SPRING 2021
THE WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY ALUMNI MAGAZINE
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Recreation, Exercise & Sport Science Wellness Elevated
A journey to better health Following her husband’s surgery, Gunnison resident Kathie Powell set out to help him in his physical recovery, which led to her own journey to better health. Together the couple learned about Western’s Wellness Elevated program and soon found themselves lapping the track in the Mountaineer Field House on campus. “I loved it,” Powell said. “They gave me an exercise program and I really enjoyed it. I’ve been coming ever since!” Wellness Elevated is a 12-week exercise program that pairs students with community members seeking to improve their health. It was initially fueled by referrals from a single physician in Gunnison. Since then, other physicians in the valley and as far as Montrose are sending patients to the program. It has grown from eight clients in its first year to nearly 80 enrolled each semester. In total, about 600 community members have participated thus far.
“I learned how to create exercises for my clients that had limitations, and at-home workouts when the pandemic shut us down.” - Robert Gerlock The program allows students in the Exercise & Sport Science (ESS) program to have hands on experience with clients while collecting scientific data. Clients are given an initial evaluation on fitness and blood chemistry, including lipid profiles, and then are prescribed a fitness routine. They are checked regularly on the progress they make during the 12 weeks. “I’ve participated in two (previous) master’s thesis projects and am currently in my third,” said Powell. “This is fun because you get to help out a second-year master’s student and, depending on their thesis, learn even more!” However, when the COVID-19 pandemic arrived in Gunnison and gyms had to close, the Wellness Elevated program was canceled and refunds were given from money provided to the university from the federal government. Wellness Elevated Manager Angie Dalleck was forced to recreate a program minimizing contact to keep everyone safe. Beginning in the fall of 2020, most clients exercised at home. Only 13 people signed up for the revamped program, exercising outside on porches, with some using the field house, being routed through side doors.“We had to get creative in what we could use, we had to use what we had: body exercises, spin bikes, weights and a track,” said Dalleck. “I really put it on the students to be creative—what can you do?” But despite the constraints imposed by a global pandemic, without exception every client made major improvements in their health, Dalleck said. Additionally, there was much she learned about the core of the program itself.
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Prior to the COV
VID-19 pandemic, Wellness Elevated in the Mountaineer Field House.
“I learned to trust the students because they weren’t under my physical supervision. I couldn’t see always what they were doing,” Dalleck said. “I think it’s probably taught us all the same lessons, one way or another. We have to be flexible; we have to adapt. If you want to have a program, it has to look different.” That trust placed in the hands of students opened up a whole new level of learning. For ESS senior Robert Gerlock, who has a clinical emphasis, those lessons were timely. “Communication was a big key between me and my clients, as well as learning to adjust my schedule to help my clients progress in their exercises,” Gerlock said. “I learned how to create exercises for my clients that had specific limitations and at-home workouts when the pandemic shut us down, along with helping them to adapt to exercise they didn’t enjoy or could not do.” And the strategy paid off for clients like Powell. “They really took our safety seriously. Of course, my program was great and rigorous, but I still missed using the equipment in the gym,” Powell said. Currently, she is working with a new student and is exercising in the field house. But, she said, all the work she is doing could be done at home too. “I am so thankful for this program for me and my husband,” Powell said. “I also feel great that these students are gaining some real-world experience while they are in school and I enjoy furthering this cause as well! This is one of the best programs that seniors have available to them in this community. I encourage anyone and everyone that can meet during their hours to take advantage of this program.” Written by: Chris Rourke Photo: Wellness Elevated Cover Photo: F4D Studio
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Recreation, Exercise & Sport Science Expanding DEII Initiatives
The West African Arts Connection Promoting the values of diversity, equity, inclusion and internationalization (DEII) is business as usual for Western’s Recreation Exercise and Sport Science (RESS) department. This spring, Professor of Recreation & Outdoor Education Mark Gibson, Ed.D., partnered with graduate student Angela Carroll to expand DEII initiatives through a new, exciting collaboration with the Honors Program. In order to offer a course through the Honors Program, faculty submit proposals in a competitive selection process. Honors students get to vote on which courses they would like to see the following year, and Honors Program Director Kelsey L. Bennett, Ph.D., together with the Honors Council, finalize decisions. The West African Arts Connection was among the few selected.
“He was able to discuss topics that may be traditionally viewed as uncomfortable in an extremely safe and welcoming way.” - Robin Morris With a goal to promote deep and meaningful learning for students, the course turns to the powerful and rich history of the African Arts. Carroll is a Master of Science candidate in the High Altitude Exercise Physiology (HAEP) program, and has dedicated her adult life to promoting DEII in arts and education. “The African Arts have provided me a personal path of growth and awareness that has amplified my ability to be a better human, educator, ally and igniter. I strive to use my privilege, knowledge and experience as a platform for change and growth that is fair and sustainable for all,” writes Carroll. Students embraced the curriculum. “This class has been the highlight of my semester. I want to be better about exploring and celebrating cultures that I know little to nothing about,” said Honors student Alyssa Hargrove. Throughout the interdisciplinary course, students look at history
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through the lens of the arts, tracking influences from the Atlantic Slave trade on the Americas. Black voices, stories and history are illuminated. One key element of the course was having worldrenowned artist and educator Fara Tolno, from Guinea, West Africa, teach the class for three weeks this February. According to Dr. Bennett, the course was selected because it speaks to the Honors Program’s values and fosters experiential learning through the arts. “From bringing Tolno to work with the students, to offering hands-on experience in traditional African performance arts to promote wellness, social justice, and intercultural connection, the course uniquely engages our program values of interdisciplinarity and citizenship and community.” The course made a big impact on senior Robin Morris, who plans to become an educator herself. She aspires to bring Fara’s energy and passion into her own teaching style. “I loved listening to his approach on building connections and unifying through music and dance. He was able to discuss topics that may be traditionally viewed as uncomfortable in an extremely safe and welcoming way,” said Robin. Honors student Chloe Edwards said for her, the course demonstrated how music brings people from every race, generation and ethnicity together. “Music can allow us to fight past prejudices and see how similar we are to one another. Being able to embrace other cultures allows us to celebrate what humanity is, which is why this class is so important.” Tolno and Carroll are co-founders of the Kissidugu Foundation, which works to uplift artists and educators from Africa and the African diaspora within the United States, while also sustaining a school of music, dance and education in Guinea, West Africa. An iteration of this class, again taught by Fara, an adjunct faculty member of Western, will be offered this July 26th to August 6th through the RESS Department and the Honors Program. Fara Tolno’s brother, Etienne Tolno, will be teaching a West African dance class through Western’s Extended Studies program in April.
Written by: Angela Carroll and Dr. Mark Gibson Photos: Steamboatpilot.com
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Natural & Environmental Sciences New MCAT Prep Scholarship
Renowned cardiologist helps students on their path to practicing medicine The road to medical school is often fraught with challenges. In addition to good grades, high test scores and dedication to the profession, there is the cost involved in preparing for entrance exams—namely the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Now, through a scholarship established by a renowned cardiologist and steadfast Western supporter, students can tap new resources to prepare for the rigorous test. The fund, called the MCAT Prep Scholarship, was established by Dr. Elliot Brown, a New Jersey doctor who, through skiing, fell in love with the Gunnison Valley. During his summers, Brown teaches a pre-med and pre-health course at Western for students interested in the field of medicine. Additionally, he hosts students for two weeks at his East Coast home who are interested in shadowing him, and he’s a member of the Health Care Advisory Board at Western. Advisory Board members advise students, guest lecture and connect undergraduates with opportunities in and outside the Gunnison Valley. Brown said he contributes his time because of the value he found in Western and its students.
“It was interesting to see the direct impact that one can have on another’s life, to give them a better state of living.” - Jake Wilcox “You’re with a faculty where the ratios are such that learning is very personal, and everyone is very invested in it,” Brown said. “I personally have written recommendations for countless students and seen them grow through the process”. His campus involvement has illustrated all that it takes to be an impressionable young person arriving at Western and seeing their goals become reality while having experiences they’ve never dreamed of. The first recipient of the MCAT Prep Scholarship is—by coincidence—one of Brown’s protégés. Jake Wilcox, who graduates in Spring 2021 with a degree in Exercise & Sports Science. Jake became fascinated with medicine following an injury. A member of the Western Basketball team, Jake said the injury to his back and his progressive recovery inspired him to help others. He enrolled in a summer course taught by Brown, with whom he found a deep connection. Wilcox then did an internship with Brown in the summer of 2019 to learn more about the practice of medicine. “It was interesting to see the direct impact that one can have on another’s life, to give them a better state of living,” Wilcox said.
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Dr. Elliot Brown
n and MCAT Prep Scholarship recipient Jake Wilcox during Wilcox’s internship in New Jersey.
But, as he began to investigate the path toward becoming a doctor, he discovered one of the typical barriers to success. Preparation courses for the MCAT, he said, cost about $2,500. There also are travel costs associated with interviewing with various schools, which can really add up. Wilcox applied for the MCAT Prep Scholarship and became the first to be awarded the funds. “He was the most deserving candidate,” explained Emily McMahill, Western Health Professions Advisor, who reviewed all the applications. “It’s important to note that Dr. Brown has no say in who receives the award so there was no ‘playing favorites.’” “I didn’t know I was the first recipient,” Wilcox said when he learned of the news. “That’s an honor, because I know it wasn’t just me applying.” McMahill described Wilcox as motivated and hardworking, and that the purpose of the MCAT Prep fund is to help deserving young people like him. She hopes to grow the scholarship fund with other donations in coming years. “Our hope is that it will grow—at least one per year, so we can offer multiple scholarships each year,” said McMahill. “We have a number of students, like Jake, who are in need of these funds.”
Written by: Chris Rourke Photo: Dr. Elliot Brown
CONTACT ALUMNI RELATIONS western.edu/alumni | alumni@western.edu | 970.943.3464
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Behavioral & Social Sciences Alumni Profile: Mike Bauer ’05
The Power of Language: How One Mountaineer Built Dual Careers in Law and Music Mike Bauer (Political Science) always pictured himself in some version of his current life—at the heart of the action in a big city. As a deputy district attorney in the largest DA’s office in the country and a singersongwriter in the Los Angeles music scene he’s managed to bring his dream to life. But his path wasn’t a straight shot. Bauer confesses that initially he wasn’t thrilled to be at Western. As a self-described 19-year-old punk he had no interest in a small school in a remote town. “I always said I’d go to a big city and do big things,” says Bauer. While Gunnison, Colorado didn’t fit his image of where he belonged it’s where he found himself his freshman year.
“Being at Western is what made me competitive. Period. When you’re in a small community you realize how important reputation and perception are.” - Mike Bauer The only things he knew for sure at that time were that he was interested in music and he wanted to be a lawyer. When Bauer was in high school an ex-boyfriend shot his mother. Thankfully she survived but the incident left Bauer with a desire to protect victims of crime. Becoming a lawyer seemed the best way for him to do that. After a rocky first year, Bauer eventually found his way and things began to fall into place. He knew political science classes could be a good background which led him to Professor William Niemi who became a guidepost for Bauer during his time at Western. There were times Dr. Niemi intimidated Bauer but “seeing how he attacked language and crafted arguments expanded my horizons and showed me my own limitations.” And being in small classes did more than humble him. “When you’re in a small community you realize how important reputation and perception are. You have to be accountable,” he says. Bauer admits his undergraduate grades weren’t stellar but it didn’t worry him because he knew he was challenging himself. He took Spanish and Economics classes because he was curious. He says, “It wasn’t about padding my stats. It wasn’t about pedigree, it was about learning.” His curiosity guided him outside of the classroom as well. He remembers teaching himself to play the guitar on cold winter nights. He began writing songs and recalls taking his lyrics to Professor Nate Liederbach who took his interest in songwriting seriously and helped him improve his craft. Looking back, Bauer realizes how much he gained during his time at Western. He credits his experiences in college with building grit, accountability and communication skills that propelled him into the next stage in his life.
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After graduation, he moved to Los Angeles where his sister, a professional cellist, was living. “I had $84 in my pocket,” says Bauer, “and a loose plan.” He knew he wanted to get into law school and give himself a chance to build a career in music. He spent four years working on his music. Then, in 2009, he entered Southwestern Law School. He put music aside until one fateful night out with law school buddies. “We went out to a karaoke bar,” says Bauer. His friends knew nothing of his musical background and when he sang a song they were blown away. “Before I knew it everyone was pushing me to use my student loan money to buy some recording equipment,” says Bauer. He recorded his first album “Financial Aid, Volume 1”. That same year he graduated law school and ended up playing at South by Southwest. “I kind of fell into it, especially with the right people around to push me,” he says. Bauer has gone on to collaborate and receive encouragement from some notable mentors. He wrote with music legend Richard Rudolph (whose credits include Minnie Riperton, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Stevie Wonder). Bauer says one of the many lessons Rudolph taught him was to hone in on each word. “He got me to think about using words in ways they aren’t typically used,” he says, “and to be very surgical with my writing. I’m more poetic with my writing now.” Bauer has since released Financial Aid, Volumes Two and Three. And in 2019 he released four new singles and sold out the legendary Troubadour Club in West Hollywood. “I wish I would’ve created an alter ego for my music career,” says Bauer. Every now and then, especially at crowded shows, he has a concern that an enemy from court could show up. As a Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney, he handles complex multiple defendant crimes. “I see people at their worst moments. Defendants, victims, witnesses.” says Bauer. “No one wants to be there.” But he views the legal system and his own work from an optimistic perspective. “I have a duty to protect people, victims of crime, and also make sure defendants get a fair trial,” he says, “I get to tell the truth all day long and I love it.” Bauer finds the energy and time to devote to these two demanding careers through discipline. “If you turn off the TV, get rid of your cable subscription,” he says, “you find you have a lot of time.” When he’s working on a trial he doesn’t think about music, and when he prepares for a big show he manages to schedule his cases so he’s not quite so busy. While they are very different worlds, he recognizes his interest in law and music come from the same place — the desire to communicate in order to make the world better and safer.
Written by: Liz Renner Photo: Mike Bauer
CONTACT ALUMNI RELATIONS western.edu/alumni | alumni@western.edu | 970.943.3464
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Natural & Environmental Sciences Alumni Profile: Briana Wiles ’12
Western roots produce strong business Growing up in the Midwest, alumna Briana Wiles always had an interest in plants. But it was during her time at Western when she began to match a plant’s bloom with its benefit. As her passion for plants has grown, the entrepreneur has written two books, established two stores and launched an online business, all in a short five years, all fueled by her time spent at Western. Wiles is originally from Michigan and came to Western with her now-husband, who studied business and later earned his Master in Environmental Management. Wiles, on the other hand, devoted her time to learning about plant biology and flora. Under the watchful eye of biology professor Robin Bingham, Wiles began to study the names of plants found locally and to learn how each plant could be utilized to its fullest.
“You have to find your niche.It was my little passion project that turned into a successful business plan.” - Briana Wiles
Entrepreneur Briana Wiles in her Gunnison store, Rooted Apothecary.
“Briana was interested in edible and medicinal plants,” said Bingham. “I think anyone with a passion for plants finds the details of plant biology fascinating—and that describes Briana. I remember her as being a very engaged and enthusiastic student in all the botany courses she took from me.” “It was my flora class which taught me all the plants around this area,” Wiles said. “And the botany class taught me all the words to identify plants—from that information I teach an online course.” From her love for botany grew her business, beginning with one farmer’s market booth—and then two, serving both ends of the Gunnison Valley. She sold dried herbs, tinctures and other natural products crafted from locally sourced plants. Sales were beyond what she imagined. She took that money and invested in to her first brick and mortar store, Rooted Apothecary, in Crested Butte in 2016. The store sells salves, remedies, teas, tinctures, essential oils, elixirs and skin care products made in the same manner as her farmer’s market products. “It was such a success in a very short span of time,” she said. “We decided it was a great business idea.” Two years later, Wiles established a second location on North Main Street in Gunnison, tapping into a different market than that found in Crested Butte. Out of that Main Street store, Wiles has established online classes, a manufacturing area for her products and a shipping center for her latest endeavor—an online store. If she wasn’t busy enough, Wiles has written two
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books, “Mountain West Foraging” and “Mountain States Medicinal Plants,” which share with readers much of the information she has accumulated. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, almost one in two businesses fail within the first five years. But Wiles is bucking the trend. She even has her sights set on further expansion, such as a third location outside the Gunnison Valley. She credits her husband and staff as key components to her success, combined with a great idea. “You have to find your niche,” Wiles said. “It was my little passion project that turned into a successful business plan.” Written by: Chris Rourke Photos: Chris Rourke
CONTACT ALUMNI RELATIONS western.edu/alumni | alumni@western.edu | 970.943.3464
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Behavioral & Social Sciences Politics & Government
Model UN provides global experience for Western students Politics and government major and Honors Program graduate Kirsten Companik, ’19, currently works for the Bureau of Counterterrorism in our nation’s capital. In her position, she is responsible for assisting in drafting potential legislation as it relates to counterterrorism. The knowledge of global issues she gained in Western’s Model UN and through the Honors Program have been critical in her role. Companik’s employment follows a summer internship for the Supreme Court Marshall’s Office and an eight-month internship with the U.S. State Department. She prepared research for thenSecretary of State Mike Pompeo on topics such as Middle East peace talks and repatriating citizens during a global pandemic.
“I had the benefit of learning from students all over the world. It opened my perspective on policy and politics and that has only benefited me now.” - Kirsten Companik
Professor Maria Struble diagrams relationships with Greece during a Model UN meeting.
She’ll admit she swam in some deep waters during her internship, working with peers from the Ivy League and other renowned institutions. Still, by participating in rigorous classes in politics and government, the Honors Program and the Model UN, she said she held her ground, graduating from a small school in the mountains of Colorado that provided her with transformational leadership opportunities. “I had no idea where it would lead,” said Companik. “I really enjoyed every experience at Western. Fortunately, I took on many roles and leadership positions. Those experiences benefited me greatly.” Companik was also a dedicated NCAA athletic on Western volleyball team. Model UN is a simulation of the U.N. General Assembly and its other multilateral bodies where students perform the role of delegates from U.N. Member States. By doing so, students learn the art of diplomacy and gain a view of pressing world topics. The program, led by Professor of Politics & Government Maria Struble, Ph.D., is in its eighth year on the Western campus and has about 10-15 active students. This year, the students were assigned to represent the country of Greece. To do so, they immerse themselves in research about the country to understand its positions on issues such as nuclear nonproliferation, women’s rights, the environment and development. Each year culminates with a trip to New York City for a convening of close to 2,000 students from around the world. However, this year’s event will be conducted virtually. “There are different committees within the Model UN. Representatives come together with delegates from other countries to
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propose solutions to pressing problems,” said Struble, who serves on the National Model UN New York Faculty Advisory committee. “At the conference, students are responsible for networking, drafting resolutions, delivering speeches and voting on solutions.” Like Companik, senior Honors student Emily Eads took a chance on Model UN. She now finds herself drafting a position paper representing Greece on the establishment of a nuclear weapons free zone in the Middle East, advancing responsible state behavior in cyberspace and the illicit trade of small arms and light weapons. “I hadn’t yet taken a class that relied so heavily on research, public speaking and concise writing,” said Eads. “I’ve been able to hone in on these skills while simultaneously learning more about the international political sphere. It’s very challenging, but it is also incredibly enjoyable and rewarding.” Both Companik and Eads were able to take the already demanding material to an even deeper level by adding Honors credit to their Model UN coursework. The Honors curriculum provides ample opportunities such as this to allow students to immerse themselves in a project, thereby exemplifying program values of risk taking and autonomy. “Among the many campuswide partnerships the Honors Program is involved with, Model UN is among the most gratifying to see the students grow into creative thinkers whose skills shine on a national platform,” said Honors Program Director Kelsey L. Bennett, Ph.D. The work is intensive, Eads continued, as she has gone through nine drafts of the position paper, something that Struble believes further helps students develop their critical thinking and technical writing skills. “It’s not personal. We need to submit good work,” Struble said. “The position paper pushes students out of their comfort zone to be resilient and successful.” That is something that has paid back in professional dividends for Companik. “I had the benefit of learning from students all over the world,” said Companik. “We pushed each other to be better. It opened my perspective on policy and politics and that has only benefited me now.”
Written by: Chris Rourke Photo: Chris Rourke
CONTACT ALUMNI RELATIONS western.edu/alumni | alumni@western.edu | 970.943.3464
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Campus News Alumni Profile: Melvin Foote ’73
African advocate; from Western to the world It was his interest in basketball that brought alumnus Melvin Foote to Western Colorado University. Little did he know that the connections made on campus would lead to a lifetime of service on a global stage. Foote has spent almost 40 years as an advisor and proponent of African issues and has been called upon by several U.S. presidents for his expertise on critical issues in about 30 different countries. He spoke to Western Vice President of Enrollment & Student Success Abel Chávez, Ph.D., during a speaker series on Zoom called “Lunchtime Charla: From Western to the World.” Charla is Spanish for “chat,” and during this lunchtime event, Foote described his humble beginnings at Western that led to a long career in Africa and Washington D.C. Foote, who was born and raised in Rockford, Illinois, came to Western to play basketball. Coming from the Midwest, it was the mountains that kept him here. While at Western he began to write a column for the Top o’ the World campus newspaper. Through his column “The Back of the Bus,” which focused upon Black issues in the 1970s, he met a friend who shared with him the Peace Corps. Foote said it sounded like the perfect fit for him. He applied, was accepted and assigned the country of Ethiopia.
“I put myself in the space of, ‘let’s do this together,’ a constituency for Africa and building a base for Africa.” - Melvin Foote “I didn’t even know where Ethiopia was,” said Foote. “Back then, there wasn’t Google. So, I went to the library and saw it was in Africa.” And thus, the journey began. During his time overseas, he worked in 30 countries undergoing various challenges: civil war, famine and drought. With each experience, he grew to understand the challenges faced by the African countries and their people. He began to collaborate with various organizations bringing them under one tent of action. “There are a lot of organizations that consult on Africa,” said Foote. “I put
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myself in the space of, ‘let’s do this together,’” a constituency for Africa and building a base for Africa.” By doing this, Foote founded and is the head of “Constituency for Africa,” a nonprofit organization that educates the United States public and influences policy regarding African nations. Foote, who lives a mile from the White House, is called upon regularly by U.S. leaders. “You know, I always wanted to help Black people. I always wanted to help my people,” he said. “But I wasn’t thinking about it globally….Then I thought I should think globally, so when an opportunity came up to help Africa, I was open to it.” With this world view, he still remembers his humble beginnings at Western at a time when the country struggled with its own unrest—protest over the Vietnam War and civil rights issues that dominated headlines in the 1960s and ’70s. “(Western) didn’t have all the distractions that you have in the urban areas,” he said. “What I appreciated most about it is, it gave me time to think.” “Lunchtime Charla: From Western to the World” continues in March and April: Thursday, March 25, will feature Miss Alyssa Magalong ’16, who has earned the title of Miss Colorado Earth. On Thursday, April 22, we’ll hear from Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney Michael Bauer ’05, who has tried more than 70 crime cases.
Written by: Chris Rourke Photo: Alumnus Melvin Foote (right) with African leader Nelson Mandela
CONTACT ALUMNI RELATIONS western.edu/alumni | alumni@western.edu | 970.943.3464
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Campus News Women’s Basketball
Soaring to national ranking Much like the iced over Gunnison River at the end of winter, the Western Colorado women’s basketball program had the potential to thaw its freeze and break free from the bottom half of the RMAC standings in the mid-2010s and become a strong, flowing current – not to be deterred no matter what stands in the way.
“Coming to Western and meeting my teammates and getting this experience, you just holistically become so much more of a person” - Mikaela Parker The program just needed the right people to shine the heat of high expectations and hard work to set it free – and that started with the hiring of coach Lora Westling in 2016. A year later, five freshmen from four different parts of the country joined the Mountaineers to rebuild a program that had won 19 games in four seasons before Westling went 7-19 in her first season – the most wins in four years for Western women’s hoops. These five – Jessie Erickson and Jadyn Kanzler from Cheyenne, Wyoming, Katie Dalton from Magnolia, Texas, Samantha Coleman from Las Vegas, Nevada, and Mikaela Parker from Calhan, Colorado – knew they were entering a program trying to reestablish itself that just five years prior was finishing a run of four consecutive RMAC Tournament trips. Fast forward four seasons and each of these five Mountaineer seniors played critical roles in guiding Western Colorado from the bottom of the RMAC standings to a top-10 nationally ranked team in 2020-21. But it wasn’t easy, nor did it happen overnight.
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Coleman, who this season became the program’s all-time 3-point leader and will be the ninth player in Western history to score 1,000-plus points, said she knew the challenges the program faced even before she committed to play in Gunnison. “Coach told me on my recruiting trip that she was wanting to rebuild the program and I was down,“ Coleman said. “I wanted to do that. I wanted to be a part of something that could make history. I knew with her being the coach and the right team, we could really do that. The first year was rough, but we grinded and knew it wasn’t the end.” The freshman year for the five seniors in 2017-18 saw the Mountaineers go 9-19 overall – another improvement from the year before, but a new, unwelcomed feeling for many of the freshmen coming from successful prep basketball programs. Dalton (10.4 ppg) and Coleman (8.6) were the top two scorers on the team while Erickson was fourth in scoring (7.0), led the team in rebounding (5.5) and was second in assists (2.7) and steals (1.3). Kanzler played in all 28 games (6.3 ppg) and Parker appeared in five games. “A lot of us had to make an impact that freshman year and got thrown into it right away,” said Erickson, who was high school teammates with Kanzler at Cheyenne East High School and ranks in the top 10 all-time in assists at Western. “Everyone’s high school teams did pretty well and we won state in high school so we were used to winning a lot. But it was a good experience because we had to learn how to be gracious when we lost. “After the first year, we had a good group and we had a mindset change. The culture of the program changed and coach instilled in us what she expects of us. We began to ask, ‘Why are we playing Western women’s basketball?’” A change came in the effort the student-athletes put into their craft, sacrificing their personal time to go the
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ALUMNI RELATIONS
Campus News Women’s Basketball
gym and improve their game outside of practice. “I would say our culture has changed the most since our freshman year,” Kanzler said. “We all know that the only way we are going to get better is to come in and do our own stuff as well as practice. We realized that after our freshman year that we have to work hard for this if we want to be a successful program. Coach Westling led us in the right direction – anytime we needed to work on something she was there to help. She was just there for us.” The extra growth was evident in their sophomore year in 2018-19 as the Mountaineers improved to 16-11 overall – and more importantly – went 12-10 in RMAC play to qualify for the RMAC Tournament for the first time since the 2011-12 season. They were five of the top eight scorers on the team that season with Coleman leading the way at 11.5 points per game. Defensively they stepped it up a notch, led by senior Tammarrah Gothard, who was named the RMAC Defensive Player of the Year. Still, the group of then sophomores knew there was more room for growth. “Our sophomore year we got a taste of winning – but we definitely weren’t there yet,” Dalton said. “I feel like our junior season toward the end there was a point where we all flipped our mindset. We all got on the same page. We all knew that we weren’t going to get any better if we don’t get in on our own time.” That junior year in 2019-20 for the five was a season that won’t be soon forgotten. The Mountaineers went 20-7 overall (first 20-win season since 1986-87) and 18-4 in RMAC play (most conference wins in program history), but more importantly, Western received its first NCAA Tournament bid in program history. However, the postseason was canceled due to COVID-19. More focused than ever heading into an uncertain 2020-21 season due to COVID-19 – one of their T-shirts even features the phrase “Unfinished Business” – the Mountaineers picked up where they left off with their best undefeated (5-0) and one-loss (11-1) starts in program history. This led to the program being ranked nationally for the first time in program history – as high as No. 7 in the nation. The ending has yet to be written this season for this group of five – with a few opting to come back next season with this season being a “COVID redshirt” season for fall and winter sports. What is clear, however, no matter the ending these five have played a large part in freeing a program frozen in the bottom of the RMAC standings and not only returning it to respectability, but one to be reckoned with at the top of the conference. Even with all that Coleman, Dalton, Erickson, Kanzler and Parker have done for the program – they recognize that the Mountaineer women’s basketball program, and Western Colorado University itself, has given back to them just as much. “Coming to Western and meeting my teammates and getting this experience, you just holistically become so much more of a person,” Parker said. “So many of your characteristics are shaped and molded. I just take away that I’m so happy that I made the decision to come here. It has made my life so much better. “I don’t think I would’ve been this happy anywhere else.”
Written by: Clayton Jones Photo: Athletics
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