Volume 103, Issue 10
www.TheEasterner.org
December 4, 2019
THE INDEPENDENT, STUDENT-RUN NEWSPAPER OF
EASTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
3 News | 6 Arts & Features | 10 Outdoors | 12 Sports
Winter is coming...
Illustration by Malati Powell for The Easterner
News
Features
EWU police officers assaulted on campus
Destress for finals week using these tips
Two police officers responded to a call from an Einstein Bros Bagels employee who reported that there were two people inside of Tawanka Commons before the building was open. The officers discovered that one of the individuals had a warrant. That individual then assaulted the officers, sending one to the hospital for face injuries.
CAPS and SAIL are hosting “Destress Fest,� an event intended to offer students the chance to participate in stress-relieving activities. Professionals from the two departments provide tips for making it through finals week.
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@The Easterner
@The_Easterner
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Editor in Chief Richard N. Clark IV easterner.editor@ewu.edu
Managing Editor Dylan Harris easterner.mngeditor@ewu.edu
Ad Director Jacie Philips advertising@ewu.edu
Multimedia Director Malati Powell easterner.multimedia@gmail.com
Chief Copy Editor easternercopy@gmail.com
News Editor Mitchell Roland easterner.news@gmail.com
Sports Editor Drew Lawson easterner.sports@gmail.com
The Easterner wishes you a safe and happy winter break!
Arts & Features Editor Hamine Mendez easterner.aef@gmail.com
Web Editor Keri Kelly easterner.online@gmail.com
Social Media Editor Isaiah Gessner easterner.social@gmail.com
Think our paper is out of this world?
Photographer Mckenzie Ford
Reporters Randle Kinswa Elizabeth Price
Director of Student Newspaper Jeff Bunch jbunch@ewu.edu
Faculty Adviser Jamie Neely jneely@ewu.edu
Check us out online!
TheEasterner.org About The Easterner
Mission
We, as independent student journalists at The Easterner, inform our EWU audience of the governance, activities and views of our community. We provide a voice and a learning environment for students to engage, connect and make informed decisions.
Circulation
The Easterner publishes a weekly print version as well as web content during the week at theeasterner.org. The Easterner is distributed throughout the Cheney campus and business district as well as the Riverpoint campus and various Spokane businesses. If you would like The Easterner to be distributed at your business call the Advertising Department at 509-359-7010.
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Corrections
The Easterner never knowingly publishes inaccuracies. If any error is found, The Easterner is obligated to correct the error as soon as possible, regardless of the source of the error. The Easterner does not remove any editorial content from theeasterner.org. However, if there is a factual inaccuracy in a story, the editors will run a correction or an update as needed.
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Students spread messages of love as demonstrators return to campus
Group receives very different reaction during their second demonstration on campus
When anti-abortion activists arrived on campus Nov. 20, it appeared the scene on Nov. 7 might repeat itself. Last month, members of this same religious group were met with a much larger crowd of much angrier students. During the previous demonstration, a crowd of approximately 100 students formed near the protestors. The demonstrators were on campus for over three hours on Nov. 7 before they were escorted off by the police. But on Nov. 20, things went a bit differently. The demonstrators shouted their disapproving messages about abortion and the LGBTQ community. Some students shouted back at them. Police were spread out throughout the campus mall ensuring everyone’s safety. But the overall response from the student body was far different this time. “When we found out that … this group was coming back, we wanted to do something that was intentional and not give him attention,” ASEWU legislative affairs representative Mikayla Beeler said. “We thought that focusing it around hopefulness and loving would be a better approach.” Beeler, ASEWU President Key Baker and other ASEWU members ran back and forth from the PUB to the campus mall encouraging students to stop giving the demonstrators attention and instead go to the PUB NCR for a “positivity event.” During this demonstration, some students exchanged words with the demonstrators, but the efforts from Baker, Beeler and others seemed to keep the crowd outside from growing too much. Loud music in the background played its part in
Dylan Harris for The Easterner
DYLAN HARRIS Managing Editor
Counter-demonstrators hold up a trans pride flag during the second protest in two weks on EWU's Campus. drowning out the yelling as well. The “positivity event” included karaoke, voter registration opportunities and a poster that read, “What issues do you care about?” Beeler said that they wanted to give students a chance to express their opinions and be heard. Other students and student groups
chipped in to keep a more positive “The school, they can’t really do atmosphere. Members of the Black anything, so I think that having the Student Union made signs, some that read, positivity is a really good thing,” EWU “Free hugs,” others that had the names of student Jessica Holcomb said. “Because transgender people who have lost their there’s obviously a lot of people (that) lives in acts of are just going to anti-transgender be frustrated not violence. Nov. 20 being able to do marked the annual anything about Transgender Day that.” of Remembrance, The anti-abortion which prompted activists announced the latter signs. on social media “They were that they would be posting how we on EWU’s campus were an angry mob before the event, at Eastern and that - MIKAYLA BEELER, so police officers we were preaching ASEWU Legislative Affairs were able to make hate and that the it to campus LGBTQ+ community were just a hate sooner than they were able to on Nov. 7. mob,” EWU student Emonni Clemmons Fortunately, they didn’t have to do much said. “We decided to fight back with love, more than observe. so we got the ‘free hugs’ sign.” While today’s events didn’t escalate to the Clemmons said she is really proud of level they did on Nov. 7, they still had an impact how the students handled themselves on some of the students who were there. today. “They say things against LGBT and Keeping that positive attitude when abortion,” Holcomb said. “Obviously, you confronted with what many consider have free speech and you can do this, hateful rhetoric wasn’t easy for everyone, but it doesn’t get you anything to be however. hateful.”•
“We wanted to do
something that was intentional and not give him attention.
Dylan Harris for The Easterner
”
ASEWU President Key Baker hands out fliers for an event in the PUB.
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Winter driving in the Pacific Northwest Tips and tricks on how to travel safely over winter break AARON WYMAN Contributor EWU students come from all around the world, and some have never driven in snowy or icy conditions before. Driving in the Pacific Northwest during winter requires more attention to the road. The Washington State Department of Transportation is responsible for ensuring that people and goods move safely and efficiently. In addition to building, maintaining and operating the state highway system, WSDOT is responsible for maintaining and improving local roads and public transportation. Beth Bousley, communications manager for WSDOT’s eastern region, said it’s important to be prepared. “The first thing is to be prepared. Make sure you check out the conditions before you get in your car,” Bousley said. “When conditions are changing, make sure you drive slowly, brake slowly, accelerate slowly.” An important factor to consider is the car will not be able to stop in slippery conditions like in dry conditions. Do not tailgate or slam on the brakes, because that can cause the brakes to lock and the driver can lose control of the vehicle. According to the WSDOT winter driving page, having traction tires is advised while traveling in town, on the highways and over mountain passes. Bousley also emphasized the importance of being aware of other vehicles on the road. “There are snow plows out on the road at all times of the day and night,” Bousley said.
“Please look out for them and don’t crowd the plow. That means follow at 15-car-lengths behind. Make sure that there is plenty of gas in the car and plenty of food in the car for the duration of the trip and also the right tires and carry chains.” To keep drivers safe, Bousley recommended checking out the WSDOT website at https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/, then searching “winter driving” in the search bar to find articles for tips, laws and winter operations. When planning for a road trip over mountain passes, chains for the vehicle may be required to cross. Students can check the WSDOT website before leaving to determine which areas are requiring chains. It is recommended by WSDOT to have an emergency roadside kit. The contents you should bring along are: a blanket, a flashlight, extra batteries, gloves, shovels, jumper cables, a scraper, road flares, bottled water, non-perishable foods (for twice the duration you intended to be traveling), a cell phone charger, a small roadside tool kit, and a first-aid kit. “If you’ve veered off the road and you are stuck, you should call 9-1-1,” Bousley said. Tell people what time you are traveling and which roads you are planning on taking just in case you go off the road and become stranded. Always check road conditions and mountain pass conditions before your trip. Plan extra time for your trip. When traveling in winter conditions, sometimes you cannot drive at the posted speeds due to icy, below freezing, snowy or foggy conditions. •
What to pack when traveling
Illustrations by Malati Powell for The Easterner
“The first thing is to be prepared. Make sure you check out the conditions...”
- BETH BOUSLEY, WSDOT Comm. manager
Two EWU police officers injured during arrest MITCHELL ROLAND News Editor Two EWU Police officers received medical attention after an assault on campus left them with facial wounds. The pair were responding to a call at approximately 6:16 a.m. on Nov. 24, when an employee at Einstein Bros Bagels called to report a male and female in Tawanka Commons, which was not yet open. Upon making contact with
the individuals, the male and female told the employee that there was blood on the third floor of the building. The employee went inside of Einstein Bros, locked the doors and called the police. Officers arrived on the scene, and made contact with the individuals. The officers discovered that the male had a warrant out for his arrest. During their interaction, the male began to fight with the two officers. One officer was punched multiple times in
the face during the altercation, and the other also received injuries to his face. The male was arrested and booked into the Spokane County Jail for third degree assault, which is a felony, and the female was cited for trespassing and released. Both individuals were also banned from the EWU campus. One officer was treated at the scene by the Cheney Fire Department and released, and the other was taken to a local hospital to receive medical
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attention. Both officers are back on full duty with the EWU Police Department. Sgt. Lorraine Hill of the EWU Police Department said that there is an ongoing problem of homeless individuals coming on to campus, and checking doors until they find one that is unlocked. EWU police would like to remind people that if they see someone in a building after hours to contact the police immediately, and to report suspicious activity that they observe. •
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Destress during deadweek Features
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D
ead week is here and it’s time to break out the healthy study habits. EWU’s Counseling and
Psychological Services (CAPS) and Student Activities Involvement & Leadership (SAIL)
have been working
alongside each other to provide students with the best advice to prepare for finals. “Destress Fest” will be facilitated by CAPS and SAIL on Thursday, Dec. 5 to provide students with a break from dead week to participate in stress relieving activities.The event will take place from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the PUB NCR. Michael Ochi, a psychological counselor for CAPS, said he believes the event will be beneficial to those students going into finals week “Our goal is not to eliminate the stress that students may experience, but rather offer them a place to take a moment for themselves,” said Ochi. Activities include dog therapy, zen gardens, board games, lawn games and crafts. Students have the option to play a game of football toss to win prizes such as candy, mason jars, water bottles and Eastern swag. There will be live music and light refreshments served during the event as well. Department tables for the Multicultural Center, EPIC adventures, the Writer’s Center, Africana Studies and Health Wellness and Prevention Services will also be present to engage with students. The SAIL advisor of campus programs, Christina
Sosa, said the idea behind Destress Fest is to eventually
motivate us, sharpen our minds, make us more alert and
collaborate with other organizations in hopes to reach
focus our attention,” said Ochi.
more students. She looks forward to having students, staff and faculty help this event grow each quarter. “Creating that community will be very crucial and I think this event will provide that opportunity for students to come together,” said Sosa. “The destress event allows students to destress in their own ways.”
thoughts can be overwhelming. It is meaningful to find a studying routine that takes into consideration any personal test anxiety all the stress leaving the body by inhaling deep breaths
too much information can lead to stress and frustration,
of air and exhaling slowly.
if no breaks are taken in between long periods of studying.
“The main point is to deliberately reorient the
According to Sosa, it is important to take meaningful
current way of thinking so that it helps you get out
breaks in between studying. Setting aside just 10 minutes
of your own head and return to the present reality,”
to watch a funny video, take a walk or talk to a friend can
said Ochi. Having a positive mindset can also make a
Eating healthy meals and getting plenty of rest can also
significant difference in test taking. According to
help students to stay focused and retain more information.
Ochi, understanding that everything will be okay even if the test is failed can relieve stress.
a light review of the material to wake up the brain. It is
“By monitoring our self-talk, visualizing success,
more effective to use the time as a refresher as opposed to
practicing relaxation techniques and accepting a little
a mini cram session.
anxiety can help us maintain a more positive mindset
Christina Sosa agrees that organizing study sessions ahead of time is important. “You can stuff it in as much as you want, but that doesn’t mean you’re going to retain it,” said Sosa. Testing anxiety can make the studying process a challenge. Some symptoms of test anxiety include: headache, nausea, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, sweating and lightheadedness. “Having some test anxiety is normal and can help
1. Stay calm! 2. Drink tea 3. Take a BREAK 4. SLEEP 5. Study 6. Listen to nice music 7. Treat yo self!
thinking, comparing ourselves to others and racing
symptoms, according to Ochi. It can help to imagine
On the morning of a final exam, Ochi suggests doing
FINALS WEEK
However, the severity of test anxiety psychological
In an email to The Easterner, Ochi recommends
give your brain a much needed rest, said Sosa.
tips to surviving
symptoms such as feelings of self-doubt, dread, negative
studying in advance weeks prior to the exam. Cramming
going into an exam,” said Ochi. Sosa explained that she feels students think CAPS is only for emergency situations. CAPS has more resources to offer students aside from one-on-one counseling sessions. Students can reach out to CAPS for studying advice, resources on test anxiety or someone to talk to. “I think it will serve a good opportunity for CAPS to connect with our students,” said Sosa. •
Freshman Nacyrah Turner (right) studies for finals with her writer center responder Natalie Giles (left). "DeStress Fest" will be on Thursday, Dec. 5 in the PUB.
Read a book
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CAPS
Richard N. Clark IV for The Easterner
ELIZABETH PRICE Reporter
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Talk to friends and family
Exercise
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Sleep!
Arts
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Looking Back
What is your Zero temperatures multiply Phase woes favorite Christmas movie, and why? The Easterner Archives
- Erin Beard, Freshman “The Grinch. It’s a tradition for me to watch on a yearly basis. Jim Carrey is hilarious in that movie.”
- Kassidy Wackoff, Senior “Home Alone would have to be mine. I grew up watching it a ton as a kid and it’s just always stuck with me."
- Leonel Sandoval, Junior "Home Alone. It’s a very funny movie to me and it just provides you with some great Christmas feels."
- Halle Sargent, Running Start “Mine would have to be Elf. A lot of amazing punchlines come from that movie. … Will Ferrell super funny as always.”
An extremely cold winter is aggravating the leaky roof problem in the hallway of the Phase II P.E Building––the same problem that has existed practically since the $3.8 million structure was completed in 1972, according to University Architect Jon Danielson, building inspector for Eastern. “Concerte contracts when it gets cold, so any cracks in it will expand in width,” Danielson said. “What caused the cracks I’m not sure. With traffic overhead it could have been a lot of things. Something dropped on the walking deck may have caused holes that can’t even be seen. “Because it’s gotten down to 22 below this winter, the concrete has contracted more than usual, and with wider cracks and melting snow and ice seeping through (the Phase II ceiling has no insulation) drips are much more noticable,” he said. More than two dozen buckets situated throughout the hallway to catch the drips have now been removed, leaving several wide and slippery puddles in their wake. “I think they were taken away because it was just about as dangerous to have the buckets there as the water,” said Wayne Gander of Custodial Services. Leaking was not apparent upon the Phase Building’s completion, but it began to appear in the fall of 1973 and winter of 1974, Danielson said. “Between February and April of 1974, repairs were made that stopped the leaking for awhile, and the contractor assumed the (financial) responsibility for those,” he explained. The roof started leaking in areas besides the extension joints. Subsequently, three repair programs totaling about $1,100 and paid for through Eastern’s maintenance fund have still not ended the dripping. “During three seperate work programs in the two previous summers, sealer and caulking have been applied to the pavers (bricks on walking deck) above the Phase Building’s ceiling,” Danielson said.
Easterner, Vol. 30, No. 13, January 25, 1979
“My favorite movie would have to be The Grinch because I watch it every year with my family. … It’s a classic.”
This story was originally published in the Easterner, Vol. 30, No. 13, January 25, 1979 and has not been changed except for AP style.
“Right now, we’re waiting for warmer weather, and studying various proposals of what to do.” Of three alternatives, Danielson personally favors removal of the existing pavers and concrete slab, and installation of a sheet rubber membrane encasement, similar to the material innertubes are made of. “That is my own preference. Extreme weather conditions wouldn’t affect the membrane,” he said. Other proposals under consideration are the construction of a roof over the walking deck, thus enclosing more of it between the Phase walls, and the covering of pavers with a waterproof coating which would cover the bricks with gray concrete. Cost estimates for either of the two alternatives are not yet available, but the rubber encasement would come to roughly $110,000––which might not be a bad price in the long run, Danielson says. Eastern will probably be footing the bill unless something is found to be the fault of building materials or construction, he
added. “The pavers would have to be covered periodically if we went to that method, so the cost would recur,” he said. “Depending on what (alternative) is decided upon, there may be a problem of having dollars available. “We may have to ask for legislative approval on a deferment of other funds to repair the roof. In no way would this interfere with requests for funding the proposed $1.7 million aquatics building though,” he said “It comes out of a different fund.” Another roof, on the new $2.2 million Phase IV (fieldhouse) is also suffering, but from a different problem. "The surface is blistering, but no one knows precisely why," Danielson said. "The roofing insulation manufacturer and the roofing contractor have differing opinions, so an independent consultant has been called in. We're not pushing the consultant for answers right now since it'll be spring before anything can be done." •
“The surface is blistering, but no one knows precisely why.” - JON DANIELSON, University Architect
Comics
Plucking Feathers
Plucking Feathers is The Easterner's comic section illustrated by Web Editor, Keri Kelly. The purpose of these comics is to poke fun at the EWU community.
- Ryan Thompson, Sophomore "A Nightmare Before Christmas. It doesn’t necessarily bring out the dark side of Christmas, but it does a good job at adding a different perspective.”
- Omero Guerro, Senior
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Features
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The Easterner Archives
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A sign in front of the JFK Library steps last winter.
Have some fun this winter break A look into some of the events happening in Spokane this holiday season HAMINE MENDEZ Arts & Features Editor With winter break fast approaching, students may be wondering what to do with their free time. Students staying in the Cheney/Spokane area over break will find many opportunities to celebrate the holidays through a wide array of events. From ice skating at Riverfront Park, to watching the Nutcracker, the Inland Northwest always has something to offer. The Numerica Skate Ribbon in Riverfront Park is fairly new to downtown Spokane. As mentioned in the name, it is an outdoor, ribbonshaped ice skating rink in Riverfront Park. Graduate student Jake Smith shared his thoughts on the new ice rink’s unique look. “It was more interesting than most because of the design,” said Smith.
If students go skiing or snowboarding, then students might head to Mt. Spokane. Only about forty five minutes away from Spokane, this mountain is relatively close. If students would like a day trip, then students can get home relatively fast. Only a little over an hour away from Cheney, students won't have to worry about staying the night. Students that have already experienced Mt. Spokane and are willing to take a longer journey, then Schweitzer Mountain Resort is another option. Located in Sandpoint Idaho, this is a little over two hours away from Cheney. EPIC Adventures trip leader Whitney Russell said she's been skiing since age seven and Schweitzer is her top pick in the region. She said she prefers the advanced runs that they have to offer, and it's not confusing to find every run. “If you’re a die hard skier, go to Schweitzer,” said Russell. “They(‘ve)
definitely got the terrain.” In the Spokane Arena, the Spokane Chiefs will be playing throughout break. With multiple games happening through December and January, students might have the free time to get a group together to go out and enjoy a local hockey game. Senior Cole Sherwood shared how he had never really been into hockey, but watching a Chiefs’ game was a fun experience. He liked
how fans got hyped, and he enjoyed the food sold at the arena. “Hockey players got pretty into it,” said Sherwood. Starting on Dec. 5, the Fox Theater will be putting on the famous Nutcracker play. With many show dates back to back, there's plenty of opportunities to go check out this production. However, this event does require tickets, which start at $19.50 for balcony seats.•
“If you’re a die hard skier, go to Schweitzer.” - WHITNEY RUSSELL, Trip leader for EPIC Adventures
Second annual Holiday Hoopla event DYLAN HARRIS Managing Editor It’s time to take a break from finals and get into the holiday spirit. The Cheney Merchants Association is hosting the second annual Holiday Hoopla event on Dec. 6 in downtown Cheney. “It’s just a way for the community to get together,” Eagle Store marketing coordinator and Cheney Merchants Association treasurer Kristin Zitterkopf said. “We’re doing it to make it a free family event that a lot of people of all
ages can enjoy. Something hopefully the college students will enjoy too.” Similar to the annual MayFest event, Holiday Hoopla is a chance for members of the EWU and Cheney community to get together and experience some of what downtown Cheney’s businesses have to offer. The event will kick off with the annual tree lighting ceremony in front of the Cheney Public Library at 5:30 p.m. Throughout the evening there will be horse-drawn sleigh rides, a hot cocoa bar, cookie decorating at The Mason Jar, $1 S’mores, an outdoor movie, local choir performances, live nativity scenes and more. While many of the events are intended for children,
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Zitterkopf says the event will be fun for college students as well. “It’s just going to be something fun and free,” Zitterkopf said. “If students are on a budget, it’s something fun to do.” Zitterkopf mentioned that the cookie decorating at The Mason Jar has traditionally been a popular event for college students to attend. All of the graphic materials used for the event and promotion were designed by students in the EWU visual communication design program. The event will last from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information on the Holiday Hoopla event, visit cheneymerchants.org.•
Outdoors
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Illustration by Keri Kelly for The Easterner
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Don't get misled, know where to sled
Understanding the best locations and safety guidelines for an enjoyable sledding experience
Most EWU students won’t have “noncaloric, silicon-based kitchen lubricant” to spray on their winter sleds, like Clark W. Griswold. However, many students will sled at some point this winter. Sledding is simple. It doesn’t take much skill. It takes little coordination. What it does take, though, is awareness. Sophomore Anna Ripp, a nursing student at EWU, lived in Anderson Hall last year. Ripp said she and her friends would sled on the hill behind Anderson Hall. “It was like a good sledding hill
where we saw other people,” Ripp said. “Obviously you have to watch out for cars and other things. … Other than that it was pretty safe.” Ripp also said she and her friends went on the hill behind Morrison Hall. She said the hill was not the greatest because of all the rocks. She said back home where she would sled all the time, if she didn’t have a sled or couldn’t afford one, she would make one out of plastic and cardboard. “I improvised and used a trash bag and cardboard box, “ Ripp said. “It worked well.” Ripp said she felt she was never in danger of getting hurt. She said she and her friends would just pay
Illustration by Keri Kelly for The Easterner
RANDLE KINSWA Sports Reporter
attention to cars and other people. Ripp said sledding is a fun activity to do when you are a student who lives in the dorms on campus. She said she was laughed at when she suggested to use a trash bag and cardboard. There are many popular sledding locations here on campus. Some, but not all, include: right behind JFK Library, right behind Reese Court, behind Roos Field and on the hills by the intramural fields. According to EWU policy, students are required to only use recreational equipment on sidewalks and pathways. Students are prohibited to exceed a speed of 5 mph on recreational equipment and are required to yield to pedestrians or other campus activities. Students are also prohibited from performing tricks or stunts. These policies are put in place to avoid any accidents from occurring at EWU. The administration policies also state that students will be asked to refrain from using recreational items on campus. According to EWU administration, students who refuse to follow this policy will be disciplined under the student code of conduct. It is also important to point out that a non-student who is caught repeatedly breaking this policy on campus could be charged criminally with trespassing. Students who choose to sled on private property without the owner’s permission may also be charged with trespassing. Annika Scharosch, the Associate V.P. of Civil Rights, Compliance and Risk said students who choose to sled, need to be
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aware of their surroundings. “The first thing is students need to be aware that there will not be any obstacles that they may run into,” Scharosch said. “You certainly would not want to sled if there were those metal railings, like by P-12 towards athletics.” Scharosch said to be aware of concrete walls, cars and anything else you could run into. She also said to make sure to have a clear, open landing area. Scharosch said students also need to be aware of where other people are when sledding. She said many sledding accidents that may happen occur when a person collides with another. Scharosch also said that if students want to do a sledding activity with a large group, they need to go through SAIL. Other alternative sledding options in Spokane County include: Underhill Park (2910 E Hartson Ave), Riverpoint Park (507 N Howard St), Manito Park (1702 S Grand Blvd) and Eagle Ridge Whispering Pines Park (5715 S Copper Ridge Blvd). To Scharosch’s knowledge there has not been a major sledding accident here on EWU in recent years. Scharosch said she most likely would only be aware of a sledding accident if there was a claim involved. Sledding on campus is a fun, free activity to do. Yet, it is easy for someone to get hurt, or even get in trouble for breaking some of the campus policies. Students can avoid these possible hazards by having fun, but sledding safely while doing so. •
Outdoors
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Courtesy of Anna Ripp
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The sun sets during a cold winter's night on Mt. Spokane.
Mt. Spokane: EWU's home mountain RANDLE KINSWA Sports Reporter Mt. Spokane isn't a very original name for a mountain. It doesn't sound intriguing and exhilarating. Names like Kilimanjaro, Kiikjufell, Elbrus or Olympus sound like mountains you’d want to ski. But Mt. Spokane is the mountain local students grew up on. Director of EPIC Adventures Chris Hoppe said Mt. Spokane is popular with the local students. “Mt. Spokane, especially for our local kids in the area, is their home mountain,” Hoppe said. “They got childhood memories learning to ski on the bunny hill … (and) learning to ski with mom and dad.” Mt. Spokane only sits 5,880 feet in elevation. It also is only 49 miles from the EWU campus. Leah Bardel is a senior at EWU from Castle Rock, WA. She’s also the customer service lead and trip leader at EPIC Adventures. Bardel said she had a great experience participating in the night skiing through EPIC. “The night skiing is a blast,” Bardel said. “You can get your day done, and then go up after classes.”
Bardel said the perks of Mt. Spokane include a short line to ski, good service and the mountain’s beginner and advanced trails. She also said the lighting of the mountain is good. Bardel said her experience of going to Mt. Spokane not through EPIC and just with friends, was also quite enjoyable. Hoppe said if Mt. Spokane is a mountain you skied in your childhood, you’ll more than likely ski there as an adult. According to Hoppe, if you aren’t from this area, you are more than likely to look at other place due to the better lifts and bigger hills at these places. Other local mountains in the area where students go are Schweitzer Mountain Resort in Sandpoint, ID, North Mountain Resort in Chewelah and Silver Mountain in Kellogg, ID. Hoppe said last year EPIC did have a growth in the amount of students who participated in the night ski trips. Hoppe said one of the main benefits of skiing at Mt. Spokane is the convenient location of the mountain. Hoppe said there will be many night ski trips this winter available to students who are interested in skiing on Mt. Spokane and coming back the same day.
Mt. Spokane Prices Type of ticket
Day ticket (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
For more information on the trips to Mt. Spokane, students can visit EPIC’s website. Dr. Matt Chase, a professor in the Recreation and Leisure Studies department, said he has many fond memories of being up on Mt. Spokane with his two daughters. Brenda McQuarrie, the guest and services manager at Mt. Spokane, said college-aged students enjoy their experience at Mt. Spokane quite a bit. “We have quite a few students who come up,” McQuarrie said. “We are so close to many colleges. … I would say most college students take advantage of our nightskiing.” McQuarrie said Mt. Spokane has a lot to offer to college students. “Our tickets for college students is about $10 cheaper than a normal adult,” McQuarrie said. “We also have a special college ticket package for college students. … We have cool events. … We have set up some specific college nights this winter.” Alex Copelond, a recent graduate of EWU, works as a snow sports supervisor at Mt. Spokane. Copelond said college students enjoy their experience at Mt. Spokane. Copelond said the biggest attraction Mt. Spokane has for college students is the night-skiing. Copelond said the price and relative distance are also major factors that attract college students.
PM ticket (12:30 Night ticket (3:30 Sunday PM ticket p.m. to 4 p.m.) p.m. to 9 p.m.) (12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.)
College student
$55
$45
$23
$36
Adult
$62
$52
$23
$46
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Copelond said there are new changes coming this winter. “We are adding our shuttle service on Saturdays again,” Copelond said. “It’s available for $20 round trip. … It is for students that do not have a car, or feel comfortable driving in the snow.” Copeland said there will be night-tubing on the weekends this winter as well. Chase said he is fond of Mt. Spokane. “It’s our home mountain,” Chase said. “It’s where a lot of the locals go. … It’s close and the skiing is good.” Chase said there are a lot of hidden spots on the mountain. He said the snow quality is good on the mountain and the service is good. He said there were two new runs added to the backside of the mountain, and a new lift. He said another cool thing is the Nordic area across the street. A Nordic Area is a place located in North America or other sub-tundra continents that resemble Scandinavian landscapes. Chase said he has many fond memories of being up on Mt. Spokane with his two daughters. Chase skis up in Mt. Spokane when school is cancelled. “I really enjoy skiing Mt. Spokane,” Chase said. “If you like tree-skiing, it’s really good. … When you get powder days up there, it’s fabulous.” •
Seniors reflect on careers
Sports
Information gathered by Drew Lawson for The Easterner. Mugshots obtained from goeags.com.
EWU's Nov. 23 victory over Portland State University ended up being the Eagles' final game of the 2019 season, and possibly the final game for 19 EWU seniors. 10 of those seniors spoke to The Easterner and reflected on their favorite games, plays and memories of their careers at EWU.
V103 I10- 12.4.19
Malati Powell for The Easterner
12 - The Easterner
EWU senior offensive lineman Kaleb Levao embraces head coach Aaron Best before EWU's Nov. 23 game against Portland State. EWU won 53-46.
TE Jayce Gilder
DT Dylan Ledbetter Favorite play: "The blocked field goal against Nicholls last year was pretty. It completely changed the momentum of the whole game, and for Kedrick (Johnson) to take it to the house, that was pretty fun. That play in particular was something special." Favorite game: "Both the Montana games at Montana. Regardless of the outcome, the atmosphere was phenomenal."
RB Antoine Custer Jr.
What stands out about his career: "More of just the relationships I’ve made over the years. I’ve made some of my best friends for life here." Favorite play: "Maybe the fake field goal against North Dakota State. ... When we got it in that was a pretty cool thing, getting that in the national championship game."
LB Andrew Katzenberger
Favorite game: "Honestly, I don’t really have a favorite game." Favorite play: "One of my favorite plays was, my freshman year, (it) was a kickoff return right after half. We were down at the moment and (it) kinda gave an extra spark and then everyone’s emotions, and my first kickoff return, it was pretty big. That was my favorite moment."
Favorite game: "I’m going to go with the Maine game (in 2018), because we dominated from the beginning and it was a semifinal game to go to the national championship. It was just a lot of good energy. It felt good." Favorite play: "I gotta go with my scoop and score for a touchdown (on Nov. 2 vs Northern Arizona). First college touchdown as a senior, that was pretty cool."
WR Jayson Williams
LB Trevor Davis Jr.
Best memory: "One of my best memories would have to be in 2016 when we played at North Dakota State. Didn’t play much, but being in that atmosphere, being in that type of game, looking at the chess match that was happening between both teams, that’s a fun game for me. ... Besides that, it was the national championship. We made it to the national championship. Not a lot of people can say that they did that. I’m glad I was able to be a part of it."
What stands out about his career: "Being in the locker room with the guys. I didn’t get an opportunity to play in a lot of games here, but just being around the guys ... was something that helped me get through the day." Favorite game: "My favorite game was the Richmond game in 2016 in the snow. That was my first snow game, and one of my first chances to play. It was a lot of fun."
G Will Gram
S Dehonta Hayes
What stands out about his career: "Probably going to the national championship in Frisco last year. ... We got to the furthest stage, and it was a whole hell of a lot of fun playing out there with all the guys." Favorite game: "My favorite game I played in was actually the Weber State game last year, even though we lost. That was the first time I really got a lot of reps in game, and it was a dogfight."
Favorite game: "Probably one of my 17 tackle games, because that was a huge milestone for me. That was something I wasn’t expecting doing or achieving at my position, so that’s something I can look back on and say, 'that’s pretty awesome.'" Favorite play: "Probably my interception (on Sept. 28) that I had here against North Dakota to seal the game right up against our sideline. That was probably one of my best plays right there."
CB Bradley Alexander
DE Darnell Hogan
Best memory: "I think what really stands out the most is the practices. ... Everything is done during the week in practice, so I think that’s what I’m going to miss the most. Although I never really enjoy all the practices, I think that’s going to be the most memorable thing." Favorite play: "Probably (my) pick (in 2018 vs UC Davis). ... It was the one thing that’s near and dear to my heart."
What stands out about his career: "Just the brotherhood. All the locker room fun, and sideline fun. Being with great people, especially people from the past that have left. It’s a great opportunity that I’m going to remember forever." Favorite play: "Probably the interception (on Sept. 7 vs Lindenwood). That’s the only play I made, so that’s pretty fun right there."
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