The Arbiter 2.27.18 Vol. 30 Issue 24

Vol. 30 Issue 24

February 27, 2018

IN D EPEN D E NT

ST U D E NT

V O I CE

O F

B O I SE

STAT E

S I N C E

1 9 3 3

ASBSU & the Inclusive Excellence Student Council propose new merge [p.10] NEWS

05

Spring 2018 commencement update

C U LT U R E

08

Students share their Academy Award predictions

SPORTS & REC

18

Swimming and diving team are Mountain West Champions

EVENTS taco bell arena

TUE FEBRUARY 27 7 pm

BSU VS. SAN DIEGO

Boise State’s women’s basketball team takes on the San Diego State Aztecs at the Taco Bell Arena. Ticket information can be found at broncosports.com.

online (twitch)

WED FEBRUARY 28 4:30 pm

ESPORTS WEEKLY MATCHUP

Bosie State’s brand new eSports team is set to compete this week in “Heroes of the Storm,” “Overwatch” and “League of Legends.” Tune in on Twitch at twitch.tv/boisestateuniversity.

jordan ballroom

FRI MARCH 2 12 pm

ONLY HUMAN

Dr. Brian Calfano gives a presentation on the United States’ relationship with racial tension and how we can find harmony.

education building

FRI MARCH 2 7:30 pm

FIRST FRIDAY ASTRONOMY LECTURE

Guest Lecturer Dr. Jennifer Burt leads students and faculty through a lecture about the stars and worlds beyond our own, followed by a stargazing session.

WHAT YOU MISSED ONLINE PHOTO OF THE WEEK NEWS A new parental leave policy has been instated at Boise State University. The policy, which was enacted in December 2017, will benefit fulltime faculty.

NEWS

Editor-In-Chief Brandon Rasmussen editor@stumedia.boisestate.edu Online Editor Taylor Munson onlineeditor@stumedia.boisestate.edu Opinion Editor Jacob Palmer opinion@stumedia.boisestate.edu News Editor Jordan Erb news@stumedia.boisestate.edu News Reporter Ximena Bustillo news@stumedia.boisestate.edu

183 coffins were placed on the steps of the Idaho Statehouse on Feb. 19. Placed there during the March to Protect Idaho Kids, the coffins symbolize the children who have died due to medical neglect.

Culture Editor Shannon Brennan culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu

CULTURE

Sports Editor Daniel Gardner sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu

On Feb. 23 and 24, Boise State Dance Marathon set a goal of having students raise $190,000 to donate to St. Luke’s Children Hospital.

Students surpassed their goal and raised $203,837.18.

Students take advantage of the weather in Boise. Photo courtesy of the @boisestatephoto Instagram page.

Culture Reporter Logan Potter culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu

Sports Reporter Peter Huguenin sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu Digital Content Manager Axel Quartarone digitalcontent@stumedia.boisestate.edu Copy Editors Evan Fishburn Sophia Uhlenhoff Design Manager Selina Ceballos

ON THE COVER

Pg 10-11 As the result of a five-month process, the IESC and the ASBSU Executive Council have proposed a merge between the two entities, resulting in the creation of a new position in the Executive Council: the Vice President of Inclusive Excellence.

VISIT US ON SOCIAL MEDIA @boisestatearbiter

@arbiteronline

@arbiteronline

@arbiterbsu

arbiteronline.com

Graphic Designers Nabil Rahman Olivia Tocher Sierra Nobley Contact us 1910 University Dr., Mail Stop 1340 Phone: (208) 426-6300 Website: www.arbiteronline.com Distributed Tuesdays during the academic school year.

The Arbiter is the official independent student newspaper of Boise State University, where student editors make all content decisions and bear responsibility for those decisions. The Arbiter’s budget consists of fees paid by the student body and advertising sales. The first copy is free. Additional copies can be purchased for $1 a piece at The Arbiter offices.

NEWS

MERIDIAN HOLDS 7TH ANNUAL TEENS AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE WORKSHOP

Workshop to aid professional development for educators Patrick Kaufmann | Staff Writer | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu

The workshop aims to educate attendees on how to prevent youth drug use. Photo courtesy of West Ada School District’s Facebook page.

The Meridian Anti-Drug Coalition (MADC) will present the Teens and Substance Abuse Workshop at the West Ada School District Office over a four-week period starting Feb. 27.

The workshop, now in its seventh year, hosts discussions ranging from the impact of marijuana legalization to how a youth’s drug citations are processed, and it will include representatives from the Boise community and other states to educate attendees on topics that relate to preventing youth drug use.

Statistics on the number of deaths related to drug use that were reported in Idaho

4

FEBRUARY 27, 2018

|

and across the United States provide a perspective on the value that this workshop brings to the Treasure Valley.

Information from the National Center for Health Statistics shows a nationwide increase in deaths from drug overdose, and among those, the number of deaths involving opioids has nearly tripled.

In Idaho, drug-related deaths increased nearly 30 percent from 2012 to 2016, according to a 2016 report prepared by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.

The workshop’s intent is to provide information that can be put into action as attendees advocate for the well-being of

ARBITERONLINE.COM

Idaho’s youth. Professional development credits and continuing education units are available through Boise State Center for Professional Development.

Kendall Nagy is the MADC director and a substance abuse prevention coordinator for the Meridian Police Department.

“The workshop is highly sought after as a continuing education credit opportunity for Boise State students,” Nagy said. “It also provides free access for the community to hear nationally renowned professionals speak on issues that affect the Treasure Valley.”

Beginning at 5 p.m. every Tuesday, each

session will last for approximately three hours. Up first will be a presentation from former federal drug prosecutor Monte Stiles. He will discuss the latest facts and provide updates on how marijuana legalization is impacting communities nationwide.

Meridian school resource officer Shannon Garza will be joined on March 6 by representatives from the prosecuting attorney’s office and juvenile probation. Together, they will present information that will help professionals teach youth about some of the possible consequences of drug use and how it can impact their future.

Garza hopes that this will provide more transparency for families and teachers.

“The workshop is very beneficial because a lot of what law enforcement does is a mystery to the public,” Garza said. “This workshop will help the community to understand what happens to juveniles who encounter this system and demystify that process for them.”

Nonprofit organization Natural High from California will showcase its mission for the well-being of youth and free resources that can be integrated into prevention programming in the classroom, youth focused organizations and more during the March 13 session.

The final week of the workshop will feature the documentary Paper Tigers, which focuses on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and how they relate to substance abuse.

The workshop will be held in the Salmon room of the West Ada School District building at 1303 E. Central Drive in Meridian. Seating will be limited, and students who are interested in attending the workshop are required to register at www. meridianmadc.org or call (208) 846-7313.

Sessions are free to attend unless a student is seeking professional development or continuing education credits.

NEWS

TWO CEREMONIES TO BE HELD FOR SPRING 2018 COMMENCEMENT

WANT TO WRITE FOR

Taylor Munson | Online Editor | onlineeditor@stumedia.boisestate.edu

THE ARBITER? JOIN BSU STUDENT MEDIA

The change was made in response to criticism by students. Photo courtesy of Boise State University’s Facebook page.

In reaction to the wave of criticism from students regarding an announcement made last week detailing a change in commencement venue from the blue turf to the Taco Bell Arena, Boise State has announced it will hold two ceremonies in the Taco Bell Arena on May 5, according to an email from President Kustra. The additional ceremony also means graduating seniors will be allowed to invite as many family members as they would like, whereas the original announcement placed a cap on the number of tickets available.

The first ceremony is planned to take place at 9:30 a.m. for the colleges of Business and Economics, Engineering and Health Sciences. The second ceremony will take place at 3:30 p.m. for the College of Education, College of Arts and Sciences and School of Public Service.

According to Greg Hahn, vice president of communications and marketing, the threat of weather canceling the entire graduation, as well as the high cost of holding it outside, led to the decision to move it back to the Taco Bell Arena. He also said the communication aspect of this change was not meant to keep people from knowing but rather to communicate to as many people possible once the decision was made.

“Generally speaking, there’s a cycle for communicating on commencement,” Hahn said. “In a perfect world, we would roll this out once a decision is made. It was less of a decision not to tell people but to tell people as broadly as we could and as quickly as we could.”

Hahn also said when it comes to communicating across campus, emails are rarely sent out to all 24,000 students.

Different departments on campus are in charge of certain groups of students. For example, the Office of the Provost is in charge of communicating with graduating students.

“What we try to do is tell people as soon as we can when we have the information,” Hahn said. “I think if I were to do it over again, we would make sure we are getting this email out as quickly as we are (getting) the rest of the information.”

Since the reaction from students about the venue change, President Kustra has sent out two emails explaining the reasons as well as announcing the decision to hold a second ceremony.

For more information, students can contact Mandy Nelson in the Office of the Registrar at (208) 426-1294 or mandynelson@boisestate.edu.or

FEBRUARY 27, 2018

|

ARBITERONLINE.COM

5

Contact | Brandon Rasmussen | Editor-in-chief editor@stumedia.boisestate.edu

NEWS

SENATOR WARNS UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO STUDENTS TO STAY OUT OF HIS OFFICE Dan Foreman “won’t take meetings with anyone affiliated with Planned Parenthood;” threatens to call police

Jordan Erb | News Editor | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu

On Feb. 19, Foreman threatened student lobbyists to stay out of his office. The result was a video of his statements that quickly spread throughout Idaho and the nation. Screenshot of a video posted by Paul Dillon.

Senator Dan Foreman, R-Moscow, warned University of Idaho students affiliated with Planned Parenthood to stay away from his office at the Capitol on Monday, Feb. 19.

Foreman threatened action with the Idaho State Police (ISP) if the students returned.

“Stay out of my office,” Foreman said in an outburst that was filmed live and shared via Facebook. “The next time you walk in my office, you’re going to be dealing with ISP.” Foreman has yet to respond to a request for comment.

The students are part of an organization at the University of Idaho titled Generation Action, which is the college club version of Planned Parenthood, according to student and club member Nicole Skinner.

6

FEBRUARY 27, 2018

|

12 students strong, the group drove to Boise from Moscow on Monday morning to participate in Planned Parenthood’s annual lobby day. Their goal, according to Skinner, was to speak with lawmakers about the value of comprehensive sex education in Idaho. They also planned to discuss a bill that would give women up to a 12-month supply of birth control.

“We knew ahead of time where Senator Foreman sat on some of these issues, so we weren’t expecting him to change his mind completely and love everything we had to say, but we were definitely expecting a healthy conversation,” Skinner said.

When they arrived, they realized Foreman had canceled the meeting they had scheduled with him.

ARBITERONLINE.COM

“(His secretary) had scheduled a meeting with us for 9 a.m. on that morning,” Skinner said. “Then his secretary had called back a few minutes later and said ‘I’m sorry, I didn’t realize he won’t take meetings with anyone affiliated with Planned Parenthood.’”

Hoping to engage with him in some form, the students drafted a poster outlining their topics of conversation–none of which involved abortion. With a condom attached to it, they left the poster at his office.

Pictured above is the poster left for Senator Dan Foreman by the University of Idaho group. Photo courtesy of Nicole Skinner.

As they were leaving the Capitol later that day, they ran into Foreman outside of his office. The group’s Planned Parenthood chaperone, Paul Dillon, attempted to introduce himself. Once Foreman saw the shirts affiliating the students with Planned Parenthood, he bristled.

“Abortion is murder. I stand against it,” Foreman said. “I am a Roman Catholic.

I am a conservative Republican. I think what you guys do stinks.”

Later Monday, Foreman tweeted that the video was “#FakeNews from the media, smearing another proud conservative man.” There was no immediate evidence that a member of the media was involved, however. As the day went on, Foreman continued his Twitter activity, claiming that students should talk about “killing babies” with Senator Maryanne Jordan, D-Boise.

In response to Foreman’s statements and actions, Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest and Hawaii posted the following sentiment on their Facebook: “Shame on you, Senator Dan Foreman.

These young people prepared, trained and traveled a great distance to meet with you,” the post said. “This is how government works. You meet with the people you represent and listen to their views. You do not threaten them.”

As for Skinner and the rest of the Generation Action group, they hope for an apology and open dialogue in the future.

“We understand he doesn’t agree with everything we wanted to say, but a lot of people don’t,” Skinner said. “We’re used to having difficult conversations with people who might not always agree with us, but at the end of the day, there’s a lot of value in just having a conversation with another person. Especially if your position–your salary–is paid for by your constituents.”

NEWS

IDAHO LEGISLATURE REVISITS K-12 SCIENCE STANDARDS

The standards regard the teaching of climate change in Idaho schools Ximena Bustillo | News Reporter | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu

Idaho lawmakers revisited the K-12 science standards during the 2018 legislative session, sparking a debate over climate change education within the school system. Following hours of debate in both the House and the Senate committees, the rules are now permanent, readily available to teachers and no longer pending status.

Legislative process Idaho state law and the Constitution give authority to the legislature to review rules placed by agencies, such as the Department of Education. Over the last three legislative sessions, lawmakers have been faced with the task of approving or rejecting the K-12 science standards. According to Senator Dean Mortimer, chair of the Senate Education Committee, each year has been a different phase: proposed, temporary and, as of this year, pending rules.

During the 2017 session, 375 new sections were accepted and five were excluded. Earlier this month, the House Education Committee voted to reject the standards once more, creating a controversy over the acceptance of climate change education within the school system.

The Senate took public testimony on Feb. 14, opening its doors for constituents who overwhelmingly supported the standards.

On Feb. 22, with a 6-3 vote, the Senate Education Committee voted to adopt the science standards with the inclusion of all supporting materials that discuss climate change and the human impact.

According to Senate committee member Senator Janie Ward-Engelking, the last time standards were set was in 2001.

Nationwide controversy The controversy surrounding Idaho’s standards involved two primary concerns.

First, the standards did not allow for students to arrive at their own conclusions via the scientific method and second, taking them out would, as The New York

Times explained, be stripping the mention of climate change from the standards and, therefore, the classroom.

“A group composed of our elite science teachers has written the standards and is knowledgeable about active learning within the classroom,” Ward-Engelking said.

“I believe it is important to have climate change in the science standards. Whether you agree or disagree, put the standard there and let students do research.”

However, not all lawmakers agree that the standards allow for adequate student discovery.

“There is an overemphasis on assumption that legislature does not want climate change education,” said House Education Committee member, Representative Lance Clow. “This is not the case. We were, instead, concerned with the way it was worded.”

Clow explained that the main standard and the supporting content of the standard is what made the difference.

Senator Steven Thayn, a Senate Education Committee member, explained the reason the five standards were taken out last year was because science is about progress, not conclusions.

“This standard has some conclusions drawn into it. This is what we are objecting to,” Thayn said.

Both Clow and Thayn agree that the term “negative biological impacts” infers only negative.

“What about the positive effects? It inferences there that fossil fuels are bad, and they may be or they may not be, but I don’t like the inference that they are only bad,” Thayn said.

Clow explained that the word “negative” was not needed, but that the legislature can neither reject one word nor can it reject the bullet under which this information is found, even if it agrees with the main headlining standard. However, the overall contextual wording does matter.

“We don’t pick textbooks; it’s up to

Members of Idaho’s Senate Education Committee in a meeting about the science standards.

Photo courtesy of Betsy Russell of The Spokesman-Review.

teachers and school districts, but it became obvious that these standards were coming close to curriculum,” Clow said.

Ward-Engelking explained what worries her is that some school districts will include the standards as the curriculum, which can be an issue if they standards are rejected.

“You can go above and beyond the minimum, which some areas–such as the Boise School District-–have said they will.

But this causes some students to be at a disadvantage, especially when it comes to items like testing,” Ward-Engelking said.

“As a brand new teacher, you look at what there is to teach, and these standards are probably the first thing a teacher goes over.

There is a fear that this is going to dictate

what students think. This is active learning and relevant to all of our lifestyles here in Idaho.”

Ward-Engelking explained that the way the standards and supporting content are written now allows for students to arrive at their own opinion. Some of the wording changes may allow for more hypothesis and disagreement, but to take them out puts students and districts at a disadvantage, according to Ward-Engelking “It disingenuous and sends a poor message to our professionals in the field to have the legislature think they know better,” Ward-Engelking said.

The passing of the standards will allow them to be put in place for the 2018-2019 academic school year.

FEBRUARY 27, 2018

|

ARBITERONLINE.COM

7

OPINION

THIS IS NOT A NEWS ARTICLE

The problem with native adertising and the opinion section Jordan Erb | News Editor | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu

Some readers may confuse some native advertisements and opinion articles with hard news, resulting in the accusation of “fake news.” Graphic by Axel Quartarone.

After a year or so in the spotlight, the time has come for the American people to put away the term “fake news.” The idea and spread of “fake news” is not being helped by the media’s use of native advertising and opinion commentators and columns.

Though they may be tempting to call “fake,” readers must examine with caution what they are actually reading. The lazy appointment of “fake news” to any and all articles is inaccurate; Call them what they are: ads and opinions.

While it is partially on the shoulders of news agencies, media consumers must also take responsibility in determining what they are consuming. Identifying these pseudo-news articles can aid in weeding out the fake from the real.

Native Advertising Towards the bottom of The New York Times website, readers will come across a

8

FEBRUARY 27, 2018

|

section not unlike the rest on the page. It sits inconspicuously, blending in with the rest of the page. Each article has the same bold headline as the rest of The Times’ articles. They read like news articles, some with direct quotes from various sources.

They boast professional-grade graphics and photos and blend seamlessly into the rest of the page. The only difference is the section title, which reads, “From our advertisers.”

Some will say “paid content,” “paid post,” “sponsored content” or, in the case of The Times, “paid for and posted by (insert company name here).”

This is “native advertising,” or ads that are designed to look like the content around it but are paid for by advertisers and are intended to promote their product. The idea behind them is simple: to create revenue for a form of media that has been on the decline. The problem behind

ARBITERONLINE.COM

them is equally as simple.

Because the ads are obviously promoting themselves, they are undoubtedly biased.

That’s fine, as long as readers can discern this. But according to an opinion piece written by Emerson professor of Journalism Shannan Adler, we don’t.

“With all of this money being spent to influence us, who among us can even tell the difference between a paid ad and an independent piece of journalism? The answer should blow a few hairs back,” Adler wrote. “Turns out the subterfuge is so effective that a recent survey showed 49 percent of us have no clue what native advertising even is. This is good news for clever brands and bad news for unsuspecting readers.”

Customer confusion is a large problem with this new wave of advertising. Taken out of context, and if one were to miss the fine print outlining the article as an advertisement, he or she may mistake it for news and immediately assume bias, or as we like to call it today, “fake news.”

It’s important to understand when bias is intended to be in place in news outlets, as is the case with native advertising. Not only that, but within the opinion section of a newspaper, the opportunity for confusion arises again.

Opinion Readers must be wary of the opinion section and the input of opinion commentators. To understand that the editorial section is not unbiased reporting may help clear confusion about prejudices and “fake news.”

In her opinion article for USA Today, Sally Kohn outlines the vital difference between opinion and news. As an opinion contributor herself, when she airs on CNN, it is her job to be biased. The problem, though, is there are often no signs pointing out she is an opinion contributor, and thus, the confusion begins.

She outlines the evolution of the problem

as follows: “Early innovators like PBS’s McLaughlin Group and CNN’s Crossfire introduced opinion where news reporting once dominated, starting to blur the line,” Kohn wrote. “The punditocracy became a fixture of cable news, and the distinction between reporting and opinion got even blurrier.

The explosion of blogs made matters truly muddled.”

“...we’ve done a bad job of explaining to the public that there is a difference between news and opinion and who is on their screen is there for which purpose.”

Sally Kohn, opinion contributor for CNN “Every single time I go on television, I get a tweet or an email calling me ‘the most biased reporter on CNN,’ or something to that effect,” Kohn wrote. “In fact, I get a lot of these comments. Often.

Which suggests that we’ve done a bad job of explaining to the public that there is a difference between news and opinion and who on their screen is there for which purpose.”

The point is, a clearer distinction needs to be made between unbiased journalism and editorialism. The responsibility for this falls on the shoulders of consumers, as well as news agencies, to analyze what they are taking in as either news or opinion. Rather than assuming an article is “fake news,” one should first completely understand its purpose.

OPINION

A CELEBRITY DOESN’T MAKE A GOOD PRESIDENT

Several ghosts from our nation’s past and present serve as warnings against supporting TV personalities for president Brandon Rasmussen | Editor-in-Chief | editor@stumedia.boisestate.edu

After Oprah Winfrey’s speech at the Golden Globes, many began to speculate whether she would run for president. Photo courtsey of Defender Network.

In the instant after Oprah Winfrey’s speech at the Golden Globes earlier this year, the Twittersphere was set a-chatter about the possibility of Winfrey’s possible bid for the presidency in 2020. Her eloquent speech at the event offering words of comfort and affirmation around the #metoo movement seemingly started a fire in the hearts of some of the United States’ left-leaning citizens, and many began demanding she start up her campaign.

After more than a month of anticipation from the internet, Winfrey confirmed on Jimmy Kimmel’s late night show she would indeed not be running. This was met by resounding shouts and lamentations of disappointment from the crowd, after which, Winfrey explained herself.

“You know, you give a speech, sit down and suddenly find out you’ve started a campaign for president,” Winfrey said.

Now look. I love Oprah as much as the next person. Behind the decade-old meme about giving away free cars is a kind-hearted entrepreneur, an avid reader of modern literature and a powerful force for the representation of women of color in the United States. That said, I am so glad she is not running for president.

Although the phenomenon of celebrities running for president isn’t anything new, there has certainly seemed to be an uptick since the election of Donald Trump. According to CNN, other possible celebrity politicians (though not all for president) include Dwayne Johnson, Kanye West, Tim Tebow and several others. Some of these claims—such as the case of Kid Rock’s teased senatorial run—turned out to be nothing more than a publicity stunt. I suspect this will be the case with several more to come, but for me, the real

troubling aspect of this trend isn’t as much the candidates themselves, but the support they seem to gain from the general public.

For those who are considering throwing their support behind a celebrity with no political experience, I have one question: Have we learned nothing?

The original allure of Donald Trump for his supporters was mostly centered around his character—his ethos, if you will.

Like many before him, Trump promised to cut across levels of bureaucracy and accomplish what career politicians could not. However, while he insists he and his administration is making America great again, Trump has yet to fulfill some of even the most basic facets of his responsibilities.

The president—over a year into his administration, I might add—has yet to fill 226 important positions, including an

ambassadors to South Korea, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Internationally, Trump is largely disliked which in return reflects back on the United States as a whole. But how could this have happened? After all, Trump assured his voters he would hire the “best people” for his administration, who would guide him to victory.

As it turns out, it’s best to have the president be an expert. As well as good intentions perform in the polls, public celebrities simply don’t have the experience needed to successfully navigate what is functionally the hardest job this side of the Prime Meridian. While Trump is the easiest to pick on, there are several other examples of this phenomenon. When Arnold Schwarzenegger ended his term as governor of California, he left behind a $28 billion-dollar shortfall, with an approval rating of 23 percent. In Ronald Reagan’s case, while he found comparatively much more success, his poor understanding of economics has echoing implications into our day in the form of “Reaganomics,” which serves as one of the main justifications for the push to keep corporate taxes low in a time where the wealth gap continues to grow.

I understand what the core appeal is to elect these celebrities. They’re charismatic, confident and already within the realm of public consciousness. For the majority of Americans, it’s a frightening experience to have a politician they may or may not have heard of before vying for their attention on television, trying to become the leader of the free world. While career politicians don’t have such a great track record either, simply having conviction is not the only qualification of a leader. Even though the bureaucracy and corrupt nature of our system has much to improve on, in the case of the president, political experience is a prerequisite if we want someone with the skills to carry us forward.

FEBRUARY 27, 2018

|

ARBITERONLINE.COM

9

F E AT U R E

IESC-ASBSU MERGE MOVES TO CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION

Proposed merge between Inclusive Excellence Student Council and ASBSU to create new Executive Council position Brandon Rasmussen | Editor-in-Chief | editor@stumedia.boisestate.edu

Jana Hockersmith (left) and Jay Pecsek-Dunn (right) present the IESC-ASBSU posal to Student Assembly on Feb. 14. Photo by Brandon Rasmussen.

Since its original formation in March of 2017, members of the Inclusive Excellence Student Council (IESC) have gathered in the Shipman room in the West end of the SUB to discuss concerns around underrepresented students at Boise State. The following month, the election of Sienna George as president of the Associated Students of Boise State University (ASBSU) and Austin Henderson as secretary of community relations prompted a meeting between the two entities. There a seed was planted that would eventually grow into a much-debated proposal put in front of Student Assembly on Feb. 14.

As the result of a five-month process, the IESC and the ASBSU Executive Council have proposed a merge between the two

10

FEBRUARY 27, 2018

|

merge pro-

entities, resulting in the creation of a new position in the Executive Council: the Vice President of Inclusive Excellence (VPIE).

After discussion on the proposal ran over the clock during the Student Assembly meeting on Feb. 14, the following week’s discussion proved more fruitful, as the Assembly voted unanimously to send the proposal to a constitutional convention set for Wednesday, Feb. 28. During this convention, the proposal will be further edited and then—if it should pass—become legislation for the general student body to vote on during the upcoming ASBSU election season.

The merge According to sociology major Jay

ARBITERONLINE.COM

Pecsek-Dunn, a member of the IESC, adding the Council under the umbrella of ASBSU will be meant to function something like a third branch of government when it comes to matters regarding underrepresented students at Boise State.

“I like to think of it like the United States government, in the way that it has three branches of government with a checks and balances system,” PecsekDunn said. “We have an executive branch, a student assembly and now the council coming in as a sort of judicial branch—or rather, a third branch.”

Pecsek-Dunn went on to explain while it doesn’t necessarily function exactly like the United State’s judicial branch, the current draft of the proposal would allow the IESC to make an appeal to the ASBSU Executive Council on behalf of a student whose proposal was denied or otherwise unheard

by Student Assembly on the grounds of possible discrimination due to race, gender or other identities. However, history, secondary education, sociology and political science major Tanisha Newton, another member of the Council, stressed that both entities will continue to function much in the way they have up until now.

“The checks and balances system of it is just maybe less than five percent, Newton said. “ASBSU is going to keep doing their thing being student-centered, whereas we’re going to keep doing the things that we do, which are more policy and institutional change-related.”

As for the VPIE position, this new officer would replace the secretary of community relations and serve as a liaison between the Executive Council and the IESC. Henderson, who currently holds the secretary of community relations seat, said this could be a productive change for the position.

“My position, as opposed to others, has only four bullet points,” Henderson said.

“One of them is to put on Block Party, and another is to put on Voter Registration

Day. That’s two events, and that takes up half of my job description.”

Henderson said his other two bullet points mention diversity and inclusion along with general community relations.

For him, this means that putting an emphasis on diversity and inclusion is left up to a matter of interpretation.

“We have an executive branch, a student assembly and now the council coming in as a third branch.”

Jay Pecsek-Dunn, IESC member “It’s such a vague position—which on one hand was nice, as I got to mould it and play with it as I came in—but I also realize if we don’t change the position, the person who comes after me may not make diversity and inclusion a priority like I have,” Henderson said. “I believe with my entire being—and I think many others do—that this is such a crucial change that will positively impact the University.”

Reception of the proposal While the proposed merge was eventually moved into a constitutional convention, it was first met with hesitation from a number of students in Student Assembly.

“The overwhelming majority of the assembly was in favor, however there were a few students who were mostly concerned with the way we’re doing the election process for the VPIE,” said communication major and Council member Jana Hockersmith. “Anyone can apply for it, but only certain people will be selected to run. I think it’s just a matter of being able to communicate why it’s important.”

F E AT U R E Hockerson went on to explain that after potential candidates apply for the position, up to three will be selected by the IESC and the ASBSU Executive Council. Then, those students will run campaigns for election. And while the Council stressed that anyone can apply, those who have experienced being a part of a marginalized group often have the knowledge and sensitivity to perform well in the role.

“When people don’t come from a place of understanding, it’s easy to just wait things out, forget about it or put it on the backburner,” Newton said. “There’s no prerequisite by any means, but it’s usually those with lived experiences who kind of know this stuff make it more real. They could get something done much sooner because it means something to them.”

“When people don’t come from a place of understanding, it’s easy to just wait things out... it’s usually those with lived experiences who know this stuff and make it more real. ” Tanisha Newton, IESC member

After considering this initial feedback, the proposal was again brought to Assembly on Feb. 14, where the aforementioned discussion took up the rest of the meeting.

Several Assembly members left before the meeting was adjourned to make it to class, leaving the group without enough present members to vote on a constitutional convention.

“I think something we did that failed the conversation was bringing in aspects that didn’t need to be discussed at that time,” Henderson said. “So when we brought up the budget, that became a big discussion which could have happened later.”

Another subject of debate was the IESC’s similarity to ASBSU’s funding board, which also has a corresponding Executive Council member and pays its members. One of the most notable differences between the two is members of the IESC are proposed to have a term of three academic years, which does no coincide with any other position in ASBSU. In the week leading up to the next Assembly meeting, Henderson and ASBSU president Sienna George met with a few of the Assembly members who were concerned with some aspects of the proposal to get a sense of how they could approach it differently. According to Henderson, they then used the feedback from that meeting to design a new way to pitch the proposal.

“What we found was they really felt like they weren’t being heard throughout the process, which is so valid,” Henderson said. “So then the challenge was how to make sure every voice is being heard, especially with something like this which is such a large impact to ASBSU.” The next Assembly meeting, held on Feb. 21, began with a relatively quick round of announcements and then proceeded straight into discussion about the proposed merge. Members of the Assembly were divided into several groups where they discussed the proposal on a more ideological basis, eventually working their way to concrete critiques of the syntax and terms.

The constitutional convention According to Henderson, the upcoming constitutional convention will consist of 12 members: three members of the

The Inclusive Excellence Student Council has spent the year working with the Boise State administration to bring about change on campus.. Photo coutesy of the IESC Facebook page.

Executive Council, three students from Assembly, three students from the Funding Board and three students from the general student body. Those in the convention will provide final adjustments to the proposal and to the constitution itself.

“The challenge is making sure the room isn’t weighted on either side,” Henderson said. “If we lean heavily on the side of those who are all for this proposal we could be criticized for that, as well as if we don’t weigh it enough. So it really is about making sure the convention is evenly weighted on both sides.”

Given the limited amount of time before this year’s ASBSU election season, even if the proposal passes to votable legislation, students will still vote for candidates running for secretary of community relations.

However, there will be a caveat on the ballet saying if students vote in the proposed legislation, the position will be reorganized as next year’s VPIE. Henderson continued to say he hopes

along with the rest of the Executive Council to focus heavily on educating the student body and encouraging participation in this year’s elections—particularly if the proposal becomes legislation up for general vote. The proposal needs a simple majority from the student body to pass.

Both Henderson and the IESC urged students to vote, saying they hope the proposed merge will establish a lasting platform for underrepresented students to be heard in the realm of student government.

“I just hope people recognize the intention behind the legislation, and that it isn’t just a way for us to stir things up because we want to,” Henderson said. “Once we’re able to tackle issues all around, that makes our entity stronger. And adding in the IESC and the VPIE position only contributes to student voice in the long run. So this is really giving students more power in the University.”

FEBRUARY 27, 2018

|

ARBITERONLINE.COM

11

C U LT U R E

ALL THEY DO IS WIN

With only two weeks until the Oscars, students share their ideal picks Logan Potter | Culture Reporter |culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu

CALL ME BY YOUR NAME

GET OUT

THE SHAPE OF WATER

LADY BIRD

WINNER THE SHAPE OF WATER THE SHAPE OF WATER

LADY BIRD

With the show just around the corner, culture reporter Logan Potter also shares her Best Picture bracket for the big night. Graphic by Sierra Nobley.

The Academy Awards give pioneers of modern film the opportunity to shine on stage rather than on the big screen.

Whether nominations are chosen because of their cinematography, acting or background message, the creators of last year’s greatest cinematic creations are given the spotlight to accept and present awards for creativity and achievement. At Boise State, this means Oscar parties on the big night, tweets to students’ favorite actors sending their best luck and speculating who will walk away with the night’s most prestigious awards.

As of Fall 2018, Boise State will offer a Film and Television Arts degree on campus; until then, film lovers of all

12

FEBRUARY 27, 2018

|

majors will continue to watch what’s happening in front of the camera, rather than working behind it. With this interest in creative action by directors comes an interest in which of them will prevail as victorious based on merit; the Oscars are simply the deliverer of the news. With 24 categories and five nominees per category (except Best Picture with nine), audiences are given plenty of choices to bet on in their yearly brackets for the televised awards ceremony. Among these students is sophomore media arts major Ben Harris, who is the founder of the film blog “Every Weekend A Movie.”

“I’m passionate about film because, to me, it is the most meaningful medium out

ARBITERONLINE.COM

there. Film is incredibly powerful and can stir so much emotion into an audience, and I think that’s why I love it so much,” Harris said. “I love seeing the way that film changes people.”

Harris’s three most passionate categories are Best Actress in a Leading Role, Best Cinematography, and Music (Original Score), with picks of Sally Hawkins, “Blade Runner 2049” and “The Shape of Water,” respectively. While Harris isn’t the only student with an Oscars bracket to complete, he is deeply passionate about the nominees. A self-proclaimed “cinephile,” his love for film goes beyond his blog and podcast; in fact, it starts from his childhood.

“I grew up watching really tacky 80’s scifi with my dad, so I’d say that was my first introduction to film. When I was younger, I was always wanting to be a film director. It was kind of my dream job,” Harris said. “This was all because of how much it emotionally moved me, despite not really knowing it at the time.”

Harris, however, isn’t the only student at the university that fell in love with this year’s nominees. Lydia Shearman, freshman pre-law major, found that “The Shape of Water” particularly piqued her interest when it came to 2017 favorites.

“Just a complete yes on (The Shape of Water). It’s a hauntingly beautiful movie about what makes us truly human, the ability to grow and love and show compassion,” Shearman said. “(It shows us that) we shouldn’t be separated by our races but by the amount of compassion in our heart.

It’s the most unique people and experiences that make life worthwhile.”

Guillermo del Toro’s fantasy hit wasn’t the only nominee that stuck Shearman’s interest. Margot Robbie, nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her portrayal of Tonya Harding in independent film “I, Tonya” got Shearman seeing the stars in this category.

“She’s amazing and has a history of being in nominated movies like “The Wolf of Wall Street.” It’s her time (to shine),” Shearman said.

Arguably one of the most challenging awards seasons in history, students at the university might just be getting a run for their money while finishing up their brackets before the Academy Awards on Sunday, Mar. 4. Regardless, the outcome is unpredictable, and the best will most likely prevail at this year’s ceremony.

“The past year has been such an incredible year for film. I couldn’t imagine having the task of choosing who wins these awards, because so many contenders truly deserve to win,” Harris said.

C U LT U R E

EXPLORING CLIMBING CULTURE

Rock climbers on campus find a community in the Rec Center at Boise State Kolton Gammie | Staff Writer | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu

Rock climbers at Boise State leave the gym and explore. Photo courtsey of the Boise State Recreation Facebook page.

Recreation comes in many forms nowadays; some simpler than others. From sports with hefty rules to simpler naturalistic activities like drawing, people have found numerous ways to occupy themselves. These activities are not used only to pass the time; many professional athletes and artists have risen to the top of their craft through these hobbies and pastimes. This is no different for Boise State Students.

All across campus you can find students sharpening their skills. In classrooms art, students practice pottery, while just down the road at the Rec Center, students participate in all forms of recreational activities.

It is host to a full workout facility and multiple basketball courts, but tucked away in the back is a rockwall that many students call home.

If one visits this nook at the back of the Rec Center they could find themselves face to face with a handful of people harnessed in and climbing, while a cheerful, talkative group spots the active climbers.

This is the scene many are met with when first entering the climbing area, even before approaching the incredibly helpful group one will find surrounding the nearby desk. Having not visited before, the average Boise State student might be unsure of what to expect upon discovering

this tight-knit community, but they will be filled in quickly as to how things work.

The rockwall opens up at 5:30 p.m. By 6:15 p.m. most of the participating members are already scaling away. In partners or small groups, members alternate taking attempts to reach the top; but even those who don’t make it still find themselves coming back. “I had some friends saying we should go climbing, and so we did,” said regular climber Javier Colton “It was sort of like peer pressure, but then I found I enjoyed it, so I stayed.”

Like many before him, Javier decided to continue coming back. One might find themselves asking, what sort of person

invests the time and effort into such a challenging sport? Someone athletic and outdoorsy? Adrenaline junkies? In actuality, if you ask staff member Derren Henry you might be surprised.

“We see like every type of person.

Sometimes it’s introductory, but we try to be super welcoming to anyone who wants to climb, and i think it shows,” Henry said.

All manners and skills of people are accommodated for at the rockwall. So even if your not too enthusiastic about climbing yet, you’ll have plenty of time to fall for it as you practice.

Some people talk about how they stumbled into rock climbing, but Matt Stevens, another regular member, thinks it’s about progress.

“Climbing is cool because its very individual. You can track your progress while being encouraged by watching all these other people climb,” Stevens said.

This progress is easily demarcated by your height on the wall, so it’s easy to notice your improvements as you continue to climb. As you find yourself reaching higher and higher up on the wall you may seek a larger challenge, and conveniently for you, rock climbing doesn’t take place inside only. “Right now with the weather it’s too cold, but up by Blackfoot, in the spring, its prime” says member Nate Ferris.

Rock climbing outside is a little different then being on the rockwall. Free climbing is often done without a rope or harness, and many rely on landing pads and other devices to maintain their safety. While this may seem intimidating at first, many people participate in activities such as this, and are more than willing to assist when they can.

So if you are interested in trying rock climbing, or you’re looking to improve your skills, the students at the climbing wall welcome anyone interested to come by the Rec Center and give it a try.

FEBRUARY 27, 2018

|

ARBITERONLINE.COM

13

C U LT U R E

SAFELY NAVIGATING CAMPUS

Boise State students use different methods of transportation on campus Isabelle Spauldin | Staff Writer |Culture@stumedia@.boisestate.edu

Boise State students have varying levels of regard for on campus dismount zones. Photo by Taylor Humby.

Boise State students are using different methods of transportation to get around on campus in a convenient, punctual and fun way. These methods of transportation include biking, skateboarding, longboarding, scootering and even unicycling if they’re creative enough. Though it may be advantageous to those who cross campus a bit faster, it may not put everyone else at ease.

“Dismount Zone” signs are all around campus, indicating Pedestrian Priority Zones where walking is mandatory. Rules were enforced several years ago due to student, faculty, and staff comments saying that it is dangerous when there aren’t any policies regarding modes of transportation.

Samuel Patterson, director of transportation, parking and safety for the department of public safety, explained that the department really emphasizes the pedestri-

14

FEBRUARY 27, 2018

|

an priority zones.

“We’ve tried to create a safe zone for students to walk. And as we continue to grow, it is something that we will continue to keep promoting and marketing,” Patterson said.

Students are still using vehicles such as bikes and longboards on campus, sometimes swerving at high speeds in-between walking students on campus.

“People are oblivious much of the time; they don’t pay attention because they’re on their phones. I can see people just being jerks because they ride really fast around people that aren’t 100 percent aware,” freshman public health major Brie Veltri said.

Students at Boise State ride their various vehicles around campus at their own leisure and convenience. As Patterson expressed, watching for pedestrians and safe-

ARBITERONLINE.COM

ly regarding the campus dismount zones could help stop accidents on campus.

Freshman health science major Alex Doan chose a Razor Scooter as his main method of travel. While Doan may view this as fun and effective, some believe this method is a little outlandish.

“It’s kind of an old-school way to get around,” said Patterson.

Freshman film major, Ashley Slater agreed with this sentiment and said, “They are an ugly form of transportation. Scooters are for children—they hurt you, they don’t go fast and they are ineffective.”

Despite the naysayers, Doan enjoys the early 2000s invention.

“People think it’s kind of weird sometimes because it’s kind of a kid’s toy, but it’s all good,” Doan said.

Slater picked up longboarding and uses it to get around Boise State.

“I picked it up really quickly; it was a lot easier than I remembered. You can ride it around anywhere,” Slater said. “It’s much cooler than riding a bike and it’s really freeing. When I’m riding on an open sidewalk with headphones in, it just makes me feel good.”

Though the rules are enforced on campus, many students disregard the dismount zones in favor of getting to their destinations quicker. Despite the convenience of this choice, some students see this disregard for rules as a higher potential for accidents.

“People need to be paying attention and be mindful and present when navigating campus. When you’re not paying attention, your chances of getting hurt skyrocket,” Patterson said.

C U LT U R E

AN OPEN LETTER TO RYAN REYNOLDS AND BLAKE LIVELY Logan Potter | Culture Reporter | culture@stumedia@.boisestate.edu

Photo courtesy of Instyle Magazine

This column will be unlike the others we have written, for we have nothing negative to say about your relationship. In fact, we wish we had a relationship like yours.

Furthermore, we wish we were in your relationship. Honestly, if we could just … be your relationship, that would be best.

Any openings?

While we sure do love a good love story, we also want to acknowledge both your career successes and failures. An interview we watched with Blake recently cited her as saying her favorite superhero film is “The Green Lantern.” Look, Blake, we understand wanting to be supportive of your other half and all, but ... really? Come on.

It was literally no one’s favorite superhero movie. Really, it was more like everyone’s favorite movie to hate. Even your flawless complexion and dazzling smile couldn’t save that film, and we really wish you would stop trying to resurrect it. Seriously, let that one rest in peace.

We have to get this one off our chests—

we were expecting much more from “All I See is You.” Blake, we (or mostly just Logan) wanted to be you when we grew up, but this film made me have a little hatred for your script preferences. Before its release, critics were certain it would hit the Oscar radar, but opinions changed quite quickly upon actually seeing it. Expecting something beautiful from the beginning, we, the audience, were faced with a disconnected psychodrama that felt kind of like “The Age of Adaline.” Definitely worse as far as plot goes, but we were still left with that same pit-of-the-stomach feeling of disappointment. However, if we learned anything from this famously bad flop, it’s that loving someone isn’t the same as needing someone. I’m sorry, Blake, but Logan loves you—she does not need you.

Moving on to the other half of the most perfect relationship goals ever. Ryan, honey, you’re 41 now, and we have been waiting far too long for you to take on a more mature role than “Deadpool.” Really, even Ben Affleck made himself an adult career. Blake has a few misses on her list, but we feel like yours could go on forever: “R.I.P.D.,” “X-Men Origins” and “The Amityville Horror” (just to name a few).

We love you, but we really wish you’d stop picking up the first script your agent puts in front of you. You’re Ryan-freaking-Reynolds, and your brother-in-law is Coach Bolton from “High School Musical”. Does life even get better than that?

What does true Disney privilege feel like?

Can we get his signature?

In summary: We like you. Really. Like, like-like you. For that reason, we only want the best for you in your careers because you seem to have the marriage thing down. We aspire to have a love like yours, kids as cute as yours, spouses as rich as yours, in-laws as cool as yours ... basically your lives. Keep living your best ones.

With love, Logan and Shannon

FEBRUARY 27, 2018

|

ARBITERONLINE.COM

15

SPORTS & REC

WOMEN’S SOFTBALL TAKES THE MOUND A look into the women’s softball season

Seth Newville | Staff Writer | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu

The Boise State Softball team took to the diamond in Tempe, Arizona to start off their 2018 pre-season campaign.

The Broncos played six games in the Kajikawa Classic over the weekend, ending with three wins and three losses against good competition.

Game One They defeated South Dakota in the season opener with a score of 11-3, notching a victory in their opening game for the first time since 2014.

“We have 15 players on our roster that are underclassmen, and one senior who is new to our team, I see a lot of good things with our team,and it starts with our culture” Cindy Ball, Boise State Softball head coach Junior shortstop Rebekah Cervantes, a preseason All-American, said it was great to get those game-one jitters out of the way.

“It was good for us to get together and put our talk into action,” Cervantes said, who went 3-4 and drove in 3 runs in the victory.

Redshirt senior Paige Reimann notched the win on the mound for the Broncos, pitching 2.2 innings and only allowing one run.

Game Two The Broncos dropped their second game of the doubleheader to Tennessee with a score of 8-1.

“It’s a great challenge to play teams we wouldn’t normally see,” said head coach

16

FEBRUARY 27, 2018

|

Cindy Ball. Freshman Infielder Halle Harger drove in the team’s only run on a single in the top of the third.

Game Three The third game of the weekend resulted in Boise State’s second win, defeating Indiana 7-5. Sophomore pitcher Kelcey Broadus struck out six in four innings to earn the victory, before handing the ball over to freshman Gianna Mancha who recorded the first save of her career. Harger led the offense with a grand slam in the first inning.

Game Four The Broncos then kicked off another double header, starting with a 13-5 win over Saint Mary’s. Boise State came out swinging with a three-run home run hit by redshirt freshman Isabelle Butler in the bottom of the second inning, the first home run of her career. The Broncos added another three run shot later in the inning, hit by Cervantes to give them the runs they needed. Freshman Infielder Alison Seng and junior Outfielder Kora Wade also added home runs in this game, and redshirt junior Rainey Dryeson got the win. She notched 3.1 innings of work in this game, striking out three to earn the victory.

Game Five The latter half of the double header resulted in a 13-5 loss for the Broncos, as they took on Northwestern. Sophomore Infielder Jessica McKay drove in an RBI in the loss, wrapping up day three of the Classic.

Game Six The Broncos had one game left on the fourth and final day of the Classic, a battle against Stanford. McKay ripped a solo home run to centerfield in the bottom of the second inning, but the Broncos ended the weekend with a 9-1 loss versus Stanford. With the Classic now all wrapped up, the Broncos finished with an even split of three wins and three losses.

Preview

ARBITERONLINE.COM

Boise State Softball player takes off to run after getting a hit. Photo by Boise State Relations.

The Kajikawa Classic may be over, but the season is just starting for the Broncos as they aim to prove the doubters wrong in the 2018 campaign. Boise State was picked

by Mountain West coaches to finish seventh in the conference, but both Ball and star shortstop Cervantes feel differently.

“Our goal is to come out and show we’re better than people think,” Cervantes said.

She also noted that putting the three components of pitching, hitting and fielding together will be crucial to the Broncos’ success.

Ball expressed that she feels the Broncos were underlooked in the poll, but believes they can use that as a good thing.

“We have 15 players on our roster that are underclassmen, and one senior who is new to our team,” Ball said. “I see a lot of good things with our team, and it starts with our culture.”

The Broncos hit the road again as they head to the Marucci Desert Classic in Las Vegas, Nevada where they went 2-3 in games played. The home opener for the Broncos will be on March 14th against Utah Valley, with conference play starting on Feb. 16. The Broncos host the action at Dona Larsen Park, where they are excited to announce the new edition of bleachers.

COLUMN:JOIN A REC TEAM

SPORTS & REC

Anyone can be a D1 Athlete

Autum Robertson | Staff Writer | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu

Whatever the cutline is whatever the cutline is. Photo by Boise State Recreation Center.

There are around eight million current high school athletes compared to only about 460,000 athletes playing in the NCAA. The decrease in numbers going into college is due to how hard it is to play sports at a collegiate level. Rec sports at Boise State are a good solution for anyone who misses playing sports. With Boise State offering 25 plus rec sports there’s bound to be something for everyone.

For those that miss the competitive side of high school sports there’s an answer: join a rec team. Not everyone playing an intramural sport is looking to compete;

some are just looking to have fun. Rec sports give the option for students to put their own team together: a team that wants to compete. The elimination tournament after the four-week regular season shows the competitive side of rec leagues.

“I play on a basketball team with some other members in my frat. It’s a lot of fun, and surprisingly more competitive than what I thought originally,” said sophomore general business major Cole Brower. “I think how competitive rec sports are just depends on the league.”

Joining a rec team is not a large com-

mitment—especially regarding time. Rec teams can be put together by anyone as long as he or she is affiliated with the University. The team chooses when or if it wants to practice and if there are enough players to participate in games, making rec teams the perfect fit for students with a busy schedule.

“Joining an intramural team is a great way for someone with a busy schedule to still be able to play sports,” said sophomore psychology major and rec volleyball player Jane Hula. “I only have games once a week, so it’s hardly a time commitment.

It’s nice to know I can still participate in sports but still have time for school, friends and working” Students spend a good portion of their time either at school, doing school-related things or working, leaving little time to be social and go out and meet new people. Rec sports are a fun way to meet people. Everyone who is playing the sport has something in common; they like to compete and play the rec sport they chose to join. Students are typically looking to become more involved and rec sports are an appropriate way to do so. Students can become involved either by working, playing or both, and rec sports can help increase students network of people.

Daniel Fragel, the coordinator of intramural sports, provided numbers from the regular season that help demonstrate just how much time and opportunities the rec gives you to meet people and get involved. In basketball and volleyball alone there were 4,080 minutes played, 703 participants, 176 games, 90 teams and 23 student employees.

Large amounts of college-aged students feel stress everyday, whether the stress is brought on because of finances, school work, a job or something else a student is participating in. A well known stress reliever is exercise because of the endorphins it creates. Rec sports are a fun alternative to the gym. They can temporarily relieve stress while also giving people an enjoyable way to exercise.

“It can relieve stress by having students play sports with their friends,” said freshman communications major and rec referee Sarah Brewer. “It gets their minds off of things because they’re playing sports and don’t think of anything else besides them having fun” Join today! And sooner than later you’ll be calling yourself a D1 athlete.

FEBRUARY 27, 2018

|

ARBITERONLINE.COM

17

SPORTS & REC

WOMEN’S SWIMMING AND DIVING RACES INTO FIRST PLACE Back to back Mountain West Championship Victories Delaney Brassill | Staff Writer | sports@boisestate.edu

Boise State Swimming & Diving team celebrates their championship. Photo courtesy of NCAA Photos.

A Mountain West title tends to be the ultimate goal of athletic programs here at Boise State. The championship is an endof-season test that measures hard work, dedication and athleticism, and its results tend to produce excitement (and a trophy).

From Feb. 14 to Feb. 17 in San Antonio, Texas, the women’s swimming and diving team passed that test with flying colors, earning the 2018 title.

With a total of 1,250 points, Boise State, quite literally, blew the competition out of the water. Their next closest com-

18

FEBRUARY 27, 2018

|

petitor was San Diego State, who came away from the meet with 1,105.5 points.

The University of Nevada, Reno: 1,033.5; University of Wyoming: 981; Colorado State University: 709; University of New Mexico: 673.5; Fresno State: 644; University of Nevada, Las Vegas: 624.5; Air Force Academy: 572; San Jose State: 571. In 2017, the Broncos won with 1,390 points, once again beating out San Diego State for first place.

“When I’m on the block, there’s nothing that bothers me, and I can’t even hear

ARBITERONLINE.COM

people yelling,” said junior nursing major Abbey Sorensen. “Right before I dive in, everything quiets, and I focus and zone in on me.”

In the last eight years, Boise State has not placed lower than second place and has earned five conference titles. At the 2017 championships, Emma Chard won the 200-yard freestyle (as well as in 2016), and Ally Kleinsorgen won the 100-yard backstroke. The team also won all five relays, proving their dominance in the water.

Going into this year’s meet, the team aimed to continue that tradition of excellence. First-place victories came from Sorensen (200-yard backstroke and 50yard freestyle), senior Emma Chard (500yard freestyle and 200-yard freestyle), the 400-yard medley relay and the 200-yard freestyle relay.

“The 400 medley relay was really memorable for me,” Sorensen said. “That was a big pivoting moment for everyone because it was one where we were head to head with everyone for the entire race. I was on the anchor leg, and we won by a few one hundredths of a second; it was really exciting.”

Many other significant events contributed to the team’s overall score. Junior Cody Evans took second in the 100 freestyle, Chard and freshman Lucia Davis placed third and sixth in the 1,650 freestyle and senior Emily Mathis and junior Laura Williams placed fifth and seventh in the 200 breaststroke, respectively. On the diving board, senior Cassidy Bose scored 211.62 to claim sixth place overall. “(Winning the championships) is such a feeling of pride; all of the tears and laughs all year accumulated into that one moment, and it made everything worth it,” Sorensen said. “You forget all of the hard times in the season; that feeling is one that is unlike any other.”

Throughout the meet, the swimmers and divers had to work hard to earn as many points as possible. According to

Sorensen, by the last day the team knew that the score was close and that every race counted. “(The championship) was very exciting; early on we were behind by a lot, and we did a great job of really stepping up,” said head coach Jeremy Kipp. “It means we are a good team. We accomplished what we set out to do, and for the athletes it really validates all of their hard work and sacrifices.”

The relatively young team, which included eleven freshmen, spent the season working hard, both in the water and the weight room. Chard explained that she could see the team maturing throughout the season. According to Kipp, the freshmen earned 195 points, and the sophomores earned 172 at the championships.

“Our team has unlimited and endless potential, which is something that is hard to find and really cool to be a part of,” Sorensen said.

For the three seniors on the team-Chard, Monica Bottelberghe and Mathis-the victory was bittersweet. As her Bronco career came to a close, Chard reflected on the hard work that has gone into the last four years.

“After losing my freshman and sophomore years, the team did what we could to win, and we were all really dedicated,” said senior environmental studies major Chard.

“It has shown me how much dedication it takes to succeed, and it’s helped me as a person.”

Coach Kipp, who was hired in 2015 and has since been named Mountain West Coach of the Year twice (2016 and 2017), expressed his pride and gratitude for the seniors.

“I was really proud of them; they did a tremendous job,” Kipp said. “For them to come back and win back-to-back champs, which I don’t think any of the other classes have done in the Mountain West, it was pretty cool, and I was really happy for them.”

FUN & GAMES Puzzle 1 (Very hard, difficulty rating 0.81)

2

3

5

7

6

1

2 7

2 7

8

5

6

6 4 7

9 8

6 3

5 3

4

5 5

6

1

2

4

7

Generated by http://www.opensky.ca/sudoku on Mon Sep 25 23:03:58 2017 GMT. Enjoy!

NE DEADLI ED! EXTEND

FEBRUARY 27, 2018

|

ARBITERONLINE.COM

19

College Season Pass

$

99 + tax

Includes unlimited skiing plus 2 night tickets to Bogus Basin & 2 Tickets to Silver Mountain

New pass holders – Ski the Rest of thisSeason forFree!

PHOTO © JOHN WEBSTER

TamarackIdaho.com 208-325-1030