WELCOME TO LINFIELD UNIVERSITY
ATHLETIC
Scott Brosius
EVENT MANAGER
Casey Powell
COMMUNICATIONS
Conner Jensen, Kelly Bird
STATISTICS
Kira Hawaaboo, Emerson Teller
SCOREBOARD
Joaquin Rameriz-Dod
Dakota Westfall, Maya Wright
PUBLIC ADDRESS
Ericson Teller
VIDEO WEBCASTS
Joe Stuart, Eric Albios, Joel Nelson
OFFICIAL SCORER
Halliday Hubbard
EVENT PROGRAM
Kelly Bird, Conner Jensen, Felipe Unker, Kellen Wiggins
WILDCAT SPOTLIGHT
no substitute for hard work
Following the example set forth by his father and hometown, Cayden Lowenbach relies on hard work to overcome adversity
by kellen wiggins ’28
Cayden Lowenbach began his basketball career at an early age, inspired by his father, Jeff, a coach and school teacher who taught his son a passion for the game and a strong work ethic.
Cayden gained valuable life lessons of hard work and resilience, lessons that helped him overcome challenges, including a serious ankle injury before his first year at Linfield University Since then, the Wildcats’ 6-foot-6 forward has developed as a leader on and off the court. He look to have an outstanding final season, at the same time preparing himself to pursue graduate school in exercise physiology.
Cayden was raised in the small central Oregon town of Prineville, population 10,500, about a three-and-a-half-hour drive from McMinnville. He takes pride in where he is from, a region that respects those who are willing to always give their best ef
“Growing up in Prineville, I learned that hard work will take you far and people respect hard work more than anything else.”
He has had a deep passion for basketball. Jeff introduced young Cayden to basketball and it has since become a big part of his life.
“I got into basketball because my dad was a coach. I was always around it as a kid,” he says. “When I began playing around 5 years old, I just really enjoyed it.”
While Cayden has grown to have a deep appreciation for the sport, he has also drawn valuable life lessons from it. He knew he was blessed with natural ability but wanted to gain every advantage to be the best player and teammate he could be. This mindset taught him the willingness to work hard.
Throughout his time playing, he also learned how to be an impactful leader and communicate with others to achieve common goals.
“Hard work, communication skills and leadership are all areas that I see translating the most to my life outside of basketball.” While Jeff instilled the passion for basketball that Cayden enjoys today, Jeff also serves as Cayden’s foremost role model.
From an early age, Cayden was inspired by Jeff’s ability to get the most out of his players and students. Cayden took the lessons learned by watching his dad’s interactions and applied them to his own life. Many of those traits can be seen through his significant impact on the Linfield men’s
“My biggest role model is my dad,” he says. “As a teacher and a coach, he works so hard to help other people reach their goals and potential.”
The summer prior to Cayden’s freshman season at Linfield, major adversity struck when he suffered a dislocated ankle. Because of the injury, Cayden could not play basketball for four months. Getting a late start to his college career was a big hurdle to overcome. But the injury did not prevent him from relying on the strong work ethic he learned growing up, helping him return to enjoying the
“I overcame the adversity with the help and support of my friends and family as well as working hard throughout the rehab process,” he says, looking back on his injury. “It taught me that I can bounce back and recover from adverse situations.”
Cayden is an exercise science major at Linfield. Using the education he has gained while at Linfield, he plans to attend graduate school to earn a master’s degree in exercise
He ultimately plans to pursue a career in strength coaching and research. Cayden is intrigued by a possible career at the collegiate level, but is open to other professional avenues as well. Which school he will end up attending for graduate studies remains up in the air, but is he interested in Northern Colorado among several others.
On and off the court, Cayden Lowenbach knows what it takes to be successful. He knows that no matter which road he takes, his work ethic will lead him to special
OUTLAST OUTLIVE
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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.
LINFIELD VERSUS WILLAMETTE game PREVIEW
Safely
11 Natalie Rosetti
THE RECORDS
After a two-game road trip to Tacoma, Linfield (11-2, 2-2 NWC) Linfield finds itself in fourth place of the conference standings and hopes to continue building on its solid start to the season. Willamette (5-8, 2-2 NWC) is hungry to snap a two-game losing skid and shares fourth place with Linfield in the standings.
LINFIELD AT A GLANCE
Starting NWC play at 2-2, Linfield ranks second in scoring margin, winning games by an average of 11.5 points. The Wildcats also rank second in field goal percentage (44.2%) and three-point percentage (33.7%). Senior Gillyan Landis captains the Linfield offense with 12.4 points while guard Eve Burke adds 11.6. Miki Vermeulen stands out with her ability to play anywhere on the court. She averages 10 points, 7.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists. Allie Mead is the top distributor for Linfield with 4.2 assist per game and is a lockdown defender, tallying 32 steals on the season.
WILLAMETTE AT A GLANCE
Willamette’s elite three-point shooting has helped its offense put up high scoring numbers this season as the Bearcats rank first in made three-pointers (8.3) and third in three-point percentage (31.7%). Kaitlin Imai spearheads the offense, putting up 14.8 points, good for fourth place in the NWC. Her efforts are complemented by Elyse Waldal’s 14.4 points and 4.5 rebounds. Defensively, Gio Horner leads the way with 2.1 steals and Daisy Boling-Schmidt registers with eight blocks on the season.
SERIES HISTORY
The Wildcats hold a tight lead in the series, 42-40, with Linfield winning the most recent matchup a season ago. Linfield also owns a commanding 27-13 advantage all-time against Willamette in Ted Wilson Gymnasium.
LINFIELD WOMEN
WILLAMETTE WOMEN
NORTHWEST CONFERENCE
women’s basketball STANDINGS
32 gillyan landis
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
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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
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
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
WILLAMETTE MEN
LINFIELD VERSUS WILLAMETTE
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
chase bennett
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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