This past academic year, CWU has undergone major changes both in policy and in student life and activities. But, throughout the year, students have also shown pride, power and influence that has been felt not only at CWU but across Washington as well. Now, with the final week of Spring quarter wrapping up, and with this being the final issue of The Observer until the 20252026 academic year, The Observer is looking back on all the major developments of this past year in our official “Year In Review.”
The S&A budget, student media and defunded
programs
Over Spring break the Services and Activities (S&A) committee proposed new budgets that would lead to one of the longest and most influential chain of events in CWU’s recent budget history. The proposed budgets threatened defundings of various aspects of student media and student expression across the CWU campus, and they directly caused multiple protests and eventually influenced a changing of the original S&A proposal by the Board of Trustees at CWU.
The Observer, one of the programs in the proposed defunding, extensively covered the situation as it developed a series of articles and published statistics surrounding the events. The S&A budget is decided by students on the committee, and funding is given to primarily student lead programs, specifically not tied to curricular activities. The following are headlines
from some of the more pivotal moments of the budget controversy:
“The Observer threatened by defunding on its 110-year anniversary as campus newspaper,” released April 3, 2025
“Nearly 100 people attend S&A meeting to protest proposed budget cuts,” released April 17, 2025
“‘NO FREE SPEECH WITHOUT FREE PRESS!’ Students lead protest against mass defunding,” released May 15, 2025
“Board of Trustees accept S&A budget proposal, but only for a year, in “middle ground” decision,” released May 16, 2025
Rugby is cut in controversial decision at CWU
In what quickly became CWU’s most controversial decision of the past year, varsity rugby’s sponsorship was discontinued by administration at CWU, ending both the men and womens teams time as national recognized competitors in the division one rugby scene.
The Observer’s initial coverage of the event was an article offering eight athletes’ responses to the situation. In the story, one athlete, Quaid Hunt, commented on the decision, stating, “Devastating is the best word that a lot of us have used to describe this… I mean, we played our game, we got home, turned in our gear and then the day after we had an informal meeting … Dennis [Francois] was there, he broke the news to the team in pretty short order, not a lot of detail. That was it, it’s all over.”
The Observer also published a follow-up article in
Kittitas County Pride, a parade for the ages
which Athletic Director Dennis Francois responded to the situation in an interview with Co-Editor-InChief of The Observer Jackson Roberts. During the interview, Francois said, “We made the final decision sometime in February … There is no doubt it turns their world upside down and impacts the lives of these young women and men in a very significant way and the implications of those go beyond what we foresee sometimes.”
The decision continues to make waves at CWU, and the impacts of it are still being felt by the athletes and staff involved in the program. The following are two headlines from The Observer’s coverage of this decision:
“‘They are breaking up a family:’ Athletes call CWU’s decision to cut rugby ‘devastating’ as the push to transfer begins,” April 20, 2025
“Athletic Director Dennis Francois discusses the controversial decision to cut Varsity Rugby,” May 8, 2025
Higher Education responds to The Trump Administration
Decisions around higher education have rocked institutions across the nation since Trump took office in January, and CWU has felt the effects as well. In what is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal moments in history for colleges across the United States, Trump is taking a strong stance against Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) policies, and fighting a fierce legal battle with Harvard University over their lack of compliance with what they argue are “illegal” demands.
LETTER from the EDITORS
THE GRADUATES
Julia Snow:
Working at The Observer these past two quarters has been such a wonderful and crazy experience. It’s been such a privilege designing and collaborating with our talented writers to bring the news each week. So many late nights, one too many episodes of Bluey, countless laughs and so much love have gone into everything we’ve created. It’s been an honor to bring you all campus coverage and I will always treasure the time I’ve had here. Student voices matter.
Lizeth Valdes:
What a fucking year its been (I’ve always wanted to say fuck in the paper, sorry ma). It feels weird talking about myself in-depth like, “who wants to read about that?” But here it goes anyway. It’s been a little over five years as I’m unfortunately a super senior, but it’s been half a decade’s worth of lifelong memories. My story in student media initially began in PULSE and that in of itself was a learning experience of how press life works. After hearing The Observer was in need of designers, I figured why not and decided to make the transition over and that ended up being an amazing decision because shortly after I would come to get to know people I would then consider family. I’m a strong believer in found families, and the incredible team I’ve gotten to know has further reinforced that belief.
From the late nights to the early mornings and from silly satirical stories to our movements in saving the paper, we’ve truly bonded in the hard work we’ve done together. I’ve felt so safe and accepted being on this team in a way that I will forever cherish and as we move forward and unfortunately have to retire from the team, I know regardless whether we’re right next to each other, states away or maybe even countries away we’ll always have that connection we shared through this team. I know I will be trying my best to keep in touch with everyone I’ve gotten to know and connect with on a personal level, but even if time causes us to drift, I’ll never stop wishing the best for everyone and hoping that they find success in anything they do as they rightfully deserve. If this wasn’t cheesy enough, I’ll end on a favorite quote of mine that I have to remind myself of at this bittersweet time, “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” I know this team has left me with plenty to smile about.
Thank you all for the wonderful memories, que dios los bendiga and I know you all will go on to do amazing things!
Z Morris:
I started working at The Observer in January of 2024, and while only a year and a half have passed, I feel like I have had a lifetime of meaningful experiences. I remember when I was first designing I felt so self conscious about my work. But the encouragement from my peers pushed me to new heights. I don’t know where I would be if it were not for this job, I would not be nearly as skilled as I am now.
Working for the press has been interesting in our current day. It’s strange to think back on all the names The Observer has been called (“Ellensburg lie sheet” has been my favorite). In our current day, there is a pushback to the press that comes at a disregard for fact and perspective. And while we are a college newspaper, my peers and I meet the challenge every week by providing accurate and meaningful journalism to the campus community. I have been so proud of how hard my friends have worked in the past two years. From writers, editors, photographers and designers, every section has worked their hardest to get great journalism to the public. This is what has made This is not easy work, but my peers get the job done through blood, sweat, tears and a whole bunch of laughs. That’s how the press gets to you. By the Students, for the students.
The protest this year was a solidifying moment in my life. Through the strength of our community we were able to change this school positively, with you the student in mind. Walking with hundreds of students, staff and community members was my favorite moment from this year. Like I said in my speech after the protest: It’s moments like these that show we are not alone in our fight, we are fighting together. Together we can move to a brighter tomorrow, together we can shape the course of our destiny, and together we are strong. I felt so much love in that crowd, unconditional and contagious. Don’t forget to love one another, because love is power, love can change the world.
Co-Editor-In-Chief Brandon Mattesich, Jackson Roberts
Faculty Advisor /
If you have questions or concerns, email us at cwuobserver@gmail.com.
I don’t know if I’ll ever have a job this fun again. I wish I could go back and revisit every restless night I spent in The Observer office. I wish I could tell little Z that this would be the best decision she could make in her college career. I have made life long friends, a huge head start on my resume, and gained a community I wouldn’t give up for the world. Special thanks to my design team that joined me this quarter as I lead the design staff. To Robin, Liz, Julia, Emma and Xavier, you always will have a special place in my heart. Please go forward fearlessly as artists.
Thank you CWU, Thank you Observer.
From left to right, Julia Snow, Z Morris, Lizeth Valdes Photo courtesy of Jackson Roberts
But during a time in which Harvard has been using their vast resources to push back against the Trump Administration, CWU has slowly been complying with demands made by the president. Having officially changed their mission, vision and values statement to remove DEI language CWU has treaded the line of complying to the administration’s demands while trying to uphold the core values of what makes CWU the university that it is. The petition in support of Harvard that CWU originally did not sign, has since been supported by CWU President Jim Wohlpart.
Students at CWU have notably expressed mixed reactions to the new president, and in continued coverage by The Observer, it has been recorded that while many students are expressing disdain for the president’s current policies and actions, there are still many students happy with the election. The following is a list of key headlines starting all the way back at the beginning of this academic year, in which the Trump administration is discussed or covered:
“The election of your lives,” Nov 6, 2024
“CWU students react to Trump’s crackdown on immigration,” Feb 6, 2025
“Harvard just set the standard for college responses to the Trump administration, will Washington schools follow?” April 17, 2025
“Washington state colleges respond to Harvard situation in signed petition, CWU’s signature notably absent,” April 24, 2025
“‘Education, not Deportation:’ March For Your Rights marched through the rain,” May 22, 2025
“Harvard is fighting hard, but higher education is still changing, and it’s changing rapidly,” May 29, 2025
Enrollment, Funding and Staff Reductions at CWU
Due to a sharp decrease in enrollment following the pandemic, CWU has been faced with a massive loss in operating budget, which Wohlpart announced at the start of this year in his annual “State of the University” address. The $26 million dollar dip due to low enrollment has led to major changes across the university, in decisions like cutting rugby and reducing the S&A budget. But it has also led to smaller, more uniform changes being felt by CWU staff and faculty across the university.
At the start of the school year, Volha Isakava, Professor and Chair of World Languages and Cultures, described the struggles of having a secretary with limited hours. “In general, it feels like we can just barely keep our heads above water,” Isakava
told The Observer in an email. “[It feels like we are] one emergency away from drowning. I am very grateful to our administrative professional for her good spirits, her helpful and positive attitude even given those challenges.”
This feeling was not just isolated to the World Languages and Cultures department, and since that initial article, The Observer has continued its coverage of the impacts the greatly reduced budget is having on CWU’s campus and culture. The following are some of the headlines from The Observer’s coverage of the budgets and their effects:
“The State of your University: Wohlpart says $26 million lost due to low enrollment,” Oct 9, 2024
“Behind the Budgets: Chief financial officer Joel Klucking offers a peek Into CWU’s financial past, present and future,” October 17, 2024
“‘One Emergency Away From Drowning’ – CWU’s Budget Cuts Leave Staff Positions Vacant,” Nov 21, 2024
“Senior VP of Finance & Administration Joel Klucking speaks on staffing reductions, budgets and more,” Feb 20, 2025
“Campus Consensus: CWU students take issue with dining, tuition and more,” Feb 27, 2025
“An Interview with CWU President Jim Wohlpart,” March 13, 2025
Student Pride at CWU
While budget cuts and protests were prevalent across campus this past academic year, student pride and celebration were also on full display. The Observer chronicled the endeavours of multiple clubs, events and student organizations over the course of the 2025-2026 school year, and the following are just some of those stories’ headlines:
“Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really” shines a new light on a classic tale,” Feb 20, 2025
“Mariachi music and dance: CWU hosts a “love” filled concert,” Feb 27, 2025
“Connecting Cultures: Origami night at the AUAP Friends Club,” April 10, 2025
“Bachturne Kickback: Violin Club performs at the library,” May 1, 2025
“The Parade of Nations: A beautiful showcase of student pride,” May 8, 2025
“Not Guilty! CWU’s Mock Trial Club hosts spring trial,” May 29, 2025
Athletic Excellence
Student athletics have also faced a tumultuous year of budget cuts and program changes, but through it all, many of CWU’s student
athletes have had a record-breaking and awardwinning year.
Sunny Huerta broke a 22-year-old CWU record this past year, and Ben Leid was nominated for Pre Season All-American and Pre Season All West Region Team. On top of this, CWU athletes across all sports have dominated the GNAC season, with men’s basketball taking a close front spot in the award season.
In major news, CWU’s own Oscar Treacy won the 2025 Rudy Scholz Collegiate Athlete of the Year Award for his excellence on CWU’s now defunct men’s rugby team. Tanner Volk also made headlines this year after having the unique opportunity to sign to the Seahawks rookie minicamp. And Track & Field’s own Emy Ntekpere took home multiple national awards after a powerful season at CWU. This past academic year featured impressive awards for nearly all of CWU’s athletic programs, and the following is a list of the headlines that defined them:
“‘Leiding’ the Charge: Ben Leid named to Division 2 West Region and All American Team,” Feb 6, 2025
“Sunny Huerta breaks 22 year old CWU record,” Feb 6, 2025
“Wildcats stockpile GNAC awards,” March 13, 2025
“From Ellensburg to the NFL: Tanner Volk signs to Seahawks rookie minicamp,” May 1, 2025
“Best in the country: Oscar Treacy’s special season,” May 15, 2025
“Wildcat wins two National Championships: NCAA DII Outdoor Track and Field Championship results,” May 29, 2025
“We’re not here to make happy athletes, we’re here to make winners”
On March 13, 2025, The Observer published an article detailing allegations made by various Cross Country and Track & Field athletes about the coaching of their respective teams. In the story, one athlete claimed that, “It’s almost like when you’re injured, you don’t matter anymore. I’ve had weeks on end where I almost haven’t even been talked to by the coaching staff because I’ve been injured.”
The story became The Observer’s largest of the quarter, and it serves as one of the most significant developments in student athletics of CWU over the past year. The title of the story was as follows:
“‘We’re not here to make happy athletes, we’re here to make winners’ Student athletes allege serious mistreatment from Cross Country and Track and Field coaches,” March 13, 2025
Photos Courtesy of Brandon Mattesich, Jackson Roberts, Z Morris, Kyley Glenn, Parker Wood, Lizeth Valdes, Julia Snow, Nathan Herde, Marlene Veveris, Emma Muhlbauer, Cesca Gossing, Andy Guerrero, Jessica Batres Calderon, Clayton Jones, Jacob Thompson, CWU Galleries, Trent Meacham, Central Washington University, Pexels, CWU News, CWU Flickr, Nevaeh Capetillo, Justin Yormark.
WELLY WINNERS
CWU ATHLETICS ANNUAL WELLY AWARDS
Jackson Roberts Co-Editor-In-Chief
CWU’s annual Welly Awards were held this past week where 20 athletes were recognized for their work this past season. The student-athletes dressed up for the formal awards ceremony that took place out in front of Barge Hall on May 29.
Sophomore guard of the women’s basketball team Rylee Leishman spoke highly of the environment and togetherness at the Wellys.
“It is really special to see all the athletes come together after everyone’s accomplishments throughout the season. You can definitely feel the sense of community during the Wellys because everyone is so excited for each other and it is just a great atmosphere,” Leishman said.
Leishman earned herself an award at the ceremony for Outstanding Comeback Player of the Year. Leishman was rewarded with the honor following breaking her wrist five games into the season and coming back to play just under two months later.
“Some struggles I went through to come back from my injury was the fact that I thought once the break healed that I would be completely fine and pain free. However, that wasn’t the case which was hard for me to overcome because I really thought the pain and range of motion wouldn’t affect me,” Leishman said. “With the help of our athletic training staff I was able to regain most of my range of motion, and make a padded sleeve so I could play and not hurt as bad when it got hit.”
Junior guard of the men’s basketball team Xavier Kamalu-Vargas was awarded the Men’s Team Spirit Award. Kamalu-Vargas brought energy to the team on and off the floor this season earning him this award.
“The environment is great. I get to be with all the athletes here at CWU and they bring nothing but great vibes,” Kamalu-Vargas said. “Team spirit means a lot to me. I take this with pride and feel the respect of the other athletes. What my biggest thing is with this award is this, ‘You do not have to be a star, to make an impact.’”
Fifth-year libero Hanna Stires won the award for female Outstanding Team Leader of the Year. Stires helped lead the team to a GNAC Championship. “The feeling of being recognized as a leader is something I will never take lightly. These girls who I have had the privilege to play with made it incredibly rewarding to get the chance to lead our team to a GNAC Championship. The trust they have given me this year is something I will forever cherish and remember,” Stires said.
“With this being my last year attending the Wellys I can say it is always a fun event I look forward to. It is always fun getting to celebrate all of the athletes amazing accomplishments throughout the year,” Stires said. “It has been an honor to have been able to represent Mario [Andaya] and Central Athletics for an incredible five years and I am truly blessed to have spent my time with some inspiring teammates and friends along the way. I can’t wait to cheer the team on next year as they
have been putting in the time and effort this off season and I am excited to see where their hard work will take them.”
The Female Athletes of the Year went to none other than the 2025 National College Athletic Association Division II (NCAA DII) Triple Jump and High Jump National Champion Emy Ntekpere. She would also be recognized with Female Athlete Performance of the Year. The men’s counterpart award went to the 2025 Rudy Scholz Award winner for the best collegiate rugby player of the year in Oscar Treacy.
With CWU Athletics season coming to an end on a high note with Ntekpere’s National Championship, CWU athletes will spend their summers preparing their bodies come time for next fall.
Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock.
EMY NTEKPERE JUMPS INTO THE RECORD BOOKS
Parker Wood Lead Reporter
Emy Ntekpere is finishing her second year at Central and has already written her name not only in Central Washington University’s Track and Field record book but also in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference’s (GNAC) and National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Division II (NCAA DII) record books. In 2025 alone, Ntekpere won the Women’s GNAC Athlete of the year in both Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field, won three national championships, won four individual gold medals at the GNAC Outdoor Championships (the first woman to do so in the league’s history), and has broken three school records along with two GNAC records. In 2024, Ntekpere won GNAC’s Indoor Track and Field Female Freshman of the Year award.
Ntekpere’s record breaking feats started in High School at Washington State’s Skyview High School where in her senior year, Ntekpere placed third in the school’s all time 100 meter hurdle and 300 meter hurdle. While current athletes have placed ahead of her in both hurdle events, Ntekpere set the school’s record for High Jump that still stands at the time of writing. Ntekpere never planned on continuing her Track and Field career to the collegiate level until June of 2023. “I kind of thought after high school, that would just be it,” Ntekpere said. “Then I get a call from a college and I’m like ‘oh my gosh, I can still keep doing track’... it was like a dream come true for me.”
While the opportunity was beyond exciting, Ntekpere knew the challenges it would bring. “The competition is obviously much harder,” Ntekpere said. “When I was in High School, it was kind of easier until I got to state [competitions]. But now it’s hard all the time, and I always have competition. And that’s really good, I’m always being pushed constantly. So I just really love that I can come to college and still do what I love.”
Despite being outside of the top three of the Triple Jump event only twice, Ntekpere never competed in the Triple Jump at Skyview. It was at CWU where the 5-foot7-inch sophomore discovered her hidden talent. “It was kind of crazy because I was like ‘okay, I like to jump, so I’ll do these jumps anyways, and see how it goes.’ Like it was kind of fun for me because I’ve never done it before but I actually turned out to be pretty good,” Ntekpere said. Since starting the Triple Jump event for the first time last year, Ntekpere has already broken both the CWU record and the GNAC record.
On May 22, The Observer released a story recapping the events of the GNAC Outdoor championship. During their respective interviews, freshman David Brown, sophomore Lauryn McGough, and junior Carley Huber all gave a shout out to Ntekpere,
showing the overwhelming amount of support the Track and Field team has for the sophomore Sprinter. Ntekpere responded to the shoutout during her interview, specifically Huber. “They make you better in all types of ways, in and out of sports, especially Carley [Huber],” Ntekpere said. “She is somebody I met last year and I didn’t know how big of an impact she would have on me… They’re amazing support systems. Every single [teammate]. All of them are going to be in my heart always.” Ntekpere went on to describe how even when teammates couldn’t make the event, they would still text her plenty of support and keep up with every result as they were announced.
Success does not come without fear however. Many great athletes become afraid that they’ve reached their peak once they taste success and Ntekpere isn’t an exception. “I am afraid [this is the peak],” Ntekpere said. “But I don’t know, ever since I was little, I just had this feeling each year is just gonna be better than the year before. I thought last year was my peak, honestly. Then this year came. As long as you have the mindset of the work’s not done yet… you’ll never feel like you’re at your peak.”
Ntekpere finished this year with the GNAC Field Athlete of the Year for both indoor and outdoor competition. She also won three national championships, two for outdoor and one for indoor.
For preparation of the various meets, invitationals, and championships through the year, Ntekpere has plenty of superstitions but regardless, she pushes through. “I try to tell myself, it’s gonna be a great day regardless of what you do and how you feel. You just have to trust yourself,” Ntekpere said. “No matter what happens, I’m still a great athlete, and I can accomplish a lot of things.”
Earlier in the quarter, The Observer did an investigative piece on the Track and Field coaches and the difference of their relationships between the top athletes and the rest. According to Ntekpere, there is little difference. “They care about us in all types of ways,” Ntekpere said. “Sure, there may not be as much focus, but [the coaches] treat us all with the same amount of respect and time and friendship.”
While Ntekpere plans to rest and practice her workouts over the summer, she left a message for all the CWU students. “I’m proud of all of the Wildcats that are here, that are in athletics or not. Everybody is here doing something, they’re all on a mission. I’m so proud of everyone here at CWU. They’re all doing great, fantastic things and they’re all trying their hardest and that’s all you can really ask for.” Ntekpere will be returning to CWU in the fall quarter to start her junior year.
“I’m proud of all of the Wildcats that are here, that are in athletics or not. Everybody is here doing something, they’re all on a mission.”
Emy Ntekpere smiling during the GNAC Outdoor Championship. (Photo courtesy of Wildcat Sports Galleries)
Emy Ntekpere celebrating National Championship win.
(Photo courtesy of CWU Athletics)
SADDLE UP, IT’S TIME FOR PRIDE
Kyley Glenn Lead Reporter
Kittitas County Pride (KCP) hosted the third ever pride parade in Ellensburg this past Saturday, and the turnout was in the hundreds.
The event started at Kittitas County Event Center with the parade marching on 7th Ave. It looped around several streets, then ended back at the event center. There were speakers, vendors and music both before and after the parade. Many local businesses and groups participated.
Vendors that participated included both D&M Coffee and Tacos El Cora. Blue Puppet Lab, CWU students, EHS, Helenhouse, Dru Bru, Josie’s Misfit Ranch, and many more also marched.
An employee of Tacos El Cora, and student at CWU, Ingrid Barajas, said, “The experience was very fun, I love being part of this community and being able to see a smile on everyone’s face.”
Tacos El Cora is a family business for Barajas, with her parents owning the business. They have two food trucks in Yakima that work as vendors for many local events, pride included.
Jada Madrid, a first-year musical theatre major at Central who attended said, “It was so much more than I expected it to be. I was baffled by how many people showed up to support, especially in a town like Ellensburg where being yourself can cause trouble sometimes. Everyone was just so unapologetically themselves and it was so refreshing to see with the current political climate going on in our lives. People of all orientations, ages, colors and sizes showed up decked out in rainbows and cowboy gear to celebrate love and I just think that is so wonderful. You put gays in cowboy hats and magic happeans, truly.”
Z Morris, a fourth-year graphic design major and lead graphic designer at The Observer joined with many others in representing CWU Diversity at the event, and spoke on what the parade meant to them. “I’ve been experimenting and doing drag, and drag has been a really great way for me to show the world a new part of myself and to kind of be fearless at a time where people are kind of nervous about their safety or their livelihood.” Morris had dressed in
drag, their drag name be ing Athena Zine, while marching with CWU in the parade.
The pride parade show cased several different forms of pride for people to celebrate. From drag queens to pride flags to attendees, ranging from children to senior citizens, everyone had a role to play in this year’s parade.
On the KCP website, Keelin Winters, the KCP president said, “Pride serves as a way to combat shame and allows all people to feel our in terconnectedness. Celebrating LGBTQIA+ lives fundamental ly changed the way I once thought of myself and I know it will do the same for others. I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to serve the Kittitas County commu nity in this way and cannot wait to see you at our May celebration.”
Both CWU and Kittitas County Pride will be hosting several events throughout the month.
CWU student and Lead Graphic Designer of The Observer Z Morris in the pride parade.
Photo by Kyley Glenn
Photo courtesy of Meg Valliant - @megocine
Photo courtesy of Meg Valliant - @megocine
CWU students at pride.
Photo by Kyley Glenn
Photo courtesy of Skylar Bisom-Rapp
Photo courtesy of Skylar Bisom-Rapp
Photo courtesy of Meg Valliant - @megocine
Photo courtesy of Meg Valliant - @megocine
Photo courtesy of Skylar Bisom-Rapp
The Last of Us” is a beloved game franchise turned tv series, and with its second season now finished I thought I’d share my opinion: I didn’t care for it. As someone who fell in love with the series from the start (2013), it’s easy to point out key differences in the show to the game. However, despite the obvious differences, I believe the second season was doomed from the start. When looking towards the game as source material, it should’ve been obvious before it was even confirmed that there wasn’t going to be much substance. This isn’t necessarily the show’s fault. Most of the first half of the game is very simple: Joel dies, Ellie is angry, Ellie tracks down the people who killed Joel and that’s really the heart and soul of it. The problem is HBO created a drama-series, not an action series, and unfortunately for them, action and violence is all the first part of this story is. After Joel dies, Ellie is filled with rage and decides to track down whoever did this and get her revenge.
The show hit this beat with stride showing almost one-for-one everything that happens in Jackson. Unfortunately, when Ellie reaches Seattle, the momentum dies off. The show becomes Ellie and Dina walking through a ruined Seattle with very little happening besides a few small encounters. Important events do happen, but without the tension that the game provides with many dangerous encounters, these events feel unimportant.
It won’t be until we get to the second part of the game, which will now be season three, where the show can flourish again. The second half of the game is where we play as Joel’s killer, Abby, who up until this point has remained an unknown villain that Ellie will do anything to find and kill. It’s in this part of the story that Abby steps into the shoes of Joel, as she takes on a parental role and starts her own journey towards leaving Seattle.
If you also watched season two, thought it was boring and are considering dropping it, DON’T! Season three should bring the franchise back to its roots with Abby’s storyline if they stop changing plotlines.
Season two was purely a setup for season three, and that alone brings down everything that happened in it. It’s sad to see something I enjoy be changed to be the buildup to something else, when season two had all the potential to be great. I’m just hoping they don’t mess up the ending.
Mark Sterling Columnist
Collage Courtesy of Xaviar
Photos Courtesy of Studio HBO and Sony Pictures Televisions
SOUND BITE 28
‘FANTASTIC 4: FIRST STEPS,’
FANTASTIC OR FAILURE ?
Ethan Kennedy
Columnist
Fantastic 4: First Steps” (F4: First Steps) is the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU’s) rendition of Marvel’s first family. Fans, myself included, await the release of a film that could make or break Marvels’ image as a whole. Having three feature length films beforehand with no connection or ties to the MCU, there are some obstacles to overcome, being that all three previous iterations were met with negative critique, and fans were not happy with the portrayal of some of their favorite superheroes.
This Week In Music
evil version of Mr. Fantastic, known as The Maker. Miles Teller played Reed Richards in the 2015 release, separate from the original two movies, and MCU’s upcoming movie.
Set to release July 25, F4: First Steps brings Mr. Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Human Torch and The Thing to life, played by Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn and Ebon Moss-Bachrach respectively. This truly is a stacked cast, and with every great hero, their villain must come. Ralph Ineson was cast to play Marvels’ cosmic food connoisseur, Galactus.
From 2005 – 2007 (before the MCU), Marvel released two Fantastic Four movies, the first being titled the namesake and the second being subtitled, “Rise of the Silver Surfer” which featured Laurence Fishburne as the voice of the Silver Surfer. Some fans have shown dismay at the casting for the Silver Surfer for First Steps, being Julia Garner. The director of the movie, Matt Shakman, has stated the character is based off of the female Silver Surfer from Marvel comics, Shalla-Bal.
The 2007 movie, Rise of the Silver Surfer, would go on to disappoint many fans with its portrayal of Galactus, that being a big cloud in space as opposed to his iconic blue and purple armor, enormous stature and two-pronged helmet. Thankfully, the MCU’s newest iteration has Ineson in full comic accurate attire, towering over the city of New York in the trailers.
Some fans are expecting a possible return from previous Fantastic Four actors, notably Ioan Gruffudd, the original Reed Richards/ Mr. Fantastic. Additionally, Miles Teller has been rumored to show up as a twisted, almost
The 2015 movie fans dubbed, ‘Fan4stic,’ was met with even lower reviews than the original movies. While the early 2000’s movies focused more on cheesy action and comedy, the 2015 release was a lot grittier, with the iconic catchphrase “It’s Clobberin’ Time” said by Ben Grimm, The Thing, being the result of his older brother saying that line before taking a bat and beating a young Ben Grimm. Fans were not impressed with the dark route Fan4stic took, and with them getting their iconic powers halfway through the movie, many saw the movie as boring. It is currently sitting at 9% on rotten tomatoes. Through trailers, rumors and some leaks, the new F4: First Steps movie appears to be heading in the right direction. The MCU has listened to its fans by bringing Galactus properly to the big screen. The movie is also set in a parallel universe to the MCU, being set in the 1960’s yet having a retro futuristic design and environment. On top of that, this new movie will be bringing many other gadgets and inventions of the Fantastic 4 to the big screen that past iterations may have thought would be too “cartoon-y” for a movie. Not only are they bringing to life their hover car, made to split into four separate hover cars, but also their robot companion, H.E.R.B.I.E!
This new rendition of the Fantastic 4 looks promising, and with it being the adaptation of Marvels’ first family, there is a lot riding on this movie succeeding. It better be fantastic.
Brandon Mattesich Columnist
Welcome back to Sound Bite! This week we will be covering the biggest releases from the month of May, since Sound Bite took a bit of a hiatus as we covered some larger stories this past quarter. So from Kali Uchis to PinkPantheress hop on into this week’s Sound Bite review.
“Sincerely,” is Kali Uchis latest album, and I honestly think it is one of those albums that will chart a few radio hits but wont be remembered in the years to come. There’s a couple stand outs for me on this album, “All I Can Say” and “ILYSMIH” to name a few, but a lot of this album sounded extremely homogeneous and compared to some of Uchis past work, it fell a bit short of the mark for me. By no means am I saying this is a bad album, in fact, I really enjoyed listening to this, but I definitely was hoping for a bit more out of this extremely talented artist.
André 3000 also released a new album, and in now classic André 3000 fashion it was truly confusing and unlike anything Outkast, the rap duo he used to star in, ever produced. The album was recorded on IPhone, and is all freestyle piano solos performed by “three stacks” himself. To be completely honest, I don’t know what to make of this album. It is unconventional, and honestly it doesn’t follow any of the “rules” of music or theory, but at the same time I think that’s the point. So in that regard, I don’t know if I can review this album, or recommend it. At times it’s a hard listen, at times exciting. All I can say if you choose to listen to it is that you should really focus, and hopefully you can get something out of it.
“Pinball II,” is a direct sequel to MIKE and Tony Seltzer’s 2024 album similarly titled “Pinball.” It’s a classic rap collab album with features from the likes of Earl Sweatshirt and Lunchbox and I really enjoyed listening to it. A couple stand outs for me were “WYC4” and “Prezzy,” both of which showcase exciting lyrics and flow, and are very fun to listen to. If you’ve never listened to a MIKE project, I would highly recommend this one as a great jumping in point, it’s a very fun listen and its overall a very fun and intriguing collaboration that I believe works very well.
To wrap up this May issue I would like to touch on PinkPantheress’s latest project, “Fancy That.” In classic PinkPantheress style it’s only nine tracks long and this one specifically is a mix tape. I’d like to disclose a little bias here, I love PinkPantheress’s musical style. I think it’s super refreshing, and it would be very hard for her to make an album that I wouldn’t like. So that said, I loved this album. It’s an auditory feast that you would be remiss to let pass you, and out of every album of this week’s Sound Bite it’s the one I would recommend the most.
Photo and Design by Brandon Mattesich
Wind Ensemble & Symphonic Band
A lively concert with a special guest
Elijah Giampietro Staff Reporter
Audience members got a rare viewing opportunity last week when the CWU music department’s performance was accompanied by a composer in residence on Thursday. Throughout the past quarter, the Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble practiced with and studied music created by Dr. Nicole Piunno. Her speeches throughout this concert helped enhance the meaning behind the pieces and connect the audience to the music.
A total of 71 musicians made up the combined personnel for this event. Two of them gave a perspective into their concert experience, one being Dillon Lopes from Symphonic Band, the other being bassoonist Noel Virgen from Wind Ensemble.
Lopes spoke about the level of preparation that went into the final concert of the year, “As far as preparedness I would say definitely over-prepared. My band director puts it a great way, how he plans our quarter is like the shape of an hourglass,” Lopes said. “His instructions that he gives us based on little tweaks that we make in the song is the first half, and when we’re about at that point in the quarter where we can do full run throughs of the concert, like of the material, then the rest of the concert is focusing on what the music means. I, and very likely everybody else in the ensemble, felt very prepared playing our first sounds during the concert since we had already ran through the material a bunch of times.”
Virgen praised the work of Dr. Piunno and
ally cool getting some insight directly from the composers about more nuanced things, what they had in mind for how it should be played. Start learning the notes, then you get to play them with intention, that was really interesting and cool.”
When asked if they were satisfied with their performances, Lopes commented “Yeah, absolutely, we had some really great moments,” Virgen said. “I would say so, I think there’s always room to improve. [Dr. T. Andre Feagin] always says, ‘If we’re comfortable we’re doing something wrong, we’re always striving for more.’”
The ten pieces in this performance featured complex sequencing, often having massive changes in atmosphere that brought an optimistic and fast piece down to a slower and more emotional mood almost instantaneously, then back up before the piece ended. Dr. Feagin gave speeches in between, thanking the audience, congratulating the ensembles and shouting out graduating seniors.
When asked about his favorite piece, Lopes said, “We had a composer in residence, Dr. Nicole Piunno, it was very exciting to get to work with her. One of her pieces was called safely rest and it’s a really cool piece, it’s based on two popular songs that in Dr. Piunno’s eyes mean two opposite things, it was a combination of Caps and Amazing Grace, and it was just a really pretty song and getting to perform it in the concert hall it sounded very nice.”
troduction from Dr. Feagin. Feagin explained how the way the sunflower tracks the sun throughout the day, sets in the west then turns back to the east in waiting overnight mirrors how faith leads us to turn and wait for light in times of darkness. Towards the end of the first movement, a bright solo shined from oboist Pedro Lopez Aguilar and delighted the room.
Virgen named this piece as one of his favorites. “Sunflower Studies, the last piece, one of the ones by Dr. Piunno, was really great. Overall the sound was fun to play and everything, but also just when we got to work with her, getting to learn more about what it means and just, it’s cool to bring that to life.” Virgen said. “I really loved the quintet section going on with the Soprano Sax, Trombone, Trumpet, and forget the other two, I know French horn was in there. They did such a good job, it was incredible.”
Lopes described the perspective of being in the mind of the performer during long pauses. “The moment in between the two movements, it can be a little awkward, people are turning pages in their silence, maybe less experienced crowd members are deciding if they should clap or not. What really goes through my head is towards the end of the first movement, my mind is already in the second movement, thinking what’s gonna happen there musically. When the second movement starts, that way it’s not a surprise, I’m ready to play in a slightly different style.”
Several pieces throughout this performance featured multiple sections with pauses in be tween. During these moments the room be came almost completely silent, with the only sounds being the turning of pages and the oc casional footstep on stage.
“Sunflower Studies: Symphony for Wind Ensemble” was one of these, featuring an in
Dr. Piunno speaking to the audience. (Left) Dr. Faegin conducting the Wind Ensemble. (Right) (Photo
by Jackson Roberts)
Summer Word Search
WILDCAT WORDS
Divined by Z Morris and Julia Snow
Aries (March 21 - April 19): Aries, I know you want to cancel those plans you have later. Honestly, I can’t blame you, people are exhausting. Instead of going out, try something a little more chill. Invite your bestie over for a tea session and catch up on all the latest gossip! Tip of the day: Justin is hiding something.
Taurus (April 20 - May 20): That package you’re waiting on Taurus? Don’t expect it anytime soon. Ever since they switched back to pigeons, tracking has been so unreliable. Hopefully it’s worth the wait! Tip of the day: Bird seed can work wonders.
Gemini (May 21 - June 20): Great things are about to happen for you Gemini. Like, ridiculously phenomenal, I can hardly believe it. Look ou t for the sign. It’ll be wonderful! I really should stop talking or I’ll spoil the su rprise. Tip of the day: Watch out for a blue car.
Cancer (June 21 - July 22): I hope you have your files backed up Cancer. Your computer is about to crash, big time. Get used to computer labs for the next few weeks, Geek Squad can take a while. You can finish that assignment on your phone though, right? Tip of the day: Save onto a hard drive.
Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22): You have amazing ideas Leo! Trust in yourself, you know what you’re doing. Don’t be afraid to start a new project or cr aft, the results could really surprise you. Tip of the day: Glitter goes well with everything.
Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sep. 22): Life can be rough sometimes Virgo. But don’t let a little setback stop you, it’s important to keep moving forward. A rock in your shoe isn’t something to cry over, or something like that. I wouldn’t know, my life has always been perfect. Tip of the day: God does have favorites.
Libra (Sep. 23 - Oct. 22): Don’t worry about those pesky problems of yours Libra! A setback in your plans might be nerve racking but one time my plans got set back during my forklift training. My trainer should have moved, whoops. Tip of the day: poor Stanley.
Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21): Your amazon package is going to be late. I’m sorry but I ate it in transit. Maybe it’s labeled as “in Ellensburg” but that happens to also be in my stomach. Whoops, order a new thing I guess. Tip of the day: don’t get scammed.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21): A Hot date is coming up for you. That’s right, it’s gonna be warm as hell this weekend. Like nearly in the 90s, 100s, 200s! Climate change is gonna slap you in the face this weekend. Tip of the day: Get a fan.
Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan.19): Someone is going to present a problem to you: Would you rather have unlimited bacon and no games, or games (unlimited games) but no games? It’s a tough question so submit your answer below: Unlimited bacon and no games Games (unlimited games) but no games
Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb.18): Simple tasks seem as hard as climbing a mountain these days, but I know you got this! Take it one day at a time, and remember everyday is creeping towards another stressful final! Don’t get too hung up on that though! It’s just your future! Tip of the day: (Kitty hang in there poster).
Pisces (Feb. 19 - March 20): Blow all your money. Sorry did you hear that? It sounded like someone said you should blow all your money on an inflatable unicorn at the Fred Meyer. I dunno who said that but The Observer is looking into it. Tip of the day: Blow all your money on an inflatable unicorn.
