The Arbiter Vol. 32 Issue 16

December 10, 2019

Vol. 32 Issue 16

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

BIGGER GAME

CROWD NOISE IS PART OF THE GAME, BUT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN FANS GO TOO FAR?

NEWS

04

The Financial Aid and Scholarship department sets out to find scholarship matches for students

VISIT US ONLINE:

OPINION

08

Upcharges for dietary restricted foods, like gluten-free and vegan highlights the inequality of pricing arbiteronline.com

CULTURE

13

A student-created blog about the struggle of chronic illness formed a community of support @arbiteronline

SPORTS & REC

16

Head coach Kelsey Messer seeks to carry on the culture and traditions of the Broncos’ Spirit Squad

@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 Opinion Editor Blake Hunter opinion@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 Boise State Broncos reigned triumphant at home against Hawaii, becoming the 2019 Mountain West champions.

Taylor Humby | The Arbiter

ON THE COVER:

Following the fan response to Kevin Durant’s NBA finals injury, the dehumanization of athletes has become a hot-button topic. As conversations grow about the effect of negative crowd noise, the Corral president Connor Martin discusses the fan’s perspective, while Boise State student-athletes discuss the noise from a perspective inside the game.

Cover design by Wyatt Wurtenberger.

HOW TO REACH US: CONTACT US: editor@stumedia.boisestate.edu 208.426.6302 PHYSICAL LOCATION: Located on first floor of Lincoln Avenue Garage Suites

MISSION:

As a student-run organization, we produce accurate and hyper-local information through non-par tisan and socially responsible media.

MAILING ADDRESS: Student Media MS 1340 1910 W Universit y Dr. Boise, ID 83725 -1340

EVENTS

SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS

MUFFIN IN A MUG STUDENT UNION BUILDING DECEMBER 10, 7 PM Enjoy this unique dead week study break in the SUB with this event hosted by the SILC. The first 40 students in attendance at the event will receive a free mug.

BINGO IN THE BRC BOISE RIVER CAFE, SUB DECEMBER 11, 7 PM

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL The Broncos opened their conference preview week with an overtime thriller on Dec. 4 against the New Mexico Lobos. The Broncos emerged victorious, claiming an 83-82 win after a 3-pointer from Mallory McGwire sealed the deal with 11 seconds to go. Boise State then traveled to Colorado State on Dec. 8, where they clinched another nail-biter, 72-69.

The Student Involvement and Leadership Center is ready to give out great prizes at their bingo night at the Boise River Cafe. Bring friends, take advantage of a baked potato bar, and enjoy the free activities.

FINALS RELIEF

SUB ATRIUM

DECEMBER 16-20

Support is available in all forms this finals week. Enjoy games, a free 10-minute massage or visit with therapy and service dogs to rest and relax before or after final exams and presentations.

2019 WINTER COMMENCEMENT EXTRAMILE ARENA DECEMBER 21, 10 AM

Congratulations to the class of 2019!

Boise State will be hosting Winter Commencement to honor both summer and fall graduates. Doors open at 8:30 a.m., tickets are not necessary for the event.

VOLLEYBALL Boise State traveled to Laramie, Wy. for the 2019 NIVC on Thursday, Dec 5.

This was the Broncos’ third postseason appearance in the last four years. Boise State fell to Weber State 3-1 (17-25, 27-25, 19-25, 21-25) in the single-elimination tournament, concluding their 2019 campaign at 18-12 overall.

MEN’S BASKETBALL Boise State split its conference preview week 1-1. On Dec. 4, the Broncos traveled to New Mexico where they were edged by the Lobos, 80-78. They then bounced back to take down Colorado State 75-64 at home on Saturday, Dec. 7. Senior guard Justinian Jessup had a career night, scoring 27 points and draining seven triples.

NEWS

DECEMBER 10, 2019 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

STUDENTS MAY BE UNAWARE OF THE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE TO THEM Criteria and eligibility for financial support can hinder a student’s chances of receiving aid

Taylor Rico-Pekerol | News Reporter | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu

H

uman resources management major Sophia Gallardo, now a senior, is taking a look back on her freshman year and the financial opportunities she missed.

Having to pay her own way through college, Gallardo works over the summer and during the school year to pay tuition, and whatever she does not make, she takes out in student loans.

By graduating from high school in Idaho, Gallardo was eligible to receive the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship through the State Board of Education. Gallardo was unaware the scholarship was available to her and did not fill out the required application to receive financial aid.

“I didn’t know what I was doing, kind of going into it blindly. I didn’t really have a lot of help,” Gallardo said. “I just kind of thought, ‘Oh, well it can’t be that hard,’ and so I applied and then I got the scholarship.”

Gallardo took out a loan her freshman year for a larger amount than she hoped she would have to. Since receiving the scholarship, she has not had to take out a loan for that much again. The recipient of the scholarship requires a 2.7 GPA or above and must attend an eligible Idaho university, along with the other posted criteria.

Yazmin Zalazar, assistant director for athletic aid and scholarships, said the department has been targeting resident students with an email alerting them with the opportunity to apply for the scholarship for the last two years.

“We email and say, ‘Hey, that data by the application is available. Here’s our criteria to be qualified to apply for it,’” Zalazar said. “We don’t make the selection of those students, so it’s all for the state board.”

Resident scholarships include the

4

DECEMBER 10, 2019

|

Presidential, Dean and True Blue Promise scholarship, and the non-resident scholarships are the Gem, Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) and Treasure scholarship. Only incoming freshmen are eligible for these scholarships, accepted through the admissions process and need a specific GPA and test score.

Aidan McConnehey, a freshman mechanical engineering major, lived in Calif. where he was eligible for the WUE scholarship. The WUE pays for 150% of in-state tuition, saving students almost $12,886. McConnehey wanted to attend a college out-of-state, but that option out of the question for him without a scholarship.

WUE offered the opportunity for him.

“It’s definitely important to have scholarships at universities for students for multiple reasons,” McConnehey said. “For me, it was definitely a shot at this school and that’s my biggest thing with the WUE. It is what brought my attention to Boise State.”

Through Boise State, there are academic-based scholarships in specific departments on campus that are funded through donors. A student must meet certain criteria for those scholarships that a donor and the department set.

An application and a student’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has to be submitted for students to be eligible to be awarded Boise State scholarships. Each year, the number ranges in the number of recipients and the total number of funds. For the 2018-2019 academic year, the university awarded $45 million of Boise State scholarships and a little over $8.6 million in outside and private scholarships, according to Zalazar.

“If a student graduated from the Sociology department they may come back as an alumnus wanting to fund a scholarship in

ARBITERONLINE.COM

Yazmin Zalazar, assistant director for athletic aid and scholarships, supports the department in finding eligible students for scholarships.

Taylor Humby | The Arbiter the Sociology department,” Zalazar said.

“Having scholarships for each department is important as it could help the department grow and maintain its students.”

If a student does not claim their award, the next person to have qualified will receive the funds, according to Zalazar. Most students that do not accept their scholarship do not meet certain criteria, such as not being enrolled full-time. Scholarships that are specific to a department and set up by a donor sometimes go unclaimed due to not enough students applying or meeting the criteria.

“The school offers you the resources,”

Gallardo said. “So we should definitely take advantage of them. But at the same time, you should be able to advocate for yourself and seek out those resources, which I think partially failed to do my freshman year, but it was also a lack of information that I think I was receiving from my school.”

Although students may feel they are unqualified for certain scholarships, applying for competitive scholarships can be worth listing on a future resume for employers to see. The funds from scholarships can aid students in staying enrolled and receiving the education they want.

NEWS

ALBERTSONS DONATES TO LOCAL FOOD BANKS, SUPPORTS HUNGER RELIEF Donations to organizations like the Boise Rescue Mission reduce overall food waste

Jasnelly Mendoza | Staff Writer | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu

I

n the United States, it is estimated that 30% to 40% of the food supply is wasted. Wasted food is the largest category of material placed in municipal landfills. In the Treasure Valley, grocery stores like Albertsons are doing their part to reduce food waste by donating unused food back to the community.

Kathy Holland, manager of communications and public relations at Albertsons, explained that supporting hunger relief is a “national trust” in which Albertsons has what people are in need of.

“One of our main pillars of giving is hunger relief, so we’re always looking for ways that we can help support local food banks and shelters, whether that be monetary donations or with our stores,” Holland said. “Our fresh rescue program helps give food that’s close to the expiration date to local food banks and shelters, and they come pick up on a regular basis.”

“One of our main pillars of giving is hunger relief, so we’re always looking for ways that we can help support local food banks and shelters.”

Kathy Holland, manager of communications and public relations at Albertsons The food that is donated may be food that was not bought but is still good.

Holland explained the produce may not be bought because of something as simple as how it looks.

“It’s kind of funny to think about, but maybe it’s an orange that’s slightly misshapen or a pair that has a bump on it that doesn’t look beautiful,” Holland states.

“But it’s still nourishment, it’s still a great piece of fruit.”

Albertsons also wants to ensure that all of the food that they are donating is safe.

Holland stated the only food that is donated to food pantries and shelters is perfectly safe for consumption.

“The number one thing that we make sure of in every case is food safety, so we make sure that the food is not expired, it’s still edible, still consumable and still safe for human consumption,” Holland said.

The Boise Rescue Mission (BRM) is one beneficiary of these donations. According to the vice president of development, Jason Billester, BRM serves about 67% of Boise’s homeless population, which is about 1,000 meals per day.

“Right now, Boise Rescue Mission operates five different shelters: two in Boise [and] three in Nampa,” Billester said.

“In between those we have four full-size commercial kitchens just like a restaurant.

We’re serving 7,000 meals a week right now and we couldn’t do what we do without our community.”

Billester now realizes that the Treasure Valley relies on support from the community members, and community members must work together in order to make these crucial changes.

“I’ll say it this way, we need a lot of help and with it, we can help a lot of people and we truly rely on the food donations that we receive from the community to operate,” Billester said.

The Boise State food pantry has also benefited from Albertsons’ donations, and these donations have benefited several students. Ryan Philip, a junior media arts major, has seen how far the donations to the food pantry can go for Boise State.

“I’ve seen how my friends have benefited from the food pantry here on campus,” Philip said. “It has helped students who might not be in the best financial situation at the moment have access to food items they might not have had access to before.”

Boise State’s food pantry is one local organization benefiting from donations by Albertsons.

Maryann Fernandez | The Arbiter

New plasma donors receive up to $400 in a month!

Biomat USA 4017 W. Overland Rd. Boise (208) 338-8417

DECEMBER 10, 2019

|

ARBITERONLINE.COM

5

NEWS

ASBSU PASSES A UNIVERSITY-WIDE CLEAN ENERGY RESOLUTION

Student body urges the administration to advocate for 100% renewable energy by 2035 Ashley Clark | Staff Writer | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu

This new resolution allows Boise State to publicly announce support for Boise’s Energy Future initiative and continue sustainability practices. Taylor Humby | The Arbiter

T

he Associated Students of Boise State University (ASBSU) recently passed a resolution committing the university to 100% renewable energy by 2035, in accordance with Boise’s Energy Future initiative.

“It’s really just asking for the university to publicly support Boise’s Energy Future and implement our own plans to reach that goal as well,” said Morgan Brummund, a senior environmental studies major and ASBSU government relations officer.

This resolution is not necessarily proposing any new projects. Rather, Brummund explained, it is an acknowledgment of Boise State’s strong advocacy for Boise’s Energy Future initiative that is already being actualized by Idaho Power Company and the City of Boise.

It is important to note that this initiative is focused only on energy in terms of the electricity used to power buildings, according to Boise’s Energy Future project

6

DECEMBER 10, 2019

|

manager Steve Hubble.

“The university is a significant user of energy, given the nature and the size of the facilities on campus,” Hubble said. “The university’s participation, whether in our initiative or whether setting other clean energy goals for campus, would ultimately be very supportive of the community-wide goals that we’ve established.”

By default, Boise State will have clean energy by 2035 in compliance with the city’s initiative, considering the university resides within city limits. However, the ASBSU resolution aims to help build student and community support for Boise’s Energy Future.

“This is a really good opportunity for Boise State to prioritize the future of [our] campus and students, as well as really leading and being an example to other universities,” said Emily Her, the community development coordinator of Campus Sustainability and member of the ASBSU

ARBITERONLINE.COM

Sustainability Committee.

There are currently 40 college and university campuses across the United States that operate on 100% renewable energy.

Boise State has the potential to be a leader to the rest of the nation, especially considering the university’s ability to utilize geothermal energy.

In addition to demonstrating sustainable leadership, this resolution could also help reduce some of the financial costs associated with powering the campus and making Boise State a noteworthy example to other institutions, especially within Idaho.

“Renewable energy is the future. The costs are getting lower and lower each year,” Brummund said. “We’re going to have to transition eventually. Why not do that transition earlier so that we have a longer economic payoff and [more] economic benefits at the end of the day?”

ASBSU members are optimistic that this resolution will increase the sustainability

efforts made by the university. However, sustainability agreements like this have passed through ASBSU in the past and eventually became dormant.

“We already have a carbon neutrality agreement that [ASBSU] signed [around] 2007, but ever since then our carbon emissions have actually been increasing,” Her said. “It’s just actually following through now. That’s the biggest thing we would hope to take away from this.”

Regardless of the past, ASBSU council members and the sustainability committee are looking to the future and hope this resolution will not only help the university but, inevitably, aid in addressing the global climate crisis.

“It’s really important that we are doing our part to support our planet and reduce emissions,” Brummund said.

STUDENTS CREATE PETITION TO ELIMINATE TWO-HOUR PARKING LIMIT

NEWS

Off-campus student housing residents reach out to lawmakers about time limits on residential parking Celina Van Hyning | News Editor | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu

Residents feel two hours is not enough time, especially for those with back-to-back classes or full work schedules.

Taylor Humby | The Arbiter ather than paying for a monthparking spots, however, are limited and ly parking pass at the off-camonly allow students to park for two hours pus student housing units, at time between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. many students choose to take This time limit can potentially pose advantage of the free parking surroundproblems for students with back-to-back ing the student housing buildings. These classes or schedules that do not allow them

R

to return to their vehicle before the time expires. One Boise State student has seen the effect the time limit has on residents and, as a result, started a petition to the city to eliminate the parking limitations.

Summer Hanson, a junior nursing major, lived in Seattle before moving to Boise and described her parking experience there as excellent. If a city as big as Seattle can accommodate those with vehicles, Hanson believes Boise should be able to do the same.

“I don’t think there’s any excuse for us students off-campus to not have any parking outside of our residency,” Hanson said.

After speaking with other residents of off-campus student living, Hanson was inspired to take action in an effort to support her neighbors.

“I spoke with another resident and his girlfriend who both said they have accumulated seven parking tickets in their first year living in these off-campus apartments,” Hanson said. “It actually is impacting their ability to have a full-day schedule on campus because of the fact they’re concerned about their parking situation all day while they’re at school.”

Morgan Kennedy, a sophomore mechanical engineering major, does not believe the two hour time limit surrounding off-campus housing is necessary.

“It’s ridiculous that students have to also worry about getting a parking ticket,” Kennedy said. “They cost a lot of money and that money could be used for something else such as tuition or groceries.

Being a student is already hard but having to worry about getting a ticket while going to school is ridiculous.”

Hanson visited City Hall in hopes of reaching a compromise with those in charge of residential and business parking.

Because the off-campus apartments are located on a business block, Hanson was told the city will not be recognizing the area as residential and will not give students the option to pay for street parking.

Tyler Johnson, code compliance and com-

munity resource manager for the Department of Finance and Administration, explained that the businesses in this area depend on available short-term parking for their customers and allowing exceptions for any particular user group would only put more pressure on a delicately balanced system.

“Being a student is already hard, but having to worry about getting a ticket while going to school is ridiculous.”

Morgan Kennedy, sophomore mechanical engineering major

“It’s important to remember that the City of Boise works very hard to balance the needs of students, residents and businesses in our parking system,” Johnson wrote in an email. “Because different groups need different things from the finite amount of parking we have in the area, some tensions are bound to exist. We do our best to listen to those concerns and implement strategies that aim to balance the needs of our community. Students who live in this area should work with property management to secure on-site parking if they absolutely need to have a car.”

Hanson’s petition has already received 65 signatures, and another student’s petition has received close to 100. Hanson is planning to present the petition to City Hall in the coming months.

DECEMBER 10, 2019

|

ARBITERONLINE.COM

7

OPINION DECEMBER 10, 2019 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

VEGETARIAN, VEGAN AND GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS ARE TOO EXPENSIVE Government subsidies should be altered to reflect the growing demand for specific diets Bridger Cowan | Staff Writer | opinion@stumedia.boisestate.edu

R

estaurants across themes and cuisine types are beginning to expand their menus to better meet the needs of individuals with dietary restrictions or preferences.

Burger restaurants frequently offer lettuce wraps or gluten-free buns, Italian restaurants often sell vegetarian pasta dishes and many fast-food restaurants have even begun selling meatless options for vegetari-

8

DECEMBER 10, 2019

|

an and vegan customers.

However, while this proves to be a step in the right direction towards the inclusion of those with special dietary needs, these alternative options almost always share at least one caveat: a price hike.

At almost every restaurant offering alternative dietary options, customers will often feel the sting of unreasonable upcharges for their food. These price increases can be anywhere from a few quarters to a few dollars.

This added expense is not without reason, though. Packaged and processed grains usually are cheaper, in greater demand and typically spoil much slower than their less popular counterparts, such as vegetables and gluten-free products.

Looking at basic supply and demand of the types of food available to consumers, it becomes very clear as to why restaurants and food vendors choose to make alternative options more expensive. But that does not mean it should be, and there are ways it can change.

Besides the lower production cost and market scale for these items, there is one thing that really tips the scales regarding price differences for varying food options: government subsidies. Every year, the government pays large sums of money to various industries to ease the cost of production, which will allow for lower prices, and in turn, more sales of certain products like corn, grain, meat and dairy.

However, not all subsidies are created equal. The government pays larger sums of money to certain industries. For example, according to data from David Simon’s groundbreaking book “Meatonomics,” the U.S. government pays $38 billion to meat and dairy industries, but just $17 million to the fruit and vegetable industries — 0.04% of meat and dairy subsidy amounts.

ARBITERONLINE.COM

An easy solution toward equalizing the financial sting of food options in the U.S. is for the government to begin prioritizing the production of fruits and vegetables and lessen the prioritization of meat, dairy, corn and wheat.

Not only would this change ease the burden of individuals with involuntary dietary restrictions in affording their meals, it would also decrease the price and increase the production of fresh produce available at markets. This would encourage buyers to eat healthy fruits and vegetables rather than heavily processed grain and corn products which play a massive part in heart disease, diabetes and other health conditions that are on the rise in America.

According to The University of Chicago Medicine, it is estimated that one in 133 Americans have celiac disease, an autoimmune disease in which the Vegan and gluten-free foods are frequently offered on

body cannot process gluten. campus, but with extra costs.

Kacie Fromhart | The Arbiter Additionally, there are about 8 million individuals who are gation to maximize their profits for the either vegetarian or vegan, representing betterment of their business, but they about 2.5% of the U.S. population. should also be conscious of people who People who did not choose their restricdo not share some of the simple pleasures tive diet and those who do choose to have that those with a less restricted diet enjoy. a particular diet should not be financially Likewise, the U.S. government has an punished for the types of food they buy. obligation to subsidize food industries that Many individuals struggle to eat out with guide citizens toward more fair, natural friends or family without overpaying beand healthy options. cause restaurants overcharge for special diet options. This should not be the case.

Of course, restaurants have an obli-

OPINION

SEN. HARRIS’ ENDED PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN IS A WARNING TO STUDENTS

Voters are turning to candidates with more privilege and “electability,” again Blake Hunter | Opinion Editor | opinion@stumedia.boisestate.edu

A

t the beginning of 2019, I did not know who Sen. Kamala Harris was. I knew her face from videos of her questioning people in the Senate Intelligence Committee, but I did not know her name or title.

Then I heard from a friend that she was considering running for the Democratic nomination for president, and I immediately got excited. What could be more appealing than replacing Donald Trump with a sharp-witted, professional, black woman in the Oval Office?

Of course, the conceptual appeal of a politician’s identity is not enough to vote on. In early 2019, even before Harris officially announced her campaign for the presidency, disclaimers from criminal justice activists and articles in major news outlets began circulating with criticism of her time spent as California’s Attorney General. According to these claims, Harris had failed to be the “progressive prosecutor” she claimed to be, upholding wrongful convictions on multiple occasions.

For me -- a progressive voter who wants to see a federal criminal justice upheaval that does not prioritize vengeful punishment or fall heavily upon racial and class lines -- I began to look for a candidate who might better reflect my values.

Harris was too moderate or unclear on too many issues. But for a white critical mass of the Democratic party who seems to be clambering for a moderate who can “beat Trump,” I was not surprised to see her polling numbers rise to the top tier of candidates in the early summer.

This week, Harris dropped out of the race.

Harris was at her best when she criticized former Vice President Joe Biden’s long history of troubling racial politics in a nationally televised debate. But progressives, troubled by her own history, started supporting other candidates. More moderate Democrats, troubled by her identity, started supporting white men with far

more troubling pasts.

Harris is not perfect. But more importantly to the fate of her presidential campaign, she is also not a man, nor white. What was the most diverse pool of candidates just months ago is now led by a handful of wealthy white people.

The term “electability” has a long history of discrediting women, people of color and anyone else who is deemed unable to handle the responsibilities of an elected office.

Electability plagued Hillary Clinton’s campaign in 2016, Russian interference or not.

Donald Trump repeatedly made efforts to invalidate her campaign, and it worked.

The same logic: Questioning whether other people in the same demographic as you will vote for a candidate that has been historically underrepresented at an institutional level is impacting the 2020 race.

Harris has dropped out, many of the same questions are looming over Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s head and Biden is more than happy to continue positioning himself as the only Democrat capable of defeating President Trump.

If the only politicians who can compete with white men are other white men, what does that tell us about our idea of “electability”? How far have we really come?

This is a question that college students should take very seriously. In college, students have the opportunity to absorb new ideas and perspectives that have deep impacts on our society. Accompanied with that privilege is a duty to interrogate and think critically about the world at large, especially where history and politics are inseparable.

The 2020 race feels like an exciting opportunity to vote for the first openly gay candidate running a major campaign -even though mayor Pete Buttigieg has his own fraught history of leaving residents of color behind in South Bend, Indiana, saying “All Lives Matter” in blatant ignorance of the largest modern movement for black

Sen. Kamala Harris is no longer running for president, while candidates with more privilege lead the way in the polls.

Brian Cahn/Zuma Press/TNS liberation of the 21st century and supporting homophobic organizations.

Among the other top polling candidates are Sen. Bernie Sanders and Warren, who, while appealing to a wide range of voters, are both white intellectuals who may not resonate with white working-class voters that comprise Donald Trump’s base. Ideologically, they should be more “electable” than Harris.

As student voters, we have the opportunity to support political candidates we

identify with in deep ways. If we only support the politicians that history has taught us will win, history will only repeat itself.

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

DECEMBER 10, 2019

|

ARBITERONLINE.COM

9

F E AT U R E

BIGGER THAN THE G NEGATIVITY FROM SOME FANS SPARKS CONV

AROUND THE VERBAL ABUSE OF STUDENT-A A U T U M R O B E RT S O N | S P O RT S & R E C R E P O RT E R | S P O RT S @ S T U M E D I A . B O I S E S TAT E . E D U

T

he Golden State Warriors led the Toronto Raptors 39-34 with just under nine minutes to go in the second quarter of the 2019 NBA finals. The game came to a sudden halt, and the camera panned to the Warriors’ star forward Kevin Durant gripping his right leg and signaling for assistance from the sideline. Durant’s apparent injury was met with Raptor fans celebrating and waving him off the court.

Other members of the Warriors and Raptors stood in disbelief, motioning to the crowd to quiet down.

The crowd’s reaction to Durant’s injury was not taken lightly. It sparked a national

10

DECEMBER 10, 2019

|

discussion surrounding the verbal abuse of athletes, something that resonates all too well with some competitors, including those at Boise State. “[Some fans] don’t really care much about us as people,” said Boise State women’s basketball guard Jayde Christopher. “I don’t think they really care. [They think] ‘Oh, they’re athletes,’ or ‘They’re just another person with a jersey and a number on it.’ I don’t think they really know what we go through as far as our personal lives and stuff like that.”

Like the crowd’s reaction to Durant’s injury, people can react in high-intensity moments without thinking about how their behavior affects

ARBITERONLINE.COM

others. Though reactions from fans in these moments may be unintentional, their impact is prompting conversation in the sports world, including the culture at Boise State.

How crowd noise can change the game Corral president and senior Kinesiology major Connor Martin is a Boise State Bronco superfan. Growing up with Bronco roots, Martin’s Boise State experience has been a spirited one. His father is a university alumnus, he has followed Boise State sports his entire life and now, he leads the student section at many Bronco games.

To Martin and the rest of the Corral, the heckling and the noise they create are

advantages for the Broncos, and they are not alone in believing so. Some professional sports organizations, such as the NFL, go as far as measuring decibels to see how loud the crowd really is.

This means that the most obvious reason a fan cheers is to disrupt the opposition, and a loud enough crowd can do just that, according to Martin.

“It helps having the Corral and the Bronco Athletic Association (BAA) for the home-court, home-field advantage that we have here [and] it helps when the crowd slacks in attendance,” Martin said.

The Corral has an unofficial code of conduct in place as an attempt to prevent their behavior from getting out of hand

GAME NVERSATION

-ATHLETES

during games. But the Corral’s code of conduct is not a formal one: it is not a written contract, and the rules vary from sport to sport — depending on what the team is comfortable with.

“For most games, we’re not allowed to call out players by their name. We can call them out by their number, or what they’re wearing,” Martin said. “What we can’t do and what we also have regulations against is personally attack[ing] their appearance, their efficiency, anything that can seem harmful. We do have security and people [who are] part of the athletic department that will monitor us and monitor cheers.”

Code of conduct Just because the Corral has a code of conduct does not mean it is always followed. When Boise State volleyball took on UNLV on Nov. 7, the Corral was heard yelling things about the opposing team that did not sit well with the coaches, fans and athletes. The Corral received a complaint email from a fan that had to sit through the entire match listening to certain members of the Corral calling out the women by name and yelling derogatory remarks about the athletes’ bodies.

“I received an email from a fellow student saying she was disappointed in the Corral,” Martin said. “So we called a meeting the [following] Monday I said, ‘Hey, this is not us.’ And they said, ‘Sorry, we kind of got out of control…’ You guys know the rules.

Please be respectful; don’t call people out about their physical appearance.”

Malicious crowd noise has long been a part of sports. Martin recalls a time when Boise State 2007-09 men’s basketball forward Mark Sanchez experienced personal attacks from the crowd. The Broncos were on the road at Utah State and, as the game went on, the Aggies crowd erupted in chants of “Dirty Sanchez.”

Racial slurs from fans have become a prominent issue in recent years. In October of 2019, the NBA announced they would be changing their fans’ code of conduct to be tougher and stated that fans can be “ejected or worse” if they chant anything not related to basketball.

Despite the negative connotation that comes with heckling, Martin suggested that, whether from the BAA or the crowd, it probably does not affect the student-athletes too much in the heat of intense moments in the game.

When fans go too far The body-shaming at the volleyball game was something that Martin described as “out of character” for the Corral, but body-shaming, especially in women’s athletics, has become somewhat habitual for fans.

Boise State women’s basketball center Mallory McGwire is 6 feet 5 inches tall and has heard a fair share of taunts about her height, and said she has overheard several other comments yelled about her teammates or athletes on other teams.

“You don’t see super tall girls all the time. So some people will call you like ‘a giant’ or things like that, like super negative things that get in your head,” McGwire said. “Some people do comment on people’s weight or stupid things like that.

It’s terrible, but that’s how people think they should be talking.”

Instances such as the Raptors’ crowd cheering for Durant’s injury or Utah State fans yelling racial slurs at Sanchez can prompt athletes to question the intentions of fans. When such radical displays of fandom occur, it may seem as though fans have forgotten that these athletes are not just athletes, but that they are people, too.

“It’s a competitive sport. Like if you’re

F E AT U R E

hurt, okay, great. If we’re winning, that’s great,” Christopher said. “People have their ways of supporting their team, I guess that’s one way, but that’s just weird… some people just don’t care.”

To fanatics winning the game is what matters, but to a student-athlete, the score is just one of many priorities.

The student-athletes at Boise State and other universities are not professional athletes, as the “student” part of their title indicates. Fans can often forget this aspect of college sports, prompting them to assume that these athletes only care about their sport.

Christopher wants people to know that the reason student-athletes are where they are is “bigger than basketball, or any other sport.”

Student-athletes can be left feeling dehumanized when racial slurs, body-shaming and targeting become a crowd tactic. “[Some people think] we’re just basketball players,” said Boise State men’s basketball guard Justinian Jessup. “Nobody really cares about anything else than what we do on the court.”

Crowd noise is all part of the game-day atmosphere as long as there’s no malicious intent, according to senior guard Alex Hobbs.

“It’s unfortunate at times,” Hobbs said, “but it doesn’t affect the way you play because at the end of the day, you’re out there with your teammates and the whole staff, and you just have to stay strong.”

DECEMBER 10, 2019

|

ARBITERONLINE.COM

11

C U LT U R E DECEMBER 10, 2019 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

PROJECTS VS. EXAMS: THE CRITERIA FOR STUDENT EVALUATION

Students and faculty weigh in on the best ways to show off what they’ve learned Will Meyer | Culture Editor | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu

project for most of my classes,” said Carrie Seymour, lecturer in the English department.

Seymour said that open-genre is her approach to allowing students to express the way they have understood the materials presented in the class. By doing this, she hopes to eliminate a prioritization of one student’s background over another’s.

“The goal for me, especially in end-of-thesemester evaluation, is to give the student the opportunity to shine in whatever way they’re most comfortable,” Seymour said. “I find that if I give an essay and a short answer exam, then if the student struggles in one way, they can make up for it in another way.”

Though certain majors allow for a more diverse approach to evaluation, some departments are more rigid in how students’ work is graded. For Meredith Hatten, a sophomore pre-nursing student, a semester made up of perpetual exams is often the norm.

“For me, I haven’t had too many final projects; I think I’ve only had two final projects for the classes I take. I take mostly tests,” Hatten said. “I prefer tests because I feel like you know what to study for. I’m used to taking tests, and I kinda know how I’m doing okay or not. You can gauge if you’re doing well. I feel like a project is a little more up in the air. Also if it’s a group project, you have to rely on other people, and I don’t know if I Teachers use different methods to both challenge and encourage students to retain necessarily like that.” class information. Because exams are much more direct in their approach to gauging knowledge, Mackenzie Hudson | The Arbiter Hatten said she feels more comfortable being igh-stakes assignments are on and instructors have decided to test the able to study for them and in control of the the minds of most Boise State comprehensive knowledge of their students. outcome. However, being in a program that students and faculty as the Though some majors have more cohesive relies heavily on tests means that studying is end of the semester quickly class structures, students experience radically an incessant process. approaches. As the library becomes increasdifferent ways of assessing their retention of “Every week this semester I pretty much ingly packed with studiers and printer lines knowledge in a course. had a test. For one class I’ll study for my test, weave longer and longer, campus prepares “I traditionally prefer projects, and I and the next week, I study only for another for the gamut of different ways professors generally require them to be an open-genre test, and then I’ll have a test for the lab,”

H 12

DECEMBER 10, 2019

|

ARBITERONLINE.COM

Hatten said. “I feel like I have to put it all in for one class and ignore all my other classes just for a test.”

Because of this design, Hatten’s retention of information is sometimes only as long as she needs it for a test, and not something she contextualizes for the long run. For Annalies Tipton, a junior studying material science and engineering, being able to work with material outside of exams is crucial to remember important information.

“I have two classes: In one class, all we do is every week we do one homework assignment, and it has 4 problems on it, and it takes anywhere from 6-10 hours depending on how complex the material is that week, and I have no idea what’s going on,” Tipton said. “In another class we do activities, and we have to collaborate on all the activities.

We each have a role, and she just does a collaborative thing the whole time.”

The collaborative class works much better for Tipton, and she feels she can engage with the material much better. She explained that working with others in this class has helped her understand the broader scope of the class and its application as well.

“I feel like engineers have to collaborate; everything you do is in collaboration,” Tipton said.

As finals week creeps up on Boise State students and faculty, each person in the classroom is left to contemplate what they know, and how best to represent that knowledge. By taking deliberate and considerate approaches to quantify the learning of their students, faculty embrace the varying backgrounds of students and set them up for making it to the next semester and, eventually, the next step of their lives.

C U LT U R E

STUDENT CREATES A SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR THOSE BATTLING CHRONIC ILLNESS From personal experience, a Boise State student makes invisible illness visible

Celina Van Hyning | News Editor | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu

A

n estimated 7% of teenagers and young adults live with at least one ongoing health condition that can disrupt daily life, according to a National Health Interview report. These conditions can range from mental illness such as depression and anxiety, to physical conditions such as asthma and diabetes.

In 2013, 15-year-old Ashley Carnduff, a former secondary education major, was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, an inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation of the digestive tract which can lead to abdominal pain, weight loss and malnutrition. Since then, she has been diagnosed with several other autoimmune illnesses in addition to Crohn’s disease.

“When I was diagnosed, it was in the middle of high school when you’re already struggling to figure out who you are and where you belong,” Carnduff said. “Being 15 and not feeling like I could relate to anyone was really hard.”

Carnduff’s experience inspired her to start a blog where students with a chronic, or invisible illness can share their stories.

She explained that people battling these illnesses need to know they are not alone.

“Someone who is getting diagnosed who feels like they can’t relate to anyone can at least go on this website and know that there’s someone else out there they can relate to,” Carnduff said.

Though the website is still relatively new, Carnduff has gained a lot of attention on social media. Very recently, one of her posts went viral, which she calls a huge success.

“I gained a lot of attention on social media, actually, with one of my posts on Instagram. I’ve gotten a lot of attention on it already that I wasn’t expecting to have so soon, and it’s all been very positive feedback,” Carnduff said. “I’ve only published a few posts so far, but my most recent one was about anxiety. And I was shocked because it’s already been viewed almost 400 times and I wasn’t expecting when I first

started the blog to have anyone but my parents reading it.”

Despite her initial thoughts about website’s potential, Carnduff says the response to her project has been more amazing than she ever thought it would be.

“I’ve just gotten incredible messages and comments and people just saying that this kind of stuff isn’t talked about enough,” Carnduff said.

In addition to speaking out about life with chronic illness, Carnduff also posts photographs depicting what invisible illness can look like. Randi Jo Sylvester, a junior nursing student, is conducting a photoshoot for Carnduff’s website at no cost.

“I do a few donated sessions and projects a year just for my creativity and for someone who deserves it,” Sylvester said. “I really love [Carnduff’s] cause as I am a nursing student at Boise State so being a health advocate is near and dear to my heart.”

Erin Taylor, Carnduff’s cousin, said she has seen nothing but positive reactions to the website and social media posts. In her eyes, Carnduff is taking a delicate subject and creating something incredible.

“I feel like it’s a great way to share her story and see all the challenges she has overcome while dealing with her pain she experiences every day,” Taylor said. “It makes me extremely proud that she is doing this not only to spread awareness, but also for herself so she doesn’t have to keep it all bottled up.”

Taylor explained that Carnduff created this website out of the kindness of her heart, and feels that she is creating a safe space for those looking for others that understand what it means to live with an invisible illness.

“I’m very proud to see that people have taken interest to know more about it,” Taylor said.

Carnduff received attention on social media for this photo normalizing the look of chronic illness.

Photo courtesy of Carnduff DECEMBER 10, 2019

|

ARBITERONLINE.COM

13

C U LT U R E

WINTER COMES WITH SEASONAL DEPRESSION FOR MANY STUDENTS As the days get shorter and classes get harder, multiple stressors impact mental health Blake Hunter | Opinion Editor | opinion@stumedia.boisestate.edu

A

s the semester draws to a close, students, faculty and staff are likely feeling the stress of final exams and projects. It is common to experience fatigue and anxiety while cramming work into the final weeks of the semester. But for many people, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) worsens their mental stress as the weather gets colder and the days get shorter, along with the stress of finals week.

SAD is a type of depression that occurs seasonally, typically in the winter or fall.

Though the root cause of SAD is unknown, it has been correlated with decreasing sunlight and is more common at higher altitudes and places with cloud cover for extended periods of time. According to the American Academy for Family Physicians, 4-6% of Americans have what is known as “winter depression” while an estimated 10-20% have mild SAD symptoms.

Additionally, it is four times as common in people who are female and becomes more prevalent at 20 years old and less prevalent as one gets older. As its symptoms generally align with that of other types of depression, the consequences on students — most of whom are in the age range of SAD development — can be very harmful.

The stress and possible sleep deprivation around the last weeks of a semester can have their own serious impacts, and it can be difficult to differentiate between those and the symptoms of SAD. “If the person cannot tell the difference between anxiety and depression (which is not uncommon), the person should seek counseling,” Roberto Refinetti, a Boise State psychology professor wrote in an email.

“For college students, this can be as simple as going to the student health center.

Laura Campbell is a licensed clinical professional counselor and care coordinator at the Boise State University Health Services Counseling Center. Campbell said while there is no data around seasonal increases specifically, the Counseling Center’s

14

DECEMBER 10, 2019

|

Campus members work with mental illness that is exacerbated by less light and changing weather. Taylor Humby | The Arbiter services are used more as semesters progress, and many of the ways of managing mental health generally apply to managing SAD symptoms, including seeking help.

“In terms of protecting against it, staying on top of your mental health and physical health in general with enough sleep, good nutrition, regular check-ups, exercise, healthy social connections and good stress management tools is always a great foundation,” Campbell said. “That said, while all those things are really important for good mental health, they are not always sufficient to prevent depression.”

Aside from simply waiting for the seasons to change, frequent light therapy is one of the few treatments known to aid individuals with SAD. Light therapy entails exposure to broad-spectrum light

ARBITERONLINE.COM

that stimulates all of the photoreceptors in the eyes. This form of therapy may be approved by a doctor and used daily.

“Light has the benefit of not involving the use of medication, but all treatments for depression are terribly slow (at least from the point of view of the patient), which means that a doctor should monitor the progress of the treatment,” Refinetti wrote.

At Albertsons Library, HappyLights offer broad-spectrum light with two different lenses and are available at the circulation desk, which may be kept in the library for use while studying.

“During this time of year we see more people using them, and they never get checked out in the summer,” said Ash Whitwell, the Albertsons Library circulation manager. “A lot of people don’t know

about them, but once people find them they come back for them.”

With such wide prevalence and in an area many young adults call home, universities like Boise State must offer help to individuals struggling with mental health, including SAD. Refinetti said that once people understand SAD, that at least gives an opportunity to pursue help.

The stigma around mental health may present barriers for individuals to seek help, but Campbell said the re-framing of mental health is an important part of her work.

“Hopefully, we are getting the message out there that help-seeking is a sign of strength rather than something to feel even more badly about,” Campbell said.

CLUB FOCUSES ON SEXUAL HEALTH

Students seek to educate their peers on a tabooed topic Sidnee Short | Staff Writer | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu

W

hat started out as a community-based capstone project for six Boise State seniors, all of whom were 2019 graduates, became the Sexual Health and Consent Club (SHACC), and they are excited for new student involvement.

All past members of the organization graduated in the spring of last year, so new president and senior sociology major Melissa Hansen has her hands full making sure the club stays alive and continues to educate those on campus. Her main focus is trying to put together events and get the word out in order to bring in new members.

“Our goal is to empower students to make positive and healthy decisions in personal and sexual relationships. Overall, we hope to open discussion on a typically taboo topic surrounding sexual relationships,” Hansen said. “In the process, we hope to encourage students to feel empowered making choices surrounding their relationships whether it’s just sexual or something more.”

So far this year, SHACC has collaborated with the Gender Equity Center in putting on a workshop about healthy online dating.

In the upcoming semester, SHACC hopes to put on a trivia night in which anyone is welcome to attend, answer questions and discuss sexual health and consent, with the intention of turning a serious, sometimes awkward topic into something that people are comfortable discussing.

“A study shows that 72% of college students have hooked up at least once during college. So, we think it’s super important for us to open discussion to these very real topics and to bring a safe place to talk about them without any shame or judgment,” Hansen said. “We absolutely think it’s important to open the discussion to everyone.”

Before Hansen took control, Noelle Johansen, spring 2019 English literature graduate, was the president and creator of the club. Inspired by her English 304 argument class, research and her past experiences, she came up with the Sexual

Health and Consent Club as a capstone project for her degree.

“Something that I’ve always been compassionate about is consent because I’m a survivor of sexual assault,” Johansen said. “All my friends that I know have experienced something similar to that, and I’m just trying to figure out a way to help prevent that from happening.”

Wanting to continue the project and allow more people to participate after their graduation, the members of the project turned the idea into an actual club. Although Johansen is no longer a student at Boise State, she continues to help Hansen to ensure that the club thrives.

“My hope for the club is that it will expand really, really quickly and really well and that we’ll be able to get enough people interested in the responsibilities of the club,” Johansen said. “The main goal would be to do more consent education and just provide a safe space for people whether it’s freshmen or people who’ve been at Boise State for a while; provide a safe space for them to come to ask questions and get support from their peers.”

Connor Jackson-Sevy, one of the graduates in the group, took part in the capstone project and assumed the role as treasurer during his time in the club.

“For us, it was kind of about just setting a good groundwork for years to follow, and to make sure that the club wasn’t just a one-off semester or just a project for that class. For our time during the club, we really tried to focus on building the club into something that was going to stick around and had some staying power,” Jackson-Sevy said.

Johansen, Jackson-Sevy and the four other members of the capstone project set the groundwork for SHACC during the time they had available. Hansen is now carrying on the work that the past members have done and is working to make sure students on campus always have a place to go when it comes to discussing sexual health and consent.

C U LT U R E

JUST A THOUGHT The Golden Globes are having an ‘OK, Boomer’ moment

T

Logan Potter | Editor-in-Chief | editor@stumedia.boisestate.edu

he mass influx of streaming services that have hit the market in the last year alone brought with them an abundance of award-eligible films and television shows, including Apple TV+’s “The Morning Show” and Netflix’s raved-about “Marriage Story.”

With relatively accessible prices and frequent password sharing, many of these attractions fall into the laps of awards voters, as well as into the hands of Boise State students.

This opportunity to see the year’s subjective best of Hollywood gives students and viewers more broadly the chance to be a critic; students in the university’s Film and Television Arts program likely would have made more effective decisions than this year’s Hollywood voting crew.

The Critics’ Choice and Golden Globe Awards have just released their list of annual nominees; while the Critics’ Choice took on a diverse approach to the year in filmmaking, the Globes have made the masses shake their heads in a true “OK, Boomer” turn of events.

After an on-stage callout to the Best Director category’s “all-male nominees” by Natalie Portman just two years ago, the Globes have come full circle with another year absent of women in the category. This comes despite the Critics’ Choice Awards’ recognition of “Little Women” director Greta Gerwig, whose take on the classic novel has a 96% on the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes ahead of its Dec. 25 release date. Her missed nomination comes alongside other female directors, including Lorene Scafaria of “Hustlers” and Lulu Wang of “The Farewell.”

Gerwig was not the only snub of the year. Zendaya missed out on a Best Actress nomination for critically acclaimed

“Euphoria,” Sandra Oh for “Killing Eve” and limited drama series “When They See Us” was left out of nominations entirely, including its creator, director and previous Globe nominee, Ava Duvernay. In short, there is a deafening absence of women and, more specifically, women of color in the Globes nominations. Is it time for #GlobesSoWhite?

Meanwhile, problematic yet widely acclaimed actress Scarlett Johansson is still picking up nominations, this year for her role in “Marriage Story” opposite Adam Driver.

Somehow, both Hollywood and its critics have managed to overlook her frequent display of offensive behavior in her career for the sake of her acting chops. Rather than allowing her to face the consequences of her very public actions, Johansson is rewarded with major nominations instead.

Yikes. Unfortunately, these nominations are the byproduct of a greater, non-inclusive Hollywood environment that is still unwilling to accommodate the talent of queer artists and people of color in the entertainment industry.

Regardless of which films and television shows that students choose as their all-time favorites, it is up to these arbitrary votes to determine the prestige of directors, actors and everyone behind the scenes on the year’s most talked-about pieces. Aside from the need to overhaul the elitist nature of the awards circuit, inclusivity must come at the forefront of the discussion — if for nothing else, to keep students informed about the platforms they are supporting.

Rather than taking the voting committee’s word for it, watch the nominees yourself; challenge the nominations and make the conversation political — just a thought.

DECEMBER 10, 2019

|

ARBITERONLINE.COM

15

SPORTS & REC DECEMBER 10, 2019 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

FORMER BRONCO CHEERLEADER KELSEY MESSER RISES TO HEAD COACH

After four years on the Spirit Squad and four years of volunteering, Messer moves up in collegiate cheerleading Mackenzie Hudson | Digital Content Producer | digitalcontent@stumedia.boisestate.edu

Messer has been a part of the Spirit Squad since 2011 when she joined as a flyer.

F

ive years ago, Kelsey Messer was one of many collegiate cheerleaders to hit The Blue. As a squad captain and flyer, she found a home at Boise State. Fast forward to today — Messer is now the head coach of the Spirit Squad, which includes sideline, mane line and Buster Bronco.

When former head coach Kassondra Landry departed at the end of the 2018-19 season, Messer knew she could not let the program go to anyone else. While athletic director Curt Apsey did the hiring, Landry gave an exceptional recommendation to nudge him towards Messer.

“I’ve invested so much time and energy into what we’ve done here and what we’ve built over the last eight years,” Messer said.

16

DECEMBER 10, 2019

|

“I would have been so upset with myself if I didn’t step up into that role, knowing that I knew I had what it takes to continue to push this program to where we all want it to be.”

Messer grew up in the small town of Enumclaw, Wa. and competed as a gymnast for 15 years. She picked up cheerleading in her junior year of high school and continued with the sport throughout college.

“I just got to the point where I was done [with gymnastics]. I didn’t know what I wanted to do next, but cheerleading seemed like a fun thing,” Messer said. “[I have] just six years of cheering, but my gymnastics background really helps bring that all together. Tumbling, stunting, everything; body awareness really helps.”

Even though Messer’s background is

ARBITERONLINE.COM

Mackenzie Hudson | The Arbiter more reflective of gymnastics than cheer and dance, she has made it a point to attend dance classes to brush up on her knowledge in order to help with the squad overall.

With just six years of cheer experience and four years as a volunteer assistant coach under her belt, Messer has strived to keep up the quality of performances from previous seasons.

Last season, cheer placed 13th at Universal Cheerleaders Association and Mane Line placed seventh in jazz and fourth in hip hop at National Dance Alliance. Messer is striving towards similar season outcomes for the squad.

According to the assistant coach Tiffany McCree, Messer has seamlessly maintained the squad’s momentum through her promotion.

“I think Kelsey is continuing the legacy that we’ve had throughout a lot of coach-

es,” McCree said. “She’s just building on that momentum that we have. She wants us to be the best, and she wants to see the program continue to succeed and do well.

So that’s kind of where we’re starting and just keep moving forward.”

Junior flyer Megan Gai believes Messer has the ability to carry out the growth of the team. According to Gai, Messer cares about those on the squad as individuals first and athletes second.

“She has really high expectations of us, which is good because as student-athletes, you need to have high expectations or else you’re not going to follow through,” Gai said. “She does a good job of checking up on us, individually and as a team. Just making sure our heads are in the right places in school and on the mat.”

Messer not only motivates the team, but is also a positive influence for the cheerleaders. McCree, who was also on the Spirit Squad with Messer when they were in college, works alongside Messer and witnesses first-hand how she affects the squad. “[Messer] puts her heart and soul into this and everything that she does. I think that’s a great ethic to have as a coach,” McCree said.

“She gives [the squad] 110% every single time and every single practice. That’s a great thing to instill in these kids and have them see that, hey, if I work hard, I can do this.”

Messer has been a Boise State coach for a total of five years now, and members of the Spirit Squad hope that she continues to be a part of the team and keep the legacy going.

“I hope she sticks with the program as long as she possibly can because of her impact that she’s had on the team,” Gai said. “She’s made a lot of great relationships with incoming freshmen and stuff like that. I would love to have her continue coaching throughout the years.”

SPORTS & REC

BOISE STATE BRINGS THE MOUNTAIN WEST TROPHY BACK TO THE BLUE

Henderson and Lui win offensive and defensive MVPs, respectively Autum Robertson | Sports Reporter | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu

Boise State defeated Hawaii 31-10 to earn the 2019 Mountain West Championship title.

Q

uarterback Jaylon Henderson started the season as the Broncos’ third-string quarterback, but as the season ended on The Blue, he was sitting at the Mountain West Championship podium, humbly thanking God for his opportunity to start.

“Hard work does not go unnoticed,” said head coach Bryan Harsin about Henderson earning the right to start and nose tackle Sonotani Lui walking on.

After falling to Fresno State in the 2018 Mountain West Championship game, the Broncos got to take back the trophy after routing the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors 31-10. Henderson won offensive MVP for completing 20 passes for 212 yards and two passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown, and Lui took home the defensive MVP crown following a dominant performance.

The first half was quiet for both teams.

Hawaii’s kicker Ryan Meskell connected on a field goal, and Boise State kicker Eric Sachse answered with one of his own 30 seconds before the conclusion of the first quarter. With a little over a minute to go in the half, the Broncos’ offense heated up.

Boise State’s first touchdown of the game came with 1:07 left in the half when Henderson completed a 36-yard pass to Khalil Shakir. After the Broncos’ defense forced Hawaii to punt, it only took Henderson and the offense three plays to find the endzone again, putting the Broncos ahead 17-3 at the half.

The Broncos’ offensive and defensive domination continued into the second half, holding Hawaii to 10 points. The strong defensive performance was led by Lui who had a strip-sack in the third quarter and accounted for five total tackles, two sacks and two tackles for a loss.

Mackenzie Hudson & Taylor Humby | The Arbiter “We’re able to accomplish things because everyone works together well as a unit, and that’s the best part,” Lui said. “Like when I went for that strip-sack, and Demitri [Washington] and Curtis [Weaver] were playing some really good defense and kept [Cole McDonald] in the pocket.”

The Broncos scored two more times in the second half, and Henderson once again proved that he deserved the starting spot. Henderson’s stat line was impressive, but his most impressive play came in the third quarter when he flew into the endzone, extending his arms for a fourth-down touchdown.

“No matter what the team does, I just want to go out there and get the win,” Henderson said. “Whether that’s another person going out there and starting, or myself or anybody else, as long as we get the win, I’m happy.”

The Broncos were causing problems

for Hawaii all game, but the Rainbow Warriors’ biggest struggle may have been penalties. By the start of the fourth quarter, Hawaii had already accumulated eight penalties.

Interestingly enough, Boise State had three different people take snaps at quarterback, but only one actually plays the quarterback position: Henderson. Shakir completed one pass for eight yards and John Hightower went 0-1 on completions as quarterback. Quarterbacks Hank Bachmeier and Chase Cord did not see the field.

Following the Broncos’ rout of Hawaii, they will head to Las Vegas to take on the University of Washington Huskies in the Las Vegas Bowl to cap off the 2019 season.

“We’ll take anyone, any place in any bowl game,” Lui said during the trophy presentation. “That’s the mentality.”

DECEMBER 10, 2019

|

ARBITERONLINE.COM

17

SPORTS & REC

THE PROMOTION OF TRACK AND FIELD’S ANDY GREEN: ‘A SEAMLESS TRANSITION’ Insight on the new full-time assistant coach of Boise State track and field Emily Stevens | Staff Writer | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu

Before his coaching career, Green was a two-time All American at University of Redlands.

T

he growth of athletes is consistently covered and analyzed by the media. What often goes unacknowledged, however, is the development of coaches.

Over the past three years, Boise State track and field has facilitated the success story of the up-and-coming Andy Green.

On Oct. 18, head coach Corey Ihmels announced Green’s promotion from a volunteer to a full-time assistant coach.

Since 2017, Green has exercised partial reign over sprints, jumps and hurdles. With this new position, he balances the same duties with recruiting, office hours and full leadership over the throws section.

According to Ihmels, Green is clearly the man for the job; yet, Green accepted the promotion with apparent humility. He maintains a grateful outlook on his job and an appreciation for the opportunity before him.

“I can’t believe this is our job – that we get to do this,” Green said. “The fun thing about

18

DECEMBER 10, 2019

|

being with the athletes is that every day you get to see them try to improve themselves and push themselves to do something better than they’ve ever done it before.”

Modesty and gratitude do not stand alone in building Green’s resume. His coaching experience and relationships within the track and field program have made him a fit with the Broncos.

From 2008 to 2011, Green was a star track and field athlete at the University of Redlands, where he earned titles such as the team’s Field MVP. The SCIAC Multi-Duals oversaw many of Green’s career highlights, including the 2010 performance in which he finished first place in the 200m dash and long jump, as well as second place in triple-jump.

He not only graduated with two All-American honors in 4x100 meter relay and 400-meter dash, but he also left with a desire to coach.

“People go into coaching for one of two

ARBITERONLINE.COM

Mackenzie Hudson | The Arbiter

reasons: either because they didn’t have a good coach or because they had a really good coach,” Green said. “[Head coach] Mike Schmidt at Redlands is fantastic, and that really inspired [me] to want to pursue that.”

Green began his coaching career at Sammamish High School where he served as the head coach of track and field and cross country from 2012 to 2015. He then moved on to fill the role of assistant coach of jumps, hurdles and sprints at Minot State University in 2016.

Green joined Boise State’s coaching staff in 2017. Since then, he has spent two years as a graduate assistant and one year as a volunteer assistant. Within that time, Green’s hard work proved his value to the team.

“Andy came to us as a volunteer. He started at ground-zero and has worked his way up,” Ihmels said. “I think he has obviously done a great job.”

Although Green’s work is already appreciated by those who work with him, the

young coach hopes to expand upon his current knowledge and skills while utilizing the influence of those around him to do so.

“Everyone here has way more experience than I do,” Green said. “I try to ask as many questions as I can and be as curious as I can.

I try to learn from all of their experiences.”

During his time at Boise State, Green has cultivated a constructive bond with the athletes, both training-wise and personally.

According to Ihmels, Green’s younger age allows him to relate to students on a level that may not be achieved by older coaches.

“He is able to listen and understand what the athletes need and what he can do as a coach to help them,” Ihmels said.

Senior thrower Kendra Noneman has been direct witness of the transition and, thus far, has no complaints.

Noneman expressed admiration for Green’s application of biomechanics in the training process, claiming that his knowledge of human anatomy contributes to his coaching technique. Noneman thanks Green’s training program for the preparation of incoming freshmen Bryce Valles and Connor Bjornson for collegiate throws competition.

In addition to physicality, Noneman claims that Green has improved team chemistry by encouraging interaction, both in practice and on the road, between the numerous events he coaches. For example, Noneman and the throwers already feel less isolated from the sprinters and jumpers.

“His coming-in has been really good for ‘team togetherness.’ Our team is a lot closer and I think it is really good for us,” Noneman said.

As the track and field season begins, one should keep an eye out during throwing events for a relatively isolated look at Green’s coaching.

Boise State fans can view the impact of Green’s promotion on Dec. 14, when the Broncos host the Jackson’s Open at Jacksons Indoor Track in Nampa.

OUR BEST GUESS The Arbiter aligns your stars.

SAGITTARIUS:

Your sense of self is at an all-time high right now.

Express your feelings, thoughts and desires when it counts and know that you are doing a wonderful job of maintaining perspective in this crazy, modern world. Give yourself acknowledgment and a pat on the back before you get back at it.

CAPRICORN

DEC 22 - JAN 20

It is all almost too much for any one person to handle, Cap, but being such a grounded person, you are doing a pretty good job. Remember that you are just one person. Do not waste time on tasks that are not imperative. Take time for yourself and the most important of tasks.

N OV E

AQUARIUS

JAN 20 - FEB 17

MB

Something someone says to you will have a profound impact on you, Aquarius. Take what they have to say to heart and use their words to seek self-improvement. This is a sign that you are being recognized in a way that you have not before.

ER

22

- D 21 r e ecemb

TRISHA KANGAS

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR TRISHAKANGAS@BOISESTATE.EDU

PISCES

FEB 18 - MARCH 20

You have hit a wave of ease and problems are simply passing you by. You feel in your element and strong enough to take on some bigger questions which have been waiting for you in the distance.

Act now while clarity remains in your sight.

ARIES

MARCH 20 - APR 20

You normally have no issue making decisions and continuing with forward momentum, but currently, you feel unable to commit to changes. See this for what it is, a lesson. Learn to be aware of any hastiness which exists for you and differentiate between that and decisiveness.

TAURUS

APR 20 - MAY 21

You have made some great strides toward a much better flow, Taurus. However, building up drive and motivation is still challenging for you right now. Try and spread out your tasks in small increments and tackle just a bit at a time until you are satisfied.

GEMINI

MAY 21 - JUN 21

While it is always easy to try and glide right past whatever roadblock is in your way momentarily, Gemini, that approach might not resolve issues in the long term. Try to focus and meditate on what is making you feel like you cannot communicate.

CANCER

JUN 21 - JULY 23 You are still recovering from last week, but keep your head up because good things are on the horizon. Spend time being reflective of the major takeaways from your recent experiences. Truly hear what life and those around you have to say.

LEO

JUL 23 - AUG 23

The moon is making a stop on you this week. You do not like to sit around and avoid taking action.

So, try and challenge yourself to just be. Think about what your mind and body are trying to say to you and only when you have an answer, act.

VIRGO

AUG 23 - SEPT 23

You keep receiving signs left and right, Virgo.

You have discovered a new way of thought, or perhaps you have dug a bit deeper into yourself and now see a side of yourself which was previously hidden. Either way, you have discovered a new trait that can be used as a strength.

LIBRA

SEPT 23 - OCT 22 You are so good at going with the flow and just seeing what life has to bring that, sometimes, you take a back seat to life. You are living it fully, but you often let things happen to you instead of making things happen for yourself. Take the reigns.

SCORPIO

OCT 23 - NOV 21

Mars will not stick around for too much longer, Scorpio. Now is the time to buckle down and tackle some intimidating tasks you may have been putting off. You will find it easier to make choices right now and good, insightful ones at that. Do not procrastinate. Think about what is best for you