The Arbiter 1.21.14 by The Arbiter at Boise State University

page

Something missing in the Quad? Find out what happened to Kaikoo.

page

Strive for College succeeds in its pilot semester.

Find out how the Broncos fared at this year’s Beauty and the Beast tournament.

arbiteronline.com The Arbiter Indepen d en t

S t u d e n t

V o i c e

o f

B o is e

S tat e

Si n c e

@arbiteronline

1 9 3 3

Add the words January 21, 2014 • Issue no. 33 Volume 26

Boise, Idaho

First issue free

Tabitha Bower @TabithaBower

Mistie Tolman’s hard work and passion came to fruition as she looked out over a crowd of nearly 1,000 Idahoans chanting “add the words” on a clear and mild January afternoon in front of the Idaho State Capitol Building. “Add the Words,” a rally on the capitol steps, drew supporters from all over the State of Idaho on Saturday, Jan. 11. Their message was clear: Idaho lawmakers need to add the words “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” to the Idaho Human Rights Act. “It (the rally) was beautiful, moving, inspiring,” said Tolman, spokesper-

son and co-chair of Add the Words, Idaho and Boise State senior political science major. “We need to continue to build on that momentum that the public helped create.” Currently, the Idaho Human Rights Act protects individuals experiencing discrimination based on age, race, gender, religion and disability. It does not, however, protect those who are in the LGBTQIA community. Twenty-one states and the District of Columbia have passed laws prohibiting sexual orientation-based employment discrimination. Discrimination based on gender identity is prohibited in 17 states and D.C. For the past seven years, the Idaho Legislature has refused to

make the changes. Add the Words, Idaho hopes that will change in this legislative session. “What we are asking is very simple, very easy,” Tolman said. “Just add four words in the appropriate places within a law that already exists, so that all of Idaho is afforded the same protections.” Among the speakers at the rally were Sen. Cherie Buckner-Webb and worldacclaimed jazz musician and native Idahoan, Curtis Stigers. As speakers took their turns at the podium, event volunteers passed multicolored ribbons to crowd members who cheered, applauded and chanted, “add the words.”

Tabitha Bower/THE ARBITER

Hundreds rally at the state capitol, urge Idaho to “Add the Words”

“Add the Words” rally participants tie ribbons on Saturday, Jan. 11.

See add words I page 3

Lance Moore @LanceMoore07

On the evening of Jan. 17, students and community members flocked downtown to the El Korah Shrine in order to get a taste of the Treefort Music Festival which will take place in March. The organizers of Treefort held a free launch party for all to enjoy, where headlining artist ‘Slow Magic’ took the stage. The launch party consisted of something a little new from the folks of Treefort, they showed brief glimpses into new elemants such as ‘Film Fest’, ‘Storyfort’ and ‘Hackfort’.

News

The Arbiter

The buzz of Treefort charged excitement throughout the patrons of the launch party. The electric environment was made up of booze, dancing free-spirits and an array of youthful volunteers. The conglomorate of psychedelic performances and shoulder-to-shoulder crowds made up the energy of the night. Mackenzie Thiry, a student at Boise State, spoke her thoughts on Treefort and its rise to popularity. “The last two years have been super successful and I also think this third year is going to be just as successful,” Thiry said.

pg 3

Emily Walton, recent Boise State graduate, said the launch party felt like a “reunion.” She also went on to give some of her thoughts on why she thought Treefort has grown to such popularity in Boise and with Boise State students. “I think it’s grown so successfully because they are willing to share their success. They are great about partnering with organizations like Boise State (for Hackfort) and Story Story Night (Storyfort) in a way that enables other people to do something awesome,” Walton said.

See Treefort I page 8

Features

pg 6

Devin Ferrell/THE ARBITER

Treefort mini-fort builds excitement for festival in spring

A preview party for upcoming Treefort took place at the El Korah Shrine.

Arts & Entertainment

pg 7

Sports

pg 9 arbiteronline.com

Page 2

anuary 21, 2014 arbiteronline.com

Crossword

Aries (March 21- April 19): Now that classes are back in session, you are excited to get back to your busy school schedule. Your classes this term will be blessed by the holiest of holy wise men and women. Make sure to wear your eagle claw amulet and light all of your elaborate bathroom candles each morning before leaving the house.

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis

Taurus (April 20-May 20): Are you alone? Seriously though, look around you for eavesdroppers. Nobody there? OK. Here’s the thing. I have been checking you out for a couple weeks now and I like what I see. There is something so sexy about an acid-washed jean jacket and mustache hair. We need to go out and get a glass of milk sometime.

1/21/14

By David Poole

DOWN 1 Run the kingdom 2 Electron home 3 Webster’s, e.g.: Abbr. 4 Essen exclamation 5 Madison Square Garden hockey team 6 Drop in on 7 What you pay 8 Piña colada liquor 9 Konica __: Japanese conglomerate 10 Happen next 11 Business letter abbr. 12 On a __-to-know basis 13 Camera types, for short 18 “A snap!” 19 Missouri range 23 Potato chip flavor, briefly 24 Prophet whose name sounds like a mineral 25 __ nova: Brazilian music genre 26 Exemplary 27 Viking language 28 Hula or hora

The Future

FOR RELEASE JANUARY 21, 2014

ACROSS 1 Speeder’s undoing 6 TiVo ancestor 9 Wherewithal 14 Erie Canal city 15 Letters for debtors 16 Big name in computer chips 17 Sighting in the Scottish Highlands 20 Accident scene fig. 21 Gallop or canter 22 “By Jove!” 23 Cream of the crop 24 Like plugs vis-à-vis outlets 25 Using only ones and zeros 28 __-cheap: for a song 29 Recipe amt. 32 Air freshener targets 33 Sighting in Douglas, Wyoming 35 Belgrade citizen 36 Singer Horne and actress Olin 37 Continental coin 38 Sighting in the Pacific Northwest 40 Grammy winner Carpenter 41 Pub brew 42 Christie’s “Death on the __” 43 Large crowds 44 Mani’s salon gowith 45 Uncovered 46 Find a new table for 49 Gaucho’s weapon 50 “__ the season ...” 53 One studying this puzzle’s sightings 56 “Je __, donc je suis”: Descartes 57 Corn unit 58 Shade of green from Ireland 59 Promotional ploy 60 Skid row affliction 61 Lauder of cosmetics

January 17, 2014 arbiteronline.com

Monday’s Puzzle Solved

29 Travels with the band 30 Binge 31 Lowly laborers 33 Beijing-born martial arts actor 34 Apartment contract 36 Stopped the ship, in nautical lingo 39 Still on the plate 40 Bar sing-along 43 Expanse near the Capitol, with “the”

1/21/14

44 Coke competitor 45 Churlish types 46 Sales slip: Abbr. 47 “... __ saw Elba” 48 “Auld Lang __” 49 Tub toy 50 Pinball foul 51 __ of Wight 52 Eye sore 54 Last letter, in Leeds 55 Some refrigerators

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Clowns. Large clowns. Little clowns. Clowns riding little bicycles in circles. Clowns chain smoking cigarettes on dirty streets in front of dive bars. Drunken clowns asleep on subways and public buses. Clowns who unsuccessfully tried to run for mayor. Clowns are creepy and should not be trusted by anyone. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Love problems will have your genitals in a pinch this week. More specifically, you will accidentally zip your genitals into your pants zipper causing extreme emotional and physical distress. It’s not really a love problem I suppose. Well, if you love your pants, then it could be considered a serious love problem.

Gemini (May 21-June 20): You have the keen ability to make the greatest sandwiches in the greater Ada County area. Don’t kid yourself, you are the best around and nobody’s gonna keep you down. Use this power for good and help the neighborhood parents out by making sandwiches for their children to eat for lunch at school.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Keep a level head this week as you head to your first class meetings with your professors. Sometimes a new professor can be intimidating and may make you feel like you are intellectually inferior. Make a big scene in your first class and challenge the teacher to an arm wrestling contest to determine your superiority.

Cancer (June 21-July 22): Keep an eye out for changes in the lunar cycle. Soon the moon will run red with the blood of the gypsies. You will notice you develop werewolf tendencies each time a full moon appears in the sky, causing you to raid gypsy caravans and drag away a plump, juicy child for eating. Also, you will develop thick body hair.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Strike when the iron is hot. Don’t let life pass you by. Believe in yourself. When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Blah Blah Blah. You only live once. Justin Bieber. Blah Blah Blah. Facebook posts and Instagram photos of inspirational yoga positions. Inspirational, misspelled tattoos all over the youth.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22): All this talk about holistic medicine and natural healing has really influenced you to try new things for your health. After attending a natural medicine convention, you will find yourself using banana leaves to wipe your ass. It will take months for your sensitive ass to adjust to the rough banana leaves and the venture will leave you financially exhausted.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): As you probably know by now, this is the dawning of the age of Aquarius. Of course there will be happiness and understanding for you. You will experience crystal revelations and love and peace will rule the stars. Just keep a close eye on Jupiter and when the planets align, the age has begun.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): A serious decision will have you worried and wringing your hands in frustration. Take a step back and ask friends and family for advice before making the choice. Call your therapist and ask for some direction. After all of this, get back in line and order the cheeseburger that you feel is best for you.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) This week is gonna rule! You will have everyone give you the most kick-ass high fives ever! In some shipping error, thousands of pounds of frozen pizza will be delivered to your front door free of charge. After calling the pizza company to clear up the error, you will be offered a CEO position with a high starting salary.

E ditor - in -C hief Tabitha Bower

editor@ arbiteronline.com

M anaging E ditor

Emily Pehrson

managingeditor@ arbiteronline.com

N ews E ditor

Mallory Barker news@ arbiteronline.com

I nvestigative N ews E ditor

Ryan Thorne inews@ arbiteronline.com John Engel sports@ arbiteronline.com

A ssistant S ports E ditor

Michael Steen sports@ arbiteronline.com

A rts & E ntertainment E ditor

Lance Moore arts@ arbiteronline.com

A ssistant A rts & E ntertainment E ditor Madison Killian arts@ arbiteronline.com

Jake Essman/THE ARBITER

S ports E ditor

Editor’s Pic

The Broncos played the Utah State Aggies on Saturday Dec. 18 at Taco Bell Arena. Derrick Marks would go on to score the decisive point over the Aggies with 23.6 seconds left on the clock finalizing the score at 78-74. Nick Duncan would go on to score 17 points with five 3-pointers and Ryan Watkins 15 points.

The Funnies

Sudoku

O nline E ditor

Level: Level: 1

Complete the g each row, colum 3-by-3 box (in b borders) contain every digit, 1 to strategies on ho solve Sudoku, v www.sudoku.o

Kaitlyn Hannah onlineeditor@ arbiteronline.com

P hoto E ditor

Devin Ferrell photo@ arbiteronline.com

C opy E ditors

SOLUTION MONDAY’S PU

Alx Stickel Brenna Brumfield Briana Cornwall

Graphic Designers Megan Nanna Tyeson Anderson Jovi Ramirez Christian Spencer

SOLUTION TO SATURDAY’S PUZZLE

B usiness M anager

Ben Tonak business@ arbiteronline.com

1/21/14

Distributed Mondays & Thursdays during the academic school year. The Arbiter is the official independent student newspaper of Boise State University and a designated public forum, where student editors make all content

Contact Us arbiteronline.com 1910 University Dr Boise, ID 83725 Phone: 208.426.6300 Fax: 888.388.7554 the The arbiter Arbiter

Ryan Thorne, Christian Spencer/THE ARBITER

C s c 3 (i c d F h S

decisions and bear responsibility for those decisions. The Arbiter’s budget consists of fees w paid by the student body and advertising sales. © 2010 The Mepham Group. Distrib TribuneisMedia The first copy free.Services. All rights re Additional copies can be purchased for $1 apiece at The Arbiter offices.

arbiteronline .com arbiteronline.com

January 21, 2014 arbiteronline.com

Transportation gets new director @Mal_a_gal

Nicole Nimmons is a woman of adventure. She likes snowshoeing, biking and other activities. She isn’t afraid to try new things; in fact, she tried Indian food for the first time this year and decided she loved it. Her newest adventure: executive director of Boise State Transportation & Parking Services (TPS). Nimmons grew up in Southern California with an older brother and a twin sister. She graduated from Northern Arizona University where she wrote tickets to help her get through college. Nimmons never expected to make parking her career however after working in probation for a few years, she decided she wanted something different and decided to give Boise a shot. “I just fell in love with the university,” Nimmons said. “I really made parking a career. I don’t know of anyone out there who is majoring in anything who thinks they are going to end up in parking. But it’s a great career. I’m really happy and proud to have got to this level.” Nimmons has worked for Boise State a couple of years now and is eager to head up TPS and accomplish the goals she has set for the university.

One goal is to help utilize each department and work together as a campus, working off of each others’ strengths. “There has been a shift change since David Smith (associate vice president for Campus Planning and Facilities) came on board making the departments a more cohesive unit,” Nimmons said. “We are really working on team cohesion.” Smith joined Boise State six months ago and has seen an improvement. “Over the past six months we’ve really taken to heart knocking down walls. There is a lot more collaboration and camaraderie,” Smith said. Nimmons enjoys her new position because it is always changing. A typical day for her can consist of plans and procedures, special events and new initiatives. “I think that’s why I really enjoy my job. It’s never the same,” Nimmons said. Smith is Nimmons’ direct supervisor and has the utmost confidence she will succeed in her new position. “She’s got a lot of energy and is very focused on customer service and interaction,” Smith said. “Her passion is really helping us move towards alternative forms of transportation.” Nimmons recognizes

Transportation Options: -Live Shuttle: The Bronco Shuttle runs throughout campus during both Spring and Fall semesters. During peak hours (8 a.m.-5 p.m.) the shuttle frequency is estimated (with construction) every 14 minutes. During non-peak hours, it’s estimated about every 20 minutes. The last loop of the Bronco Shuttle will begin in the East Stadium Parking Lot at 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 5:30 p.m. on Friday. A live map of the Bronco Shuttle can be found at transportation. boisestate.edu/parkshuttle -Cycle Learning Center (CLC): Located on the first floor of the Lincoln Garage, the CLC is the university’s centralized source for basic bicycle repair services, instructional clinics and alternative transportation information. According to Nimmons, the CLC has some of the cheapest services available. -Enterprise Car Share: There are two on-campus locations for Enterprise Car Share vehicles, one in the Liberal Arts parking lot, and one just outside of the Brady Street Parking Garage. Nimmons explained it costs $8 per hour which includes gas and insurance. -Bus Pass: All Boise State students are given a free bus pass with Valley Ride Bus Transportation. -CarPool/ VanPool: Transportation & Parking Services offers a carpool permit, which allows people to park in special carpool spots all around campus. Bring two or three similar work or class schedules to TPS to register for a carpool permit. Carpool permits cost the same as regular reserved permits. Another option is Commuter Carpool and Vanpool Services. They offer one month free trial. students’ concerns about lack of parking and their frustration with ticket enforcement. “We do have enough parking, it just isn’t all convenient,” Nimmons said. “We have so many offerings for students they might not know about.” Nimmons explained she wants to hear student opinions. “I want to hear the needs of the students and find a way to meet them,” Nimmons said. “We don’t know special needs unless you tell us.” To voice a complaint or suggestion, email parkingquestions@boisestate.

Gym floor to be replaced Ryan Thorne @RyanThorne86

Devin Ferrell /THE ARBITER

The weight room on the first floor of the Recreation Center is currently closed and under construction un-

til late January. University staff plan to replace the worn rubber floor tiles and repair the underlying concrete. “The flooring has had

The weight room mat is being replaced

Add the words... Buckner-Webb had the crowd especially animated as she gave a lively speech about all men being created with equal rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. “I stand here today to implore our legislators to stop quoting and start voting,” Buckner-Webb announced. “I ask that they would remove the blinders from their eyes, the excuses from their lips and the fear from their hearts.” Tolman is confident Idaho will add the words and said the tide has turned in favor of equality. She only questions how long it will take. “The question is, ‘how long

[page 1]

will the Idaho Legislature continue to allow some of its constituents to be treated like second class citizens?’” Tolman asked. As the rally came to a close, participants tied their ribbons to wires hung between lamp posts in front of the capitol building. Add the Words, Idaho will continue to collect those ribbons and had a table at Human Rights Day in the capitol where more ribbons were collected. Ribbons are to enter into the statehouse this session and be presented to legislature. A final call to action was made for all Idahoans to write their legislators and

some bubbling issues, meaning the adhesive has become unattached on some of the tiles, creating a tripping hazard,” said Cala Sielaff, assistant director for Fitness and Aquatics. Sielaff cited ground moisture as the cause for cracked tiles and failed glue. “Being so close to the river, moisture is coming up through the flooring and we needed to mitigate that,” Sielaff said. “That’s in essence the problem, the cracking and the adhesive not adhering to the cement.” Sielaff and colleagues expressed concern over deterioration of the gym floor

Devin Ferrell /THE ARBITER

Mallory Barker

Nicole Nimmons bikes to campus and encourages others to as well.

and applied for funding through the university over a year ago. “We got approval this past fall and so we have started the process of ripping up the flooring, sealing cracks and putting on a moisture sealant,” Sielaff said. Workers will seal the underlying concrete base preventing moisture from subterranean wells and the nearby Boise River from entering the building. The cracked and worn rubber tiles are to be replaced with rubber matting which the Recreation Center staff think will create a more comfortable floor for gym enthusiasts. “It’s almost an inch thick and we are installing that in rolls. It’s going to help with noise in the weight room and the rubber is thicker

and will protect the cement underneath,” Sielaff said. Though the project was planned to be completed over the winter break, Sielaff said work may have to be extended. “We were hoping to be done before the start of school but now we are preparing for a reopening on the 27th,” Sielaff said. “That’s just what we are preparing for, we are hoping it is a lot sooner.” Over time, moisture escaping through concrete flooring could cause expensive and time consuming damage to the building, costs Sielaff and colleagues are hoping to prevent. “You don’t want the inside of the building to be moist because then it could lead to mold or mildew issues,” said Michael Wheel-

er, construction manager for Facilities Operation and Maintenance at Boise State. Wheeler said concrete sealant is applied to buildings in wet climates or near bodies of water as a preventative measure. Though the Boise River could be the source of unwanted ground moisture, Wheeler said a number of factors could be blamed. “The area has springs everywhere,” Wheeler said. Despite proximity to the Boise River, not all campus buildings require concrete sealant. “Sometimes that stuff doesn’t show up until the building has been there for a while so it’s usually not an expense incurred upfront unless we know there is going to be a problem,” Wheeler said.

speak up. Latest polling from 2011 showed 81 percent of Idahoans do not believe it should be legal to fire someone for being gay or transgender. According to Tolman, good people are being harmed each and every day action isn’t taken. “I want them (the legislators) to know that we have labored long and we’ve labored hard for justice, and let me just assure them that we ain’t tired yet,” Buckner-Webb said. “We will come to lift our voices, to cast our ballots, to contribute to our communities until justice, liberty and rights are fully abatable and sexual orientation and gender identity are included in the human rights legislature for the state of Idaho.”

Photos Tabitha Bower/The arbiter

the The arbiter Arbiter

arbiteronline .com arbiteronline.com

January 21, 2014 arbiteronline.com

Kaikoo icon removed The art structure will be stored until its permanant location is determined @AlxStickel

The big red thing in the Quad is gone. In October 2003, Boise State discussed removing “the big red thing in the Quad,” really titled Kaikoo #HVIII, after being part of Boise State’s campus for 18 years. Controversy arose in previous years regarding ASBSU’s priorities for the campus and appreciation for the piece. Claims were made by former students that ASBSU did not value Kaikoo for what some students and faculty considered Kaikoo: an important piece of art which should be regarded as such. Kaikoo stayed. Now, about a decade later, Kaikoo has been taken down. Students and faculty have mixed feel-

“

ings about Kaikoo being removed and relocated to an undetermined future location. “It seems a little weird to see it go,” said Memo Cordova, Boise State alumn and reference librarian. “It’s an iconic piece whether you love it or hate it. It’s different.” Members of Perkins Construction torch cut the base of the sculpture, then strapped and rigged it to the crane. Joe Perkins, project manager, said they wanted to drill a hole to rig the sculpture, as that would have been safer, but because it is a work of art they could not alter the piece in that way. “We’re salvaging it in its entirety,” Perkins said. Kaikoo was taken away at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 15. The concrete base was de-

“

Personally, I think it would be best to be located somewhere else. I’m excited to see how this area gets developed. —Aaron Whitman

molished shortly after. Project manager Aaron Whitman of Architectural and Engineering Services said plans for the new empty space have not yet been finalized. “Personally, I think it would be best to be located somewhere else,” Whitman said. “I’m excited to see how this area gets developed.” Kevin Satterlee, vice president for Campus Operations, gave this statement in an email: “Removing the sculpture is the first phase of the university moving forward on a redesign of the Quad. The Quad redesign plans are being brought forward to be complementary to, and in conjunction with, the current master planning effort. All of the proposed Quad upgrades plans will result in that area of the central Quad having a new design that does not contain a sculpture in that location.” Whitman said Kaikoo would be well cared for during the removal process and storage in a Boise State utilized warehouse on

Gage Street. Richard Young, painting professor and former art department chair, said it will give Boise State an opportunity to refurbish the sculpture, by sandblasting and repainting Kaikoo. “I think it’s a great idea actually,” Young said. “In another place it will be more significant. I’ve always liked it.” Kaikoo is an abstract piece created from a single piece of steel and an original geometric shape, according to Young. Kaikoo is also part of a 17-piece sculpture series created by Betty Gold, with these pieces being located across the country and the globe. Some students and faculty consider Kaikoo a staple at Boise State. “As an alumn, it represents the Quad,” said Leigh Ann Dufurrena, digital communications specialist with Communications and Marketing. “It was ‘the big red thing on the Quad.’” Cordova was a student in 1986, a year after Kaikoo

photo arbiter archives

Alx Stickel/ The Arbiter

Alx Stickel

Students power up with conference @EmilyPehrson

Students who want to learn about intersecting identities, supporting the LGBTQ community and promoting social justice have the opportunity to apply to attend a conference that focuses on exactly that. The 2014 NASPA Region V Power of One Conference will be held April 3-5 at Salt Lake Community College in

Utah. Every year the Women’s Center at Boise State provides scholarships which cover expenses (per diem, lodging, flight and registration costs) for students who want to attend. “In the past when students have come back from the Power of One Conference, they are so excited,” Jess CaldwellO’Keefe, director of the Women’s Center and associate dean of students, said. “They are

excited to share with others what they’ve learned. They’re excited to integrate the information they’ve gained into the way they’re moving through campus and it’s important for us to give that opportunity to as many students as we can.” This will be the 11th Power of One Conference. The conference is held annually at universities around the country, including Boise State last year. It is set up as a collection of

stlukesonline.org/midwives

Introducing our new midwifery

services. 520 S. Eagle Road, Suite 2110 Meridian (208) 706-3220

Nurse-Midwives and Women’s Health

speakers, performances, workshops and small group or “family cluster” sessions. “Most of the sessions in the conference are led by students,” Caldwell-O’Keefe said. “You get to hear from their peers what’s being done on different campuses to support LGBTQ students and to support ally development. It’s really a leadership conference at its core.” Students who want to apply

had been donated by leading steel industrialist and art collector, Sidney M. Feldman. Dufurrena was a student in 2003 around the time the initial discussion of Kaikoo’s removal took place. Cordova and Dufurrena for a scholarship must turn in or email a completed application to the Women’s Center no later than Monday, Feb. 4 at 4 p.m. Late applications will not be considered. “It’s a really unique experience for Boise State students to come together and talk about sexual orientation and gender identity in connection to race, ability, nationality--all facets of identity,” Caldwell-O’Keefe said. “It doesn’t just talk about one in isolation so it’s a way for folks with a myriad of identities to come together and learn from each other.”

support Kaikoo’s location change. “For the time, in the late ‘80s, it was very dynamic,” Cordova said. “Now, it looks outdated. Now it speaks to a different dynamic.”

ONLINE Going to the Power of One conference? Let us know about it at arbiteronline.com

Courtesy/photo Services

Emily Pehrson

Kaikoo was taken down on Jan. 15.

Students are invited to apply to attend the Power of One Conference.

WELCOME BACK BRONCOS!

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO LEARN MORE SERVICES -Student Withdrawal

-Absence Notifications

-ASBSU Legal Services

-File a C.A.R.E Report

deanofstudents.boisestate.edu https://www.facebook.com/DOSBoisestate

the The arbiter Arbiter

NORCO Building Suite 116 (1529 Belmont) Phone: 208-426-1527 Email: deanofstudents@boisestate.edu

arbiteronline .com arbiteronline.com

January 21, 2014 arbiteronline.com

Headphones Keely Mills @Pelozaj

According to the Center for Disease Control, about 17 percent of adults aged 20-69 years old have suffered permanent damage to their hearing due to over-exposure of noise. Tracy Johnston, family nurse practitioner who works in Health Services, elaborated on the dangers of noiseinduced hearing loss. “Excessively loud noise causes damage to some of the really small structures in the inner ear,” Johnston said. “That happens over a long period of time.” This can come from working in a place with loud machinery, but it can also be caused from listening to music too loudly and attending a lot of concerts without proper ear protection. There is also a normal loss of hearing which comes with age. What makes this most dangerous for young people is that by listening to excessively loud noise they are increasing the effects of what hearing loss is already happening due to aging. This is becoming a problem among younger generations. “We are seeing that more and more now because of iPods and things that are available that

weren’t 20 years ago,” Johnston said. Because kids are getting iPods and listening devices at such a young age, listening to music constantly becomes a normal thing for them. “Anytime you’re in control of something that only you hear, that goes into your ears directly, you run the risk of listening to music too loud,” Johnston said. According to Johnston the dangers are not only in hearing loss, but young people are also putting themselves at a higher risk for getting injured, because they cannot hear what is happening around them. “You don’t realize how well you protect yourself by the sounds and noises you hear that warn you,” Johnston said. Johnston uses this practical gage to tell when music may be too loud. “A really good gage is if somebody is standing next to you and they have to shout for you to hear them from 3 feet away, then your music is up too loud,” Johnston said. Jared Campasino, a senior finance major, listens to music while on campus and at the gym. Campasino uses the iPhone headphones because they are small and fit in his pocket. According to Campasino he likes his music, “pretty loud, but I still like to hear what is going on around me as well.” Campasino said he isn’t

Cause Damage

too worried about the af- have more bass response,” fect of loud music on his Lopez said. Inside of overear headhearing. “You don’t really think phones are more diverse about that kind of thing, than the in-ear headespecially when you’re phones. Over-ear headphones young,” Campasino said. According to some te- are better at blocking out chies, the kind of head- noise, but they are much phones you use can have bigger and less portaan effect on how much ble than in-ear headdamage is caused to the phones. ears. Connor Moore, who works at Best Buy, said that Beats headphones are the best for bass, Bose is best for clarity in classical music and Sony headphones are a • Approximately 12 percent good in-between. Beats, of the U.S. population however, have or 38 million Amerithe worst imcans have a pact on ears. “The Beats significant hearing loss. have the • 15 percent of children most effect on your ears, between the ages of just because 6-19 have a measurable they have a hearing loss in at least ridiculous amount of one ear. bass,” Moore • 30-40 percent of people said. Chad Loover 65 have some type pez, who of hearing loss. works in the audio department of GuiSource by tar Center, WWW. CHChearing.org explains the difference between inear and overear headphones. “Generally speaking the over-the-ear is going to

Have a favorite set of headphones? Let us know on Twitter @arbiteronline.

page Design Christian Spencer/THE ARBITER

Keynote Address: Dolores Huerta January 27 7:00p.m. Jordan Ballroom Student Union Building

Keynote Address: Dr. Lawrence Edward Carter February 3 Dean of the MLK International Chapel at Morehouse College, will open the Gandhi, King, Ikeda exhibit “A Legacy of Creating Peace”.He will also present the "Ghandi, King, Ikeda Award" to someone in our community whose work emphasizes the difference one person can make in promoting peace through non-violent action.

SUB Gallery Exhibit: Gandhi, King, Ikeda: A Legacy of Building Peace

February 3-24 MLK Living Legacy Celebration events are proudly co-sponsored by Boise State Student Media.

MLK.BOISESTATE.EDU FOR ACCOMMODATIONS, PLEASE CONTACT STUDENT DIVERSITY & INCLUSION AT (208) 426-5950.

the The arbiter Arbiter

arbiteronline .com arbiteronline.com

anuary 21, 2014 arbiteronline.com

e t a t S e s i o B

strives

Student mentors pair with high school students, provide them with tools to achieve higher education

IDAHO is in the

College-going rates of high school graduates directly from high school.

bottom

states FOR PEOPLE GOING On to finish A 4-YEAR COLLEGE DEGREE.

Percent of 18 to 24 year olds enrolled in college.

9th graders chance for college by age 19.

Graduation rates from college (BA degree in six years).

Retention Rates – Firsttime college freshman returning their second year.

46th 41st 47th 44th 46th

Statistics retrieved from www.Go-On-Idaho.org/know-the-stats/

Tabitha Bower @TabithaBower

Samantha Walker discovered a way to give back to the state of Idaho by participating in a pilot program at Boise State called Strive for College. One of the unique components of Strive is Walker’s ability to mentor high school students, some who are towns away, without so much as leaving her house. “This program shows students who wouldn't normally have the resources, the immense opportunities that are available to them,” Walker, a freshman chemistry major, said.

Strive: Working toward a more educated Idaho

Walker is one of 20 Boise State students working toward advancing college enrollment and graduation rates through Strive, a nationwide non-profit mentoring program pairing college and high school students. Strive’s goal is to support and assist students in low-income or underserved areas in successfully going on to higher education. “Idaho now ranks dead last nationally for the number of kids who go on to a two-or four-year degree,” said Jennie Sue Weltner, communications officer for the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation. “That is unacceptable. We need to dramatically change this situation for the sake of our kids and the state.” Go On Idaho, GEAR UP, Don’t Fail Idaho! (sponsored by the J.A. Albertson Foundation) and national Strive for College are some of the supporters of Strive at Boise State. Strive, now a Boise State student organization, just finished up its pilot semester. Boise State is currently the only Idaho university with a chapter. In the pilot semester, 31 mentees were selected from Emmett and Homedale high schools to participate one-on-one with the 20 Boise State mentors. “Our goal is for Strive to expand to other campuses in Idaho so we reach more students,” Weltner said. “One unique way we plan on reaching kids in rural areas is through virtual mentoring so that kids in remote locations can get the help they need.” The college students involved met not only in person with their mentees, but also relied on virtual meetings. This pilot program was the first in the nation to incorporate virtual mentorship. “We can reach out to the rural areas like Homedale and Emmett, where they may otherwise not be exposed to the college culture,” said Idaho Regional the arbiter The Arbiter

JOB

2 OF 3

NEW JOBS IN IDAHO

WILL REQUIRE EDUCATION BEYOND HIGH SCHOOL.

EVERY YEAR OF SCHOOL

YOU FINISH INCREASES YOUR WAGES BY

Strive Director, David Eastwood. Mentors and mentees participated in a weekly virtual meeting where the mentees were guided through the college application process, including financial aid, scholarships, essays, resumes and more. Weltner gauged the program’s success by the fact that, in the first pilot semester, numerous first-generation students were accepted to their top-choice universities. “If that amount of success can be found in two rural Treasure Valley towns then there is by far many more success stories to be found statewide,” Weltner said. In the first semester, 259 individual mentoring sessions were completed between Homedale and Emmett high school students and their Boise State mentors. “They are given guidance and encouragement every step of the way, enabling them to successfully enroll and attend a four-year university after graduating high school,” said Abby Lipschultz, sophomore nursing major and Boise State’s Strive chapter director. According to Lipschultz, while more than two-thirds of students from families in the top income quartile go on to a four-year institution, only 20 percent of students from the bottom income quartile do so. “These students in the bottom income quartile are not any less qualified, but their access to the resources they need to enroll in and pay for college is extremely limited,” Lipschultz said. Issues holding students from the bottom income quartile

10%-20%

IDAHOANS THEIR EDUCATION

WHO

END

STOP

WITH HIGH SCHOOL CAN EXPECT TO EARN

HALF

ENDED

IF YOU YOUR EDUCATION WITH HIGH SCHOOL, YOU ARE

5MORE TIMES LIKELY TO BE OUT OF WORK FOR MORE THAN SIX MONTHS, COMPARED TO SOMEONE WITH A COLLEGE DEGREE.

OF THOSE WITH A 4-YEAR DEGREE.

back include understaffed counseling offices at public schools and, in many cases, parents who are unable to assist students in the application process because they never attended college themselves. Strive aims to equip otherwise qualified students with the tools to go on to and be successful in higher education. “Strive is important because we recognize this gap and are bridging it with college students who can relate to these high school students, serve as their role models and ultimately help them unlock and unleash their potential,” Lipschultz said.

Getting involved:

P HENLTED

AFTER HIGH SCHOOL

As the program expands, Strive is seeking more Boise State student volunteers. Walkner said working with Strive does not take a major time commitment, however, in the long run, it is beneficial for each student served, their communities and ultimately the state of Idaho. “We hope that the experience is impactful for the mentors

too,” Walker said. “Helping someone get into college and being part of such a positive solution to a statewide problem is no small accomplishment.” Lipschultz agreed, pointing to the busy life of a college student as a hard time to become civically engaged in the community. “This semester I was blessed to witness 20 of my peers in action as they gave up a little of their time to change the lives of high school students who previously had little access to the resources we were able to provide,” Lipschultz said. “It is so good to know that these students will have the opportunity to attend a university where they can pursue an education that sets them on a path to achieving their goals and dreams, and we helped to make that possible.” Strive representatives will be at the Get (IN)volved student organization fair on Wednesday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. with more information on becoming a mentor.

OF THE

50,489

PEOPLE IN IDAHO WHO RECEIVED EXTENDED UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS IN 2009,

9HAD OF 10 LESS THAN A

BACHELOR’S DEGREE.

page Design Megan Nanna/THE ARBITER

arbiteronline .com arbiteronline.com

January 21,2014 arbiteronline.com

Lance Moore @LanceMoore07

On Jan. 20th, the Boise State MLK Living Legacy Committee led its annual MLK March and Rally. As a means of ushering in the pending spring 2014 semester, the Living Legacy Committee provided an opportunity for students to take part in the march in order to remember civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and what his legacy meant for the United States. All Boise State students were invited to participate in the march, which began with a poster making session in the Jordan Ballroom on Monday morning. They then set out from campus to march on the Capitol. Braving cool winter Idaho weather, students of varying fields of study took part in this event as a way of being part of a movement that uniquely impacted them in their own individual lives. Students expressed what

the civil rights movement meant to them even though it took place over 60 years ago. Emmanuel Eze, junior accounting major, spoke on what he thought of the purpose of the rally at Boise State. “In bringing this to Boise State is a very big deal because being an institution that involves a lot of people from different countries, cities and states,” Eze said. “It’s truly going to help show the fight that Martin Luther King Jr. fought for racial equality and to show that people have the right to be who they are.” With police barricades providing a path down Captiol Blvd., the Boise community had a chance to witness what the young and aspiring of Boise State were up too. In a sea of signs that varied from the extravagant to the simple, along with hot beverages in hand, Boise State students marched proudly before their community. Danielle Naomi Johnson, graduate student,

described what it meant to be part of this annual event. She spoke of the importance of numbers and attendance in promoting the Martin Luther King Jr. legacy at Boise State. She went into depth regarding this legacy and why it is still relevant in modern times as well as Idaho. “I think in Idaho particularly we need a little extra help, we are a little bit behind in the times. I mean look around,” Johnson said. “We can use as much inspiration as possible.” With the spring 2014 semester looming, the MLK March and Rally represents a time of transition and remembrance for students to take to heart the legacy of MLK before they resume reinvigorated quests towards acquiring knowledge. The Boise State Living Legacy Committee brought the chance to experience what it meant to be part of a legacy that has stood the test of time.

Kalee Hinkle/THE ARBITER

Broncos remember MLK legacy

Boise State Living Legacy Committee holds MLK march and rally.

SILC ushers in spring semester Lance Moore @LanceMoore07

As the Boise State community prepares to come back to the hustle and bustle of academic life, students arriving to campus will have the opportunity to take part in the week-long series of events known as Bronco Welcome. The Student Involvement and Leadership Center (SILC) is hosting these events with the goal of letting students know what

opportunities are available to them. These events are fueled by a desire to engage, inspire, and educate the student body to take an active role in what it means to be part of the Boise State community. Erin VanDenburgh, programs coordinator at SILC, spoke a little more in depth on Bronco Welcome week. “We want all the events to meet at least one of the objectives for Bronco Welcome so that students feel welcome, prepared and ex-

cited for the new semester”, VanDenburgh said. From social gatherings to academic promotion on how to be a productive student at Boise State, Bronco Welcome provides the opportunity for students to engage in the Boise State community. From academics, activism or knowledge a student seeks, SILC looks to make Bronco Welcome a haven for students seeking to define their time at Boise State. VanDenburgh

spoke of the difference between Bronco Welcome at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters. “Spring semester has a larger percentage of transfer and non-traditional students than the fall semester,” VanDenburgh said. “So the planning committee encouraged departments to think about those populations of students as well as new and returning students as they planned programs and services for the week.” Boise State is a growing

university which expands every year in terms of attendance. The diversity of attendees is highlighted in the steady balance between tradition and non-traditional students that make up this rising attendance. Bronco Welcome serves the purpose of catering to all incoming students and providing an array of opportunities that are available to them here at Boise State. Bronco Welcome will take place Jan. 18-24 in various locations throughout the campus. For more information, refer to broncowelcome.boisestate.edu.

ONLINE What was your favorite Bronco Welcome event? Tweet us your photos @arbiteronline

Get right to work. And play. Starting at $999

Also check out our MacBook Pro® with Retina® display.

BroncoTEC is your convenient on-campus location for Apple® products and all of your electronic needs. Located across from the Bookstore in the SUB. 426-5496 • broncotec.com the arbiter The Arbiter

January 21, 2014 arbiteronline.com

Madison Killian @MaddaySunn

Where can someone purchase CDs, vinyl, espresso, clothing, candy, toys, books, magazines, jewelry and posters? Surely, not anywhere in Boise, Idaho. Unless, of course, you’re at The Record Exchange. It’s the place to be, at least for college kids. A paradise of sorts. At least that’s what it seems. There is music, coffee and weird trinkets that can be put on display in a dorm for the rest of the year, what’s not to love? Ask around on campus, most people who’ve been there will give it raving reviews. “It’s a really great place to find any kind of music you can think of,” said Jasmine Birk, a sophomore criminal justice major. “They even have a coffee shop built in so you can get your caffeine fix while you look for awesome music.” Keeping up with events which happen every now and then at The Record Exchange is worth it. Those who do keep up with the events

might be surprised to find out that their favorite band is doing an acoustic in-store performance and if not, even hanging around the store the day your favorite band is in town might catch a glimpse of their idol browsing used vinyls or trying on silly hats. On top of all that, it’s right next to the Neurolux, where attendees can grab a drink and watch great live bands. No matter how indie and obscure someone’s music taste might be, it’s worth it to take a look at The Record Exchange, because who doesn’t need the physical version of their favorite band’s first LP recorded in their garage when they were 17? “What’s cool about The Record Exchange is that not only do they have what’s most popular out on CDs and vinyl, but they have a lot of low-key bands’ material as well,” said Yvonne Villasenor, a freshman psychology major. “They help bring more attention to the local scene as well.” Follow the store on Facebook or Instagram to be the first to know when a giveaway is happening, or when they

Devin Ferrel/THE ARBITER

Boise music store part of local culture

The Record Exchange is one of Boise’s unique and defining cultural hot spots. find it a very cool place where I could find a bunch of different music, much more of a selection than what Walmart and Target have,” said Bethany El-Bakri, a junior respi-

ratory therapy major. “The atmosphere is sweet too.” The store put Boise on the map when Nylon Magazine did a feature on the best music scenes in the United

States and featured The Record Exchange. What that means is that native Idahoans who have not yet peeked their heads into the store are seriously missing out.

Soles4Souls shoe drive comes to Boise

cuts and infections. In some parts of the world, children aren’t allowed to go to school without shoes, continuing the cycle of poverty. “Shoes can enable someone to step out of poverty,” said Buddy Teaster, CEO of Soles4Souls. “Please join in this initiative to collect gently worn footwear, and possibly improve the quality of someone’s daily life.” People of all ages and sizes are in need of shoes, so as many sizes and styles donated, the better. “There are colleges across the country who host shoe drives. We are always excited

when another student decides to lead a shoe drive on his or her campus. It’s a great way for them to get involved and super easy,” Cicione said. “Hosting a shoe drive doesn’t take up too much time, so it’s a volunteer activity that won’t interfere with school or campus activities.” This drive isn’t one held annually, so those interested in getting involved with this cause need to act. From now until Jan. 31, shoes will be accepted at 9324 West Emerald Street. Donation times are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

@MaddaySunn

Each year, 700 million pairs of shoes are thrown away by Americans. 1-in-4 adults in the world live in poverty, where necessities like shoes are not available. Across the globe, there are people who go daily without shoes. Soles4Souls is a global not-for-profit institution whose main goal is to get those unwanted shoes to people who need them the most.

This year, Teleperformance and Soles4Souls have joined forces to hold a drive in Boise. They ask that anyone and everyone bring in their gently worn shoes to be recycled and distributed. “The organization has relationships with several of the world’s leading apparel brands, which provide Soles4Souls with new but non-marketable overstocks, returns, discontinued models and other shoes or clothing items,” according to Soles-

1/8 Arbiter ad

4Souls website. “Soles4Souls receives millions of articles of used shoes and clothing that have been collected by individuals, schools, faith-based institutions, civic organizations and corporate partners.” Rebecca Cicione, media manager at Soles4Soles, elaborated futher. “The shoes are distributed in multiple ways. Brand new product is sent directly to individuals in need in the United States and around the world”. Cicione said. “Used product is

BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY

STUDENT FINE

UNION ARTS

Through April 15

Jan. 23

Jan. 30

ALL EVENTS ARE FREE

Kurva by Kathleen Probst Art Reception 4:30 - 6:30

SPEC Gallery

T Bird and the Breaks MARSHALL POOLE

11:00 – 1:00 SUB Indoor Dining Stage

Accepting Exhibition Proposals Student Union Galleries

finearts.boisestate.edu 208. 426. 1242

the arbiter The Arbiter

distributed via our micro-enterprise program. These shoes are sent to entrepreneurs in developing nations who fix up the shoes and sell them in their local marketplace. This creates jobs and boosts the local economy.” Soles4Souls has donated over 20 million pairs of shoes around the world. In developing nations such as Haiti, Honduras and Tanzania, the main form of transportation is walking. Shoes are important in protecting the feet against

Treefort raises festive spirts [News page 1] The electronic artist Slow Magic ended the evening with a scintillating performance which utilized a mind popping light show as the artist looked out onto the crowd through a neon colored Aztec-themed mask. Louie Bash, member of the local band Shades Street Fever and Blvrred Vision, described his impression of Treefort and the upcoming festival. “It was so great to see such an amazing turnout,” Bash said. “It provides a great opportunity for local bands and local people to come and enjoy the atmosphere, as well as see Boise come together.” If the March festival is going to be anything like this mini-fort launch party, Boise is in store for a wild night.

Devin Ferrel/THE ARBITer

Madison Killian

get small quantities of highly in-demand merchandise (Lorde on vinyl, anyone?). “I wouldn’t have much to say because I’ve only been there a few times. But I did

Slow Magic highlights Treefort mini-festival.

Send your pictures from last year’s Treefort Fest to editor@ arbiteronline.com and tweet this year’s photos to @arbiteronline

arbiteronline .com arbiteronline.com

the beast

Photos Devin Ferrell/THE ARBITER

beauty

January 21, 2014 arbiteronline.com

Gymnastics team flies high while wrestling gets pinned Brandon Walton Staff Writer

Friday night marked the 12th annual Beauty and the Beast event where one team had a great night while the other struggled. The event saw the gymnastics team continue their early success with wins over ranked opponents no. 14 Denver and no. 23 BYU which improved the Broncos to 4-1 on the season. Boise State had great performances overall and were led by junior Kelsey Morris who took the all around title with wins in the uneven bars and the floor exercise. The Broncos came into the event ranked just outside the top 10 at no. 11 and are looking to have the best season in school history. “Our main goal this year is to make it to nationals and be the first Boise State team to make it there,” Morris said. “We want to stay confident and proud, to make people turn their heads, and just really make people think twice when they hear our name and think of us as a threat.” The team returned nine girls from last season’s top

25 squad and welcomed six talented freshmen. This year’s team put a lot of work in before the season even began. “What’s really special about them is that they trained as a group this summer and they really pushed each other in the off season, co-head coach Neil Resnick said. “They had a tremendous effort to get better and I can see what they did this summer tonight.” On the other side of the mat, literally, the wrestling team struggled in front of the home crowd and fell to no. 22 North Dakota State 26-15. This was their worst loss of the season as the Broncos only managed to win four duals. They were led by senior heavyweight J.T. Felix who capped off the night with an exciting pin in an otherwise disappointing night. “That’s the problem with this team right now, is everybody doesn’t know what they are capable of and are afraid of going out and making a mistake,” Felix said. “They’re afraid of losing instead of wanting to win and until we realize that we

are not going to make any strides.” Boise State has really struggled this season and has failed to find any rhythm and consistency in the early going. The Broncos have been unable to put a winning streak together and have still yet to win at home. “We got a lot of work to do if we are going to come back and make anything of the season,” head coach Greg Randall said. With this loss, the Broncos fall to 2-4 on the season and will likely fall out of the top 25 rankings for the first time in many years. “I want to see our guys being able to fight harder in practice, fight longer in practice, see them try to dominate somebody, and believe they are going to win,” Randall said. Both teams return to action on Friday, Jan. 24 with the gymnastics team looking to continue their hot start hosting Southern Utah at 7 p.m. at Taco Bell Arena, while the wrestling team looks to turn around their season by going on the road to face their conference foe Arizona State.

Broncos swipe 4-star safety commit from Texas A & M John Engel Sports Editor

Boise State football may be in the midst of its most difficult transition in program history with the shocking departure of Chris Petersen, but the Broncos are already reaping the benefits of their new coaching staff. Following head coach Bryan Harsin’s hiring of Texas A&M co-defensive coordinator Marcel Yates, the Broncos landed their first headline-writing recruit. Enter Dylan SumnerGardner. Sumner-Gardner had been committed to Texas the arbiter The Arbiter

A&M, recruited by Yates since March, but announced his commitment to Boise State immediately after Yates decided to take the defensive coordinator position at Boise State. He is also Harsin’s first commitment as head coach. According to Scout, Sumner-Gardner is the No. 8 safety in the recruiting class of 2014, and the No. 95 overall player. He is ranked No. 93 overall by ESPN and No. 86 by Rivals. The 6-foot-2, 197-pound safety joins a long list of successful defensive backs to learn under Yates at Boise State, including George

Iloka (2008-11), Jeron Johnson (2007-10), Gerald Alexander (2004-06), Kyle Wilson (2006-09) and Orlando Scandrick (2005-07), who all went on to play in the NFL. Sumner-Gardner has expressed that his decision was based greatly on Yates’ decision to become Boise State’s defensive coordinator, and has already begun recruiting other top prospects on his own. The West Mesquite High star has already graduated from high school, and will enroll for the Boise State spring semester.

Bronco Mobile Music, entertainment, news and meal coupons! Download now on iTunes and Google Play! arbiteronline .com arbiteronline.com

January 21,2014 arbiteronline.com

Broncos find secret hero John Engel @EngelESPN

Boise State head coach Leon Rice has quickly developed the Bronco men’s basketball program into a perennial NCAA tournament, but the major pitfalls of Rice’s system in the frontcourt— size and rebounding—have limited Boise State’s true potential. Senior forward Ryan Watkins is quickly changing that. As a freshman, Watkins averaged 5.7 points and 3.5 rebounds per game, and was part of a Bronco frontcourt which was consistently out rebounded. This season, Watkins is nearly averaging a doubledouble with 10.6 points and 9.7 rebounds, and has become one of Rice’s most reliable options in the paint as both a rebounder and a scorer. He is third in the Moun-

tain West in rebounding. In Boise State’s 78-74 win over Utah State on Saturday, Watkins finished with 15 points, 16 rebounds and three steals for the Broncos at Taco Bell Arena. “Ryan...10 offensive rebounds, that’s amazing,” Rice said following the Boise State win. “We just knew that we had to battle them for every possession. He’s got a good feel for the ball.” The Broncos (13-5, 3-2 MWC) are heralded as an incredibly talented offensive team—they lead the Mountain West in scoring with 79.2 points per game—but it’s becoming more and more apparent how crucial Watkins’ performance is to garnering a Boise State victory. Watkins hasn’t always been a force on the offensive and defensive glass for the Broncos, and Rice said he has spe-

cifically worked with Watkins to try to evolve his skills as a rebounder over the last four years. He has seven doubledoubles on the season, none of which came in any of the Broncos five losses. “I think Ryan will tell you, over the four years we’ve never let up on him as far as rebounding the basketball. And he’s been mad at me a few times,” Rice said. “I told him, ‘Hey, you can be an allleague player just by your rebounding.’” Rebounding isn’t just about strength, size and athleticism. Added awareness and instinct have allowed Watkins to become one of the most dominant rebounders in the Mountain West, even though his 6-foot 9-inch frame isn’t normally ideal for a rim protector. With Boise State’s abundance of 3-point shooters,

Watkins has learned where to position himself based on the shooter. “He’s a smart kid – he’s got great character and motor. He does that for the team,” Rice said. “He gets some put backs, but how many times have you just seen him fly in there, rebound it, kick it out to one of these other guys ... That’s just the most unselfish play in basketball.” Watkins doesn’t always have a role as a scorer for the Broncos, and he recognizes that. Sometimes all he has to do is be aggressive on the boards to help Boise State win. He has 10 or more rebounds in 10 games this season. “I know that’s how I can help my team. They count on me to (rebound), so that’s what I’m going to do,” Watkins said. “I just try to get every rebound.”

Photo Devin Ferrell/THE ARBITER

Men’s basketball rights the ship with back-to-back wins Michael Steen @MichaelSteen2

Hopes were high at the beginning of the 2013-14 season for the Boise State men’s basketball program.

The Broncos were the only team who qualified for the 2013 NCAA Tournament to return all five starters. The Broncos were knocking on the door of the top 25 rankings following an

8-0 start, the best in school history. Over those next eight games, the Broncos would go just 3-5, a stretch that included losses at Kentucky, versus Saint Mary’s, and in the Diamond Head Classic championship game against Iowa State; all were games which could significantly improve the Broncos RPI rating, which is currently ranked 51. “Boise State returned everybody from a team that went to the NCAA tournament; that’s one team you think should be better,” San Diego State head coach Steve Fisher said over the weekend in an interview with USA Today report-

er Nicole Auerbach. In a conference being rumored to get just one bid to the 2014 NCAA Tournament, a significant drop from the five last season, keeping the current streak alive could be key if the Broncos want to make a push for another appearance at the big dance. “It’s just what this league is,” head coach Leon Rice said. “To survive in it you just have to have that grit to just be able to keep going and just move forward.” In their second straight conference win in a home victory to Utah State over the weekend, the Broncos saw significant improvement from their key offensive area behind the three point line. The Broncos

leading shooter beyond the arc, senior guard Jeff Elorriaga, played 40 minutes against Wyoming last weekend and was scoreless in a 52-50 point loss. The Broncos have shown struggles with selfish play and forcing it on the offensive end of the floor in the past weeks. Saturday night’s 78-74 win against the Aggies may show some signs of improvement. “That’s the thing with this team, when someone is on like Derrick at the end, we give it to Derrick,” freshman forward Nick Duncan said. “If I’m on at the start of the second half, everyone gives me the ball and there’s no selfishness or anything.” Sitting fifth in the MW

standings now, the Broncos head to The Pit on Tuesday night to take on New Mexico, who currently sits second in the conference.

ONLINE For more coverage and photo galleries on men’s basketball, visit arbiteronline.com.

Self-paced study. Anytime. Anywhere!

Enroll anytime!

Complete in one year or less! Take ISI courses to resolve on-campus schedule conflicts, obtain transfer credit, satisfy prerequisites, or to pursue professional development or personal enrichment. Choose from more than 100 online courses: Accounting Advertising Anthropology Art Business Business Law Economics Education English

Environmental Science Family & Consumer Sciences Health Care Administration History Journalism & Mass Media Library Science Mathematics Microbiology, Molecular Biology & Biochemistry

Modern Languages & Cultures Music History Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Social Science Sociology Theatre

arbiteronline .com arbiteronline.com