Volume 103 issue 2

Volume 103, Issue 2

www.TheEasterner.org

October 2, 2019

THE INDEPENDENT, STUDENT-RUN NEWSPAPER OF

EASTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY

3 News | 6 Arts & Features | 10 Sports

Searchin' for Squatch EWU alumnus Jason M. Burke publishes his first book, "Secretly Seeking Sasquatch: A Road Guide to Washington's Bigfoot Country." This book is great for adventure seekers of all levels, regardless of if you believe in Bigfoot or not. It gives you a fresh look on Washington and the Pacific Northwest.

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A Bigfoot crosses an unkown road in front of a car. Sasquatch's existence has been debated for years but still remains a popular topic. | Illustration Jason M. Burke

News

Meet your 2019-20 ASEWU members Get to know each of the executive and council positions of the Associated Students of EWU, your acting student government. ASEWU provides a voice for the student body and is a resource for student activism.

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@The Easterner

Features

Cheney Food Guide

A break down of all The Easterner's top choices for food options, all within walking distance of campus. Whether you are looking for a quick bite, a nice sit-down meal or just something new - we've got you covered.

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@The_Easterner

@_TheEasterner

2 - The Easterner

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 easterner.news@gmail.com

Sports Editor Drew Lawson easterner.sports@gmail.com

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

Photographers Mckenzie Ford

Director of Student Newspaper Jeff Bunch

Faculty Adviser Jamie Neely jneely@ewu.edu

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Get Involved

You reap what you sow: Make the most of your college experience something may be, chances are other students walking these same halls share that same interest.

THE EASTERNER Editorial Board There’s no time like the present.

The college experience cannot be summed up by a single, blanket definition. In fact, every single student, past and present, may have very different perspectives of what the college experience entails.

Luckily for you current EWU students, there are opportunities around every corner to get involved and make the most of your time as an Eagle.

Some students spend their time here in Cheney just going through the motions; go to class, do some studying, take the tests, rinse, repeat—and that’s okay.

But these four years (give or take) can be so much more.

Why you should One of the most beautiful aspects of the college experience is the vast amount of diversity found within a campus community. Not just diversity in the sense of race, gender and religion, but also in the wide variety of interests and hobbies that students partake in.

EWU is home to over 10,000 students, which means if you are interested in something, no matter how niche that

How to get involved With the plethora of active student clubs and organizations at EWU, there is no shortage of opportunities to get involved. From the College Republicans and the Gamers club, to the Native American Student Association and the Harry Potter club, there is something for everybody at EWU. And what better way to make friends than finding people who share your same interests?

Student clubs aren’t the only route to take to get more involved and connect with your peers. EWU students have free access to every home sporting event. We all know about the football games given the year-after-year success that the team has experienced, but there is so much more.

Whether it’s Nicoletta Capizzi landing kill after kill at a volleyball match or Jacob Davison driving the lane for a monstrous dunk, there are plenty of options for all you sports fans out there.

The Greek community at EWU offers more great ways to get involved and build relationships. It’s a fantastic way to build lasting relationships while also giving back to the EWU community. The sense of

belonging for those involved in Greek life is almost unparalleled.

These are just a few outlets for those looking to be a part of something bigger.

Maybe you have a knack for politics and leadership—ASEWU holds elections every year for numerous positions. If you love the outdoors, sign up for a trip with EPIC Adventures and see some new faces while you explore new places. Eagle Entertainment puts on events like movie nights and much more throughout the school year.

Benefits Getting involved is easier said than done, but the payout is beyond worth it.

You have the power to take advantage of these opportunities and make the most of your time at EWU. Improve your social life, build leadership and teamwork skills and most importantly have some fun.

Sure, college has its stressful moments and requires immense dedication and selfdiscipline, but it can, and should, also be enjoyable. You will likely never have this many opportunities to branch out and explore yourself after you graduate, so don’t wait around for someone to ask you to get involved, just do it! •

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

Eleanor Roosevelt

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.

www.TheEasterner.org

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.

Opinion

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The Easterner -

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Guest Column

New Sexuality and Queer Studies Minor Offered

The Women's & Gender Studies program will now offer a Sexuality and Queer Studies Minor WOMEN'S & GENDER STUDIES This fall, Eastern Washington University’s Women’s and Gender Studies program is launching a new Sexuality and Queer Studies minor.

To obtain a Sexuality and Queer Studies minor, students will need to complete 20 credits, including three required courses and one elective. With the elective, students will be able to personalize the minor to fit their interests and needs.

The new minor offers students an interdisciplinary course of study focused on the histories, experiences, contributions, activism and community-based knowledge of LGBTQ+ people. All of these elements will be considered intersectionality and within the context of larger social, political and structural formations—including heterosexism, heteronormativity and transphobia.

This minor is relevant for everyone.

The number of students who identify as LGBTQ+ is rising. In 2018, a Gallup survey indicated that 12% of Gen Z teens described

“The

number of students who identify as LGBTQ+ is rising.

In 2018, a Gallup survey indicated that 12% of Gen Z teens described their sexual orientation as something other than heterosexual. ” WOMEN & GENDER STUDIES their sexual orientation as something other than heterosexual. Ten million American adults identify at LGBT, about 4.1% of the population. This new area of study will promote understanding and reduce disparity and inequity.

The Sexuality and Queer Studies minor will be the first of its kind at EWU, but

not the first in the region. Washington State University, Western Washington University, Portland State University and the University of Oregon all have Sexuality and/or Queer Studies minors. Students have been asking about a minor like this for years; the Women’s and Gender Studies program at EWU is pleased to be offering it.

www.TheEasterner.org

The new minor consolidates existing learning that the Women’s and Gender Studies Program facilitates, and signals to employers and/or graduate schools that students have expertise in an important field and knowledge of a marginalized population. It prepares students to be leaders in community organizing, nonprofit organizations, education, social services, youth development, entrepreneurship and new industry.

The Sexuality and Queer Studies minor is part of an ongoing commitment to extend and enhance understanding of EWU-based underrepresented campus constituencies on topics such as gender identity/expression and sexual orientation.

To read more about the new minor visit www.ewu.edu.wgs.

For more information please contact the EWU Women’s and Gender Studies Program at cmartin22@ewu.eduor 509.359.2847.

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News

2019-20

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Key Baker, President Hometown: Tulare, CA

Major: Public Health

Since becoming the ASEWU President, Baker's focus is: 1. Addressing food insecurity and lowering food costs on campus 2. Implementing diversity training for staff and students 3. Increasing the overall student activism and engagement on campus Message to Freshman: "Remember your purpose."

Contact: asewupresident@ewu.edu

Connor Attridge, Executive VP Hometown: Okanogan, WA

Major: History

"My goals are to help increase the peer to peer interaction about approaching mental health and disabilities and ending the stigma surrounding those topics."

Contact: asewuexecutivevp@ewu.edu

Arturo Diaz, Finance VP Hometown: Wenatchee, WA

Major: Biology

The ASEWU Finance Vice President is responsible for the management of ASEWU budgets and funds. They oversee all expenditures of ASEWU funds. As a member of the executive team, the Finance Vice President is also responsible for enforcing all approved ASEWU legislation.

Contact: asewufinancevp@ewu.edu

www.TheEasterner.org

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News

ASEWU

The Easterner -

Cole Harrison

Petal Michaud

Maria Petsch

Mikayla Beeler

Athletic Affairs & University Advancement

Diversity Outreach

Graduate Affairs

Legislative Affairs

Hometown: Yelm, WA

Hometown: Seattle, WA

Hometown: Kennewick, WA

Hometown: Hoquiam, WA

Major: Exercise Science

Major: Computer Science

Major: Business Administration

Major: Political Science

asewuathletics@ewu.edu

asewudiversity@ewu.edu

asewugradaff@ewu.edu

asewulegaffairs@ewu.edu

Zack Bowman

Madison Oliver

Kennedy Lentini

Kaleb Chastain

Student Activities

Student Health & Safety Services

Student Services

Technology Advancement

Hometown: Anacortes, WA

Hometown: Spokane, WA

Hometown: Marysville, WA

Hometown: Montesano, WA

Major: Exercise Science

Major: Criminal Justice

Major: Psychology

Major: Mechanical Engineering

asewustuact@ewu.edu

asewustuhealth@ewu.edu

asewustuservices@ewu.edu

asewutechnology@ewu.edu

www.TheEasterner.org

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Features

CHENEY EATS

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Arturo's Facebook

*All infomation and photos gathered by Hamine Mendez unless otherwise stated

Gerardo’s Authentic Mexican Food is a restaurant that is known across Cheney. It has a large menu, with multiple options to choose from. You can usually get away with spending less than ten dollars.

Junior Jose Giron said he eats here a lot, and it is in his top five restaurants for Cheney. Talking about favorite things to order, Giron Mentioned “ I like to get the steak and egg breakfast burrito”. If you are in the mood for mexican food, Giron said he would recommend

Arturo’s Mexican Restaurant is another local Mexican restaurant with a large menu. However, what makes it stand apart is the catering services it offers. Senior Josh Lane mentioned he has probably eaten there about five times per school year. He also mentioned how to him it is “Real Mexican food”. He mentioned the Family platter is his favorite item to order. He let us know that he thinks they have great catering prices!

El Rodeo is another fantastic restaurant in Cheney that serves tex - mex style food. Junior Mark Wilson shared his thoughts on the Restaurant. He said it is a “traditional mexican restaurant”. In his two full years at Eastern, he mentioned he eats there about once per quarter. Wilson said he always orders the largest burrito. “It's one of the few places to sit down and eat, and have a decent ambience,” said Wilson.

If you're looking for a traditional pizza restaurant in Cheney, then the Barrelhouse might be right for you.

Senior Gabe Tyrrell mentioned how Barrel House is in his top five restaurants. Tyrrell also mentioned how he enjoyed the laid back atmosphere. He mentioned how he only eats there once or twice a quarter, however, he always orders a pizza or bread bites. Its proximity to campus also makes it amazing for any students living on campus, especially in Brewster Hall.

The Easterner's pick: The beef tacos. If you have a chance to try them, we would highly recommend it.

The Easterner’s pick: We recommend trying the Family platter also. It can feed a large group for a great price.

The Easterner’s pick: The Super nachos. One thing that makes El Rodeo stand out, is the fact that it is the closest Mexican restaurant to the EWU campus.

The Easterner’s pick: We would recommend getting any size pizza with any toppings. Although our favorite would be the Maui Pizza.

Freshens (Ewu Pub) Hours: (M-F) 7 AM - 6 PM Saturday 8 AM - 6 PM, Sunday (Closed) On Campus, a popular place seems to be Freshens. Freshman Caden Peterson mentioned how it actually feels like real food compared to most places. He feels good after eating there. He told us that he enjoys the southern chicken wrap. Although it may change up considering he eats there once every two days.

The Easterner’s pick: We would like to highlight the smoothies they have. Doesn't matter which one you choose, they are all amazing

Zips Drive-in (911 1st Street) Hours: 24/7

Monterey Pub & Grill (321 1st Street) Hours: (T-S) 11 AM - 2 AM Sunday/Monday Closed

If you're looking for a twenty four hour service, only one place in cheney will offer this. Zip’s is a local restaurant exclusive to the inland northwest. Freshman Kyre Thompson let us know since he's new to EWU, he has only been there twice, however, he mentioned how it’s a fantastic place to eat. He said it is easily one of the best places to eat in cheney, and has a nice, chill vibe. He enjoyed the milkshakes they have to offer.

Monterey Pub and Grill is a popular Pub and Grill in Cheney. Senior Allison Karamatic mentioned how she did not eat there often, however, she does recommend the food. Karamatic said that she always gets the nachos when she decides to eat there. She also said it's quiet, which makes it nice to enjoy a meal.

The Easterner’s pick: Cheese pizza.

The Easterner’s pick: It would have to be the Papa Joe. Keep in mind it has ham on it, but thats what makes it special to us.

www.TheEasterner.org

Barrelhouse Pizzia (122 College Ave) Hours: Everyday 11 AM - 12 AM

Bene's (24 W 1st Street) Hours: (Everyday) 6 AM - 2 PM If you're looking for a wonderful place that serves breakfast style food, look no further. Bene’s is an excellent restaurant right by Mitchell’s grocery store. Junior Rose Merrit mentioned her favorite dish is the Country Benedict. She made a comment on how the restaurantes environment is very friendly. Merrit doesn't go there too often, but she ends up there once every three weeks.

The Easterner’s pick: The Steak and Eggs holds a special place in our hearts.

The Mason Jar (101 F Street) Hours: M,T,W,F 8 AM - 5 PM Th 8 AM - 9 PM S,S 9 AM - 3 PM The Mason Jar is another great little restaurant close to campus. It is classified as a bakery, but has many places to sit down and eat. Senior Edgar Vela mentioned he eats there around five times per quarter. Edgar also mentioned how it’s a very welcoming environment, and a great place to escape the stress of college. He mentioned on some thursday nights they have an open mic night, and he enjoys listening to people play their guitars.

The Easterner: Try a glass of their freshly squeezed orange juice.

Main Street Dining (Tawanka Hall Second Floor) Hours: (Sunday's) 9 AM - 3 PM

ewu.edu

El Rodeo (505 2nd Street) Hours: S,M,T,W,T 11 AM-8:45 PM F,S 11 AM - 9 PM

Monteray's Facebook

Arturo's (1810 2nd Street) Hours: T,W,Th,F,S,M 11 AM-9 PM Sunday 11 Am - 8 PM

Gerardo's 723 1st Street Hours: S,M,T,W 8 AM- 12 AM Th,F,S 9 AM-3 AM

EWU has a buffet on campus. Many people know this as Tawanka, but its official name is Main Street Dining.

Located on the second floor of Tawanka Hall, it has a wide variety of food depending on the week. From eggs and waffles, to soups and salads, it has a lot of food. Sophomore Ian Campuzano mentioned how it's in his top 10 favorite places to eat in cheney, and he loves to get the hashbrowns.

He also commented on the shade of lighting they use. He thought the lights made it a cool environment to be in .

The Easterner’s pick: We suggest you try the bacon.

Tawanka makes bacon that's comparable to home cooking.

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Arts

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Looking Back

What is your Parking fees, fines set for increase. favorite part about EWU? This story was originally published in The Easterner, Vol. 61, No. 29, May 26, 2010 and has not been changed except for AP style.

“My favorite part about Eastern is the location of the campus and how easy it is to make your way around school. I also love all of the resources at Eastern that we have access to.”

- Chanelle Hunt, Freshman “My favorite part about Eastern is the wide variety of activities and opportunities that we are able to participate in on campus.”

- Cheryl Williams, Freshman “What I like most about Eastern is how friendly all the students are.

Everyone goes out of their way to introduce themselves and ask what major you are going into or where you are staying."

- Clayton Murrock, Freshman "My favorite part of Eastern is how many activities and types of clubs there are to join.

There is always something going on and it’s always an opportunity to expand my knowledge."

- Sidney Bucher, Freshman

Brian Rothermell, Vol. 61, No. 29, May 26, 2010

The Easterner Archives

It’s going to cost more to pay for parking violations this year, but for the first time students will have the ability to appeal the fines, parking supervisor Phil Grafious said.

Lesser parking violations will cost $3 the first 24 hours, climbing to $6 if not paid within seven days and tripling to $9 if not paid after seven days, Grafious said. Other, more serious violations, such as parking in a handicapped parking zone or a serHigh parking fees have students “reaching” for their wallets this year. vice zone are termed Class A violaParking fees and fines are up substantially over last year. tions and will cost the offender $5, $9 after the first 24 hours and $15 if not Also new this year, persons wishing we’ve been working on for two years,” paid within one week.

Students, faculty and others who to pay violations must do so between Grafious said. “The purpose of the are issued citations will be able to take the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday board will be to provide a fair course of through Friday, Gra- appeal for all parties.” them before the fious said.

Appeals Board for Grafious said the anticipated num“The big thing new The reduced hours- ber of permits sold this year will be up Citations Grafious last year violators over past years, despite the price insaid. The new- this year is the appeals could pay fines on crease. ly formed board, board, which is someweekends-are due to consisting of rep“So far decal sales are up. Generally the budget cuts facing we don’t sell out of all 3,200 spaces on resentatives of thing we’ve been workthe Parking Service, campus but at this time we only have ASEWU, classified ing on for two years.” he said.

Staff, faculty, adfour lots with spaces left,” Grafious An increase in ser- said. ministration and Phil Grafious vice, however, will Parking Services, Parking Supervisor The increased sales and fees are exbe extended to the pected to easily surpass the average will consider all area of patrolling and revenue intake of $40,000 from decals appeals submitted within seven days of the violation, he writing citations in the various cam- alone, Grafious said. Also expected to pus parking lots, the result of a high add to the parking Service budget are said.

While the cost of violations has risen, number of complaints received last increased funds from parking meter so has the price for legal parking. Park- year, Grafious said. Dorm lots will usage and parking violations, he said. ing decals, good for the entire quarter, now be patrolled 24 hours a day, sevFunds generated through parking have been raised to $15 this year, com- en days a week. services are used to improve and main“The big thing new this year is the tain parking services, he said.• pared to $10 last year. Passes good for appeals board, which is something the entire year will increase to $45.

Confessions These posts were originally published on Instagram @EWU_Confessions. The purpose of this platform is to provide a safe place for students to comfortably share their expierences and to support one another. The account @EWU_Confessions is not affiliated with The Easterner and is independently operated by an EWU student. In order to submit confessions, please go to @ EWU_Confessions on Instagram.

“I love the community that has been built here.

You have the ability to meet a new friend no matter where you go, and that is something that is invaluable, and makes going here so special.”

- Garrett Harty, Senior "The people here at Eastern are really amazing ... I also love how close everyone is with one another. Eastern feels like my home away from home.”

- Anissa Calderon, Senior

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Features

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Searchin' for Squatch

EWU alumnus Jason M. Burke publishes first book, Secretly Seeking Sasquatch: A Road Guide to Washington's Bigfoot Country RICHARD N. CLARK IV Editor-in-Chief By publishing his first book, “Secretly Seeking Sasquatch: A Road Guide to Washington’s Bigfoot Country,” EWU alumnus and former Easterner writer Jason M. Burke earned the title of author.

As the description of the book says, “part guide, part memoir and part humorous essay, ‘Secretly Seeking Sasquatch: A Road Guide to Washington’s Bigfoot Country,’ is all adventure.”

Seeking Sasquatch For Burke, the fascination over Bigfoot began as a kid while growing up during the rise in popularity of counterculture topics such as UFO’s, aliens and everything in between.

“There was this show called, ‘In Search Of,’ with Leonard Nimoy,” Burke said. “It was cool, and it was scary and it’s about as ‘70s as anything gets.”

The T.V. series “In Search Of,” aired from 1977-82 and covered mysterious phenomena such as aliens, UFO’s and of course, Bigfoot.

While being a park ranger for over 10 years, Burke never encountered any sasquatch sightings, but the seed of

An illustration of a sasquatch crossing the road in front of a car. Sasquatch is a popular icon in the Pacific Northwest.

“Seeking Sasquatch,” was planted.

“People report sasquatch crossing roads and I wonder(ed) if anyone has ever written a road guide on Bigfoot,” Burke said. “I didn’t think anyone married those two ideas.”

“Seeking Sasquatch: A Road Guide to Washington’s Bigfoot Country,” takes the reader on an exploration of the truth and sites surrounding sasquatch.

Burke hopes the readers will have a newfound perspective after reading his book or at least have a few laughs and some fun along the way.

“I hope it’s funny,” Burke said. “But I mean, it’s truthful... it’s not a work of fiction, I didn’t make any of this up...I hope they are intrigued, I hope they are a little more open minded than before or that they consider something that they haven’t before.”

Regardless of how adventurous or outdoorsy you are, Burke says this book will offer a new insight into the landscape of Washington and the Pacific Northwest.

As to whether or not you decide to believe in Bigfoot...

“I kind of hope that people will take that journey and decide for themselves,” Burke said.•

Jason M. Burke

The term sasquatch is derived from the Salish word “se’sxac,” meaning “wild men,” according to Encyclopedia Britannica. The Salish people are an ethno-linguistic group native to the Pacific Northwest.

While the origins of sasquatch are debated, as there are many myths and legends from all around the world that share similar descriptions of a wild, hairy, ape-like creature, there is one that is responsible for the modern legend of “Bigfoot.”

Two reporters from the Humboldt Times in the ‘50s, Andrew Genzoli and Betty Allen, began to cover stories of loggers discovering mysteriously large footprints in the area. Eventually, the legend of Bigfoot was born.

Since its origins, the sightings and stories surrounding sasquatch have only grown with T.V. shows like “Finding Bigfoot” still on air.

EWU Alumni Matt Setzer, who has a bachelor of arts in anthropology, says the fascination of stories like Bigfoot stems from our human desire to understand our place in the world.

“We have been telling stories from the beginning of time trying to explain our own existence,” Setzer said. “It’s how we teach lessons and how we explain how we came to be and what we are and what we do.”

Burke points out humans natural desire to learn and understand the nature of our reality.

“We do have this need for a mystery, I think we inherently, most human beings, want to know that there is more out there to discover and to learn about,” Burke said. “(Sasquatch), it’s seemingly so much like us, like it could be another type of person.”

Burke also brought up recent discoveries in human’s history and how the stories of Bigfoot offer a link to our human evolutionary process.

“We’re learning so much more about human history, that the time that overlapped between different species of humans and neanderthals…ape-like people, (is) a lot longer than we thought they did,” Burke said. “We have shared the planet with these things in the past and there might still be some around.”

Illustration by Jason M. Burke

The origins of Squatch

A collection of sasquatch related items.

“I think we inherently, most human beings, want

to know that there is more out there to discover and to learn about.”

Jason M. Burke, Author

www.TheEasterner.org

Sports

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Mckenzie Ford for The Easterner

10 - The Easterner

EWU junior forward Sariah Keister chases the ball while fending off a Northern Colorado player. Keister has scored five goals this season.

Soccer looking to turn ties into wins DREW LAWSON Sports Editor

One. That's the number of games in which the EWU soccer team has scored more than two goals. Despite that fact, the Eagles have started Big Sky Conference play with a 3-5-2 record after playing Northern Colorado to a 1-1 draw in the conference opener on Sept. 27.

Strangely, EWU has yet to get a win at home, as all three victories have come on the road. The Eagles won the season opener at Nevada 1-0 in overtime on Aug. 22, then won at CSU Bakersfield 3-2 on Sept. 6. The most recent dub was a Sept. 15, two-overtime decision at South Dakota by a score of 2-1.

Since the sport of soccer allows ties, EWU’s winless home record doesn’t mean they have lost every game in Cheney.

After losing the home opener to Mississippi State 1-0 on Aug. 30, the Eagles tied Colorado State 1-1 on Sept. 1. The tie against UNC brought EWU’s home record to 0-2-2.

EWU has managed to maintain a competitive record despite struggles putting the ball in the back of the net.

EWU head coach Chad Bodnar said after the UNC game that the team has had many chances to score, but hasn't always taken advantage.

“We’re missing some chances that we should be scoring,” Bodnar said. “If we start finishing those chances I think these are wins instead of ties.”

The Eagles have managed to come up with several clutch goals throughout the season.

In the win over Nevada, junior forward Sariah Keister won the game in overtime on an assist from freshman Riley Walkington. Against South Dakota, Brooke Dunbar tied the game in the 83rd minute before Brooke Flores

won it again in overtime. In the BSC opener against UNC, Taylor Matheny evened the score in the 72nd minute.

Matheny said after the UNC game that the team has managed to stay positive when facing early deficits.

“It was a team effort,” Matheny said. “Once we went down we kept our heads up and kept fighting to get the equalizer.”

Keister leads the Eagles with five goals for 10 points.

Saige Lyons has four assists, while Flores has two goals.

Defensively, junior goalkeeper Kelsee Winston has 37 saves and has allowed just 1.6 goals per match.

Up next for EWU is an Oct. 6 home match against the Idaho Vandals. The Vandals are second-to-last in the BSC with a 0-1-1 record in conference and a 3-8-1 record overall. EWU is in sixth place in the BSC with a 0-0-1 conference record. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. from the EWU soccer field. •

Volleyball struggles carry over from 2018

Malati Powell for The Easterner

DREW LAWSON Sports Editor

EWU junior outside hitter Catelyn Linke spikes the ball during EWU's 0-3 loss to Portland State.

The EWU volleyball team (0-2, 2-11) lost 19 straight matches to end the 2018 season, a streak that included an 0-18 Big Sky Conference record.

Through 13 matches in 2019, it hasn’t been any easier for an Eagles squad that is currently fighting through a 10-match losing streak.

EWU’s only wins came early in nonconference play over Cal Baptist and Milwaukee.

The win over Milwaukee came on Sept. 6 and was the last time the Eagles tasted victory.

EWU head coach Leslie Flores-Cloud isn’t losing faith.

“We have the ability to play really good Eagles volleyball,” Flores-Cloud said. “That’s what we’re looking for and we’ll always strive for that.”

EWU started BSC play with a Sept.

26 loss to Sacramento State in four sets (14-25, 18-25, 25-21, 13-25) at Reese Court. The next night was a similar result against Portland State, as the Vikings knocked off the Eagles in straight sets (19-25, 18-25, 22-25).

Freshman middle blocker Ashlyn Blotzer said after the Sac State match that the team has brought up the word “adversity” a lot this season.

“When facing adversity, (we) just have to overcome it,” Blotzer said.

Some bright spots for EWU amidst the difficult start have been Blotzer,

www.TheEasterner.org

junior outside hitter Catelyn Linke, junior libero Puaoolelegi Sao, and freshman middle blocker Nicoletta Capizzi.

Capizzi leads the Eagles with 100 kills, while Blotzer has 88 kills and 15 aces. Linke has 52 kills and seven aces in just five matches played. Sao has 230 digs and is 334 digs away from entering EWU’s all-time top 10 list for career digs.

After the two losses against Sac State and PSU, EWU now has a 22-match losing streak in conference play that dates back over 22 months to November 2017.

The Eagles will look to change that trend on the road on Oct. 3 at Montana.

The match is set to begin at 6 p.m. •

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Sports

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Dorton takes advantage of time to shine DREW LAWSON Sports Editor Dre’ Sonte Dorton spent three years waiting in the wide receiver ranks behind EWU greats such as Cooper Kupp, Shaq Hill, Nic Splendorio and Nsimba Webster. Now in his senior season, the Pasco native has been given an opportunity to step into the limelight.

It’s an opportunity that Dorton has capitalized on.

Dorton’s 2019 campaign began the same way the rest of his career had gone at EWU: returning kicks, but being rather uninvolved in the offense. Against Washington, he had just one catch for six yards in EWU’s 47-14 loss.

A week later, everything changed.

Going into EWU’s Sept. 7 game against Lindenwood University, Dorton was set to see more targets at receiver due to sophomore starter Andrew Boston’s absence for that game. What wasn’t expected, however, was how Dorton took advantage. The speedster broke Kupp’s record for receiving yards in a game by recording 289 on 15 receptions while adding three touchdowns in EWU's 59-31 win.

Dorton said he never expected to break a record held by arguably EWU’s most well-known player ever.

“It took a while to (process),” Dorton said. “I told my friends back home, ‘guys, I really just broke Cooper Kupp’s record.’ It didn’t feel like I did it, but as time went on it settled in...I really just did that.”

EWU head coach Aaron Best said after the Lindenwood game that Dorton had broken a record that most people thought wouldn’t be touched again.

“Any of Cooper Kupp’s records, everybody once thought they were untouchable,” Best said. “Well, today they were touched and exceeded by a TriCities fellow named Dre Dorton. I’m proud of Dre.” Dorton graduated from Chiawana High School in Pasco in 2015. He was recruited

by EWU, University of Montana, Montana State University, University of Idaho and several Division II schools. He chose to attend EWU because he said it felt like family the minute he

showed up on campus. He also had a family connection to the school, as his uncle Doug Dorton played defensive back for EWU, lettering in 1994.

“It was kind of an easy decision to make,” Dorton said.

“My (uncle) made me want to come here.”

Dorton was a football and track athlete at Chiawana High.

He chose to pursue football collegiately because he had more playing experience there.

“It was a tough decision,” Dorton said. “(But) I’ve been doing football way longer than track, so I wanted to continue doing what I’ve always wanted to do.”

EWU originally recruited Dorton as a defensive back.

When he arrived in Cheney, however, he was informed that he would be switching to receiver. For three years, he saw limited offensive reps while specializing as a kick returner. His best season prior to 2019 was 2017, when he was second-team All-Big Sky Conference as a kick returner. In the 2017 season he ranked ninth in the FCS with an average of 27.4 yards per return.

Dorton said having to wait for three years to get EWU senior wide receiver Dre'Sonte Dorton cuts upfield. Dorton had 289 yards against Lindenwood.

Malati Powell for the Easterner

his opportunity at receiver was difficult, but having great players ahead of him made the process easier.

“My first year felt like another redshirt year, because I was behind Cooper (Kupp), Shaq (Hill), Splendo (Nic Splendorio) and all them,” Dorton said. “But I learned from them, got feedback about little things here and there.”

Now that Dorton is a key feature of the EWU offense, his stats have increased. He had seven receptions for 133 yards and a score on Sept. 21 in EWU’s 35-27 loss at Idaho. Dorton also returned the opening kickoff for a 90-yard touchdown on Sept. 14 during EWU’s 45-42 loss at Jacksonville State University.

While Dorton’s receiving numbers have increased, they haven’t stayed consistently high throughout five games.

Against JSU, Dorton didn’t record a catch. In EWU’s 35-20 win over University of North Dakota on Sept. 28, Dorton had just one reception for 11 yards, but EWU threw the ball just 15 times total in that game.

EWU receivers coach Pat McCann attributed this trend to the team’s depth at wide receiver.

“Sometimes the ball finds its way to one guy more than other games,” McCann said. “We have quality depth that (means) as coaches we don’t have to scheme it for one guy.”

McCann said that Dorton has grown in confidence throughout his career at EWU and is a fun person to be around.

“From route running to catching the football...it’s been pretty cool to see his confidence grow,” McCann said. “He stays to himself...he’s got a fun personality...definitely a lead by example guy.”

As a former track athlete, one of Dorton’s greatest assets is his speed. He showcased this on the first play from scrimmage against Lindenwood, burning the defense for a 78-yard touchdown catch from EWU junior quarterback Eric Barriere. Is Dorton the fastest guy on the team? He said that’s a tough call between himself and senior running back Dennis Merritt.

“We haven’t officially raced, but if we did, it’d be close,” Dorton said.

Dorton will look to showcase that speed in an important game at Sacramento State on Oct. 5. EWU (2-3) will look to beat the Hornets (2-2) to keep pace in its quest for an FCS playoff berth by season’s end. Kickoff from Sacramento is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. •

Former EWU and current Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp congratulates Dre' Sonte Dorton on breaking his single-game record for receiving yards in a game. Dorton had 289 yards against Lindenwood on Sept. 7.

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Sports

V103 I2- 10.2.19

Randle Kinswa for The Easterner

12 - The Easterner

EWU sophomore forward Mitch Hunt pursues the puck. Hunt scored twice in EWU's 12-0 season opening victory over Gonzaga.

Excitement rises as puck drops RANDLE KINSWA Sports Reporter Forechecks, backchecks, haymakers and hat-tricks are finally back. EWU hockey has returned.

EWU returns 14 players from a 2018-19 team that was 10-2 in league play before losing to the California Golden Bears in the semi-finals of the Pac-8 Tournament.

The Eagles started off their 2019-20 campaign against the Gonzaga Bulldogs on Sept. 27 for what was originally scheduled to be a two-game series. In the first game of the series, EWU dominated the Bulldogs in every aspect of the game, cruising to a 12-0 win.

Gonzaga elected to forfeit the second game that was scheduled for Sept. 28.

The Eagles were excited to get back out on the rink. Sophomore forward Mitch Hunt was a “10 out of 10” on the excitement level to begin the new season. He said the team has lofty goals ahead.

“Our short-term goals are to win the day right in front of you, and to get better every day,” Hunt said. “Our big, or long-term goal is to win a national championship.”

Hunt also said that the biggest difference from this year to last year is coaching.

“Last year we had a coach that had been here a long time, and everyday it just seemed like repetition, repetition,” Hunt

“Our...long-term goal is to win a national championship. ” MITCH HUNT EWU sophomore forward

said. "This year with (EWU head coach) Greg (Sherman) it’s a new style of play, and it’s a different thing (in practice) every day.''

Senior captain Zac Mindermann is very optimistic about the team’s comradery and chemistry. Mindermann said he believes that the large recruiting class and the large roster could be a major strength for the team.

When asked about a guy that could have a breakout season, Mindermann mentioned sophomore forward Reed Kaiser.

“One of the guys that I am having the most fun watching in practice is Reed Kaiser,” Mindermann said. “He is wearing number four this year. He can do stuff with the puck that I could only dream to do.”

Kaiser had three goals in EWU’s blowout of Gonzaga in the first game of the season.

Both Hunt and Mindermann said that a challenge the team will face is getting through the beginning of the season, as that’s the place and time where everyone is just trying to get to know each other and get back into game shape.

Sherman was hired last spring. With hockey technically being a club sport, the players had a say in the hiring process. Both Mindermann and Hunt had high praise for Sherman.

Hunt referenced his difference in style, and how that could be the right change that this team needs to claim their long-term goal of winning a national championship.

When asked to describe this team with one word, Sherman said “talent”.

Sherman shared his goals for this upcoming season.

“We need to bring the team together as a team and win the Pac-8,” Sherman said.

“That is my goal, and we got the talent to do it. ” Sherman also mentioned that he wants the team to do some more training off the rink this year, including fitness training. On the ice, Sherman would like the team to be able to implement a good forecheck system, and have a good power play and penalty kill.

Sherman also commented on the importance of the chemistry of the players.

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“Try and keep the contitunity together, so we can build chemistry together to help us be even better,” Sherman said.

Sherman was not afraid to point out some of the team’s weaknesses. He brought up the plague that has cast its shadow over the last few years: the penalty box.

“This team was notorious for being in the penalty box last year,” Sherman said.

“We have to put a stop to that. We need to change the culture. We need to work better with referees, even if they make a bad call.”

Sherman also commented on what he believes the team’s strengths are.

“We have a good coaching staff, and as a roster we have a very high hockey IQ,” said Sherman.

The EWU hockey team is in the Pac8 Conference, which includes 12 teams in total. These schools include both Washington State University and the University of Washington. The Pac-8 tournament is held in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, in the second week of February. The winner of the tournament gets a trip to regionals, then it’s just two more wins to punch a ticket to nationals.

The Eagles will play next at the Icebreaker Showcase tournament in Bismarck, North Dakota, on Oct. 4-7. EWU takes on Northern Colorado, Utah State, University of Mary and Boise State in the four-game, four-day tournament. •