Digital Content Manager Omar Saucedo digitalcontent@stumedia.boisestate.edu
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ON THE COVER:
Boise State Alum, Marisa Howard, had a not-so-traditional route to the 2024 Paris Olympics. From collegiate races and being a school nurse, to motherhood, becoming an Olympian and now coaching for the Broncos — Howard has done it all.
HOW TO REACH US:
CONTACT US: editor@stumedia.boisestate.edu
208.426.6302
PHYSICAL LOCATION:
Located on first floor of Lincoln Avenue Garage Suites
MISSION:
PHOTO
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Distributed every few weeks during the academic school year and online daily, 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. Additional copies can be picked up for free at The Arbiter offices.
As a student-run organization, we produce accurate and hyper-local information through non-partisan and socially responsible media.
MAILING ADDRESS: Student Media MS 1340 1910 W University Dr. Boise, ID 83725-1340
Photo of rapper Layzie Bone of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. Photo by Omar Saucedo
4. Music artist who performed at the Super Bowl Halftime show 2025.
5. The dish everyone is talking about reheating.
8. The original name of the body of water trump changed the name of in America.
12. Bird of prey with a white head and yellow beak, seen near the Boise River in winter.
13. Elmo’s arch nemesis.
14. The kid who flew too close to the sun.
17. The app that just held a funeral for their mascot R.I.P.
18. What baby goat are called.
20. Artist who won a grammy for best rap album in 2025
21. Trump signed this executive order to ban this product found in your iced drinks.
23. Dominant Plant of the Boise Foothills.
24. The creature in greek mythology that lives in a labyrinth.
25. The amount of hearts Octopus have.
Down
1. A fish that historically migrated up the Boise River to spawn but is now affected by the dams
2. Artist who won album of the year
3. The language that many Americans have been learning since the Tik Tok ban
6. The name of Lady Gaga’s newest single
7. Honeycomb capped mushroom that can appear in recently burned forests
9. Mario’s brother
10. 100,000 of this food item was stolen from Greencastle Pennsylvania
11. The movie that came out in 2024 about a freaky girl and vampire
15. Goddess of hunting
16. “Tryna strike a chord and it’s probably A-___”
19. The book Christopher Nolan's next movie is based upon 22. 3 headed dog that guards the underworld
February 20, 2025 |
Boise State students react to possible tuition increase
An Idaho GOP platform proposes significant budget cuts that would raise tuition at BSU
Kaeden Lincoln | News Reporter | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu
An Idaho Republican party platform proposing significant budget cuts to higher education in Idaho could result in full time, in-state tuition at Boise State University skyrocketing from $9,048 a year to $16,548, according to numbers crunched by Alicia Estey, Boise State’s chief financial and operating officer, quoted in an Idaho Ed News article by Kevin Richert.
Anticipating a 30% decline in enrollment as a result of the increase, tuition could increase even more to $22,745 a year.
The Arbiter set out to find student opinions on the possibility of enrollment being roughly doubled. In an effort to eliminate political bias in responses, The Arbiter asked random students pointblank what they would do if tuition doubled.
“I wouldn’t be able to afford it,” said freshman Layne Van Dyk.
“I have a lot of scholarships right now, so it’s not so bad. But next year I’m living off campus because it’ll be cheaper to be off campus than it would be on campus, which is a little crazy. But if tuition doubled, I fear I’d be screwed,” said Van Dyk.
Van Dyk said her options are limited because her major, Radiology, isn’t offered at many colleges in Idaho.
“I don’t think my scholarships would cover it. I’d probably have to take a student loan, as of right now if I work every single week in the summer, it just covers me not [having] to take student loans, and if it doubled — that would definitely make my life a lot harder,” said freshman Keaton Swift.
Not every student The Arbiter spoke to was so concerned by the idea, though.
“I’d figure it out,” said Micah David, a pre-med student paying both outof-pocket and receiving assistance from the military for his service in the Army National Guard.
“I think just because of my career path, I have to go through school … if I needed to I’d take out loans,” said David.
“I’d have to apply for more scholarships and I’d have to work a lot more … I’m really trying to avoid taking out any loans,” said student Boston Holdaway, who pays for what isn’t covered by his scholarship, in cash.
“I’d take out loans or join the military, that’s about it,” said Adam Burlo, a pre-med student paying out-of-pocket with assistance from a federal scholarship.
The Arbiter reached out to the university for comment, and spokesperson Stephany Galbraeith said the university tends not to explore what-ifs and possibilities, especially during the legislative session.
“Every year the university goes before the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) to present the Governor’s proposed budget for legislative consideration. We are currently in the middle of this process,” Galbraeith stated in an email.
In Boise State University President Marlene Tromp’s appearance before the JFAC in January, Tromp primarily faced questions revolving around legal bills in the Big City Coffee case and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Boise State University.
Tromp responds to a line of DEI questioning at committee meeting
Senators questioned Boise State University President Tromp on DEI courses
On Jan. 29, 2025, Boise State University President Marlene Tromp testified at the Joint Finance Appropriations Committee (JFAC) meeting at the Idaho State Capitol.
Marlene Tromp took to the podium where she fielded questions from senators on DEI initiatives and gender courses. The university Gender Equity Center closed its doors weeks prior to the committee meeting.
After reaching out to Tromp for comment, Stephany Galbreaith, director of media relations, provided the following statement on Tromp’s behalf:
“Each year, during the legislative session, our key objective is to secure our fiscal year state appropriated funding and protect the educational mission for the university. Boise State is serving Idahoans,” Galbreaith said. “In the last five years, we have grown Idaho first-time full-time student enrollment by 52%, and we graduate more students each year than all other public universities in Idaho combined. Boise State prepares our students for the workforce, with 71% of undergraduates staying and working in Idaho after graduation.”
Senator Zuiderveld noted these recent closures during the committee meeting and asked Tromp how many employees were affected.
Tromp said that initially eight staff members were employed across student centers and that five employees have been removed.
“But we think at this point that there may be an expansion of some of the work, because when you shift your focus to specific populations, to the entire student population around student success, it can change what you think that word means and what that work looks like,” Tromp responded. “And we may even have to have additional staff as we go down the road of serving all students.”
Big City funds
Senator Carlson asked how much the Big City Coffee lawsuit was spending by way of state-appropriated funds. Tromp responded by stating that no taxpayer dollars were utilized in the lawsuit and responded to Carlson’s follow-up by stating that employees who attended the trial were utilizing their own vacation days and personal finances.
Institute for Advancing American Values
Senator Wintrow requested Tromp to speak on The Institute for Advancing American Values and their impact as a university initiative.
“I am so tremendously proud of the Institute for Advancing American Values. When I first arrived at Boise State, we heard a great deal about concerns that the university was not a place where a broad range of voices could speak,” Tromp said.
Allen Dalton, faculty senate member for The Institute for Advancing American Values, said that while he did not watch the testimony, Tromp has complimented the institute on their efforts in the past.
As Idaho Listens’ mission statement emphasizes the “cross-section of backgrounds, occupations and experiences”, The Arbiter asked Dalton if he worried that Idaho lawmakers may have an issue with the event sounding reminiscent of DEI.
“No, not worried about being investigated or about the Idaho Listens program at all,” Dalton said. “That is a program where we go around the state and … have local speakers tell their stories in terms of what they value and why and how that informs their political views.”
UF 100 courses
Representative Tanner began by acknowledging Boise State’s well-balanced budget and praising its volleyball team for backing out of the San Jose match, but quickly began a series of questions
regarding how the university plans to “root out” anything DEI-related.
Tromp explained that UF 100 and 200 course catalogs offer an array of courses that allow students to choose which courses they enroll in.
Representative Miller pulled from both Tanner and Price’s question by asking again, “Is there still a gender class and is there a degree that requires that class?”
“They have to take UF 100 and UF 200 but they can take any section they want. That class they choose might be on the Constitution or athletics. The subject matter is very broad and varied,” Tromp said.
“Thank you for not answering that,” Miller said before beginning his next question regarding whether students still have the option to choose courses that discuss DEI.
“There is no requirement for a student to take a DEI class,” Tromp said. “We don’t prohibit them being offered because of academic freedom but no student is required to take one of those classes.”
In Tromp’s closing remarks, she expressed her pride in Boise State’s improved graduation rate, and its balanced budget amidst what she described as difficult financial times and noted that 54% of Boise State grads have zero dollars in federal student loan debt.
Photo of BSU President Marlene Tromp giving a testimony.
Photo courtesty of Idaho Ed News
Boise State faculty reflect on the legacy of former President Charles P. Ruch
On Feb. 1, 2025, former Boise State President Charles P. Ruch passed away at the age of 86.
Ruch became Boise State’s fifth president in 1993 after previously serving as Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University.
In Ruch’s ten-year tenure (19932003), he served as a pivotal figure in the development of Boise State’s athletics and academic programs.
One of his accomplishments was assisting in the creation of the engineering program at Boise State.
In 1995, The Idaho State Board of Education approved the transfer of three engineering bachelor’s degrees at Boise State. Two years later in 1997, the College of Engineering (COEN) program was officially established.
In 2017, due to Ruch’s efforts, Boise State named the College of Engineering building the “Charles P. Ruch Engineering Building”. This decision marked the 20th anniversary of the College of Engineering officially becoming a program at the university.
JoAnn Lighty, former dean of the College of Engineering, mentioned Ruch’s impact on the program after joining the department shortly after the building was officially named.
“I think it’s fitting,” Lighty said of the building being named after Ruch. “Getting engineering on campus transformed our STEM degrees. We are now 25 plus years [old] and we are the largest engineering college in the state.”
According to Lighty, the program now has 3,000 students and around $18 million in research expenditures, training across engineering, computer science and construction management.
“I am really proud of our faculty, staff and all of our students in COEN,” Lighty said. “Through their amazing dedication and work — President Ruch’s work lives on and his legacy lives on in the students that we put out and the faculty that we hire and the research that they do to help Idaho, the nation and global impacts.”
In 1996, Ruch helped Boise State athletics rise in competitions, going from the Big Sky to the Big West Conference.
Former Boise State Athletic Director Gene Bleymaier discussed the intricacies behind this change.
“It was obviously a very big move for Boise State and for the athletic department to get from [Division] I-AA to [Division] I-A and it was difficult in the state because of University of Idaho and Idaho State [University] being I-AA — it meant that we will be leaving this category.”
The following year, Boise State’s Albertsons Stadium, formerly known as Bronco Stadium II, saw an expansion to their football stadium by increasing capacity to 30,000 seats and the creation of The Allen Noble Hall of Fame Gallery.
“Because we had the population in the valley and we had the attendance — enlarging the stadium was the most logical thing to do to increase revenues for the athletic department and increase visibility for the university,” Bleymaier said.
Ruch’s leadership and vision for the university were highlighted in Boise State’s alumni magazine “FOCUS”, where Ruch wrote columns throughout his tenure discussing accomplishments and goals for Boise State.
Former FOCUS Magazine Editor Larry Burke, discussed Ruch’s qualities as president, reflecting on his rela -
tionship working with Ruch through previous stories for the publication.
“I appreciated President Ruch because he had a good understanding of the news business,” Burke shared in an email to The Arbiter. “He was confident in our ability to work with the media and when challenging issues arose, he didn’t shy away from addressing them with the media, and he always willingly listened to advice from us and others.”
Jane Buser, a former leader of Human Resources at Boise State University, worked at Boise State from 1973 to 2011 under the leadership of four Boise State Presidents, including Dr. Ruch.
Buser explained Ruch’s commitment to Boise State University’s growth, emphasizing his focus on students and faculty.
“Between the four presidents, he was by far to me the easiest to work with,” Buser said. “He wasn’t in [it] for the prestige of being the president of Boise State, he was in it because he loves students and he believes so strongly in education and ensuring that we have the best faculty we could hire for that purpose.”
After leaving Boise State in 2003, Dr. Ruch continued his professional career until retiring in 2015, in which he moved back to Boise.
A memorial service will be held at a later date to honor President Ruch and the contributions he made to Boise State University and the community.
Despite the average snowfall, Boise’s changing climate raises questions
Environmental experts and winter sports enthusiasts respond to the shift in Boise winters
The Treasure Valley experienced its first significant snowfall of 2025 on Feb. 6-7, breaking a prolonged period of unseasonably warm and dry conditions.
The long-awaited snowfall transformed Bogus Basin’s ski slopes overnight, offering a much-needed reprieve for skiers and snowboarders who had been anxiously waiting for major snowfall to arrive.
“I went up to Bogus Basin last Friday when it poured down snow, and it was a pretty awesome experience,” said Eli Egging, a frequent skier. “Me and some friends usually ski once or twice a week, and I was looking forward to skiing down those fresh slopes.”
Despite perceptions of an unusual winter, weather specialists say snowfall totals are not far from average but changes in how the snow arrives may be what’s making this season feel different.
The major snowfall on Feb. 7 raised Boise’s seasonal total to 9.9 inches, which is on par with historical averages for this time of year, according to Monthly Seasonal Snow. While past winters have varied, the main difference this season hasn’t been the total snow, but the inconsistency in when and how it has fallen.
“At this point in the winter, we’re just slightly above average,” said Jen Pierce, a Boise State professor in the Department of Geosciences. “We started below average, but now we’re right around where we should be.”
The shift in snowfall patterns — long dry spells followed by sudden storms — could raise concern about how Idaho’s winters might change in the coming decades.
One noticeable impact this winter has been mild icy slope conditions at Bogus Basin and other ski resorts. Skiers and snowboarders say the conditions have been trickier than usual.
“Can’t say I’ve noticed a huge shift in icier slopes overall, but yeah, there’s definitely more ice compared to last year,” said Giovanni Ferraro, a casual skier at Bogus Basin. “I try to ski through trees where there isn’t as much ice, but it’s noticeable.”
Pierce explained that more rain in the winter, rather than snow, can lead to icer conditions — something Boise has seen this season.
“It’s not unusual to get rain-onsnow events,” said Pierce. “Rain on an unstable snowpack can actually help stabilize it, but it also creates icy layers that stick around.”
Historically, Boise’s snowfall has varied, with 27.3 inches recorded between early December by late February, but lower totals in other years.
With more snowfall set to arrive within the next few weeks, Boise’s snowfall total is bound to increase and match past years’ totals.
However, global warming trends have played a factor in temperature changes and the amount of precipitation too.
“Globally, the entire planet is getting warmer due to the greenhouse effects,” said Pierce. “That doesn’t mean we won’t have cold years, but overall, average temperatures in Boise are increasing and that affects precipitation patterns.”
Rather than seeing less snow overall, Boise might experience more of its winter precipitation falling as rain instead of snow in the future.
“We can expect average temperatures to continue increasing in the coming decades,” Pierce said. “That means we’ll receive more of our precipitation as rain instead of snow, especially at lower elevations.”
But the recent snowfall last Friday posed a relief for many skiers and
snowboarders who go up to Bogus Basin several times a week to shred the slopes.
Even though snowfall levels are average, the timing and quality of the snow have changed, affecting recreational activities.
“We’ve had a blast skiing, but there are some concerns with the conditions — it can pose a threat to beginners, but you just have to embrace it and have fun,” Egging added.
However, concerns remain about what future winters might look like.
Egging follows up with his mild concern about the bigger picture: “I feel like it would be safe to worry about the future. Even though it was okay in Bogus, I still noticed a significant lack of snow in Boise, and maybe that’s something researchers should investigate.”
With February underway, will Boise see more snowfall, or was this storm an exception?
“It’s always hard to predict exactly what the rest of winter would look like, though the lack of snow in December, that’s not unusual,” said Pierce. “We tend to get a lot of precipitation in February and March so expect more of that in the coming weeks. However, in the long run, weather trends look to be getting warmer.”
This suggests that Boise winters may continue to see normal snowfall levels, but it could be delivered in less predictable ways — bipolar weather that consists of long dry periods followed by bursts of heavy snow or rain.
This winter serves as a reminder that climate change doesn’t always mean less snow, it can also mean more inconsistency. Whether that will impact Idaho’s winter recreation or seasonal expectations, remains a question for the future.
Photo of a snow-covered Capitol Boulevard. Photo courtesy of the Idaho Statesmen
February 20, 2025 | ARBITERONLINE.COM
You’re
not alone:
Navigating financial stress
and mental health
in college
Students should utilize Boise State’s valuable resources to manage stress and financial challenges
Julianna Kelsey
| Opinion Editor | opinion@stumedia.boisestate.edu | Graphics by Naomi Brown
College students have a lot on their plates — busy class schedules, endless homework, finding internships and preparing for graduation. For many students, however, there’s an additional challenge that overshadows everything else: financial stress.
The burden of paying for tuition, rent and other major expenses can overwhelm students and affect their mental health and academic performance. Financial stress can lead to anxiety, depression and difficulty focusing on their coursework.
“Finances are the number one reason that students end up dropping out of school,” Dana Oster, Financial Wellness program coordinator said. “Our program initiates outreach to students who have balances on their account before they get to that point to provide resources and offer options that will keep students in school and reduce the stress that finances create on other aspects of their lives.”
The Financial Wellness program at Boise State helps students manage their finances by answering questions and providing resources that help them build better habits and access the help they need. It also connects students with a supportive community of peers and advisors who can provide ongoing guidance.
“We really work on the well-being of students as a whole, and we find that addressing finances also addresses academic success,” Oster said.
The program hosts events and offers resources to foster community and provide support. Recently, the Financial Wellness programs hosted a “FAFSA and Fur” event where students could get help with their Federal Financial Aid applications and receive emotional support
from friendly dogs. More fun and unique events like it are planned for the semester.
The Financial Wellness program understands that financial stress can greatly impact students’ mental health. It’s one of the reasons why they prioritize creating an environment where students feel comfortable talking about their challenges.
“Financial stress creates a strain on mental health across the board,” Oster said. “If you haven’t figured your money out and you’re having money problems, that takes up a lot of real estate in your brain.”
“Students start to feel inferior and isolate themselves because they don’t feel comfortable asking questions,” Oster said. “It’s my job, and our job across campus, to make things accessible and show by example so students feel comfortable to talk about their experiences.”
Other campus programs exist to alleviate students’ financial stress. The Campus Food Pantry provides resources to students who can’t afford basic necessities.
“Our mission is to allevi ate food insecurity on Boise State’s campus by providing nutritious, accessible food to students in need, enabling them to focus on academic success and thrive without the worry of where their next meal will come from,” said Emily Hester, Campus Food
Pantry manager. “Food is often seen as a flexible expense that takes a backseat to [other expenses.] As a result, students are frequently having to prioritize these essential needs over purchasing groceries.”
The security that the Campus Food Pantry offers to students worrying about affording necessities is priceless.
“The Campus Food Pantry can be a huge support for students who are struggling with stress and financial challenges,” Hester said. “We provide a no-cost service to students, with no questions asked. Students don’t need to check out or worry about anything other than taking what they need.”
Many students have to work to support themselves while in school. It can be overwhelming to balance class and work schedules. Long hours on top of coursework can be physically and emotionally draining, and many feel they must make sacrifices in their education to afford tuition and other expenses.
“I am a part-time student and full-time employee, so I was able to get the tuition waiver for full-time employees,” said Logan Davies, a student working on-campus.
“It’s a huge benefit, but the limited course load means my degree will take longer to complete. That’s okay with me, but future
students should consider that it’s a needsbased decision when thinking about their careers.”
Davies shared some advice to students balancing work with school.
“It’s okay to take a break if you need to,” Davies said. “That’s something I’ve had to learn.”
Financial stress is an unfortunate reality for many students. The burden of supporting themselves through school and paying major expenses can negatively affect academic performance and emotional well-being.
However, Boise State students are fortunate to have resources like the Financial Wellness program, the Campus Food Pantry and more that can help them manage that stress.
Beyond financial and academic resources, students have access to mental health support on campus. University Health Services offers both in-person and telehealth counseling services for a range of mental health concerns.
If you’re a Boise State student facing financial, academic or emotional challenges, know that you are not alone. There are resources and people on campus ready to help you navigate that stress. You don’t have to carry the burden all by yourself. Remember that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s a testament to your strength and resilience.
(208) 426-1212 - Student Financial Services
(208) 426-5117 - Campus Food Pantry
(208) 421-1459 - University Health Services
988 - National Behavioral Health Crisis Line
Campus after dark: A conversation about nighttime safety
No student should feel unsafe walking on campus. However for many students, evening classes or late shifts at work require them to walk around campus after the sun goes down. With few people around, long walks on dimly lit paths can make them feel uneasy.
If you’ve felt this way, you’re not alone. Around 74 percent of college students feel unsafe walking on campus at night, according to a survey conducted by Clery Center, an organization dedicated to creating safer college campuses.
Fortunately, Boise State students have access to a variety of security services on campus that can calm their nerves and help them feel safer.
“At the beginning of the year, it felt kind of scary,” Genevieve Golightly, a freshman studying mechanical engineering, said. “But then I realized that there are the blue-light help buttons and security officers, so if something did happen, it’d be really easy to get help.”
The blue-light help buttons are one of Boise State’s most accessible and useful security features. You’ve probably noticed them — there are over 70 emergency phones located on and around campus. You’ll recognize them by their blue glowing lights.
These blue-light phones provide a fast and easy way to reach law enforcement in an emergency. The red button calls 911, and the black button calls the Department of Public Safety Communications Center. Calls are traced to the phone’s exact location, allowing security to respond quickly.
There are also security services available to students that they can access directly from their cell phones.
“Students should download the RAVE Guardian app,” Alyssa DeLeon Guerrero, event parking operations manager in the Transportation, Parking and Safety Systems Department, said. “It’s a super helpful app that connects directly to campus security dispatch.”
“You can say it’s going to take you five minutes to walk to your car and then set a timer,” DeLeon Guerrero said. “If that timer goes off and you don’t turn it off, Campus Security will call you, and if you don’t answer, they’ll come find you. They can ping your location from that, and I think that’s super helpful.”
If you don’t feel comfortable walking alone, campus security provides options so you don’t have to.
“Students should also be aware that campus security does safety escorts,” Guerrero said. “If you need them, they are available 24/7.”
Despite all of these helpful resources, many students do not utilize these services. . According to the survey by Clery Center, only 17 percent of college students utilize campus security escorts, and only 13 percent participate in campus prevention programs to feel safer. A lack of awareness and understanding could be to blame for students under-utilizing these important services.
Despite Boise State’s efforts to make campus safer, some areas of campus still have poor lighting. Some parking lots used by students, such as the South Commuter lots, are far from highly populated parts of campus, and students have to walk through poorly lit areas to get there.
During special events, such as football or basketball games, parking lots and garages near these events may be closed to students with parking passes. These students are usually directed to alternative parking locations like the South Commuter lots.
Since these events are usually in the evenings, students with late classes are often unable to park in their regular lots. This may require them to walk through unfamiliar areas with poor lighting to get to class.
Students should check their emails regularly for parking and traffic advisories to
stay up-to-date on potential disruptions to their routines. It’s important to plan ahead, know your alternative options and know how to best keep yourself safe in areas that feel less secure.
“It really comes down to being aware,” Tyson Gregg, chief instructor at Boise Studio of Self-Defense said. “That seems silly, but it’s true. If you know your schedule, you know that you’re going to walk a certain path all the time. Is there going to be light there? Do you know if it’s a crowded area? Are you paying attention, looking up and not looking at your phone?”
If you know you’ll be walking around campus after dark, staying connected is key. Walking with others is one of the best ways to protect yourself. If you don’t have anyone to walk with, make sure others know where you are — and that you have a way to contact them.
“Always make sure your phone’s charged in case you do have to use it,” Gregg said. “Don’t go somewhere when your phone’s dying.”
Trusting your instincts and always being alert can go a long way in avoiding risky situations.
“Anytime your gut says ‘that’s not right’, trust it — because it’s 100 percent right,” Gregg said. “Don’t go that way.”
Students should feel safe walking on campus. While some areas of campus need improvement, the services provided by Campus Security can turn potentially unsafe situations into secure ones — as long as students actually take advantage of them.
Spreading awareness of these security features can help create an environment where students aren’t afraid to walk to their cars or homes after a late class or work shift. With the help of Campus Security, students can contribute to a safer campus by looking out for themselves and each other.
Photo of the blue light emergency call boxes on campus. Photo by Julianna Kelsey
ALUMNI TO O LY M P I A N:
MARISA HOWARD’S CROSS COUNTRY JOURNEY
Boise State alum Marisa Howard balances a life as an olympian, nurse, mother and coach
From nursing to motherhood, to the Olympics and to coaching, Marisa Howard’s journey serves as a testament to the power of a strong work ethic and resilience.
“I think that not having all my eggs in one basket has been really important,” said Howard. “It can be easy for one thing to become your identity but having all these other different avenues has just kept me really balanced over the years.”
After running on the Boise State Cross Country team from 2010 to 2015, Howard went on to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics and has now come full circle to help coach for the Broncos Cross Country and Track teams.
Here’s a look into Howard’s lifelong journey as she balanced chasing multiple dreams at once: Marisa’s childhood
Howard grew up in Pasco, Washington, a small town where she spent most of her time outdoors.
From a young age, Howard dreamt of being an Olmypian, but from the ages of 5 to 10, a different sport had her heart: Gymnastics.
“She did gymnastics for a few years, but … we were a very close-knit family and she didn’t like missing family dinners,” said Vander Malle. “We sat down every evening and she was missing three to four nights a week and didn't like that so she quickly gave that up.”
After quitting gymnastics, Howard pursued other sports in middle school such as basketball, soccer and track.
The start of cross country
opportunities to compete in the steeplechase, which is a footrace that includes obstacles such as water and hurdled jumps.
Howard did the steeplechase for the first time at the end of her freshman
time so she could be there for every visit.
“The Boise State program was really well rounded but didn’t have a super big distance budget for scholarships, but my class brought in 12 girls,” Howard said. “And that really excited me to be in a new era of the Boise State team.”
During her freshman year of high school Howard began racing cross country and realized she excelled in distance running.
“She's really tenacious with the way that she competes, and really smart about her training,” said Tim Harrington, her high school coach. “You could tell she wanted to be good, and she's just a good testament to what a positive attitude and a super strong work ethic can get you.”
steeplechase, she actually accidentally ran an extra lap than everybody else, and after they counted her time, she still got second in the nation,” said Vander Malle.
Howard’s legacy at Boise State Howard’s passion for the steeplechase flourished during her freshman year of college thanks to her Coach, Brad Wick.
“Coach Wick was a steeplechaser in college, and he kind of made everybody at least try it in practice,” Howard said. “I had a little bit of a hurdling background from middle school, and my redshirt freshman year, I ended up being two spots out of nationals, so from then on I knew this was my event.”
The steeplechase was also the only 3,000-meter event in college, which was her best distance out of high school.
By the end of her redshirt freshman year, Howard took 25 seconds off her previous best time and continued to push herself to rise in the ranks ever since.
Although Howard broke countless records at Boise State, it did not come without hard times and injuries.
Although it’s not a typical high school event, Howard had several
Howard had offers from over 50 colleges, so her mom quit her job at the
“Almost every winter I had some sort of stress injury in my leg, and so one of the biggest things I learned was resilience through that and also to not count yourself out,” Howard said. “Despite those injuries, I still was able
to be runner-up in the NCAA. I learned that everybody's path to success looks different.”
On top of being a college athlete, Howard’s nursing major also required a lot of her time. Howard balanced those two dreams by working her cross country schedule around her clinicals and other nursing commitments. Post-collegiate journey
After graduating from the nursing program in 2015, Howard became a school nurse in Boise whilst continuing to train.
Because Howard had summers off of school nursing, she was able to travel to all her races and make both careers work.
Following an injury in 2016, Howard was desperate to get healthy again. At this time, she turned to former (and now returning) Boise State Coach, Pat McCurry, who had personally coached 21 Olympic Trial Qualifiers.
“After college with Coach Pat, I've had one injury in eight and a half years, and that's a testament to lower mileage,” Howard said. “And a lot of it is more strength training and really embracing cross-training as a tool to keep me healthy.”
This sparked the beginning of an ongoing partnership helping to shape Howard into the athlete and Olympian she is today.
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic postponed Howard’s aspiration to not only compete in the Olympics, but also to start a family with her husband and former Bronco Track & Field athlete, Jeff Howard.
In 2021, Howard was two spots short of qualifying for the Olympics and got pregnant with her son, Kai, that same year.
Howard continued to train up until 25 weeks pregnant when she got a sciatic back issue and began to scale back.
“I just wanted to keep moving, but not in a way that would hurt my body,” Howard said. “I think listening to my body during pregnancy and not pushing things was one of the biggest aspects to coming back safely and healthy.”
After giving birth to Kai in June of 2022, Howard worked with two different pelvic floor physical ther apists to get her body back in line before competing again.
Howard bounced back to com peting six months after giving birth with running times that continued
spoke a lot of belief into me,” Howard said. “I went into trials as confident as I could … I wasn’t on anybody’s radar, but I went out and ran with a 15 second PR.”
Howard finished third at the Olympic Trials with a personal best time of 9:07.14, securing her spot on Team USA.
“Our entire family was at the trials,” said Vander Malle. “And of course, I'm just the screaming mom, and she took the lead that last lap, and at the bell we just went insane. It was an incredible moment.”
Howard competed in the 2024 Paris games as one of three United States competitors in the 3000m steeplechase. Howard finished seventh place
The Boise State Women’s Cross Country team placed second in the Mountain West Championship and sixth at the NCAA West Regional this past fall.
Howard is now helping coach the track & field team, and they’re set to compete in the Mountain West Championship on Feb. 27 - March 1 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Olympics
“I’ll never forget Coach Pat sitting me down to talk probably ten days out from the trials, and he really just
In the fall of 2024, Howard became the assistant coach for Boise State’s Women's Cross Country and Track team alongside Head Coach Pat McCurry.
“I realized this fall that a lot of coaching is about relationships, and I really got to develop some of those with the women,” Howard said. “I got to work out with them a lot and these college women are a little more mature than high schoolers, so I’ve been able to relate to them a lot more.”
Future aspirations
On Feb. 6, Howard announced she is pregnant and will welcome her second child in July, 2025.
This will allow Howard to have some more time to focus on coaching with the Broncos, but she also plans to compete in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
“I definitely want to do the steeplechase through 2028, but I also want to try some other things,” Howard said. “Coming out of pregnancy I want to do half marathons and try to make a world cross country team.”
“She's a mentor, she's a teacher, she's a nurse, she's a caregiver,” said Vander Malle. “Through all of it, she keeps this very calm persona and is so very balanced. I always say ‘I want to be like Marisa when I grow up.’”
SPORTS & REC
February 20, 2025 |
Boise State Men’s Basketball’s path to March Madness
How the Broncos can continue their season to the 2025 NCAA Tournament
After the Feb. 15 loss to San Diego State University, the Boise State Men’s Basketball team now has six games until the Mountain West Conference (MWC) Tournament. The Broncos are sitting at a 17-8 record and are projected to miss the NCAA March Madness Tournament.
Though the Broncos are on the outside looking in as of now, their tournament hopes are not over yet. There are still ways to slip into the big dance. Mountain West Conference Championship
One way the Broncos could make it to the Tournament is simple: Win the MWC Championship.
The beauty of the NCAA Tournament is that each and every team in all 32 of the Division I conferences can each make March Madness by winning their own conference tournament. That means
that, hypothetically, a team could end their season 0-31, but win their conference tournament and still have an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament.
For the Broncos, the simplest ticket into the NCAA Tournament would be to win the MWC Championship. The last (and only) time the Broncos won the championship was in 2022.
The Broncos are sitting at fifth in the MWC with the remainder of the season to go, which would currently match them up against the Colorado State Rams (16-9) in the first round of the tournament.
The 2025 MWC Tournament begins on March 12 and the championship game will be on March 15. Win out
If the Broncos do not end up winning the MWC tournament, there are still 34 open spots in the NCAA Tournament
that will be left up to debate. Though 34 may seem like a lot of open spots, teams across the country who didn’t win their conference championship will take these spots.
This means that the odds for the Broncos are slim.
In the 2024 season, the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee granted five of these slots to MWC teams: Boise State, San Diego State, Utah State, Colorado State, and Nevada. This was tied for the third most bids given to a conference (Big10 with five, SEC and Big12 with seven).
Though the MWC is not as strong as it was last year, there are still open spots for these teams, including the Broncos.
It is unclear how many bids the Selection Committee will give to the MWC, but the bottom line is that the Broncos need to strengthen their resume
so their name will be revealed on Selection Sunday.
The best way to do this is simple: Win the rest of their games.
As simple and obvious as it sounds, Boise State winning the rest of their games could secure them a bid in the NCAA Tournament, especially given the strength of their remaining schedule.
Remaining Broncos Schedule
19:
Feb. 22: @ Nevada
Feb. 26: vs. Utah State Aggies
March 1: @ Fresno State Bulldogs
March 4: @ Air Force Falcons
March 7: vs. Colorado State Rams
Photo of BSU Basketball player O’Mar Stanley, #1.
Photo courtesy of Creative Hive Group
Feb.
vs. New Mexico Lobos
Wolfpack
Jeanty’s exit: Boise State’s backfield on the brink of transformation
Isabella Williams | Staff Writer | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu
As the Boise State Broncos prepare for the 2025 football season, the departure of star running back Ashton Jeanty to the NFL has left a major opening in their offense. His absence leaves fans with one big question: Who will step up as the Broncos’ next lead back?
Sire Gaines (freshman)
“I learned everything from Ashton,” said Boise State freshman running back Sire Gaines. “How to play running back, and how to be a better man both on and off the field.”
Last season, Gaines made his debut for the Broncos at just 17 years old, showing a lot of promise before an injury cut his season short. He redshirted to preserve his eligibility, which now gives him four more years to make his mark.
Gaines built a strong reputation in high school with a solid mix of speed, agility
and power that turned heads and made him a top recruit. His eye for finding gaps in the defense, and his quickness allows him to burst through them. Gaines’ 6 foot, 209 pound frame gives him the strength to break tackles, and his versatility as both a rusher and receiver makes him a major asset.
Now that he’s fully recovered from his injury, Gaines is ready to prove he can be the next star in the Broncos’ offense.
With the spring game on April 19 fast approaching, Gaines is excited to finally hit the field again and show fans what he’s capable of.
“First, I want to give God all of the glory for my success,” Gaines said. “I want to become a better leader for my team … and to become one of the best backs in the nation.”
While Gaines is expected to take center stage, he certainly won’t be alone in the
backfield. Several other running backs are also expected to play key roles this season:
Jambres Dubar (junior)
At 6 feet and 205 pounds, Dubar comes from Anna, Texas. As a highly rated prospect out of high school, he was a four star recruit who drew interest from programs like Texas A&M and Oklahoma.
Over the past two seasons with Boise State, he has seen limited action but has shown flashes of potential during his opportunities on the field. Dubar is recognized for his balanced running style, combining adequate speed with the ability to break tackles. His experience with the Broncos’ system provides him with an understanding of the playbook and offensive strategies, which could be a big advantage as he competes for increased playing time.
Dylan Riley (sophomore)
Standing at 5 feet, 10 inches and 190 pounds, Riley offers a different dynamic to the Broncos’ running game. Known for his quickness and elusiveness, he has mainly contributed on special teams but has the potential to be an effective change-of-pace back.
Riley’s agility allows him to navigate through tight spaces, and his lower center of gravity helps him maintain balance after contact. As he continues to develop, he may become a valuable asset in passing situations and outside running plays.
Malik Sherrod (transfer)
Adding experience to the backfield, Sherrod joins the Broncos from Fresno State for his final year of eligibility. Standing at 5 feet, 8 inches and 177 pounds, he brings a veteran presence and a proven track record.
During his time at Fresno State, Sherrod demonstrated reliability and consistency, contributing both as a runner and receiver. His familiarity with Mountain West competition and defensive schemes
could provide the Broncos with a strategic advantage.
Broncos will be back
Boise State’s offense has always been about balance — using the run game to set up clutch passes and control the tempo. With some younger players likely taking the lead in 2025, the coaches will probably rely more on the running game early on to provide some stability and give the passing game a chance to develop.
Boise State’s offensive line has four confirmed returning starters (Kage Casey, Mason Randolph, Roger Carreon and Hall Schmidt), giving the team a solid foundation to build on. Their experience will be key in opening up lanes and protecting the backfield. By having talented linemen and rising stars like Gaines, Boise State has the pieces in place for a dynamic and powerful offense this season.
“Our biggest strength [this next season] is our coaches and our brotherhood … Everybody has a special role to make this team successful,” said Gaines.
Transitioning from a record-setting running back like Jeanty to a new starter presents challenges. The upcoming season’s non-conference schedule includes matchups against Power Five opponents, testing the strength of the Broncos’ offense early. Ball security, pass protection and consistency will be key areas of focus for the new starter.
As the 2025 season approaches, Gaines stands out as a promising leader for Boise State’s backfield. His physical attributes and skill set make him a key player, but with a talented running back group, the Broncos have plenty of options.
With a solid offensive line and rising talents like Gaines, Boise State has the potential to not only be a powerful force in the Mountain West but also become one of the most exciting and unpredictable teams in the nation.
Photo of BSU Football player Sire Gaines, #26. Photo by Omar Saucedo
The blue turf: Behind the heart of Boise State
Boise State University’s trademark thriving through time
Whether you go to college at Boise State University or couldn’t point to Boise on a map, the Broncos have established a name for themselves nationwide due to one special aspect. The blue turf.
Boise State’s trademark made its debut in 1986 and has continued to gain national recognition ever since.
“In an industry where everyone’s competing for eyeballs, recruits and fans, The Blue has been something to separate us and we’ve used that to our bank,” said Spencer Jahn, Boise State’s trademark licensing specialist. “It’s just been such an amazing tool for us to stand out and build a community.”
The field put Boise State on the map for college football and has aided the Broncos in recruiting top players from all across the country.
The birth of The Blue
The man behind the idea of installing a blue football field was Gene Bleymaier, Boise State’s athletic director from 1982-2011.
The thought came to Bleymaier on a plane in 1986. He was overlooking the green turf, and he realized that he really didn’t want to spend $750,000 on another boring green field.
“He thought to himself, ‘what can I do to make Boise State stand out against other teams?’” said Pam Earl, a volunteer. “As he flew over, they looked
down at the green field and he started to wonder what a blue field would look like.”
From then on Bleymaier did everything he could to find out if a blue field would be possible, and eventually John Keiser, Boise State’s president at the time, made the decision to go with blue.
The blue turf was installed in 1986 and marked the first non-green artificial football field in the country.
Becoming a trademark
On Nov. 10, 2009, the blue turf got an official trademark registration, meaning that Boise State owns the rights to any colored field.
In other words, any middle school, high school or college in the world that wants to put in a football field outside of the typical green color, has to get it approved by Boise State first.
“When consumers think of a blue field we want them to associate that with Boise State,” said Jahn. “And through all the materials we submitted, we were able to prove that to the United States Patent and Trademark Office.”
Jahn and the rest of his licensing program took several factors into account when approving a colored field such as the school level, the color, the division and who the field is used by.
Although the Broncos want the blue field to remain distinctive to Boise State, in 2012 they allowed Hosei University, a college in Japan to put in a similar surface.
Boise State has since built a connection with Hosei University and 65 students have engaged in exchange programs between the two colleges, according to Boise State Public Radio.
Nevertheless, Boise State remains the only blue football field in the world of Division I college football in the United States.
Making a name for itself
The Blue quickly gained national popularity and became a symbol of the program’s blue-collar work ethic. However, not all the attention was initially positive.
Some thought that geese would mistake the field for a lake and be injured or killed trying to dive in while others thought that the blue uniforms gave the Broncos an unfair advantage because they “blended in”.
Now, 38 years and five new blue turf installments later, The Blue stands out as an iconic landmark in the world of college football.
Last year about 17,000 visitors from all 50 states and 37 additional countries set aside time to see the attraction.
“People from all over the world come to see The Blue,” said Earl. “A lot of people plan their vacations around it because it was on their bucket list. We’ve seen grown men cry.”
In 2002, on top of its color, The Blue became famous for the Broncos’ winning record of 108-33 in the first 20 years of its existence.
For the past two years in a row, The Blue was named the number one Sports Fan Attraction in USA TODAY, proving how important the field is to the fan experience.
On Jan. 4, 2025, Boise State broke ground on The North End Zone Project, an upcoming milestone for The Blue.
This project will aid in Boise State’s vision to redefine the game day experience for both student-athletes and fans.
“Within almost 40 years, it’s grown into such a great way for people to identify us across the world whether you know college football or you don’t,” said Cheryl Oestreicher, Boise State’s head of collections and archives. “It just keeps growing and growing.”
Photo of the Boise State football field.
Photo courtesy of Brian Losness/USA Today
Collegiate women’s basketball teams to get increased
pay NCAA Women’s Basketball players now to receive performance-based pay in tournament play
Boise State University’s Women’s Basketball team faced an 11point halftime deficit against the University of New Mexico. Fighting through hard contact with backdoor-cutting layups, pump-fakes and bank shots, along with the help of the roaring crowd, they came back and won the game.
Over the past few years, the recent growth in women’s basketball generated far-reaching enthusiasm for the sport and helped celebrate the people who worked their entire lives to play on the court. With arguably more talent than ever spread across the country, the sport has never been more exciting to watch. This January, the NCAA voted unanimously to give women’s college basketball teams the same performance-based pay that men’s teams receive in tournament play. This year, $15 million will
be awarded to teams and that number is planned to grow in the coming years (ESPN). This decision comes after tremendous growth in the sport of women’s basketball over the past few seasons.
“TV games have increased, allowing for similar exposure [to men’s games],” says Chris Kutz, associate athletic director at Boise State University. “Our season tickets have doubled … We’ve been winning some games this year and the crowd’s been into it … Players like Caitlyn Clark have got people excited about the sport, causing a natural progression of growth.”
Boise State Women’s Basketball players Abby Muse and Mya Hansen both worked this year to put up very strong seasons. Muse currently leads the team in blocks and Hansen is averaging 40 percent shooting from the 3-point line.
Locally, Muse and Hansen have felt positive reactions to the increase in popularity. Star players like Caitlyn Clark and Sabrina Ionescu in combination with increased social media attention have played a big role in growing the sport.
“Monetary value from the NCAA and that recognition is a really exciting thing for us and for women in general,” Muse says. “I think it’s more important to think about the impact [that] it’s going to have moving forward … for future teams and that legacy we’re going to leave not only at Boise State but women’s athletic teams across the nation.”
“Seeing throughout those years the increase in population we’ve had at our games is pretty cool to watch,” says Hansen, reflecting on her time at Boise State. “Along with that the increase of young little girls that we see. Just at
our past game we had a little autograph session afterwards and seeing that grow throughout my years being here, that these little girls — there was a bunch of them that came through yesterday — and I just thought that was a cool thing to see.”
In 2021, the NCAA granted college athletes the ability to control their Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) and can now use their image commercially. Both Muse and Hansen currently receive NIL money.
“It’s a great opportunity to build a platform for ourselves,” Hansen says. “It can also be a sign of our hard work and dedication through the years. We started as young girls just playing a game of basketball and this is where it’s brought us to today … It’s a cool reward and obviously that’s not why I’m here to play. I’m here to play for Boise State athletics and that’s just a perk that comes with it.”
The ability to grow individually, as well as alongside teammates, is an aspect of camaraderie that student-athletes uniquely get to experience.
“I know every single one of us has put a lot of time in the gym,” Hansen says. “We’ve all been here since [the] beginning of July … We’re here all summer and through all the months of the year, and it shows that we love this sport and we love each other. To see the accolades that I’ve received … it’s all props to my teammates. They’re the reason that I want to get in the gym. They’re the reason that I get better. I strive to get better every day because of them.”
After each game, with the reset scoreboard and dimming stadium lights, the night creeps in as the parking lot clears. The players, exhausted, find satisfaction from the effort they gave in that long, hard-fought win, their teammates’ collective effort, and the fans who cheered them along the way.
Photo of the Womens Basketball team sitting on their bench.
Photo courtesy of Boise State Athletics
CULTURE
More than muscle: The rapid rise of male eating disorders
The pressure to bulk up is pushing more men to disordered eating — yet it’s often unnoticed.
Emily Gordon | Culture Editor | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu
Within colleges across the country, eating disorders are on the rise — but not just among women. More men than ever are struggling with disordered eating, body dysmorphia and the pressure to achieve an ideal physique, yet their struggles often go unnoticed.
In locker rooms, dining halls and dormitories, male students wrestle with restrictive diets, compulsive exercise and silent shame, fearing that seeking help will make them seem “weak”. As campuses work to address mental health, it is time to rethink who we picture when we discuss eating disorders — and why so many men suffer in silence.
Emily Clay, the staff registered dietitian at Boise State University, has seen firsthand how eating disorders are affecting college students — including those who don’t fit the usual stereotypes. With a background in nutrition counseling, Clay works with students struggling with disordered eating, helping them navigate a culture that often prioritizes appearance over well-being.
Clay explains that there are five commonly recognized and diagnosed eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) and other specified feeding and eating disorder (OSFED).
The pressure on men comes in different forms: the expectation to be lean but muscular, to have visible muscle or to bulk up entirely. Many young men internalize these ideals
and turn to restrictive diets, excessive exercise or even supplements or steroids to achieve a body that fits societal expectations.
“Fad diets have been around forever, right? They’re usually all restriction-based or cutting out entire food groups,” said Clay. “And here’s what we know about most diets and fad diets: they don’t work.”
As eating disorder treatment is often feminized and targeted towards women, many men may be unable or unwilling to recognize the disordered eating they are taking part in.
Despite the growing awareness of eating disorders, treatment options remain limited — especially for men. In Idaho, there are only three shortterm inpatient centers that accept men struggling with eating disorders, making access to care particularly challenging.
Sociology lecturer Desiree Brunette explains that social media and misinformation play a vital role in shaping men’s perceptions of their bodies. While women have long been pressured to become smaller, men often feel the opposite expectation — to take up space via strength and mass.
“I think there’s this movement for men to think about taking up more space in their physical bodies,” said Brunette. “I think that we have this idea that the larger you are, the more masculine you are, and there is this assumption of power when you’re in a larger body, not a fat body.”
The broader societal confusion regarding what it means to be
“masculine” only furthers the overall struggle and misconceptions of what a “man” is.
“I think that in some ways masculinity has almost been demonized because we see it as the root of all things evil. And there’s a lot of fairness in that, historically speaking. But also is it not okay to wear boots and take up space and do all these things?” said Brunette. “So yes, there’s a lot of confusion around that. There’s confusion around ‘Am I allowed to show emotion other than anger?’ And the conflating of sexuality if you are a ‘sensitive’ man.”
Brunette also explains that for many men, disordered eating is not born from a desired appearance but rather from a craving for control in a world where they may otherwise feel pow -
erless. “Taking control” of nutrition, exercise and physical ability may serve as a means to an end.
Within modern society, the growing obsession with dieting and the ever-evolving race for the “ideal physique” is more alive than ever. Bodies are not meant to be rigidly controlled and perfected but rather nurtured and protected.
While women have historically been scrutinized for their appearance, men are just as much part of this cycle — though their struggles may often be overlooked. Many men hesitate to seek help, fearing judgment regarding their health struggles.
The sooner we collectively recognize that eating disorders have no gender, the sooner we can ensure that no man or woman has to suffer alone.
Photo of the Norco Building.
Photo by Omar Saucedo
Despite the times, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony shows ‘Ain’t Nothin’ Changed’
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony perform at Treefort Music Hall on their 30th anniversary tour
The saying “good things come to those who wait” proved true for the hundreds of concert-goers at Treefort Music Hall on Feb.15, 2025.
The hit 1990s Cleveland, Ohio, based rap group “Bone Thugs-N-Harmony” performed at Boise, Idaho’s Treefort Music Hall as part of their 30th anniversary tour celebrating their debut EP “Creepin on ah Come Up”.
Despite the frigid temperatures, many excited fans waited outside for over an hour before the doors opened.
The concert began at around 8 p.m. with open performances from five local rappers and groups: TAO$, TNYG, L8 Bloomer, wins and Habibi.
Shortly after 11 p.m., as the venue lights dimmed, members Flesh-N-Bone, Krayzie Bone and Layzie Bone of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony burst out onto the stage following an introduction from their official DJ, “DJ Pozition”.
The award-winning group was immediately met with screams of excitement from the crowd.
From their first song, Bone ThugsN-Harmony had the crowd captivated, kicking off their set with famous hits “Thuggish Ruggish Bone” to “Days of Our Livez”.
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony provided a 1990s ambience, allowing fans of all ages to experience the group’s iconic sound
and energy firsthand. Throughout their performance, they played a range of songs from various albums, including “Creepin on ah Come up”, “E. 1999 Eternal” and “The Art of War: World War 2”.
The group occasionally switched from intense rap tracks to smooth flow songs, with songs like “Ain’t Nothin’ Changed”, showcasing that they can still attract a crowd over 30 years later.
“Been 31 motherf****** years, ain’t nothing changed God d*** it!,” Krayzie Bone said to the crowd.
In between their sets, the group interacted with the crowd, dropping tonguein-cheek remarks that foreshadowed the upcoming songs, like “1st of Tha Month”,
which had the crowd jumping the moment it played through the speakers.
“If y’all know about that government cheese — 1st of Tha Month,” Layzie Bone said to the crowd.
The choice of vibrant lighting effects added another element to the show’s entertainment, with the colors synchronized to complement certain songs and albums such as red and yellow lighting reflecting the vinyl colors for “Creepin on ah Come up”.
The group also paid homage to legendary rappers: The Notorious B.I.G, their “mentor” Eazy-E and Tupac, by playing one of each of their hit songs. They even added twists to songs like Tupac’s “California Love” — as every time the song lyrics mentioned California — the group replaced it with Boise, sparking interest from the crowd.
Following the wave of excitement from fans, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony continued to play their hit songs like “Thug Luv”, featuring Tupac. Throughout the song, audience members raised the number two, while other audience members raised their phones to capture the iconic moment, as green and yellow lights illuminated on stage.
After they concluded their over one hour and 30 minute performance, the audience begged for the group to continue playing — which just how it began, concluded with a final song by DJ Pozition “On Fire” — a fitting end to the show’s illustrious performance.
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony ended the night by thanking their audience for their support throughout the years, promising a new album is in the works.
Since Bone Thugs-N-Harmony entered and left the stage, the Boise crowd was left requesting more. The group will continue their 30th anniversary tour with their next stop in Pensacola, Florida.
Photo of R&B/hip hop group Bone Thugs-n-Harmony.
Photo by Omar Saucedo
CULTURE
Sabrina Carpenter is a ‘Busy Woman’: Short n’ Sweet deluxe album sparkles
A track by track look into the release of Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet (Deluxe)
Emily Carmela Nelson and Olivia Brandon | Culture Reporter and News Editor | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu
On Valentine’s Day 2025, pop lovers received what may be the greatest gift of all — Sabrina Carpenter’s “Short n’ Sweet (Deluxe)”. The new extended album, announced only ten days before its release, boasts four new glittery tracks and a remix of “Please Please Please”, featuring the one and only Dolly Parton.
“Short n’ Sweet (Deluxe)” picks up after closer “Don’t Smile” with “15 Minutes”, in which Carpenter playfully knocks down the fourth wall to dissect her newfound “fifteen minutes of fame”. The track begins with a theatrical buildup, complimented by electronic synths and a quick beat.
“The clock is tickin’ lately / Guess that means I’m doin’ somethin’ right / Been here a long time baby / But gosh, I hope I make it through the night.”
Throughout the track, Carpenter is as skeptical of her new surroundings as she is in awe.
“Where did all these parties come from? When did all you b*tches get so nice?” she sings.
During the bridge, Carpenter promises that when her career comes to an end, she’ll lean into the drama.
“When my time’s up baby / I’ll leak some pictures maybe / Say somethin’ batsh*t crazy / I’ll do it, don’t you make me.”
With quick, witty lyricism and a beat that feels like getting ready for a night out with your girls, “15 Minutes” is without a doubt the superstar of this deluxe release. And of course — it wouldn’t be a “Short n’ Sweet” track without a good innuendo.
“I can do a lot with fifteen minutes / Only gonna take two to make you finish / Piss some people off / Show ‘em what they’re missing / You, you, you know I can.”
“Please Please Please (feat. Dolly Parton)” was underwhelming, to say the least. The country-pop remix shines with
Parton’s heartful ad-libs and twangy harmonies with Carpenter, but falls incredibly short in production and replay value.
WIth “Slim Pickins” already having a country feel, with it’s twangy guitar and a bouncing rhythm, it seemed odd that Carpenter would pair up with country legend Parton on a pop-pilled track like “Please Please Please”.
the remix features Dolly Parton and Sabrina Carpenter singing to each other in a vintage truck. The classic Americana feel of the cinematography paired with the campy plot of Carpenter and Parton kidnapping someone who happened to look a lot like Barry Keoghan (Carpenter’s most recent ex boyfriend) provided a freshness to the summer smash hit.
When Parton’s solo verse begins, (“I have a fun idea babe, maybe just stay inside / I know you’re craving some fresh air, but the ceiling fan is so nice”) her voice is pitched significantly lower and quieter than Carpenter’s, leading to an uncanny mesh between the vocalists.
The music video, on the other hand, was the star of the show. The video for
Despite being an almost painfully obvious innuendo, “Couldn’t Make It Any Harder” features some of the most vulnerable lyrics of the entire album. With melodic piano and fingerpicked guitar, this tongue-in-cheek track feels akin to a modern-day “Hopelessly Devoted To You”.
“F**k boys you’ll never meet / Well, you can thank them for why I’m so goddamn reactionary / And for the graveyard in my stomach / Filled with pivotal formative comments / Meanwhile, you’re just tryna tell me I look nice.”
With references to “throbbing” hearts and pent up … “frustration” what could’ve been a lyrically rich and emotionally telling song fell flat in perhaps what was an attempt to match the rest of the album thematically.
“Busy Woman” is, unironically, the new “girl boss” anthem. It’s the perfect track to throw on before a big job interview or to sing along with while getting homework done.
“Yeah, I’m a busy woman / I wouldn’t let you come into my calendar any night / But if you want my kisses, I’ll be your perfect Mrs. / ‘Til the day that one of us dies.”
On the deluxe editions closer, “Bad Reviews”, Carpenter is no longer begging her unruly partner to stop embarrassing her. With a new sense of self awareness, Carpenter cuts her friends loose and refuses to be wrong again in the hope of love.
“Short fuse and long baths like you’re fresh out of rehab / And I’m fresh out of any good judgment / I’m intentionally careless, at least I’ve got self awareness / Just want someone to love me who doesn’t.”
These lyrics are parallel to those of “Please Please Please”, in which she hasn’t yet come to terms with her partner’s destructive antics.
“I know I have good judgment, I know I have good taste / It’s funny and it’s ironic that only I feel that way / I promise them you’re different and everyone makes mistakes / But just don’t.”
Fans can’t seem to get enough of this pint-sized pop star and her addictively catchy hits — Carpenter’s five new deluxe tracks are as sweet as they come.
Graphic of the Short n’ Sweet (Deluxe) album cover. Graphic by Naomi Brown
OUR BEST GUESS
THE ARBITER ALIGNS YOUR STARS
CAPRICORN
DEC 22 - JAN 19
DAYDREAMING? REALITY CALLED. YOU MISSED IT. PISCES FEB 19 - MAR 20
YOU DON’T HAVE TO TRY SO HARD, YOU CAN JUST CHILL.
AQUARIUS
JAN 20 - FEB 18
ELBOWS ARE OVERRATED ANYWAY!
PISCES
FEB 19 - MAR 20
DAYDREAMING? REALITY CALLED. YOU MISSED IT.
ARIES
MARCH 21 - APR 19
MAKE SOME TIE DYE – SHOULD WE MATCH?
TAURUS
APR 20 - MAY 20
TREAT YOURSELF! OVER, AND OVER, AND OVER.
GEMINI
MAY 21 - JUN 20
CONFLICTING DECISIONS? PICK BOTH AND DEAL WITH IT.
CANCER
JUN 21 - JUL 22
IT ‘S OKAY TO CRY OVER SPILLED MILK, JUST CLEAN IT.
