WELCOME TO LINFIELD UNIVERSITY
EVENT
Casey Powell
COMMUNICATIONS
Conner Jensen, Kelly Bird
STATISTICS
Kira Hawaaboo, Emerson Teller
PUBLIC ADDRESS AND SCOREBOARD
Steve Oleson
VIDEO WEBCASTS
Joe Stuart, Eric Albios, Joel Nelson
OFFICIAL SCORER
Halliday Hubbard
EVENT PROGRAM
Kelly Bird,
Conner Jensen, Felipe Unker, Kellen Wiggins 15 max juhala
MEN’S SEASON OUTLOOK
REACHING NEW HEIGHTS
Hard work and dedication in the gym is expected to pay dividends as Levi Seig rebuilds the program
by CONNER JENSEN
As the 2024-25 season unfolds, the Linfield Wildcats are focused on reclaiming their status as a competitive force within the Northwest Conference. Finishing eighth in the standings last season, the team is eager to rise through the ranks and make a significant impact in the league. Led by second-year coach Levi Sieg, the Wildcats are banking on a talented roster filled with experienced upperclassmen and some exciting newcomers.
“We have a really good group of hard workers who have just been getting after it,” said Sieg. “They’ve been working hard at practice and then they’re getting in the gym on their own time, really putting in that extra work that you need.”
The leadership and dedication demonstrated by the Wildcats is crucial as they aim to restore Linfield’s winning tradition and contend in the NWC.
THE BACKCOURT
In the backcourt, the Wildcats are led by senior Jack Greenwood, who proved to be an invaluable asset last season when he topped the team in assists. His ability to facilitate the offense and create opportunities for his teammates is pivotal in driving Linfield’s success.
Alongside Greenwood is veteran guard Chase Bennett, who contributed an average of 9.9 points per game a year ago. Known for his sharpshooting, Bennett emerged as the team’s best free throw shooter and demonstrated his three-point prowess with 40% accuracy from beyond the arc. His ability to score is essential to maintaining the Wildcats’ competitiveness.
Sophomore Cade Collins enters his second year with the Wildcats after leading the team in scoring last season. Collins is eager to build on his successful freshman campaign and make an even bigger impact as he continues to develop.
Another key contributor in the backcourt is senior Josh Ryan from Rancho Cucamonga, California. Ryan has established himself as a strong defender, totaling 21 steals in 2024. His ability to disrupt opponents’ offensive flow is important for the Wildcats’ success on the defensive end.
Adding depth to the backcourt is sophomore Lucca Hart, who is expected to take on a larger role this season. Hart’s potential as a young player makes him one to watch as he develops under the guidance of Sieg and the upperclassmen. The experience in the backcourt positions Linfield to make a run at an NWC Tournament postseason berth.
THE FRONTCOURT
In the frontcourt, sophomore Garrett Callsen anchors the Wildcats’ efforts, having led the team with 29 blocks last season. Callsen’s shot-blocking ability and defensive presence in the paint should help Linfield as it seeks to protect the rim and control the backboards.
0 jake downing
Senior Jake Downing brings experience and leadership to the frontcourt. Known for his length and shooting ability, Downing aims to make a significant impact. His versatility allows him to stretch the floor, providing valuable scoring options both inside and outside. As a key leader on the team, Downing plays an integral role in setting the tone for the Wildcats.
Another vital piece of the frontcourt is Cayden Lowenbach from Prineville. Lowenbach had an impressive shooting percentage of 70.4% last season, showcasing his efficiency. His ability to finish around the rim complements the team’s overall offensive strategy and provides a reliable scoring option in the paint.
NEWCOMERS
Sieg welcomes his second recruiting class into the fray with the hope that the newcomers can help make an immediate impact. Zach Luz comes in as a highly touted freshman out of Mount Rainier High School in Washington. Also making their collegiate debuts this season are Percy Whittaker III, Max Juhala, Gavin Perdue and Jack Treasure.
LOOKING AHEAD
Together, this season’s roster brings a mix of experience, skill, and potential. With a strong blend of upperclassmen leadership and emerging young talent, the Wildcats are primed to make strides this season. The coaching staff is optimistic about the team’s growth and development and points to culture as a strong point of this squad.
“The biggest strength of this group has got to be our culture. We have 17 guys who really get along,” said Sieg. “They all like each other and hang out off the court. We have an unbelievable group of seniors and they’ve taken the freshmen under their wings.”
It’s clear the Wildcats have focused on both skill development and team chemistry during the offseason. The emphasis on culture is essential as they navigate the challenges of the season. As the players work not only in practice, but also on their own time to develop their talents, they also aim to build a strong team dynamic and put together a winning season.
WOMEN’S SEASON OUTLOOK
ready for battle
With high aspirations for the 2024-25 season, the Wildcats aim to continue the progress established last winter
by CONNER JENSEN
In her 10th season, Linfield coach Casey Bunn-Wilson looks to elevate her team in the Northwest Conference standings after finishing fifth a year ago. Blending experienced veterans with promising underclassmen, Linfield is ready to make a push for a higher conference standing and become an annual force to be reckoned with.
VETERANS
With several returning players stepping into key roles, Linfield’s veteran players are crucial to the team’s success this winter. But already, the Wildcats face some challenges as injuries have impacted key players, including junior guard Ella Koebelin, who will miss the season due to an injury. The team’s assists leader last season, Koebelin had been expected to play a pivotal role as the starting point guard. Her absence leaves a void in the backcourt, but other players are ready to step up in her place.
Junior guard Eve Burke is one of those players expected to take on an expanded role. As the team’s second-leading scorer last season with an average of 10 points per game, Burke is a key offensive weapon for the Wildcats. Her scoring ability and leadership is invaluable as Linfield looks to remain competitive without Koebelin’s presence in the lineup.
Gillyan Landis, a senior center, is another player poised to make a significant impact this season. The team’s leading scorer from last year, Landis is expected to step into a leadership role as the Wildcats look for more consistency on both ends of the floor. With her combination of scoring ability and experience, Landis is a central figure in Linfield’s plans to compete at the top of the NWC.
“Gillyan has done a really good job of stepping up,” said the coach. “As a senior, she is doing some really good things that she hasn’t in the last three years, so we’re really excited about that.”
In the frontcourt, forward Miki Vermeulen returns for her junior season. A versatile athlete, Vermeulen was a mainstay in the lineup last season, contributing an average of eight points per game, while also excelling defensively with 22 steals and 15 blocks. Her resilience on both ends of the court made her one of the Wildcats’ most valuable players, leading the team in both minutes played and rebounds. As one of the team’s key returning players, Vermeulen fills a vital role in anchoring the Wildcats’ offense and defense this year.
Junior Jayden Ray, who comes to Linfield after a stint at LinnBenton Community College, adds depth to the Wildcats’ roster. A versatile player who can contribute across the court, Ray brings both experience and energy to the team. Her ability to impact the game in multiple ways is key as the Wildcats seek balance and stability throughout the season.
UNDERCLASSMEN
Although several newcomers should play a crucial role in Linfield’s success, the underclassmen bring much-needed depth and potential to the squad. Among the sophomores, Jadyn Harrell is a player to watch. After missing the bulk of last season due to injury, Harrell is expected to provide depth and support in the frontcourt. A promising center, Harrell’s return to the court could be a welcome boost for the ‘Cats, who look to build a more formidable inside presence.
Sophomore guard Allie Mead is another player who is being asked to elevate her game this season. With Koebelin sidelined, Mead is expected to play an even more significant role in the backcourt. Last season, Mead averaged 4.1 points per game and recorded 39 assists, showing flashes of potential as a playmaker. With more opportunities for playing time this year, Mead is going to be counted on for distributing the basketball and directing the Wildcats from the point guard position.
The freshman class is another area of excitement for the Wildcats, although it too has already been impacted by injury. Lauren Buchanan, a first-year guard, will miss the season due to an injury. However, several other freshmen are eager to contribute and have the potential to make a mark.
Tana Hoekema, a sturdy forward/center from Everson, Washington, joins the frontcourt this season and is expected to bring size and energy to the team. Meanwhile, freshman forward Natalie Rosetti, who comes to Linfield from Santa Rosa, California, could also make an immediate impact.
LOOKING AHEAD
With a balanced mix of experienced veterans and hungry youngsters, the Wildcats have the tools to contend in the NWC this season. Bunn-Wilson is counting on her players to rise to the occasion, especially as the team faces challenges such as Koebelin’s absence. The team’s focus sits squarely on building chemistry, developing consistency, and pushing for a contending position within the NWC. With talented individuals stepping in-to expanded roles and the growth of the underclassmen, Linfield stands poised to make a strong push.
32 gillyan landis
WOMEN’S COACH CASEY BUNN-WILSON
Casey Bunn-Wilson is in her 10th season as women’s basketball coach at Linfield. In her first year with the Wildcats, she helped guide the women to the program’s first winning record in five seasons (13-12) and a share of sixth place in the Northwest Conference, one of the premier women’s basketball leagues in NCAA Division III. In 2018-19, the Wildcats reached the NWC Tournament despite a competing with an injury depleted roster.
Bunn-Wilson spent three seasons as girls basketball coach at Tualatin High School, compiling a 39-32 win-loss record while leading the Timberwolves to three straight OSAA Class 6A state playoff appearances.
At Oregon State, Bunn-Wilson led the Pac-10 in scoring as a senior in 2007, averaging 20.0 points per game. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Public Health Promotion and Education.
A star athlete at Stayton High School, Bunn-Wilson lettered in basketball, volleyball, softball and track. On the basketball court, she was a four-time all-state, all-region and all-conference honoree. The Capital Conference Player of the Year for three straight seasons, BunnWilson led Stayton to the league title her freshman and junior seasons. She set career records for points (1,831), rebounds (783), assists (342) and steals (306) and played in the Oregon Class 3A All-Star game.
Bunn-Wilson played professionally in Greece, Spain, Portugal, Ireland and Australia. While competing overseas, she earned all-league honors on the Portuguese All-Star team.
At Linfield, Bunn-Wilson also directs the athletic department’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
She and her husband, Mitch, live in McMinnville with their two sons, Dawson and Rylan.
PROUD PARTNER OF LINFIELD ATHLETICS
MEET THE LINFIELD WOMEN
Back row (l to r): Laurel Quinn, Miki Vermeulen, Jadyn Harrell, Gillyan Landis, Tana Hoekema, Natalie Rosetti, Madison Barter, Jordan Roberts. Front row: Eve Burke, Allie Mead, Ella Koebelin, Manager Halliday Hubbard, Head Coach Casey Bunn-Wilson, Assistant Coach Jeremy Vandenboer, Amelia Solt, Jayden Ray, Lauren Buchanan.
THE LINFIELD WOMEN
MANAGED IT SERVICES
LINFIELD VERSUS WARNER PACIFIC game PREVIEW
Safely
THE RECORDS
Linfield is off to its best start in program history at 7-0 and the Wildcats have shown resilience, dominance and poise throughout the historic start. Warner Pacific enters the week 3-4 and on the losing side of three straight competitions. The Knights face George Fox on Tuesday before Saturday’s matchup with Linfield.
LINFIELD AT A GLANCE
The Wildcats lead the NWC in three point field goal percentage (33.3%), free throw percentage (79%), rebound margin (13.6) and blocked shots (4.29). Linfield’s hot start has been largely a group effort as the team is averaging 68.7 points per game on 14.1 assists. Gillyan Landis and Eve Burke lead the scoring efforts at 14.1 and 13.6 points per game, respectively. Allie Mead has been the key distributor for Linfield with 29 assists on the season. Miki Vermeulen has been Linfield’s utility player averaging 8.9 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.9 assists while also tallying 12 blocks and five steals.
WARNER PACIFIC AT A GLANCE
The Knights’ two-headed attack of Amalya Sales and Skylar Groesbeck lead the offense with 10.9 and 10.4 points per game. Alexa Mee anchors the defense with a team-high five blocks and also has five steals on the season. McKeeley Tonkin is a crucial distributor of the ball, totaling 19 assists. Alex Saunders has also contributed nicely with 8.3 points. Warner Pacific is averaging 59.9 points as a team while allowing opponents 61 points per contest.
SERIES HISTORY
Linfield trails Warner Pacific 11-14 in the all-time series and aims to close the gap at home tonight at home where the Wildcats hold a 5-8 record against the Knights. In last year’s matchup in Portland, Linfield emerged victorious by an 80-70 count.
25 tana hoekema
LINFIELD WOMEN
WARNER PACIFIC WOMEN
NORTHWEST CONFERENCE
women’s basketball STANDINGS
MEN’S COACH LEVI SIEG
Levi Sieg is in his second year as head men’s basketball coach at Linfield.
Sieg came to Linfield from Southern California, where he spent 15 years as a member of the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps coaching staff, rising from assistant coach to associate head coach during his tenure. At CMS, he helped lead the Stags to seven Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championships, the most recent one coming in 2018.
A native of Monmouth, Oregon, Sieg returns to the Willamette Valley after residing in Southern California for nearly 30 years.
Seig attended Claremont McKenna College and played four seasons of basketball, graduating in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in economics.
Following graduation, Sieg worked with Pacific Finance Group for 2½ years before enrolling in the Claremont Graduate University and earning a master’s degree in education and a California teaching credential. He completed a second master’s degree in coaching and athletic administration from Concordia University in Irvine in 2011.
Prior to his arrival at Linfield, Sieg taught economics and government at Claremont High School for 20 years. During the 2003-04 school year, he served as assistant boys basketball coach at CHS before being promoted to head coach in 2004. He led the Wolfpack to the CIF Southern Section Playoffs each year. Sieg joined the CMS coaching staff in time for the 2007-08 academic year.
Levi and his wife Natalie are raising three sons: Mason, Clayton and Nash.
MEET THE LINFIELD MEN
Back row (l to r): Head Coach Levi Sieg, Max Jahala, Jake Downing, Cayden Lowenbach, Garrett Callsen, Logan Morrill, Gavin Perdue, Jack Treasure, Percy Whittaker III, Assistant Coach Bo Pinkerton. Front row: Lucca Hart, Dayton Magana, Josh Ryan, Jack Greenwood, Chase Bennett, Breyan Kelly, Cade Collins, Zach Luz.
MEET THE LINFIELD MEN
A Heritage of Confident Service
Macy & Son is in the business of helping people and meeting the individual needs of McMinnville area families for five generations.
jake downing | 0 6-4 | Senior | Guard Seattle, Washington
jack greenwood | 2 5-11 | Senior | Guard San Rafael, California
josh ryan | 4
6-2 | Senior | Guard Rancho Cucamonga, California
chase bennett | 1 5-10 | Junior | Guard Moraga, California
Donovan Johnson | 5
6-0 | Junior | Guard Antelope, California
Max Juhala| 15
6-5 | Freshman | Guard West Linn, Oregon
lucca hart | 11
6-2 | Sophomore | Guard Nipomo, California
breyan kelly | 10
6-2 | Sophomore | Guard Sherwood, Oregon
jack treasure| 23
6-3 | Freshman | Guard Scottsdale, California
zach luz | 12
6-1 | Freshman | Guard Des Moines, Washington
cayden lowenbach | 24
6-6 | Senior | Forward Prineville, Oregon
garrett callsen | 50
6-6 | Sophomore | Guard Stayton, Oregon
Todd Moore Assistant Coach Second Year
dayton Magana | 3
5-7 | Junior | Guard Modesto, California
percy whittaker iii| 14
6-3 | Freshman | Guard Chula Vista, California
Levi Seig Head Coach Second Year
Gavin perdue | 21
6-6 | Forward | Guard Vancouver, Washington
logan morrill | 44
6-9 | Junior | Forward Astoria, Oregon
Bo Pinkerton Assistant Coach First Year
cade collins| 30
6-0 | Sophomore | Guard Beaverton, Oregon
LINFIELD MEN
WARNER PACIFIC MEN
LINFIELD VERSUS WARNER PACIFIC
The Wildcats snapped a three-game losing streak last week against Portland Bible, winning 91-42. The victory advances Linfield’s record to 2-5 on the season with just two games remaining before Northwest Conference play tips off. Warner Pacific enters the week 4-3 after starting the season 4-0 and aims to turn the tide in its final game before conference play.
The Wildcats are averaging 76.1 points per game while allowing 80.7 to opponents. Cade Collins ranks inside the top 12 in the conference in points at 12.9 per contest while also leading the team in steals with 13. Cayden Lowenbach has been the inside presence for Linfield, averaging 4.9 rebounds and totaling six blocks on the season, leading the team in both categories. Dayton Magaña, a junior transfer, has provided a nice scoring
The Knights feature an efficient offense, spearheaded by Matt Solomon’s 18.7 points per outing and Terrin Dickey adding another 12.9. On the season, Warner Pacific is shooting 45.9% from the field and 32.3% from behind the arc. Tre’von Carson is a menace on the defensive side of the ball with 18 steals on the year to go along with 7.6 rebounds, a team high. Collin Oestereich has proven to be a threat inside, shooting the ball at
Linfield holds a 22-16 series advantage over the Knights while also boasting a 13-6 record at home. In a matchup in Portland
2 jack greenwood
Banking at Embold gets to the punt.
NORTHWEST CONFERENCE
men’s basketball STANDINGS
THE TOPCAT CLUB
The Linfield University TopCat Club serves as a support organization to the 21 NCAA Division III varsity sports teams and the more than 500 students who participate in athletics each year. Each year, support from the TopCat Club is essential to maintaining and expanding each of these programs.
The mission of the TopCat Club is to provide students with an outstanding athletic and academic experience and to strengthen the overall competitiveness of the overall Linfield athletics program.
At Linfield, we continually strive to improve programs and facilities so that our teams may compete at the highest level. Roughly 75 percent of the athletic department’s annual operating budget comes from the university’s general fund. The remainder is generated through a wide variety of external sources, including annual gifts to the Linfield TopCat Club.
To learn more about giving opportunities, please visit the TopCat Club website at www.linfieldtopcat.com.
LINFIELD DANCE
alyssa catalani
kleary brown sophia bennett
kaley cloutier sophie buhler mattie dodge
kayley dombrigues yesenia esquivel
bella hollamon
isebelle henry-sullivan
cynthia gonzales-rubio
ava hoffman
sophie cornwall
kalysa dombrigues
abby labuhn
grace lian
Audri Rouse
mallory hollandcharlotte ingalls
zaira ramirez merecias
Olivia Welsh
sophia kanso
hannah johnston
coach gina regalado
Ryan Wahlstrom
Savannah Smith
mack the wildcat
jada utberg
LINFIELD CHEER
shaylee dukes
grace chrstiansen
Rylee Black
miki dunham
taylor douthit
mary ebenezer
Taetum Lynn Kalani
madi hardy
lizzy olivan savannah michaelson gabby louis
shaelynn silva ang serna-andradae
ashley dunn
deiana gutwig
mia perez
daylett vazques-oseguera
ava vallencourt
marissa valdivieso
hannah wilken
elizabeth vasquez
jess wright georgia white-house
coach kristen regalado
LINFIELD SPORTS NETWORK
follow the ’cats home and away via live stream
The Linfield Sports Network will again bring fans live action of all home Linfield basketball games during 2024-25. Fans can enjoy live video webcasts with play-by-play commentary on their computer, tablet, mobile device or smart TV. Live coverage begins 15 minutes prior to the start of each game. Broadcasts include a complete postgame wrap-up with analysis and statistical breakdown. Linfield will also provide live audio-only webcasts of all of the Wildcats’ Northwest Conference road contests.
McMinnville native Joe Stuart begins his sixth season as the play-byplay voice of the basketball Wildcats. The 2020 Linfield graduate is the Athletics Broadcast Operations Coordinator, managing all aspects of Linfield’s webcasting outreach and handling lead play-by-play duties on Linfield football, baseball and softball webcasts in addition to basketball. Stuart also assists with other external sports communications and social media needs.
All LSN broadcasts, both live and on demand, can be accessed at golinfieldwildcats.com/watch or in the Linfield Athletics app on mobile, tablet or smart TVs.
ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME
The Linfield Athletics Hall of Fame is regarded as one of the most impressive athletic showcases in NCAA Division III
The Linfield Athletics Hall of Fame, sponsored by Pacific Office Automation, was established in 1998 as an means to honor former outstanding athletes, coaches, staff and contributors and to preserve the memory of their past achievements.
A new class of inductees is honored at the Hall of Fame Banquet each fall. Inductees are chosen from a list of submitted nominations and voted upon by the Hall of Fame Executive and Selection Committees. The 20-member panel is made up of current and former staff members, past inductees, a member of the media, and a former athlete representing each of the preceding six decades.
Nominations may be submitted by any interested person but must be submitted in writing using an official nomination form. Hall of Fame nominations are considered in any one of six categories: Athlete, Coach, Team, Athletics Staff, and Meritorious Service. Nominations must be accompanied by appropriate background information. Nominations are now accepted online. The deadline to submit nominations each year is March 1.
Athletes, through athletic achievement, must have brought distinction and honor to themselves, to Linfield University and to its intercollegiate program. Athletes are eligible for induction 10 years following their graduation class. Coaches, athletic administrators, or athletic staff members must have served on the staff for at least 10 years. At the time of induction, they must no longer be active in that position. Individual non-athletes, who in some manner have made extraordinary contributions to the success of the intercollegiate athletic program, may be considered for a meritorious service award. Eligibility of teams is based upon exceptional accomplishment at and above the conference level, with the team ranking among the nation’s elite.
Housed within the Paul Durham Lobby and Foyer, the Linfield Athletics Hall of Fame and Hall of Champions is regarded as one of the most impressive athletic showcases of any NCAA Division III program in the country. Matching 55-inch touch-screen monitors chronicle the expansive array of Hall of Fame inductees. Visitors to the Hall of Fame can read details about each inductee as well as search by name, sport, classification and year of induction. The electronic displays provide access to summaries of every national champion, both team and individual, plus listings of major award winners.
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LINFIELD NEWS
The University announced Dec. 5 the naming of Mark Blegen as the instutition’s 21st President, succeeding Becky Johnson
Dr. Mark Blegen will become Linfield University’s next president July 1, 2025, the Board of Trustees announced on December 5. He will assume leadership from interim president Rebecca “Becky” Johnson.
Blegen is currently serving as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Carroll University, a 3,300-student liberal arts university in Waukesha, Wisconsin. At Carroll, he oversaw a $40 million academic affairs budget, took part in comprehensive fundraising campaigns and played a key role in creating and implementing inclusive hiring practices for faculty and staff.
Under his leadership, Carroll launched its first Ph.D. program, expanded master’s-level offerings and partnered with a high school in downtown Milwaukee to offer an on-site associate degree program, Carroll University’s first. The associate degree in nursing (ADN) focuses on educating and developing bilingual nurses.
Previously, Blegen held posts at St. Catherine University in Minnesota. He served as associate dean, then dean of health sciences at the Henrietta Schmoll School of Health Sciences and chaired the Department of Nutrition and Exercise Science. He began his academic career teaching as an assistant professor at Mount Union College and Springfield College.
Blegen holds a doctorate in exercise physiology from Kent State University, a master’s degree in exercise physiology from St. Cloud University and a Bachelor of Arts in sports science with a sports medicine focus from St. Olaf College.
The announcement comes after a 10-month search co-chaired by trustees Kirby Dyess ’68 and Marvin Henberg. The 16-member committee included students, alumni, faculty and staff, and was assisted by AGB Search. Four candidates visited both campuses in November for open forums.
In a joint statement, Dyess and Henberg said the committee was delighted by the quality of candidates and Blegen’s selection.
“Dr. Mark Blegen is an ideal fit as president of Linfield University. As provost at Carroll University, he added significantly to both undergraduate and graduate enrollment by devoting resources to new programs such as aviation and drone science and video game design. He developed several new programs across the health sciences while expanding existing curricula in that area. Carroll will shortly add engineering,” they said. “We have confidence that Mark will hit the ground running in McMinnville and Portland to work with faculty and staff in similarly pioneering innovative programs that suit Linfield students in furthering their successful futures and careers.”
Blegen will take the helm from interim president Rebecca “Becky” Johnson, who has served in the role since January. Linfield’s 20th president, Miles K. Davis, departed in December 2023.
“I am honored to join Linfield at this exciting time. There are so many wonderful things happening, and the stage is set for even more,” he said. “Linfield University is truly a community, which I felt the moment I stepped on campus. I am incredibly excited to become a part of, and to collaboratively lead, this historic institution.”
