Steen says

September 16, 2013 arbiteronline.com

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Broncos soar past Air Force Boise State opened up MWC play with a 42-20 win over Air Force one ending in a turnover.

Ajayi bounced back however, scoring three of his four touchdowns after the fumble.

“We always have to have great ball security,” Ajayi said. “That’s something I learned tonight.”

Stopping the Air Force triple option offense was a point of emphasis for the Bronco defense entering the week. After allowing 192-yards and 17 points in the first half, the Broncos shut down the Falcon offense in the second half, holding them to just 95-yards and three points.

“The first half we just kind of felt them out,”

Michael Steen @MichaelSteen2

@MichaelSteen2

Under head coach Chris Petersen, the Broncos have gone an incredible 86-9 since 2006, including 5-2 in bowl games, with two Bowl Championship Series (BCS) victories in 2007 and 2010. The success Boise State has had should make fans worry more than ever about Chris Petersen leaving the Treasure Valley, and they shouldn’t be surprised if he does.

Here are three reasons Chris Petersen could be leaving Boise State sooner than the Bronco faithful think.

1. The disintegration of the BCS Boise State has been one of the more dominant BCS busting schools in the last decade. With the BCS coming to a close in 2013, Boise State could be on the outside looking in for good. Moving on to a power conference school could be Petersen’s way to continue competing for bigger championships.

2. Boise State not going undefeated recently Former Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore became the winningest quarterback in NCAA history, going an unprecedented 50-3, losing the three games by a combined five points. Since losing Moore, along with a myriad of current NFL players, Boise State went 11-2 in 2012, and have already picked up a 32-point loss this season: their worst since 2005.

With Boise State being wrongly viewed as an average squad in the last couple of years, Petersen could be at risk of being seen as a “flash in the pan.” A Mountain West Conference title and potentially a one loss BCS appearance could erase all doubt of that notion.

3. A bi-polar fan base For a school that finished in the top 25 in every year except one under Petersen, you would think the fan base would be more realistic about the pressures of Division I college football.

The attendance for Boise State’s 2013 home opener, was just 33,293, more than 4,000 shy of a sellout. The game was accompanied by a chorus of “boos” due to the Broncos not running up the score, while up 63-7. A fan base that might be too spoiled for it’s own good could find themselves chasing Petersen away.

Whether Petersen leaves in one year, 20 years, or never, he has done more for Bronco football than anyone ever imagined.

the The arbiter Arbiter

puts the Broncos into a tie for first with Utah State in the West division of the Mountain West Conference and moves them to 2-1 on the year after an opening loss to the Washington Huskies.

“That’s our whole mission in life, to improve,” Petersen said. “We don’t care if it’s on offense, kicking game, linebacker play or whatever.”

The Broncos will now go on the road to Fresno State next week as they add another chapter to their storied rivalry against the Bulldogs on Friday night at 7 p.m. on ESPN.

Coming off a 63-14 victory over the TennesseeMartin Skyhawks, Boise State (2-1, 1-0) opened their Mountain West ConDid you catch ference schedule against the Air Force Falcons (1the game?

2, 0-2), picking up a 42-20 Tell us about victory at Bronco Stadium it by emailing on Friday night.

Redshirt senior quarSports@arterback Joe Southwick biteronline. completed on 27-of-29 com. passes for 287 yards, one touchdown and an interception while rushing for Southwick’s completion percentage of .931 set the all-time single-game record for Boise State, previously held by Jared Zabransky in 2006, who completed 21-of-23 passes (.913) against Utah State.

“I’m proud of it.

I’m proud of the guys though too,” Southwick said. “With the O-line, I didn’t get touched all night.”

Redshirt sophomore running back Jay Ajayi carried the load for the Broncos on the ground, going for 125-yards on 17 carries. Ajayi rushed for four touchdowns on the night, tying his 2012 season total and bringing his 2013 total to six.

Ajayi picked up two fumbles on the opening drive of the second cutline half, witwh the second Boise State running back Jay Ajayi ran for a career high four touchdowns against Air Force.

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Michael Steen

Redshirt senior defensive tackle Ricky Tjong-ATjoe said. “At halftime we made some adjustments and the crowd was going so that made a big difference.”

After giving up 408 yards of offense to the Falcons two years ago, the 287-yards allowed this year was a vast improvement.

“We just swarmed to the ball as a group and as a whole,” freshman linebacker Ben Weaver said.

“Everyone did their assignments and ended up getting some 3-and-outs and making some plays.”

The win over Air Force

Women’s golf opens 2013 season Brandon Walton Staff Writer

Last season the Boise State women’s golf team had one of their most successful seasons to date.

The Broncos finished second at the Mountain West Championships by tying a school record for a three round tournament.

2012 was the the Broncos best season in almost 20 years and their second best showing in school history at a conference tournament.

After the success they experienced in their 2012 season, the bar is set high for the Broncos in 2013.

Even though they lost several good players from the 2012 team, they are expected to be among the top once again led by a trio of sophomores that turned in quite the performances as freshmen.

The trio is led by sophomore Samantha Martin who at last season’s Mountain West Championships, had her first top10 finish to go along with six top 25 finishes for the year.

That is tied for seventh best in school history. She also has a scoring average of 76.65, which ranks sixth best in school history.

McKenzie Ford who placed 11 at the Mountain West Championships last April. Ford will look to continue her momentum she had at the end of last season for the Broncos.

To round out the trio, is sophomore Sammie Pless.

Pless finished tied for 24 at the championships as a freshman and had five top 25 finishes for the Broncos.

One thing you will notice upon taking a look

at the roster is this is a very young team. The Broncos have five freshmen on this years squad that include Dana Clary, Jamie Donizio, freshman Genevieve Ling, freshman Oceane Pelloille, and freshman Haliee Piper.

The Broncos in fact do not have a single senior on this year’s team as junior Jenna Leurquin is the team’s most seasoned veteran.

Leurquin along with the trio of Martin, Ford, and Pless will look to be the leaders of the team and help guide this year’s very young Bronco roster.

The Boise State women will open the season at home this week at the Bronco Fall Invitational on Sept. 16 and 17 at the Falcon Crest Golf Course in Kuna.

The tournament will serve as the only home tournament the team will have all year.

The Broncos will have four more tournaments during the fall season, which will include Rose City Collegiate in Oregon, Price’s “Give ‘Em Five” Invitational in New Mexico, SCU Colby invi-

tational in California, and the Winthrop Intercollegiate in North Carolina.

The Broncos will then have a few months off before returning to play in February for their competitive season leading up to the Mountain West Championships and the NCAA Regional and National Championships.

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Sports

February 28, 2013

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Running rampant Northwest’s toughest half-marathon gears up for April

one of the worst infidelity scandals any sport has ever seen was exposed, Woods lost many fans and admirers. Some were able to forgive; others may never be able to.

This all brings me to one of the most shocking and perplexing stories imaginable. Oscar Pistorius, a South African sprinter, ran right into the hearts of millions in the 2012 Olympic Games in London. The impossible story of the double leg amputee, nicknamed “Blade Runner,” who qualified for the Olympics and nearly qualified for the 400 meter final.

He instantly became an international star and hero. Tragedy struck the hearts of millions when, on the morning of Feb. 14, Pistorius was charged with murder of his girlfriend.

Within hours, every billboard and promotion featuring Pistorius in South Africa was taken down.

While the details are hazy and much is yet to be discovered, the Pistorius case is another example of how many sports stars let fans down due to the high standards they are held at.

Should we lower our expectations, or should the athletes raise their own standards? Maybe both.

Steen Says

Michael Steen

Model behavior?

Staff Writer

The Boston Marathon, the ING New York City Marathon, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon; these are some of the most prestigious and historic races in existence.

But for one of the most unique and challenging races in the world, one does not even have to venture outside of Boise.

At 13.1 miles on one of the most difficult courses imaginable, it’s not surprising that the Race to Robie Creek on April 20 draws runners from around the world.

Beginning in 1975 with the inaugural running, the Race to Robie Creek has been a staple event in Boise for decades as it will host its 36th annual competition.

Boisean Jon Robertson began it all in 1975, when he and 24 other runners set out on the 13 mile trek through severe elevation changes in what was originally called, “The Idaho Summer Road Racing Championships."

The course sets this race apart from many other races across the country.

A 2,000 foot elevation climb over the first 8.5 miles, followed by a 1,700 foot elevation decline the final 4.6 miles, Robie Creek requires endurance and determination.

If anyone knows all about the Robie Creek, its race committee member, Brian Rencher. Rencher, who has run the race 27 times himself, is excited about the turnout this year.

“We are expecting 2,436 competitors,” Rencher said.

“We set a cap and that’s where our cap is. We might be slightly above. We won’t be below. We change that number each year.

Last year it was 2,435.”

One of the most unique parts of Robie Creek is the

Michael Steen Staff Writer

CODY FINNEY/THE ARBITER

Runners at Race to Robie Creek annually make the trek into Fort Boise. opening ceremony and closing parties.

“We do some theatrics at the start and the finish that other races don’t have.” Rencher said. “We have a band and festival at the start. We don’t just count down runners on your marks, 3, 2, 1 and shoot a gun.”

Each year, Robie Creek has a themed start. In 1980, when Devo’s song “Whip It” was topping the charts, Robie Creek began the race with the start cracking a whip. But what happens at the start remains a secret to everyone, outside

a select group of about eight people.

“We just have a great time, we have fun with it. Our goal is to put on the best race we can for the participants,” Rencher said.

Boise State student Kody Olinger is running in his first Robie Creek competition.

And while his racing background isn’t extensive, he’s prepared for the challenge.

“I think that in order to be successful at a race like this one, you need to have an awareness of your capabilities

and also have a never say never type mentality," Olinger said.

The Race to Robie Creek will be held on April 20 this year with over 2,000 runners in the field, each with a different reason for competing.

“Ultimately being my first Robie run, I’d love to run the whole race without stopping, finish in the top 10 for my age group and hopefully not puke,” Olinger said.

Rencher is just hoping everyone enjoys themselves in what is sure to be another successful Robie Creek event.

Many people remember Charles Barkley’s infamous Nike commercial opening with the simple phrase, “I am not a role model.” But for millions of people, athletes have helped shape who they are today. Whether it was on the football field, or the basketball court, we have all had people who we have looked up to in life and have tried to be like. With this in mind, people who are in a position of influence are held at a higher standard by the general public. Is this fair judgment? Maybe, maybe not. The real question is do these athletes realize that they are on a pedestal and have to carry themselves differently, and do they even care?

Growing up, two of my idols were Derek Jeter and Tiger Woods. Jeter has carried himself with class and has stayed out of the national spotlight better than most athletes or any celebrities could imagine. Staying away from major scandals, he has established himself as a face of Major League Baseball both on the field and off it.

Tiger Woods, however, has had a different route. I still remember the young, skinny Tiger in 1997 fist-pumping his way around Augusta National en route to the biggest Masters win the world has ever seen. I was a star-struck 6-year-old and was fascinated with his drive and will to win.

However in 2009, when

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@MichaelSteen2

Tiger Woods still relevant Steen Says is a comprehensive sports column written by assistant sports editor Michael Steen.

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Dawg Pound John Engel

Boise State prepares to tame Huskies

@EngelESPN

It isn’t often that two football teams, from different conferences, face off in two consecutive games.

However, Boise State will open the 2013 season in Seattle against the Washington Huskies; the same team they faced in the MAACO Bowl Las Vegas last December.

The Broncos defeated Washington 28-26 to finish off the season ranked 15th in the coaches poll and 19th in the Bowl Championship Series with a 10-2 record.

With the season opener expectations are set for the entire football season. It will be the job of redshirt senior quarterback Joe Southwick to lead the Broncos away from the MAACO Bowl and on to greener pastures. Boise State has played in, and won, the last three MAACO Bowls with victories against Utah in 2010, Arizona State in 2011 and Washington most recently in 2012.

Southwick took over the offense last season. He started 13 games for the Broncos under center. Following the opening day road loss to Michigan State, Southwick steadily improved his productivity. Southwick gained 20 points on his completion percentage to finish the season at 68 percent.

“Joe did as nice a job of any player I’ve been around in a long time because of how the season started for him and for us,” Boise State head coach Chris Petersen said to the assembled media at the 2013 Mountain West media days in Las Vegas.

“It wasn’t terrible. It’s less than a handful of passes that we need to happen."

Running back in action

Not only is Southwick primed to have a breakout final campaign as the Broncos quarterback, but also explosive running back Jay Ajayi is healthy once again. Ajayi emerged as the next great Boise State tailback after his breakout 2012 season.

Ajayi missed the entire 2011 sea-

son because of a torn anterior cruciate ligament he suffered in practice. Most running backs are considered damaged goods following an ACL tear, but Ajayi has solidified himself as a major offensive weapon for the Broncos.

“Everybody wants to anoint him as the next Walter Payton already and he’s had a few carries (82 rushes for 548 yards in 2012),” Petersen said. “He’s got a lot of potential. He’s got a knee injury that’s going to hopefully stay healthy.”

Bad Dawgs

Washington tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins and wide receiver Kasen Williams faced legal trouble this offseason, but Huskies head coach Steve Sarkisian allowed both to attend fall practices. SefarianJenkins served a day in jail on July 31 for a driving under the influence charge he pled guilty to, while Williams was fined and received a misdemeanor after being pulled over for speeding and investigation of driving under the influence.

It’s still unknown whether Sarkisian will allow either falling star to play in the Huskies’ home opener, but all signs point to the two being on the field.

Boise State didn't start off the 2012 season quite like it wanted to and this year's season opener will be more revealing than the last. Can Joe Southwick quarterback his offense to a BCS bowl? He won't be able to dawg the question after his trip to Seattle.

Many players have come through their respective sports and made names for themselves while making lasting impacts on their sports, whether positive or negative. Some of these players have been invaluable to their sports, but if the statistics and numbers speak for themselves, then no single player has meant more to their sport than Tiger Woods has meant to the game of golf.

In his 1997 sophomore season, Woods made his footprint on the game of golf and never looked back.

Woods said “Hello, World.”

He then became the youngest player to ever win the Masters at age 21. Woods also set the record for the largest margin of victory in Masters history in 1997, with a 12-shot victory.

Here is where the influence of Woods really comes into play: when Woods burst on to the scene with his epic win at the 1997 Masters, he took home $486,000 for his victory that week. Just a short three years later at the 2000 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, a tournament where Woods would also win by a record 15 shots, Woods would receive $800,000.

The 2001 Masters became the first major to pay the winner over $1,008,000 with a total purse of $5.6 million.

Now, 12 years later, the 2013 Masters paid its winner, Adam Scott, $1,440,000. In just fifteen years, a growth of nearly $1 million has easily made Woods the largest influence on the game of golf.

Woods has also made the Nike brand a global phenomenon in the golf business. Nike’s golf sales grew 10 percent in 2012, climbing to $726 million and is climbing the ladder each year. Now with the signing of 23-year old Rory McIlroy to a $200 million dollar deal, Nike is expanding their reach and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down.

With five victories already this season, reclaiming the world number one ranking, and leading the race for the FedEx Cup, all Woods is missing is that elusive major to solidify the fact that he is back. Win or lose, the world will be watching each week he tees it up.

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