FROM ELLENSBURG TO THE NFL:
Tanner Volk signs to S e a h aw ks ’ rookie minicamp
Jackson Roberts Co-Editor-In-Chief
Following the hard work senior safety Tanner Volk put into being drafted at the NFL level, he did not hear his name announced in the NFL draft. He did, however, receive an invite to the Seattle Seahawks’ rookie minicamp, giving him a chance to prove to all 31 other franchises that they made a mistake not selecting the versatile defensive back from the college in rural Ellensburg, Washington.
Volk’s resume is one that speaks for itself, with an extensive list of awards he had accumulated during his time as a Wildcat. In 2023 alone, he was the Ron Lenz National Defensive Player of the Year, D2Football.com National Defensive Player of the Year, Don Hansen National Defensive Player of the Year, J.V. Sikes Lone Star Conference Defensive Player of the Year, led the entire NCAA and tied a CWU single-season record for interceptions with 13, led all of NCAA Division II and finished 3rd in CWU single-season history with 124 tackles. All from just one season.
“We are super proud of Tanner, it’s been a heck of a journey for him,” Head Coach Chris Fisk said. “He has put in a tremendous amount of work to get to this point. Not only in just his four years here at Central but also the pre-combine work he did to put himself in a position to be invited to minicamps. It’s a culmination for him and hopefully he will be able to go there and make the most of his opportunity.”
Volk spent much of the offseason training for the NFL Combine to show scouts his athleticism. He
trained with Ford Sports Performance in Seattle, an NFL offseason and combine training program which saw over ten of their athletes, including Volk, get picked up during this draft process.
After not being invited to the NFL Combine, he made a statement to NFL coaches at his Pro Day, posting similar splits to other safeties ranked above him on draft boards. A draft prospects Pro Day is where NFL scouts come to see the prospect run the same drills they would run at the Combine but in a different setting, typically at the athletes university.
Associate Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator Grant Torgerson spoke about what a NFL defense could get out of Volk on the field.
“I think his position versatility is something that can be really attractive to an NFL defensive coordinator but his instincts are second to none. His knack for being around the football is some of the best I’ve ever seen in my ten years of coaching,” Torgerson said. “He has this instinctive ability to know what the offense is going to do before they even do it. He does an amazing job with his film study and doesn’t get surprised by many looks.”
When talking about the person that Volk is off the field, Torgerson raved about his professionalism and the impact he has had on the community.
“He’s an unbelievable kid. I don’t think the guy has ever been late or missed a single thing in his four years playing here. He is always early and is just the epitome of a true professional,” Torgerson said. “I’m
almost more proud of the person he has become at our program along with the player he is now. He was fortunate enough to be part of our National Marrow Donor Program drive and give a donation to hope fully save somebody’s life. That’s the type of kid he is. Stand up kid, great player but an unbelievable young man. I’m just super proud. I’m super fortunate to be able to have coached a young man like him.”
Growing up as a coach’s kid around the sport from a young age, Volk was able to bring his football IQ to every film session.
“He was the leader in the classroom and in film sessions. It was never uncommon for him to speak up,” special teams and safeties coach Jared Gallatin said.
Repping number 44 as a CWU football player isn’t just about the number on your jersey, it means something far more. Fisk elaborated on what it takes to dawn the prestigious 44.
“There’s certain traits that you are looking for, it’s kind of a designation of a defensive captain or team captain. A lead er of your program, not just in their play and their results, but what they do off the field and in their personal life, really encompass ing what it means to be a Wildcat.”
Volk after his third interception of the game during 42-21 win over Midwestern State on homecoming.
(Photo courtesy of Nevaeh Capetillo)
Hondo Acosta-Vega
Eli Alvarado
Alexis Jolivette
Tanner Volk reading the offense. (Photo courtesy of Nevaeh Capetillo)
BEYOND OUR COVERAGE
LOCAL: “Injunction sought to hide names of people who asked for elimination of DEI efforts” (via the Daily Record)
“CWU equity and belonging vice president recommends closing her office” (via the Daily Record)
“Ellensburg museum to host historic preservation open house and awards” (via the Daily Record)
NATIONAL: “USPS law enforcement assists Trump ‘mass deportation’ effort, sources and records show” (via Washington Post)
“Trump tariffs: US president eases car import taxes after firms raised concerns” (via BBC News)
“Over 200 people detained, including military members, at unlicensed nightclub in Colorado, DEA says” (via ABC News)
INTERNATIONAL: “Mark Carney Has to Deliver on Trump and the Economy After Canada Election Win” (via New York Times)
“Power returns to Spain and Portugal. The outage’s cause remains a mystery” (via AP News)
“Cardinal Becciu renounces participation in upcoming conclave” (via Vatican News)
LETTER from the EDITORS
Brandon
First letter from the editor in a while, and there is a lot to talk about. Elephant in the room, The Observer has been under threat! If we get defunded it will certainly not be from lack of effort. We have been putting our all into saving this historic institution and we hope the school respects that, and the 390+ students, staff, faculty and alumni who have all signed in support of The Observer. We also have a protest on May 7 which I would encourage anyone reading this to attend, everyone is welcome not just students!
Outside of all that I have to dedicate a large portion of this letter to shouting out our amazing team. Everyone working in student media right now is so dedicated and passionate about their craft and ironically it took this defunding scare to really show it to the rest of the school. These past few weeks have been hectic, stressful and all sorts of crazy, but everyone who works on this weekly paper has been giving it 110% and I couldn’t be more grateful to be working on this paper right now. This quarter has been jam packed with news in a way that I couldn’t have anticipated, but adapting to and rising to these challenges has given me a new appreciation for the work and I’m very proud to call myself a journalist in times like these.
Jackson
It’s been a while since we have had the opportunity to write to you all in this fashion. There has been a lot of chaos going on as of recently. Of course by now we all know the news of The Observer and PULSE magazine’s future being in jeopardy. If you have not signed the petition in support of a free student press, please do so. We have seen 400+ students, staff, faculty and alumni in support of student media and I seriously appreciate all of the support has been shown our way. We highly encourage those to join us on May 7 out in front of the SURC as The Observer will host the #Standwithstudentmedia protest, as we aim to keep student voices heard.
The Observer staff and all people involved in student media have been working very hard and I couldn’t put into words how proud I am to be working with these fellow students. We all care so much for this paper and spend countless hours making it the best it can be regardless of what next year’s budget looks like. It has been an insanely crazy time to be working as a journalist, but I couldn’t ask for a better place to do it than The Observer, surrounded by so many passionate writers, designers and readers.
Brandon and “Jackson.”
(Photo by Lizeth Valdes)
Support continues to come in for Student Media leading up to May 7 Protest
Brandon Mattesich Co-Editor-In-Chief
The Observer and PULSE are hosting “#Standwithstudentmedia”, a protest for all programs who faced unequal budget cuts and defundings following recent budget reductions by the S&A committee.
Leading up to the point of protest, which will be hosted on May 7, student media at CWU has garnered continued support from a variety of sources. The Daily Record, Ellensburgs local newspaper, released an article covering the events surrounding student media defunding titled “CWU Student Newspaper in Danger of Shutting Down After Proposed 98% Budget Cut.”
The Yakima Herald also posted this article, with the same title, spreading coverage of the defunding to far beyond the Ellensburg community. The petition in support of
student media has also gained over 424 signatures at the time of this article’s publication.
Social media platforms have continued to light up in support for The Observer and PULSE, with comments pouring in from alumni and students alike. The Issaquah Students League shared posts by The Observer, and commented “good to see students all over the state fighting back!”
Hondo Acosta-Vega and Alexis Jolivette, two ASCWU presidential candidates at CWU have also shared support for the upcoming protests, with Acosta-Vega commenting, “Hundred percent I’ll be there!”
Wildcat Takeover Wildcat Takeover
Mariners host CWU Night at T-Mobile Park
Mariners host CWU Night at T-Mobile Park
Parker Wood Lead Reporter
TAWildatdesperatetryingtogeta gameball2. (PhotobyParkerWood)
TheCWUSection11. (PhotobyParkerWood)
Photoofthefireworksaftera homerun. (PhotobyKyleyGlenn)
he annual CWU night hosted by the Seattle Mariners was electric, with the Mariners slamming the Marlins in a 14-0 wipeout. The Wildcat experience started before the first pitch was thrown, with both students and alumni alike grabbing and sporting the white and red CWU themed Mariners jersey and taking their spot on the left field foul ball line. To start the April 26 game, CWU’s own Director of Bands Dr. T Andre Feagin sang the national anthem.
The game was a stomping from the start, with Starting Pitcher Luis Castillo and the Mariners not allowing a single hit in the first inning. When the Mariners first came out to bat, both Center Fielder Julio Rodriguez and Designated Hitter Jorge Palanco hit home runs to start off the game. The first inning ended 6-0. The Mariners would go on to continue their scoring frenzy, finishing with their most runs scored so far in the season. The only impression the Marlins had on the night was hitting two foul balls into the CWU section.
For some, it was their first time going to CWU night, let alone a Mariner’s game at T-Mobile Park. Sophomore Leilani Santiago had never been to the ballpark before April 26 for Central’s takeover. “I’ve never had a better night in my life,” Santiago said. “This is what being a college student is really about.”
“ This is what being a college student is really about. ”
-Leilani Santiago
Hondo Acosta-Vega, a fourth year double major in Secondary Education and English Language Arts, had been to Mariners games in the past but this was his first time at CWU night. “The vibes, the energy,” Acosta-Vega said, describing the game and crowd. “[it was] easily one of the best events I had the chance to attend while being a student here at Central.”
Tommy Fernandez, a lifelong Mariners fan and Slice’s program manager, had been to three previous CWU night’s before this one. “It was great to see everybody here… showing off their Wildcat pride,” Fernandez said. “It’s always a thing that I know that not only
“ ...easily one of the best events I had the chance to attend while being a student here at Central. ”
-Hondo Acosta-Vega
staff, faculty, but alumni, they all look forward to it.”
After a quarter of hard news, the Wildcats finally had a chance to catch their breath and have some fun. The Central fans were active the entire game, taking part in every chant, starting a wave, even jumping on each other’s shoulders in hopes of getting a game ball.
After the game ended and the fireworks lit up the sky, flocks of white jerseys left the stadium representing Central Washington University with pride. At the time of writing, the Mariners are 17-12 and starting their series against their American League West rivals, the Texas Rangers. The series starts Friday, May 2 at 5:05 p.m.
GameInProgress. (PhotobyDanielGurrola) HondoAcosta-Vegaafterthegame. (PhotobyParkerWood) KyleyHavingDrip. (PhotobyKyleyGlenn)
DanielGurrolaandLizeth ValdesDuringtheGame. (PhotobyDanielGurrola) CloseUpofJersey. (PhotobyKyleyGlenn)
TheCWUSection7. (PhotobyParkerWood)
Leilani Lawren Kay Santiago after the game. (Photo by Parker Wood)
MEET YOUR 2025-2026 ASCWU
PRESIDENTIAL PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES CANDIDATES
Hondo Acosta-Vega
What inspired you to run for president?
I’m the current Senate speaker for student government right now, and as the president there’s a lot of things I’ve noticed internally that I think we can address. I think a lot of people have lost touch, and I think we’ve lost touch with what our roots are. I think we should be more active in connecting with the student body. I think we should be more present and be available. We should rethink how we look at things. And so I really want to be the president because I want to change up the internal barriers that we have …
There’s a lot of changes and challenges coming to campus, and I think it’s gonna take somebody who’s familiar with a lot of aspects of not just the university, but also with student government, to be able to address these concerns head on.
Q:
What do you think you could bring to the role that’s unique to you?
Definitely experience. I’ve been a student worker. I worked in dining, I worked as event staff, I’ve been in a club, I started my own club, I’ve been an advocate for the student body in many ways and different methods. I’ve testified … I’ve been part of the working Wildcats, I was one of their founding members and I’m now one of their advisors. So I’m really a big advocate for student workers. I spend a lot of time trying to connect with student groups and reconnect them with us. That I think we’ve kind of lost … I’m familiar with every office position, every staff position. I’m familiar with the Douglas Honors College, familiar with SLICE and campus activities and their protocols. It gives me a lot of knowledge and background to set us up for success for next year.
Q:
What would your priorities be as president?
Definitely supporting our clubs … I want to cross train all of our office staff to support our clubs, to give them more support … Priority number two is getting ASCWU back in person, on the ground level with our students. We spend a lot of time in our office, and a lot of people don’t even know where our office is or who we are. So that’s definitely gonna be a big priority I want to change. I want us to be back to being present. I want us to be collaborating with partners on our campus, especially with all the budget cuts.
What inspired you
Definitely seeing change at this school. inclusion, but I think we need more,
What do you think role that’s unique to Q:
For me, being a cheerleader. I’ve been already, but just being at events and bringing more inclusion to everybody, biggest goal.
What would your priorities Q:
So the three platforms that I’m running and safety. So student resources and campaign. So bringing funding. So just minute parking spaces, and have better poles, and hidden We have what about transparency, students just being more aware events.
PRESIDENTIAL PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES CANDIDATES
VOTING OPENS MAY 5TH, CLOSES MAY 9TH
Brandon Mattesich Co-Editor-In-Chief
The Observer sat down with all three ASCWU presidential candidates, in person, to ask them about their past, views and goals as presidential candidates at CWU. Each candidate was provided with the same ten question Q&A, the following are their responses, presented in the order the candidates were interviewed in, which have been edited for length and flow:
Jolivette Eli Alvarado
to run for president?
school. I love the diversity at this school and the more, and so I’d like to bring that to see them.
you could bring to the to you?
been a role model and a face to the school and bringing more events to the school and everybody, getting student engagement would be my
Q:
What inspired you to run for president?
I’m really passionate about giving students a good time here on campus. From the moment students step on to any central campus to the moment they graduate I want them to have a good time. And I want them to have memories that they don’t forget and I know that student government can have a part in that. It’s really inspiring, and it’s really motivating for me to be part of someone’s ‘good times’ here at Central. But on the flip side of that, student government has some gaps. And there are definitely some gaps here at Central too. And being the trustee and the chair of the SNA committee, I have seen those gaps, and I have the experience needed to be able to fill them with either creating more seats at the table, being more transparent or being more accessible ... Those are my priorities.
Q:
What do you think you could bring to the role that’s unique to you?
priorities be as president?
running on are transparency, student resources and safety kind of go hand in hand on my bringing better parking and that would require no taking away some of those 15 minute, 30 parking spots so that we can provide more parking and that will help with safety, because we’ll better access to buildings, closer access to light and with that, bringing more light poles to more areas as well.
have them in spots that are out in the open. But about those spaces that are hidden? And then transparency, mainly with budgeting, just letting students know where their financials are going, and being more open with that. Also just posting on social media, so that students are more of what’s happening with the school and with events.
The higher governance of this university, that’s the one thing the student government serves kind of at its own level. And being a trustee, I have seen the ups and downs of this university for the past year, and I’ve seen how this university functions structurally and how it changes. And so those are the qualities that make me a unique candidate.
I understand how this university functions on an administrative level, and I’ve also seen how it directly affects students … And so I know what’s possible and I know what isn’t, because I’ve seen it happen so many times being a trustee and even the chair of the SNA committee, I’ve seen where the money goes. I’ve seen how the university pivots, and how it completely does a 180.
INTERVIEWS ONLINE
Q:
What would your priorities be as president?
I would have three priorities. A live issue tracker is my main priority. Students have a lot of issues, especially now that they deal with either every day or maybe every four years. And so I want to change the way the website is designed so that students can submit their concerns or their ideas, or just their issues that they have with this university, and then students can see weekly updates on where student government is at with those issues as to why something did happen or why something didn’t happen. Just providing that clarity and that accessibility to seeing your idea or your concern actually end up somewhere. I want to get students and student leaders together in one room every month so that we can talk about how we can be stewards of this university, and how we can get our constituents and our classmates and the people in our clubs to be a part of this …
BACHTURNE KICKBACK
Violin club performs at the library
Ethan Kennedy Staff Reporter
Members of the Violin Club hosted and performed in front of students and their families on Thursday, April 24, at 5 p.m. on the fourth floor of the CWU library. The performance provided a relaxing environment for anyone wanting to come study, mingle or listen to some music. Aside from the violin performances, they also held a fundraiser for future excursions, notably to see the Seattle Symphony.
Violin Performance major, Lynn Ramos, elaborated more on the fundraiser. “We’re going to see the Seattle Symphony and a violinist, Augustin Hadelich, perform with them. And we want to raise money so we can have more trips like this in the future,” Ramos said. “Maybe even travel to conferences and share our music.”
The Violin Club said they wanted to show their community that they are proud of their work. With some extracurricular music departments having funding requests denied, most notably the mariachi band, some music majors are showing concern towards the rejected proposals.
Speaking more on the denied request, music education major, Isaac Draculano said, “It’s sad, knowing that I don’t get to hear some of the stuff happening at our school. I feel like sometimes they try to hide it.”
Being part of the Mariachi Band himself, Draculano noted how this was similar to the defunding of the rugby players on campus. “I’ve heard that there was defunding, but I did not know who or where it would be affecting,” Draculano said.
This defunding of certain programs and extracurriculars is not only lowering morale, but also the trust amongst students towards the school. Not knowing if, or when a club will be
defunded can put a rail in students’ lives or plans. Not only are students not being told when their clubs and groups are being defunded, some students were not aware of any defunding at all. Through community and awareness, the Violin Club created an atmosphere for all. Despite the defunding of areas in the music department, the club members stepped up, each member performing a solo piece, and even some duos and group performances. The club members each took turns playing their instrument and all showed their support for their fellow members, as they hoped to reach higher.
Illustration by Emma Muhlbauer
Central’s Annual
CWU held their annual ‘Give Central’ fundraiser to raise money for CWU’s programs. Each department as well as facilities had a chance to raise money in the 24hour, with many taking to social media to promote their campaigns. The event started April 24 and ended on April 25.
In total, Central raised $100,954 through 414 donations, exceeding their donor goal by 3%. Donors were allowed to choose where their money went and help out where they wanted, many donors were alumni who contributed to their specific alma maters programs.
On campus police and public safety also raised money through the ‘Give Central’ fundraising. In the end they totaled $1,695. The funding is to go towards the training of K9 Archie as well as continuing to help further animal support on campus with students as well as with the police.
“Archie’s impact extends far beyond CWU and setting a new standard for how Facility Dogs can support communities,” Mackenzie Erickson, Campus Police Officer, said.
With the money, Archie will be able to receive high quality food, vet check-ups, bedding, grooming, toys, training aids and materials for community engagement.
The Douglas Honors College (DHC) had a fundraiser to raise money as well. They raised $2,075 through 12 donations.
“For the second year, the William O. Douglas Honors College has chosen to fundraise for our First in Family Scholarship during the #GiveCentral campaign,” Christina Denison, Director of William O. Douglas Honors College, said.
“We chose this for two reasons. First-generation college students are underrepresented in honors, not just at CWU but nationally, and the primary reason first-generation college students leave before earning their degree is financial hardship,” Denison said. “Over 65% of first-gen students have to work while attending school, with a median of 20 hours worked per week, and students who work more than 20 hours per week are less likely to earn their degree. That’s what makes this scholarship so important to our students.”
Dension continued to discuss just how important this program is for students, and why this scholarship means so much to the DHC. “The Honors College is committed to increasing degree attainment for our first-generation college students. Earning a college degree is transformative, not just for the students but also for their families. It builds wealth, educational wealth. Financial wealth may come and go, but educational wealth endures for generations,” Denison said.
On April 24, President Wohlpart sent a mass email to thank those who have donated and to let others know there is still time to participate if they are interested.
“It feels good to know our generosity has the power to deliver opportunities for our students to thrive, both now and in the future. Thank you for your commitment to CWU and everyone who makes up the Wildcat community,” Wohlpart wrote.
Kyley Glenn Staff Reporter
Archie on back patio of the SURC. (Photo courtsey of cwu_k9archie)
Volunteers spreading the word of Give Central. (Photo by Kyley Glenn)
Volunteers pose with Wellington. (Photo courtsey of cwufrc)
Students pose in front of Wildcat statue.
(Photo courtsey of cwusource)
Name:
CWU Crossword
CWU Crossword
Complete the crossword puzzle below
Across 3. CWUs 'true' furry friend. 6. The pointiest building on campus. 8. You can eat all you can at this location. 10. What The Observer is facing?
Easy Puzzle #1
ss CWUs 'true' furry friend. The pointiest building on campus. ou can eat all you can at this location. What The Observer is facing?
Across 3. CWUs 'true' furry friend.
6. The pointiest building on campus.
8. You can eat all you can at this location.
10. What The Observer is facing?
Created using the Crossword Maker on TheTeachersCorner
Down
1. A famous CWU alumni who's stage name starts with a W
2. President Wohlpart, informally
4. The exclusive soda partner of CWU.
5. That one cat.
7. Sells a variety of fried potatoes.
9. The student run magazine at CWU.
Created using the Crossword Maker on
Down
1. A famous CWU alumni who's stage name starts with a W
2. President Wohlpart, informally
4. The exclusive soda partner of CWU.
Sudoku
5. That one cat.
7. Sells a variety of fried potatoes. 9. The student run magazine at CWU.
Fill in the puzzle so that every row across, every column down and every 3 by 3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9.
Dow 1. with 2. 4. 5. 7. 9.
WILDCAT WORDS
Divined by Z Morris
Aries (March 21 - April 19): Today is a good day to join a group that shares your interests. Like one that wants to cook lots of food. You might not be in it for the cooking, but you get to eat all this food! It’s the perfect one sided relationship. Tip of the day: See if there are catering positions open.
Taurus (April 20 - May 20): It’s that time of the year that you need to go down an internet rabbit hole. Find a wack mystery out there, and SOLVE IT. I’m sure that if you spend more time on the internet and less time in the sun, y ou’ll crack a case. Tip of the day: The birds work for the borsasi.
Gemini (May 21 - June 20): Money is coming your way, Gemini. You just have to catch it. That’s why you gotta invest in a “money net”. It’s a butterfly net manufactured to catch huge wads of cash. It’s so worth it. Tip of the day: First payment is $100.
Cancer (June 21 - July 22): Cupid is back, Cancer. Yes, I know we dismissed him in February but HE’S BACK. He showed up in front of my window with a boombox blasting “Your Love” by Nicki Minaj. I might have told him to go to your house instead… sorry. Tip of the day: Love might be in the air.
Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22): If you want to get good, you have to lock in. Listen, I get it. Sometimes we get comfortable in our cycles, and we go with what “works” to put off what we actually want. Well, I want you to achieve greatness, you got this. Tip of the day: Skate down the stairs of the SURC.
Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sep. 22): You’re putting off something important, I can sense it. A group project? A presentation? Or is the oven on? It’s not the oven is it? Or the stove? Oh no what if it IS the oven…OH NO OH NO! Tip of the day: Eh, it can wait.
Libra (Sep. 23 - Oct. 22): I think you should get into movies Libra. Hear me out, you might become more pretentious, and more judgemental, but our st andards must be raised above chicken jockey. If every Libra gets passionate, better movies will be made. Tip of the day:... chicken jockey.
Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21): Everyone has been asking so much of you Scorpio, and you gotta say “KNOCK IT OFF!!” Common now let’s practice. Yell this out loud wherever you are, like make it really loud. “KNOCK IT OFF KNOCK IT OFF!!” Tip of the day: Your teachers will understand.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21): You might receive a message in your dreams this week. Everyday, you’ll be closer to unlocking the superpowers in your brain. Maybe the message will be abstract, or spelled out for you. Tip of the day: I’m selling deluxe dream journals for $30 a pop.
Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan.19): Your body is tea right now. You looked snatched and fierce! If anyone doesn’t know what “body tea” is, just think o f body coffee but, opposite of coffee. Tip of the day: Feel free to apply this logic next time you hear lingo you don’t understand.
Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb.18): You need to take some time to rewind… ’cause oh my goodness this is a mess. You unwound and now you’re all over the floor, and this is super overwhelming for me. I’ll be here for you, even if this i s weird. Tip of the day: Don’t let anyone trip over you.
Pisces (Feb. 19 - March 20): There’s a hole burning through your wallet. It’s small right now, but it will grow and grow until your whole wallet is on FIRE!! Put that thing on the ground and splash water on it!! Tip of the day: Limit how many trinkets you get.
