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

Michael Brock, Editor in Chief

Michael Brock is The Easterner’s Editor in Chief. Brock, a senior studying journalism, was born and raised in Petersburg, Alaska. He is in his second year with the Easterner and has plans to pursue a career in sports writing after college.

Email: [email protected]

All content by Michael Brock
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Heavy rainfall causes leak in Cheney Hall

By Michael Brock, Editor in Chief
May 29, 2019
Athletic director Lynn Hickey and senior associate athletics director for external affairs Devon Thomas sit in front of the board of trustees on Friday. The BOT approved Hickey's decision to postpone the Roos Field renovation proposal until another meeting in October. This meeting occurred in 2019.

Roos Field renovation proposal postponed until October

By Michael Brock, Editor in Chief
May 10, 2019
The majority of EWU's student-athletes do not have full ride scholarships, including the entirety of the football team. Out of 335 athletes from 2017-2018, 242 were on some sort of scholarship aid, while 93 received no form of scholarship aid according to the athletic department's grant-in-aid breakdown.

Breaking down EWU’s athletic scholarships

By Michael Brock, Editor in Chief
May 8, 2019
Roos Field's last change came in 2010 with the addition of the red turf, and was previously renovated in 2004 as part of a $4.5 million stadium overhaul. EWU Athletic Director Lynn Hickey will make a stadium renovation proposal to the board of trustees on May 10.

EWU students weigh in on impending Roos Field renovation proposal

By Michael Brock, Editor in Chief
April 17, 2019
EWU athletics seeks to balance budget with stadium proposal impending

EWU athletics seeks to balance budget with stadium proposal impending

By Michael Brock, Editor in Chief
April 10, 2019

Letter from the editor: fighting off senioritis

By Michael Brock, Editor in Chief
April 4, 2019

Monthly roundup podcast (February)

By Jeremy Burnham, Taylor Newquist, and Michael Brock
March 16, 2019
opinion

Opinion: NCAA athletes should be paid

By Michael Brock, Editor in Chief
February 27, 2019

Monthly roundup podcast (January)

By Jeremy Burnham, Taylor Newquist, Michael Brock, and Drew Lawson
February 11, 2019

EWU’s comeback falls just short in Missoula

By Michael Brock, Editor in Chief
February 9, 2019
After six years in business, the Rokkos Teriyaki & BBQ restaurant in Cheney closed in November. The owners opened a new Coeur d'Alene location in December.

Rokkos closes in Cheney; Coeur d’Alene location open

By Michael Brock, Editor in Chief
January 30, 2019
Sophomore guard Jacob Davison drives on a Montana defender in Thursday's 78-71. Davison recorded 11 points and was one of five Eagles to score in the double digits.

Eagles defend home court against rival Grizzlies

By Michael Brock, Editor in Chief
January 10, 2019

Back for winter term: Organizational update

By Michael Brock, Editor in Chief
January 10, 2019
Comedian, producer and truck driver Mark Morris presents monthly comedy nights and showcases in the Spokane area. He has put on six shows at the Eagle's Pub in Cheney.

Truck driver spreads comedy around Spokane area

By Michael Brock, Editor in Chief
November 15, 2018
Election Guide Podcast

Election Guide Podcast

By Michael Brock, Jeremy Burnham, and Dylan Harris
November 2, 2018
opinion

Opinion: Don’t randomly select, be an informed voter

By Michael Brock, Editor in Chief
October 25, 2018
Carolina Panthers' safety Eric Reid (#25) kneels as quarterback Cam Newton (#1) and head coach Ron Rivera (far right) stand during the national anthem before last Sunday's game against the New York Giants | Photo courtesy of Jason E. Miczek, Associated Press

Opinion: Eric Reid’s NFL return about more than football

By Michael Brock, Editor in Chief
October 9, 2018

Letter from the incoming editor: looking ahead

By Michael Brock, Sports Editor
June 7, 2018
Bogdan Bliznyuk, who was named the 2018 Big Sky Conference MVP, will make his NBA Summer League debut on July 6, 2018. | Easterner Archives

Bogdan Bliznyuk continues NBA Draft preparation

By Michael Brock, Sports Editor
May 31, 2018
Michael King, former EWU head volleyball coach, addresses the team at a home match last season. King, along with assistant coach Nathan Fristed, was dismissed on March 27 following a university investigation | Bailey Monteith for The Easterner

New details emerge in EWU volleyball coaches firing

By Michael Brock, Sports Editor
May 16, 2018
Senior quarterback Gage Gubrud waits to call for the ball at the Red-White game on April 28. Gubrud is entering his third season under center for the Eagles. | Mckenzie Ford for The Easterner

Gage Gubrud, EWU offense primed for productive 2018

By Michael Brock, Sports Editor
May 10, 2018
Redshirt freshman wide receiver Andrew Boston catches a touchdown pass at EWU's annual Red-White spring game on April 28. Boston's White team won the friendly matchup 17–0 | Mckenzie Ford for The Easterner

Defense shines in EWU’s Red-White spring game

By Michael Brock, Sports Editor
May 2, 2018
The EWU football team lines up during its first full scrimmage on April 13. The Eagles had 398 total yards of offense, seven pass breakups and two interceptions in the friendly matchup. | Mckenzie Ford for The Easterner

Rain dampens EWU football’s first full scrimmage

By Michael Brock, Sports Editor
April 18, 2018
Redshirt freshman guard Jacob Davison hangs in the air for a layup against Southern Utah on March 1. Davison is one of seven major players returning for the Eagles next season | Bailey Monteith for The Easterner

EWU men’s basketball enters offseason with promising future

By Michael Brock, Sports Editor
April 12, 2018
Senior forward Bogdan Bliznyuk drives to the lane during the Reese's College All-Star Game on March 30. Bliznyuk, who strives to play in the NBA, was one of 20 NCAA Division I seniors selected to play in the Final Four event in San Antonio. | Photo courtesy of NACB

No rest for the Bogs: Bliznyuk begins quest for pro career

By Michael Brock, Sports Editor
April 5, 2018
Senior quarterback Gage Gubrud hands the ball off to junior running back Dennis Merrit at EWU football's first spring practice on April 3. The Eagles are trying to improve on a 2017-18 season in which they went 7–4 overall, but missed out on the FCS playoffs. | Mckenzie Ford for The Easterner

EWU football opens spring drills with familiar feel

By Michael Brock, Sports Editor
April 4, 2018
EWU defensive end Keenan Williams walks out after halftime of EWU's 31–19 victory over Montana State on Oct. 14. Williams, who is entering his senior season, faces misdemeanor charges of hit-and-run to unattended property following an incident on March 9. | The Easterner Archives

EWU football player faces charges of hit-and-run to unattended property

By Michael Brock, Sports Editor
April 1, 2018
Senior forward Bogdan Bliznyuk drives past a Montana defender in the Big Sky title game on March 10. Bliznyuk became the all-time conference scoring leader a game earlier against Southern Utah | Photo courtesy of Brooks Nuanez, Skyline Sports

EWU men’s basketball to play in CBI after dropping Big Sky title game

By Michael Brock, Sports Editor
March 13, 2018
Senior forward Bogdan Bliznyuk shoots a free throw against Northern Arizona on March 3. With this made free throw, Bliznyuk set a new single-season NCAA record with 74-straight made from the charity stripe | Richard Clark IV for The Easterner

EWU men’s basketball secures No. 3 seed, Bliznyuk named MVP

By Michael Brock, Sports Editor
March 5, 2018
Senior forward Bogdan Bliznyuk shooting a layup against Montana on Feb. 15. Bliznyuk became the 5th player in Big Sky history to eclipse 2,000 points on Feb. 24 versus Idaho State | Richard Clark IV for The Easterner

EWU men’s basketball wins fourth straight as regular season winds down

By Michael Brock, Sports Editor
February 28, 2018
Senior guard Sir Washington extends for a layup in EWU's win over Montana on Feb. 15. Washington is averaging 8.5 points per game in Big Sky Conference play | Richard Clark IV for The Easterner

EWU men’s basketball sweeps home pair to remain in 4th place

By Michael Brock, Sports Editor
February 19, 2018
Former men's basketball player Tyler Harvey uses a screen from teammate Bogdan Bliznyuk in 2014-15. Harvey currently plays professionally in France for the Antibes Sharks | Photo courtesy of The Easterner Archives

Tyler Harvey: from walk-on to basketball royalty

By Brandon Cline and Michael Brock
February 14, 2018
Senior forward Bogdan Bliznyuk against North Dakota on Jan. 25. Bliznyuk had 16 points, 13 rebounds and 3 assists in the loss to Idaho on Feb. 9 | Bailey Monteith for The Easterner

EWU men’s basketball narrowly drops thriller in Moscow

By Michael Brock, Sports Editor
February 14, 2018
Courtesy of Lynn Hickey

Cullinan names interim AD, national search committee

By Michael Brock, Sports Editor
February 8, 2018
Sir Washington drives past a defender against North Dakota on Jan. 25. Washington is averaging 9.1 points in 11 conference games this season. | Bailey Monteith for The Easterner

EWU men’s basketball splits yet another Big Sky road pair

By Michael Brock, Sports Editor
February 7, 2018
Bogdan Bliznyuk shoots a free throw against North Dakota on Jan. 25. Bliznyuk became EWU's all-time leading scorer in the win over North Dakota. | Bailey Monteith for The Easterner

Bogdan Bliznyuk is cementing himself in the record books

By Michael Brock, Sports Editor
January 31, 2018
Senior forward Bogdan Bliznyuk poses with his career points record plaque on Jan. 25. Bliznyuk passed former teammate Venky Jois to become EWU's new all-time leading scorer. | Photo courtesy of Ron Swords

EWU men’s basketball sweeps the weekend as Bliznyuk sets scoring record

By Michael Brock, Sports Editor
January 29, 2018

Quick Hits

By Michael Brock, Sports Editor
January 24, 2018
Senior forward Bogdan Bliznyuk surveys the defense during a recent home game. Bliznyuk is averaging 18.7 points, 3.6 assists and 1.0 steals on the season | Bailey Monteith for The Easterner

EWU men’s basketball splits on road, move to 4-3 in Big Sky

By Michael Brock, Sports Editor
January 24, 2018
Former EWU Athletic Director Bill Chaves at Roos Field, the first red synthetic field in America. Chaves has signed a four-year deal to lead North Dakota's athletic department.

EWU Athletic Director Bill Chaves hired to same position at North Dakota

By Michael Brock, Sports Editor
January 17, 2018
The Eagles huddle during the team’s loss to Idaho on Jan. 12. EWU is now 3-2 in Big Sky play and 8-10 overall. | Richard Clark IV for The Easterner

EWU men’s basketball falls short in defensive battle to Idaho

By Michael Brock, Sports Editor
January 17, 2018
EWU freshman guard Brittany Klaman drives against North Dakota on Dec. 30. Klaman had a career-high 12 points in the team's win over Sac State on January 6. | Photo courtesy of Aaron Malmoe

EWU women’s basketball splits road pair, move to 2-2 in conference

By Michael Brock, Sports Editor
January 10, 2018
Photo courtesy of EWU Athletics.

Basketball alum Marc Axton is an Eagle for life

By Michael Brock, Sports Editor
January 10, 2018
Senior forward Bogdan Bliznyuk dunks the ball against Providence on Dec. 20. Bliznyuk had 29 points in the team's victory over North Dakota on Dec. 31. | Photo courtesy of Ron Swords.

EWU men’s basketball wins a run-heavy conference game over North Dakota

By Michael Brock, Sports Editor
January 1, 2018
Senior guard Sir Washington surveys the defense against Walla Walla on Nov. 10. Washington had nine points and five rebounds in the team's loss to Northern Colorado. | Photo courtesy of EWU Athletics.

EWU men’s basketball drops conference opener to Northern Colorado

By Michael Brock, Sports Editor
December 30, 2017
Senior forward Bogdan Bliznyuk versus San Fransisco on Dec. 7. Bliznyuk is 183 points from the all-time school scoring record. | Photo courtesy of EWU Athletics

EWU men’s basketball long road trip ends in heartbreaking loss

By Michael Brock, Sports Editor
December 13, 2017
Photo courtesy of EWU Athletics

Basketball alum Alvin Snow, now a sports agent, gives back

By Michael Brock, Sports Editor
November 29, 2017
Head coach Aaron Best addresses the media in the Reese Room following the Selection Sunday show. The Eagles ended the season 7-4 overall and 6-2 in Big Sky in Best's first season. | Logan Stanley for The Easterner

EWU football misses out on FCS playoffs

By Michael Brock, Sports Editor
November 19, 2017
Senior wide receiver Nic Sblendorio running after the catch on Nov. 18 against Portland State. Sblendorio had a career best 273 yards and 2 touchdowns on eight catches in the victory. | Richard Clark IV for The Easterner

No. 18 EWU football flattens Portland State on Senior Night

By Michael Brock, Sports Editor
November 18, 2017
Senior forward Bogdan Bliznyuk shoots a three-pointer against Walla Walla University on Nov. 10. Bliznyuk was named a Big Sky Conference Player of the Year Candidate | Bailey Monteith for The Easterner

EWU men’s basketball begins campaign with new look

By Michael Brock, Sports Editor
November 15, 2017
Redshirt freshman Eric Barriere stiff arms a North Dakota defender during the team's 21-14 victory on Nov. 11. He was 13-of-23 passing for 130 yards and a touchdown, while adding 66 yards rushing. Photo courtesy of Russell Mons.

No. 19 EWU football keeps playoff hopes alive with road win over North Dakota

By Michael Brock, Sports Editor
November 13, 2017
Then sophomore quarterback Gage Gubrud speaks with media after EWU football's spring game on April 22. Gubrud was arrested for obstructing a public servant in downtown Cheney in the early morning of Nov. 5.

Police report offers new details on EWU quarterback Gage Gubrud’s contentious arrest

By Michael Brock, Sports Editor
November 7, 2017
Junior wide receiver Nsimba Webster. He had seven receptions for 94 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's loss | Richard Clark IV for The Easterner.

No. 11 EWU football stumbles again, falls to Weber State on Homecoming night

By Michael Brock, Sports Editor
November 4, 2017
Sophomore Kaili Keefe competing in a cross country meet earlier this season. Keefe finished 13th overall in the Big Sky Championship on Oct. 28 | Photo courtesy of EWU Athletics

Eagles finish middle of the pack in Big Sky cross country championship

By Michael Brock, Sports Editor
November 2, 2017
Junior running back Sam McPherson scores a three-yard touchdown. The Eagles fell 46-28 on Saturday | Logan Stanley for The Easterner

No. 8 EWU football toppled in Cedar City, snap five-game winning streak

By Michael Brock, Sports Editor
October 22, 2017
Sophomore running back Antoine Custer Jr. had a career-high 147 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The Eagles have won 12 straight Big Sky games dating back to 2016. Mckenzie Ford for The Easterner.

No. 10/9 EWU football wins fifth straight, outlasts Montana State

By Michael Brock, Sports Editor
October 14, 2017
No. 10 EWU Football Stages Late Comeback to Beat UC Davis, 41-38

No. 10 EWU Football Stages Late Comeback to Beat UC Davis, 41-38

By Michael Brock, Sports Editor
October 8, 2017
No. 8 EWU Football Thumps Sacramento State, 52-31

No. 8 EWU Football Thumps Sacramento State, 52-31

By Michael Brock, Sports Editor
September 30, 2017
No. 11 EWU Football Outlasts Rival Montana, 48-41

No. 11 EWU Football Outlasts Rival Montana, 48-41

By Michael Brock, Sports Editor
September 24, 2017

Chloe Williams Sets Big Sky Points Record as Eagles Primed to Begin Conference Play

By Michael Brock, Sports Editor
September 18, 2017
Junior quarterback Gage Gubrud warms up pregame. Credit to Jon Lambert (via EWU Sports Information Department).

No. 12 EWU Football Takes Down Fordham, 56-21

By Michael Brock, Sports Editor
September 16, 2017

2017 EWU Football Preview

By Michael Brock and Logan Stanley
August 31, 2017
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