWU

Natalie Hyland and Hanson Lee
March 7, 2018

After 29 years, CWU Athletics announced Tuesday that they will not be renewing Men’s Basketball head coach Greg Sparling’s contract following the end of the 2017-18 season. "After a thorough review...

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Wildcat rugby welcomes Huskies

Wildcat rugby welcomes Huskies

Hanson Lee, Senior Sports Reporter
March 3, 2018

Coming off a 118-0 shutout win over the University of Idaho Feb. 24, the Wildcats are boasting a 13-3 winter record and are looking to continue their success as they prepare for a rematch against the University...

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Wildcats fall in regular season finale

Hanson Lee, Senior Sports Reporter
March 2, 2018

Senior Night at Nicholson Pavilion ended in a tough loss for the Wildcats Saturday night as they fell to Alaska Anchorage (UAA) 84-72. The Wildcats spent their pregame festivities honoring the seniors...

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Wildcats fall in regular season finale

Hanson Lee, Senior Sports Reporter
February 25, 2018

Senior Night at Nicholson Pavilion ended in a tough loss for the Wildcats Saturday night as they fell to Alaska Anchorage (UAA) 84-72. The Wildcats spent their pregame festivities honoring the seniors...

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Woodruff leads from Wildcats’ bench

Woodruff leads from Wildcats’ bench

Hanson Lee, Senior Sports Reporter
February 23, 2018

Men’s basketball forward Sage Woodruff may not be a starter for the Wildcat’s this year, but his success coming off the bench has had a major impact on the team thus far. Woodruff grew up in Los...

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Running down a dream

Running down a dream

Hanson Lee, Senior Sports Reporter
February 15, 2018

Lauren Zeutenhorst wakes up at 3 a.m. to the sound of an alarm on a quiet Boston morning. As she gets up, the day has finally come and the feeling is  surreal. She puts on race clothing in her hotel room,...

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Brand new home at CWU

Hanson Lee, Senior Sports Reporter
February 8, 2018

Being an athlete at the collegiate level comes with its own experiences, but being a transfer athlete can be far different from the normal four-year athletic experience. Athletes that arrive at CWU aren’t...

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Wildcats edge SPU 70-68

Hanson Lee, Senior Sports Reporter
February 2, 2018

CWU women’s basketball extended their winning streak to five games Thursday night at Nicholson Pavilion, handing SPU their fourth loss of the season. Sophomore guard Alexis Pana sunk a game-winning...

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Sadie Mensing shoots during a drill while her teammates work on boxing out.

Wildcats look to take charge at home against SPU

Hanson Lee, Senior Sports Reporter
February 1, 2018

CWU women’s basketball is gearing up for a match at home against Seattle Pacific University (SPU) on Thursday, Feb. 1. With a 6-2 record at home this season, the Wildcats are aiming to continue their...

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Alexis Pana shoots free throws during practice with a .700 percent over two seasons.

Pana soars to new heights at CWU

Hanson Lee, Senior Sports Reporter
January 25, 2018

Sophomore guard Alexis Pana has stepped into a significant role for the Wildcats. Pana is fourth on the team in scoring, averaging 9.4 points per game, and has pushed herself into a playmaking role. “I...

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Khalil Shabazz is only a freshman, but he is already excelling in his position as point guard and has started in 14 of 15 games.

Behind the ball: Khalil Shabazz

Hanson Lee, Sports Senior Reporter
January 18, 2018

Freshman phenom Khalil Shabazz has been lighting up the basketball court for the Wildcats at point guard this season. Shabazz credits his game and rise in reputation to that of Rainier Beach’s top-notch...

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Liberty Bell emerges from the clouds atop Washington Pass, 20 miles north of the Methow Valley.

Winter ski season ‘subpar’ at best

Hanson Lee, Senior Sports Reporter
January 10, 2018

While students and drivers are rejoicing with the lack of snow this winter, winter sports enthusiasts are less than thrilled with a slushy turnout on the mountains. “The snow definitely hasn’t...

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Wildcat men’s rugby off to strong start

Hanson Lee, Senior Sports Reporter
January 10, 2018

  Coming out of the Collegiate Fall Rugby 7s Classic, the Wildcat men have yet to be defeated in 7s with a 10-0 record on the season, but have since fallen in their first two games of the 15s season. “The...

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Junior Cole Zarcone charges ahead of his University of California opponents in a recent match. CWU Men’s Rugby went undefeated in the fall 7s season finishing 10-0.

Men’s rugby to face Seattle Saracens

Hanson Lee, Senior Sports Reporter
January 10, 2018

The Wildcats will face the Seattle Saracens in men’s rugby action this weekend. The Saracens are a Premier Northwest Rugby team which makes Saturday’s match a non-conference match, but that doesn’t...

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Freshman Cameron Williams rises over the Wolves defense in Saturdays win.

Men’s basketball ready to face SPU

Hanson Lee, Staff Reporter
November 30, 2017

CWU men’s basketball looks to capitalize on a home court advantage when they face Seattle Pacific University (SPU) Saturday, Dec. 2. “We’re actually looking pretty good,” assistant coach...

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Senior Jasmin Edwards slides through the Sharks defense during a home game.

Athletes hunker down for Thanksgiving

Hanson Lee, Staff Reporter
November 16, 2017

For many athletes, Thanksgiving seems to be the perfect time of the year to go back home and spend time with the family. While this may be the case for some, many athletes aren’t able to go home...

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Another harsh winter to hit Snoqualime

Hanson Lee, Staff Reporter
November 9, 2017

Ellensburg’s upcoming winter season is shaping up to be a La Nina, meaning a period of extreme cold weather. With all of the snowfall that occurred last winter, it’s only safe to expect that this year’s...

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Marijuana ads leave the scene

Marijuana ads leave the scene

Hanson Lee, Staff Reporter
November 2, 2017

Prior to July of this year, you may have seen your local marijuana retailer advertising their products and marijuana plants in forms such as sign waving and other means. If so, then you may have also...

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A CWU Water Polo players practices treading and shooting during practice in preparation for their upcoming tournament.

Water Polo set for fall tournament

Hanson Lee, Staff Reporter
November 2, 2017

CWU’s water polo club looks forward to hosting their upcoming fall tournament on Nov. 18. The tournament is scheduled as a one day event, but could potentially stretch to two days if more than seven...

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Sleep under the stars with OPR

Hanson Lee, Staff Reporter
October 19, 2017

With the fall season in full swing, Ellensburg’s Outdoor Pursuits and Rentals (OPR) is making it their goal to provide members of the community with an opportunity to get out and explore the outdoors. ...

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Shelby Mauritson rises toward the ball during a home match on Sept. 28.

Mauritson makes a mark at CWU

Hanson Lee, Staff Reporter
October 12, 2017

Shelby Mauritson, outside hitter for the CWU volleyball team, began playing volleyball around the age of 10. “My town wasn’t very big on volleyball, but my dad encouraged me to play, so I ended...

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Saliuana Aau of CWU Rugby breaks away from opponents during the Sept. 30 match against Life University.

Setting goals for the future

Hanson Lee, Staff Reporter
October 5, 2017

Despite a heartbreaking loss to Quinnipiac last year in the National Championship Final by a score of 46-24, the Wildcats have made one goal clear for this year: to win the national championship. CWU’s...

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