The independent, student-run news site of Eastern Washington University.

The Easterner
The independent, student-run news site of Eastern Washington University.

The Easterner
The independent, student-run news site of Eastern Washington University.

The Easterner

Drew Lawson, Sports Editor/Co Managing Editor

All content by Drew Lawson
Mason Peatling graduated Big Sky MVP and conference champion.

Senior feature: How steady Mason Peatling turned into Big Sky MVP Mason Peatling

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
June 11, 2020
Highs and lows from an eventful year of EWU athletics

Highs and lows from an eventful year of EWU athletics

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
June 8, 2020
The process of replacing the turf at Roos Field has begun.

Roos Field renovation under way as work to replace turf begins

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
June 5, 2020

UPDATED: Fall sports filled with uncertainty at EWU

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
May 25, 2020
Laying the Law: The worst movie I've ever seen (multiple times)

Laying the Law: The worst movie I’ve ever seen (multiple times)

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
May 17, 2020
Editorial: Special senior issue well under way

Editorial: Special senior issue well under way

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
May 13, 2020

Campus Rec finds new ways to get students involved

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
May 11, 2020

EWU announces first positive COVID-19 case amongst campus community

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
May 8, 2020
Editorial: A pandemic is still happening ... what's the fall-out?

Editorial: A pandemic is still happening … what’s the fall-out?

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
May 6, 2020

EWU coaches adjust to pandemic-style recruiting: Part three of a three-part series

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
May 6, 2020
EWU head coach Shantay Legans gives instruction during EWU's 74-71 loss to Idaho Thursday. Legans was largely unhappy with EWU's effort in the game on February 14th, 2020.

EWU coaches adjust to pandemic-style recruiting: Part two of a three-part series

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
May 5, 2020
Editorial: The Easterner will partner with MarCom to help honor graduates

Editorial: The Easterner will partner with MarCom to help honor graduates

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
April 29, 2020
EWU players take the field during the 2019 season. As of press time, no EWU players had signed a UDFA contract or been invited to a rookie minicamp with an NFL team.

Laying the Law-COVID-19 didn’t do small school football players any favors

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
April 28, 2020
Editorial: Recapping the past week (in case you lost track of the days)

Editorial: Recapping the past week (in case you lost track of the days)

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
April 23, 2020
Editorial: We're still inside, but sun provides hope for the future

Editorial: We’re still inside, but sun provides hope for the future

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
April 15, 2020
EWU seniors in spring sports, including Madalyn Ardueser of the golf team and Mikayel Kachatryan of the men's tennis team, saw their final seasons at EWU come to an abrupt end this year.

EWU spring seniors face decision regarding a return

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
April 14, 2020
Editorial: Another quarter, another Easterner adjustment

Editorial: Another quarter, another Easterner adjustment

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
April 8, 2020
EWU freshman long snapper James Durr.

EWU football player charged with identity theft, making false statement to police

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
March 9, 2020
The EWU men's basketball team celebrates its Big Sky regular season title. EWU clinched the title with a 78-69 victory over Weber State Saturday.

EWU wins outright regular season Big Sky Championship for second time in school history

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
March 7, 2020
EWU junior guard Jacob Davison launches a three. Davison led EWU with 23 points Thursday.

EWU clinches share of Big Sky title with win over Idaho State

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
March 5, 2020
EWU senior forward Mason Peatling goes up for a putback layup. Peatling scored 27 points and grabbed 15 rebounds in EWU's 80-70 win over NAU Saturday.

EWU knocks off Northern Arizona behind another Peatling double-double

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
February 22, 2020
EWU sophomore guard/forward Kim Aiken Jr. feeds the post. Aiken had 16 points and six rebounds in EWU's 77-76 win over Sac State Thursday.

EWU tops Sac State despite tumultuous second half

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
February 21, 2020
EWU junior guard Jacob Davison attempts a free throw that would give him 1,000 points for his career. Davison scored 21 points in EWU's 74-71 loss to Idaho Thursday.

EWU digs large hole, can’t come back against last-place Idaho

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
February 14, 2020
EWU sophomore forward Tanner Groves boxes out for a rebound. Groves scored 16 points in EWU's 74-45 win over MSU Saturday.

EWU bounces back with win over Montana State

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
February 8, 2020
EWU sophomore center Bella Cravens looks to make a move on Feb. 3 versus NAU. Cravens had 11 points and 10 rebounds in EWU's 77-56 loss to UM Thursday.

Eagles fall to Lady Griz as losing streak hits 10

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
February 6, 2020
EWU junior guard Jacob Davison attacks the perimeter. Davison scored 20 points in EWU's 89-84 victory over Northern Colorado Monday.

EWU knocks off Northern Colorado for another overtime victory

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
January 27, 2020
EWU senior forward Mason Peatling ducks in for a layup. Peatling scored 30 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in EWU's 81-78 victory over Southern Utah Saturday.

EWU comes back in regulation, hangs on in overtime to top Southern Utah

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
January 25, 2020
David Evjen (No. 5) competes for the Colombian National Team. Evjen played for the team for two years.

Evjen takes unexpected journey to becoming EWU’s first sanctioned wheelchair basketball coach

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
January 21, 2020

Eagles thumped by Griz in disappointing home loss

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
January 9, 2020
EWU true freshman point guard Ellis Magnuson directs the offense. Magnuson leads the Big Sky Conference in assists per game.

Magnuson puts in the work and dishes the rock

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
January 8, 2020
EWU sophomore guard/forward Kim Aiken Jr. shoots a jump shot over a Montana defender. UM returns to Reese Court Thursday for an important Big Sky Conference matchup.

Eags take on Griz in important Reese Court showdown

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
January 8, 2020
EWU junior guard Jacob Davison attacks the basket. Davison scored 26 points in EWU's 71-69 victory over PSU Saturday.

EWU hangs on to beat PSU behind trio of big performances

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
January 4, 2020
EWU sophomore guard/forward Kim Aiken Jr. looks to make a move against Gonzaga's Killian Tillie. Aiken scored 11 points in EWU's 112-77 loss Saturday.

Bulldogs too much for Eagles in rout at The Kennel

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
December 23, 2019
EWU sophomore guard/forward Kim Aiken Jr. shoots a fadeaway jumper. Aiken recorded his seventh double-double of the season Tuesday against Omaha.

EWU stays hot at home in high-scoring blowout over Omaha

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
December 18, 2019
EWU junior guard Jacob Davison drives to the hoop for a layup. Davison scored 39 points Sunday, two away from tying his career-high.

Davison has big night as EWU pulls away from North Dakota

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
December 9, 2019
EWU freshman guard Jenna Dick looks to pass to the post. Dick got the start at point guard Sunday and responded by scoring a career-high 17 points.

EWU enters win column with victory over Northwest Christian

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
December 9, 2019
EWU sophomore guard/foward Kim Aiken Jr. attempts a jump shot. Aiken had 11 points and 11 rebounds in EWU's 87-82 victory over Belmont Tuesday.

Balanced attack leads EWU to big win over Belmont

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
November 26, 2019

EWU falls to Zags in The Kennel for fourth straight loss

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
November 23, 2019
EWU junior guard Jacob Davison soars in for a dunk. Davison led all scorers with 15 points in EWUs 107-25 victory over Portland Bible College Tuesday.

EWU soars to victory in season opener

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
November 8, 2019
EWU senior running back Antoine Custer Jr. cuts upfield. Custer had 139 rushing yards and three touchdowns in EWU's 66-38 win over NAU Saturday.

Eagle offense hums in win over NAU

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
November 2, 2019
EWU junior outside hitter MaKenna Davis prepares to serve during the Eagles' 3-1 loss to Weber State Saturday.

Volleyball loses to Weber State

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
October 26, 2019

Second half unraveling spells another EWU road loss

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
October 26, 2019
EWU heads to Missoula for crucial rivalry bout

EWU heads to Missoula for crucial rivalry bout

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
October 25, 2019
EWU sophomore forward Sariah Keister attacks the ball. Keister scored her sixth goal of the season in EWU's 2-0 win over NAU Sunday.

Soccer pitches fourth straight shutout on Senior Day

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
October 21, 2019
EWU and NAU volley back and forth. EWU lost to NAU in four sets on Oct. 19, 2019.

Volleyball falls to NAU in four sets

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
October 21, 2019
EWU senior forward Brooke Dunbar chases the ball along the sideline. Dunbar scored her fourth goal of the season during EWU's 3-0 victory over Southern Utah on Oct. 18.

Soccer wins fourth straight conference game

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
October 21, 2019
Freshman Nicoletta Capizzi raises her hand triumphantly. EWU broke a 14-match losing streak by beating the Southern Utah Thunderbirds (4-3, 11-8) in a back-and-forth five set match.

Volleyball snaps lengthy conference skid

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
October 18, 2019
EWU junior wide receiver Talolo Limu-Jones celebrates a touchdown. Limu-Jones had a career-high three touchdowns in EWU's 54-21 victory over Northern Colorado Saturday.

EWU decimates Northern Colorado in Homecoming onslaught

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
October 13, 2019
EWU senior running back Antoine Custer Jr. stiff-arms a defender during the Eagles' 35-20 victory over North Dakota on Sept. 28. Custer leads EWU in rushing this season.

EWU looks to turn the tide during Homecoming

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
October 12, 2019
Larry Weir, the radio voice of EWU football and men's basketball.

Q & A with EWU football radio announcer Larry Weir

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
October 11, 2019
EWU junior quarterback Eric Barriere walks onto the field on Sept. 7. Barriere missed five offensive series in EWU's 48-27 loss at Sac State Saturday.

Road woes continue for EWU in Sacramento

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
October 6, 2019
EWU takes the field in snowy and windy conditions. EWU beat UND 35-20 Saturday.

EWU grinds out win over North Dakota

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
September 28, 2019
EWU freshman middle blocker Nicoletta Capizzi (middle) goes airborne during the Eagles' loss to PSU Friday.

Volleyball loses 10th straight match

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
September 27, 2019
EWU and UNC players fight for the ball during the two teams' 1-1 draw Friday.

EWU soccer calls it a draw in conference opener

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
September 27, 2019
The EWU sideline looks on as Idaho marches down the field during EWU's 35-27 loss in Moscow on Sept. 21.

Struggling Eagles host North Dakota in Big Sky Conference opener

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
September 27, 2019
The EWU offense watches from the sidelines during the fourth quarter of Idaho's 35-27 upset victory over the Eagles Saturday.

Disastrous first half dooms EWU

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
September 21, 2019
EWU takes the field for its home opener against Lindenwood on Sept. 7. EWU won the game 59-31.

EWU wraps up nonconference play with conference rival Vandals

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
September 19, 2019
EWU junior QB Eric Barriere scrambles during EWU's game against Lindenwood on Sept. 7. Barriere threw for five touchdowns but had two key interceptions in EWU's Sept. 14 loss at Jacksonville State.

EWU loses big lead, falls at Jacksonville State

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
September 14, 2019
EWU takes the field prior to its 59-31 victory over Lindenwood Sept. 7. EWU takes on Jacksonville State on Sept. 14.

Trip down South should test EWU football team

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
September 12, 2019
Senior wide receiver Dre Dorton breaks away for a 78-yard touchdown on EWU's first play from scrimmage Saturday. Dorton broke Cooper Kupp's school record for receiving yards in a game with 289.

Dorton, EWU offense set records in victory over Lindenwood

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
September 7, 2019
The EWU football team huddles before its season opener against Washington. EWU lost 47-14.

EWU seeks red-emption in home opener

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
September 5, 2019

Eagles thrashed by Huskies in football opener

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
August 31, 2019
The EWU football team enters Roos Field on Oct. 6, 2018 before a victory over Southern Utah.

Eagles fly west to kick off season

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
August 28, 2019

Two EWU football players shot in downtown Spokane

By Drew Lawson, Sports Editor
July 13, 2019
Dehonta Hayes, redshirt junior safety, poses for The Easterner's first student-athlete of the year award. “I’m more than just a football player," Hayes said. "I care about this school, this community and the people who go to this school.”

Student-athlete of the year: Dehonta Hayes

By Drew Lawson, Reporter
June 5, 2019
Senior Larry Still has battled through adversity to become EWU's top pole vaulter. At the 47 Pueller Invitational he set the school record vault of 17-feet-6.5-inches.

EWU vaulter Larry Still reaches new heights in the pole vault

By Drew Lawson, Reporter
May 13, 2019
Thousands make their way through downtown Spokane on Sunday as a part of the 43rd annual Bloomsday.

Bloomsday brings out EWU track and field members

By Drew Lawson, Reporter
May 6, 2019
Sophomore Zoey Nelson swings at the Big Sky Conference championships on April 25. EWU lost to Southern Utah in the first round of the tournament 4-3.

EWU women’s tennis falls in first round of conference tournament

By Drew Lawson, Reporter
May 1, 2019
Senior wide receiver Jayson Williams earned the Red-White game's MVP award after catching four passes for 67 yards and two touchdowns.

EWU concludes spring camp with annual Red-White game

By Drew Lawson, Reporter
April 28, 2019
EWU Athletics' summer camps connect future students with teams' staff and players

EWU Athletics’ summer camps connect future students with teams’ staff and players

By Drew Lawson, Reporter
April 25, 2019
Sophomore Zoey Nelson swings at practice on April 20. Nelson finished conference play with a 5-1 record in No. 3 singles and a 7-2 record in No. 2 doubles with partner freshman Louise Waite.

EWU women’s tennis enters Big Sky championships with all-time best conference record

By Drew Lawson, Reporter
April 25, 2019
EWU police officer Greg Karlis talks to Keith Darrell outside the PUB. Darrell was on campus to preach to students about religion.

[Photo] Preacher Keith Darrell returns to EWU campus

By Jeremy Burnham, Managing Editor
April 24, 2019
Basketball is a part of Spokane's culture. Successful programs at Gonzaga and Hoopfest—the world's largest 3-on-3 tournament fuel the city's love for the game.

EWU basketball players and coaches explain Spokane’s basketball culture

By Drew Lawson, Reporter
April 14, 2019
Rain steadily poured down onto Roos Field at the 47th annual Puller Invitational on Saturday. Wind gusts reached as high as 26 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

EWU track and field dominates Pelluer Invitational amid rough weather conditions

By Drew Lawson, Reporter
April 13, 2019
Then-junior forward Saige Lyons shakes off a Weber State defender on Oct. 12, 2018. Lyons scored three goals on 30 shots last year.

EWU soccer sports new faces in spring lineup

By Drew Lawson, Reporter
April 10, 2019
Sophomore distance runner Issac Barville leads the pack in the 1,500-meter run at the WAR XII on April 6. Barville finished the race first overall with a time of 3:50.62.

EWU’s Barville battles injuries, but is in for the long haul

By Drew Lawson, Reporter
April 7, 2019

Monthly roundup podcast (March)

By Jeremy Burnham, Dylan Harris, and Drew Lawson
April 7, 2019
Senior saxophone player Nicholas Walsh performs with Code Red at a basketball game on Feb. 28 2019. During games band members typically taunt opposing teams, including yelling "50% is still failing" every time a player makes one-of-two free throw attempts.

EWU’s band trumpets spirit for sports

By Drew Lawson, Reporter
April 5, 2019
Left: Freshman pitcher Cassidy Kennedy hits ground balls at practice. Right: Baseball club president Jake Richards steps onto a mound during practice. The softball and baseball clubs practiced in the field house in the winter, while the snow was on the ground in preparation for their spring seasons.

EWU baseball and softball clubs keep hardball spirit alive

By Drew Lawson, Reporter
April 5, 2019
Senior forward Amira Chandler plays defense against Portland State on Jan. 24. The Eagles lost to the Vikings three times this year, including the 61-59 result in the tournament championship game on Friday.

EWU women’s basketball falls to Portland State in Big Sky Tournament championship

By Drew Lawson, Reporter
March 15, 2019
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, after in bounding the ball off of a defender on Wednesday.

EWU backed out of a corner by game-winner to make Big Sky tournament championship

By Drew Lawson, Reporter
March 13, 2019
EWU's women athletes discuss gender equality and their experience playing sports

EWU’s women athletes discuss gender equality and their experience playing sports

By Drew Lawson, Reporter
March 13, 2019

Eagles fall to Weber State on senior day, face rematch against Wildcats to open Big Sky Tournament

By Drew Lawson, Reporter
March 9, 2019
Junior forward Uriah Howard pushes off on an Idaho State defender in EWU's 74-45 loss on Thursday. The loss guaranteed the Eagles the No. 6 seed in the upcoming Big Sky Conference Tournament.

EWU women’s hoops tie season low in defeat to Idaho State

By Drew Lawson, Reporter
March 7, 2019
The 1987 EWU women's basketball team poses for a team photo. The team was coached by Bill Smithpeters (back left), who was inducted into the EWU Hall of Fame in 2010. The team as a whole was inducted into the EWU Hall of Fame in 2013, and are the only EWU women's basketball team to make the NCAA Tournament.

EWU’s 1987 women’s basketball team set the mark for the program’s success

By Drew Lawson, Reporter
March 6, 2019
The Eagles' defense gets ready for a third down play in the FCS national championship game in Frisco, Texas, on Jan. 5. EWU athletics spent $169,802 on travel expenses to the game according to a presentation given by Athletic Director Lynn Hickey at the Board of Trustees meeting on Feb. 22.

EWU Board of Trustees focus on football playoff budget during meeting

By Drew Lawson, Reporter
February 27, 2019
Senior Dominique Butler competes in the triple jump during the Candy Cane XI Invitational at the EWU Fieldhouse on Nov. 30. Butler set two records at the Big Sky indoor championships last weekend in the pentathlon and triple jump. Her 39-foot-7-inch effort in the triple jump earned her third place in the competition.

Butler serves up EWU records at indoor championships

By Drew Lawson, Reporter
February 27, 2019
Junior forward Leya DePriest celebrates a 3-pointer in the Eagles' 81-76 win over Northern Arizona on Saturday. EWU made a season high 13 3-pointers in the victory.

Eagles’ 3-point scoring lifts them over Lumberjacks

By Drew Lawson, Reporter
February 23, 2019
Senior guard Karpi Morrow guides the offense in EWU's 80-66 win over Southern Utah on Thursday. Morrow had a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Bench and back-court boost Eagles over Thunderbirds

By Drew Lawson, Reporter
February 21, 2019
Senior Samantha Raines practices her vaults during outdoor season last year. Raines placed sixth in the Big Sky Conference outdoor championships last year, and was one of three Eagles to finish in the top six. Now Raines is ranked No. 2 in the pole vault for the BSC indoor season with senior teammate Liz Prouty ranked No. 1.

Women’s vaulters raise the bar

By Drew Lawson, Reporter
February 20, 2019
Discover Pass sign at Fish Lake in the parking lot of the Columbia Plateau State Park trailhead. Discover Passes will soon be available to be reserved from Spokane County public libraries, along with other recreational equipment.

Discover Washington state parks

By Drew Lawson, Reporter
February 20, 2019
The Eagles look on in shock as Idaho's final 3-point basket is counted during Monday's 75-74 loss. The final shot was released after the final horn had sounded, but the play clock was ruled to be started early and after review the 3-pointer was counted.

Eagles stunned by Vandals in controversial finish

By Drew Lawson, Reporter
February 18, 2019
Senior forward Alissa Sealby takes the court as the starting five is announced against Montana on Feb. 9. Sealby was second on the team with eight points in the Eagles' 67-64 win over the Grizzlies.

Sealby sets the standard

By Drew Lawson, Reporter
February 17, 2019

Monthly roundup podcast (January)

By Jeremy Burnham, Taylor Newquist, Michael Brock, and Drew Lawson
February 11, 2019
The EWU bench cheers on the team in Saturday's win over Montana. The Eagles picked up their first Big Sky home win of the year in the game.

Women complete regular season sweep of Montana

By Drew Lawson, Reporter
February 9, 2019
Senior forward Alissa Sealby watches a shot in the Eagles' 61-47 loss to Montana State on Thursday. Sealby shot 3-13 from the field.

Women lose sixth straight on Reese Court

By Drew Lawson, Reporter
February 7, 2019
Freshman skating club president Samantha Vo glides on the ice in the URC on Jan. 24 2019. Vo competed in figure skating until she was injured at 16 years old.

Freshman figures Eagles need a skating club

By Drew Lawson, Reporter
January 31, 2019
Left: Junior guard Andie Easley drives toward the basket as a standout at Horizon High School in Scottsdale, Arizona. Right: Easley dribbles around a defender against Portland State on Jan. 24. Easley is averaging six points in seven games this year for EWU.

Easley’s four-year journey to get back on the court

By Drew Lawson, Reporter
January 30, 2019
Senior guard Kapri Marrow backs down a Sac State defender in Saturday's 73-70 loss. Morrow scored a team high 27 points.

Eagles’ late comeback run falls short

By Drew Lawson, Reporter
January 26, 2019
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