October 22, 2019
Vol. 32 Issue 10
I N D EPEN DE NT
S T UDE NT
V O I CE
O F
B O I SE
STAT E
S I N C E
1 9 3 3
LET’S TALK ABOUT
PRIVILEGE Do we know it when we see it?
NEWS
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Service carriers have begun the process of implementing 5G data across the Boise area
VISIT US ONLINE:
OPINION
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CBD is the Treasure Valley’s new miracle medicine, and it may provide immense benefits to students arbiteronline.com
CULTURE
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An ASBSU initiative seeks to change the doctor’s note requirement for excused absences @arbiteronline
SPORTS & REC
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Faced with issues of funding and interest, the women’s club hockey team optimistically perseveres
@arbiteronline
@boisestatearbiter
Editor-In-Chief Logan Potter editor@stumedia.boisestate.edu Online Editor Emma Freitas onlineeditor@stumedia.boisestate.edu News Editor Celina Van Hyning news@stumedia.boisestate.edu News Reporter Taylor Rico-Pekerol news@stumedia.boisestate.edu Culture Editor Will Meyer culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu Culture Reporter Michelle Johnson culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu Sports Editor Delaney Brassil sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu Sports Reporter Autum Robertson sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu Copy Editor Megan Mary Social Media Coordinator Trisha Kangas 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 Kacie Fromhart 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.
PHOTO OF THE WEEK The Broncos split Montana State, losing Friday 5-3 and taking home a 6-3 win on the ice Saturday. Mackenzie Hudson | The Arbiter
ON THE COVER:
Evidence of privilege exists across Boise State and beyond, but many are unsure of its definition. Students and of ficials discuss their experiences with recognizing the privilege of themselves and those around them. Cover design by Kacie Fromhart
HOW TO REACH US: CONTACT US: editor@stumedia.boisestate.edu 208.426.6302 PHYSICAL LOCATION: Located on first floor of Lincoln Avenue Garage Suites
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MAILING ADDRESS: Student Media MS 1340 1910 W Universit y Dr. Boise, ID 83725 -1340
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EVENTS
SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS
NON-PROFIT COMPETITION
VENTURE COLLEGE OCTOBER 22, 5 PM
The Venture College is hosting workshops for individuals interested in non-profit work. Students will compete in a three minute “pitch-off” in front of non-profit founders and entrepreneurs.
ERTH’S PREHISTORIC AQUARIUM ADVENTURE MORRISON CENTER
VOLLEYBALL The Broncos hosted University of Wyoming on Saturday, Oct. 19. Despite claiming the first set of the game, the Broncos couldn’t hold on as the Cowgirls rallied back to win 3-1. Boise State is now 12-7 overall and 4-4 in conference play. Read the full game review on our website.
OCTOBER 22, 7PM
Using actors, technology, puppets and scientific research, the creators of this visual experience invite all ages to attend this presentation of paleontology and prehistoric marine reptiles.
2019 BOISE GRILLED CHEESE & BEER FESTIVAL
CECIL D. ANDRUS
OCTOBER 26, 12:30 PM
Enjoy endless samples of grilled cheese prepared by local chefs in a unique array of styles. Live music, games and craft beer will also be available.
“SPOOK”-TACULAR CONCERT
SIMPLOT BALLROOM OCTOBER 27, 7:30 PM
Join the Boise State Jazz and Symphony Orchestras for a night full of music and dancing. Be sure to come dressed up to participate in the costume contest. Admission is free for students with ID.
WOMEN’S SOCCER The Mountain West-leading Boise State soccer team (15-2, 7-1) had a productive weekend on the road. On Friday, Oct. 18, they beat Wyoming 1-0 in double overtime; this marked a program record of 14 wins for the Broncos. On Sunday, Boise State continued their winning streak by taking down Colorado State 1-0.
SWIMMING AND DIVING Boise State attended the San Diego Tri-Meet on Friday, Oct. 18. The Broncos went 1-1, defeating Pepperdine 252-43 and losing to San Diego State 158-134. Boise State claimed four of the top five places in the 200-yard individual medley, with sophomore Katie McCoy securing first place (2:03.58).
NEWS
OCTOBER 22, 2019 | ARBITERONLINE.COM
ST. LUKE’S GRANTED $3.4 MILLION FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION RESEARCH Patients who exhibit suicidal tendencies in an assessment will be asked to participate in a prevention study
Taylor Rico-Pekerol | News Reporter | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu
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n 2016, Idaho had the eighth-highest suicide rate with an average death rate 50% higher than the national average. Idaho has the sixth-highest rate of suicide in the country currently, but the number seems to be growing. St. Luke’s Medical Center is hoping to lower that number. To reach their goal, the hospital was granted $3.4 million to study suicide prevention in Idaho. Dr. Anna Radin is an applied research scientist at St. Luke’s and is the principal investigator for the study, along with Dr. Sam Pullen and are going to start the study by the summer of 2020. “I think what is exciting about this study is the immediate impact that will improve the quality of care and the consistency of care that is available to any patient that screens positive for suicide risk at St. Luke’s,” Radin said. “Along with the enduring impact of the study – what we learn from our study may inform and influence suicide prevention protocols at health systems across the state and nationally.” There are 29 study sites across the state of Idaho. Eight are emergency care sites and 21 are primary care locations. Participants of the study can range from ages 12 to 17 in adolescence and 18 and up for adults. Any patient that visits St. Luke’s will go through a brief suicide risk screening process within the paperwork they fill out and may decline to participate if they wish. Those that test positive for risk of suicide will take part in a safety plan and, if they consent, be part of the study. “There, I think, is a really striking statistic that we often site that 50% who lose their life to suicide have seen a healthcare provider within the month before their death,” Radin said. “I think that statistic just really highlights the opportunity and
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the responsibility for health care settings to do more to identify and support patients who are at risk, and the importance of this research to learn about the best ways health systems can help to prevent suicide.” John Reusser is the director of the Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline, as well as a partner working with St. Luke’s to provide support and knowledge on the subject. According to Reusser, 14,000 residents of Idaho called the 24/7 hotline, and the number is set to match — if not grow — in 2019. “One of the things that increases suicide risk for folks are care transitions, so people are at elevated risk for suicide when they are discharged from emergency departments,” Reusser said. “By providing this follow up service, we’re hoping to see less suicide attempts and completions for folks all over the state but specifically people who are seen in emergency departments and primary care settings.” The Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline closed for lack of funding in 2006 and was re-instated in 2012. They are a public-private partnership and are funded by the Department of Health and Welfare and the Division of Veteran Services. Any additional funding is provided by grants, fundraisers and private donations. From 2015 to 2016, the hotline began making calls to patients discharged from St. Alphonsus, an advanced center for trauma patients, that were at risk of suicide. In 2017, the same service began for St. Luke’s and other crisis centers in the state. “It’s truly quite groundbreaking. There [have] been some studies of effectiveness of discharge follow up in addition to safety planning within emergency department or primary care setting,” Reusser said. “So, it is really going to help provide some sort of empirical or database support to the
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The St. Luke’s study aims to lower the alarmingly high suicide rate in Idaho. Kacie Fromhart | The Arbiter activities we are doing at the hotline.” For the day-to-day research, the Applied Research Department (ARD) has a team of research coordinators and assistants based at St. Luke’s, and they will rely on the staff in the Emergency Department (ED). The staff in the ED will be trained on how to work within the study and interact with those in the ARD. Katherine Ferrell is a junior nursing major and works as a certified nursing assistant in the oncology department at St. Luke’s. “I just think that, in Idaho, mental health hasn’t always been the most pressing issue that people have been focusing on,” Ferrell said. “I think it’s really good for people to bring awareness to this really prevalent topic that’s happening in our communities and our state. And I feel very proud that the place I am working at is helping to figure out some ways that we can help or prevent suicide.”
The study will be conducted for three years and will study patients for 12 to 18 months. Then, researchers will complete the research by following up with those participants. St. Luke’s will be recruiting 1,460 participants; one-third will be adolescents and two-thirds will be adults. “Within Idaho, with St. Luke’s and all the different groups we’ve partnered with there is such an awareness that this is a really important issue and deserves more attention. But we’ve received really incredible support within the state, within the community, and within our health system and all our partners,” Radin said. “And I think that is what is going to allow us to pull this off. This is a really big undertaking but we’ve got really amazing support and a great group of partners.”
NEWS
CARRIERS BEGIN PLACING 5G LTE TOWERS IN BOISE
The newest generation of cellular data finds its way to Boise, but is not quite ready Bridger Cowan | Staff Writer | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu
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he northeastern Currently, there are only stoplight at the 15 devices that support 5G. intersection of Apple’s iPhones are not inBannock and cluded on the list, and likely 8th Street in downtown won’t be 5G-capable until Boise has received an innothe fall of 2020 or 2021. vative, but likely unnoticed, “Few devices on the new feature. When looked market today are capable of at carefully, a wireless data 5G, and those that are [catransmitter can be seen at the pable] operate in a low 5G top of the light pole. frequency band,” Jessen said. This new Verizon trans“These initial 5G devices mitter is emitting 5G data may not be able to operate signals. 5G cell data boasts on future 5G networks that speeds up to 100 times fastare projected to use several er than 4G data; at its highdifferent frequency bands.” est capacity, entire movies Brian Patterson is a sophocan be downloaded in HD more mechanical engineering resolutions in a matter of major who has shown great seconds. 5G is the expected interest in current technologsuccessor of 4G LTE cellular ical innovations and trends. data, and has recently found He claims that 4G speeds its way into the Boise area. still meet the public’s needs Because of the differences and, therefore, make 5G less between 5G and 4G data of a priority. technology, integration of 5G “It may [just] be that it’s usage will be more challengjust not a priority in the ing and time-consuming than tech community as a whole consumers might hope. right now because 4G works “There are very few areas just fine for most people,” today where you can get a Patterson said. “I think, at 5G signal,” said Shad Jessen, least in the near future, what director of communications we’re going to see is where Full implementation of 5G in Boise is likely years down the line with the exception of a few eligible phones. for the Office of Informa4G is still going to be your Wyatt Wurtenberger | The Arbiter tion Technology (OIT) main network that you’re on at Boise State. “Verizon but similar to dead zones of speeds, or stop them from working at all. years for providers to install the infrastrucbegan rolling out 5G antennas in Boise 4G [where] you’ll get 3G, maybe they’ll try “You need to be very near a 5G antenna ture necessary to provide 5G coverage last month, but because 5G network radio to implement 5G hotspots in areas with to pick up a 5G signal,” Jessen said. “This for all of your devices,” said Brian Bolt, waves are inherently more condensed than denser populations.” means cellular providers must install more the deputy chief information officer for other cell signals, they are more likely to Though 5G was officially introduced antennas to provide blanket 5G coverage OIT. “You’re likely going to see additional be absorbed by building materials in dense as you move about, possibly even antenna to the Boise area last month, full impleantennas everywhere, and they’re going to urban areas.” mentation of this new generation of data repeaters on every street.” cost providers a lot of money to install.” 4G radio waves have much lower wave technology still seems to be years down the The increased reach of 4G towers means Given the strict conditions necessary to frequencies, allowing them to travel road. For now, a select few will be able to fewer are needed to pick up a signal. On have a consistent and reliable 5G signal, farther and through dense objects, such enjoy the incredibly fast data speeds that the contrary, multiple 5G antennas will telecommunication providers such as as buildings or trees. The same can not be 5G offers. However, for most, 4G will have to be placed in very close vicinity to Verizon and T-Mobile have a lot of work said for 5G; even moving out of clear sight ensure steady 5G coverage. remain as the standard for cellular data for ahead to lay the foundation for this new of 5G antennas will either sharply cut your the foreseeable future. “It’s going to take at least a couple of generation of wireless cell data. OCTOBER 22, 2019
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NEWS
CAREER AND GRADUATE FAIR FINDS NEWFOUND POPULARITY Hundreds of students gathered to explore exclusive career and grad school opportunities Stephanie Gull | Staff Writer | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu
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ith close to 130 graduate schools and employers in the Jordan Ballroom of the Student Union Building, the opportunities seemed limitless. The room was buzzing with nervous energy and excited conversation with cookies, candies and games around every corner. Out of the 30 Career and Graduate Fairs she has seen on campus, Career Services director Debbie Kaylor said the event on Wednesday, Oct. 16 was the biggest she has witnessed to date. “One of the myths I think about career fairs is that you should only go if you’re a senior,” Kaylor said. “We want freshmen, sophomores, juniors — we want everybody to go, because even if you’re a first-year student, you can walk in there and talk to employers about what they’re looking for and get to know employers in the area.” For senior environmental majors Rebecca Mayer, Marlia Harnden and Ariana Fernandes, the career fair caught their attention as they hope to answer the impending questions of what their futures may hold. “It’s nice to see the variety of things that are out there,” Harnden explained. “Even though we’re environmental study students, it’s just interesting to see the diversity of what’s available, and beyond what you immediately think of when you think ‘environment.’” Sarah Pooley, junior materials science and engineering major, also discussed the benefits she found in attending the career fair. Being a recent transfer student and new to the Boise area, Pooley loved the ability to scout out the local companies and see what jobs and internships are available. The only regret Pooley found in attending this year’s career center is simply not being prepared enough for it. This concept was expanded upon further by Career Services career counselor Lauryn Case, who impressed upon the idea of preparing
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before the event. The secret to success at the career fair is not only researching the companies and grad schools that will be present, according to Case, but that it also depends on the students’ expectations when they go into it. “If they’re expecting to instantly get a job from this career fair, then they might leave a little bit disappointed,” Case said. “But if they come in with expectations that they want to meet and connect with a couple of employers, learn about some companies, learn about how their degree and skills can be useful, then I think they come away pretty happy and have really positive interactions with those employers, which then leads to other good opportunities later on.” Case described how each student should show up equipped with multiple questions and not be afraid to ask the employers anything because being curious and open-minded are vital qualities that these employers are eager to see. “They love questions. They’re here because they want to talk to students, so they wouldn’t be here if they didn’t want to answer all those questions,” Case said. “And it might seem like a dumb question to you, but to them, it could be something that they never thought about before, and it just kind of shows a little bit more about who you are.” As the fair was spilling into the surrounding hallways, Kaylor went on to explain that the biggest challenge the Career Services has faced when putting on this event is student attendance. While every student understandably has a busy life and schedule, simply finding 30 minutes to swing by the fair could greatly benefit their future endeavors. “We are sitting in Boise, Idaho, where every single student on this campus could walk out and get an internship or a Work U experience, without ever having to leave for the summer or leave for the semester,” Kaylor Students had the chance to explore life after graduation with a number of employsaid. “If you are doing those things, you are ers and graduate schools. setting yourself apart from all of the others.” Taylor Humby | The Arbiter
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NEWS
STUDENTS FIND THEIR VOICES AHEAD OF THE 2020 ELECTION
The presidential election is approaching quickly and campus political groups are readily preparing Karsyn Preble | Staff Writer | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu
Boise State students are using the next election to let their voices be heard on a broader platform. Wyatt Wurtenberger | The Arbiter
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s the 2020 presidential election nears, more opportunities are arising for Boise State students to get involved and make a difference. Whether getting directly involved through internships or simply starting a conversation about national politics on campus, students are finding ways to make their voices heard. Dr. Isaac Castellano, the internship coordinator of the political science program, discussed the many opportunities for students to get involved, such as interning with the state parties, volunteering in the upcoming Democratic primary process and getting involved with interest groups. “There is no shortage of opportunity for
students to be involved in political activity,” Castellano said. Castellano explained that a large proportion of people who show up to Democratic and Republican party meetings are of an older demographic. “There’s not going to be a lot of useful youth-based perspective in those parties,” Castellano said. “So it can be really advantageous for both parties and those constituencies to get representation in that party structure and make those issues that may only pertain to the [younger generations] front and center in political campaigns.” By giving students the ability to work alongside politicians, they are acting as the voices of the future. Many student organizations and clubs on campus are doing
their part to raise awareness about their stances in the upcoming election. The Young Democrats at Boise State work to provide guidance and opportunities to students who are interested in politics. “The goals of Young Democrats are to get students familiar with, involved and comfortable with the functions of local, state and national politics,” said Claire Vååge, vice president of the organization. “Whether you are interested in campaigning, lobbying [or] voter activism, we want to supply you with the connections and support to do it all.” In preparation for the 2020 elections, the members of Young Democrats have found ways to get students engaged, including co-hosting several Democratic
debate watch parties with the Political Science Association. Vååge explained that as a political club, the Young Democrats must stay adaptable. “Being a politically affiliated club is hard in that you have to focus on what is presently going on — looking to the future, which is always evolving, is a gamble,” Vååge said. “We roll with what is given to us and make the most of it all for our members.” Ultimately, Vååge stated that the importance of students being involved in politics lies within the outcomes. By staying active and taking action, students have the power to make changes. Victoria Mayer, president of the College Republicans at Boise State University, discussed the importance of giving students the opportunity to explore and debate their opinions about politics. “Our goal is to provide a political perspective and offer students the ability to have conversations about politics in a safe environment,” Mayer said. The College Republicans encourage students of all backgrounds and ideologies to attend their weekly meetings in order to engage in respectful debates about current topics. Mayer discussed future plans from the College Republicans in an effort to get more students involved in the conversation about the 2020 election, including the possibility of “Change My Mind” discussion tables and simulated voting booths. By taking political action and establishing an environment of discussion, students have the ability to make a change in the presidential election and in future politics in general. “In politics, I think we have a massive impact because we speak for a lot of topics that these politicians that are [older] aren’t involved in,” Mayer said. “I think it is extremely critical that students start thinking about politics and what their values are, because it will literally shape the future.”
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OPINION OCTOBER 22, 2019 | ARBITERONLINE.COM
THE ‘UNBELIEVABLE’ POWER OF BELIEVING VICTIMS The Netflix show tells a story of misogyny and abuse from before the #MeToo era Blake Hunter | Opinion Editor | opinion@stumedia.boisestate.edu
Content warning: Discussions about sexual assault. he intensity of “Unbelievable” might just be the reason people don’t watch the show, but it shouldn’t be. The first episode of the new Netflix series, based on true events, is extremely triggering. It starts with the aftermath of teenager Marie Adler’s (played by Kaitlyn Dever) sexual assault while living in Washington in 2008. Adler is young and living alone for the first time when a man breaks into her home and assaults her. The detectives on her case are two men who are clearly ill-equipped to help sexual assault victims, and are astounded by a lack of forensic evidence. Faced with dead ends, the possibility that Adler lied about the assault in a desperate bid for attention is more convenient for them, so they isolate her and gaslight her into retracting her statement. This is not surprising. The Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) cites that out of unreported cases of sexual assault, 13% of victims believed police would not help them, while 20% of victims did not report because they feared retaliation. It’s appalling, but not surprising. Nor is it surprising when her friends begin to bully Adler and she loses her employment and housing. Three years later, Detective Karen Duvall (played by Merritt Wever) is called to the scene of another sexual assault in Colorado. Her investigation teams up with Grace Rasmussen (played by Toni Collette), who is investigating very similar crimes, and the series becomes a crime procedural injected with the tragedy of real-life, led by women who derive their ability from their conviction. Detectives Duvall and Rasmussen empathize with their victims, which ends up being their greatest tool. The result is the
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Kaitlyn Dever plays Marie Adler, a teen struggling in the aftermath of her sexual assault in Netflix’s new show “Unbelievable.” Photo courtesy of Netflix exposed abuse of power by Adler’s detectives, who firmly believe in their own good intentions until photographic evidence proves that Adler was assaulted by the same man who is assaulting women in Colorado. Susannah Grant, the show’s creator, is grabbing at myths that still exist after the #MeToo era. We understand that current power structures are built to allow abuse at work and at home, yet victims are still disbelieved at alarming rates. Research shows that sexual violence is misreported at the same rates as any other crime, yet stigma and a lack of knowledge about how to deal with trauma leads to the majority of sexual assaults still going unreported. The cascade of allegations in the #MeToo era was the breaking of a dam that forced us
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to recognize the prevalence of sexual assault, and also called to question why we ignored it for so long. People who are neither perpetrators nor victims were confronted by their own kind of violence, very different, but far more common: silence. Yet in “Unbelievable,” some silence still reigns. #MeToo was the era to respond to sexual violence and harassment against white women, and while it is crucial to respond to that violence, it ignores the incredibly high rates of sexual violence and other violence against people of color. The Indian Law Resource Center’s research shows that one in two Native American women experience sexual violence in their lifetime and, this week, Brianna Hill of Kansas City became the 21st trans person of color to be
murdered in the U.S. in 2019 alone. National movements to respond to violence against trans people of color and indigenous people — particularly women — have been in place for decades, yet have never received the global attention of #MeToo. If we started there — if we told those stories, listened to and believed those victims, it would be far more monumental in removing the permanently linked establishments of gender based violence and racism in our culture. “Unbelievable” exists because it is a story of vindication. It indulges in the rage of the #MeToo era, with Detective Rasmussen at one point, frustrated with a man, yelling “But where is his outrage?” But where is our outrage?
OPINION
CBD IS THE MIRACLE MEDICINE YOU NEED TO TRY
Stress relief and muscle relaxation are just some of CBD’s benefits Celina Van Hyning | News Editor | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu
Boise’s CBD stores introduce an alternative medicine new to the Treasure Valley.
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n addition to being a full-time college student, I’m also working three jobs to support myself. The work I do is extremely rewarding, but some days the stress is just too much to bear. In the summer of 2018, I was diagnosed with moderate clinical depression, and my doctor suggested that I take a break from my heavy workload. But that was not an option for me. I tried every antidepressant on the market, from Zoloft to Prozac. I tried every kind of talking therapy, meditation and yoga classes and even made dietary changes. Nothing worked and I felt hopeless. One day, a close friend of mine suggested that I try a dose of her cannabidiol (CBD) oil. Almost instantly, my anxiety was near-
ly gone and my brain was silent. A year later, I am the happiest I have ever been. CBD is “a phytocannabinoid derived from Cannabis species, which is devoid of psychoactive activity, with analgesic, anti-inflammatory activities.” Unlike marijuana, CBD does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive in the drug. With THC out of the picture, users experience a so-called “body high” without the psychological effects the drug can have. In Idaho, CBD has made an unexpected appearance. Most recently, the new store The Honey Pot has opened within walking distance from Boise State’s campus. With CBD readily available to Boise residents, many have questioned how the state allows businesses to sell CBD products if
Mackenzie Hudson | The Arbiter marijuana is still illegal. According to Idaho law, unless CBD oil contains 0% THC, is derived from one of five listed parts of the cannabis plant and is completely excluded from the Idaho Code’s definition of marijuana, it is a controlled substance. This means businesses can sell CBD products as long as they are within these guidelines. The sale of CBD in Idaho is far too regulated. When using CBD, users do not experience the psychoactive effects they would with standard THC. If a substance does not get you high, why would the state regulate it as if it does? CBD is commonly used as an alternative to treatment or medication for chronic pain, such as migraines. Yolanda Martinez, a senior secondary education and
history major, spent years using Excedrin and other medications to treat migraines, nausea and vomiting, before switching to something more natural. “I decided to try CBD because I was honestly pretty reliant on Excedrin for my migraines,” Martinez said. “Anytime I would feel one come on, I would not hesitate to take two. I felt scared because I thought maybe I was becoming reliant on them.” After doing her own research, Martinez said she finally decided to try CBD for her pain and was instantly in awe of the relief. “I feel so much happier after switching over and just overall healthier knowing I’m not putting that stuff in my body anymore,” Martinez said. “It’s important to find alternatives to help those who are physically in pain without creating a habit.” Students like Martinez believe CBD can be beneficial to anyone struggling with any pain. Jaya Littlewing, a sophomore environmental studies major, began using CBD to treat her anxiety and soon found that it may be beneficial to anyone willing to try it. “I believe CBD is very important for people who struggle with sleep, anxiety and mood,” Littlewing said. “It’s an all natural remedy from a plant that doesn’t require you to take hard prescription drugs that have a variety of side effects. I’m happy it’s getting more accepted and known throughout Idaho because it really can help so many people.” Idaho is not exactly progressive in terms of legalizing marijuana or products similar to marijuana. But if Idahoans can relieve the stress of working in a never-raising minimum wage job without using medication they can’t afford, why not let them?
HAVE A COMMENT OR REBUTTAL? EMAIL US AT: OPINION@STUMEDIA.BOISESTATE.EDU
OCTOBER 22, 2019
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PRIVILEGE:
DO WE KNOW IT WHEN WE SEE IT? CELINA VAN HYNING | NEWS EDITOR | NEWS@STUMEDIA.BOISESTATE.EDU
Privilege isn’t a physical commodity, making it difficult for one to acknowledge within themselves. Kacie Fromhart | The Arbiter
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rancisco Salinas recalls walking to his car on a late night when he realized something about himself that forever changed the way he understood his privilege. “One of the first encounters I had with understanding privilege as a younger man was recognizing that, when I walked to my car at night, I don’t have the same concerns that somebody who is a woman might have walking into her car in a dark parking lot,” said Salinas, now Boise State’s director of Student Diversity and Inclusion. “I don’t have to worry about my physical safety, generally, in the same way that somebody who is of a different gender might.” Salinas’ experience taught him how to recognize what kind of privilege he has as a man. Understanding privilege is part of Salinas’ position, but others in the campus community may not understand or acknowledge the privilege they have simply because of traits such as race, gender and socioeconomic status. Others may reject the notion of privilege entirely, instead maintaining the position that the issue serves to divide rather than support. Defining privilege Privilege is a very broad concept, and recently the topic of whether privilege exists has been at the center of a widespread national and cultural debate. In short, privilege refers to any advantage that is unearned, exclusive or socially conferred. The definition varies, but evidence of privilege within a number of demographics exists across the status quo; nonetheless, many do not acknowledge its presence. Oblivion to one’s own privilege is a characteristic of the social system in which society participates. Carissa Wolf, a lecturer in the Boise State Sociology department, explained that privilege is not a tangible possession, which can make it difficult for those benefiting from it to acknowledge it. “Privilege isn’t always that obvious to us. It’s sort of like being a fish in the water; we don’t notice the water until the water is taken away,” Wolf said. “Very simply, privilege is different things for different people. What might be a privilege for one person
might not feel like much of a privilege to another person, [and] what might feel like a struggle to one person might not feel as much of a struggle to another person.” In her time studying sociology, Wolf learned how privilege is fluid among individuals. The important thing, however, is acknowledging the privileges one has. “[Privilege is] not easy to define, not only because it varies from person to person, but how people experience privilege is going to be very different,” Wolf said. “So you take just coming to this university — that takes a lot of privilege. But how people experience that privilege is going to be very different based upon who they are and their background.” Presence of privilege at Boise State From the moment Salinas realized his male privilege, he began reflecting on his own experience and the privileges that he possessed to no fault of his own. “When you become aware of it, you see privilege in lots of different places,” Salinas said. “There’s privilege in who doesn’t have an opportunity to attend Boise State just because of whether or not they are a citizen. Because of no action of my own, I happened to be born in the United States. That gives me a privilege as a citizen in the United States to openly request financial aid from our federal institutions.” Salinas explained that, although Boise State is a public university, many of the students attending Boise State come from a privileged background. Of the 22,480 students currently enrolled at Boise State, 14,593 identify as white, an overwhelming majority to the 357 African American students, 2,445 Hispanic students and 70 Native American students. According to research conducted by Arthur Scarritt, chair of the Sociology department, white students have “disproportionate access to scholarship funds and much more in family funds.” Scarritt found that racism is built into the foundation of higher education. He wrote that predominantly white universities “are becoming concentrated in the most selective universities with high levels of per-student spending.” In contrast,
students of color are typically admitted to public universities “with flat levels of instructional spending despite rising tuition.” The research presents evidence that supports the claim that privilege plays a role in higher education: institutions give white students every opportunity and tool to succeed, while students of color are expected to create their own success by jumping through institutional hoops like financial aid and housing. Privilege in politics On Sept. 23, Maricela Deveney, a junior health sciences major and the president of Movimiento Estudiantil Progressive Action (MEPA), and Alejandra Hernandez, a junior health sciences major and member of MEPA, visited the Idaho State Capitol in an attempt to make Latinx students more comfortable in a political setting. “For a lot of us, we weren’t raised going into spaces like that, so it’s a place that was very unknown,” Deveney wrote in an email. “I wanted Latinx [people] to be able to claim their space in politics and feel as if they have just as much right to be in that space than anyone else.” According to Deveney, when the topic of immigration was brought to lawmakers’ attention, one of the representatives avoided the question by speaking about the amount of great security America possesses. “If I were to walk down Main Street in the middle of the night with a wallet full of hundred dollar bills, I wouldn’t feel afraid,” the lawmaker said, according to Deveney. Hernandez explained she wants more representatives to speak about important issues rather than just caring about their reputations. “I was very angry,” Hernandez wrote. “I was speechless. I didn’t know exactly what to say because there was so much to say that I didn’t know how to say it.” Deveney acknowledged that she is lucky to have been born in the United States. She explained that, in recognizing her own privilege, lawmakers must recognize theirs, as well. “I think that it is important to have a conversation about privilege because it helps you understand not only your background, but the background of others,”
Deveney wrote. “The fact that they are in positions that can completely change someone’s life, they need to acknowledge that power.” Deveney feels that politicians often make comments similar to the one made by the lawmakers at the Capitol that day. She said that acknowledging their luck of living in the United States is a step towards understanding their privilege. “I think that it’s also important that they can acknowledge how they were able to get that power,” Deveney wrote. “For many of them, it was inherited because they belong to the group of people that our American institutions are catered to.” Hernandez explained that, while the events at the Capitol made her uncomfortable, they also inspired her to use her own privilege to fight for representation. “It definitely inspired me to raise my voice,” Hernandez wrote. “Even though I am a minority, I still have more privilege than others.” Privilege in higher education Questions of privilege surround the ongoing discussions of campus diversity and inclusion efforts at Boise State. In July 2019, Rep. Barbara Ehardt wrote a letter to President Marlene Tromp concerning the university’s diversity and inclusion initiatives. The letter was signed by Ehardt and 28 other Idaho House representatives and has sparked many conversations regarding inclusion. In this letter, Ehardt discussed that funding these programs will not only separate and divide students, but drive up the cost of tuition and “put degrees out of reach for the average Idaho student.” After the letter reached the public, Ehardt was criticized by students and Democratic representatives for
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writing racially charged concepts into the body of the letter. Ehardt explained that her motives in writing the letter were out of concern for students’ education and not racially charged. While she acknowledges that higher education is a privilege in itself, Ehardt feels that the context in which privilege is used today can be harmful in acknowledging what each individual’s privilege is. “I don’t buy into the contention or the thought process that [privilege is] being used now because it’s being used as a weapon,” Ehardt said. “And I believe it’s being used as something to divide and separate us and that’s disappointing, because there’s so many things that can bring us together.”
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HOW AN ASBSU INITIATIVE IS CALLING FOR CHANGE IN EXCUSED ABSENCES
Doctor’s notes may eventually be a thing of the past for sick students on campus Ben Harris | Staff Writer | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu
The new initiative to remove doctor’s note requirements would allow sick students healing time. Mackenzie Hudson | The Arbiter
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llness is an inevitable aspect of the student experience, and most have taken a sick day and had to skip class. Most often, missing class can mean falling behind or losing attendance points. The typical class syllabus allows for a small amount of unexcused absences, but anything more than that can require a doctor’s note to give students an adequate amount of time for recovery. Denise Peruski, a nurse practitioner with Boise State Health Services, explained that the office wants to work with students to give them the most successful outcome. “We offer notes to miss class due to illness depending on the length of illness,” Peruski said. “I tell them they are here to be successful at the university, and if illness gets in the way that we will work with them and reach out to who we need to reach out to.” While a doctor’s note is an option for
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some students, they are not always accessible for others. Some students lack health insurance and cannot afford the out-ofpocket expenses of visiting the doctor, while other times it is simply not practical. If a student has the flu or strep throat that will go away in a few days, going to a doctor may not seem like the best route. Dehra McFaddan, social work graduate student and secretary of academic affairs for ASBSU, wants to change the doctor’s note policy. She is currently working to create a policy change that would provide a different way for students to take the time to recover from an illness without having to get a doctor’s note. “It’s making it clear that having a doctor’s note isn’t always needed,” McFaddan said. “There’s other forms of having an excused absence when you’re sick, and that sickness can look a lot of different ways.” One way McFaddan thinks recovery
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time could be more accessible to students is through a document used at other universities called a declaration of sickness. After getting sick and communicating that with their professor, a student can fill out a docu-
“It’s kind of a form of economic discrimination, just assuming that everyone has access to health care and coverage when that’s not the case.” Dehra McFaddan, secretary of academic affairs for ASBSU
ment stating that they were sick for a certain amount of days and have it notarized. McFaddan hopes that a change like this will give students the accessibility they need. “Ideally, it’s just so students have more of a buffer for when they’re not feeling well,” McFaddan said. “It’s kind of a form of economic discrimination, just assuming that everyone has access to health care and coverage when that’s not the case.” Economic discrimination is the last thing that Dr. Heather Witt, social work professor at Boise State, wants in her classroom. That is why, for the past three semesters, Witt has worked a declaration of illness policy into her syllabus. From Witt’s perspective, providing economic accessibility to students is an important aspect of the social work program. “I just decided to move forward with it as a way to try to bring economic justice into the classroom,” Witt said. “As social workers, we have social justice ethics and values to our code of ethics, and economic justice is one of them.” According to Witt, the implementation of the new policy has not created any major changes in how students attend class. Only two students have filled out an illness declaration this semester, and both of them did not need to go to the doctor, despite having insurance. Though the doctor’s note is a campus standard, Witt believes that critically analyzing ways in which campus can be more inclusive will benefit everybody. “That’s always how it was for me when I was in school, and so I just continued on with that without kind of giving it a critical analysis of how that would be impacting my students,” Witt said. “Now that I’ve done that and I see this alternative, I see a lot of benefits.”
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SARA THOMAS: THE STUDENT FACE BEHIND CAMPUS EVENTS
Thomas starts her second year creating and facilitating events that students love Taylor Humby | Digital Content Manager | digitalcontent@stumedia.boisestate.edu
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tudents who have been to a campus event in recent years are likely to have encountered the welcoming smile of Sara Thomas. A third year communication student, Thomas’ life was changed when she started work as a programming assistant for the Student Involvement and Leadership Center (SILC), a job that requires her to help create and host staple events on campus, such as Splatter Party and Spring Fling. Now in her second year at SILC, Thomas hopes to pay it forward by helping others find a sense of community at Boise State and make the most out of their college experience. “I started as a programming assistant last year, and I had no idea what I was really getting myself into,” Thomas said. “I like planning events, but I didn’t know how much fun it would be and the relationships that I would build from it.” With SILC hosting a total of 53 events last year and 30 more planned for this semester alone, the programming assistants are integral in ensuring programs run smoothly. “Ideas start at our proposal meetings, where we all go through and propose three to four events, ranging from social-driven to more service-oriented,” Thomas said. “We all get to have a say in whether this is reflecting the mission of Student Involvement, and then we get assigned to different events discussed. This semester I was assigned five events, and especially with recurring events that students may have been to in the past, I try to think how can I make an event still exciting for students to go to.” With months of planning, it is actually seeing events like Spring Fling come together that gives Thomas a sense of pride, as well as a reminder for why her passion lies in programming. “In a general sense, people having a smile on their face and seeing that what we are doing is making them happy means so much to me,” Thomas said. “It’s amazing the impact I have seen these events have on students. For
Thomas works to further student involvement in event planning. Taylor Humby | The Arbiter example, at an open mic night, I encouraged a nervous girl to sign up and sing and, afterwards, she thanked me so much for pushing her outside of her comfort zone and how happy she was for doing it.” Campus Programs coordinator Mikayla Mitzel commends Thomas for the passion she brings to every project worked on and the personal growth Mitzel has seen. “When Sara came in, she was very shy, and the programming assistant job requires
you to step out and chat with students to make them feel warm and welcomed at events,” Mitzel said. “Now this being her second year, she just jumps right in and is willing to take on a leadership role, she knows the job and knows that she needs to be there and chat with everyone.” Allowing students professional development opportunities are not the only benefit to hiring students, according to Mitzel. “Programming assistants really allow the
students to have a voice in the programs that are being proposed for themselves,” Mitzel said. “This team of students really help to say what the university culture wants to be and what the students want to see come to life.” SILC director Charlie Varland appreciates Thomas’ approach to her work, particularly in understanding how such student activities contribute towards a sense of connection, community and belonging on campus. “Events like a movie night or Splatter Party are generally fun and exciting things for students to go to,” Varland said. “But at the same time, they are important to the university because it creates a vibrant campus life where students really feel a sense of community and feeling that Boise State is their home, that they belong here.” SILC cites proven research in the work they do linking involvement on campus to various levels of success for students over their college career. “When students get involved, they’re more likely to be retained, persist and do better academically,” Varland said. “I think Sara is a part of a dynamic team of student leaders and employees that is doing really good work here on campus, and I believe that Boise State and the sense of campus community that we have is better because of the great work that Sara and her team does.” Although Thomas has grown herself in creating the well-known events people on campus know and love, she hopes students will take advantage of opportunities to get involved themselves. “Get an idea for what you’re interested in, and try to do things outside your comfort zone, because it will have the biggest payoff,” Thomas said. “I know there’s something here at Boise State for everyone’s interest that they can really, truly love.”
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SERVICE DOGS PLAY AN INTEGRAL ROLE IN STUDENTS’ LIVES
Animals are trained to support the various needs of their companions Thomas Metzger | Staff Writer | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu
Service dogs undergo intense training to adequately support future owners.
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any have a special bond with their pets, even considering them to be essential members of their family. Some go beyond that, however, and are essential to their owner’s life. Service dogs receive specialized training to help a person with a disability. There are various disabilities that could require a service animal, whether it be visual, hearing or mobility impairment. There are currently over 500,000 service dogs aiding those with disabilities in America. Brittany Picker is a puppy raiser for Guide Dogs for the Blind, and has been with the organization for almost eight years. She is currently training her fifth puppy, which consists of teaching him house manners and socialization. “The dogs start their training pretty much as soon as they’re born,” Picker said. “They go to puppy raisers at about eight weeks old, and we will have them for about a year teaching them manners and
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how to behave in public.” By the time they turn two years old, each dog will be fully trained. “You can think of guide dogs as the equivalent of someone with a Ph.D, since they have a lot more training, but you can have a service dog for all kinds of things,” Picker said. Picker also noted that different types of service animals require different types and levels of training. Canine Companions for Independence is another organization that helps train service animals across the United States. Service animals are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Service dogs may be easier to acquire than many believe Picker noted. “As long as they have a specific disability requiring the need of a service dog, and that dog is specifically task-trained to assist with that disability, that’s all the requirement that’s needed for a service dog,” Picker said.
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Taylor Humby | The Arbiter Todd Hall is a veteran and student at Boise State who has a service dog. Hall says that the process for getting a service dog is fairly painless. Hall went through Veteran’s Affairs, who helped him take care of all the necessary paperwork. Hall’s dog is a rottweiler-lab mix named Judge, and his role is to help Hall ease his anxiety. “Sometimes you just really need him there to help bring me back down to earth,” Hall said. Both Hall and Picker note that service animals have specific jobs to do, and it is best not to distract them from doing those jobs. “They’re essentially someone’s medical equipment. You wouldn’t go up to someone in a wheelchair and take it from them,” Picker said. Some students also have emotional support animals, which can be prescribed by a mental health professional to help those with anxiety or mental illness. For Boise State student Kyra Dean, her dog, Buster,
supports her with her anxiety. “There’s a big rise in anxiety and depression in college students,” Dean said. “It’s also kind of becoming the norm. People might see their friends with emotional support dogs and decide to get one, too.” Dean has had Buster for three years, and has been essential in helping her in her day-to-day life. Dean was a little taken aback by the process for her to get an emotional support dog. “It took a lot of work,” Dean said. “I had to get a note from my doctor, and then I had to meet with the counseling center and then the head of housing and the counseling center again.” While most people have a special bond with their pets, for many students, an animal can support and improve their quality of life. These animals are crucial to helping those with disabilities or mental illness, and their jobs are the main priority when their vests are strapped on.
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THE HOUSE OF MULTICULTURAL STUDENT SERVICES PRESENTS... MSS event addresses intersectionality, history and cultural appropriation Blake Hunter | Opinion Editor | opinion@stumedia.boisestate.edu
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or several years, Boise State Multicultural Student Services (MSS) has hosted fashion events to discuss cultural appropriation. This year, program assistant and junior political science major Angel Mora-Carrillo has a new vision that he hopes will inspire his peers. The House of MSS will be a cultural fashion show held on Oct. 24 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Simplot Ballroom BD. Performances will include over 25 student models, a drag queen and a fashion walk to celebrate the multiple identities that people live. “The concept that I really wanted to focus on was intersectionality,” Mora-Carrillo said. “Diversity is the stamp given to these programs. You can be in a space but not part of the space. With intersectionality, we prioritize inclusivity.” To begin the show, participants will wear their culture’s traditional clothing, while a picture of someone appropriating that same clothing is shown behind them. Mora-Carrillo said that, because appropriation is common in America, this is an opportunity for education. “The first portion will be focused on historical tradition, so you can see the authenticity of their outfit,” Mora-Carrillo said. After a performance by a community drag queen, Mora-Carrillo hopes to depict cultural double standards in modern clothing. Chloe Scott, a junior media production major, also works as a program assistant at MSS. Scott believes double standards are not only offensive, but have in some cases caused irreparable damage. She said this is exhibited by young men of color wearing hoodies experiencing police brutality, while young white men wearing hoodies are seen as non-threatening. “Clothing is used to reinforce stereotypes for one demographic, but those same ideas aren’t attached to someone from the dominant demographic of society,” Scott said. After the show’s first portion, students
will then celebrate the intersections of their identities in a walk of appreciation. Mora-Carrillo knows the importance of seeing other students celebrating both their uniqueness and heritage, particularly for those who may not be involved or represented at Boise State. “When I transferred here, I wasn’t involved at all,” Mora-Carrillo said. “If there’s one thing I can give to someone through this, it’s representation, because that adds to your self-worth.” Throughout student conversations, Mora-Carrillo hopes to discuss assimilation into dominant society as problematic and historically ineffective. Scott said that the power to celebrate one’s own culture can actually be an act of defiance. “The xenophobia in the U.S. is very violent,” Scott said. “The practice of conformity and assimilation is more of a survival tactic rather than, ‘Oh, I want to blindly leave my culture behind.’” Mora-Carrillo came up with the title of the event and its theme after watching the FX television show “Pose,” which chronicles the oppression of queer communities of color faced by governmental oppression and simultaneous AIDS and crack cocaine epidemics in 1980s New York City. But Mora-Carrillo said that the true inspiration came from the show’s celebratory ball culture and the formation of chosen communities. “I saw myself within the show,” Mora-Carrillo said. “As a queer person and a Chicano, I really see how LGBTQIA+ folks and people of color are the powerhouses behind pop culture.” Isaac Guevara, a junior pre-dental student, has performed as a drag queen for years. While in the military, Guevara lived in Chicago, where he was introduced to ball culture.
“It was like when you stumble upon ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ for the first time and you see all these creative people doing their thing,” Guevara said. “It makes your heart smile because these people who are oppressed are just living their lives without rules.”
Guevara explained that “Pose” is having a similar effect on a larger scale, and believes that a cast full of trans and queer people of color creating chosen families is a retelling of history in the best way. Mora-Carrillo hopes that The House of MSS will help reclaim that history for Boise State students. “When we talk about identities in a classroom, we talk about them very singularly, when in fact they’re very intertwined and meshed,” Mora-Carrillo said. “And they’re beautiful.” By including dozens of student experiences, The House of MSS will be a cultural critique, but also intends to be a celebration of multiple cultures and communities coming together in support of one another.
The fashion walk is just one piece of this event that will showcase and celebrate culture. Wyatt Wurtenberger | The Arbiter OCTOBER 22, 2019
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SPORTS & REC OCTOBER 22, 2019 | ARBITERONLINE.COM
CLUB BASEBALL LEADERS GETTING READY TO ‘BALL OUT’ THIS SPRING
The Broncos are reaching for spring regionals after a slow start in the fall Zach Krufka | Staff Writer | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu
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he 2019-20 Boise State Broncos club baseball team hosted three series at Hawks Memorial Stadium in their fall season. After starting out four losses — three to Weber State and one to Gonzaga — the Broncos managed to bounce back and win the next four, but dropped the last game of the season, giving them a 4-5 record overall. The club baseball team has three team leaders in Noah Souza, Justin Giesige and Bryce Vaughn who make up three of the seven returners on the 22-man roster. The three leaders also serve as club administrators. Souza is in his third year at Boise State and mans many positions out on the field, including catcher, first base, third base and outfield. Giesige is in his second year at Boise State and plays outfield, infield and catcher. Lastly, Vaughn plays outfield. “We’re going to work on all aspects of the game: defense, pitching and hitting,” Souza said. “We saw improvement in all three throughout the fall. But sharpening those things up because in the spring time all the teams are going to be prepared to play us because we’re a big school. [As] Boise State, everyone is going to want to beat us.” All three of the leaders share a common goal for the upcoming spring season: they want to get to regionals after barely missing it last spring by just one series of games. Provided that they learn from their performance in the fall, the leaders like their chances for regionals. “Hopefully we can see it all come together and have a winning season, and hopefully make it to regionals,” Giesige said. “I think there is a lot of potential out there, and hopefully [we will] just work on everything and improve.” The club baseball team will start trav-
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The club baseball team went 4-5 in their fall season and aim to do even better in the spring. eling to games in their spring season, and plan to visit many schools in the West. In their division, they travel to the University of Montana, Washington State University, Weber State University, Idaho State University and Utah State University. Traveling to games plays a large role in strengthening a team’s bond, and team chemistry is a huge part of success for the Broncos. “[What] I’m looking forward to most is
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our travel trips. I love those and they are really fun,” Vaughn said. “If we get a lot of guys coming back, I feel like we could be pretty competitive and have a chance at taking the division.” Learning and improving are some of the most common things young teams talk about when the season is first getting started, but this team seemed different. Not only were they talking about learning
Photo courtesy of Pam Davis
and improving on all aspects of the game, they all have the same mission, which is to win the division and go to regionals. The Broncos’ club baseball spring season will kick off with a tournament at Memorial Stadium on March 6, 2020. After that tournament, the regular season games will start on March 14 against University of Montana, also hosted at Memorial Stadium.
SPORTS & REC
BOISE STATE SUFFERS FIRST LOSS OF THE 2019 SEASON AGAINST BYU
The Broncos’ comeback falls short for a final score of 28-25 Emily Stevens | Staff Writer | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu
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n Oct. 19 in Provo, Utah, Bronco Nation’s dream of an undefeated team came to a screeching halt at the hands of BYU. After a gut-wrenching end to a six-game win streak, Boise State fans are looking for someone to blame. Heading into the third quarter, the Broncos held a lead of 10-7. In the third quarter alone, this lead was crushed when the Cougars scored three touchdowns in a mere 11 plays, and Boise State initially responded with a missed field goal and an interception. The Broncos’ 15-point recovery of two touchdowns — one with a two-point conversion — came up short for the win, resulting in a final score of 25-28. The loss dropped Boise State to No. 22 in AP poll rankings from their previous seat of No.14. Much of the media is quick to target redshirt sophomore quarterback Chase Cord who started in place of freshman Hank Bachmeier, who was out with a hip pointer acquired against Hawaii. Cord’s two interceptions — and what they suggest about his arm accuracy — are the main concerns. Head coach Bryan Harsin, however, praised
Cord’s preparation for the game and attributed the picks to BYU’s effective coverage on pass plays. “They’ve got a really good defense; we know that,” Harsin said. “They made it difficult to throw in some of the windows.” The reality of Boise State football’s inconsistency was revealed in Provo and extends far beyond the quarterback position. Aside from Cord, the Broncos’ difficulty in developing offensive drives was partially due to a lack of successful rushing. “I don’t think that we ran the ball as effectively as we hoped that we would in the game, and we didn’t have the rush yards that we thought we would be able to get,” Harsin said. The deficit in rush yardage — 188 yards in total — put more pressure on Cord’s arm and forced him to throw in less than ideal positions. Junior wide receiver CT Thomas mentioned the team’s struggle with the 44-degree average of the night and how the temperature affected their level of play. “We weren’t focusing on executing, we were focused on staying warm,” Thomas said.
Although the weather cannot be blamed for the entirety of the Broncos’ performance, redshirt senior kicker Eric Sachse’s 36-yard missed field goal attempt is partially due to the fact that he kicked into the harsh winds of Utah. On the other side of the ball, significant flaws can be found in the Boise State defense. In fact, the two pivotal plays that solidified BYU’s victory were at the hands of a defense with immature field vision. The Broncos’ defense was fooled by trick plays not once, but twice during gameplay. Defensive tackle David Moa took full ownership of the score on behalf of himself and his fellow defensemen. “It was just on us,” Moa said. “We didn’t play with our fundamental techniques in those plays and BYU capitalized.” The 28 points allowed by the defense also served as a source of pressure on Cord as the success of BYU’s offense comparatively minimized his own. Overall, until the BYU upset, Boise State’s schedule had not fully uncovered the flaws that
lie beneath the facade of a winning season. Thomas claimed the game played on Saturday was “not Boise State football” and expressed that the team needs to meet expectations after this loss. To do so, he called for change. “We gotta go back to the drawing board and start over — start all the way over. You know what I’m saying, look at ourselves in the mirror,” Thomas said. Despite the unexpected loss, the team has yet to give up. Redshirt senior offensive lineman John Molchon claims the morale of the team remains strong. “We’re fighters, that’s the one thing about us,” Molchon said. “No one had their head down.” The Broncos are expected to work to redeem themselves and keep their hopes of a New Year’s Six bowl game alive. While the timing of Bachmeier’s return remains unclear, Cord may continue to be a key playmaker and cannot be fully blamed for the failure of an entire team. Boise State football will return after a bye week in a faceoff at San Jose State on Nov. 11.
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WE BELIEVE in the home team.
SPORTS & REC
WOMEN’S HOCKEY TEAM STRUGGLES, BUT REMAINS OPTIMISTIC A lack of funding and interest hurts the Broncos Paul Gourley | Staff Writer | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu
The Boise State women’s club hockey team is in its second year as an official club sport.
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reating a successful club sport on campus is a difficult task. In just their second year of existence, the Boise State women’s hockey club has already experienced their share of difficulties. “There’s a lot of extra time that goes into it,” said sophomore defenseman Maggie Shumar. “Right now, the girls are struggling with time management and accountability.” A season ago, the team competed in a local women’s league. However, after going 20-1 and not facing the competition that they were hoping for, the league and team agreed to move on from one another. A potential match-up between the Broncos and the University of Idaho was in discussion, but the Vandals club consisted of only two members, compared to the
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OCTOBER 22, 2019
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Broncos’ 13. Currently, the Broncos practice for one hour twice a week and participate in just three tournaments during a six-month span. The team projects to play only 12 games in the entirety of the season; the lack of opportunity to improve can be an issue for the team’s growth. “It’s hard to get the girls to be dedicated and come out to stuff when we aren’t playing many games,” said vice president Becca Schlake. “With returning some girls that were new last year, it will help us with our experience. On the ice, I think we are fine, but off the ice, there’s definitely an issue with time management.” In contrast to Schlake’s sentiment, head coach Suzanne Ostrow is still optimistic about her team’s makeup. With 13 total women on
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the current roster, seven are returners. “I think that the struggle is just a matter of our club being new,” Ostrow said. “We actually brought on a lot of talented recruits this year.” One main concern for the Broncos is finances. Since the team is still in its beginning stage, the group does not receive the same amount of funding from the university as other established club teams. Some of the expenses procured by members of the team include paying for ice time, hockey equipment, tournament fees and travel. “We have already done more fundraising this year than we [did] all of last [year],” Schlake said. With hockey being a regional sport, very few opportunities are given to young
Mackenzie Hudson | The Arbiter women to pursue their dreams on the ice in the state of Idaho. The nearest Division I women’s hockey program is 1,653 miles away at the University of Wisconsin. Even with an internal and external struggle to grow her club, Ostrow recognizes the impact that her team can have on a new generation in the Boise area. “The sport is definitely growing in the area, but has more growth to do,” Ostrow said. “Having a women’s college team will help get some younger girls inspired.” Anyone wanting to get involved with the women’s hockey team can contact club president Samantha Johnson. The team practices on the ice on Tuesdays at 6:30 a.m. and off the ice on Thursdays at 8 p.m. at Idaho Ice World.
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