Create Experience Balance #GOBEaVS
Vol 3 Issue 2
M E TAMO R PHO S IS
Create Experience Balance #GOBEAVS
Editorial Editor-in-Chief - Gabe Fleck Assistant Editor - Brittni Cooper Copy Editor - Adair Passey Illustrator - Annie Mitev Alex Luther Joshua Schneider Madison Delgado Maddie Bradshaw Roman Battaglia
ABOUT US Produced three times a year, Beaver’s Digest distributes 12,000 magazines a year around the Oregon State campus and Corvallis (4,000 each term). When we say “by the students for the students”, we aren’t kidding. Our masthead was hand crafted by our Editor-in-Chief, Gabe Fleck, a senior in Graphic Design. The body font you are reading is one of a kind as well, created by Jeremy Banka, a junior in Graphic Design. The fabulous front cover was taken by Orange Media Network’s former Photo Chief, Reid Dehle. Questions, comments and concerns are encouraged and can be emailed to beavers.digest@oregonstate.edu.
Photographers Reid Dehle - Photo Chief Zbigniew Sikora - Photo Chief Aaron Trask Jacquelyn Corpus Jacquie Gamelgaard Lucas Paris
Vol 3 Issue 2
WE APPRECIATE YOU for the continuing support in all that we do. For contributing in any way, shape or form. Beaver’s Digest is written by students, for students - showcasing the student life experience that is vital to our Oregon State community. We give the sincerest thanks to Johnathon Hoover, Natalie Gonzales, McKenna Albion, Alex Bakkom, Tasnia Kabir, Elizabeth Helman, Elena Ramirez, Annie Parham, Kyle Stockdall, Luhui Whitebear-Cupp, Zachary Wolf, Bridgette Thurber, Kaily Swinford, Coach Pat Casey, Rachel Epps, Katie Kline, Destiny Moore, and Emily Adams. A big last thank you to our wonderful advisor, Don Boucher. To say this publication was an easy task would be lying; to say that you make this publication possible is the truth. We are what you make us, and we thank you.
For us, Beaver’s Digest is a place where we develop as young professionals by shedding light on stories we find pertinent in creating positive change. We thrive because we support each other and we understand the importance of expressive outlets. Thanks for supporting us and being apart of our embarrassing little family,
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Create
2. Finding Harmony 4. The Heads Behind the Heart
8. Hoops Heart Hoover
Experience
12. Looking To the Past for the Future 14. Digging Out
20. Overcoming the Numbers Game
Balance #GoBeavs
24. How To Adult 26. BD’s Declassified Surviving ’Til Summer Guide
30. Casey’s Corner 34. LAX to CVO
22////BEAVER’S BEAVER’SDIGEST DIGEST
CREATE
Finding Harmony WRITING GABE FLECK PHOTOGRAPHY JACQUIE GAMELGAARD
A
chord is a musical term used to define a group of notes. These notes are played together to reflect a basis of harmony. Harmony is a term that is used in and out of the musical world. To have harmony is to have a strong correspondence with one another through a shared balance of passion and unity. This definition of harmony suits OSU’s co-ed a cappella group, Power Chord. Being the standalone co-ed a cappella group on campus, Power Chord exists to foster growth to the singers involved while also serving as a social network. Natalie Gonzales, a junior in fermentation science, compares the experience of being involved with Power Chord to “being a part of a little family. We all rely on each other for strength and support and are the best when we work together.” Taking part in an a cappella group not only presents an opportunity to literally have one’s voice heard, but it also provides the benefits of having a team of passionate students who care for each other. For many in the group, Power Chord means much more than just showing up to practices and singing together. McKenna Albion, a sophomore studying marketing, portrayed Power Chord as her “outlet from the stress of class and my chance to not worry about anything else but making music with my
friends.” It is evident that there are many rewards to singing in the group that shine through both on and off the stage. Power Chord regularly performs at the Memorial Union (MU). Every Friday at five p.m. you can find the group coming together at the MU steps to perform some of their favorite arrangements. However, Power Chord is not the only a cappella group performing, the other two a cappella groups at OSU, Outspoken (all male) and Divine (all female), contribute performances as well. The acoustics of the MU steps help to carry voices and add to the ambience of the space. Gathering all a cappella groups in this one instance makes for a perfect start to any weekend. For Power Chord, and the other a cappella groups on campus, what goes into a flawless performance lasting only minutes is usually hours of dedication to make sure it runs smoothly. The joy and thrill of being in a collegiate a cappella group certainly comes with its costs; mainly, the price of time. Alex Bakkom, a sophomore in chorale music education, offered a firm piece of advice to those considering joining a collegiate a cappella group: “Make sure you set aside time to make it a priority.” The trouble of scheduling around everyone’s activities in college can
turn the simplest of arrangements into tasks that are more stressful than the performances themselves. However, it is apparent that everyone in the group sticks around for a reason. Being involved in an a cappella group, such as Power Chord, may start out for many as just singing around a random handful of other vocalists, but it inevitably transforms into a little family away from home. “To me, being in Power Chord is about more than just music. It represents a community in which I can be myself and do something that I love with people that I love,” said Tasnia Kabir, a sophomore of the group who studies computer science and graphic design. That is exactly why students join extracurricular groups on the OSU campus. We are passionate people that choose to do what we love with others who share our enthusiasm. Together, we create harmony. From harmony, we make chords. Eventually, we have given enough time and care to create songs, which we cannot wait to showcase to everyone. ◊
SPRING 2017 // 3
CREATE
The Heads Behind the Heart WRITING GABE FLECK PHOTOGRAPHY JACQUIE GAMELGAARD
D
eveloping an acute sense of self is an act that most individuals rarely pursue without a little push from external influences. Like the development of anything worthwhile, learning about who we really are and what we value is a process that requires time and prolonged contemplation to fully realize the benefits. As challenging as personal growth can be, the student actors and actresses taking part in the spring production, “The Upward Beating Heart”, are beginning to understand the importance of self-knowledge by examining their inner selves one day at a time.
A script for a production of this magnitude can’t be formed on a whim. To help with the ideation phase, the cast is using Rainer Maria Rilke’s Letters to a Young Poet as a basis for how the script will be developed. The book is a compilation of ten letters written by Rilke to the then 19-year-old writer Franz Xaver Kappus. One of the biggest themes throughout the book is that of discovering confidence through self-knowledge, and it is in this light the students of the production are continuously building a script in which understanding of one’s true self is sure to be a focal point.
“The Upward Beating Heart” is a production unlike many before at OSU in that the same students performing will also be writing the script. Elena Ramirez, a junior majoring in ethnic studies, said, “[This] will be a devised production…when a play is devised, it means the cast writes the play instead of performing a pre-written script. And I think we’re all pretty nervous about it.” Although some of the students may be intimidated by the challenge of writing the same play they will be performing in, many of these young actors and actresses have gained extremely valuable insight as to who they are and what they can contribute to the production.
Many members of the cast are ecstatic toward the opportunity to develop the script, as opposed to performing something already in existence. “We get to choose the story that we will tell. This is a rare opportunity,” said Annie Parham, a senior studying civil engineering. Alongside this opportunity comes much adversity. “The biggest challenge has been opening up and being completely honest with my fellow writers. Even if the truth hurts, it is crucial that we allow each other to be transparent because that is how we learn the most about each other,” said Parham. Being vulnerable and allowing each member to open up to one another has only brought the group closer.
Kyle Stockdall, a senior studying business management, gives his take on the dynamic of the cast. “We’ve been growing very close recently, either through sharing our in-class writings and performances or by voluntarily spending a lot of time together outside of class,” said Stockdall, “The group seems very cohesive on what direction we want the production to move in.” Allowing themselves to be entirely honest with each other has opened up the opportunity for a cohesive theme to develop, in which all members have contributed. Speaking to the personal challenges of this process, Stockdall said the hardest part has been “to perform honest self-reflection and examination with an audience. I know a decent number of these teammates well, and have a level of trust with all of them, but it’s difficult enough to honestly evaluate all the positive and negative aspects of yourself as a person. Having an audience while you do it adds another level of personal risk.” The schedule may be heavy on vulnerability at the moment, but appears to be light on time dedication in comparison to what is to come further down the road. Elizabeth Helman, the theatre arts area coordinator and director of the production, has a rigorous plan lined up for the cast. “Once we get to spring term, we will be rehearsing in the evenings for about 20 hours per week. This is very typical for a play.”
SPRING 2017 // 5
show is about being human, taking risks and coming to “ This terms with the fact that you are enough. I think the show will be incredibly relatable—we’re all humans who feel ” show will be tapping into more raw emotions than usual, I’m sure the audience will see themselves in at least one character.” As these young actors and actresses delve into who they are, finding their truest inner voices along the way, they are being fine-tuned to give some of their finest performances yet. If you are considering attending something worthwhile this spring, this is the production to witness. ◊
Given this incredible amount of commitment, it comes as no surprise that the cast is adamant in their promotion of the play and is eager for the OSU community to see what hard work looks like. Ramirez summarized the purpose of the production and why it will be one not to miss when she said, “This show is about being human, taking risks and coming to terms with the fact that you are enough. I think the show will be incredibly relatable—we’re all humans who feel, and the fact that this
The Upward Beating Heart will begin showing at 7:30 p.m. the weekend of May 11 through 13 as well as the 19 through 20. The last performance will be at 2:00pm on May 21. All performances will take place on the Withycombe main stage (2921 SW Campus Way).
COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS SCHOOL OF ARTS AND COMMUNICATION
SAC Presents
NW Dance Project DARING. TALENTED. FEARLESS.
Boston Brass
FROM PORTLAND:
Friday, April 14
|
7:30pm
Featuring the Oregon State University Wind Ensemble
Wed., May 24
|
7:30pm
Tickets: $30-$25-$10 All seats reserved OSU students admitted for free, one ticket per student with ID TICKETS ONLINE:
liberalarts.oregonstate.edu/SACpresents 6 // BEAVER’S DIGEST
HOOPS HEART HOOVER I
t’s sunny, 70 degrees and the sun is casting itself over the Southern California sky. There’s meat sizzling on the grill. Basketballs bounce against the hot pavement. It’s summertime on the east side of Santa Barbara at a local park. Johnathon Hoover, age three, sits on his uncle’s shoulders to shoot hoops before a pick-up game. From his earliest memory, Hoover has loved basketball. Playing, watching and supporting the sport in any way he can. Not only was Hoover too young to play basketball back then, but he physically wasn’t capable. He was born with Cerebral Palsy, a condition affecting his body movement and muscle coordination.
Johnathon Hoover is a junior at OSU now, studying communications. He was born and raised in Santa Barbara, California and moved to Oregon when he was 18 years old to chase his dreams of earning a college degree and continuing to pursue his love of basketball. Moving to a different state can be scary. Hoover described his transition from the California sunshine. “Here, everybody’s waving to you, your neighbors waving to you, you can leave your house unlocked. It’s cool. I like it way better, and I don’t mind the rain either,” he said. Once he became adjusted to life in Corvallis, Hoover decided to become heavily involved with the OSU
8 // BEAVER’S DIGEST
WRITING MADDIE BRADSHAW PHOTOGRAPHY REID DEHLE Men’s Basketball team as the team manager. He also hopes to someday become a college basketball coach or a motivational speaker. Growing up with big dreams wasn’t easy. “Everybody told me it wasn’t possible, that I should just give it up or look into something else,” said Hoover. Despite those who doubted him, and despite his condition, Hoover believed in himself. “It was starting to take a toll on me,” he continued, “I was starting to listen to them.” Years later, many of these people now congratulate Hoover on his successes. He claimed he has no resentment towards those people, he just smiles and thanks them. When asked if it’s difficult being a full-time student with Cerebral Palsy, Hoover responded, “Yes and no. Yes, because it was a lot different, but no because I knew this is something I wanted to do so I was up for the challenge.” Studying communications was not something Hoover had in mind initially. “Public speaking wasn’t really something that I wanted to do until my senior year of high school,” he said, “Towards the end [of high school], I did a speech in front of my school.” During this speech he discussed his daily struggles and his future plans to attend OSU. One of his friends, who was going down a dark path told Hoover that he inspired him to change his ways. The following year, Hoover traveled back to
told me it wasn’t “ Everybody possible, that I should just give it up or look into something else
”
EXPERIENCE
“
Never give up on what you believe in. Keep pushing, the challenges will come. Without struggle, there is no success. If you’re struggling, that means you’re doing something right
”
Santa Barbara for a visit. “When I came back he wasn’t a gangbanger anymore, he was in school, and he thanked me again,” said Hoover, “After that I felt like, ‘man, I could do that for a lot of people.’ ” This is when he realized that his positivity and his voice could reach many more in need. Along with motivating others, Hoover’s passion for basketball continued to grow when he came to OSU. “I’ve been involved with [OSU Men’s Basketball] ever since I stepped on campus because my brother [Roberto Nelson] was on the team.” They are not biological brothers, but best friends who have lived together since high school. Hoover has a strong voice alongside the court, cheering on his boys. “It’s something I do every day. I love all the guys, we’re like family,” Hoover said, “We hang out all the time and do things outside of basketball too.” Besides cheering on the team, Hoover finds time to play some basketball himself. “I play basketball a lot. I’m on a Special Olympics team out here. We just had practice, we’ve been practicing a lot,” he said, “We set up games a few times a week”. Through being manager for the OSU Men’s Basketball team, a full-time student and playing in a Special Olympics league, Hoover has a very strong presence on campus. Being this involved can be hard, luckily for Hoover, he has an immense amount of support. “I have
He gives his support to the basketball team, he gives motivation to friends and strangers, but most importantly, he gives his dreams a chance to become his reality. Hoover spreads his light wherever he goes. Hoover spoke from experience when he said, “Never give up on what you believe in. Keep pushing, the challenges will come. Without struggle, there is no success. If you’re struggling, that means you’re doing something right.” Despite his Cerebral Palsy, Hoover makes the choice to overcome his condition every day. He has a large influence on the basketball team, his peers and the OSU When he’s not cheering on the OSU community. He strives to continue this Men’s Basketball team, shooting hoops influence, whether it be as a motivaor in class, Hoover admitted that he tional speaker, as a coach or simply as used to be a bit of a sneaker head. “Yes, a friend; he offers support to anyone in I was a sneaker head. I still am, but not need. Hoover lives by his own words: as much as I used to be. I used to buy “Everybody has their own challenges, shoes every weekend. Two years ago you just have to overcome yours,” and I was all over it,” Hoover said. How- through his story he inspires others to ever, now he gives his shoes away. “I do the same. ◊ had 40 pairs of shoes and that’s not counting the shoes back home or that I give away,” he said, “I always give away shoes to the less fortunate. I just sent my little cousin some shoes this past weekend. I gave my little nephew four pairs of Jordan’s because he loves Jordan’s.” This is one way to describe Johnathon Hoover: someone who is constantly giving.
a very big support system. Obviously my father, my grandma, my family back home. The basketball team. The community loves me. Oregon has been really good to me in general. Especially my teachers and mentors,” he said. Hoover has exceeded many expectations and credits his late father for his accomplishments, “He taught me a lot about being independent and to not let my disability determine who I am. School is a big focus of mine because I promised him that I would get a college degree.” School and basketball are two ways that Hoover overcomes his daily struggles with Cerebral Palsy.
SPRING 2017 // 11
Looking to the Past for the Future
A
sk yourself this: what is important to you? What is vital to living your most genuine life? For Luhui (Lu) Whitebear-Cupp, Assistant Director of the Native American Longhouse at OSU, activism is as much a part of her life as reading or writing. From an Indigenous perspective, she’s always been part of the struggle to fight for the right to exist in her true sense. Being an activist to her isn’t always events, rather, it's a continuous fight that her parents, and now her children, are part of. A fight that Americans are not always aware of.
Each year there is a gathering of Indigenous people at Alcatraz Island in San Francisco, California to commemorate the Occupation of Alcatraz that occurred during the 1970s. This occupation was led by a group of 89 individuals titled Indians of All Tribes (IOAT) who sought to reclaim surplus federal land following the rules of the Lakota Treaty, which stated all unused federal land would be returned to Native Americans. The Native American Religious Freedom Act is a United States policy to protect and preserve Native American rights to the freedom of expressing and exercising traditional religions.1 This includes access to burial sites, sacred objects and the ability to worship. Lu explained that this policy “wasn't even passed until 1978. [Until then] our ceremonies were outlawed.” Treaty rights can be tricky, especially if a tribe doesn’t have a ratified treaty, which is a treaty that the state is bound to consent to, and even trickier when the federal government refuses to honor them. The uprising at Alcatraz was significant
because it showed that Native Tribes could exercise their treaty rights. Lu hopes to one day take her children to the yearly gathering at Alcatraz that she once attended as a child. A big part of Lu’s activism is keeping ceremony alive in the face of a government that would rather see it fade out. “It's not just about getting up and going to rallies. It's about incorporating ceremony into what we do,” said Lu. Although the Native American Religious Freedom Act was passed in 1978, that doesn’t mean the act has been honored and the ceremony has been protected. There are numerous examples of big companies coming onto sacred land to extract resources, such as the Supreme Court case Lyng v. Northwest Indian Cemetery Protection Association (1988) in which the United States Forest Service won the right to build a road and harvest the land on the Hoopa Valley Indian Reservation.2 More recently is the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) controversy. Building this pipeline would affect the safety and quality of the Standing Rock water supply, as the pipeline would go under the river upstream of the reservation and would inevitably contaminate the water. The connection between Indigenous people and the land is not only an environmental concern, but one that greatly impacts their history and ceremony. “Ceremony is everything,” Lu said, “It’s how I was brought up. It helps lead our lives and make sense of the world. It help us keep balance with things.” For the people of Standing Rock, the land tells their history. Instead of a written
1. The Leadership Conference. (2008, March 17). Native American Religious Freedom. http://www.civilrights.org/indigenous/religion/?referrer=https://www.google.com/ 2. “Lyng v. Northwest Indian Cemetery Protective Association.” Oyez. Retrieved from https://www.oyez.org/cases/1987/86-1013. Accessed March 8, 2017.
12 // BEAVER’S DIGEST
WRITING MADISON DELGADO PHOTOGRAPHY AARON TRASK ILLUSTRATION ANNIE MITEV language, oral storytelling is used, of which the land is an integral part. The continuation of the extraction of resources on native land is an issue that not only endangers the physical landscape, but also endangers connection to ancestors and history. With the recent rise in protests, rallies and demonstrations, it can be easy to think of activism as singular moments; however, that’s not the case for Lu. The fight for access to clean water has been going on for generations and it's one that Lu and her children are still fighting for today. When asked if it was a concerted effort to bring her children up in the same way that she was raised, Lu said that it happened organically. “I was looking at this picture of me and my parents and my kids at Standing Rock and that's three generations of people that have been involved with the same struggle,” she said. Lu and her family arrived at Standing Rock and day dogs were released on protesters by unlicensed DAPL guards.3 Standing Rock is momentous for more than just the environmental impact, the mistreatment of protesters and the significance of standing up for native rights. Standing Rock is the first time in history that this many nations of Indigenous people have come together. Some of these nations haven’t spoken since be-
fore the United States was created. Lu brings her kids to events like Standing Rock because she wants them to find what is important to them and be able to raise their voices to protect it. It’s important to her that her kids grow up understanding these intergenerational struggles and have a connection to their past. “They are carrying on traditions and knowledge,” Lu said, “[Their grandparents] are the ones who give that knowledge to be carried on.”
According to Lu, activism is taking on a responsibility for something that you might not see in your lifetime. However, countering that individualism is important for the growth of a community. Learning from collective experiences and growing as a people is crucial. “I think that for students to try to find ways to incorporate [activism] into their lives [could be] to talk to older generations to see how things were done and see what knowledge can be carried on,” she said. “It doesn't necessarily have to be your grandparent. It could be visiting with someone who has been around a little bit longer.”
Lu lives her life as a form of activism and wants the stereotypes of an activist to be altered. Writing can be a form of activism. Art can be a form of activism. Even talking with people can be a form of activism. Her advice for those wanting to become a positive presence in their community is to understand that even small acts can create tremendous change for individuals. Lu and her daughter recently ran a food drive and handed out care packages to the homeless. “That might not seem like a huge deal, but to the people we handed them to it was. It showed that someone actually cared about them,” she “Sometimes said, “Look for the little things you could people do that can validate someone's existence.” think what This country thrives off of individualism they want and in turn, capitalism thrives off of indi- to do isn't vidualism. However, when you can act in significant small ways to spread resources without and it's not charging someone that in itself is a form that. Every of countering capitalism. act is sig3. Democracy Now! (n.d.). Breaking: Probe Finds Guards Who Unleashed Dogs on Pipeline Protesters Were Not Licensed in ND. https://www.democracynow.org/2016/10/26/morton_county_finishes_investigation_into_dogs
nificant, no matter how small or big it is. Know to not be afraid, push yourself and challenge yourself to be involved with the things that are important to you. Because if you're waiting for somebody else to do it, that other person may not,” Lu said. Every small act to right a wrong is important. Activism is a responsibility that is important to make sure that this community can continue to grow, to heal and to thrive. ◊
DIGGING OUT L
WRITING ALEX LUTHER PHOTOGRAPHY ZBIGNIEW SIKORA
ives are more than stories, but sometimes the story of a life can be incredibly powerful. The ability to dream, to overcome and to tell our stories is possible because of the freedoms we have in the United States. We are able to inspire others with our own stories through this freedom gained by the blood, sweat and tears of our military forces and those giving themselves before the country they love. The story of a life is a way to give the inspiration of a veteran’s tale of personal victory and his experience protecting our freedoms.
Zachary Milo Wolf is a veteran whose life is a valuable gift of triumph over trial. His return to school, his struggle and victory over alcohol and his service in the military have all crafted a story that inspires strength when conquering odds from a seemingly inescapable hole.
Wolf is a nontraditional student at OSU and a junior majoring in kinesiology. His career goal is to receive a master’s in education to become a health and physical education teacher, and to coach sports as well. Wolf served in the United States Marine Corps for approximately five years. BD had the opportunity to sit down with Wolf for an overview of his life from graduating high school until present—about a twelve-year period— to share the incredible story of his life with others. In 2004, Wolf graduated from high school in his hometown of Klamath Falls, Oregon and attended Klamath Community College for one term. He reflected on his lack of maturity at the time and his inability to focus. “I wish I hadn’t wasted that semester of money,” Wolf said. With a strong interest in athletics during high school, Wolf grew up expecting to play football at a junior college, but when his dream fell through, he found himself in college
without ambition. He dropped out following the term and returned to construction, a job he worked during high school. The economic crash in 2008 resulted in Wolf losing his job and struggling to find a next step. He had several friends returning from serving in the Marine Corps in Iraq and while grasping for a new opportunity, his friends suggested he look into joining the military. They suggested the option because of his enjoyment of the organization and discipline that comes with high school sports. He decided to join and swore in on December 2008, entering boot camp in April 2009 at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego. In high school, Wolf began struggling with alcohol. Before leaving for boot camp, he was the caregiver for a close family friend—nearly an aunt to him— who was battling both brain and lung cancer. While in boot camp, she suffered a stroke. Following graduation at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot,
16 // BEAVER’S DIGEST
Wolf went on to teach for the First Marine Division schools in 2013 as a machine gun instructor, using the skills he had learned through training and combat experience. His experience as an instructor at the school of infantry taught him more about the importance of influential and engaged teachers, a lesson that would impact him later in life when choosing a career path. Yet, In the Marine Corps, Wolf chose the the cloud of alcoholism still followed. position of a machine gunner and was “There was almost two different sides stationed at Camp Pournot in San Di- of who I was as an individual,” said Wolf, “There was ego. Wolf had two Sergeant deployments, one I can’t change the past. All I can do the in Afghanistan is live in the present and change Wolf part of me from October 2010 my future, and I think that’s the that was a good leader, that was to May 2011 and path I’ve decided to take always fair to a second deployment to Okinawa, Japan from June my Marines….Then there was this side 2012 to December 2012. Alcoholism of me that had this drinking problem continued to shadow him through his that was not myself.” first and second deployments. “I think some of that was coming home from After about a year of working as an inmy first deployment. I didn’t cope well structor, Wolf left the Marines, noting with that….At the beginning of coming the role alcoholism played. He was in a home from that, I don’t think I took the difficult marriage at the time, resulting right procedures to be in a good place in more conflict during this phase of emotionally,” said Wolf. Wolf went home for a week and was able to visit with her. He remembers her struggle with movement and the increased hardships she was battling; he knew that visit would be their goodbye. When she passed away five weeks into his time at the school of infantry, he returned to alcohol after previously being 12 months sober.
EXPERIENCE his life. He and his first wife had met a The transition from the military was a and paired with the difficulty of transifew months before his deployment and tough one for Wolf. He spent several tioning from a community college to a their relationship moved in fast forward. months devising a plan and in 2014 he university, it caused even more stress. Nearly right after returning from de- chose to pursue college at Klamath Again, the shadow of alcohol began ployment, the couple married and had a Community College, as he had done to rise. In November 2015, he met the daughter together. Together they drank ten years earlier. He began to excel, breaking point with an angry outburst, regularly and would often argue in re- but was still left searching for a career resulting in his girlfriend—who had recently become his fiancé—leaving him. sult. Wolf mentioned the toxic situation, path to follow. even culminating to unhealthy interactions between him and his wife. The pair “My old wrestling coach and I were out The next couple of months went by went through a brief relief of this hard- waterfowl hunting together and he slowly. This was the turning point for ship for about six months after their was asking me some questions,” Wolf Wolf. He was forced to come face to daughter’s birth, but soon fell back into said, “He was always a good mentor face with the alcoholism that had folthe harmful cycle. He noted the guilt in my life. He’s like, ‘What do you want lowed him for more than a decade. He he still feels about the situation, but to do? What’s your plan with this go- could choose alcohol or the girl he also the importance of needing to look ing to college thing?’ And I said, ‘I don’t hoped to marry. Wolf took a look in towards the future. “I can’t change the know, I’m just going to get my Associ- the mirror and asked himself if he was past. All I can do is live in the present ates of Arts Oregon Transfer, but right where he wanted to be. He sat down and change my future, and I think that’s now, I don’t really have a plan.’ And he and made a list of the positives and the path I’ve decided to take,” said Wolf. said, ‘you might want to figure that out negatives that alcohol had brought sooner or later.’ So I thought about it, into his life, and quickly realized the Wolf’s young home life has played a key and in the next couple months I asked negative after negative the substance role in his struggles. His father was an a lot of questions about his time as a fueled. The couple took it step-by-step alcoholic, his mother was a drug ad- health and P.E. teacher, and coaching as he made changes. He completely quit dict—though clean for several decades football, and what he enjoyed about it, drinking. He previously used smokeless now—and his grandfather was killed in and what he didn’t enjoy about it. And tobacco, which he completely quit as a drunk driving accident. Wolf’s father that’s when I decided that I wanted to well. Today Wolf is now 17 months sober. was not very involved in his life, caus- teach health and P.E. and coach.” Thinking back, Wolf’s alcohol problem ing him to want to be a better father to his daughter, Hayley, who turned four With a major in kinesiology, Wolf had took many years in the making for him in February. “I want to be a good fa- the choice of attending OSU or West- to realize the issues he was truly battling. ther,” he said, “My real father wasn’t the ern Oregon University. He visited OSU The constant shadow of the addiction best when I was a kid, he wasn’t really four times before making his decision. followed him in each stage of his life. “I around. I don’t want that. I think it’s les- “I liked the environment, I loved the think I made a lot of excuses for a lot of sons learned...I don’t want that for my campus. I think it’s beautiful,” said Wolf. years about alcoholism,” Wolf admitted, daughter. I always want to be there for At the end of spring term in 2015, he “For me, losing someone who was so imher. I always want to be a positive influ- was accepted and planned to transfer portant to me...I wasn’t willing to do that ence in her life.” However, Wolf only has to OSU. He was in a relationship with based off of my drinking….It took that visitation rights as of now; his ex-wife a woman living roughly 75 miles away kind of impact on my life.” Even with ten has full custody of their daughter. He from him at the time and becoming months of responsible drinking leading understands that this is a consequence somewhat serious, the two decided to up to the outburst, one month of irreof previous behaviors, due to alcohol. move in together. The couple moved to sponsible drinking nearly cost him everything. “Do some self-reflection and realHowever, Wolf is still determined to Corvallis in September 2015. ize what is good in your life,” said Wolf, make strides to become more involved The weekend they were moving up, “Sometimes people lie to themselves and in his daughter’s life. Wolf was in a motorcycle accident I was one of those people. I lied to mythat resulted in a fractured kneecap. self for a decade—if not longer. It was a This began to cause conflict physically rough road...but I realized I didn’t want to lose what I had.”
SPRING 2017 // 17
The two moved back in together in teachers as a major force in his return February 2016 and bought a house to college. He has difficulties connectthe following April, but Wolf’s strength ing with other students due to the was still being tested. He was placed age gap between them, which often on academic suspension from OSU ranges from eight to 12 years. Yet this at the end of spring term in 2016 as provides him with the opportunity to both a result of the previous impact connect with professors on a different alcohol had on his schooling and from level due to the mutual understanding spreading himself too thin in activities of certain life experiences. outside of school. “I was crushed,” he said, “I remember, I had my daughter Wolf expressed a desire to partner with at the time and I was at my mother’s fellow veterans who are also struggling house. I was giving her a bath and it to find a way out of the seemingly endwas a very sad time for me. I remem- less battle, as well as a desire to build ber crying, and had the shower cur- relationships with them. “I think the tain closed so my daughter couldn’t veteran’s lounge is an excellent locasee me crying. I remember thinking I’d tion for veterans,” said Wolf. He also just failed at something, and I hadn’t has an innate passion for “benefiting failed in a long time in my life.” Once people.” He wants to share and learn again, instead of letting the towering from others, to develop these relationodds conquer him, he petitioned the ships with people. suspension and was readmitted into “When I see other veterans struggling OSU for the 2016 fall term. in situations where their life is very In September 2016, Wolf and his fiancé impacted by substance abuse...it’s one were married. “My current wife is in- of those types of situations where if credible. Very alpha female, very driven, anything I could tell [somebody], ‘Hey, very self-made,” said Wolf, “[Our] rela- you can get over this. You can get out tionship is excellent because I think we of this ditch. You may have dug this build off each other, and we hold each big hole, [but] instead of continuing to other accountable.” As a nontradition- dig down, you can dig and build some al student, he comments on the impor- steps here and get out of this,’” Wolf tance of such a valuable life partner for said, “It’s taking a path that takes steps him, even to the point where she does to be successful. Whether it’s going to what she can to help him study. “I think a four year university and getting a dethe biggest thing in terms of having a gree, or going into the military or pickfamily and going to college [is] I think it ing up a skill in trade and working hard builds...I have somebody that holds me and excelling and moving up.” accountable...She’s my best friend and For a man that has battled struggles my partner.” many cannot begin to fathom, his story Being a nontraditional student and a still has power beyond belief. The inner veteran gives Wolf a unique perspec- demons he has overcome with alcotive on his educational experience. He hol and continual defying of the odds is the first to attend college from his against him give the story of a life that immediate family. He noted the work all deserve to be inspired by. “Never ethic and moral compass instilled in quit, and never give up on yourself,” him by his stepfather, coaches and Wolf said,“If you want to do something with your life, you should pursue that.”
18 // BEAVER’S DIGEST
Wolf makes it clear that learning from mistakes allows someone to move forward with their goals. He explained the ability to move forward despite opposition being a key component to personal progress. “I love when I have people telling me I can’t do something,” said Wolf with a clear sense of humor in his voice. He closed out his advice with, “I’m going to prove you wrong, and I’m going to do it right in front of you. If you doubt me, doubt me, but I’m going to change this and do this differently. You’re going to see this and get behind what I’m a part of.” Lives are more than stories, but sometimes the story of a life is more inspirational than what meets the eye. Conquering alcoholism, defeating the odds, serving his country and the brightness of his future all show the inspiration Zachary Milo Wolf’s story holds. He grapples each term and continues his schooling with the hope of teaching students about both health and the power of life. Every person battles inner demons, every person has a bottomless hole they cannot seem to fill. With strength and courage, we all simply have to begin to dig steps out of our holes to prove wrong every person who claims we will fail. If someone doesn’t believe in us, our own strength will inevitably convince the naysayers of our courage. We all have our own holes. We must only begin with a moment of self-evaluation, choosing to construct our steps to the freedom above and beyond the hole. ◊
overcoming the numbers game WRITING ADAIR PASSEY PHOTOGRAPHY ZBIGNIEW SIKORA Discovering her Obsessive Compulsive It’s Not Just About That Extra Scoop of Disorder (OCD) after being diagnosed Ice Cream ridgette Thurber, a junior at OSU with anorexia, Thurber channeled her studying kinesiology, has strug- anxiety disorder into working out at In today’s society, there are endless misgled with Anorexia Nervosa since the gym. She called this obsession the conceptions and stigmas associated with she was 15 years old. Dealing with “numbers game” and described the feel- anorexia because it is a mental disorder. massive change and instability within ing as getting a high from every pound Thurber described the disorder as a her family, a change of high schools lost. Her daily exercises were on a con- “self-induced, self-starvation.” Often, this resulting in the loss of her friends and tinuous incline that just never stopped. disorder is glamorized as a fad diet and injuries preventing her from playing Thurber felt a constant pressure to do is interpreted as a choice, but Thurber the sports dear to her heart, Thurber more and more, which turned a poten- assured that this could not be farther turned to the one thing in her life she tially healthy hobby into a lifelong bat- from the truth. “You don’t realize you’re tle. This obsession with counting calo- doing it to yourself…Because it so stems could control: the numbers. ries and watching the number on the from anxiety, I know it’s irrational, and Although numerous aspects led to the scale grow smaller and smaller even- I can objectively see it, but I still feel development of her disorder, Thurber tually expanded into controlling every it. I’m screaming inside,” said Thurber. believed that running cross country as ounce of what was being put into her Studies have found that 50% of individa sophomore in high school “definitely body. “If one thing was cut out then an- uals with anorexia also have OCD, and was the straw that broke the camel’s other thing was cut out, and I was like now link this disorder to genetics rather back.” Counting calories in the gym ‘okay now I can’t do bread, I can’t do than believing it stems from solely enbecame her sanctuary away from all dairy, now I can’t do this.’ I got so rigid.” vironmental factors.1 On the unequal the chaos in her life, but quickly took Thurber described the internal pressure treatment of anorexia Thurber said, “I a turn and became an obsession. “[It she experienced as “the eating disorder think of anorexia as a disease I have, but was] all machines all the time and that [starting] to make up these rules…I was not a characteristic that defines me. I was the one thing I was focusing on making sure that everything I put in my don’t like the word anorexic...I have anand getting really good at. I think more mouth was the right weight, the right orexia. You wouldn’t call someone with than anything it just became an obses- size, was from the right farm, everything.” cancer a canceric.” sion,” Thurber said. The Straw that Broke the Camel’s Back
B
1. “The Relationship Between Eating Disorders and OCD Part of the Spectrum.” International OCD Foundation. N.p., 24 Aug. 2015. Web. 23 Jan. 2017.
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don’t think you’re ever recovered. I think “ Irecovery is a constant decision every day
For Thurber, along with many others, being deprived and this makes weight her eating disorder is motivated by restoration a difficult process. With all OCD and wanting to obsessively con- of this said, Thurber emphasized it trutrol the numbers. This disorder also ly isn’t about “just that extra scoop of comes with a plethora of side effects ice cream.” Elaborating on this she said, outside of weight loss that most peo- “I don’t choose to feel this way. I don’t ple don’t fully understand. “There’s so choose to have these thoughts. I don’t many side effects. I lost almost half a choose to cry when I’m eating because head of hair, and I can still cry talking it hurts so bad, but I have to choose to about it. It ruins your body if you do eat it. That is something that I can do. I it for long enough, and I did it for five don’t want to be the victim of it.” years and it’s done a lot of damage,” Thurber said, “I haven’t had my period The Constant Decision Everyday consistently in over a year and it has likely impacted my ability to have chil- Once diagnosed at the age of 15, dren. I’m doing everything that I can, Thurber began the long journey of but it ruins your body to a point where recovery. There are several different styles of recovery, ranging from hospiI don’t think people understand.” talization to working with a dietician Anorexia is the deadliest mental disorder, to create weekly meal plans. Having killing more individuals than even those gone through almost every recovery with schizophrenia or depression.2 This option available, Thurber has seen is a side of the disorder that Thurber it all. Initially, she was rushed to the wishes had more transparency and hospital against her will, which made coverage in the media. In order to suc- coping with a month of hospitalization cessfully restore her weight, Thurber very difficult. However, right from the has continuously eaten a very high start, Thurber embraced her disorder calorie diet, and even that has not and was very open about it. “I didn’t been enough to return her to a healthy want to live a lie. It didn’t sound fun,” weight. She has become hypermeta- she said, “If I tell people what’s going bolic as her body is still making up for on then I can control the information
2. “Anorexia: Overview and Statistics.” National Eating Disorders Association. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Jan. 2017.
”
they’re getting.” Since then, she has relapsed four times, which goes to show how persistent this disorder truly is. Although treatment is a very difficult, exhausting experience, Thurber said that it is a necessary step in recovery because “you can tell yourself ‘I need to do it. I know I need to do it,’ but doing it is so much harder than that, especially when you’re really deep into an eating disorder.” Depending on the treatment, you can spend up to eight hours in the hospital six days a week, or even be in complete isolation from the outside world at a residential facility. However as Thurber said, while these treatments are necessary for recovery and weight restoration, they are draining. To briefly explain the emotional toll treatment can have Thurber said, “I think another thing people don’t realize is that you don’t have to be in all black and goth to be suicidal. Suicidal can look like a blonde girl who just doesn’t want to have to go through another day of treatment.” Thurber also shared that her therapist, Rebecca Francesconi, described treatment as “telling someone to stick their hands into a bag of germs
BALANCE to have to go through this at “ IfleastI’m going I can be getting something out of
it and someone could be gaining from it
and just watching their skin get eaten away.” When discussing recovery and what it truly means to be recovered Thurber emphasized, “I don’t think you’re ever recovered. I think recovery is a constant decision every day.” Once diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa, it is a disorder a person must deal with for the rest of their life, always having tendencies and pressure to fall back into self-starvation. If you make the conscious decision every day, it is doable. Going Through the Motions Finding motivation to battle an eating disorder is not easy, but Thurber finds motivation and support in her family and her religion, Christianity. “My faith is huge to me. It’s the number one thing for me in my life…I can’t imagine going through treatment without my faith,” said Thurber. Not only does her faith keep her going, but her mother’s unwavering support also pushes her through. “She’s by my side even when it hurts her as much as it hurts me,” Thurber said. Along with her mother, her father and brother have provided immeasurable support. Thurber is currently going through outpatient treatment, which is
”
where she sees a dietician, a psychia- gave raw insight on what recovery is trist and a therapist each once a week. like, so she hopes her blog can be that Alongside this she makes weekly meal resource for others. “There wasn’t anyplans that help her achieve her calo- one talking about going through the rie intake goals, practices yoga, has motions of recovering and what that wonderful roommates who love and looks like,” said Thurber. Trying to be support her and takes medication to as open with her readers as possible, help with anxiety and OCD. Thurber she described her blog as “the most has also completed the difficult task vulnerable part of me.” of abstaining from cardio for over a year. “There are days when I want Not only does she hope to help others nothing more than to go to the gym along their journey, but the blog also since that was such an outlet for me,” serves as a way to express herself and she said. Thurber abstains because as a tool to keep those around her upshe knows that it’s just not where she dated on her progress. Thurber said is at in her recovery journey, but she that she continues the blog because looks forward to a nice, long run once “if I’m going to have to go through this at least I can be getting someshe gets there. thing out of it and someone could be gaining from it.” Seeing how much her Bridgette and Goliath posts resonate with her viewers and Beginning with her journal entries aid in their recovery inspires Thurber from her time at residential treatment, to continue writing. Her blog has now Thurber has created a blog to track her received roughly 30,000 views and has progress and personal recovery. Her been read in 54 different countries. blog, bridgetteandgoliath.wordpress.com, Thurber hopes to express through her serves as an outlet where she can ex- blog that not every day is going to be press herself and hopefully inspire great; there will be mistakes made and others. As she began her journey to re- bumps along the way, but “the light at covery she noticed that there weren’t the end of the tunnel is recovery.” ◊ many resources out there that actually
Visit bridgetteandgoliath.wordpress.com to discover more of Bridgette’s story
HOW TO ADULT WRITING JOSHUA SCHNEIDER
A
survey was made available to all OSU students, which asked questions regarding different behaviors that could be considered “adulting”. The survey intended to look at “adulting” based on factors like cooking, sleep and financial dependence. Some of the more interesting results are presented in the following graphics. It is important to note that this was an open survey with a small sample relative to the general student body, just over 100 respondents. Since this was not a random sample or a controlled experiment, any conclusions based on this data can only be made on the sample itself (not the entire OSU student body), and no cause and effect relationships should be assumed when a relationship between two variables appears.
COOKING
SLEEPING
Students in the different academic colleges at OSU reported to get roughly the same amount of sleep each weeknight. The range for hours of sleep per night was 1.5 hours. Forestry students on average sleep the lowest amount with 6.5 hours per night and Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences students on average sleep the most on average at 8.0 hours per night.
When asked how many days per week a student cooks every one of their meals, most females responded 0 days while most males responded 3 days each week. Yet, on average the difference is less extreme: males cook every meal for an average of 3.4 days and females for an average of 3.1 days each week.
On the weekends, most students sleep more than during the week. Also, the difference between academic colleges were more pronounced. The amount of sleep on weekends range expands to 2.1 hours. Liberals Arts students who responded sleep the least on average, at 7.9 hour per weekend night. Pharmacy students sleep the most, for an average of 10.0 hours per weekend night.
How Many Days of the Week Do You Cook All of Your Meals? Number of People 0
5
10
15
20
25
Sleep per Night by College
0 11
1 2
9 8
3
7 6
4
es Fo Ea re H str r th um y ,O an ce Sc an ie nc ,a es nd A B us tm in os es ph s er ic Sc ie nc es Ph ar m ac y
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ic
ul
tu
ra l
Sc
ie nc
er in
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rts A er al Lib
6
g
5
5
Sc
Amount of Days
Weeknight Weekend
10
24 // BEAVER’S DIGEST
Pu b
Male Female
lic
H
ea
lth
7
Pie Chart of Expenses
FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE
Students who participated in the survey were asked whether or not they independently paid for different categories of expenses, and then what percent of their total expenses they provided for themselves independently. It was found that most respondents pay for their own food, media, gas, laundry, clothes and entertainment. However, most do not pay for their own rent, phone, and auto or health insurance.
Rent
F ood
U tilities
P hone
Category No Yes N/A Sometimes
10.7% 0.8%
35.2% 40.2%
49.6%
50.4% 59.8% 64.8%
88.5%
M edia
A uto Insurance
12.3%
16.4%
G as 18.0%
Health Insurance 4.1% 2.5%
23.0%
34.4% 10.7%
73.0%
53.3%
59.0%
Laundry 19.7%
C lothes
6.6%
19.7%
There is also a trend across academic years, in which students pay for more of their personal expenses independently as they progress through college.
11.5%
10.7%
88.5%
82.8%
60.7%
93.4%
E ntertainment
How Much of Your Expenses Do You Provide for Yourself Independently (By Academic Year) 1st Year (Freshman)
2nd Year (Sophomore)
3rd Year (Junior)
4.2%
5.3% 15.8%
26.3%
41.7%
29.2%
Percent of expenses
17.9% 35.7%
3.6%
5.3%
0 - 20% 20 - 40% 40 - 60% 60 - 80% 80 - 100%
17.9%
25.0%
47.4%
4th Year (Senior) 14.7%
25.0%
5th Year (or Higher)
20.6%
14.3%
14.3%
Pie Chart of Expenses (All Students) 14.3%
17.6%
11.8%
29.4% 17.6%
7.1%
28.6%
50.0% 14.3%
SUMMARY
Take a look at where you fall in the averages and evaluate how “adult” you are in comparison to your peers. Are you eating out too often? Take a cooking class. Are you not getting enough sleep during the week or on the weekends? Get some sleep! It’s good for your health. Maybe you aren’t quite as financially independent as others? See what you can do to gain that independence, and if you can’t, well enjoy it!
16.8%
28.6%
SPRING 2017 // 25
WRITING ERIKA PETERSON PHOTOGRAPHY LUCAS PARIS
W
inter term can be rough and with only one week of spring break before heading into the next term, it can feel like trying to run a marathon with no fuel left in the tank. As a college student, finishing off the school year and surviving until summer can be a challenge. College years are notorious for sleep deprivation. It can be very difficult balancing classes, homework, a social life—the list goes on. More often than not, sleep is sacrificed in an attempt to maintain balance in daily life. Recent research on college students and sleep indicates that insufficient sleep impacts our mood, decision making and even overall GPA. According to the University of Georgia, most college students only get about six hours of sleep per night and the recommended amount of sleep for optimal health is about eight hours per night. Getting enough sleep is important for a number of reasons because it restores energy, strengthens the immune system, helps a person to think more clearly and creatively, strengthens memory and produces a more positive mood throughout the day1; a few things we could all use once in awhile.
College is also known for the overwhelming amount of stress that is put onto students on a daily basis. This persistent stress paired with exhaustion can make finishing the school year seem nearly impossible at times. However, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) here at OSU provides many great tools to students to help combat stress. According to Emmy Woessner, a psychologist and coordinator of the mindful living programs at CAPS, “The Mind Spa is available
to all OSU community members for scheduling 30 to 60 minutes at a time and offers light therapy, biofeedback, guided-meditation software, a fullbody massage chair, reading materials on wellness, yoga videos and a space to practice seated meditation.” Biofeedback involves measuring heart rate through finger sensors while practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques to see in real time if one’s heart rate is becoming more regular. The Mind Spa is a great, free tool to keep in mind when feeling overwhelmed with stress. So, why not check it out when you’re feeling down? One very simple way to reduce stress from school is to make an effort to go to every class and not let attendance decline as the term goes on. During spring term in particular, it is always tempting to skip class because the sun starts to shine a little extra. It’s the end of the school year so most everyone’s motivation for academics is at an all time low. However, the odds of passing a class increases tremendously when you attend it on a regular basis. This saves you from dreadful all-nighters of cramming before midterms and finals, only to receive subpar grades, which could lead to retaking a class over the summer. Let's be honest, no one wants to do that. You might also meet other students in class that you can study with. Studying with a group has been shown to increase retention of material. It expands your access to information and boosts your motivation; all good things to have when the willpower to study is lacking. Plan an outdoor activity for after class or for the weekend to reduce the temptation to skip class in the first place.
1. “Sleep Rocks! ...get more of it!” University Health Center | Managing Stress | SleepUniversity Health Center | University of GeorgiaUniversity Health Center. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Feb. 2017.
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Another simple way to reduce stress is to participate in regular physical activity. McKenna Barnum, a staff member at Dixon Recreation Center and student at OSU, said, "I think one of the main benefits I have received from regular physical activity is stress reduction. Whenever I am stressed out with school or work, I will make a point to work out. Even a quick workout can make all the difference. Dixon offers a variety of Fit Pass classes that are awesome for not only getting in shape, but reducing stress and releasing endorphins.” She also loves to hike and be outside. “If I have free time I will head out to McDonald-Dunn Forest for a hike or find a waterfall hike for a new adventure,” Barnum said. At OSU, we are lucky to be located in the beautiful Northwest where walking paths and hikes are accessible, so if the gym just isn’t your thing, get outside! You’d be surprised how much better a little fresh air and some physical activity can make you feel. Surviving through spring term and finishing off the school year can be tough. Getting enough sleep, going to class and taking advantage of the services the university provides will definitely help. Most importantly, remember to have fun. College is not just about midterms, finals and your GPA; rather it is a time in your life to push yourself out of your comfort zone and find your passions. Don’t lose sight of this during the exhaustion and stress of trying to finish out the school year. Seize the time you have here and now, and try to make the best of everyday. ◊
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H AS CO M E TO CORVAL L IS Cl as s es are $20. 00 fo r a 3 0 m i n u te yo g a c l a ss fo l l owed up by " G o at Ha p py Ho u r " (sn ug g l i ng a nd ta k i ng s el fi es with go ats to m a ke yo u h a ppy).
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W W W. G O AT YO G A . N E T | 5 4 1 - 2 3 1 - 0 1 9 8 | I N F O @ G O AT YO G A . N E T
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#GOBEAVS
Casey’s Corner
WRITING BRITTNI COOPER PHOTOGRAPHY AARON TRASK
H
e’s the coach who took OSU Baseball to Omaha and won, twice. He’s the coach who has returned to Coleman Field for the last 23 years. And he’s the coach who has built Goss Stadium and OSU Baseball into something the community can be proud of. He’s Coach Pat Casey.
At OSU, Casey has tirelessly worked to improve Goss Stadium at Coleman Field while mentoring OSU Baseball players to great successes and he recalled his first impressions of the program. “I can remember vividly. I was somewhat in awe that I was going to be able to coach baseball at Oregon State,” said Casey, “I was coaching at George Fox and we got to come [to Corvallis] and play [OSU Baseball]—it was a big deal for our program there. I always thought that it was an unbelievable college town, unbelievable facility as far as the history of what went on in Coleman Field so I was in awe. I was like ‘this is a huge challenge’ and the one thing I didn’t want to do was screw it up. So I said, ‘the one thing I have to do is leave it in a better place than when I took it over.’ ”
came here,” said Casey, “We could compete regionally and then nationally and not just think that we had to stay in the Northwest. I said, ‘I think that we can get up and down the coast and eventually we could compete nationally.’ I’m a big dreamer. Dream big, or go home right?”
It’s not easy being the head coach of a collegiate sport and Casey discussed Coach Casey started his career at OSU what life is like in that role. “During the in 1994 after coaching at George Fox season, I’m kind of a little bit different. I University in Newberg. Since then he have a different personality. It’s such a has racked up some impressive accomcompetitive period of time and there’s plishments as head coach of the OSU so many things happening in such a Baseball program. Casey is best known short period of time. We play 56 games for leading OSU Baseball to winning its in 13 weeks so we’re playing four to first College World Series in 2006 with five games a week,” said Casey, “Our a repeated College World Series win in expectation level as a program is very 2007. During his career, Casey has been high so I think that I have a lot of exselected as the PAC-10 Coach of the pectations of myself. I think that I put Year in 2005, 2006 and 2007 as well as a lot of pressure on myself to perform the PAC-12 Coach of the Year in 2013. Among all of his victories, it is import- So, that’s exactly what Casey set out to and do the best job I can do, which is ant to note that Casey is also the most do and he began taking the strides to the way it should be.” Leading a collewinningest coach in all of OSU athlet- make OSU Baseball into what is now giate program is a time intensive reics history. The list of Coach Casey’s a highly respected baseball program. sponsibility and Casey reflected on his achievements goes on, but BD wanted “Everything that I did I felt was geared day-to-day routine during the season. to get to know the man in the corner: to make [OSU Baseball] better, and “Generally, I try to get up a little after better, and better until we ultimately four [a.m.] because that’s a great time Casey’s Corner. did what I said we could do when I first for me to read and kind of chill because
SPRING 2017 // 31
#GOBEAVS
something about motivating “ There’s people to be something that a lot of people try to tell them they can’t be ”
then when I come to work and do some Finding balance among these many things office wise that I don’t like doing,” duties is an adversity that Casey faces pausing to laugh, “Then I get to the best both in and out of the baseball season. part of the day and that is when I get to “I think the thing that is difficult for me get on the field with the guys and get is that I never really release in my mind in uniform and get into practice mode. the obligation that I have to the overall After practice, generally I will sit around program at Oregon State. Where these and talk a little bit as coaches. During young men are going to end up, ultithe season, I’ll go back and I’ll watch mately what kind of year we’re going to video. I don’t spend a lot of time so- have, how we’re going to improve our cializing during the season. Out on facility, how we are going to continue the road we have a great time with to increase our fan base—college athour fans, but you know it’s a pretty letics are a competitive environment,” said Casey, “People continue to build regimented routine,” Casey said. new things, buy new things and I think The off-season is just as critical in every week that I come in [my office] Casey’s eyes to ensuring the success one of my assistants has a new video of the program. “There’s a lot of re- system you can buy to track hitters or cruiting,” said Casey, “Fortunately, pitchers or pitch counts or pitch locaI have great guys that work for me tions—there’s a lot of things going on.” that do the majority of the work in recruiting as far as travel therefore Among the many “things going on” I don’t have to travel as much as during his career, one that the OSU they do. But there’s a constant job I community should be most thankful would say to always making sure that for is the construction of Goss Stadiyour guys are in line for what they’re um. According to Casey, “One of the doing academically, what they’re do- biggest struggles I had here was when ing conditioning and strength wise, we first did Goss Stadium in the late where they’re going to play summer ‘90s. Campus planning wanted to move ball, what their living situation will the baseball stadium off-site.” The be for the next year, you deal with intention of this move was that the the Major League [Baseball] draft long-term plans would enable buildevery year, you deal with fundraising ings to be built in place of Coleman on a 24-hour, 7-day a week basis—so Field. “President Richard gave us the the best time for us is from the time okay to stay, but that was a battle. We [the players] go home for Christmas had several discussions as to why it until the time that they come back shouldn’t move and one of them was that we’re right in the middle of cambecause you can’t recruit.” pus—we’ve been there since 1907,” said Casey, “Our students can walk to the game. There’s something about
[Goss Stadium] that sits right there that I think enhances the whole area.” So, the next time you are walking to class and hear the clink of a baseball to a bat or the music from the impressive sound system echoing through classroom windows, remember and thank Coach Casey for fighting for home plate at Coleman Field. Ever wonder what Casey might be doing if he wasn’t the head coach for OSU Baseball? Well, after being released from professional baseball, Casey obtained his real estate license as a “just in case” and has kept it for the last 28 years. “I enjoyed [real estate] and I was around it—my father owned a real estate business. But I think ultimately, something would have taken me to teaching of some type. If I wasn’t a college coach, I could see myself being in a small private school coaching eighth grade basketball,” said Casey, “There’s something about athletics that attract me. There’s something about teaching, or educating, that drives me. There’s something about motivating people to be something that a lot of people try to tell them they can’t be.” As for Casey and his future plans he said, “I want to see our program continue to improve and I want to see it continue to be invested in the university, in Beaver Nation and in college baseball.” BD looks forward to watching the honorable and competitive Coach Pat Casey as he continues to lead OSU Baseball to great successes on and off of Coleman Field. #GOBEAVS ◊
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WRITING ROMAN BATTAGLIA PHOTOGRAPHY JACQUELYN CORPUS
aking to the sound of a beep- dedicate many weekends to traveling ing alarm, looking at the time: for tournaments. Figuring out how to it’s five a.m. Rising out of bed and manage school life along with sports changing into workout clothes. The life can be a juggling act. Epps talked OSU campus is silent before the sun- about her experiences with the lack rise. Lights still line the streets as of time between classes and lacrosse. the slightest glimpse of the sun can “Although there is a lot of time in bebe seen in the far distance. While tween classes, I feel I’m in school all many students are getting their much day long,” she said, “If I’m not at the needed sleep, the team members of field practicing then I’m doing homethe Women’s Lacrosse Club are get- work, so it’s been a hard transition ting up in the early hours of daylight overall, but it's college so I gotta deal.” to workout and practice their skills. Transitioning from high school to col“The college atmosphere, although lege is always challenging. Whether it’s it's more competitive… it’s more of a moving out of a childhood home or family,” said freshman Rachel Epps, a keeping track of a class schedule, many kinesiology major who plays for the students find it hard to manage their Women’s Lacrosse Club. “Practices are time. Sports clubs and intramurals, like definitely harder in college. We prac- Women's Lacrosse, can help students tice at different times of the day. We better manage their time. Katie Kline, have it four times a week, but most the coach for the Women’s Lacrosse weekends we’ll go to tournaments so Club, discussed the struggles her stuit all balances out,” she said. These dents experience balancing school and student athletes dedicate a large por- sports. “Having two hours a day to tion of their free time to practices and work out and catch up with friends is
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extremely beneficial and a great stress reliever for the girls,” Kline said, “The team understands that school comes first.” She also noted that the coaches understand these athletes have to keep up with their studies as well as attend practice. Many student athletes find that sports are a great way to relieve stress and take the weight of schoolwork off their shoulders for just a few hours. This stress relief helps these athletes perform better in their studies. Kline also offered up some advice for students struggling to balance sports and school. “Don’t bite off more than you can chew,” she said, “You need to know how much of a time commitment a sport is.” Time management is often a problem for students, which is why many student athletes will drop out of sports or step back from leadership positions to focus on their studies. “We practice eight hours a week and generally are traveling every weekend. With a lot of the girls having jobs also, they
#GOBEAVS run out of free time really fast,” Kline said, “The best advice I can give is plan out your week in advance, set aside a certain amount of time each week to go to the library to study and crank out your homework. If you can get your homework done during the week instead of putting it off, you're going to thank yourself later. It won't always be an easy balance—there's going to be days you're exhausted, but if you can swing playing a sport in college I 100 percent recommend it. It's an incredible experience.” Players agree that time management is very important when participating in a college sport. Destiny Moore, a senior in the Women’s Lacrosse Club studying chemical engineering, has experienced a lot throughout her four years of playing for the club in college. Starting as a freshman, coming out of three years of lacrosse in high school, Moore didn’t really know what to expect. “I was really, really scared ‘cause I was supposed
to join with a girl from my high school, but she bailed. The first day of practice I showed up there, all the seniors and juniors were friends, but the freshmen either had people from high school or people they were dorming with, and I had no one,” she said. Transitioning from high school into the world of college is difficult for many students, but oftentimes students will turn to sports as a way to find new friends and stress relief from school work. “[Lacrosse] brings a variety of people and I love that. It brings people from all different majors, all different ages, all different backgrounds and all different cultures. It brings them all into this one sport and it’s really cool to be able to meet people that have different interests than you,” Moore said. Sports helps to bring people together through competitive spirit. The diversity in athletes participating in Women’s Lacrosse helps each player become more tolerant and accepting of other cultures; it’s their diversity that helps bring the team together for victory on the playing field.
“I have been pushed harder than I ever have before, and I am constantly being challenged by my teammates to do better,” said Emily Adams, another senior on the team and a psychology major, “The most rewarding part of being on the team is the girls I play with. They are all a very hardworking group of girls with diverse interests and backgrounds that are full of kindness.” These players strive to stay on the team because playing sports helps these women in their schoolwork and in their daily lives. The team plans to work hard for the chance to compete in regionals, which takes place in Seattle, Washington. Together, The Women’s Lacrosse Club will continue waking up at five a.m. for the chance to do so. ◊
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