The Arbiter 3.12.19 Vol. 31 Issue 25

March 12, 2019

Vol. 31 Issue 25

I N D EP EN D ENT

S T UDENT

V O ICE

O F

BO IS E

S TAT E

S I N C E

1 9 3 3

NO HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE Here’s what we know about why Boise State’s new baseball stadium won’t be ready by 2020 [ PG. 10 ] NEWS Top five presidential candidates visit Boise State to present and take community’s questions

VISIT US ONLINE:

04

OPINION

08

During on-campus events, students with parking passes should be able to cross-park in different lots arbiteronline.com

12

CULTURE Your how-to guide on having the best possible experience at Treefort this festival season @arbiteronline

SPORTS & REC Student-athlete profile: Rebekah Cervantes is back and ready for more

@arbiteronline

@boisestatearbiter

16

Editor-In-Chief Jordan Erb editor@stumedia.boisestate.edu

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Online Editor Ximena Bustillo onlineeditor@stumedia.boisestate.edu News Editor Jordan Erb and Ximena Bustillo news@stumedia.boisestate.edu News Reporter Taylor Rico-Pekerol news@stumedia.boisestate.edu Culture Editor Logan Potter culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu Culture Reporter David Collie culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu Sports Editor Delaney Brassil sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu Sports Reporter Autum Robertson sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu Copy Editors Christopher Duggan Digital Content Manager Taylor Humby digitalcontent@stumedia.boisestate.edu Digital Content Producer Mackenzie Hudson Graphic Design Manager Maddie Ceglecki design@stumedia.boisestate.edu Graphic Designer Isabel Sarhad Illustrator Wyatt Wurtenberger

Distributed Tuesdays during the academic school year The Arbiter is the official independent student newspaper of Boise State University, where student editors make all content decisions and bear responsibility for those decisions. The Arbiter’s budget consists of fees paid by the student body and advertising sales. The first copy is free.

Additional copies can be purchased for $1 a piece at The Arbiter offices.

The Broncos clinched the regular-season Mountain West championship on March 5.

ON THE COVER:

Despite the original plans, and for reasons that still are unclear, Boise State’s new baseball stadium will not be ready for when the players’ season star ts in 2020. Illustration by Wyatt Wur tenberger.

HOW TO REACH US: CONTACT US: editor@stumedia.boisestate.edu 208.426.6302 PHYSICAL LOCATION: Located on first floor of Lincoln Avenue Garage Suites MAILING ADDRESS: Student Media MS 1340 1910 W Universit y Dr. Boise, ID 83725 -1340

Mackenzie Hudson | The Arbiter

STUDENT MEDIA IS

HIRING! JOIN A TEAM OF PA S S I O N AT E STUDENTS WHO PRODUCE THE ARBITER AND UNIVERSITY PULSE.

MANAGEMENT POSITIONS AVAILABLE IN:

THE ARBITER, UNIVERSITY PULSE, DIGITAL CONTENT, DESIGN AND SALES APPLY HERE: HTTP://TINYURL.COM/Y4TTE9L7

EVENTS

SCOREBOARD DAY AT THE CAPITOL capitol building wed march 13, 9 am

ASBSU will be connecting with legislators at the annual Boise State Day at the Idaho Capitol. Events will run from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

FULBRIGHT SCHOLAR PROGRAM WORKSHOP

simplot/micron advising and success hub

wed march 13, 12:30 pm This opportunity for administrators, faculty and professionals will discuss opportunities abroad and crafting a competitive application.

SPRING BREAK march 18-march 22

This year’s spring break will be from March 18 - March 22. Relax and enjoy the time off, Broncos!

TREEFORT downtown

March 20-march 25 Treefort is back to take over downtown next week. Forts will include Yogafort, Filmfort, Alefort and more.

SOFTBALL

MARCH 8 - 10 louisville slugger tournament 4 - 0 OVERALL

WOMEN’S BEACH VOLLEYBALL

MARCH 9 - 10 portland pilots tournament 2 - 1 OVERALL

MEN’S BASKETBALL MARCH 9

80 52

BSU vs AIR FORCE

MEN’S TENNIS

MARCH 9 BSU 0 BYU 4

MARCH 10 BSU 4 U of I 1

NEWS

MARCH 12, 2019 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

MEET THE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES

Boise State’s search for a president came down to these five Taylor Rico-Pekerol | News Reporter | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu

F

rom a possible 60 candidates for Boise State’s next president, five were selected to attend open forums for faculty, staff, students, alumni and donors this week. The candidates were spread out one each day and students were able to ask questions.

On Monday, Susan E. Borrego, the first candidate, visited Boise State to speak with faculty and staff in the morning, students in the afternoon and alumni and donors in the evening. As chancellor at the University of Michigan-Flint, Borrego said she wants to put programs in place to lift up first-generation, low-income and underrepresented students to impact everybody on campus “It really isn’t rocket science to work on retention for first-gen students. Part of it is understanding ways to meet first-gen students kind of where they are and what are the opportunities to both acknowledge who they are and what they bring, in addition to what this environment requires,” Borrego said.

Andrew Marcus, professor of geography and former dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at University of Oregon, visited campus on Tuesday. Marcus said his number one goal as dean was to promote student success through making students feel welcomed and have funding available for scholarships to more students.

“Public in my mind means education for all. Something that really is engaging all people who potentially want to receive that education and the institutions such as this, and then supporting them while they’re here in ways that are essential,” Marcus said.

As campus provost and executive vice chancellor at the University of Santa Cruz, Marlene Tromp came to campus on Wednesday and spoke on her experiences. Tromp believes in connecting with students on a personal level and going into student spaces and interacting with them.

She also said she would meet with student organizations on her campus, such as the main student body organization for undergraduate and graduate students and the student diversity groups as well.

“So rather than making top-down execu-

4

MARCH 12, 2019

|

tive decisions without connecting with the people who are where the rubber meets the road,” Tromp said. “I want to connect with the students, I want to connect with the staff, I want to connect with the faculty and I want to connect with the community (and) understand what they’re seeing.”

Darren M. Dawson, dean of the College of Engineering at Kansas State, visited campus on Thursday. Dawson spoke about working with students and faculty to create more sustainability for campus by providing financial resources and buildings to house these projects.

“I am positive about working together, we can build on Boise State’s existing strengths to develop innovative undergraduate experiences, expand the resource portfolio and drive economic growth for the state of the nation and the region,” Dawson said.

Edward Seidel, vice president for economic development and innovation for the University of Illinois System, was the final candidate to visit on Friday and spoke about the importance of education and access to low-cost course materials. Seidel said he wants to work with people and develop strategic plans in a collaborative fashion.

“I worked a lot with open access and when I was at the NSF (National Science Foundation) I led the charge with a number of publishers to switch from a closed subscription model to an open model,” Seidel said.

Students and faculty are encouraged to go to the president search website and give each candidate feedback on their strengths and weaknesses. The next step will be interviews with the Idaho State Board of Education and then selecting a president no later than April.

ARBITERONLINE.COM

Public in my mind means education for all. Something that really is engaging all people who potentially want to receive that education and the institutions such as this.

Andrew Marcus professor of geography and former dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at University of Oregon

I worked a lot with open access and when I was at the NSF I led the charge with a number of publishers to switch from a closed subscription model to an open model.

Edward Seidel vice president for economic development and innovation for the University of Illinois

Part of it is understanding ways to meet first gen students kind of where they are and what are the opportunities to both acknowledge who they are and what they bring.

Susan E. Borrego Chancellor at the University of Michigan-Flint

I want to connect with the students, I want to connect with the staff, I want to connect with the faculty and I want to connect with the community (and) understand what they’re seeing.

Marlene Tromp, Campus Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor at University of California Santa Cruz

We can build on Boise State’s existing strengths to develop innovative undergraduate experiences, expand the resource portfolio and drive economic growth.

Darren M. Dawson Dean of the College of Engineering at Kansas State University

NEWS

2019 ASBSU ELECTIONS TO TAKE PLACE IN APRIL

Here’s what you need to know about the student government’s upcoming elections

Alex Buccholz | Staff Writer | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu

Voting will begin April 2 at 12:01 a.m. and end April 3 at 11:59 p.m.

A

lthough the 2019 student government, or Associated Students of Boise State University (ASBSU), elections are sneaking up during the busy midterm season, it is a vital time for students to make their voices heard.

This year, the election packets opened Feb. 25 and will close March 15. There will be debates held on March 27 in the Bishop Barnwell room of the Student Union Building at 6 p.m., which will be hosted by The Arbiter. Finally, voting will begin April 2 at 12:01 a.m. and will close April 3 at 11:59 p.m.

Positions being voted on are president, vice president, secretary of academic affairs, secretary of student organization affairs and vice president of inclusive excellence.

“It is important to not only vote for students who have a vision for Boise State,” said senior political science major Kennedy Gelnette, “but who also have tangible goals to achieving their vision.”

ASBSU represents the student body to campus administration, distributes university funds to campus organizations and initiatives and generally advocates for the student body as a whole.

“ASBSU gives students and student organizations a voice in campus affairs and initiatives,” said elections manager Michael Gentile. “Being elected to ASBSU is also a great way for students to get involved during their time here, giving unique experiences and opportunities to develop your college resume and yourself as a leader. It gives you the opportunity to be a representative voice for the student population.”

According to ASBSU Chief of Staff Angela Aninon, the student government provides free legal services to students should they need it, and the Funding Board allows students and student organizations to host events and attend conferences and workshops. It is responsible for awarding grants to different groups on campus.

Further, ASBSU can be an outlet for students to get involved on campus.

“...We try to implement policies through the Student Assembly, Exec Council, and IESC that will better the student experience in the university,” Aninon said. “Those students who are elected to (ASBSU) benefit immensely from their involvement. They learn more about the structure of the university and how to navigate it.”

The Student Assembly is one of the branches of ASBSU that exists to provide student representation for all academic departments and concentrated student populations, to disseminate important information to students and to deliver student opinion. Assembly members are elected by the executive committee through an application process based on their population.

The vice president represents all students as the speaker of the house in the Assembly and in executive team meetings.

Aninon explained that students should care about who gets elected because these elected officials become their voice to administration. Every year, ASBSU tries to

Maddie Ceglecki | The Arbiter implement change on campus, so students must elect people who are passionate and driven to effectively represent the student body, according to Aninon.

Each position on ASBSU has a role in shaping the future of our campus, she said.

Additionally, the introduction of a new university president will be another reason for students to elect people who will be able to create strong relationships with the incoming president.

“Although we recognize that not a lot of students are familiar with ASBSU, the organization itself has standing within the university,” Gelnette said. “The elected individuals will be the students advocating on their behalf for the academic year. Additionally, students need to be educated on candidate platforms and areas where they would like to make change while in office.”

MARCH 12, 2019

|

ARBITERONLINE.COM

5

NEWS

HELPING STUDENTS IN STEM

While some STEM programs at Boise State were revamped, more help may be needed Taylor Rico-Pekerol | News Reporter | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu

my lab partners because I feel like a lot of people already know each other and that kind of thing. There’s only two to three girls in the electrical engineering department and my junior level classes,” Anderson said.

Kaelee Novich, mechanical engineering major, is one of the top two students in her department.

S

ome Boise State students have expressed concerns about professors not teaching in a comprehensive way and not having enough resources to feel supported. While some students in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields feel underserved, some departments at Boise State have developed new teaching methods for professors to better support them.

Further, to better support students in STEM, the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL), as well as other on-campus departments, has worked on making teaching interactive, more diverse in gender and is prepared to offer more resources for students.

Center for Teaching and Learning The CTL received a five-year $2 million grant that ended in the fall of 2018 that was directed towards Boise State’s STEM fields, according to Susan Shadle, the director of the Center for Teaching and Learning.

6

MARCH 12, 2019

|

A project that was started with the grant was the adoption of evidence-based instructional practices (EBIP), which are using group work in class and getting students to practice with ideas and problems instead of lectures.

“Until you do it yourself, you’re not really going to learn it. It’s kind of like I can watch gymnastics on TV and I still can’t do a back handspring,” Shadle said.

Kaelee Novich is a junior mechanical engineering major, and is one of the top two students in the engineering department.

“The traditional ‘only teach one way’ kind of idea needs to stop,” Novich said. “The engineering program is too much (of a) traditional teaching (style), that it’s not evolving and that’s what essentially could hurt the program in the end.”

Women in STEM In the fall of 2018, there was reported to be 401 (17.5 percent) women and

ARBITERONLINE.COM

Taylor Humby | The Arbiter

1,886 (82.5 percent) men in the college of engineering. In 2011, women only made up 11 percent of the department, according to Shari Ellertson, director of institutional research, and Diana Garza, assistant dean for undergraduate affairs in the college of engineering.

This year, both of the top two students in the engineering program are women, and Novich spoke about how it is not easy being one of only 10 women in her year in mechanical engineering.

“It’s hard when it is so male-dominated that you feel like you’re left out as a woman and I have had a faculty member one time tell me that women do need more help,” Novich said. “And it was just like, why do I need more help?”

Bryton Anderson is a junior electrical engineering major who has a research job through her major and works with a material science professor.

“I’ve just struggled finding people to be

Resources Don Warner, a professor in the chemistry department, has redesigned his office hours to be called problem-solving sessions. These problem-solving sessions allow students to ask any questions they have and work on problems together along with other students who need assistance.

Joe Champion, an associate professor of mathematics and I Do Teach co-director, believes the first step to making sure a student understands the material is in the classroom.

I Do Teach is a Boise State secondary initiative program for STEM teachers to learn how to teach a blend of material.

In the lower division STEM classes, Learning Assistants (LAs) are available to help students with material they learned in class.

Often times, an LA will set up their own times to have study sessions and those times do not always work with students’ schedules.

“I think it should be more and more common to just require that students go to LA sessions or meet with friends and study on a weekly basis or do homework,” Champion said.

Krishna Pakala is a clinical associate professor in the college of engineering and faculty associate for mobile learning in the IDEA shop. Pakala created an online service that allows students to connect with Pakala and each other to go over difficult problems, these sessions are called Happy Hour.

All Happy Hours are recorded so that students whose schedules do not align with the times can go back and watch what was reviewed.

“I can watch those (Happy Hour) because they’re like 8-9 p.m. So I can be sitting in bed and to have my notepad and be able to watch what’s happening on the screen,” Novich said.

NEWS

SENIOR CAPSTONE PROJECT COUNTS ON BEER Boise State students build a tool for Boise Brewing’s charity project Scott Herrick | Staff Writer | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu

E

very semester, Boise State engineering programs ask their senior students to work on a capstone project that acts as a bridge between the academic world and the industry. This semester, a computer science senior design team of five members is tasked with a project to tap their potential: build a tool to count and display the number of pints Boise Brewing sells to benefit charity.

Currently, Boise Brewing has no display of the number of pints sold for charity in their taproom. The only place to see the over $1,200 the company has donated is on their website, and that’s why Boise Brewing reached out to the Boise State computer science department for help.

“Boise Brewing was looking to engage in a project to help out,” said Shane Panter, the faculty advisor for the computer science department capstone projects. “We sat down and figured this out, and it ended up working really well.”

The project will add visibility to Boise Brewing’s “BB Involved” program, a rotating monthly charity program where money is donated for every pint sold of their designated Community Supported Beer.

“This month is the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society,” said Colin Rudeen, owner of Boise Brewing. “We try to choose charities that have some meaning for the brewery’s values, or a connection to one of our 450 owners. Another good example was last October we did the Wildland Firefighters Foundation, as one of our owners works with them quite a bit. For now we’re doing $1 of every pint poured goes to the charity that month, though that part we’re still figuring out what works.”

Even with the best charitable intentions, combining electronics and beer is difficult and technical work. Compromises have to be made, hundreds of combined work hours have already been put into the project, hundreds more will be put in, and teamwork is critical.

“There are many ways you could measure when a pint of beer is poured, but the owner wanted to make sure to choose a method that wouldn’t interfere with the beer itself,” said Melanie Jones, a member of the senior design team. “Methods that measure liquid as it pours might negatively impact the character of the beer. That’s why we chose to use an accelerometer combined with a timer. A board stores the number of charity beer pours, and sends that number to a display that patrons can see.”

Ultimately, senior design is about more than just a class. It is the department’s way of helping students make the important transition from the academic world into the industry in which they will work.

“What we try to do is to pair teams with industry sponsors to work on real world projects to get them some real world experience, as much real world experience as we can, before they go out into the workforce,” Panter said.

The team’s goal is to have a working prototype at the end of the semester that Boise Brewing can use to show the taproom patrons what those patrons have helped support. The project will certainly increase the attention given to the brewery’s BB Involved program in the taproom, bring more attention to that month’s charity, and demonstrate the power of Boise State students to benefit their community.

“It’s awesome to work with a local business and support a charitable cause,” Jones said. “I would say this project feels different than other internships or jobs because we are working so closely with the customer and get to see the environment that our product will be used in. That is a really unique aspect of this project.”

Boise State students will work to help the brewery.

Taylor Humby | The Arbiter

WE’RE BACK Young The Giant 03/07 Atmosphere 03/17

Noname 03/08

Citizen Cope 03/18

ACID KING 03/22

In Flames 03/13

AMERICAN FOOTBALL 03/23

BROTHERS OSBORNE 03/27

Watsky 03/14

VINCE STAPLES 03/20

EKALI 03/21

CHASE RICE 03/24

AARON WATSON 03/28

SPACE JESUS 03/29

knittingfactory.com

MARCH 12, 2019

|

ARBITERONLINE.COM

7

OPINION MARCH 12, 2019 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

CROSS-PARKING SHOULD BE EXTENDED DURING EVENT HOURS

For students who already pay $100 or more for parking, there’s too much focus on punishing them for finding a place to park

Zach Hill | Opinion Editor | opinion@stumedia.boisestate.edu

I

f you’re like me, you have the luxury of parking in either Lincoln or Brady Garage. The permits there are few and far between and cost upwards of $300. The university makes the promise that these garages will always have space for you to park — as long as you have a permit for them, of course.

During my freshman year of college, there would be at least one instance per week in which an event being held in the Student Union Building would crowd the Lincoln Garage, and I wouldn’t have a place to park. For a while, this was just a minor inconvenience. After a while, however, it became a pretty significant nuisance.

There were plenty of occasions in which I’d find another spot to park, leave my car there for an hour and a half, maybe two hours, only to come back and find a ticket on my dash. After this became a regular occurrence, I was pretty frustrated. I’d paid for parking, with the promise of having a spot in the garage as long as my permit was on my vehicle, and suddenly in a matter of a couple weeks I’d racked up hundreds of dollars in tickets.

I don’t think holding events at the university is bad. I think bringing people to campus to show them what Boise State has to offer is great. However, there has to be a way to resolve issues of cross-parking without punishing students who’ve rightfully paid for permits.

Boise State already has a system in which cross-parking is allowed after 4 p.m., and this is a really good thing for people who have night classes. The problem with this policy is that it doesn’t go far enough. Establishing an exception to the policy which allows cross-parking in the instances when events crowd specific lots would relieve

8

MARCH 12, 2019

|

ARBITERONLINE.COM

the stress students have when it comes to parking on campus.

East Commuter typically has a fair amount of spaces left near the Broadway entrance during the peak of student traffic on campus. South Commuter and Reserve typically have spots left during these hours as well. Except, Boise State will punish you for using them — even if you’ve paid for a permit and your lot is already full.

This policy would require some more logistic work on behalf of the Transportation and Parking Services, but there are ways to make it work and still ensure the exception isn’t exploited by students. The first way is to communicate to students when events are taking place in the Student Union Building and notify them which garage, or lot will be primarily used. Redirecting students from there into specific lots will improve the flow of traffic and reduce the number of tickets being handed out.

Additionally, staffing these areas (or at least posting signs) to notify students who may have to cross-park will help take the guessing game out of parking. Finally, implementing a better feedback system for students who feel frustrated by the issue of parking can help increase student engagement and better resolve issues that may occur.

College students are already stressed enough. Our credit loads are big, our work schedules are busy and the hours we have to spend doing homework can be long and difficult. The university and students could both benefit from reexamining cross-parking rules and making students’ lives less stressful, even in an area as small as parking.

OPINION

DON’T BELIEVE THE HYPE

The lack of diversity on campus is becoming a pertinent issue Blaze Bordeaux | Guest Writer | opinion@stumedia.boisestate.edu

1

7,842 of you may disagree. This is not an arbitrary number, it represents 73 percent of the student body that identifies as white, according to the university’s website. To YOU (the 73-percent-ers), everything is wonderful, YOU have every amenity imaginable, clubs, activities, student body organizations, Greek Life, a Subway and two Starbucks coffee shops! Most importantly, YOU are made to feel comfortable every step of the way in your college experience, and that coziness starts with who is teaching YOU. Every day YOU come to campus YOU are insulated and protected, like being in your mother’s womb. Not a care in the world, oblivious to what awaits in the real world. Unlike Scheherazade, YOU believe every day is promised to YOU and YOU need not do anything to manipulate the system and YOU don’t have to because the system is designed for YOU. How many professors are Black? If 2 percent of the student body identifies as Black, at least 2 percent of the instructors should be as well. Can YOU name one Black professor? Go ahead, I’ll wait. Do YOU believe that Blacks can become professors? When is the last time YOU’ve seen a Black person in any leadership position on this campus?

Our society’s hot topic right now is Diversity & Inclusion (DI). It’s being discussed everywhere, and yes, even here at Boise State. In the last few months Boise State has hosted discussions and/or train-

Isabel Sarhad | The Arbiter

ings with Dr. Tony Byers and Tim Wise.

On the surface, the school is saying all the right things, but where are the results?

Who is being held accountable for the lack of results? I discovered this Ted Talk with Janet Stovall on YouTube called, “How to Get Serious About Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace.”

Who is responsible for hiring professors?

The university president or each individual college or department? I challenge someone to step up and take accountability for this. If no one steps up, let’s come together and demand heads roll? If the question is asked about Black professors, the likely response is, “Don’t we have one?” One? As if one would be an acceptable number for this institution. The same response was given when the Black Alumni Chapter was being developed, “Don’t we have one already?” What’s worse, is the fact they didn’t know there wasn’t one, because it doesn’t matter, or have any value to them.

More evidence that the only thing that matters to (most) white people is white stuff. White is such the norm around this place that being white is the only thing that has value. It is reinforced and on display at every level at this institution.

There’s always talk of the phantom Black professor in the engineering department or school of blah blah blah. I still haven’t met one or confirmed the name of a Black professor (If you do exist, please reveal yourself ). I’ve never seen one at a Talk-O Tuesday or Black Student Association (formerly Afro-Black Student Alliance)

meeting. What’s Talk-O Tuesday, YOU’re wondering? Again, not knowing about these events’ is testament to the lack of DI on this campus.

Boise State claims to be about change and progression, but nothing has changed.

I argue it’s all a façade with nothing behind it. F#$% the rhetoric Boise State, I call bullshit. As stakeholders, we must step up and hold the leadership accountable. Let’s demand they add three Black professors within the next three semesters, double the Black student population and hire three Black deans in three years. If leadership accepts this challenge, it’s a step towards proving they’re fully committed to affecting change. Just make the call, “Hi, this is the president, I need you to hire the three best Black professors you can find.

You have three semesters. Get me a list of candidates within 60 days.” You get the picture.

A final thought to ponder. Why are there so few Black students and faculty here? Is it because they don’t want to come here? All I ever hear is how “great” Boise, Idaho is. What are WE doing to repel them, because we definitely aren’t making them feel welcome? Is that why they leave?

HAVE A COMMENT OR REBUTTAL? EMAIL US AT: OPINION@STUMEDIA.BOISESTATE.EDU

MARCH 12, 2019

|

ARBITERONLINE.COM

9

F E AT U R E

NO HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE Here’s what we know about why Boise State’s new baseball stadium won’t be ready by 2020 AUTUM ROBERTSON | SPORTS REPORTER | SPORTS@STUMEDIA.BOISESTATE.EDU

10

MARCH 12, 2019

|

ARBITERONLINE.COM

F E AT U R E

T

he last time Boise State fielded a varsity baseball team was in 1980, and over the course of the next 39 years there was talk to bring collegiate baseball back to what many consider a “baseball town.” In 2017, the long-anticipated return of the Division I baseball team, featuring a brand-new campus stadium, was announced. Soon after, Boise State hired a staff and recruited a team. The scene was set: the team was practicing, there would be a new stadium built on campus by the first season in 2020 and it was even rumored that the new field would include the Broncos’ famous blue turf.

But as time went by and there were no updates on the stadium nor a sign of a construction team, murmurs began flying around campus as to whether it would really happen. In February 2019, Boise State’s athletic director Curt Apsey put out a statement confirming everyone’s assumptions: the stadium would not be ready for the Broncos’ first season.

“Having something for the first season was a priority for us, but working through the process has taken more time than anticipated,” Apsey wrote in the statement. “...It’s about much more than the 2020 season – it’s about building something the right way. We want to make sure that we are playing in something that this program can be proud of many years down the road.”

A stadium takes time to build, and this stadium in particular was estimated to take about 14 months to complete. But knowing this, and reading the statement Apsey put out, doesn’t give fans, student-athletes, staff or the university’s community much information. So what is there to know about the currently nonexistent baseball stadium?

brand and bring Boise closer to the conversations parents and students were having about where they might want to go to school, even if they weren’t going to play baseball.”

The stadium was supposed to be built north of Beacon Street between Euclid Avenue and Denver Avenue. This stadium would hold bleachers, a press box, team dugouts, a net or fence and have an artificial turf. The stadium was also planned to have parking that would support 200 cars.

After the essentials were built, locker rooms, upgraded dugouts and possibly a blue turf would be added. The first phase of construction has still not been started, so it is unclear when these upgrades will take place — if ever.

The Arbiter spoke with new head coach Gary Van Tol in February 2018 after he was hired to lead the Boise State baseball program. Van Tol discussed his vision for the home stadium, specifying his willingness to involve the community surrounding the

What was the original vision?

Former Boise State University President Bob Kustra wanted to bring baseball to the university because he saw the opportunities and the sense of community it could bring.

“We thought baseball is a great opportunity for our student-athletes to compete with our fellow Mountain West universities. We also saw baseball as a recruiting mechanism for students in general,” Kustra said. “It only made sense when we were missing out on this opportunity to extend the Boise State

BOB KUSTRA,

“When I was president, we put together a financial plan that I thought by the time I left would allow for the construction of the baseball field, but things change.

I don’t really know what happened.”

FORMER PRESIDENT OF BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY project.

“I welcome any help and comments from anybody that has something to share, like what color our turf should be on the field.”

Van Tol said. “I want there to be a special place for students on campus.. that’s part of

the experience, and it’s going to be important for our players. Listening to what people are saying is important to me because at the end of the day, I’m only going to be here for so long, and we have an opportunity to really build something special that will be here for a long time.”

With no progress and no sign of initiation in the near future, the program’s vision for the home field currently remains just a vision.

What we do know The use of eminent domain that was approved by the school board in August 2018 gave Boise State the opportunity to obtain the properties that remain in the intended stadium location. Those areas include a parking lot on 1101 South Denver Avenue, an eight-unit apartment complex on 11041108 South Grant Avenue and a four-unit complex on West Beacon Street.

Executing the eminent domain option is only necessary if the owners of these properties and Boise State can’t work out a deal. The Idaho Press reported that one of the three properties was already purchased

by Boise State for $999,000, but the owners of the four-unit complex and the parking lot have not come to terms with the university on a deal thus far.

“There are some angry people out there, so I said ‘we’re gonna withdraw the eminent domain soon on one of those places,’ because they’re saying to me that this took them by surprise, and they really didn’t get the chance to work with us. So I said ‘ok let’s try to negotiate in good faith,’” said Interim President Martin Schimpf in a meeting with The Arbiter. “We don’t need to rush this, and let’s see if we can acquire those properties without making enemies.”

According to Kustra, the on-campus stadium was projected to cost anywhere from $6-8 million dollars, excluding any remaining upgrades.

“When I was president, we put together a financial plan that I thought by the time I left would allow for the construction of the baseball field, but things change,” Kustra said. “I don’t really know what happened.”

According to an article by The Idaho Statesman on Feb. 10, Boise State spokesperson Greg Hahn said in an email that the

university had narrowed their focus to two potential construction company bidders.

However, Schimpf told The Arbiter that the plans never went very far.

“First of all, we never had a construction company,” Schimpf said. “When I got into the office I found we were struggling acquiring the last couple properties that we needed...it took a while, and in fact it wasn’t until a couple days before last Christmas when we finally got the last one signed off on. At that point I was told, ‘you need at least 14 months once you have the money’.. and so really it’s too late for us to actually build in time for spring 2020.”

What remains unknown Where the Broncos will play their first season has not yet been decided. The potential exists for the team to play home games at Memorial Stadium, home of the Boise Hawks, but no plans have been confirmed by the university. Without a permanent home on campus for the 2020 season, it seems likely that the number of Bronco home games could decrease.

“The old Hawks stadium came to mind as the first alternate.. If not that, there’s high school baseball fields around town that may not meet the minimum for seating or whatever you should have to play Mountain West baseball,” Kustra said. “But for the first year, that doesn’t make any difference, as long as you have a good solid baseball field that you can gain access to while the rest of this plan is put together.”

A change of location, or complete lack of one, could have a significant impact on the experiences of the senior transfers on the team. The potential exists for them to spend their last year of eligibility either on the road, at a high school field or at Memorial Stadium, which is at least 15 minutes from campus.

“Everyone was hoping we would be playing our first season in a new stadium,” Van Tol said in written statement. “Unfortunately, that won’t happen, but it’s not going to stop us from building something special that our student-athletes, staff, fans, university and community can be proud of when the gates open.”

MARCH 12, 2019

|

ARBITERONLINE.COM

11

C U LT U R E MARCH 12, 2019 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

HOW TO ROCK TREEFORT THIS YEAR

Two festival veterans offer some tips for Treefort season Chris Duggan | Copy Editor | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu

W

ith spring break just around the corner, some students are planning trips to somewhere a little warmer and dryer. However, music fans have some incentive to brave the winds and rain of Boise, as the downtown area gears up for the 2019 Treefort Music Festival, this year featuring headliners including Vince Staples and Toro y Moi. From March 20-24, over 200 local, national and international bands will play shows at various venues across the city, representing genres from industrial pop to experimental ambient jazz and everything in between.

This can all be a lot to take in, especially if it’s one’s first time attending such a huge and established festival.

Kathleen Williams, senior creative writing major, spends her time as a singer-songwriter, while River Merrill works as a software developer, and in their off time writes and records poppy, funky and jazzy jams. This will be the fourth year for both artists playing at Treefort and, as seasoned veterans, they had plenty of advice for maximizing the amount of music and fun for new festival-goers.

The first and most important rule: always plan ahead. With so many shows happening all over town, it can pay to have a schedule in mind at the beginning of the day. Downloading the Treefort app is the best way to go, according to the artists, as it allows you to build a schedule for running around town. However, Merrill also suggested keeping an eye on the festival’s Twitter page, where any unexpected updates will be posted first.

In making a plan, it’s also important to consider how many other people may be trying to see the same artist as you.

“If you wanna see someone really bad

12

MARCH 12, 2019

|

River Merrill, above, will perform at Treefort this year. and they’re like a headliner, go three hours early,” Merrill said.

The final consideration to make for planning a day at Treefort is how to get around. Downtown Boise is small, but not so small that you’ll be on time for the next show on your list if you have to walk across town. Williams said that, if possible, bringing a bike is a great idea.

While both artists agreed that planning is important, they also talked about the value of stepping outside of your comfort

ARBITERONLINE.COM

Photo courtesy of Merrill

zone.

“Try and check out stuff you don’t know,” Merrill said. “Don’t just see the bands that you’ve seen before.”

Williams explained that she always listens to as many unfamiliar bands as possible before the festival, so she’ll have plenty of new acts to check out. She also encouraged striking out on your own for parts of the day. “(My) first year, I made this mistake where I missed a lot of bands I wanted

to see because I was just staying with my friends,” Williams said. “So, the second year, I was like, ‘Don’t be afraid, just go be alone, that’s fine.’”

Soloing at a music festival may sound a little intimidating, but Williams and Merrill agreed that Treefort’s welcoming atmosphere ensures this is never an issue.

Making new friends can be a great part of the experience, and also offers the opportunity to get connected with the thriving local music scene on display every year at Treefort.

“If you’re someone who wants to be a part of it, you can be,” Williams said.

“The people you see play, you’re going to see them standing next to you at the next show.”

Getting the chance to better connect with the music scene can be a big motivation for buying a Treefort ticket. Tehya Cunningham, a former media arts major, explained this is one reason she’s going.

“I’m looking forward to finding more local artists, because that’s something I’m trying to get more into,” Cunningham said.

It can be difficult to not be overwhelmed by all those tiny band names squeezed onto a festival poster, but it doesn’t have to be impossible to plan. Make a list of mustsee shows, but leave a little room for the unknown. And no matter what is going on outside of the festival, being downtown is bound to be a good time. Merrill said one of their favorite parts of the festival is the way it transforms Boise.

“It’s like a different place all of a sudden.” Merrill said. “It’s like kind of lit up, with all the window paintings and all the shit that they do downtown to make it feel like ‘Treefort season.’”

C U LT U R E

THREE ARTISTS’ WORK ENGAGES THE MIND AND BODY

“Entropy,” “Dualistic Desires” and “Eclipse,” on display in the SUB, offer unique dialogue surrounding art David Collie | Culture Reporter | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu

T

he art gallery in the second floor of the Student Union Building is no stranger to interesting works, but two exhibits and a portfolio, open through April 3, offer a unique experience that will be sure to interest even veterans of the space. “Entropy,” “Dualistic Desires” and “Eclipse” will all be displayed together, and despite their seeming differences, they seek to present interesting conversations for individuals to see — or even crawl through.

Beginning with “Entropy” by artist Rachael Mayer, viewers may be surprised to see an interactive work where they are encouraged to enter a unique, skeletal structure with quilted tetrahedrons that form a kind of topographical map on the floor. University art curator and collections manager Fonda Portales discussed how this piece challenges the traditional view of art that some may have.

“We live in an art world where you do not touch art,” Portales said. “You’ll see (the phrase) ‘Do not touch’ on the wall, or there’s just this cultural understanding that art is not supposed to be touched...but we definitely want people to crawl through here.”

Mayer explained how her work was influenced by her frequent moving as a child and her undergraduate studies of anthropology and ethnic studies.

“I really frame my connections and my networks around landscape, because when I was younger I moved a lot… and so I really associate my close familial network with landscape kind of passing by the window,” Mayer said. “And then I also think about when we tell stories, we always really tend to contextualize them within place. (The structure is) a space where people could gather. They could have that networking and social connection, while also kind of simultaneously, maybe, putting them a little bit off-balance, as well.”

And while the other pieces in the gallery cannot literally be climbed through like Mayer’s, Monica Bright, creator of “Dualistic Desires,” hopes her series of linoleum prints will make people think. Her collection features the evolution of an idea as she worked on the pieces for more than two years, eventually exploring the logic of math, juxtaposed with organic nature and how the two can be interconnected.

“It kind of started out with the idea of being two opposing desires or things that are afflicted upon you of having to work, and then being kind of set up for failure,” Bright said. “And then it became building homes, but what do you put in your homes? Is it positive or negative? How often do you do both? So, it became a quest of finding the balance between two things that are opposing, but equally true.”

The final collection, “Eclipse,” is a portfolio of prints from Boise State students who witnessed the 2017 solar eclipse. Despite the subject matter being the same for every piece,

each artist’s work aims to show a unique perspective of the event. Cassandra Schiffler, a graduate student studying visual art, organized the collection and explained why she chose the solar eclipse as the subject matter.

“I like seeing how different people respond in really different ways to the particular subject,” Schiffler said. “And, for me personally, I was interested in the eclipse because I’m interested in these sort of shared experiences and how we might interpret them in different ways.”

Despite the difference of each display, a conversation seems to take place between them.

According to Portales, this might come from the way each piece deals with the repercussions of an environment, as well as the juxtaposition of angular geometry and organic structures. Regardless of where the conversations come from, it seems likely that the works in the gallery will provide a unique space for visitors to think about, or crawl around in, art in ways they may not have imagined before.

MARCH, 12, 2019

|

ARBITERONLINE.COM

13

C U LT U R E MARCH 12, 2019 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

SPRING BREAK SERVING

How students can give back to their communities during their time off

G

Ben Harris | Staff Writer | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu

rady Martin, junior geology major, founded the Trail Stewardship Club (TSC) because of his passion for the outdoors. Martin has spent a substantial amount of time on Idaho’s trail systems, including via backpacking with his family since he was five years old. From Martin’s perspective, founding the TSC was motivated by the need to give back.

“The club is really just focused around giving people those opportunities to go out and use our trail systems and help maintain those,” Martin said. “Giving back to that community and being more a part of it has always been a big deal to me.”

Volunteering can be a fun and educational way to be involved in the community, especially with the free time that spring break provides for students. There are many different ways to give back to communities throughout the Treasure Valley and beyond. The TSC regularly goes on trips to help revitalize and maintain trails across the state; it isn’t always an easy task. Trail maintenance is hard work, but Martin believes that volunteering time and serving a community is something that people are interested in.

“A lot of people are looking for stuff that they can either do as fun, give back to communities or help progress their goals,” Martin said.

According to Martin, the TSC is going on a spring break maintenance trip along the Salmon River. Students who are interested in the trip can find more information on the TSC’s OrgSync page.

While some students care deeply about trail maintenance, there are other aspects of environmental care that people can dedicate their spring break to, as well. Katie Jay, volunteer coordinator for Zoo Boise,

14

MARCH 12, 2019

|

believes that plenty of people are volunteering at the zoo because of its conservation efforts.

“We’ve raised around $2.5 million dollars over the past 10 years for conservation,” Jay said. “I think that’s really exciting, that any volunteer position you do, you’re supporting that.”

Being in her position for the past three years, Jay has had the opportunity to work with quite a variety of people. From as young as 10 to as old as 80, Zoo Boise sees its largest group of volunteers starting in mid-March.

“I love volunteers, because they want to be here,” Jay said. “They really believe in what the zoo does and what our mission is.

They’re not here for a paycheck.”

When volunteering at the zoo, students aren’t just cleaning up after animals. There are plenty of learning possibilities to be had. When Jay is looking over volunteer applications, she’s looking for people who can really commit their time.

“We always look for someone who can be here and be dedicated to coming in, someone who believes in what we do and somebody who wants to learn,” Jay said.

“They definitely don’t just come and rake the yard. We want them to improve and grow their skill sets here.”

Working with animals isn’t for everyone.

While some students can struggle to find ways to serve their local community, there’s always an opportunity to serve elsewhere.

Melinda Jean Stafford, assistant director of the Student Involvement and Leadership Center, believes that Boise State’s Alternative Spring Break program is an opportunity to make a difference and learn something new.

“Students get excited about the chance to serve a community that is different

ARBITERONLINE.COM

Students prove that spring break can be productive.

Wyatt Wurtenberger | The Arbiter than their own, and travel somewhere they may have never been,” Stafford said. “In addition to traveling somewhere new, students on alternative breaks are able to serve others, build relationships with other Boise State students and gain valuable skills.”

From Stafford’s perspective, the word “serving” better fits Alternative Spring Break programs than “volunteering.” By choosing to serve a community, students can do more than just lend a helping hand.

“Serving indicates a mutual relationship, one that involves learning and truly connecting with one’s cause or environment,”

Stafford said. “The value that comes from serving is profound, leaving a positive impact on the communities we serve, while also gaining a stronger self-awareness of the role we play in the world.”

Participating in service projects outside of local communities provides a deeper understanding of the world. Boise State sends students to Jamaica, Los Angeles and Utah, in hopes that they learn something new in their experience. For more information on Alternative Spring Breaks, visit the Student Involvement Center’s website or send them an email at getinvolved@boisestate.edu.

“WICKED” TAKES BOISE ‘FOR GOOD’

The musical took the Morrison Center’s stage with an evil grace Logan Potter | Culture Editor | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu

A

fter her singing career grew from her bedroom in Miami, writing songs and singing them through the mouths of her Barbie dolls, Mariand Torres knew she was meant to be a star. Performing in productions like “Hansel and Gretel” from a young age to get her first taste of the entertainment industry, Torres worked her way to the top of the Broadway food chain, moving to New York City and, eventually, being hired on as a standby for the role of Elphaba in the first national tour of “WICKED.” Fast forward to the show’s 2019 tour, and Torres has become both the lead and, arguably, the standout star of the production, particularly in the March 8 evening performance at Boise State’s Morrison Center.

Torres, while not alone in bringing impeccable vocal performances to center stage, essentially created her own spotlight throughout the performance, especially in Elphaba’s solo track, “Defying Gravity.”

Even in shared scenes with main characters like the Wizard of Oz and Glinda the Good, Torres consistently drew the focus to Elphaba’s character and her stunning vibrato that seemed to shake the seats halfway across the auditorium during each performance.

In terms of major characters, Erin Mackey brought the beloved Glinda to life with an aloof and confident personality that felt like the relatable mean girl in high school; this one, however, redeems herself in the end. Mackey has vocals that can only be described as opera-esque, supported by near perfect pitch and a character as dramatic as her runs. Other standout performances were plenty. One such performer is named Sharon Sachs, who plays Madame Morrible, whose character has an incredible sound development throughout the performance and a sweet demeanor that, often, feels off-putting in the best way. Curt Hansen, the universal love interest, Fiyero, and Mili Diaz, who

portrays Nessarose, the Wicked Witch of the East, are also noteworthy in vocals and acting performance, capping the ends of a well-rounded and talented central cast.

Although the performers are, quite literally, the stars of the show, the acclaimed production and set design of “WICKED” deserves more praise of its own. The stage, which feels small upon first glance, was crowded with steampunk features, industrializing everything from the gears on each side of the stage to the bubble that Glinda floats into the stage on.

Although the effects feel, at least in some ways, detached from “The Wizard of Oz” that many know and love, the steampunk stylistic choices give a fresh and modern take on a decades-told story that deserved a second glance.

Each aspect of the production would cease to exist without the music and story, which fit effortlessly into the timeline of “The Wizard of Oz” while simultaneously changing the way audiences remember the story of the original script. The script was impressive, taking the time to explain the origins of each of the main characters from the source material, as well as bringing a major plot twist to the end of the musical that would leave even the most devoted “Oz” fans at a loss for words. The composing and lyrical content, however, felt seamless even in the most daunting moments of the plot.

“WICKED” was different, without a doubt, but like its main character’s story, it stands out in a definitively good way.

With little to complain about in terms of this particular performance of the popular production, the witchy musical was a positive addition to the Morrison Center’s Broadway in Boise lineup. The tour will remain on Boise State’s campus until March 17 with some tickets still available for later performance dates, and is set to be followed up by the touring production of “Something Rotten!” on April 12 and 13 only.

C U LT U R E

JUST A THOUGHT How the KarJenner drama reflects a larger culture of slut-shaming Logan Potter | Culture Editor | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu

I

t was August 2016 when Khloe Kardashian and Tristan Thompson sparked romance rumors after walking out of a nightclub minutes between one another. It was a creepy observation by the unsurprisingly bold paparazzi, but the internet latched onto the new Kardashian romance immediately and prepared for the whirlwind to come after the millionaire’s failed marriage with Lamar Odom just a year earlier. The Kardashian sister spent nearly two years with Thompson, even giving birth to her first child in the months before Thompson’s first mistake became public: he cheated on Kardashian in Washington, D.C. After her husband’s infidelity in her first marriage to Odom, it was widely assumed that Kardashian would be throwing in the towel on her relationship shortly after the evidence presented itself to her (and the rest of the internet). However, Kardashian and Thompson pulled it together and stayed partners for another year, amid eyewitnesses frequently admitting to seeing Thompson getting touchy in public, until

he finally created the spark that started the fire. In February 2019, Thompson was caught cheating with Kylie Jenner’s best friend, Jordyn Woods. Most already know the story of the scandal, but what many overlook is the toxic culture surrounding women’s sexuality in the aftermath.

Rather than the public focusing their attention on Thompson’s record of cheating on Kardashian, they looked towards Woods instead. Many condemned Woods’s actions (without mentioning Thompson), and comments began to appear on Facebook posts sharing articles about the scandal, calling Woods a “slut” and “homewrecker.” This name-calling may just sound like words to some, but they reflect a deeper conflict that exists between the public and women’s sexuality, and the conversation is one that is often forgotten.

Much like Monica Lewinsky in the aftermath of the Clinton scandal, women across Hollywood and beyond are being subjected to the aggressively judgmental behavior on the internet without adequate opportunity for redemption. While Woods and Thompson are certainly in the wrong, it takes two to make the mistake, but only one person to place the blame. In the future, it’s crucial that we become more thoughtful with our language and our fastpaced momentum in condemning actions on the internet, regardless of our feelings towards a given individual. Maybe the KarJenner scandal was a publicity stunt, or maybe it was something real, but whatever the circumstances, it’s time we destabilize the overwhelming culture of slut-shaming and recognize faults without brewing toxicity and degrading sexual liberation — just a thought.

MARCH 12, 2019

|

ARBITERONLINE.COM

15

SPORTS & REC MARCH 12, 2019 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

HOW HARD WORK TURNS TO HARDWARE

After being named 2018 Mountain West conference player of the year, Rebekah Cervantes looks to continue her dominance

W

Gavin Gorrell | Staff Writer | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu

hen a highly competitive Division I softball team is winning championships, their best player tends to be the hardest worker — senior sociology major and starting shortstop Rebekah Cervantes is exactly that. After posting a .432 batting average, a .497 on base percentage, 15 doubles, 3 triples, 9 home runs and 50 runs batted in, it was only right for Cervantes to receive the honor of being named the 2018 Mountain West Conference player of the year.

This season, Cervantes is back for more.

“Becky has a good arm, good range and I think the softball IQ she has is not that fifth tool, it’s that sixth tool, the intangible,” said head coach Maggie Livreri. “As a hitter, Becky is somebody who can hit the ball to all fields, she is a very smart hitter who can bunt and run well, too.”

Cervantes, whose 2018-19 average currently sits at .328, is a nightmare for opposing pitchers because of the way she protects the plate and battles each and every pitch. If somebody plans on getting her out, they are going to have to hope she beats herself.

While being the previous season’s conference player of the year is an honor, it tends to go hand-in-hand with high pressure and expectations for the next season.

But not for Cervantes.

“She takes the pressure as a privilege, and just continues to do her best every day,” Livreri said.

As Cervantes goes through her daily work during practice, it feels as though the word “pressure” is not even in her vocabulary; she simply has love for the game and love for her teammates.

“When I came on my official visit,

16

MARCH 12, 2019

|

Rebekah was my host and we instantly clicked really well,” said junior infielder Karlee Johnson, who has grown accustomed to playing alongside Cervantes throughout the years. “She makes it really easy to play next to her. I know she will always have my back no matter what. She always has a positive attitude about everything and is a helper on and off the field.”

The senior’s hitting statistics are wellknown by many, but her fielding abilities deserve praise as well. She posted a .909 fielding percentage last season. A shortstop will typically see many more balls hit their way than any other position on the field, making .909 a quite respectable figure.

Another key aspect of Cervantes’ game is her ability on the base paths.

With range comes speed, therefore producing stolen bases; Cervantes went 12-14 on stolen bases last season. Unlike baseball, softball base runners are not allowed to lead off before the pitch is thrown, so in order to successfully steal bases, speed and acceleration are a must.

Due to program struggles in the past, Boise State softball was not always a standout destination for top players in the country. However, Cervantes fell in love with Boise State for her own reasons.

“I wanted to go to a place where I would (not only) play, but I would also form the culture,” Cervantes said. “Going to an already big-time program did not matter to me; I wanted to make an impact wherever I went.”

It is safe to say Cervantes has done exactly that. However, she had never expected to own the title of 2018 conference player of the year.

ARBITERONLINE.COM

“I was actually really shocked; I knew I had it won offensively, but didn’t think I had it defensively. It was truly a shock,” Cervantes said.

As she continues her senior campaign during the 2019 season, Cervantes hopes to build on her reputation and leave a lasting impression as a Boise State

Bronco.

“I want people to remember me for the hard work and dedication I gave to the program, not how good of a player I was,” Cervantes said.

Cervantes is only one of many outstanding players on the softball team this season. The women have started the year with a 18-2 record, beating highly respected teams like Ole Miss, LMU, Michigan State and Yale. Their hot start as a team has earned them a No. 24 Softball America national ranking, which is the first time in program history that Boise State softball has climbed into the top 25.

One thing is for sure: the Broncos have a leader in Cervantes to take them down the right path and play the game the way they want to.

2018 Mountain West Conference Play of the Year Rebekah Cervantes.

Mackenzie Hudson | The Arbiter

SPORTS & REC

BIG SEASON AHEAD FOR MEN’S LAX

The Broncos lacrosse team sits at a confident 4-3

March 5 March 9

Paul Gourley | Staff Writer | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu

I

f someone were to talk to the Boise State men’s lacrosse team, they’d never know that they finished their previous season at 3-6. The enthusiasm around the team is warranted, as they’ve already passed their total wins from last season.

Through their current 4-3 start, the Broncos have a different look than in seasons past.

The players and coaches both acknowledge the experience of the team. Currently, the Broncos only have two seniors, with a majority of the 29 players being underclassmen, creating room for more leaders to step up.

For example, junior midfielder Case Schow has more points through five games than in his last two seasons on the team combined.

Needless to say, the group is optimistic.

“We have some freshman starters who have been great. One thing that’s different than from past teams is that we’re less of a team with a few individual stars and more of a cohesive squad,” said junior goalie and team captain Carson Bungay.

Bungay’s co-captain and junior defenseman Joe Peterson sees this year’s squad as one of the best that he’s been a part of in his three seasons at Boise State.

“This is one of the better teams since I’ve been here. As far as the future, this team has the most potential to grow due to talent,” Peterson said.

Fun is certainly an important factor for the players. However, the players and coaches on the team still expect to perform well on the field come gametime. When they aren’t traveling to San Diego or Canada for games, the team is practicing four, sometimes five days a week. They are mostly working on stick handling, conditioning and fundamentals, which are all things that will help them achieve their goal of winning the Pacific Northwest Collegiate Lacrosse League (PNCLL). A couple of teams the Broncos feel they have to beat on their way to a championship are in-state rival University of Idaho and University of Oregon.

“A big rival is the University of Idaho. We play them every single year. Last year (was) our first loss to them, so we’re looking for vengeance. And obviously the University of Oregon is a big one as well,” said second-year head coach Adam Smith.

Peterson personally enjoys playing against the University of Oregon, “because it always gets chippy.” The last time the two teams squared off, the Broncos came out on top 17-10. This year the two will play on April 12 in Boise.

For players on the Boise State men’s club lacrosse team, the decision to play has a hefty price of $2,000 per player. The fees include travel throughout the Northwest, gear and other team costs. Unlike other Division I sports on campus, no scholarships are given to anybody on the team. Nonetheless, the players make the decision to play for personal benefit.

“It’s a good way to stay in shape and be athletic,” Peterson said. “Most of all, playing club lacrosse is an easy way to meet a great group of guys.”

Peterson’s perspective on the feel of the team are shared by Bungay.

“You immediately have 20-30 friends because you have lacrosse in common,” Bungay said. “You also get guys on the team that are in your major. For instance, since I’m a civil engineering major, there are freshmen on the team that I can help with their intro to civil engineering classes.”

Lacrosse is often seen as a niche sport that sometimes struggles to attract an audience.

For years, people have said that the sport has untapped potential in the mainstream culture. The Bronco lacrosse team’s message to students on campus is to simply give the team and game a shot.

“Lacrosse is the fastest game on two feet.

We have a bunch of great guys and very talented players. A lot of people don’t realize how much of an exciting game lacrosse is,” Smith said. “It’s not until people come out that they realize that lacrosse is an awesome game. If you’re at a game, the experience is significantly better than on TV.” The first home game for the Broncos comes on Tuesday, Mar. 12 at 5 p.m. on the Lincoln Avenue Recreation Field against Dominican University. Home games are free to attend for all Boise State students.

“We’re looking forward to playing in front of our home crowd and coming away with a win on our own field,” Peterson said.

Autum Robertson | Sports Reporter | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu

MOUNTAIN WEST

Nevada (28-3) The Wolf Pack moves back to the top of the Mountain West after winning both of their last regular season games and finishing with the best overall record. On Tuesday, Nevada took down the Falcons 90-79. They later defeated the Aztecs 81-53 led by forward Caleb Martin with 25 points.

1

Utah State (25-6) The Aggies narrowly defeated the Rams 100-96 on Tuesday, March 5.

The Aggies went into overtime with the Rams after allowing them to come back in the second half. Guard Sam Merrill had himself a game, finishing with 38 points.

1

Fresno State (22-8) The Bulldogs barely beat the Aztecs 76-74, but the win helped push them ahead of the Aztecs in the Mountain West tournament seeding. The Bulldogs crushed the Spartans 121-81, and even though it was the four-win Spartans, it is still an impressive way to finish out the regular season.

San Diego State (19-12) The Aztecs will enter the Mountain West tournament on a two-game losing streak.

They lost to the Bulldogs 74-76. And to finish the regular season on a really bad note, they were toppled by the Wolf Pack 53-81. They stayed close in the first half, but the Aztecs completely blew it in the second when they were outscored 16-39.

UNLV (17-13) The Rebels beat the Rams 65-60 on the road to earn the fifth seed in the conference tournament. Guard Kris Clyburn led the Rebels with 20 points and hit all six of his three-point attempts.

Air Force (13-17) The Falcons lost both of their games this week, first to the Wolf Pack 79-90 and

then to the Broncos 52-80. The Falcons lost to the Broncos bad – and I mean really bad. Their top scorer was forward Lavelle Scottie who had 10 points. There was no effective offense being played.

New Mexico (13-17) The Lobos defeated the Broncos 73-72 to start the week. They later finished the season in embarrassing fashion, letting the second worst team in the conference, the Cowboys, win 88-81. Lobos forward Carlton Bragg Jr. had a double-double with 20 rebounds and 22 points, but how impressive is a statistic if there’s no win?

1

Boise State (12-19) Per usual, the Broncos came within a couple of points and lost to the Lobos 72-73, but they were able to finally get a win when they beat the Falcons 80-52 on senior night. Guard Derrick Alston led the team with 22 points and right behind him was forward Zach Haney with 20.

1

Colorado State (12-19) The Rams lost their last two games.

They lost to Nevada 96-100 and the Rebels 60-65. Sure the Rams stayed close, but if they can’t finish there’s no way they are advancing in the tournament.

2

Wyoming (8-23) The Cowboys surprisingly won both of their games. They beat the Spartans 81-71 and the Lobos 88-81. Guard Justin James had a big game against the Lobos with 28 points and 12 rebounds.

San Jose State (4-26) The Spartans looked bad when they were defeated by the Cowboys 81-71, but they looked awful when the Bulldogs beat them 121-81. They allowed guards Braxton Huggins and Deshon Taylor to score over 30 points.

MARCH 12, 2019

|

ARBITERONLINE.COM

17

SPORTS & REC

NEW COACH LEADS BEACH VOLLEYBALL INTO 2019 SEASON

Broncos open up season 2-1 in Tucson tournament Kaleb Stinson | Staff Writer | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu

D

espite being in a landlocked state 600 miles away from the ocean, in a place where it’s cold and snows over a quarter of the year, the 2019 Boise State women’s beach volleyball team began its fifth season as a recognized NCAA Division I team.

The team’s future looks to be in good hands with the debut of new head coach Allison Buck. Now with a longer schedule and more training than before, Buck and her staff have already made vast improvements to the program and the results are being exhibited on the sand.

Before Buck’s arrival to Boise State, she worked for her alma mater, the University of New Mexico, as the director of volleyball operations for three years. In 2016, Buck was hired by head coach Shawn Garus as the assistant coach of Boise State’s indoor volleyball team. She was then promoted to head coach of beach volleyball in July 2017. Her experiences both on and off the court have set her up for the likely potential of a successful coaching career.

“I was indoor for a couple of years, so when the beach job came open it was amazing,” Buck said. “It was one of those opportunities you had to take. Being a head coach and being a part of the beach volleyball program with how much (the sport) has been changing all across the country, it’s just an exciting time to be part of the beach squad.”

Unlike indoor, beach volleyball plays in pairs. Competitions involve five games with each competing pair playing two 21-point sets. If a third set is necessary, it goes to 15 points.

The Boise State women’s beach volleyball team opened it’s 2019 season in Tucson, Arizona on Feb. 23 in a threegame tournament against Benedictine, Colorado Mesa and No. 14 Arizona. The women took care of Benedictine with ease, winning by a score of 4-1 to start off the season with a demanding win. That victory carried over into a punishing 5-0 sweep

18

MARCH 12, 2019

|

Boise State beach volleyball is 4-2, and will host their first home matches on April 19. over Colorado Mesa. The Broncos then put up an impressive fight against Arizona, but fell in the third set by a score of 11-15.

“It was definitely a team we could have beaten, we just didn’t get those last few points,” said sophomore Jenson Allen. “I thought for our first tournament we did pretty good considering Arizona is No. 14; I think going 3-2 is pretty good.”

The impressive start to the season follows the team’s disappointing 2017-18 season, in which the team posted a record of 4-11.

“I think the main thing compared from last season to this season is we’ve been training all fall and now we started earlier

ARBITERONLINE.COM

with our team to in January,” Buck said.

“We are expanding our schedule as much as possible when we can.”

The 2019 squad has a new look, which has a possible upside as the team is starting off already two wins away from last year’s record. With an expanded schedule involving facing more nationally recognized teams, the team’s opportunities for growth are only pointing upwards. With tournaments in Portland, Hawaii, Sacramento and Utah, the women will have the chance to play against top teams in the country like University of Washington and University of California and will eventually get another shot at Arizona towards the end of

Mackenzie Hudson | The Arbiter the season.

“Obviously Hawaii (is) going to be a pretty fun one for us but also a pretty serious one as well,” said Morgan Hughes, a senior transfer from St. Mary’s College.

“We have some pretty tough teams there like Cal who I have never lost to, so I am hoping to keep that legacy.”

The team played their next set of matches on March 9 and 10 at the Portland Pilots Tournament, where they defeated University of Portland and University of Oregon, and lost to University of Washington. The team will play their first home matches on April 19 against University of Arizona and Sacramento State.

OUR BEST GUESS The Arbiter aligns your stars.

PISCES, Mercury is in retrograde until

March 27 for you, so make sure to clarify your intentions. Accept changes that you can’t control, and try one thing that challenges you. Your artistic side will want to come out this week, so let loose and express yourself however feels right, and make sure you aren’t suppressing the parts of you that have something to say this week.

PISCES

FEB 18 - MARCH 20

ARIES

MARCH 20 - APR 20

Keep up the optimistic outlook this week, Aries!

Things will start to look up in your work and social life, as long as you do not let your short temper get in the way of your passions. Try to speak your mind with issues that are bothering you in relationships, whether they be platonic or romantic.

TAURUS

APR 20 - MAY 21 You might find yourself in some conflict this week, Taurus, if you do not speak your mind. Do not let your stubbornness get in the way of seeing the bigger picture. A friend may reach out, so continue to be the stable shoulder to lean on, and you could find out something new about yourself.

GEMINI

MAY 21 - JUN 21

Gemini, be sure to make confident decisions this week, so that you can get whatever projects are on your plate done, and enjoy the weekend. Curiosity killed the cat, so if you have a question, make sure to voice your concerns so as not to create further confusion.

CANCER

JUN 21 - JULY 23

A friend or significant other may need your support this week, and make sure to be honest in your advice, as they may need a guiding hand. If you have a busy schedule, do not let yourself get moody, but instead, make sure to set some time aside for yourself and do a little self-care.

LEO

JUL 23 - AUG 23

The sun is peeking out from behind the clouds, and that means only good things for you. The warmth will energize you and make you feel warm-hearted. Although the sun is out and the warmth can feel good, do not get distracted and slack off on your heavy workload.

VIRGO

AUG 23 - SEPT 23 Midterms are hard on everyone, but especially with your all-work-and-no-play mentality. Take time to hang out with friends and get together to study — kill two birds with one stone. Your hard work will pay off in more ways than one, and you should watch for a bonus or promotion at work.

LIBRA

SEPT 23 - OCT 22

This week, you will blossom into a social butterfly and make new connections in your social life and work life. Be open to old friends, and let go of grudges, so that the weight doesn’t hold you back.

Working with others can help you finish strong, so don’t be afraid to ask for help.

SCORPIO

OCT 23 - NOV 21 Secrets have been holding you back recently, so trust a friend and let yourself relax. Be careful, because secrets can cause jealousy, and may stop the progression of a relationship. Your resourcefulness will help you in the task you are hoping to accomplish in this week, so let your drive shine.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 22 - DEC 22

A busy schedule has kept you from reaching out to those closest to you, so make sure you take a moment and cherish them. Although last week was busy and this week the same, keep your head up and focus on finishing strong. Patience is key, and soon, your ideas will come to life.

CAPRICORN

DEC 22 - JAN 20 Busy, busy, busy! This coming week will challenge you and make you focus on your priorities.

Although work and school can be stressful, don’t always expect the worst. People might misinterpret your busy schedule for not caring, so make sure to show your support system some love.

AQUARIUS

JAN 20 - FEB 18

You can only stretch so far, Aquarius. Make sure you are finding a balance that works with your schedule. This week might have some confrontation with a peer, so embrace the awkwardness and persevere. Look at life through a new lens, and you might be surprised at what comes your way.

HIRING! Student Media is

Join a team of passionate students who produce The Arbiter and University Pulse - your student-run media outlets.

Apply by dates listed on Handshake. http://tinyurl.com/y4tte9l7

The Arbiter

Digital Content & Design

Editor-in-Chief 3/22 Online Editor 4/1 News Editor 4/12 News Reporter 4/12 Culture Editor 4/12 Culture Reporter 4/12 Sport & Rec Editor 4/12 Sports & Rec Reporter 4/12 Opinion Editor 4/12 Copy Editor 4/12 Social Media Coordinator 4/12

Digital Content Manager 3/22 Graphic Design Manager 3/22 Digital Content Producer 4/12 Graphic Designer 4/12 Illustrator 4/12

Advertising & Sales

Web/IT

Advertising & Sales Manager 3/22 Advertising & Sales Representative 4/12

Web Developer 4/12

University Pulse Radio General Manager 3/22 Promotions Director 4/12 Music Director 4/12 Operations Manager 4/12