The Easterner: Volume 102, Issue 30

Volume 102, Issue 30

www.TheEasterner.org

June 5, 2019

THE INDEPENDENT, STUDENT-RUN NEWSPAPER OF

EASTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY

3 Opinion | 4 News | 7 Arts | 8 Features | 13 Sports

These Eagles have gone above and beyond what it means to represent the EWU community. For the first time ever, The Easterner recognizes three "Eags of the Year." One scholar, one athlete and one staff member. Head to the center insert to learn more about these exceptional Eagles and their stories.

Center Insert

Photos by Richard N. Clark IV and Illustration by Colleen Ford for The Easterner

Features

Sports

'Don't Dress for Dinner' set to open

Reflecting on the highs and lows of the year

With a “who’s on first” style of comedy and confusion, the EWU theatre capstone class offers a study reprieve with “Don’t Dress for Dinner," opening June 7 at the University Theatre Main Stage.

Page 8

@The Easterner

This week the sports section is filled with The Easterner's picks of the Eagles' athletic achievements ... as well as their downfalls.

From football in the fall, to track and field during the spring, here are all the highs and lows of the athletic teams this year.

Page 14

@The_Easterner

@_TheEasterner

2 - The Easterner Editor in Chief Michael Brock 509.359.6737 easterner.editor@ewu.edu Managing Editor Jeremy Burnham easterner.mngeditor@ewu.edu Multimedia Director Richard N. Clark IV easterner.multimedia@gmail.com Chief Copy Editor Amanda Haworth easternercopy@gmail.com News Editor Dylan Harris easterner.news@gmail.com Sports Editor Taylor Newquist easterner.sports@gmail.com Arts & Features Editor Erik Rotness easterner.aef@gmail.com Web Editor Colleen Ford Social Media Editor Matthew Pennell Copy Editor Sam Jackson Reporters Drew Lawson Malati Powell Marco Vargas Karolyn Wambold Photographers Mckenzie Ford Bailey Monteith Director of Student Newspaper Carleigh Hill Faculty Adviser Jamie Neely

V102 I30 - 6.5.19

Editorial

Dear EWU staff, stay out of our elections staff member on the Africana Studies’ Canvas page. The Canvas page was not attached to a specific class, but instead to the entire program. The message told program members to not forget to “vote for Key.” Responte argued the Canvas page should count as “in the classroom.” The ASEWU election board did not agree.

The Easterner’s editorial board is not too worried about this definition, but we do feel that ASEWU should clarify the issue moving forward so that this doesn’t happen again.

The bigger issue is an EWU staff member meddling in ASEWU student elections.

The message was sent by Christina Lonning, a program coordinator for the Africana Studies program. That’s what bothered Responte the most.

THE EASTERNER Editorial Board The 2019 ASEWU student election had a little more drama than normal, and both the school and ASEWU need to take steps to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

As a refresher, Key Baker won the ASEWU presidency by 11 votes on April 26. Reilly Responte then filed a grievance, claiming Baker campaigned in the classroom. The ASEWU election board rejected the complaint. Responte responded by appealing to the ASEWU Superior Court. He later dropped the appeal and Baker became president elect.

Responte’s complaint stemmed from a Canvas message sent by an EWU

“The elections are for students

to choose their leaders for the upcoming school year. These student leaders represent the voice of their peers when communicating with the university, and should not be chosen by the university, or any of its staff.

”

THE EASTERNER Editorial Board

“A staff member got involved in the ASEWU student election,” Responte told The Easterner’s Jeremy Burnham after the hearing on May 7. “That’s what really upsets me … She doesn’t pay tuition. She’s not a student.

She’s a paid staff member and she endorsed a candidate in student elections.”

First, we agree with the election board’s decision.

Responte did not offer any proof that Baker had anything to do with the message.

Holding Baker responsible for a message sent by someone else is beyond unfair, therefore, we feel Baker is the rightful winner of the election. We also agree with the election board’s assertion that Lonning does not fall under ASEWU’s jurisdiction, therefore, ASEWU cannot punish her behavior.

But that doesn’t change the fact that a university staff member meddled in the election. The elections are for students to choose their leaders for the upcoming school year. These student leaders represent the voice of their peers when communicating with the university, and should not be chosen by the university, or any of its staff. University staff should stay out of the picture completely.

While there might not be anything ASEWU can do, EWU can, and should, issue a rule forbidding its employees from attempting to influence ASEWU elections.

In the hearing, Lonning insisted she did nothing wrong,

noting that she is not a professor and doesn’t teach any classes.

However, she did teach classes as recently as fall quarter 2018, and those classes were in the Africana Studies program. This means the message she sent out was read by some students who appeared in her classroom, and who may still see her as an authority figure. She used her position to tell her students who she wants them to vote for.

“Number one, it didn’t violate any bylaws,” Lonning told The Easterner after the hearing.

Fine, she’s right. ASEWU can’t make bylaws that university staff has to abide by.

That doesn’t mean her actions weren’t wrong.

“Now I realize there are people out there who are willing to twist bylaws to fit their own agenda,” Lonning continued. “So as far as (supporting another candidate in the future), I would probably think twice about it. Just for that reason, not because I did anything wrong.”

Well, at least she seems willing to do the right thing, even if it is for the wrong reason.

This editorial board urges EWU President Mary Cullinan to see to it that the school enacts a rule forbidding university staff from attempting to influence student elections.

This rule should be passed before the next elections and announced so that students can rest assured that their elections are fair and safe from employee meddling. •

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 http://www.

TheEasterner.org. The Easterner is distributed throughout the Cheney campus and business district as well as Riverpoint and various Spokane businesses. If you would like the Easterner to be distributed at your business call us at 509-359-6737.

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.

S

F h

p t

L L N v p f

c r

N c

Opinion

6.5.19 - V102 I30

The Easterner -

3

Guest Column

The Easterner archives

EWU challenge: working to solve food insecurity MARY CULLINAN Guest Columnist

EWU President Mary Cullinan

Mary Cullinan is the EWU president. Guest columns do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of The Easterner, its staff members or Eastern Washington University.

As we head toward June commencement ceremonies, we’ve been recognizing students’ accomplishments at numerous ceremonies and celebrating the achievements of the past year. However, even in this time of celebration, EWU students face personal challenges. Significant numbers of students have run through their food plan or their savings for the year. They’re worried about their next meal.

Food insecurity is a significant and heartbreaking problem on campuses all over the country. Studies show that somewhere between 20% and 60% of college

students aren’t sure where their next meal will come from. One study showed that more than half of all firstgeneration college students are food insecure.

In a wealthy nation like ours, this situation is shocking and appalling.

Here at EWU, we’re tackling this problem in a number of ways. With the assistance of Brian Davenport and the Office of Community Engagement, we’ve located seven food cabinets around campus. They’re not locked: If you need food, please take some. Don’t be embarrassed. Food is essential to everyone’s health and well-being.

We’re working with community partners to ensure that students don’t incur the cost for food pantries.

We’re very grateful to the Dairy Farmers of Washington for their help. And our partnership with Pepsi is

providing $5,000 per month to help stock the pantries.

In fall, we plan to have a refrigerated pantry that will offer dairy and other perishable items. This summer, also, the President’s Office will initiate a campus food drive to help keep the pantries well stocked.

We want our students to be healthy and strong.

Everyone needs help sometimes, and no one should have to go it alone. If you need assistance, please ask. If you know someone who needs help, please offer to help. You can find campus food pantry locations and get answers to frequently asked questions at ewu.edu/foodpantries.

We at Eastern pride ourselves on being the Eagle Family. Working together, we can help solve this serious issue on our campuses. •

Letters to the editor

Lessons learned at NEW Leadership Institute

NEW Leadership is a program created by the Center for American Women and Politics dedicated to educating and empowering women to take on leadership roles and become politically active.

NEW Leadership was at EWU on May 31, 2019 to host a one-day conference. The following letters to the editor are from two students who attended the conference.

Mahina Kuamo'o-Moli is a senior at EWU studying Women's and Gender Studies and Elementary Education. Letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of The Easterner, its staff members or Eastern Washington University.

Dear Editor, Mana in Hawaiian means powerful and it was the word I chose that summed up my experience while at the conference. Mana for my life, for the lives of those around me,

“You are where you

need to be. Just take a deep breath.

”

LANA PARRILLA Actress

and for my future. I learned very much from every speaker and will take home great messages. For example Naghmana Sherazi told me to always be my true self. Dylan Dressler told me that if I can't find a place to fit in or a community to fit in then make my own because we have that power to do that. Gloria Ochoa-Bruck told me to find a way to be myself and to find a community to release and vent to. She taught me to see myself and be true to myself in relation to my many cultures. I picked this quote while at the conference, "You are where you need to be. Just take a deep breath,"

by Lana Parrilla, because it really helped to remind me that I do belong there among these powerful individuals and we CAN make a change. Stepping out of my comfort zone and attending this has given me the confidence and motivation to continue to be a leader.

Sincerely, Mahina Kuamo'o-Moli

Noahloni Garcia is a senior at EWU studying Applied Developmental Psychology and Women's and Gender Studies. Letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of The Easterner, its staff members or Eastern Washington University.

Dear Editor, Attending the NEW Leadership Institute was empowering and inspiring for myself and my future career. Throughout the conference we heard from very strong and resilient women who have broken many barriers to be able to be in their place. Although I identify as non-binary and most of the conference was geared toward women, I was able to learn and connect with the stories and battles that the women faced to be where they are. I pretended the word “woman” was not there and applied everything we learned to me. Gloria Ochoa-Bruck touched my heart and motivated me to know that I can keep going, and that I am strong. That despite life saying I need to do one thing, I can accept

www.TheEasterner.org

when it chooses to go another way. She taught me that I am supposed to define and redefine myself over and over every time as I find new layers to who I want to be. Dylan Dressler pushed me to work with the communities that may reject me because of our U.S. history, but that will also appreciate someone who puts in the effort that they so much deserve. She taught me to pay attention to the individuals that are ignored and that I can make a place for them and myself even when others don't have a place for us. Naghmana Sherazi taught me that despite how any times I may be rejected for being non-binary I am still valid and will find places that see me this way. Overall, I was empowered to keep being a leader and to keep entering spaces where I can listen to others and be their accomplice in getting what they need in life. Poder, is the word I chose to describe my experience at the conference because "Sí se puede!"

Sincerely, Noahloni Garcia

4 - The Easterner

News

ASEWU: year in review

Richard N. Clark IV for The Easterner

V102 I30 - 6.5.19

ASEWU President Dante Tyler responding to questions at the Media and Politics panel discussion on May 16. Tyler is graduating from EWU at the end of this school year and will be attending law school at the University of Washington next fall.

JEREMY BURNHAM Managing Editor ASEWU officers are wrapping up their final duties before the school year ends and another group takes over. That is, except for Connor Attridge.

ASEWU duties Attridge is the outgoing technology advancement officer and the incoming vice president. Attridge, and others in ASEWU, perform various duties throughout the year, but some students may not know a lot about their student government. Even Attridge admits he wasn’t fully aware of how much the job involved before stepping into his current role.

“I didn’t really know what to expect,” Attridge said. “I was on the student government at Wenatchee Valley Community College and my responsibilities there were very light.”

Outgoing ASEWU President Dante Tyler expressed similar sentiments.

“I viewed A.S. (Associated Students) a little differently than I do now, obviously, in hindsight,” Tyler said. “A.S. is a governing body. It’s not necessarily the body that is going to be doing the programming or doing all the different things around school.

They are the people talking to faculty and administration and telling them, ‘these are

the programs we need.’”

Tyler said as the school year went on, his job became clearer. He says the ASEWU president is the voice of the students in communication with the school. There are many students on campus with many opinions. It would be impossible for university President Mary Cullinan to have one-on-one conversations with every student. Tyler says this is where ASEWU comes in. He says his job is to listen to students’ concerns, and then take those concerns to the school.

“A.S. is your voice,” Tyler said. “It is your voice to be heard. Just like any government.

We’re the people who are going to be funding a lot of the things going on, but we

are also the people who have the ear of the president, the ear of the board of trustees, the ear of the public. We’re the people who say, ‘oh we don’t like this policy? Then we’re going to fight this policy.’ Sometimes we may not agree with what we are fighting for, but if the students want it, we are fighting for it.”

Attridge said his job as the technology advancement officer also centered around listening to students. He chaired the technology fee committee. All students pay a technology fee every quarter they attend EWU. This committee decides how money from this fee is spent.

“This year we approved things like WiFi improvement across campus,” Attridge

“A.S. is your voice. It is your voice to be heard.

Just like any government. We're the people who are going to be funding a lot of the things going on, but we are also the people who have the ear of the president, the ear of the board of trustees, the ear of the public.

”

DANTE TYLER ASEWU President

www.TheEasterner.org

said. “People told me a lot, ‘hey, you’re in this position, I think we need better WiFi.’ That’s how it was brought up to me.”

Upgrades to the WiFi in several buildings, including Kingston and Martin Halls, will take place over the summer.

Another service the board approved to fund is a laptop kiosk on the Spokane campus so that students there can easily borrow laptops.

Dante Tyler's role Tyler said at the start of the year, his focus was on raising school spirit and starting a video broadcast to keep students updated on what ASEWU was doing.

Midway through the year, his attention turned to food insecurity on campus and on ways he could bring awareness to the problem.

“It’s interesting because it’s something I didn’t realize was a serious issue,” said Tyler.

“In hindsight, I should have known it was more of an issue than I did.”

He worked closely with a Washington state student lobby organization in its ongoing effort to change food stamp laws to allow easier food-stamp access for college students. He also talked about the issue during his meetings with Cullinan and urged the school to continue to expand its

ASEWU, pg. 5

s

n . o e y

a d

n d e

I . s

n s s

e

s

5

ASEWU, Continued from pg. 4 efforts to provide food pantries, something the school is doing. Tyler also talked about the issue to the media to help raise awareness.

“As soon as I got involved and started learning about food insecurity, I knew that was a serious issue that needed to be solved,” said Tyler. “I know it’s a lot easier to say it’s solved than it is to actually solve it, but I think we made some strides as a community in addressing food insecurity.

I think I helped get the word out. I think The Easterner did a good job in getting the word out, and now, we have The Spokesman calling people and trying to get the word out. Everybody sees it as a huge issue now.”

Tyler says he is happy that his efforts in food insecurity will not die with him. His successor, Key Baker, campaigned on the issue.

Looking ahead Not every student feels ASEWU has been the best voice for students. Baker happens to be one such student.

In the candidate debate in April, Baker said the school and student government have room for improvement.

“I’ll be honest in saying that I do not think

News EWU has been a perfect place,” Baker said.

“And I do not think ASEWU has been a perfect student government. I’m very happy to hear that some of the other candidates think of Eastern as a home, that’s great … But I do know there are a lot of students on campus who do not feel the same way. We need more representation for students of color.”

Baker won the presidency by 11 votes and her victory withstood a grievance from her opponent, Reilly Responte. In a phone interview, she told The Easterner she’s excited to be able to move on from the appeal process and focus on her term. She promised to stay committed to providing representation for students of color.

“I am proud that about half of my cabinet will be students of color,” Baker said.

For Tyler, the job has been in line with his career aspirations. He wants to be a politician after finishing school. His next stop? Law school. Earlier in the quarter, The Easterner reported that Tyler had earned the Thomas More Scholarship, a prestigious scholarship at Gonzaga University and would be heading there this fall. Since then, however, he’s been accepted into the University of Washington’s law program, and will be headed there instead.

The current ASEWU team holds office until graduation, then the new team takes over. •

The Easterner -

5

Richard N. Clark IV for The Easterner

6.5.19 - V102 I30

Next year's ASEWU President Key Baker defending herself during a post-election grievance hearing. Baker won the presidential election by 11 votes.

President in the making Vice President for Student Affairs Angela Jones was selected to attend the Millennium Leadership Initiative, an institute that provides professional development for individuals in higher education leadership positions around the country MARCO VARGAS Reporter

education administration and people who are already university presidents and chancellors. I know she will learn a lot, and EWU Vice President for Student Affairs she will also bring her own insights and Angela Jones was in Washington, D.C. experience to share with other program from May 31 to June 4 as one of 29 higher participants.” education leaders selected to be national According to Jones, the MLI was participants in the American Association packed with workshops and lectures. She of State Colleges and Universities’ 2019 participated in workshops addressing topics Millennium Leadership Initiative. In the related to budget and financial management, past 20 years, the program curriculum vitae, cover letters has produced about 570 for presidency positions, graduates nationwide. athletics, legislative advocacy, EWU President Mary fundraising, enrollment Cullinan, who nominated management, and workforce Jones for the MLI, said that it development. is an excellent opportunity for “I did not realize how Jones. intense the program would “The institute is intended be, but (I) appreciate the vast to help bring more topics that are being covered Angela Jones by both sitting and retired underrepresented men and women into the top executive presidents,” Jones said in an ranks of universities,” Cullinan said in email to The Easterner. “I have also been an email to The Easterner. “Over the last assigned to a mentor who is currently a 20 years, many graduates of the MLI president. I will have monthly coaching program have become successful university phone calls with my mentor and will visit presidents and chancellors. The program her campus prior to February 2020. I will will provide great professional development also have to select a research project to for Vice President Jones. It will also greatly complete by June 2020.” expand her network of people around Jones credits Cullinan for the opportunity the country who are working in higher presented to her.

“(Cullinan) has encouraged me to Facing different challenges at the MLI, participate in opportunities that help me Jones said that time presented the biggest continue to hone my leadership skills,” challenge, but she will use her skills from Jones said. “We have talked extensively the event to continue growing as a member about my career path and this program of EWU. allows me to explore “With the fullwhether I want time responsibilities to ever consider a in my current role, I presidency.” need to carve out While pursuing time for the research her professional project and monthly goals, Jones said mentor meetings,” that she receives a Jones said. “I also lot of support from hope to grow my her family. experiences in “My family has legislative advocacy always been very which is not a supportive of natural part of my career goals,” my current role.

Jones said. “Several The skills I’m members of the honing at MLI, and EWU Executive throughout the Leadership have academic year, will served as great help me continue to MARY CULLINAN sounding boards do the best possible EWU President as I considered job for the EWU what leadership campus community. experiences that I needed to have in order to I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity.” prepare for a future presidential role. I also For more information about the MLI, visit received a scholarship from the (AASCU) to AASCU’s MLI webpage at http://www.aascu. help offset the cost of my travel.” org/MLI/. •

www.TheEasterner.org

“The institute

is intended to help bring more underrepresented men and women into the top executive ranks of universities.

”

Fraternity raises money to fight ALS

News

V102 I30 - 6.5.19

Courtesy of Washington Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta

6 - The Easterner

KAROLYN WAMBOLD Reporter Washington Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta became the No. 1 chapter in the U.S. for fundraising toward helping those with Lou Gehrig’s disease, also known as ALS. Over the last 28 years of being founded, Washington Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta has raised over $87,000 for those with ALS. The members of the fraternity ran a three day, 173 mile adventure to help with the money raising.

“Our fraternity was inspired by Lou Gehrig who had ALS and played baseball,” Washington Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta Public Relations Chair Zachary Bowman said. “This is our reason for choosing ALS as our philanthropy project.”

Gehrig was a member of a different Phi Delta Theta chapter.

There is a relay run from Cheney to Vantage that consists of members, nonmembers and alumni running for a few miles before tagging one another to continue another few miles, according to Bowman.

According to Phi Delta Theta member Ethan Burleigh, the fraternity requires its members to each raise $150 before participating in the run. Typically, members of the fraternity raise between $300 and $1,000 per year.

Members of Washington Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta posing for a photo during the 173 mile relay run. Over the past 28 years, the fraternity has raised more money to fight ALS than any other chapter in the country.

According to Bowman, the 173 mile run spans over a three day period. The fraternity has been recognized as an Iron Phi chapter for four years in a row for raising at least $10,000 a year.

According to Phi Delta Theta member Steve Olinger, the chapter has been successful in raising money for this cause because it has affected many people around the country who have ALS and the public has become more aware of the disease.

“Chapters from all around the country and Canada raise thousands of dollars every year,” Olinger said. “Members who raise $1,000 or more and complete an athletic event are given the title ‘Iron Phi’ and are given their own separate bond numbers.”

This year, the fraternity raised just over $16,000, and since the first fundraiser over the last 28 years, EWU’s chapter leads the nation amongst all other chapters, according to Burleigh.

“Eastern has surpassed two major

“Every day, 15 people are diagnosed with ALS and are given, on average, two to five years to live.

”

STEVE OLINGER Phi Delta Theta member universities in raising money for ALS,” Bowman said. “These two universities are the University of Georgia and the University of Utah.”

According to Olinger, anyone can become an Iron Phi even if they are not a member of Phi Delta Theta. As of today, there are almost 900 Iron Phis that have completed the challenge.

“Part of our success is from our new

members into the fraternity,” Bowman said. “We push three cardinal rules onto our new members and focus on giving back to the entire community.”

According to Burleigh, a combined total of around 45 participants ended up running throughout the three days this year. This included both members, nonmembers and alumni.

“Due to the freeway being hazardous, we ended up running the backroads to Vantage, making it safer for our runners,” Bowman said.

According to Bowman, the run takes place in the spring which gives the newer members a chance to warm up to the other members of the chapter.

“Every day, 15 people are diagnosed with ALS and are given, on average, two to five years to live,” Olinger said.

Because there is less research regarding a cure for ALS, the outlook for those diagnosed is grim. •

Single-use plastics discussed at PUB KAROLYN WAMBOLD Reporter The usage of single-use plastics has been a heavily publicized issue in Washington state in recent years.

There has been a ban in Seattle on single-use plastic straws to help decrease plastic pollution since 2018.

Washington has been trying to expand the ban on plastic straws across the whole state and it had passed in the Senate, but not in the House.

According to the Greenpeace USA website, 40% of plastic that floats around in the ocean and chokes seabirds and other animals is single-use plastics. A portion of the 40% is from single-use plastic straws.

“The use of single-use plastics is very high and is more of a waste because of not being able to be recycled into other types of plastics,” Sara Olson, EWU student intern for

recycling in the science department, said.

Olson hosted an informational table in the PUB on May 30 to discuss the issues behind single-use plastics.

A flyer, made by Olson, lists the pros and cons of singleuse vs. reusable plastics. Pros of using reusable plastics mentioned on the flyer include cleaner beaches and cleaner oceans with aquatic animals not getting caught in the mess. According to Olson, using single-use plastics would benefit everyone.

The flyer states that people end up using single-use plastic items for convenience. To make things just as convenient using reusable plastics, people would need to plan and prepare things accordingly, and in turn it will be cheaper and healthier.

According to a Reduce Reuse Recycle flyer that Olson handed out in the PUB, there are two recycling locations in Cheney: Cheney Recycling Station and the EWU Recycling Center.

www.TheEasterner.org

The Cheney Recycling Station accepts aluminum, household and automobile batteries, corrugated cardboard, motor oil, paper products, HDPE and PETE plastic products and tin.

EWU Recycling Center accepts cardboard, aluminum cans, plastic bottles, milk jugs, paper, tin cans, glass, phone books, hard bound books, newspapers, magazines, office pack paper, mixed waste paper, batteries from UPS and C, D, AA, and AAA batteries from small equipment, refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, drinking fountains, pallets, cast aluminum, stainless steel, lead, dental film, dental lead, brass from keys or plumbing fixtures, copper and electrical wire.

To learn more on how and why to recycle, go to the website https://www.epa.gov.recycle. •

For the first time ever, The

Easterner recognizes three

"Eags of the Year." One scholar,

one athlete and one staff member.

The Eag of the Year awards are

given to nominees who go above and beyond in adhering to the

following, based on EWU’s five

core values: quality, inclusiveness, integrity, collaboration and

student-centered. A committee

of students from various

organizations on campus voted to

determine the winners.

Athlete of the

Year DREW LAWSON Reporter Dehonta Hayes discovered a passion for giving back to the community in his hometown of Tacoma during high school. The redshirt junior safety has continued to be an active community member while at EWU and cites his high school coaches as his inspiration.

“Growing up I didn’t have a positive example in (my life),” Hayes said. “But I saw the example the (coaches) were setting for me … I thought I could do that for other people.”

Hayes has been influential in promoting EWU’s food pantries. As part of a public relations campaign class, he partnered with the Office of Community Engagement to let students know about the food pantries’ availability. A full story on the campaign was originally published in The Easterner on March 13.

“I thought the (campaign) idea was great, and I just took it and ran with it,” Hayes said. “I thought that partnering with the football team and creating a food drive was a great idea.”

Hayes said that since his campaign and food drive, awareness and usage of the food pantries has increased.

“Within the first week or two after (The Easterner) article came out, the food pantries were being used way more than they were before,” Hayes said. “The goals that (we) wanted to achieve were achieved.”

Hayes, who had 87 tackles and four

“They come to our

games and support us. We want to show them that we support them as well.”

DEHONTA HAYES, Redshirt junior safety

Dehonta Hayes

Giving back to the community

pass breakups in 2018, has been involved in the community with other members of the football team outside of the food drive by visiting local schools and reading to children.

Hayes said that’s an important effort to him, because he wants to show children that the team cares about them.

“They come to our games and support us,” Hayes said. “We want to show them that we support them as well.”

H a y e s nominated himself for Eag of the Year. He received written recommendations for the award from EWU head coach Aaron Best, EWU public relations professor Jessica Boyer and Hayes’ high school

head coach Eric Boles. Best said in his recommendation that Hayes possesses qualities that align with team and university values.

“His friendliness and willingness to converse with people is far and away his greatest quality,” Best said in his letter. “Dehonta has the innate ability to connect with many different types of people, personalities and perspectives … His company is enjoyed by a wide variety of people.”

All three recommendations mentioned Hayes’ strong achievements in the classroom. Hayes currently maintains a 3.8 GPA. Boyer, who has had Hayes in several of her classes, mentioned his willingness to go above and beyond with his assignments.

“Dehonta is very dedicated to his studies and is one of the

top students in my PR courses,” Boyer’s letter said. “His critical thinking and analytical skills are particularly impressive; Dehonta often approaches public relations issues with the strategic professionalism of someone well beyond his experience level.”

Boles said he was “delighted” to be recommending Hayes for the award after serving as his coach for several years, and that he “truly loves” Hayes and what he represents.

“Dehonta is a terrific athlete and terrific student, but what sets him apart is his character,” Boles said in his letter. “His success so far has been a result of hard work and his positive attitude. These are the qualities that will allow Dehonta to succeed in life.”

EWU All-American senior center Spencer Blackburn echoed Boles’ sentiments about Hayes’ work ethic and said his commitment to going “all-in” with everything he does is impressive. Blackburn added that Hayes is “just a little different.” When asked what that meant, Blackburn said that people who are “different” go above and beyond the status quo. Blackburn referred to Hayes’ efforts with the food pantry as an example.

“That’s not an easy chore to be a part of,” Blackburn said. “But (Hayes) isn’t a half-in person; if he does something, he’s going all in.”

Hayes learned about the Eag of the Year award from Associate Athletic Director of Communications Dave Cook.

“He was telling me the (award) could be something I’d be interested in, considering I’ve been working very hard this school year to increase my image not just on the football field, but off it,” Hayes said. “I’m more than just a football player. I care about this school, this community and the people who go to this school.”

After leaving EWU, Hayes plans on returning to Tacoma and will continue finding ways to get involved in the community. He said that area is currently in need of a lot of help, which he feels he can provide.

“They need as (many) people coming back and being able to help,” Hayes said. “When I’m done (with school) I’m going to go right back and somehow involve myself in the community.”

Hayes said he doesn’t expect anything in return for his efforts, noting that if that were the case, “I wouldn’t be doing it for the right reasons.”

“I’m doing it out of generosity and the care that I have for younger people,” Hayes said.

“I’m not doing it to gain anything or for people to give me awards …

I do it just because I care.”•

Jordan Stevenson Standing against injustice

SAM JACKSON Reporter

Jordan Stevenson isn’t taking her ability to attend university lightly.

Throughout Stevenson’s secondary education she felt that her worth was dependent on what university she attended.

During high school, her parents informed her that they would not be able to financially support her through college. Stevenson said she had to take a really hard look at who she was and from that moment she would gear her worth toward serving others, while going to college.

After high school, Stevenson took a year off—working 40-50 hours a week at multiple jobs—so that she could earn enough money to go to college. Stevenson, 21, is a senior graduating next year. She said her parents do provide her a great deal of emotional support, but she’s paid for every cent of her college education.

“I really appreciate the ability to go to college at all. You know, that’s not a certainty for a lot of first-generation students,” Stevenson said.

“It makes you really appreciate your status in the world and want to give to others who don’t have those same privileges.”

At EWU, Stevenson has been an active member of the Women’s and Gender Commission for the Office of the President, an international peer

advisor and the co-president of the Planned Parenthood Generation Action Club. Currently, she’s a student employee for the Institute for Public Policy and Economics Analysis.

“I really believe that every moment I can serve I should serve,” Stevenson said. “I just feel like my time is best spent giving to others.”

Stevenson said her most significant contribution at EWU was helping to lead the charge toward getting a vending machine that offers emergency contraceptives on campus.

That vending machine now resides on the first floor of the PUB. It was a hard fight according to Stevenson.

“I think that ... sexual and reproductive health services are incredibly i m p o r t a n t ,” Stevenson said.

“They make the difference on whether students

continue school or they drop out.”

Stevenson was nominated by her husband, EWU student Tynan Stevenson, for Eag of the Year. He said that her commitment to service is what sets her apart from other students for the award.

“As an Eagle myself, I believe that she exemplifies all the core values of being an exemplary Eagle including quality, inclusiveness, integrity, collaboration and student-centered,” Tynan said in the nomination. “She does so while representing our school at the regional, national, and international levels.”

Dorothy ZeislerVralsted, professor in the Department of Political Science and International Affairs, said in an email to The Easterner, that Stevenson is one of the best

Scholar of the

Year

students she’s had in the classroom.

“Her sense of service to the larger community, whether international or local, is exceptional as she has devoted hours of labor for various (non-governmental organizations),” Zeisler-Vralsted said. “She plans a career in International Relations with graduate school in the future. I have no doubt she will be a success. EWU is fortunate to have had this student—she’s an asset to the International Affairs program and the university.”

Stevenson has interned for the Spokane Law and Justice Administrator, done grant research for ARTogether—a refugee organization, and been a civil society participant at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.

On June 4, Stevenson left for India to study Hindi, women’s rights and culture through a third party program called the University Study Abroad Consortium. She will also be conducting independent research on women’s rights and volunteering as much as she can while there for the summer. “(Stevenson) loves to be challenged in her thinking,” Dr. Kristen Edquist, professor in the Department of Political Science and International Affairs, said in an email to The Easterner. “She truly appreciates it when something she has believed to be true gets upended or deepened."

Stevenson plans to apply for grad school in Washington D.C. after she graduates from EWU. According to Stevenson, balancing all of her goals and responsibilities is possible through the support from the people close to her and by remaining focused on the reason she does everything she does— for the sake of service.

“It’s about service for me,” Stevenson said. “Serving other people is about not just helping them, not just fixing them, but authentically engaging with their culture, with their context and just trying to give some of yourself to them.”•

“I really believe

that every moment I can serve I should serve.”

JORDAN STEVENSON, EWU senior

Faculty/staff of the

Year DYLAN HARRIS News Editor

Stacey Reece loves EWU. As a first-generation college student, Reece didn’t always know what she was doing during her school years. But now, as director of Student Activities Involvement Leadership at EWU, she helps students who pass through the pillars make the most of their time at her alma mater.

“Whatever I can do to help guide students, mentor them, help build their resilience,” Reece said. “That’s the approach to everything we do here.”

As director of SAIL, Reece oversees Clubs and Organizations, Eagle Entertainment, Sorority and Fraternity Life and much more. Her job is centered around students and helping them grow and become more involved during their times at EWU. As a mentor, a leader, a role model and a friend, Reece’s impact is felt by many in the EWU community.

“Stacey seeks out the best in people and offers us critical feedback that helps us student workers grow every day,” said Shelby Sherman, chair of Eagle Entertainment.

“Her commitment and understanding of this university makes her such a special resource in the SAIL office and for everyone else as well.”

Stacey Reece More than a mentor

Reece was nominated for Eag of the Year

by Angelina DeGrazia, SAIL’s graduate assistant for Sorority and Fraternity Life.

“There’s no one else I could think to be more deserving, who’s more dedicated to our community,” DeGrazia said. “She’s an Eagle through and through.”

Reece’s dedication to putting students first requires some sacrifices, DeGrazia says.

“She is all in it for the students,” DeGrazia said. “I know that Stacey works well over 40 hours every single week. She’s here early in the morning, she’s here until sometimes 9 o’ clock at night, 11 o’ clock at night. … She gives her 110% to this campus.”

These long hours and other sacrifices come at a cost, specifically limiting the time Reece can spend at home with her family. But Reece, being the adept juggler of responsibilities that she is, finds ways to make it work. Even as a student having her first son grow up with her sorority, Reece has always made it a point to involve her family in the EWU community.

“Every aspect of my career involves my family, because I spend more time here than I sometimes do with my family,” Reece said.

Reece has worked at EWU for almost 18 years, and while much of her job consists of working with students, her efforts haven’t gone unnoticed by administrators.

“Whatever I can do to help guide

students, mentor them, help build their resilience. That's the approach to everything we do - STACEY REECE here.”

Director of SAIL

Graduate student Angelina DeGrazia (left) with Stacey Reece, director of SAIL. DeGrazia nominated Reece for Eag of the Year because "she's an Eagle through and through."

“She cares passionately about students— and she happily says ‘yes’ when asked to lead a project or participate in an event,” EWU President Mary Cullinan said in a statement to The Easterner. “She embodies the Eagle ‘can do’ spirit. I’m delighted she’s receiving this award.”

A big part of why DeGrazia nominated Reece is her involvement in student events.

Not only does Reece help plan studentled events, she volunteers at and attends as many as she can. DeGrazia says this benefits students because they can see her participating in the same events they are and get to know her on a more personal level.

DeGrazia says Reece is always listening to students’ opinions.

“Stacey and I went to Full Circle Rescue together for the Greek Week service event in 2018, and she got to know and learn more about the greek students, what they care about and why they joined,” DeGrazia said.

Reece said she is proud and honored to be named for the award.

“It’s just an honor that someone recognizes that you try to do your best and support students in the best way possible. … You hope whatever you do in this position makes an impact.” •

Arts

6.5.19 - V102 I30

Easterner Asks

The Easterner -

7

Looking Back

Ogdon What are your summer eats most plans?

Jell-O

- Kaitlyn Hunting, Freshman "I am actually going to do summer school, so I will be here at Eastern.

Hopefully I will be home for a few weeks and enjoy a little bit of summer."

- Ceinna Hernandez, Junior “I am going to a Tim Atlas concert in Seattle.

The tickets were really cheap and that’s one of my favorite artists. I really want to get a park ranger job, because I am in environmental science.”

- Madison McCallum, Freshman “My church has lots of church camps, so I am going to three of them this year, and then I am going on a camping trip with my parents. I am basically going to be camping, working, and tanning.”

- Nadia Parshakov, Junior

"I work for the county back home doing like weed management and stuff. Home is Long Beach, Washington which is like as far southwest as you can go in Washington."

- Marcos Mendoza, Sophomore "I will go to the beach with my friends. I go back to the Westside like Everett, Washington. Shoutout Everett. I work at Tommy Hilfiger at Seattle Premium Outlets, come buy some clothes."

- Miller Jupiter, Sophomore

THE EASTERNER Archives This story was originally published in The Easterner, Vol. 31, No. 22, April 24, 1980 and has not been changed except for AP style.

Al Ogdon, Assistant to the Provost of Student Services, sucked the most Jell-O in three minutes to win first prize in Inter-Dorm's Jell-O eating contest held in the courtyard Tuesday.

He was awarded a red T-shirt featuring the picture of a moron with the saying, "I got this way from going to school." · Ogdon competed against A.S. President Mike Leahy, Charles Gutierrez, John Danielson, and John Shasky as a promotion for "Superdance."

Donations were taken at the event and Inter-Dorm raised $3.40 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

The Jell-O was donated by Tawanka Commons.

Sue Schaden, dorm activities coordinator, acted as emcee.

Ogdon wore a garbage sack to protect his clothing and a headband to restrain his hair. He was declared the winner by the crowd's applause.•

The Easterner, Vol. 31, No. 22, April 24, 1980

"I am going to be working at a nursery for eight hours a day, and then I am going to Watershed and Cabo, which is fun, then Disneyworld."

Jell-O eaters pig-out during competition in the mall Tuesday.

Photo by Hassein Moini

Letter from the Editor Incoming editor, Continued from pg. 12 Currently, EWU only has two fulltime journalism professors, neither of which have experience in a digitalfirst newsroom in its truest form.

The journalism program at EWU is not prepared to accommodate the fast-pace changes of the media industry and this is discouraging potential journalists of the future.

Not to mention the fact that students' career ambitions are often more diverse than the range of paths offered by the usual definition of “journalism.”

At a time when journalism and journalism education is at an all-time low, I want The Easterner to fill that educational void and be a leading example of what journalism can and should be.

Again, if you have a passion for business, marketing, design or writing, regardless of whether or not you plan on becoming a journalist in the traditional sense, you will be more prepared for the professional world after working with The Easterner.

Looking forward: A call to arms For me, journalism is more than just reporting events, it is about asking the tough questions we all want answers to. It is about covering topics that are important to our audience. It is about being transparent. It is about being fair and honest to both sides of a particular issue or story.

It is about elevating the voices of those who have been historically oppressed. It is about continuing

www.TheEasterner.org

to seek new information and understandings of the world. It is about challenging the status-quo.

It is about pushing boundaries and creating a new world.

Next year, I hope you all take advantage of the opportunity to be interviewed and have your opinion be heard or submit guest columns about issues that are important to you.

“Speaking to a group of journalism educators about what is wrong with journalism education is like encountering a pack of wolves in the woods and lecturing them about dinner etiquette,” Robert Picard said.

“It will probably end badly.”

My hope is that this message does not fall on deaf ears but rather on a community that is willing to listen to criticism and eager to improve what it can.

Let’s write history EWU, together.•

Feat

8 - The Easterner

'Don't Dress for Dinner' at EWU EWU theatre capstone students perform French sex farce for final show ERIK ROTNESS A&F Editor With a “who’s on first” style of comedy and confusion, the EWU theatre capstone class offers a study reprieve with “Don’t Dress for Dinner," opening June 7 at the University Theatre Main Stage.

The sex farce, set in a renovated, 195060’s French barn, features a married couple trying to cover up their affairs when their paramours end up in the same house for dinner.

“It’s a comedy about love, and definitely about passion and how passion can shape into all sorts of things, whether it be love, anger, sex or joy,” senior and actress Hannah McLaughlin said.

McLaughlin plays Suzette, a cook for a catering company who ultimately becomes entangled in the string of alibis.

“She is a chaotic good,” McLaughlin said.

“She definitely creates chaos in a very fun way. She knows how to play the whole feminine charm part, and then flip it.”

The 10 members of the theatre capstone class began planning the production during fall quarter. The class was tasked with putting on a full realized production on their own, including lights, a set and costumes.

“The cool thing is, (in) the theatre capstone, our professors basically say ‘do whatever you want,’” director and senior Scott Worley said.

The class decided on “Don’t Dress Neel took charge of the fundraisers and for Dinner” because the majority of the has been working to fund the production students wanted a fun night at the theatre since fall quarter. For primarily every to share. The idea is to allow students to show, Neel organized bake sales. The most take a break from the stress of school and profitable fundraiser involved getting local just laugh, according to Worley. businesses to donate items that Neel would “This specific style of theatre is really raffle off in baskets. A connection of Neel's akin to sitcoms and that high comedy, even offered dance lessons to be auctioned. that fast paced “The comedy that a fundraising part I lot of us really took on primarily like,” Worley said. because (of) “That’s what we my sister,” Neel want to do when said. “My sister we want to kick has done event back and just not planning for think for a little years and I’ve bit.” helped her and Once the show helped my mom was picked, before. There’s production only like 10 of us meetings began in capstone, (so) to decide how it we kind of try to would look. ask the people “For me, that who have the HANNAH McLAUGHLIN (was) just a lot skills that will of note taking,” Senior, Actress get the job done.” said Lysbeth Neel, Because most senior, stage manager and fundraising of the items were donated, the fundraisers head. performed well and the class raised over As part of the project, the capstone $3,700 according to Neel. class was required to raise the show’s Putting the play together has been funds. They had access to the EWU challenging in many different ways. theatre, but the reality is that theatre “We’re sitting here in a 1960s French costs money. comedy in a thrust, which is a totally

“It's a comedy about

love, and definitely about passion and how passion can shape into all sorts of things, whether it be love, anger, sex or joy.

”

different type of theatre,” Neel said. “You have a three sided audience, and so there’s so many different aspects to it. You have to really think about where actors are coming in and on. You have to think about timing.”

“Don’t Dress for Dinner” features a number of fights, which senior and actor Jonah Wilkinson said has been particularly difficulty.

“I haven’t acted in like three years,” Wilkinson said. “Getting back on the stage is a good experience but it’s a little bit of a challenge—especially the fight choreography. It’s really fun, but getting it down is kind of tricky.”

Wilkinson plays George, Suzette’s husband.

“The only description of (George) in the script is, ‘he is large,’” Wilkinson said. “He’s almost like a Ron Swanson type, but a little younger. He’s pretty calm and quiet until he gets jealous.”

And when George gets jealous, it gets a bit intense. Ultimately, the speed and chaos of the play make it what it is.

“It’s go go go,” said Malene Hundley, senior, scenic designer and technical director. “It’s nonstop. From the very beginning till the end, like, it’s a whirlwind that you’re taken on as an audience member. I love the pace.

The play where everything that can go wrong will go wrong runs free of charge on June 7-8 at 7:30 p.m. in the EWU theatre.•

"Don't Dress for Dinner" is set in a 1950-60's converted French barn. Audience members are placed around the thrust stage, allowing them to feel like they're in the home.

Erik Rotness for The Easterner

www.TheEast

tures

terner.org

V102 I30 - 6.5.19

9

“From the very

beginning till the end, like, it's a whirlwind that you're taken on as an audience member.

�

MALENE HUNDLEY Senior, Scenic designer, Technical Director

Bernard (senior Matthew Scott) makes plans to conceal his affair with help from a reluctant Robert. Robert watched, refused and promptly jumped on Bernard.

Erik Rotness for The Easterner

10 - The Easterner

V102 I30 - 6.5.19

Graduating seniors share stories Students share their paths through EWU and their post-graduation plans MALATI POWELL Reporter Graduation is an exciting time for seniors, and an important milestone symbolizing a life accomplishment.

EWU graduation ceremonies will be on June 15 at the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena. Ceremonies for the College of Business and Public Administration and the College of Social Sciences will be at 9 a.m., and College of Arts, Letters and Education, College of Health Science and Public Health and College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics ceremonies will be at 2 p.m.

Bella Chavez - Visual Communication Design Major Senior Bella Chavez, majoring in visual communication design, described her experience at EWU as "pretty good."

“I chose EWU because I’m from the TriCities, which is two hours away … so I thought it was kinda close to home, but not too close,” Chavez said.

Chavez did Running Start in high school, so when she came to EWU, she had two years of college experience under her belt.

Chavez switched her major twice.

“I originally was going to do dental hygiene and realized I didn’t like science and couldn’t spend all day looking in people’s mouths,” Chavez said.

After realizing that she didn’t want to pursue dental hygiene, Chavez switched her major to business. She switched again because she wasn't enjoying math classes.

“I switched to VCD. I fell in love with it and knew this is what I was meant to do,” Chavez said. “My college experience got so much better once I realized what I truly wanted to do.”

Being a college student comes with its own set of obstacles. For Chavez, being away from home was something she struggled with.

She even considered going back home and attending the community college in her town.

She ended up sticking through it and decided to stay at EWU. “I think the professors in the design department are literally the best,” Chavez said.

“They have made my experience at EWU 10 times better. I have learned so much from them, and they are all just great individuals who are

Alpha Kappa Psi Spring banquet

so knowledgeable about design, but they also all genuinely care about their students … which is great.”

After graduation Chavez plans to move to Western Washington to pursue graphic design.

She hopes to freelance and eventually start her own creative business.

Ethan Holman - Computer Science Major Ethan Holman, a fifth-year senior, took a more traditional path and started at EWU after graduating from high school in Spokane.

Both of Holman’s parents earned their bachelor's degrees. One parent went to EWU, and the other one went to Whitman College.

“To be completely honest, I was kind of lazy when I started college, and I didn’t sign up for any scholarships,” Holman said. “I got some sort of grant my first year, and then after that I’ve just been taking out loans.”

When Holman graduated from high school, he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do. His options were to either go to college or join the Air Force. Holman had a mentor who recognized that he was interested in computer science and encouraged him to pursue it.

“I decided to just come here and try it for a year … to see what I thought about it,” Holman said. “I kind of just fell into the groove of it.”

During Holman’s sophomore year at EWU, he took an introductory geology class with professor Nigel Davies. He

June 8, 2019 6:00-8:00pm at the PUB NCR Enjoy Dinner and a Silent Auction!

Ticket Price: $25 or $5 after 7:00pm Cocktail Attire

Music by DJ AnT_EyE

www.TheEasterner.org

really enjoyed Davies class, and it motivated him to minor in geology.

“I’ve had some pretty cool teachers … and some crazy ones,” Holman said. “He was probably the coolest teacher I’ve encountered here.”

Getting outside his comfort zone and meeting new people have made memorable experiences for Holman.

“Going on EPIC Adventures trips have been the highlight of my college career,” Holman said.

After graduation, Holman plans to stay in the Cheney area while working in Liberty Lake as a web developer.

Ellery Roberts - Physical Therapy Major Senior Ellery Roberts did Running Start in high school before starting at EWU. Of her siblings, Roberts is the first to attend a 4-year institution.

“I just knew that I wanted to be a physical therapist and you have to go to college for that.” Roberts said.

While at EWU, Roberts got involved with the housing department.

“Being a part of housing has made me feel very connected here ... I’ve been a CA for three years,” Roberts said. “I just feel very connected and important to the campus because I know so many people.”

After graduation, Roberts plans to take a gap year to work and save money. She then plans to attend grad school at George Fox to pursue her physical therapy career.•

6.5.19 - V102 I30

Features

The Easterner -

11

d

… e e

Richard N. Clark IV for The Easterner

e

”

y y

l r

h

e a t e

a n x

Heber Hatchets Axe Throwing opens in Spokane RICHARD N. CLARK IV Multimedia Director When Dave Kelley began throwing hatchets over 15 years ago, he thought of it only as an “obscenely fun” pastime with friends and family—not a way to make money.

That is until recently, when Heber Hatchets Axe Throwing decided to open a sixth location in Spokane and was looking for a manager. “(My friends and I) never really thought, ‘how could we do this for a living? How could you make a profit off of it?’" Kelley said. "Then lo-and-behold, these hatchet bars started popping up all around the country.”

Kelley, who teaches graphic design for North Idaho College during the school year and was looking for summer employment, said the job was a perfect fit.

“They needed someone that could not only run the shop but (who) could teach people to throw hatchets,” Kelley said.

While the rules at Heber Hatchets may be a little different from what Kelley is experienced with, the thrill of throwing hatchets is just the same he said.

“At the end of the day, it’s just fun,” Kelley said.

A typical visit Once you’ve signed the waivers, acknowledging that throwing sharp objects is inherently dangerous (who knew?), a lumberjack or lumberjill will give a safety briefing and show how to best throw the axe.

After the clerical work, you have the option of playing a variety of “lumberjack games.” Each game offers a different set of rules which, you guessed it, involve

throwing an axe at a wooden target to stick it and score points.

Jon Franks, a Spokane resident, said he had no clue what axe throwing would be like, but it sounded fun.

“Having watched many movies and played many video games, I was like ‘let me give this a shot,’” Franks said.

Franks said there is actually a technique to having the hatchet stick, unlike darts.

“It took us about 20-25 minutes to figure it out,” Franks said. “Now we are getting pretty good at it.”

Franks said his favorite part was just throwing an axe, and that he really enjoyed the customer service.

“This was the best spontaneous day ever,” Franks said. “(Kelley) was really friendly (and) really accommodating. He was able to explain everything to us. He did fantastic with helping us out.”

Kelley said he enjoys teaching people to throw axes, and that watching people learn is a fulfilling experience.

“They may be a little cautious … and then it clicks for them … they find their spot, then they’re having fun. They’re doing something that they had no idea they would be doing … and having success,” Kelley said.

Kelley said the overall throwing technique is probably the most challenging part for people.

“It’s kind of like a golf swing,” Kelley said.

“You don’t want to get too much in your head.

You just want it to be a nice, natural thing that you do.”

While the competition is a big part of axe throwing, Kelley said that it’s just fun to do.

“I guess the bottom line is it’s just a fun hobby,” Kelley said. “It just happens to be slightly dangerous.”

As the demand for axe throwing grows, Heber Hatchets is set to grow with it.

Kelley said Heber Hatchets plans to create an axe throwing league, similar to a local bowling league, and will host competitions in the future.

Other than wearing closed-toed shoes, the only requirement is signing the safety consent forms, but it’s suggested that you wear clothes you’re comfortable moving around in.

While axe throwing is a family-friendly

activity, it’s recommended that throwers be over the age of 11, according to Heber Hatchets’ website. If you are under the age of 18, you will need a parent or guardian to sign your consent forms.

While the venue lets you bring food, it does not serve or allow alcohol or have food for sale. Guests can schedule events online at heberhatchets.com/axe-throwing-spokane/ or call 509-990-8325.

If you have to axe, Heber Hatchets is located at 2015 N. Division St., Suite B, Spokane. •

Richard N. Clark IV for The Easterner

r t f a

A participant nearly hits the center at Heber Hatchets Axe Throwing. The shop's manager, Dave Kelley, began throwing hatchets over 15 years ago.

A hatchet at Heber Hatchets Axe Throwing. Heber in Spokane is located on Division Street and is one of nine total locations in the U.S.

www.TheEasterner.org

Opinion

12 - The Easterner

V102 I30 - 6.5.19

Letter from the editor

Outgoing editor reflects on the year

MICHAEL BROCK 2018/19 Editor in Chief Hello fellow Eagles, Time is constant and unavoidable. Even though we are aware of its ever-present existence, it still has the tendency to pass us by if we’re not careful.

That is how I am feeling as I sit here to write my final article as editor-in-chief at The Easterner.

Although it was over eight months ago, it feels like just yesterday that I was taking over the reigns of the school newspaper. I know that is a typical testament, but it is truly the case. Time has flown by. At the same time, we’ve

come so far as a group this year. Without a little reflection, it is easy to simply go through the motions and not realize this progression.

On the front end, we made a few changes to better meet the needs of our readers. This included modifying some of our organizational criterion, as well as extending the print issue a couple inches in order to create more dynamic designs.

We have done more multimedia projects, like podcasts and videos, and developed a more digital-first structure. In addition, we have published several special content issues including for the midterm elections, the Big Sky basketball tournament, a “Best Of” Cheney and Spokane, and the current issue you’re reading, for our inaugural Eag of the Year awards.

Overall, I feel that we have done an excellent job reporting on the happenings of EWU. I won’t pretend that we have got it completely right on every topic or that we didn’t let any stories fall through the cracks, but we have properly informed our readers of what is going on on campus and in the community.

In addition to events, awards and other various happenings at EWU, we have written about a wide range of topics this year.

For news, we covered everything from shootings at Mitchell’s and Zip’s, to a soccer player resuscitating a man

on the plane with CPR, to EWU opening a gender-inclusive floor in Dressler Hall.

For arts and features, we covered the 10th Annual Pride Week, a student who dances in the campus mall as an art project, as well as many art exhibits and theater productions.

For sports, we covered the triumphs and shortfalls of EWU’s teams on the field. The aspect I am most proud of in our sports coverage though is that we also told the stories of who the athletes are off the field. Telling the personal stories, both positive and negative, of our campus community is a mission we fulfilled as a paper.

A primary purpose of college is to prepare us for the real world and professional careers, and my time with The Easterner has done just that. I am very proud of the work this group has done, and I have no doubt everyone will go on to do great things. However, that doesn’t mean I’m quite ready to let it all go.

On a number of occasions this quarter, I have mentioned that I wish this group had more time together, because we are still improving week to week. And although we have a ton of staff turnover going into next year, I am confident that an upward trajectory will continue at The Easterner next year and for years to come, until it is as constant time itself. •

Letter from the editor

Incoming editor looks to the future The power of media

RICHARD N. CLARK IV 2019/20 Editor in Chief Before talking about the future and my plans as the editor-in-chief at The Easterner for next year, I want to take a moment and thank EVERYONE, who has come before me.

Regardless of how big an impact you had on EWU and The Easterner, you have made a difference. You are a part of the reason why I am in this position and for that, I thank you.

In the past two years that I have worked at The Easterner, I am really proud of the efforts of our staff to not only create content for both print and online that is interesting and impactful but also to foster an inclusive learning environment for students who want professional experience with a media organization across multiple majors.

The only thing I am more thankful for is the opportunities to come.

As a child, one of my favorite quotes was “the pen is mightier than the sword.” Its meaning?

Communication, particularly written language, is a more effective tool than direct violence.

At the time it might have been an easy way to avoid conflict for a scrawny 100 pound version of me. But now, 50 pounds later, at the age of 22, I still believe this to be true.

Take a second to think about your everyday life, and how each decision is influenced by our constitution and laws.

How differently would you live your life without these? Now go deeper.

Think about the social agreements we have made as a society ranging from the value of clothes to the importance of manners. How differently would you live your life without these?

This is the power of language.

It has the ability to shape our understanding of the world around us.

So, if we are solely responsible for creating meaning to the world, then we are able to change that meaning too.

All that is needed is a shift in perspective.

Paradigm shift It’s not news to anybody that the journalism industry is struggling.

Whether it’s the transition from print to online, the consolidation of media companies, shrinking newsrooms or the debate over what is considered “fake news,” it has led to a decreased trust in the media as an industry.

This has created lots of pressure for traditional journalists to meet the demands of an ever-changing world.

I would argue however, that journalism is not declining due to its inability to adjust to the current state of the world, but rather, that it is stuck in a game of tug of war, as described by Dr. Mike Gasher.

A struggle over its definition and purpose as well as who gets to decide these questions, according to Gasher.

On one end is the news industry, who, as Gasher points out, continues to try to “appropriate journalism as a commercial enterprise serving markets rather than publics.”

The other end is a mix of citizens, alternative news organizations, reform advocates and critical journalists, all of whom want to restore the public service ethos of journalism, according to Gasher.

Simply put, journalism is different in the 21st century than the 20th. Not only because of the way it is distributed, but also because of the way it is consumed.

People nowadays have a higher capacity to understand complex issues and are demanding thought-provoking, inspiring storytelling that encompasses the topics being reported on.

www.TheEasterner.org

It is this precise reason that I believe we, as a society, need to critically think and redefine what journalism means, what its purpose should be and who gets to ask these questions.

Why be a journalist?

When thinking of what it means to be American, few images come to mind more than the freedom of the press, save owning a firearm and fishing.

Historically, journalism has played a pivotal role in America’s democracy, been able to dispel common misconceptions, stereotypes and has been a strong advocate for social justice.

Nowadays, however, that significance is being questioned not only by the critics of news, but also dedicated journalists and reform advocates.

I believe journalism should be seen as an approach to knowledge, not just a job.

We are all journalists, knowledge seekers, truth speakers and myth breakers.

I believe the role of the media is to facilitate these conversations and separate fact from fiction.

Because, well, there are different versions of the truth.

Regardless of whether or not you plan on becoming a journalist in the traditional sense, the skills and work ethic that you gain from it will transfer to any professional job in the media industry.

Incoming editor continued on, pg. 7

Sports

6.5.19 - V102 I30

Iron sharpens Eagles

The Easterner -

13

Intramural triathlon is stark in distance, but rich in history DREW LAWSON Reporter The terrain of west Cheney served as the course for EWU’s 31st annual Iron Eagle Sprint Triathlon on June 2, with 31 EWU students, Cheney locals and athletes from around Eastern Washington coming to test their speeds at swimming, biking and running.

Contestants arrived at the EWU Aquatic Center bright and early to get ready for the 500-meter swim. After the swim, they hopped on their bikes stationed in the Jim Thorpe Fieldhouse and rode to Cheney’s Graham Road and back for a total of 10 miles. To top off the event, they ran from the Fieldhouse to Eagle Point Apartments and back, a total of three miles.

The first athlete to cross the finish line was Alex Yager, an EWU student working on his master’s degree in exercise science. Yager was the only contestant to finish in under an hour, with a time of 59 minutes and 47 seconds. Yager works in the URC and was competing in the Iron Eagle for the first time, but had done other sprint triathlons in the past, including the Troika Triathlon in Medical Lake the day prior.

Yager said the hardest part of the course was the beginning of

the run, when contestants had to climb a hill.

“The (hill) was a little rough, but other than that it was great,” Yager said. “The weather’s awesome; not too hot, a little breeze. I (was) a little rough on the bike but it could’ve been a lot worse.”

Jason Brown came in second place with a time of 1:04:23.

Brown, who resides in Graham, Washington, had done the Iron Eagle in 2004 and 2005 after hearing about the race from a friend who worked in the URC. This was Brown’s first year competing in the Iron Eagle since 2005, but he has completed other triathlons since, including the Coeur d’Alene Triathlon in North Idaho and the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon in San Francisco. Brown said the weather was a big positive of this year’s race.

“In 2004 and 2005, it was pouring down rain,” Brown said.

This year’s triathlon was special to Brown. The race in 2005 was the last time Brown got to run a triathlon with his father, who passed away from cancer several years ago.

“This was kind of coming back to remember him at this race, which was very cool,” Brown said.

The third runner to finish was high school senior Cooper Osborn with a time of 1:04:59.

Mead High School senior Cooper Osborn gets on his bike in the 31st annual Iron Eagle Sprint Triathlon on Sunday. Osborn finished the race third overall. | Bailey Monteith for The Easterner Osborn is getting ready to graduate from Mead High School in Spokane. The future Gonzaga Bulldog was referred to the Iron Eagle by his aunt. The Iron Eagle was Osborn’s first triathlon.

“The swim was really hard, but that’s because I’d never really trained for it,” Osborn said. “The bike and the run felt pretty good.

I’m a runner, so the run felt slow, but for a triathlon I felt good about it.”

Iron Eagle Sprint Triathlon competitor swims in the EWU Aquatic Center on Sunday. Contestants tackled the swim first followed by a 10-mile bike ride. | Bailey Monteith for The Easterner

www.TheEasterner.org

The Iron Eagle has been directed by EWU’s Director of Campus Recreation Programs Mike Campitelli for 25 years.

Campitelli, whose first year at EWU was 1993, said the Iron Eagle originated as a student project in a triathlon class that EWU offered for physical education credits.

“This race was actually their final grade for the class,” Campitelli said. “They were the core group of the triathlon that we see today.”

Around 20 years ago, EWU opened the race up to the public.

Campitelli said they usually bring in 60-70 racers, with 125 being the record. About a third of the contestants tend to be EWU students, with the other half usually being Cheney or Spokane locals. Campitelli said the goal of the event is to have students compete so they can see if they’re cut out for triathlons, but the most common population is returning athletes who’ve done Iron Eagle many times.

“The same people come to it every year,” Campitelli said.

“They like the atmosphere, the low-key part of it … It’s a really easy triathlon.”

Campitelli said one of the funniest stories to come from the event in years past was when a competitive tri-athlete missed the Washington Street left turn during the bike ride about 15 years ago. The athlete ended up on the other side of Cheney before realizing he had missed the turn.

“This was literally the guy that had turned in the fastest time I can remember,” Campitelli said.

“He ended up … past the Safeway intersection before realizing, ‘oh crap, I gotta turn around and get back.’ He still had a great time, (but) he was embarrassed as all hell.”

Campitelli noted that he appreciates the low-key nature of the Iron Eagle Triathlon, which is why EWU doesn’t advertise it much.

“The year we had 125 (people), if you’re in the eighth heat, you have to wait two hours before you can start your race,” Campitelli said. “I love the fact that most of the time … you don’t have to wait too long before you can get going.”

Full results of the 2019 Iron Eagle Triathlon are posted on the EWU Intramural website. •

Sports

Highs Lows And

14 - The Easterner

V102 I30 - 6.5.19

Memorable moments from a year of EWU athletics

Davison drops 41 TAYLOR NEWQUIST Sports Editor This story was originally published to theeasterner.org on Feb. 4.

From 20 seconds after the opening tip, it was clear sophomore guard Jacob Davison would not be stopped Monday night.

Davison opened the scoring with a 3-pointer and went on to score 14 of EWU’s first 16 points. He finished with a career-high 41 points, as the Eagles (8-13, 6-4) beat Northern Arizona (7-14, 5-6) 8264 on Reese Court.

“It was an unbelievable feeling,” Davison said. “That’s my all-time career-high and it was just a surreal feeling. I can’t even describe it.”

Davison shared long embraces with his teammates after the game was over.

Over the last five games he is averaging 26 points.

With Davison’s effort, the Eagles never trailed against the Lumberjacks. They have now won four-of-five games. At the halfway point of the conference schedule, EWU firmly holds the No. 4 spot in the Big Sky.

“It was a rough preseason,” Davison said. “For us to start getting these wins rolling has been a great feeling. Knowing that we’re all clicking together and meshing at the right time.”

Senior forward Mason Peatling remained inactive for the second straight game, recovering from lingering foot problems from the start of the season.

In his place, freshman forward Tanner Groves scored a career-high 13 points with 11 rebounds for his first career double-double.

“After Mason went down coach Legs texted me, ‘If you stay ready then you don’t have to get ready’,” Groves said.

“Through practice and the leadership of the older guys, Kim (Aiken) and I have found our roles.”

Senior forward Jesse Hunt continued to be a key contributor for the Eagles scoring 15 points with 11 rebounds.

The Eagles will head on the road for a two-game stand in Montana against Montana State on Feb. 7 and the University of Montana on Feb. 9. EWU previously beat both teams at home this year, topping MSU 85-81 on Jan. 19, and UM 78-71 on Jan. 10. •

Sophomore Jacob Davison celebrates as time expired in EWU’s 82-64 win over Northern Arizona. Davison scored a career-high 41 points in the game. | Bailey Monteith for The Easterner

Two-time defending champions bounced in first round of conference tournament

Senior Jenny Chavez leaps on a cross against Weber State on Oct. 12. Chavez led the Eagles in scoring last season. | Bailey Monteith for The Easterner

www.TheEasterner.org

TAYLOR NEWQUIST Sports Editor This story was originally published to theeasterner.org on Oct. 31, 2018.

The Eagles took a quick lead in the ninth minute, off of the head of senior forward Jenny Chavez, but ultimately fell 3-1 to the University of Northern Colorado in the quarterfinals of the Big Sky Conference Tournament today.

UNC equalized in the 28th minute and earned a penalty right out of halftime to take the lead. The Bears tacked on another goal in the 76th minute to seal the Eagles’ season.

“We came out in the start of the game well,” head coach Chad Bodnar said. “We let Northern Colorado run at us and I think we were a little unlucky at the start of the second half with the way that shook out.”

EWU won three straight matches to qualify in the sixth seed for the tournament.

“These kids have fought hard to have come back to qualify,” Bodnar said. “Hats off to the seniors, they have done a lot of things here during their time at Eastern.”

This was the fifth-straight tournament appearance for the Eagles, who are the two-time defending champions, and will remain so until a new champion is crowned on Sunday.

Chavez was selected to the All-Big Sky first team for the third time, while junior defender Maia Inniss and senior midfielder Allison Raniere received honorable mention. •

Sports

6.5.19 - V102 I30

McDowell-White gets creative at the Big Sky tournament DREW LAWSON Reporter This story was originally published to theeasterner.org on March 13.

The No. 6 seed EWU women’s basketball team trailed No. 2 seed Northern Colorado by a point with 4.6 seconds remaining and an impending inbounds play under its own basket. Freshman guard Jessica McDowellWhite stepped behind the baseline to throw it in, and without passing to a teammate, scored the shot that would keep the Eagles’ season alive.

McDowell-White, who scored 10 points in the game, passed the ball off All-Big Sky First Team member Savannah Smith’s back and laid the ball in while drawing a foul. She hit the ensuing free throw attempt to give EWU a two point lead, and UNC failed to score. EWU won 59-57 to advance to the Big Sky Tournament Championship for the first time since 1988.

“At the end of the day I knew we needed a bucket,” McDowell-White said. “I saw an opening and threw it off her.”

McDowell-White said she’d never tried to inbound the ball off of a defender before her semifinal-winning shot.

It is the first championship appearance for

head coach Wendy Schuller, who has been with the team for 18 seasons. Schuller’s team has won three games in three days.

“To give what they gave tonight is just phenomenal,” Schuller said, nearly lost for words at the postgame press conference.

“What a game. What a game. I’m just overcome right now.”

EWU came from behind on March 11 to beat Weber State 81-74 in the first round, and trailed by 12 at the start of the fourth quarter in the quarterfinals, but came back to upset No. 3 seed Idaho State in overtime on March 12.

EWU was led Wednesday by senior guard Kapri Morrow, who had 16 points and nine rebounds. Freshman guard Grace Kirscher added 12 points, and sophomore guard Brittany Klaman had seven points.

EWU overcame UNC’s dominance on the glass. The Bears outrebounded the Eagles 47-35 and had a 23-7 offensive rebound edge.

It was the Eagles’ defense that made the difference. UNC took 70 shots from the field while EWU took just 49, but held the Bears to 30 percent shooting.

EWU shot 49 percent from the field.

The Eagles will take on Portland State in the BSC Championship. With a win, EWU will advance to the NCAA Tournament for just the second time in school history. •

Freshman guard Jessica McDowell-White shoots a free throw in EWU's 67-64 win over Montana on Feb. 9. McDowell-White made the winning shot to send the Eagles to the Big Sky Tournament Championship game. | Bailey Monteith for The Easterner

Eagles stunned by Vandals in controversial finish DREW LAWSON Reporter This story was originally published to theeasterner.org on Feb. 18.

f y e t

a s

h s

h

e

r

e r

15

The tale of two buzzers

n

n

The Easterner -

Brittany Klaman looks on in shock as Idaho's final 3-point basket is counted. The final shot was released after the final horn had sounded, but the play clock was ruled to be started early. | Bailey Monteith for The Easterner

Freshman guard Grace Kirscher scored 19 points and a clutch layup, while senior guard Kapri Morrow added 17 points and 11 rebounds.

That wasn’t enough for the EWU women’s basketball team to overcome a controversial finish, as the Eagles (6-8, 7-16) fell to the rival Idaho Vandals (11-3, 14-9) 75-74 on Monday at Reese Court.

The last seconds of play were filled with drama and controversy.

EWU trailed 72-69 when junior forward Uriah Howard, who scored 13 points in the game, hit a 3-pointer with 10.8 seconds left to tie the game. Idaho got possession, but Morrow stole the ball and dribbled down the court. At this point, EWU was out of timeouts, so the Eagles had to shoot. Morrow was tied up by a Vandal defender, but the arrow pointed EWU’s way.

Freshman guard Brittany Klaman came to inbound the ball with 3.7 seconds left, and Kirscher saw an opportunity. She cut to the basket, and Klaman found her for the go-ahead layup to make it 74-72 EWU. The clock ran down to 0.7 seconds, but the officials correctly changed the time to 1.7 seconds left as Idaho took a timeout. Kirscher knew right before the play she’d have an opportunity at the rim.

“We already ran that play and (Idaho guard Mikayla) Ferenz was cheating it,” Kirscher said. “(EWU head coach Wendy Schuller) pulled me aside and told me to back cut her, and she bit it.”

Idaho had one last opportunity. The game clock in-house read 1.7 seconds, while the SWX local broadcast showed 1.6 seconds on the clock. Idaho inbounded the ball, caught it near midcourt, and passed to Ferenz on the left wing. Ferenz’s desperation three banked in, but appeared to come long after the buzzer. For the time being, EWU was declared the winner.

While the Eagles celebrated, the officials walked over to the scorer’s

www.TheEasterner.org

table. They reviewed the shot for nearly 10 minutes before declaring Ferenz’s shot to be good, making Idaho the victor and leaving EWU players, coaches and fans stunned.

The officials told the scorer’s table that the clock had started too early and that the ball had left Ferenz’s hand in time. Official basketball rules state that the clock isn’t supposed to start until a player that is inbounds touches the ball, but the clock started on the inbounds pass.

After the game, Schuller told the media the explanation she was given by the officials.

“I thought timewise, it seems tough to catch a ball, gather it, turn, pass, catch and shoot in 1.7 seconds,” Schuller said. “Evidently, the officials timed it and said it was clearly off in that amount of time. I don’t have a stopwatch on it, so I don’t know.”

Schuller went on to explain that the officials told her that the shot left Ferenz’s hand with 1.3 seconds left, meaning the initial catch, pass and shot would’ve had to have come in 0.4 seconds.

“That was what I didn’t really understand,” Schuller said. “I don’t know how you can catch it, turn it and pass it in 0.4 seconds, and gather yourself and shoot it. That’s the fastest 0.4 seconds I’ve ever heard of.”

SWX’s Sam Adams told the Easterner after the game that their broadcast had 1.6 seconds on the game clock when Idaho took the last shot. After the game was declared final, SWX timed the play using a stopwatch from the initial catch, pass, shot and release, timing the play anywhere from 1.65 to 1.68 seconds.

According to Adams and the official scorer’s table, the officials determined the shot was good by calculating how long the inbounds pass was in the air while the game clock had started. Instead of using SWX’s method of simply timing the first touch, pass and shot, the officials subtracted the time that the ball was in the air while the clock was erroneously running from the time that Idaho first touched and shot the ball. The officials used this method to determine the shot to be good.

“It’s a really tough way to lose,” Schuller said plainly postgame. •

Sports

Highs Lows And

16 - The Easterner

V102 I30 - 6.5.19

Memorable moments from a year of EWU athletics

Frisco bound TAYLOR NEWQUIST Sports Editor

This story was originally published to theeasterner.org on Dec. 15, 2018.

No last second plays, no heartbreaks and no doubt. After powering through Maine, EWU will go to Frisco, Texas, to play for the program’s second FCS National Championship on Jan 5.

The No. 3 seed Eagles (12-2) beat the No. 7 seed Blackbears (10-3) 50-19 in Cheney on Saturday, to snap a three game losing streak in the FCS semifinals. EWU fired on all cylinders forcing four turnovers and racking up 568 total yards.

“I shed a few tears last week, but today I tried to keep them in a little bit,” head coach Aaron Best said. “I don’t know if I can put it into words. I’m kind of on a cloud 10, if there’s a cloud above nine.”

Senior cornerback Josh Lewis sparked the early route, grabbing an interception with just over 10 minutes remaining in the first quarter. The turnover set the Eagles up on the Blackbear 1-yard line, where sophomore quarterback Eric Barriere found freshman wide receiver Andrew Boston for EWU’s first touchdown.

Sophomore defensive tackle Keith Moore celebrates the Eagles' 50-19 victory over Maine. Moore forced and recovered a fumble, playing in a bigger role with Jay-Tee Tuili sidelined. | Richard N. Clark IV for The Easterner Barriere went on to throw for 352 yards with seven touchdowns, tying a school record for passing touchdowns in a game, set by Vernon Adams in 2014. Senior wide receiver Nsimba Webster led the receivers with nine catches for 188 yards and four touchdowns. EWU outscored Maine 28-0 in the first half.

“It still hasn’t hit me yet,” Barriere said of leading the team to the championship game. “It just feels like a regular game to me still. Once I go back home and I listen

to my mom call me, because she’s going to go crazy, and once I settle in that’s when it will finally hit me.”

Barriere compared his situation filling in for the starting quarterback and making it to the championship, to Nick Foles’ run to the Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles last season.

“I’ve dreamed of being in a national championship,” Barriere said. “For it to finally be here is just surreal.”

Maine rallied in the third quarter, going

on a 18-7 scoring run that was stopped with a 58-yard passing touchdown from Barriere to Webster.

The Eagles cruised through the fourth quarter scoring another touchdown and holding the Blackbears scoreless.

EWU now turns to No. 1 seed North Dakota State, who has won six of the last seven FCS National Championships.

The Eagles have made no secret of their championship aspirations this year, and now have a chance to achieve that goal. •

Bison run over Eagles to repeat as champions TAYLOR NEWQUIST Sports Editor This story was originally published to theeasterner.org on Jan. 5.

North Dakota State University added another National Championship to the Bison’s ever-growing trophy cabinet, powering through EWU in the Eagles' second-ever appearance in the title game.

The Eagles (12-3) fell to the Bison (150) 38-24 in Frisco, Texas, on Saturday.

NDSU controlled the ball for 40 minutes and five seconds during the game and tallied 23 first downs, with a third down conversion rate of 64.7 percent.

After the game EWU head coach Aaron Best took most of the blame for the result.

“I feel like I failed the seniors,” Best Sophomore Talolo Limu-Jones consoles sophomore Eric Barriere after the Eagles' loss in the FCS National said. “I’ve got to do more, but we fought Championship. | Taylor Newquist for The Easterner through a lot of adversity, whether it be

@The Easterner

bad playing, bad coaching or penalties. We self-inflicted some of the wounds we had.”

NDSU jumped out to an early 17-3 lead that EWU would cut to 17-10 before the end of the first half on a fake field goal attempt, with Gunnar Talkington flipping the ball to Jayce Gilder for a 2-yard score.

The second half opened with three quick turnovers. The first was an interception from EWU's Eric Barriere, followed by another interception from NDSU's Easton Stick. Barriere exited the game with an apparent hand problem on the following possession, and Talkington replaced him, only to give up a strip sack that was recovered by NDSU. “I wasn’t nervous,” Barriere said.

“Sometimes stuff doesn’t go your way.”

Sam McPherson blew the doors open with a 75-yard run early in the third quarter to make the score 24-17. Stick answered right back with a 78-yard

@The_Easterner

touchdown pass to Darrius Shepherd.

Both teams traded punts until the Bison put together a drive that lasted over 10 minutes in the fourth quarter, and ended with a missed field goal. EWU gained possession with three minutes and 21 seconds on the clock and drove down the field in just over a minute, with Barriere scoring on a 5-yard run.

With NDSU up 31-24 the Bison faced a third down with just over a minute remaining. Stick kept the ball on a read option and ran untouched 46 yards into the end zone to seal a Bison victory, their seventh in the last eight years.

The group of 27 seniors and the rest of the 2018 EWU football team stamped their place as one of the best teams to step on the field in an Eagle uniform.

Over the course of the season they lost over 10 starters, but still persevered to the second best finish in the history of the EWU football. •

@EasternerSports