Volume 103 Issue 6

Volume 103, Issue 6

www.TheEasterner.org

October 30, 2019

THE INDEPENDENT, STUDENT-RUN NEWSPAPER OF

EASTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY

3 Opinion | 4 News | 6 Arts & Features | 10 Sports

TIP OFF STARTS

NOW Pages 10-12

Malati Powell for The Easterner

News

Features

An inside look into underage drinking on campus

Promoting change through dialogue

The EWU police, as well as the EWU Housing and Residential Life, break-down the processes involved in an alcohol-related incident.

Whether it is a traffic stop, a minor under the influence or just a noisy neighbor, here is what you need to know.

Page 4

@The Easterner

@The_Easterner

"Transformation Tuesday" is an inclusive event that allows students to express themselves to the public and share their artistic talents. On the first Tuesday of every month, students present their own poetry, music or speeches.

Page 9

@_TheEasterner

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

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

Photographer Mckenzie Ford

Reporters Randle Kinswa Elizabeth Price

Director of Student Newspaper Jeff Bunch jbunch@ewu.edu

Faculty Adviser Jamie Neely jneely@ewu.edu

Sneak preview V103 I6 - 10.30.19

Current

THE EASTERNER Editorial Board

With last week’s loss to Montana, the football team’s hopes of another dazzling playoff run are all but squandered. There is, however, light at the end of the tunnel for all you EWU sports fanatics.

This week’s issue of The Easterner includes our first look at the upcoming men’s and women’s basketball seasons (pages 10-12). On the men’s side, the Eags are favorites to win the Big Sky Conference—an accomplishment that would guarantee them a spot in the Big Dance. With a deep bench and key returners including the high-flying guard Jacob Davison and defensive stalwart Mason Peatling, the men’s squad has its sights set on March.

The women’s team was picked by the BSC coaches to finish seventh in the conference, however, head coach Wendy Schuller said the goal is to place first. With some added depth and the return of last year’s leading scorer Grace Kirscher, EWU may very well end up atop the BSC. Also included in this issue is a story about “Transformation Tuesday,” a monthly get-together that offers students the opportunity to showcase their poetry, music, speeches or other artistic work in an inclusive environment.

Mckenzie Ford for The Easterner

2 - The Easterner

Senior guard Tyler Kidd shooting a free throw on Senior Night against Portland State last year. EWU is favored to win the Big Sky Conference this year.

We also take a look back at the life and work of Ruben Trejo, one of the most significant artists of the Inland Northwest (page 9). The former EWU professor had some of his work featured at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, much of which was inspired by his heritage and life experiences.

You’ll find in the news section an informative piece detailing the protocols utilized by EWU and the EWU police when dealing with alcohol-

related incidents (page 4). As is the case at most universities, underage drinking and driving while intoxicated are a couple of the more common crimes committed at EWU. This story outlines how these incidents are recognized and dealt with, but also sheds light on how to be safe if you do choose to drink.

These are just a few of the topics we cover this week, so keep reading to find more! •

Upcoming THE EASTERNER Editorial Board In next week’s issue, we are tackling the topic on everyone’s mind: the budget gap.

As reported by The Easterner in May 2019, EWU is currently in the process of addressing its $3.6 million budget gap.

We will bring some more clarification regarding the causes of the budget shortfall, as well as highlighting some of the impacts it has had on the EWU community.

On a similar note, we will also provide an update and extra clarification regarding the Roos Field renovation. As reported by

The Easterner in September 2019, EWU is currently accepting private donations to fund a $25 million stadium renovation.

Don’t miss out on our coverage of some of the hottest topics in the EWU community. Next week’s issue will hit the stands on campus and throughout Cheney on Wednesday, Nov. 6. •

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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To retain pilots, the Air Force must lighten the workload Pilots are required to do too much, even when they're back at their home base LORIN RICHARD Guest Columnist Lorin Richard is an English composition instructor at EWU. Guest columns do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of The Easterner, its staff members or Eastern Washington University. This column was only edited for AP style.

Billions of tax dollars are being lost because of the recent pilot shortage.

American tax dollars are invested in training military pilots. Yet, the Air Force cannot seem to retain them. With every pilot who leaves for the airlines, so do millions of tax dollars.

The United States Air Force has a 25% gap in the pilots they need and the pilots they have. Lt. Gen. Gina M. Grosso explains that “a 1,200 fighter pilot shortage amounts to a $12 billion capital loss for the United States Air Force” -billions of tax dollars gone.

Fairchild, including active duty, civilian employees and the Air National Guard, is the largest employer in Eastern Washington.

The USAF spends $3-11 million and five years to train each pilot. The airmen are not staying until retirement. Once these pilots have contributed their required time, they are leaving for the airlines.

Retention is at an all-time low. So low that the Air Force is offering pilots a $455,000 bonus. Even with that vast cash bonus the pilots would rather get out.

Why are military pilots walking (or flying) away in droves? They have an impossible work load. They are finding themselves unhappy with the impacts on their family lives. All while the airlines are becoming more and more enticing.

Pilots join the Air Force because they want to fly. In recent years there has been a shift. Pilots are also expected to perform many other duties. These additional tasks often take away from flying time and family time.

I can attest to the instability that many pilot’s families feel. I must confess – my husband, Major Mitchell Richard, is an Air Force pilot. Since we married in 2013, we have moved several times. Our children only see their father for about 100 days out of the year.

Our son once asked me where Daddy lived, he thought my husband only came to visit and did not understand that he lived here in Spokane with us. When Mitchell is not deployed overseas, we are constantly looking over our shoulders for the next unexpected trip.

Air Force pilots have an unrealistic level of responsibility. With the huge workload and the low manning, pilots are hardly getting any down time.

There have been multiple times my husband’s time off has been denied.

Recently, we had our daughter’s baptism planned. Family had bought their tickets, booked hotel rooms.

Then we got a call, his deployment was moved up. They needed him right away, there was no one to take his place.

We cannot expect these men and women to essentially have two full-time jobs and not have time off.

Mid-career pilots are the biggest division that are leaving for the airlines.

With the departure of these senior pilots, there are not enough instructors to train junior pilots. This causes a secondary issue – less capable pilots.

The Air Force is being forced to let more individuals through pilot

“With every pilot who

leaves for the airlines, so do millions of tax dollars.”

-LORIN RICHARD, EWU English Composition Instructor

training because, frankly, they cannot be as picky as they once were. About 70% of young people are disqualified from even applying to join the military, let alone becoming a pilot.

There are ways to try and resolve these issues. The most important one is to stop letting pilots go during overages. During times of war, the Air Force accrues more pilots. As the war dies down, the military needs less pilots. Leaving the military with a pilot surplus.

For the last seventy years, we have seen the Air Force go through pilot shortages and overages. Knowing the pattern, it seems bizarre to let pilots go during an overage – a shortage is probably right around the corner.

Retention is key. If the military could keep pilots from leaving, they would not have to spend millions for each additional pilot to be trained. The large bonuses are not enough.

Aviation is growing and the airlines are in a hiring frenzy. David Gould, a

prior Colonel in the Air Force, says of his switch to the airlines, “I just finished year two. And year two was more than I was making at year 20 in the Air Force.”

The airlines offer steady hours and a high salary – plus, they love to hire Air Force pilots who are trained to fly in high stress scenarios.

We need to cut the extra duties. It is inevitable that pilots are gone most of the time, but we could improve on the time that they are home instead of having them spend twelve hour days in the office.

We could, and should, reduce combat lines and remove our planes from conflicts where our presence is not necessary. Not only would we reduce our taxes, but more importantly, we would be keeping our brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers home.

If the United States Air Force would offer more incentives and create more stability, we would not be suffering this excessive loss of pilots. •

Public Hearing on Proposed WAC Changes November 26th, 2019 at 10am Showalter Hall, Room 201, Cheney, WA 99004 What are the proposed changes to the Washington Administrative Code?

(1) Revise WAC 172-122-310: Use of Tobacco, Electronic Cigarettes, and Related Products (2) Revise Chapter WAC 172-121: Student Conduct Code

What is the purpose of the proposed changes?

(1) Revise WAC 172-122-310: Use of Tobacco, Electronic Cigarettes, and Related Products: The revision adds stadiums to the list of prohibited locations owned or leased by EWU for the use of tobacco, electronic cigarettes and other related products (2) Revise Chapter WAC 172-121: Student Conduct Code: The revisions are needed to update university processes and procedures to better reflect current practices.

Additional information: (1) Date of Intended Adoption: December 6, 2019.

(2) Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 28b.35.120 (12).

(3) Chapter 172-121 WAC and WAC 172-122-310 are not necessitated by federal or state law or federal or state court decision.

(4) Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Joseph Fuxa, 314 Showalter, Cheney, WA 99004, (509) 359-7496; Implementation and Enforcement: Dr. Mary Cullinan, 214 Showalter, Cheney, WA 99004, (509) 359-6362.

(5) No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under Chapter 19.85 RCW as these WAC revisions are exempt under RCW 19.85.025(3).

(6) A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328.

Where to find the proposed rule changes:

How to submit your opinions:

WAC 172-122-310 – Washington State Register, Issue 19-20-023: http://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/law/wsr/AgencyWac.htm#Eastern Chapter WAC 172-122 – Washington State Register, Issue 19-20-024: http://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/law/wsr/AgencyWac.htm#Eastern

Members of the public may testify at this hearing and/or submit written comments by 5:00 p.m. on November 25, 2019, to: Eastern Washington University, University Labor Relations Manager, Human Resources, 314 Showalter Hall, Cheney, WA 99004; Email: jfuxa@ewu.edu; fax 509-359-2874.

www.TheEasterner.org

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News

V103 I6 - 10.30.19

Minors in possession will get a lesson EWU Police and Housing and Residential Life outline the protocol in incidents involving alcohol

With Halloween approaching, EWU police and Housing and Residential Life would like to remind all of the goblins and ghouls on campus to drink responsibly to avoid becoming ghosts.

Sgt. Lorraine Hill of the EWU Police Department said that officers are constantly looking for underage drinkers and drivers who are under the influence.

Hill said that in a typical stop, an officer monitors someone to see if there are signs of intoxication and whether they appear to be 21.

“The probable cause to believe they are drinking is what they look like,” she said.

Hill said that there are constantly incidents involving alcohol around Cheney.

“It’s like almost every weekend here,” she said.

With events such as Halloween and Last Thursday approaching, Hill said that the the number of calls can depend on the weather.

“If it’s raining, you’re not going to see as many people out,” she said.

Josh Ashcroft, the senior director of housing and residential life, said that typical protocol for a resident suspected of underage drinking is that a CA will call the police to assess the situation.

“It’s emergency personnel who do a safety assessment,” he said.

Ashcroft said that this is done to see if the resident is in need of medical attention.

“For us, first and foremost is student safety,” he said.

Ashcroft said that a student would not be kicked out of a residence hall for simply being intoxicated, but they could be removed if there are more factors.

“What they may get kicked out for is if their conduct is impacting others,” he said.

For example, if a student were to assault someone while under the influence, this could lead to them being removed.

Hill said that if the officer suspects someone under the legal drinking age is intoxicated, the officer will ask if they will consent to a portable breathalyzer. While this test isn’t admissible in court due to its inexact nature, it gives the officer an ability to see approximately how intoxicated someone is.

This allows the officer to see if someone is in need of medical attention.

“The officer can assess whether they need to be seen by the fire department,” Hill said.

If someone is in need of medical attention, Hill said that they are able to call for help without the fear of a ticket.

“If they are transported to the hospital, we’re not criminally citing them,” Hill said. “And we’re not citing the caller either.”

After an incident, Ashcroft said that professional staff will meet with the student and the student is assigned to an alcohol awareness class that is taught by health and wellness.

Ashcroft said that toward the beginning or end of a quarter, or on days such as Halloween or First and Last Thursday, is when there are the most incidents.

Illustration by Keri Kelly for The Easterner

MITCHELL ROLAND News Editor

“We definitely see more activity in the Hill also recommends that students don’t residence halls,” he said. consume too much alcohol. Hill said that there Ashcroft said that residents will typically are times when someone is so intoxicated, either drink in their that officers observe rooms beforehand, or someone else come back intoxicated carrying them. after drinking Next, always keep somewhere else. an eye on someone With overnight who has been temperatures in drinking. the low teens this “Never leave week, Hill said that someone behind it can be dangerous - JOSH ASHCROFT, who is intoxicated,” to drink. If someone Senior director of housing Hill said. is outside for an and residential life Hill said there extended period of have been incidents time in this weather, in the past where it can lead to things such as hypothermia someone who is intoxicated was left face without them even knowing it. down on a bed by themselves, which could “Often times when you’re drinking, you’re potentially lead to them choking on their own not feeling how cold it is,” she said. vomit.

Hill offered tips for how to drink responsibly.

EWU police also recommends people not For starters, make your own drink. get behind the wheel of a car if they have been “Don’t drink something that someone gives drinking. you,” she said.

Detective Robert Schmitter of the EWU Hill said to always keep an eye on your drink, Police Department said that since Sept. 6, to avoid the possibility of someone putting they have arrested seven people for driving something in it. while intoxicated. Schmitter said that

“For us, first and

foremost is student safety.

”

www.TheEasterner.org

there are several indicators when looking for drunk drivers.

“When you’re impaired, you have a hard time multitasking,” he said.

While an impaired driver is able to focus on one thing, Schmitter said that impaired drivers are often driving at an improper speed, whether that’s too fast or too slow, or they are swerving around when they are on the road.

“The biggest one is staying in the lanes,” Schmitter said.

Once a suspected drunk driver is pulled over, the officer takes note of their demeanor and facial expressions.

“You’re looking first for the eyes,” he said.

If the driver’s eyes are bloodshot or watery, that can be another indicator that they are over the legal limit of .08. Schmitter said that if the driver fails tests such as walking in a straight line with one foot in front of the other, it can be another indicator. If the driver meets several indicators, Schmitter said that “they’re likely over the limit.”

Hill said to always keep an eye on someone who has been drinking, and to call for assistance if anyone is in danger.

“It’s all about being safe,” she said.•

News The Easterner - 5 Changes to off-campus apartments

10.30.19 - V103 I6

10/20 - Looter lifts leggings

At 2:35 p.m, in Dressler Hall, officers responded to a resident who reported that her clothes were missing out of a dryer on the seventh floor. The resident was doing a load of laundry, and upon returning, noticed that leggings and jeans that were in the dryer were missing. The resident estimated that the clothing was worth $250.

10/23 - Financial aid check stolen

The financial services office reported that a student’s financial aid check had been stolen. The student had not received the check yet, and checked the status online which revealed the check worth $657.39 had already been deposited. EWU police would like to remind people that if they do not receive their financial aid check, to check the status of it with financial services.

10/23 - Hit-and-run on campus

At 1:00 p.m., a student called to report that their car in parking lot S had been hit. A witness left a note on the hood of the car saying that they had a picture of the car, and the license plate. Officers followed up with the owner of that car, who admitted to hitting the car and leaving the scene. The driver was given a citation for hit and run, and was referred to student affairs.

10/24 - Another hit-and-run on campus

At 4:10 p.m., a student called to report that their car parked in the 12 north parking lot was damaged in a hit-and-run. It appeared that the trailer hitch of a truck had scraped against the hood of the Maserati.

10/24 - Yet again, another hit-and-run

At 7:00 p.m. in parking lot 15A near Tawanka Hall, an EWU staff member reported that someone had hit her car and left the scene. The damage was estimated to be $200. A witness left a note on the hood of the car with a basic description of the vehicle, but did not provide any other information. The person who hit the car did not leave any contact information, which is required by law. EWU police ask that if anyone has any more information regarding this incident, that they contact them.

Big changes are coming to university-run off-campus housing for the upcoming school year.

The Anna Maria and the Townhouse Apartments, two off campus complexes that are managed by EWU, have changed their requirements for who is eligible to rent an apartment. Beginning in the fall of 2020, students will be able to rent an apartment if they lived in an on campus residence hall for one year, or if they are a transfer student.

Josh Ashcroft, the senior director of housing and residential life, said that this change is being made so that the apartments can fill a need for more students.

“We’re trying to respond to market demand,” he said.

Currently, to rent an apartment at the complexes someone would either need to be over 25 years of age, or be either married or have children. Ashcroft said that potential residents will inquire about living in the apartments only to find out they don’t meet the requirements.

Ashcroft said that currently, 40% of the residents are single students and 60% are families.

10/24 - False alarm at aquatic center

At 8:26 p.m., a custodian called to report an alarm on a chlorine tank at the EWU aquatic center. The pool was evacuated, and the Cheney Fire Department responded to the scene.

The fire department reported that there was no hazard.

10/26 - Driver without a license

At 10:29 p.m., an officer noticed a car driving north on Washington Street without headlights. The officer pulled the car over, and made contact with the driver who did not have a valid license on them. The driver was given a citation, and a passenger who had a valid license drove away.

10/27 - Underage drinker cited

At 2:00 a.m., an officer observed a person who appeared underage struggling to walk on the 900 block of Elm Street. The student was not walking in a straight line, and stumbled into both the grass and the street. The underage student did not have ID and said they lived in a residence hall, and consented to a portable breathalyzer which registered at .151.

The student was given a criminal citation, and was referred to rights and responsibilities.

www.TheEasterner.org

Mitchell Roland for The Easterner

MITCHELL ROLAND News Editor

Big changes will be made to two off-campus apartment compexes beginning in the fall of next year.

This change was made so that more students could live at the apartments if they wish, Ashcroft said.

“That’ll provide more opportunity for students to live there if they want,” he said.

“It allows students to live in these spaces.”

But that’s not the only change that’s being made.

Starting next year, students will rent bedrooms instead of the apartment itself. This means that renters will not have the option of renting out the entire apartment, and will instead have roommates who share the apartment with them.

But fear not, current residents of the apartments

will not have to make the change. Ashcroft said that the changes will only impact new residents.

“We’re honoring that contract term until they graduate,” he said. “That was important to us.”

Ashcroft said that there are several upsides to living in these complexes. For example, they utilize the one bill method.

“Utilities are included in the cost,” Ashcroft said.

Ashcroft said that they will also work with residents to ensure that they succeed in the classroom.

“We’re like the one landlord who cares about student success,” he said.•

Features

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honoring the legacy of Ruben trejo “Teaching, inspiring and motivating, and actually influencing a whole other generation.” - Marshall Peterson A lasting impact

ELIZABETH PRICE Reporter

Artwork While Trejo was an American citizen, much of his work was inspired by his cultural heritage.

Throughout his life, he was known for being a great American sculptor. His creativity was expressed through sculptures made of steel, wood, aluminum and mixed media. Trejo also formed his artwork through the use of paintings, drawings and collages.

Trejo’s son, Jose Trejo, explains how his father’s artwork came together through a learning experience as he grew up.

“When I was younger I had no idea where it was coming from,” said Jose Trejo.

Jose Trejo spent a great deal of time researching his father’s history and gained new perspectives of his artwork. He began to see that art colors his father’s history. According to Jose Trejo, his father appeared to be “a weird mass of energy” who created artwork that seemed super random.

“First and Foremost, he was an artist,” said former student of Trejo, Ellen Picken.

Unlike other professors who put their teaching first, Trejo put his art first according to Picken.

Having Trejo as an instructor was really helpful to Picken because she could see how much dedication it took to make and show art. She especially liked how Trejo could be mischievous and have a good time while still being super dedicated to his work.

“You could see him working and I think that’s the best thing a student can learn from,” said Picken.

Trejo encouraged young artists to question things in life rather than make statements, according to Ruben Trejo Picken.

He had this sense of possibility that influenced Trejo experimented with drawings in the 70s, metal students to “take any material that you can think of in the 80s and paper collages made of miscellaneous and do what you can with it,” said Picken. materials in the 90s.

This led to Picken’s confidence to do whatever she felt would get the story across in her own artwork.

Picken said she loved having Trejo as her professor EWU because he didn't have that cliche artist ego, he was Trejo moved to Cheney, Washington with his wife so funny and interested in other people rather than Joanne Hammes, their 1-month-old twins Tanya and himself.

Sonya and their 3-year-old son Jose in September Other than being a unique artist, Trejo also stood of 1973. Trejo was hired by EWU to teach Art in out because of his ethnicity, Picken said.

Humanities, drawing and design. During the 30 “Having a person of color as an instructor in Eastern years Trejo spent at EWU, he helped in co-founding Washington is huge and someone who has had a the Chicano Education Program. different life brings new perspectives to students,” According to Ben Mitchell's book “Ruben Trejo: said Picken.

Beyond Boundaries,” Trejo inspired many students.

Trejo’s art was drawn much from his heritage and After retiring in 2003, Trejo worked with many his work was about being alive today rather than his Mexican and American artists at a printmaking past, according to Picken. Trejo’s class taught Picken workshop and created his "Border Series" exhibit. that while you are creating artwork, you can also be creating joy.

Peterson said Trejo was “a big artist and each year that he’s dead it is more likely that people are going to forget him.”

Most of Ruben’s artwork is divided amongst his three children.

Jose Trejo said that he has twothirds of his father’s artwork and it fills up an entire basement.

The family hopes to keep Ruben’s legacy alive by continuing to show the world his artwork according to - ELLEN PICKEN, Jose Trejo.

If students are interested Former EWU Student in seeing Trejo’s work for themselves, Peterson will be hosting an exhibit of Trejo’s work at the Marmot Art Space Nov. 1, from 5-8 p.m. • Courtesy of Jose Trejo

Born in a boxcar and raised on American soil, Ruben Trejo became one of the most influential artists to ever work in the Inland Northwest. Through his artwork, he continues to inspire people to ride the tracks of their own artistic journey.

Quirky. Unique. Original.

These are just a few words that describe Ruben Trejo, according to Marshall Peterson, owner of The Marmot Art Space.

Not only was Trejo a brilliant artist, but he also spent his days at EWU “teaching, inspiring and motivating, and actually influencing a whole other generation,” according to Peterson.

Peterson said only “the highest of the high” artists get their artwork displayed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum and Trejo was one of them.

Trejo stands out because he was a very successful Latino, according to Peterson.

“It is enormous to go to where he came from to who he was when he left us,” said Peterson.

Ruben Trejo was born to Joanne Hammes and Egenio Jose Trejo in St. Paul, Minnesota Jan. 7, 1937.

Trejo passed away on Jul. 19, 2009 due to a blood related disease.

“Having a person of color as an

www.TheEasterner.org

Courtesy of Jose Trejo

instructor in Eastern Washington is huge and someone who has had a different life brings new perspectives to students. ”

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Arts

V103 I6 - 10.30.19

Looking Back

JEFF BUNCH Sports Writer This story was originally published in Easterner, Vol. 33, No. 13, January 21, 1982 and has not been changed except for AP style.

This is it! The EWU women’s basketball team will get a chance to find out how good they really are, as they face the Grizzlies of Montana University in a 5:45 game this Friday night at Reese court.

The game is the biggest of the young Northwest Women’s Basketball season for the lady Eagles, as both they and the Grizzlies carry unblemished league records in-to the contest. Montana has a 3-0 NWBL record and is 12-2 overall, while EWU is setting the pace at 5-0 and 13-3.

Last week the Eagles were busy running their Reese Court win streak to seven, with three victories, two league encounters. On Friday they squeaked

by Idaho State 49-45, did the same the next night against Boise State 78-71. The team looked a little more convincing on Monday as they trounced Portland State by a score of 78-51.

The Eagles used the PSU game mainly as a warmup for Friday’s duel. Despite shooting 65% in the first half, and holding PSU to frigid 25% from the field, the team prevented a blowout by turning the ball over 36 times in the game and went in with a 38-26 halftime lead.

The Vikings came out ready to close the lead, but eight would be the closest they got, especially shooting 26%. With the score 38-30 at the 18:30 mark, the Eagles came back with one of these glimpses of their potential, as they proceeded to outscore Portland State 15-5, as Lori Clarke put in six. The Vikings then ran off six more unanswered points, but the Eagles got their act together and owned the last ten minutes, blowing away PSU for the lopsided victory.

Maria Loos again would up as the leading scorer and rebounder for the team, as she tallied 22 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocked shots. Freshman Clarke and Monica Van Riper also turned in

outstanding performances. Clarke had 16 points and seven rebounds, and Van Riper put in 14, with three steals. Said coach Bill Smithpeters, “I was really glad to see Maria back in form, and it was good to get good play off our bench.

Lori, Monica and Heidi all did well for us off the bench.” Heidi Vedder, who plays back-up for Loos, also had a good game as she pulled down 11 rebounds and had four points.

But while there was good news, there was also bad news. Senior Neal Ann Massie re-injured herself, and will probably not be 100% for the Montana game, because of a groin injury. Also disgruntling for Smithpeters must be the sometimes sloppy play of his team, which committed 36 turnovers against PSU, and 32 against Idaho State.

In the Idaho State game, the team took a 17 point lead into the locker room only to let ISU back into the game, and won by a narrow 49-45 margin. To show the contrast, the team shot 52% in the first half, and only 19.3% in the second. The thing that again kept the Eagles in the game was their outstanding defensive prowess, as they held the visiting Bengals to a 28% field goal percentage in the game, ISU shot only 21% in the second half.

Maria Loos has 12 points and six rebounds, and Neal Ann Massie pulled down a dozen rebounds with six points.

DeAnne Nelson had nine points and four steals, as the three led the Eagles to the victory.

The next night, the women had another close one, as they got by Boise State 78-71. The team had a 40-33 lead at the half but BSU charged back and it was a game until the final couple of minutes where EWU ran the lead back up to seven. Maria Loos, the NCAA Division II fifth leading rebounder, wound up with 17 rebounds and added 24 points with her record tying event blocks against WSU earlier this season.•

Doreen Bienz for the Easterner. Easterner, Vol. 33, No. 13, January 21, 1982

Eagles, Griz in showdown

Eastern’s Maria Loos looks determined to score over Portland State’s Sheri VanLoo in action at Reese Court Monday night. The Eagles won 78-51.

Comics

Illustrations by Keri Kelly for The Easterner

www.TheEasterner.org

10 - The Easterner

Sports

Women's basketball relying on young core

V103 I6 - 10.30.19

Sophomore guard Grace Kirscher is EWU's leading returning scorer this year.

EWU sophomore guard Jessica McDowell-White figures to be one of the Eagles' primary contributors this season.

Cravens said she’d like to improve her offensive game.

“I would like to become more of an offensive threat,” Cravens said. “That would help the team and my confidence so much more. … If I am more of an offensive threat it would force people to (help down on me) in the post … which would open up (more perimeter) shots for my teammates.”

Schuller said freshman guard Jenna Dick and freshman wing Kennedy Dickie will both be players who could help the team from day one.

“They kind of have that international basketball IQ … which makes them as incoming freshmen a little bit ahead of the game," Schuller said. "They both shoot the ball extremely well.”

Schuller said the key to a successful offense for EWU will be balance. “(Our plan) is pushing the tempo, … having good spacing, … being balanced and being able to score inside and out,” Schuller said.

Schuller said the player who has improved the most from last year is redshirt freshman forward Milly Knowles.

“She redshirted last year because of a foot

injury,” Schuller said. “She is technically a freshman for us, but you wouldn’t think it.”

Schuller said the x-factor of this team is selfless play.

“I think the (x-factor) is our willingness to share the ball,” Schuller said. “It’s our willingness to make the extra pass for a great shot instead of taking an average shot.”

Schuller said the team has great chemistry.

This team has spent so much time together,” Schuller said. “They all kind of live in the same area of Cheney, … they spend most of their out-of-basketball time with each other. … I think with our characters and personalities it’s a great mix of individuals.”

Schuller also said she is very excited for the season.

“We are ready to start playing some games,” Schuller said. “This is just a fun team to coach. … I really enjoy coming to practice everyday. … I enjoy traveling with them. … That makes this profession that I am in so much more rewarding … I think all of those things will transfer onto the basketball (court).” •

Mckenzie Ford for The Easterner

The EWU women’s basketball team is looking to build off its success from last season, when the Eagles advanced to the Big Sky Conference Tournament championship game for the first time in 31 years.

EWU head coach Wendy Schuller said the goals for the team are to win the Big Sky championship, regular season and tournament.

Schuller said the team will reach these goals by believing in their process and each other. “(We have to) be willing to put ourselves out there and (sometimes fail) ... to get to the point where we can grow,” Schuller said. “Our goal is to get better every day. … If we get a little bit better each day and each week, … I think by March we will be in a pretty good place.”

EWU is ranked No. 6 in the BSC media poll, receiving one first place vote. The Eagles are ranked No. 7 in the coaches’ poll.

With a large number of returners, EWU will have a deep rotation. Schuller said that depth will greatly aide the team.

“We are at least 10 players deep this year,” Schuller said. “We want to be able to push the tempo, … put more defensive pressure on teams and be a little more extended. … Depth helps with those things a lot.”

The Eagles return 10 players from last year’s roster, including three starters: junior guard Brittany Klaman, sophomore guard Grace Kirscher and sophomore center Bella Cravens. The team also brings back sophomore guard Jessica McDowellWhite and senior center Leya DePriest,

who both played significant minutes last year.

McDowell-White said the team’s goals are to win the BSC and progressively get better day by day.

"I think we got to take it one step at a time,” McDowell-White said. “Last year we started off pretty slow. … Once conference starts, (we) just go from there and (not) look back.”

McDowell-White said she'd like to become more of a scoring threat this season.

“I’m more of a pass-first guard so I need to take some more opportunities to shoot … and keep the defense on their toes,” McDowell-White said.

McDowell-White said she is ready to take on more of a leadership role.

“Most of us returning are looking to be leaders,” said McDowell-White.

McDowell-White said the name of the game for EWU is pushing the tempo.

“I think a strength of ours is definitely the running game,” McDowell-White said. “I think we are definitely undersized compared to some of the teams in our league … we will be looking to run a lot.”

McDowell-White said EWU’s defense could use some work.

“We need to work on our defensive help rotation,” McDowell-White said. “Our defensive principles are different from what many people are used to. … Once we get those down, we will be looking real good.”

McDowell-White said her excitement level for the season is a "10 out of 10."

Cravens said she wants EWU to grow in its trust of each other.

“Last year we did trust each other, … but it just took a little longer,” Cravens said.

“As of now we are coming together a lot quicker than we were last year.”

Bailey Monteith for The Easterner

RANDLE KINSWA Sports Reporter

Bailey Monteith for The Easterner

Eagles looking to build on late 2018-19 success

EWU sophomore center Bella Cravens will take on an increased role in the Eagles' offense this season.

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Sports

The Easterner -

11

Richard N. Clark IV for The Easterner

10.30.19 - V103 I6

EWU junior guard Jacob Davison is back from injury and is a strong candidate to lead the Eagles in scoring this season.

Men's basketball enters season with heightened expectations In the last two seasons, the EWU men’s basketball team advanced to the Big Sky Conference Tournament championship before falling to the University of Montana.

This season, the expectation is to take the next step.

“We all want to get to the NCAA tournament,” EWU head coach Shantay Legans said.

The winner of the Big Sky Conference Tournament earns an automatic berth into March Madness, and the Eagles are favorites to do so. The BSC coaches picked EWU to win the conference,

“We all want to get to the NCAA - SHANTAY LEGANS, tournament.”

EWU head coach

earning eight out of 11 possible first place votes. UM earned the other three first place votes.

EWU junior guard Jacob Davison said the team is ready to handle the high expectations.

“We have the same mentality we had when we’ve been picked third or fourth the past couple years,” Davison said. “It’s nice to be picked first, but overall we have the same edge and same chip on

our shoulder that we did the past two seasons.”

EWU is favored to earn a trip to the NCAA tournament for just the third time in school history in large part due to its depth. The Eagles have between 10-12 players that could be key contributors in the 2019-20 season. Legans said that depth will make EWU difficult to defend.

“In the past, we’ve had guys who are great three-point shooters who aren’t able to put the ball on the floor, or guys that can really drive the ball but couldn’t shoot it,” Legans said. “Now we have multiple players who can do both things.”

EWU returns a plethora of key contributors. Most notably among those returners are Davison and senior forward Mason Peatling, who were named to the preseason All-Big Sky team.

Mckenzie Ford for The Easterner

DREW LAWSON Sports Editor

EWU sophomore guard/forward Kim Aiken Jr. will look to build upon his successful ending to last season.

The Eagles are also expecting high efforts from returners like senior guard Tyler Kidd, junior guard Jack Perry, sophomore forward Tanner Groves and sophomore guard/forward Kim Aiken Jr. Players like sophomore guard Elijah Jackson and redshirt freshman guard Casson Rouse could also see increased roles for the Eagles in 2019-20.

Peatling said he saw improvement from every returner over the offseason.

“Everybody’s taken steps in different areas,” Peatling said. “Some guys are physically on another level, and that’s really going to improve their game.

Other guys have worked on a shot or a skill that they didn’t have last year that they can bring to the table this year.”

EWU will redshirt most of their true freshmen, but Ellis Magnuson could be an exception. The highly-touted point guard was running with the starting offense during practices open to the media.

EWU tips off the season on Nov. 5 against Portland Bible College. Tip-off is at 6:05 p.m. at Reese Court. •

“It's nice to be picked first, but overall we have the same edge and same chip on our shoulder that we did the past two seasons.”

- JACOB DAVISON, Junior guard

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12 - The Easterner

Sports Information gathered by Drew Lawson and Randle Kinswa for The Easterner. Photos from goeags.com.

Five WBB players to watch

V103 I6- 10.30.19

Five MBB players to watch

G GRACE KIRSCHER - Sophomore

G JACOB DAVISON - Junior

Kirscher is the Eagles’ leading returning scorer with an average of 10.4 points per game. Kirscher shot 39.7% from the field, 34% from long distance and 74.5% from the free throw line. Kirscher also had 47 assists and 38 steals. Kirscher started 25 games last year and had a team high six-three pointers made in a game against Southern Utah.

The junior guard missed the last 12 games of the 2018-19 season with a right ankle sprain. Davison is fully healthy now and is a strong candidate to lead EWU in scoring.

Davison scored a career-high 41 points against Northern Arizona last year.

G JESSICA McDOWELL-WHITE - Sophomore

F MASON PEATLING - Senior

McDowell-White averaged 8.5 points per game last season. She shot 39% from the field, 38.8% from long distance and 88.5% from the free throw line. The latter two are both returning team highs.

McDowell-White also had 75 assists and 25 steals while starting 11 games last year.

Peatling is EWU’s best inside scoring threat and defender.

EWU head coach Shantay Legans said Peatling is EWU’s “linebacker” on defense and that whenever the Eagles need a stop, he just needs to make sure Peatling is on the floor.

C BELLA CRAVENS - Sophomore

G/F KIM AIKEN JR. - Sophomore

Cravens returns as EWU's leading rebounder and shot-blocker after tallying 142 total rebounds and 49 blocks last year. Cravens also averaged 3.2 points per game last year. Cravens shot 42.2 % from the field (a returning team high) and shot 55.1% from the free throw line. Cravens started 17 games last year and had a team-high 15 rebounds against Sacramento State.

Aiken Jr. carved out a role as the 2018-19 season progressed and had his best moments at the end of the season, including a 3-pointer from the left corner at the buzzer to beat Portland State on Senior Day. Aiken said his shooting and ball handling improved this offseason and he figures to have a much larger role in the offense.

G BRITTANY KLAMAN - Junior

F TANNER GROVES - Sophomore

Klaman was EWU's assists leader last year with 88. Klaman also had 27 steals. She shot 27.9% from the field, 22.8% from 3-point range and 76.7% from the free throw line last year. Klaman started 29 games last year, which is a returning team high. The junior point guard had 10 assists in a game last year against Montana State, which was a team high.

Groves got a bigger role than expected last year after Peatling was forced to miss 12 games with injury. Groves brings a soft shooting touch and toughness underneath.

Legans said Groves has had a great preseason and wants to use him in two-big sets with Peatling this season.

G JENNA DICK - Freshman

G ELLIS MAGNUSON - Freshman

Dick is from British Columbia, Canada, where she played for Brookswood Secondary School. EWU head coach Wendy Schuller said she's impressed by her basketball IQ and her ability to shoot the ball. Schuller said she is a player who is going to help the team from day one.

The true freshman from Boise, Idaho might be EWU’s only newcomer to see significant minutes in the 2019-20 season.

The point guard was running with the first-team offense during practices open to the media. Legans called Magnuson one of the best passers he’s seen at the high school level.

Top five WBB games of the year @ Stanford Nov. 5 7:00 p.m.

Stanford Maples Pavilion - Stanford, CA

Top five MBB games of the year

@ Gonzaga Nov. 22 6:00 p.m.

McCarthey Athletic Center - Spokane, WA

vs Belmont Nov. 26 6:05 p.m.

Reese Court - Cheney, WA

@ Washington Dec. 4 7:00 p.m.

Alaska Airlines Arena - Seattle, WA @ Gonzaga Dec. 21 2:00 p.m.

McCarthey Athletic Center - Spokane, WA

vs Montana State Jan. 18 2:05 p.m.

Reese Court - Cheney, WA vs Idaho Feb. 13 5:35 p.m.

Reese Court - Cheney, WA

vs Montana Jan. 9 6:05 p.m.

Reese Court - Cheney, WA

vs Northern Colorado Feb. 29 12:05 p.m.

Reese Court - Cheney, WA

vs Weber State March 7 2:05 p.m.

Reese Court - Cheney, WA

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