September 17, 2019
Vol. 32 Issue 5
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
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33 YEARS AGO, ONE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR’S COLORFUL IDEA PUT BOISE STATE ON THE MAP NEWS
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After inclusivity debate at the university, gender-inclusive restrooms may be added to the SUB
VISIT US ONLINE:
OPINION
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The student debt crisis hits home for many, and President Trump has a chance to make positive change arbiteronline.com
CULTURE
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GIMM expansion fosters a community of gamers, podcast producers and developers at Boise State @arbiteronline
SPORTS & REC
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Senior spirit squad captain reflects on her career while cheering on the Broncos in her final season
@arbiteronline
@boisestatearbiter
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
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.
Splatter Party came back with a splash, bringing hundreds to the Quad for a colorful night.
ON THE COVER:
In 1986, an unprecedented idea turned into one of Boise State’s most iconic development s: the Blue. Over three decades later, the Boise State communit y is taking a look back. Photo cour tesy of Boise State Photographic Ser vices, Boise State Special Collec tions and Archives. Cover design by Maddie Ceglecki.
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
Mackenzie Hudson | The Arbiter
EVENTS OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT INTRAMURAL FIELD
SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS VOLLEYBALL
SEPTEMBER 19, 9 PM
Come enjoy Toy Story 4 on the Intramural Field behind the SUB. Students can RSVP in advance, and anyone present is also encouraged to participate in a social media giveaway.
MATERIAL SCIENCE & ENGINEERING SEMINAR
RUCH ENGINEERING
SEPTEMBER 20, 10:30 AM This week, David Cahill of the University of Illinois will be speaking on “Current Understanding and Unsolved Problems in Thermal Transport at the Nanoscale.” This event is open to the public.
BOISE RIVER CLEANUP REC CENTER SEPTEMBER 21, 10 AM
Limited spaces are available for this volunteer event cleaning up the Boise River just after the floating season comes to a close. A $5 registration fee includes all equipment, food and transportation necessary.
The Broncos traveled to the Mizzou Invitational over the weekend. They took down Austin Peay State 3-1 and Northern Iowa 3-0, then fell to No. 21 Missouri 0-3. Boise State’s first home game is on Thursday, Sept. 19 in the Bronco Gym.
WOMEN’S SOCCER SOCCER
Boise State defeated Weber State 3-0 on Friday, Sept. 13. Sophomore goalkeeper Sydney Smith had eight saves. On Sunday, Sept. 15, the Broncos kept up their momentum, beating Portland State 2-0.
FOOTBALL
OUTDOOR JAZZ CONCERT
JULIA DAVIS PARK SEPTEMBER 21, 6 PM
The Boise State Jazz ensemble will be performing in an outdoor concert at the Gene Harris Bandshell While music will begin at 6 pm, the jazz band will be playing the second set.
Boise State barreled past Portland State 45-10 on Saturday, Sept. 14. Junior Curtis Weaver had four sacks, tying the single-game school record. The Broncos climbed two spots in the AP Top 25 Poll after their win, and now sit at No. 20.
NEWS
SEPTEMBER 17, 2019 | ARBITERONLINE.COM
CARE PROGRAM OFFERS OUTREACH, ASSISTANCE TO UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY
University outreach programs allow students, faculty and university community members to seek help for their peers Celina Van Hyning | News Editor | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu
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oise State students have multiple self-care resources available to them, but many of these programs go unnoticed by students and faculty. In addition, many students may not realize they could benefit from outreach and assistance, or might not know where they can access these resources. A Boise State outreach program is seeking to change the way students discover what health-related resources are available to them. The Campus Assessment, Resource and Education (CARE) program provides assistance to the university community “to help assess and find solutions for managing distressing, disturbing, disruptive, and potentially dangerous behaviors.” CARE is overseen by the Associate Dean of Students Lauren Oe and Associate Vice President for Public Safety John Kaplan. The two work closely together to provide a safety net for the whole campus. CARE operates by allowing people in the university community to anonymously or eponymously use the website’s online reporting service to report concerning situations or behaviors from students and faculty. Once a report is submitted, Oe, Kaplan or another CARE team member will reach out to the reported person and direct them to the appropriate resources. Oe said CARE was brought to Boise State following a national tragedy. “There’s been a rendition of these programs in higher education for the last 20 years,” Oe said. “The catalyst to put effort into these kinds of teams (at Boise State) came from the incident at Virginia Tech. Through an investigation, there was a report that really identified a need for some kind of coordinated responses model.” Oe said the most rewarding aspect of CARE is the sense of community it has
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Assistant Dean of Students Lauren Oe works closely with her team to follow up on CARE reports. created on the campus, as students, faculty members and even those who do not attend the university can submit a CARE report. “It does allow people to share concerns when they don’t know where to share it,” Oe said. “Even if all we’re doing is letting a person give us some ideas about how they can help their friends or community, that’s more than they had before.” Oe works hand-in-hand with Kaplan to conduct threat assessment and threat management for all CARE reports. According to Kaplan, replying to reports is a small part of what the team does. “Threat assessment is just one aspect of what the CARE team is about,” Kaplan said. “CARE is about having a safety net
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for the whole campus in a way that is very readily accessible. This is a very effective way to get someone to reach back out to you to say, ‘Hey we know you’re struggling.’” Director of Counseling Services Matt Niece is another member of the CARE team. He has worked with the program for three years and works directly with Oe and Kaplan to determine who should reach out when reports are filed. “We’re helping students from multi-diverse, multi-disciplinary backgrounds,” Niece said. “(Filing a report) is very easy, can be anonymous and quick.” Niece said that outreach does not stop after the request is submitted. Multiple steps must take place before the team feels
Taylor Humby | The Arbiter
that they have done their job. “Every report is followed up to ensure that something is being done,” Niece said. “We always receive reports in real time and work to determine who would be the best person to reach out.” Niece said that working in this program is not only rewarding to him, but to those submitting reports. “I think coming together as a university to help people of concern has been the most rewarding aspect,” Niece said. “We feel like we have to carry the burden of supporting people we know alone and we don’t. Students know students better than anyone else.”
NEWS
NEW SUSTAINABILITY CENTER REACHES STUDENTS IN AN INTERACTIVE WAY
The Sustainability Department is showcasing the impact of green practices on campus Taylor Rico-Pekerol | News Reporter | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu
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n outdated and hidden sustainability area has been on campus for the past several years. Morgan Brummund, the government relations officer and student lobbyist for the Associated Students of Boise State University (ASBSU), has been working on making a space for a sustainability center. “It wasn’t a space, it was just signage and stuff like that,” Brummund said. “And it was replaced with vending machines. So, that being said, this isn’t a new concept.” At the end of the last academic year, the sustainability center was going to be revamped, but was put on hold due to other remodeling ventures in the Student Union Building (SUB). The Boise State campus has one interior designer, Kylene Collette, who is working on remodeling the SUB entirely. The sustainability center’s remodel envisions new features, making it a livable space for students which will incorporate zero-waste products. “We want to make sure that we use sustainable materials that are functional, perhaps using recycled materials to make seating,” Collette wrote in an email. “We met with ASBSU as well as a local company that is interested in making the recycled furniture.” The new center is going to be located between the Boise River Cafe and the lounge area of the SUB. A goal for the new space is to include interactive and educational features for students. Kat Davis is a coordinator for the Sustainability Department and has helped Brummund with ideas for the new space. “The sustainability center is going to be an interactive hub, basically, for students to come learn about sustainability initiatives on campus (and) learn
about sustainability in general in a really interactive way,” Davis said. Some of the interactive pieces include a rotating art piece of the Boise State “B” made out of zero-waste items and made by different clubs, a bike-powered, lightup sign that showcases different sustainable resources and a projector displaying an interactive screen on the ground. “I think the process of keeping students involved is important too,” Collette wrote. “We need student input to design something that is relevant for them, and then make sure that they are able to run with it and keep the center relevant. There is great empowerment in giving students that responsibility.” Television monitors are in the space already and will display different information for students to understand the impact of their environmental footprint. Part of the information given will be relevant to Boise State so that students will have a better understanding of their impact, according to Davis. “I think what we really want to do is to be able to take statistics from our campus that’s like, ‘Hey, this is something that you are a part of ’ and then put them back in terms of campus that is equivalent to this many Bronco shuttle routes,” Davis said. The Sustainability Department does not receive funding, but in the ASBSU budget, there is a line item for the conservation of $10,000, according to Brummund. “I just want to clarify that this in no way is affecting student fees. And it’s not making any other places miss out on stuff,” Brummund said. “We had to allocate money to it just because it’s a partnership between us and the SUB and the sustainability department doesn’t really have funding.” The center is scheduled to be finished by the end of the semester but could pos-
sibly be done sooner. From the beginning, Davis wanted the space to come from students and showcase their wants and needs. She reached out to the Sustainability Club and the committee on the ASBSU assembly group to help with ideas. “I think this center is an opportunity for students to have pride in the work that they’re doing and to be inspired,” Davis said. “Sustainability is all about creative problem-solving. So I think that the center gives a place to highlight some of the most creative and innovative things that fellow students are doing.”
“Sustainability is all about creative problem-solving. So I think that the center gives place to highlight some of the most creative and innovative things that fellow students are doing.” Kat Davis, sustainability coordinator
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NEWS
MEET BOISE’S MAYORAL CANDIDATES
Boise has seven candidates from all walks of life running for the position of mayor in 2019 Taylor Rico-Pekerol | News Reporter | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu
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n nationwide political elections, people may feel their vote has no significant impact. To some, however, local elections can give them the voice they are looking for. Jaclyn Kettler, a professor of political science, has no doubt in her mind that students can make a difference with their vote. “(At) these local levels, your vote actually could be a deciding factor,” Kettler said. “Often, every vote can count, and it’s not that it doesn’t in presidential elections, but you may actually be closer to being a deciding vote.” Boise’s mayoral race consists of seven candidates running in the election on Tuesday, Nov. 5. The candidates are listed below in alphabetical order. Rebecca Arnold Candidate Arnold is an attorney for W.H. Moore Co. and believes her work and life experience has prepared her for the position of Boise mayor. Arnold hopes to cut unnecessary spending and lower rising property taxes to shift the focus back to public safety. She believes having to fund her own education has taught her a lot financially and understand where students are coming from. “Boise State students and other young people are our up and coming leaders and we should all invest in their education and development to prepare them to take over running our government and companies,” Arnold wrote. David Bieter Bieter is the current mayor of Boise and is running for a fifth term in office. His main focus is to continue the work he has been doing and improve upon the city of Boise. He hopes to boost transportation as Boise continues to grow and improve the housing costs for residents. Local government is important for students and Bieter believes students should pay attention to what is happening. “A pattern of engagement is just so
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of housing affordability, take advantage of the opportunity to work on climate change and transition to clean energy. McLean received her master’s degree from Boise State and became an informed student by serving on the park board for the City of Boise. “This election could be decided by students and young residents of Boise, if students and young residents of Boise show up,” McLean said.
Mayoral elections will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Kacie Fromhart | The Arbiter important because we know that people who establish those engagements and those habits, they continue on throughout their life,” Bieter said. Brent Cole Candidate Cole was mayor from 1993 to 2003, and resigned after being caught misusing public funds for personal vacations. He now works as a realtor and is focused on lowering property taxes, adding more funding to police departments, and public safety. “I apologized for making those mistakes but I have learned from them,” Cole said. “It is because of those lessons that I know I can be a better leader. I can be a better mayor.” He believes that Boise State students should take advantage of the opportunities to create a foundation for the future.
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Adriel Martinez In the past, candidate Martinez has run for city council positions and currently works at FedEx at the Boise airport. “I want people to know that I’m different because I’m not a career politician. Not an established person. I’m not from the political world,” Martinez said. Martinez has three main platforms for running that include the housing crisis, infrastructures and transportation, and strengthening the Boise economy. Boise State is a part of the city and Martinez believes students should participate and be engaged no matter what. Lauren McLean Currently, candidate McLean is the city council president and owns a philanthropy consultant business. She wants to improve public transportation, solve the problem
Cortney Nielsen Candidate Nielsen works as a merchandiser and sales associate for over a hundred stores and believes her experience with people gives her the skills to listen to citizen’s needs. Nielsen’s main concerns are minimum wages, work with other counties in obtaining a passenger rail car, be environmentally conscious about the air quality and fix the roads and infrastructures. “I think it’s important to be aware of local government issues. Knowledge is powerful, and when you are informed, you can participate,” Nielsen wrote in an email. Wayne Richey Candidate Wayne Richey is an auto body technician and has spoken with people in the community about their thoughts on different issues in Boise. Richey believes Boise State students should watch the news every day and know what is going on in current government events. His main platform is to make Boise less inviting for people that want to move here and in turn, he believes that will lower the influx of unaffordable living. “We need to roll up the welcome mat right now. We need to make Boise not quite so inviting,” Richey said. “We need to get off of the top 10 list, if that means taking some bike paths away, not quite as nice of parks and not making Boise quite so wonderful, then that’s what we’re going to do.”
GENDER-INCLUSIVE RESTROOMS FIND THEIR WAY INTO SUB REVAMP
NEWS
Remodeling plans for the SUB are underway and may include gender-neutral restrooms
Celina Van Hyning | News Editor | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu
continue to normalize and protect gender-inclusive facilities, we can build a safe space for them.” Opperman said that IESC is undergoing multiple projects relating to gender-inclusive facilities. She said it is their goal to spread neutral facilities across campus and include them in construction plans for all new buildings. According to Nicole Nimmons, executive director of Campus Services, she and her team are listening to student requests. As of now, the SUB only houses one gender-inBoise State has few gender inclusive restrooms on campus. Kacie Fromhart | The Arbiter clusive restroom on the second floor “Having gender-inclusive restrooms he Student Union Building near the Gender Equity Center (GEC). are just another way to make sure that (SUB) may have a complete Nimmons said her team has no plans in all students, regardless of identity, feel remodel planned in the near the next eighteen months to add single-use welcome on campus and this is another future. From plans for a permaor gender-neutral restrooms. step toward that goal,” Opperman said. “I nent prayer space to supplying students with “When we remodel the Patio restrooms, more seating, Campus Services is working to feel like gender-inclusive is the best route nearest the Admissions office, we will because not everyone identifies as male or ensure the SUB has space for everyone. evaluate the need and how to design these female. (These restrooms are) for everyone Among the possibilities of new addirestrooms to be inclusive,” Nimmons wrote. regardless of their identity.” tions to the SUB are gender-inclusive reChelsea Gaona-Lincoln, the chair of Along with other IESC members, Opstrooms — restrooms that are available for Add the Words — an organization that is perman said that acceptance will put these use by anyone regardless of their gender working to persuade Idaho legislators to restrooms into the SUB. identification. According to Hailey Opupdate the Human Rights Act to include “I know when we first started impleperman, a sophomore pre-nursing major protections for people in the LGBTQIA menting (those restrooms), I heard some and member of the Inclusive Excellence community — said that gender-inclusive students thought it would be seen as Student Council (IESC), gender-inclusive restrooms need to be seen in practice to a target for hateful anti-LGBTQIA+,” restrooms are the best way to ensure that end the controversy surrounding them. Opperman said. “I think as long as we every student feels secure.
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“It’s a bathroom,’ Gaona-Lincoln said. “People want to be able to handle their business safely and without concern. The only difference is that gender-inclusive restrooms have more stalls.” Gaona-Lincoln said that everyone in Idaho has had experience with a gender-inclusive restroom without realizing it, but the scare tactics and propaganda used against the LGBTQIA community make it seem as though the restrooms themselves will cause problems rather than solve them.
“Everybody needs access to a bathroom. These restrooms are about students having access to a space where they can handle their natural human business. There’s nothing to be concerned about.” Chelsea Gaona-Lincoln, chair of Add the Words
“Everybody needs access to a bathroom,” Gaona-Lincoln said. “These restrooms are about students having access to a space where they can handle their natural human business. There’s nothing to be concerned about.” For Boise State students, Gaona-Lincoln said there are plenty more important issues for them to worry about. “Students have to deal with so much, like student debt or maybe a young family,” Gaona-Lincoln said. “The last thing they should have to worry about is ‘Can I go safely?’”
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OPINION
OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THIS SECTION ARE THOSE OF THE AUTHORS. THEY DO NOT PURPORT TO REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE ARBITER.
SEPTEMBER 17, 2019 | ARBITERONLINE.COM
IT’S TIME TO CANCEL THE NATIONAL STUDENT DEBT
As the student debt total reaches unprecedented levels, solutions are few and far between Zach Hill | Opinion Editor | opinion@stumedia.boisestate.edu
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ollege is a pretty difficult experience for most students. The Arbiter ran an article recently about the number of college students across the nation who exhibit signs of depression, and the number is staggering with roughly 44% of students affected by this mental health crisis. However, the statistics on how many students struggle with mental health and the constant, various tasks one needs to complete just to afford living seem to correlate. Students spend a significant amount of time worrying about how they will pay for school, as well as how it will affect their families later on. This culture we’ve created surrounding “surviving” college has caught up to us all in a very real way — college students in the United States now owe an astounding $1.6 trillion in loan debt. This massive number has forced the student debt crisis to the top of the ledger in the Democratic presidential primaries. Candidates like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren have both proposed outwardly canceling the national debt, while other candidates like Cory Booker support a debt-free approach. Either of these policies would likely be a good idea, but in order to alleviate the problem as fast as possible, the Trump administration needs to strongly consider canceling the student debt. There are a few incentives for the Trump administration to
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follow through on this policy. First, Trump himself considers the student debt crisis to be a problem, just like most other candidates, and even promised he would find a solution. Trump’s solution mostly suggests capping loans so nobody ends up with more than they can pay. This solution truthfully isn’t bad, but it doesn’t go far enough. A significant amount of students, especially those from low-income families, rely on student loans to earn a degree. Last year, almost 70% of students had taken out loans in order to pay tuition, demonstrating their widespread use. As of 2019, a bachelor’s degree has become the new high school diploma, with more positions requiring more experience and higher education. This means more students need a degree just to make sure they can get a job that allows them to keep up with the increasing cost of living in most areas. So, in order to pay for that degree, students need to take out loans, which increases the burden on their newfound job to pay off that debt. From there, the cycle continues. This is where the biggest incentive for Trump to cancel the student debt comes in; it would boost the economy significantly. Trump won the presidency in 2016 on the promise of creating a strong economy that worked for everyone. The easiest way for him to fulfill that promise is to cancel the debt. This boost to the economy could
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Students are constantly pelted by challenges from all directions, and debt shouldn’t have to be one. Kacie Fromhart | The Arbiter come about in many ways: first, it would significantly increase consumer spending, allowing businesses to report larger gains. Additionally, homeownership would increase, allowing the housing market to flourish. Furthermore, it’s likely that unemployment would go down by about half a percent per year for the next ten years, ensuring that economic benefits remained constant, rather than the tax cuts that produced a short term benefit. The biggest argument that has been made against canceling the student debt is that it is “not fair” to the families that worked hard to pay off their debt already. It should be made clear, however, that nobody is taking away how difficult an achievement this is.
Anyone who has been able to pay off their debt in the present has something to be proud of. However, not everyone has the means at their disposal to afford a monthly payment over $400 along with a mortgage or rent, among other expenses. Low-income families are being disproportionately harmed by the student debt crisis, and they shouldn’t be punished for trying to obtain a degree that helps create higher-paying opportunities for the rest of their lives. The student loan crisis is spiraling out of control. Trump has a clear path towards not only achieving one of his primary policy goals, but to boosting millions of families from underneath the weight of their debts.
OPINION
MARIANNE WILLIAMSON DESERVES TO DEBATE
The Democratic candidate didn’t take the stage last week, and students should care Tate Volbrecht | Guest Writer | opinion@stumedia.boisestate.edu
Marianne Williamson isn’t a conventional presidential candidate, but represents an interesting shift in American politics.
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fter last week’s Democratic debate, many viewers were left underwhelmed. Marianne Williamson, a bestselling author, spiritual leader and Reddit-ordained Orb Queen, was excluded from the Sept. 12 debate for her failure to meet all qualification requirements. But, unlike Steve Bullock or Bill de Blasio, this is not a sign that she has made the decision to drop out of the race. Given the current political situation, which Williamson says is plagued by a “dark psychic force of collectivized hatred,” her message of change, love and solidarity is more important than ever. As Jon Schwarz of the Intercept explained on Aug. 5, 2019, other candidates have made calls for sweeping change, but Williamson has been “radical in the real meaning of the word.” Unlike other candidates, Williamson interrogated the relationships between U.S. chemical policy, agriculture and the health of the American public. She has engaged in candid discussions on gun violence, articulating that the erosion of effect in
American life plays a significant role in the hundreds of mass shootings we see every year. Not only that, but Williamson has easily made the best case for reparations in the United States: paying a debt that is owed and engaging the nation in “deep truth-telling” to confront its troubling past. What do these messages all have in common? They all acknowledge the systemic, widespread nature of our nation’s woes. Even better, the data backs them up. On the topic of health, research from JAMA International Medicine and other journals have repeatedly found damaging relationships between U.S. agriculture subsidies and cardiometabolic issues. That is, the country’s food subsidies encourage the consumption of unhealthy processed food products. Furthermore, decades of economic research have illustrated the existence of a racial wealth gap; a gap easily traceable to race-based social and economic policies in the United States. Philosophers like Fredric Jameson have discussed at great length the relationships between highly corporate culture and the decline
in authentic emotion towards others and sociologists repeatedly urge Americans to understand the links between hyper-masculinity and gun violence. Sure, Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren both indict the system for its corruption and greed, but Marianne Williamson does one better. She identifies the relationships between all of it and adopts the systemic analysis necessary to find real solutions. Despite this, Williamson has received her fair share of criticism. Many people have pushed back on her message, referencing her past comments on vaccinations and disease prevention. However, the candidate’s comments were actually right. In a country that forcibly sterilized Native American women and flat out lied to the men who volunteered for the Tuskegee Study, it is justified to be concerned with state-sponsored mandatory vaccination schemes. Also, experts from Johns Hopkins and other leading medical professionals have established that, when faced with life-threatening illnesses, the affirmation and positive thinking Williamson espouses
Photo: Scott Eisen/Getty Images/TNS are clinically shown to reduce the intensity of symptoms or even improve overall health. In the end, it appears both critiques actually reinforce Williamson’s message: we can create the world around us, and that world can create us. So, before you toss some money to the Yang campaign or believe Kamala Harris cares more about you than corporate profit, go to marianne2020.com and explore her platform. Williamson has a lot to offer the Democratic field, be it a U.S. Department of Peace or a re-imagination of our economic priorities. Marianne’s message Mari(C)ANne make a difference. It’s our job to listen to it.
HAVE A COMMENT OR REBUTTAL? EMAIL US AT: OPINION@STUMEDIA.BOISESTATE.EDU
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F E AT U R E
IT ALL STARTED HERE FOLLOWING THE LATEST TURF UPGRADE, CAMPUS COMMUNITY MEMBERS REFLECT ON THE BLUE’S INNOVATIVE BEGINNINGS
DELANEY BRASSIL | SPORTS EDITOR | SPORTS@STUMEDIA.BOISESTATE.EDU
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n 1986, Gene Bleymaier, Boise State’s athletic director from 1982 to 2011, was on an airplane, gazing across the rolling landscape of green patterns, contemplating the university’s upcoming routine task of replacing the turf on the football field. It would be a pricey task; $600,000 to swap a worn green for a new green, an investment that fans weren’t likely to notice. Bleymaier was constantly thinking of ways to put the Broncos on the map. Perhaps the most innovative athletic director Boise had ever seen, Bleymaier’s primary initiative has turned into an irreplaceable symbol of Boise State pride: the blue turf. Now, with the recent installation of a brand new, extended turf fresh in every Bronco fan’s mind, nostalgia returns with a desire to recall where it all began.
“I thought, there’s no reason this has to be green. It’s not real grass and people know it’s not real grass. So why not do it in our school colors?” - GENE BLEYMAIER, FORMER ATHLETIC DIRECTOR “I thought, there’s no reason this has
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to be green. It’s not real grass and people know it’s not real grass. So why not do it in our school colors?” Bleymaier said. “That was the thought pattern. I knew that it was a crazy idea.” Serious about this project, Bleymaier presented it to the university president, Dr. John Keiser. They discussed total commitment; if they opened it to the public for discussion, Bleymaier knew that the concept would be criticized and shut down. So, they would have to fully embrace it — no turning back. “(Keiser) said he wanted to think about it for a week. Then we got back together and he said, ‘Let’s do it,’” Bleymaier said. “So really, Dr. Keiser is the one that should get the credit.” AstroTurf, the company that eventually agreed to take on the task, had never done anything like The Blue before. They could not guarantee the exact shade of blue that it would be, and Bleymaier was adamant that it had to be the royal, Bronco blue. “When I started looking at shades of blue at a paint store, I realized there’s about 200 shades of blue, and about 175 of them are pretty ugly,” Bleymaier said. “So I was concerned and nervous about the actual color of the turf and really didn’t know what that color was until they rolled out the first roll of it on the field. And once I saw it, I took a huge sigh of relief.” Long-time sports information director Max Corbet, who worked for the Broncos from 1986 to 2017, was hired in October of Boise State’s first season with the “smurf turf.” “I remember walking out the back door of the varsity center to that and thought ‘Oh my God. Wow.’ I don’t know what was the best word was — bizarre, just un-
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usual,” Corbet said. “It just really kind of caught you, like, ‘This is really strange.’” Eventually, Corbet warmed up to the color, though he admits that sometimes it is still strange to see the field on television. Corbet had arguably the best seat in the house to watch the oddity of the blue turf evolve into a national icon, thanks to the success of the football teams that played on it year in and year out. According to Bleymaier, the coaches at the time were uncertain about the turf until they started recruiting. Especially in the west and northwest, players associated Boise State with its novelty field. “There was a real excitement amongst the recruits because everybody knew about the blue turf and about Boise State,” Bleymaier said. “They said that really helped get their foot in the door in recruiting, so the coaches came around quickly once they realize[d] that it was popular with the players.” As the first non-green football field in NCAA history, Bleymaier’s innovative idea received its fair share of doubt from the community and media. After its installation, rumors circled about ducks “diving into the field” thinking that it was a body of water. Bleymaier, Corbet and many members of the football staff received questions about this myth at almost comical frequency. “After the first weekend it was down, I went out to run early in the morning around the track and there was a huge camera and a cameraman there,” Bleymaier said. “I said, ‘Can I help you?’ And he said, ‘I’m here with the networks to film the ducks crashing into the field.’ And I kind of chuckled and I said, ‘Well, you might you might be here awhile waiting for that to happen.’”
Prior to the Broncos’ first game on The Blue, or as some referred to it, “Lake Lyle,” a nod to head coach Lyle Setencich, The University News spoke with students about their reactions to field. They called the change “one of a kind”, “a little strange” and said, “it’s about time they did something different.” Overall, most students and football players approved of the color. On Sept. 13, 1986, Boise State stepped onto the blue turf for the first time in history and demolished Humboldt State 74-0. Ironically, the Broncos went 5-6 in the 1986 season — their first losing record in 40 years. According to Corbet, many skeptics blamed the losing season on their superstitions about the oddly colored field, often making comments about getting rid of the turf. This suggestion was one that would have Bronco players, coaches and fans up in arms today. But seeing as they couldn’t simply “rip out” their eye-catching project from the ground, the turf stayed and, eventually, grew on the community. Today, even the slightest mention of Boise State prompts people from all over the country to think of the iconic blue field. If Boise State comes up in the conversation — even in a context completely unrelated to athletics — so does The Blue. But the household name isn’t solely due to the football team’s success on the turf. In 2011, Boise State obtained a federal trademark registration for “the color blue as applied to artificial turf.” “After the 2007 Fiesta Bowl when we got on the map, so to speak, in such a large way, our licensing and sales and retail just ballooned,” said Spencer Jahn, Boise State’s trademark licensing specialist. “So at that point,
Photo cour tesy of Boise State Photographic Ser vices, Boise State Special Collections and Archives.
President Kustra decided to make a whole position for a trademark licensing person.” That person was Rachael Bickerton. Bickerton’s first attempt at getting The Blue trademarked right away in 2008 failed, but she succeeded in getting approval with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in 2009. Now stepping into Bickerton’s shoes, Jahn is involved in renewing the trademark every 10 years. “The reason for trademarking it — and it was an incredible decision — was because of the strength of our football program. Boise State as a whole was just synonymous with blue turf,” Jahn said. “You see blue turf, you see a colored field, automatically, your first thought that comes into your head is Boise State.” As a result, any program that seeks to install a non-green turf must first ask the permission of Boise State. On Sept. 6, 2019, just seven days from being the exact 33rd anniversary of the first game on the original blue turf, the Broncos played their first home game of the season on the latest installation of turf. The Blue now extends all the way to the stands, making for an even more intense, eye-catching beacon of school spirit. Constructed from May 18 to May 30 by McAlvain Companies, Inc. and FieldTurf, the newest update is the sixth installation since 1986 (other replacements occurred in 1995, 2002, 2008 and 2010). “The first thing I thought when I saw it was just how clean the look is… From a safety standpoint, there’s no question; it’s a lot nicer. It’s not exactly the same as something that they play on, but having that blue cover around the whole field makes it a lot safer for them,” Corbet said. “I thought it looked really clean; I wish we could have done that sooner, it gave it a really nice look to the whole stadium.” Whether due to its unique shade, famed trademark, unforgettable football programs or anything in between, The Blue is a stark symbol of Boise State’s pride and work ethic. Lynda Murray, who was a nursing major in 1986 when The University News asked for her opinion on the new field, managed to perfectly predict the future when she said, “Boise will be known for its blue turf.” Taylor Humby | The Arbiter
C U LT U R E SEPTEMBER 17, 2019 | ARBITERONLINE.COM
EVOLUTION OF VIDEO GAME CULTURE AT BOISE STATE CONTINUES
A new student video game podcast is just one new aspect of gaming on campus
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Michelle Johnson | Culture Reporter | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu
ortnite, World of Warcraft and Apex Legends are just a few video games exploding into popularity throughout recent years. With gaming becoming more widely accepted, college campuses are creating new video game programs and competitive gaming teams. Video game culture is continuously growing in various ways and college campuses are no exception. Kyle Rennie, a Boise State senior studying game design production, is creating a new podcast that will be introduced to campus this fall called “D-Pad Diaries.” The premise of this podcast is to create a narrative with a new video game each episode. “The podcast consists of me constructing a narrative after I play a game,” Rennie said. “As an example, the first episode will be about a Skyrim module called Enderal. I will be telling the story of how I played the game; I don’t want it to be a review. It’ll have the essence of a story with a three-act plot, and how I experience the game in the moment and what’s going on behind the scenes.” When Rennie was thinking of the perfect platform for his idea, a podcast came to his mind. Instead of doing the whole production by himself and trying to get onto Spotify or Apple Music, Rennie chose the on-campus route: University Pulse Radio. “I was really amazed at all the resources we have for Pulse Radio,” Rennie said. “We have a recording studio, and Kelsie, the manager for Pulse, is helping me get started. I’m also having some of the graphic designers at The Arbiter help me with my logo, which is very helpful.” With the College of Innovation and Design adding new programs such as the Games, Interactive, Media and Mobile Technology (GIMM) major, the video
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game community at Boise State is rapidly expanding. Ryan McNamee, director of operations for eSports, discussed the video game culture and the growth he’s seen in his short nine months here. “In the community, we have seen increases in both tryouts for the competitive eSports team and for people joining the club, as well,” McNamee said. “When this program first started nationally in 2017, there were only nine colleges participating. Now, there are almost 300.” Students are willing to help each other out in the gaming community on campus and gaming isn’t treated as such a competition when compared to other athletic communities. “A lot of people that play love to play
“A lot of people that play love to play with their friends and are supportive of their fellow students when it comes to video games, which you don’t really see too often.” Ryan McNamee, director of eSports operations with their friends and are supportive of their fellow students when it comes to video games, which you don’t really see too often,” McNamee said. “I come from California, and everyone’s a little bit more on the competitive side where they try to be number one, that’s not the case here.”
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Gaming and education comes together to create a unique culture on campus. Wyatt Wurtenberger | The Arbiter
Olivia Thomas, a senior dual majoring in computer science and GIMM, has seen significant growth in the gaming community in her time at Boise State. Thomas is on the GIMM student development team, which allows students to work with real clients. “I think video games are starting to gain traction as an academic discipline more than ever before,” Thomas said. “I think eSports and GIMM [have] helped to grow the community, as well.” With Rennie’s podcast covering a variety of different games, Thomas is excited to listen in. “Games can be used for more than just entertainment, they can also be educational and can get across profound points in ways that the written word can’t,” Thomas said. “I
am excited to see if Kyle explores some of those topics and goes deeper into what gameplay means and what they can do for us.” When it comes to what the future holds for Rennie, he is not sure how far he will take his podcast. “I have always liked storytelling, so this is a way to blend those two things together in a strange and unique way,” Rennie said. “If it makes me happy and at least one other person happy, that’s my goal at the end of the day.” Rennie’s podcast will be up and running in about one month and broadcasted through University Pulse Radio. For more information regarding eSports, visit esports.boisestate.edu.
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POPULAR BOISE MUSIC VENUES ARE IN WALKING DISTANCE FROM CAMPUS
Local businesses offer entertainment alongside their menu Erin Barnett | Staff Writer | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu
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ollege can be a struggle to keep up with work and passing classes. When the weekend finally rolls around, many students just want to have an inexpensive night filled with friends, beer and good music. There are many venues within walking distance from Boise State University, including packed bars with little to no cover charge with live music and events. High Note, 18+ High Note is a hidden gem on North 5th Street. The restaurant is encompassed with a jazz club feel with an all plant-based menu and live music. Since it opened seven years ago, the goal was to be an all-inclusive place where people can kick back and have a good time. “Since opening seven years ago, it was the owners’ goal to be an all-inclusive, all-ages place,” said Amy Gannon, employee at High Note. The music at High Note is often booked in advance and posted as Facebook events. There is no cover charge, but donations are accepted. “We book our music a couple months in advance and we put it on Facebook events, and then the bands will promote, but we don’t do any heavy promoting,” Gannon said. “We just kind of book them and if you wanna check them out.” Tom Grainey’s, 21+ After remodeling in April and re-opening on May 16, Tom Grainey’s has taken a step back from the traditional live music it was once known for; instead, the bar is taking steps forward in a new direction to keep up with the changing interests. DJs in the basement on the weekends and
karaoke on Monday nights is the current plan for Grainey’s. “We will have bands at times, but the live music culture has changed. We tried the no cover and continued bands, but it just doesn’t seem like what the younger generation wants anymore,” said Amber Hazen, manager at Tom Grainey’s. “The basement always did better.” Tom
a venue which hosts a wide range of music, from classic rock, punk, country and more, even bringing in the occasional comedy act. Event information is posted to neurolux. com with prices. On average, the cost of these live events can be from as low as $5 to $25 depending on the show, which may be considered reasonable for a college budget. If that cost is too steep for some, there are dance nights with a DJ that take place after 11 pm on Friday and Saturday nights with no cover charge. With its affordable drinks and live
music, Neurolux is also an all-inclusive spot that prides itself on being welcoming to all people. It has become a well-established place to go and have a good time. Austin Foudy, a bouncer at Neurolux, is a supporter of the bar and what it strives to stand for. “It is my favorite bar, it just fortunate that I work there now. We do have rather affordable drink prices and Neurolux is pretty notorious for their stiff pour,” Loudy said. “Especially with the staff that we have and speaking as an employee there, I would say that we try and harbor a safe environment for our patrons. We are LGBTQ+ friendly, and we do want to harbor and include many people safely into our place.” These are just a few of the best places where a college student can take a break from their hectic schedule and plan a night out with music and a cold drink — or a snack.
Grainey’s may not have the live music it used to, but the fun, laidback feeling the bar had was preserved. The bar’s events are posted to their Facebook page, making it a great option for a planned night out. Neurolux, 21+ A local dive bar that has it all, Neurolux is
Many Boise businesses offer free and cheap music for patrons to enjoy Kacie Fromhart | The Arbiter SEPTEMBER 17, 2019
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BUILDING BEST BUDDIES LOCALLY FROM THE GROUND UP
Two students are working to create everlasting bonds between people with disabilities and their peers Michelle Johnson | Culture Reporter | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu
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new organization on campus is starting its journey to becoming well-known and established. Best Buddies is a national organization that helps to create long-lasting friendships and enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Alina Gilmore and Brittani Roe are bringing this national organization down to the local level here at Boise State and the Boise area. Alina Gilmore, a senior majoring in communication, is the president, looking to build this organization from the ground up. This organization is technically in its first year, being active with 50 members back in 2016. “I had to go through this whole process of trying to reactivate it this year,” Gilmore said. “I was having to get in contact with the old officers, which isn’t always easy to do. But after a lot of emails and phone calls, it’s all coming together.” This organization, on both the national and local level, is meant to enrich the lives of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities by connecting them to people in their community to create long-lasting friendships. “The main focus of this organization is dedicated to establishing one-on-one friendships with our best buddies,” Gilmore said. “Making sure to create an environment they feel safe in and making sure we are offering that lasting connection. As well as giving them employment and leadership opportunities in the process.” Brittani Roe, a senior dual major, is the vice president of Best Buddies. Roe has a strong passion for this organization and the members it serves. “It changes your life and it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Roe said. “You don’t expect it to affect you the way that it does. At 14, when I started making these connections, it changed my career path, who I was as a person and all for the better.” Both Gilmore and Roe are strong sup-
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porters of this organization and are very passionate in bringing it back to campus. Roe has done work with Best Buddies at the high school level, but not at the college level. They want to shine a light and bring awareness to the community about people who have these types of disabilities. “We just really want to talk about inclusion, including for all,” Roe said. “Bringing awareness about a very marginalized population in this area.” Gilmore also believes in spreading more awareness. She sees that both campus and Boise as well, is lacking in the need for helping and accepting those with disabilities. “In Idaho, there’s a lack of awareness about the need to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” Gilmore said. “As a Boise native, I know that this community is welcoming and friendly. I thought, what better place to start Best Buddies than on campus at the college level.” As for some of their goals for their first year, they hope to maintain a host site to meet buddies, pair people up and hopefully, by Spring, host a walk. With their main goal being to spread awareness about this organization and watch it grow. With Roe already having prior experience with Best Buddies, she has already made an everlasting friendship that she cherishes. Her buddy’s name is Mikayla Holmgren, who is from Minnesota. “She was the first woman with down syndrome to compete in the USA state pageant. I had been following her on social media for about five years prior to meeting her and then all of a sudden we were roommates,” Roe said. “Now, her and I are best friends, facetiming at least once a week. It’s this type of friendship that I want everyone else to experience, it’s truly life-changing.” If you would like to get involved with or learn more about Best Buddies, all of the information can be found on their Best Buddies OrgSync page.
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Brittani Roe is invested in bringing the Best Buddies community to Boise; Roe is pictured with her buddy, Mikayla Holmgren. Photo courtesy of Brittani Roe
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WE BELIEVE in the home team.
SPORTS & REC SEPTEMBER 17, 2019 | ARBITERONLINE.COM
SPIRIT SQUAD CAPTAIN MEGAN FODREA FINDS BALANCE AT BOISE STATE
The senior brings solid communication and positive energy to those around her Mackenzie Hudson | Staff Writer | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu
“Well, my life is really crazy,” Fodrea said. “My schedules [have] quite a bit of conflict. And I think when I went into it, that was the biggest thing I was super stressed about — how to balance school and still enjoy cheer and vice versa.” Fodrea’s schedules may conflict here and there, however, both her faculty and head coach believe in ‘students before athletes’ and constantly show support in her studious and active life. With the help of thorough communication, Fodrea never left one stone unturned for her coach. She always makes sure that everybody is in the loop about her day to day schedule. “Since Megan’s been on the team, I’ve been involved,” Messer said. “I feel like she’s just built that relationship with me to ensure that she communicates and over communicates, so I know what she’s doing. Nothing ever comes as a surprise to me, which I think helps her excel in everything Senior respiratory therapy major Megan Fodrea is a second-year captain of the Boise State spirit squad. that she’s doing. [She] makes it look easy.” Despite being a cheerleader on the Mackenzie Hudson | The Arbiter squad for four years, Fodrea started her rying to find her place in the to first-year head coach Kelsey Messer. career as a dancer. After nine years of world, Boise State senior Me“From freshman year, Megan has grown dancing, she became bored; and in turn, gan Fodrea seeks to demonleaps and bounds from where she was took up cheerleading with the help and strate remarkable leadership when she tried out for this team — not influence of her friends. As Fodrea’s stunt abilities and dedication in both school and only just individually and as a person, but partner since freshman year, Carly Snider athletics. Uprooted from her hometown of as a teammate, as an athlete, as a student,” has been blown away by what she brings to Beaverton, Ore. to plant herself in the city Messer said. “All the way around, she has the squad. of Boise, fourth-generation Bronco Fodrea completely transformed into the person “[Fodrea’s] a pretty big character on our found her home in the midst of Bronco that she is. She’s taken on responsibilities, team, she’s a super hard worker,” Snider Spirit and respiratory therapy. she’s matured, she’s grown. It’s a night and said. “She always puts 110% effort into Fodrea, a second-year captain of the day difference.” everything but she also just brings a certain spirit squad, has been living a collegiate As a full-time respiratory therapy stupositivity to the team. She definitely knows life filled with practices and performances, dent and one of two captains for the spirit how to get her work done but always has day in and day out. Having been on the squad, Fodrea was having a hard time a smile on her face, [and] is always super squad for four years, she has proved herself finding balance in her life while pushing positive about it. So she definitely is a light to be a leader, an influencer and a positive for success with school, the spirit squad on our team.” impact on the team as a whole, according and her social life. Regardless of her hectic life, Fodrea
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“[Megan] definitely knows how to get her work done, but always has a smile on her face and is always super positive about it. So, she definitely is a light on our team.” Carly Snider, Fodrea’s stunt partner maintains a go-getter attitude. She has the ability to push her teammates towards success while keeping the atmosphere light and filled with laughter, according to Snider. With graduation drawing closer, Messer is bracing herself and the team for the impact of Fodrea’s absence. “Her whole person has changed because of this program,” Messer said. “It’s just cool to see how something like cheerleading can set somebody else on track, where I feel like if she wouldn’t have been involved in this team, I don’t know if she would be where she is today as far as school. And so she will leave a huge hole on the team, but I’m so glad that she’s here.” Not everybody is given the opportunity to work in Fodrea’s line of work, nor have the opportunity to be a collegiate cheerleader. “It’s a blessing to be a part of spirit because a lot of people dream to be out on that field and get to cheer on the Blue,” Fodrea said. “And I forget how much of a blessing it is that I get to be here and get to do it every day with all my best friends, and just enjoying my life when I have so much fun doing it.”
BRONCOS TAKE DOWN VIKINGS 45-10
Harsin displays Broncos’ talent-packed roster against PSU Emily Stevens | Staff Writer | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu
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he Broncos virtually turned Albertsons Stadium into a playground against Portland State on Saturday, Sept. 14. Their overall domination on both sides of the ball created an atmosphere of backyard football. Portland had little to no time to rest as the Broncos kept them on their toes with dynamic plays by the offense, defense and special teams. Per usual, the Broncos’ starting line-up consistently made big plays. Curtis Weaver, the renowned junior STUD, came up with four sacks against Davis Alexander in an ongoing chase, which he said resembled “Tom and Jerry.” Alongside Weaver on defense, sophomore safety Tyreque Jones held down the fort with one sack and continuous pressure on Portland. True freshman quarterback Hank Bachmeier went 16-25 for 238 yards and two touchdowns. Senior wide receiver John Hightower went off with a 98-yard punt return and a 23-yard reception, both resulting in Bronco touchdowns. Junior wide receiver CT Thomas caught two touchdown passes, including a 5-yard pass tipped off by the defense. Further along in the game, head coach Bryan Harsin debuted ten non-starters. Play by play, it became evident that the Broncos’ roster is full of talent beyond the starting line up. Jones expressed his excitement to watch the new boys “develop and see the work that they’ve put in show itself on the field.” Such athletes that excelled include Chase Cord and Stefan Cobbs. Chase Cord Redshirt sophomore quarterback Chase Cord proved he has the ability to lead the Boise State offense. Despite his recent ACL injury, Cord relied heavily on his legs while scrambling in the pocket and gaining significant yardage on carries. Before Harsin subbed him in as quarterback, Cord ran into the endzone for a 7-yard
SPORTS & REC
HOT TAKES Autum Robertson | Sports Reporter | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu
I rushing touchdown in the first quarter. Passing-wise, Cord went 5-10 for 103 yards and two touchdowns. His 33-yard touchdown pass to CT Thomas in the third quarter displayed his arm accuracy. Boise State fans can rest assured knowing that Cord is more than capable to fill Bachmeier’s shoes and his fellow teammates believe in him as well. “It was good to see Chase get in to make a couple of plays because we know what that guy can do,” Thomas said. Stefan Cobbs Redshirt freshman wide receiver Stephan Cobbs made an impressive debut against Portland State. Cobbs not only made his first college career catch, but he ran that very same ball into the endzone for his first touchdown with the Broncos. According to Harsin, this isn’t the last Bronco fans will see of Cobbs. “For a guy like Stef, that opportunity gives him a taste,” Harsin said. “Then you fully expect the guy’s gonna come out and be even better.” After their performance on Saturday, the possibility exists that these players will return to the field in the face-off with Air Force at home on Sept. 20 at 7:00 p.m.
t took three games, but the Broncos finally managed to do what everyone has been waiting for them to do — score touchdowns. The Broncos outscored the Portland State Vikings 4510 in an impressive six-touchdown night on Saturday, Sept. 14. When people watch Bronco football, this is the type of game they expect to see. A complete blowout; a game that is so slanted fans wonder why Portland State has any business playing the Broncos. STUD Curtis Weaver had a school record-tying four sacks, wide receiver John Hightower had a 98-yard kickoff return to the house and wide receiver Stefan Cobbs’ first catch as a Bronco was a 44-yard play to the endzone. This game was definitely not short of exciting plays and highlight reels. After checking the stats and seeing the score, you’d think the Broncos’ performance was flawless. Of course it was close, but there are still a lot of questions to be answered. Here are my hot takes on Saturday night’s game. The Broncos’ O-line has some serious work to do Prior to the season starting, the Broncos’ offensive line would have been considered a strength of the team. But three games in, things have changed. The offense has been spending a lot of time on the field; this can lead to injuries and that’s exactly what it did to the Broncos’ O-line. Ezra Cleveland missed the first game of his career against Portland State. Quarterback Hank Bachmeier leads the country in hits — not a stat anyone likes reading. Bachmeier had been hit 29 times entering this game week, and that number only went up after the game. It feels like Bachmeier was being drilled every other play. This stat is concerning; the O-line needs to improve in pass protection before Bachmeier leaves a game with a serious injury.
There may be questions surrounding the quarterback Quarterback Chase Cord came into the game during the second half. Immediately, I thought Bachmeier must be hurt. It would make sense; he has been enduring some brutal hits, but when he left the field, Bachmeier looked fine. Maybe Cord came in to prevent injuries, especially when the O-line struggles with pass protection. Or, though unlikely, the Broncos weren’t happy with Bachmeier’s first half performance. These are all speculations, but the latter isn’t too much of a long shot. Bachmeier had issues recognizing and properly executing against some of the pressure Portland State sent his way. He also threw an awful interception in the second quarter. But all of this could mean nothing and Boise State is once again just giving a backup quarterback an integral role on this offense. Only time will tell. The Broncos’ defense is this team’s biggest strength For the third week in a row, the Broncos’ defense shut out their opponent in the second half. If this defense is regularly going to shut out their opponents, Bronco fans can expect an undefeated season. The Broncos’ defense, game in and game out, is reliable and hasn’t shown much inconsistency. Weaver has been impressive all season and tied a school record last night with four sacks in a single game. It seems too early to call, but this will probably be Weaver’s last season as a Bronco. The NFL is calling and he’s prepped to go within the first four rounds of the NFL draft. Enjoy this dominant defense while you can, because it’s going to experience some major shifts come next season.
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GRIZZLIES RUN WITH THE BRONCO HERD
Bronco rugby club gains large presence from nationally ranked high school club Max Schwartz | Staff Writer | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu
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he Granite Bay Rugby Club (GBR) is a nationwide powerhouse that has launched many young men into objectively successful careers in the sport. Now, Bryce Van Order, Bennet Mantz, Jacob Shafer, Douglas Barnes, Kyle Curry, Matt Karp and Sam Portello have left their Granite Bay den and joined the herd in playing for the Boise State club rugby team. Following a year in which the high school team was ranked number one in the nation for a majority of the time, 18 Grizzlies went on to play rugby at the next level, with five ending up at Boise State. However, these five Grizzlies teammates were not coming alone. There have been four other GBR players that have come to Boise State to play Rugby — Kyle Curry, a sophomore, being one of them. “What drew me to the Boise program was the camaraderie the team had with each other,” Curry said. “(Having GBR athletes on the team) makes it easier to gel and gain chemistry with [the] team when you already know some people going into the season.” This added benefit of playing together, however, doesn’t cloud their view of what’s important.
“The new chemistry [we will form] in Boise is more important than the type the five of us had in high school together.” Bryce Van Order, freshman rugby player “The chemistry between all the GBR players is helpful. But there’s a new type of chemistry to be made with every team,” said Bryce Van Order, a freshman Boise State
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The club rugby team beat Utah State in its first game of the season on Saturday, Sept. 14. player. “The new chemistry [we will form] in Boise is more important than the type the five of us had in high school together.” One of the largest shifts going from high school to Boise State is the difference in leadership. “It’s really interesting to see more of a player-run program than a coach-run program,” said Doug Van Order, a father of two GBR rugby players who both went on to collegiate programs. From the years of rugby he has watched, Doug Van Order believes that regardless of the coaching, Boise State’s program will change with the addition of several former club players. “The program is going to improve dramatically (when players are) coming from a quality program like Granite Bay. (They’re) going to bring good, strong val-
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ues as well as skill to the program.” Doug Van Order said. One such value is discipline. These GBR athletes are on the pitch 30 extra minutes after practice doing sprints and endurance-like exercises. Additionally, they will spend their weekends doing seven mile trail runs. “Most of these (high school) coaches had a military style of coaching where (the players) were expected to listen and follow exact instructions. This led to an extremely disciplined group of boys,” Doug Van Order said. “The players there are also there for a reason; that whole team already has talent and great skill.” To Bryce Van Order, departing from the coaching staff they were all used to isn’t a bad thing. “We’re just a bunch of guys. We’re play-
Mackenzie Hudson | The Arbiter
ing, having a good time. But we want to win, and that’s one of the main goals. You get a lot more of a cohesive team when you are close in age,” Bryce Van Order said. “Everyone on the team has some type of knowledge of the game and putting our brains together is definitely going to give us an advantage this season.” As of now, Boise State’s season is in its early phases. After winning their first game at home on Sept. 14 against Utah State, the players are looking towards the future with an optimistic light. “If we keep practicing and playing with each other the way we have been, the team will be successful this year,” Bryce Van Order said. “We have chemistry here from a large club but now we are just Broncos, that attitude is what is going to win.”
LIBRA
SEPT 23 - OCT 22
Mercury is headed right for your center. You’re feeling good in relationships and your mind is open for learning. Try and be receptive to feedback. Listen to those close to you and do your best to not take anything personally.
SCORPIO
OCT 23- NOV 21 You’re going to feel like a superhero, Scorpio. Your passion may feel a bit diminished at the moment, but it will come back to you very soon. Use your powers of intuition to set your sights on the future. You likely know what you want in the long term.
SAGITTARIUS NOV 22 - DEC 22
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Sag, right now is where some hard work and dedication are going to come in handy. You’re probably taking on a lot and maybe intimidated by the daunting tasks before you. It might be tough, but use your strong will to overcome these challenges sticking with you right now.
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CAPRICORN
DEC 22 - JAN 20
You’re going through a transformation right now, Cap. While in the midst of change and focusing on what’s positive in your life right now, take some time to smell the roses. Growth, a rebirth of how you see yourself, is not an easy thing; but your fair nature is getting you through this in stride.
AQUARIUS A few planets left you this week, Virgo, so you might be feeling a bit deflated. Mars is still with you, which means you have some fire to get things done. Hold on to this energy because next week you may find yourself really lacking motivation. Don’t beat yourself up.
JAN 20 - FEB 17 After last week, Aquarius, you’re in need of a break and that’s what this week has in store for you. You’ve loosened up on your view of yourself and others, and this week should actually feel like you’ve settled down a bit.
PISCES
FEB 18 - MARCH 20
With the moon gone, Pisces, it’s back to Neptune in retrograde for you. This planet is sticking around for a while longer, which will give you the strength to dig into the heart of spiritual questions and potential beliefs you’ve been thinking about.
ARIES
MARCH 20 - APR 20
Focusing on things you like, including creativity, has made you a bit less edgy, Aries. Keep up that drive and you’ll find that daily tasks feel easier. If you start to feel some emotions building up, make sure that you address issues quickly.
TAURUS
APR 20 - MAY 21
Uranus is on its way out for you, which means you’ll be feeling a bit more grounded and like yourself soon. For now, use your wise decision-making skills to land on a modern idea or change which will springboard you into a new era.
GEMINI
MAY 21 - JUN 21 The moon has made itself at home amongst you this week, Gemini. That’s a cue to focus on yourself. An opportunity is presenting itself to you which will reveal something that you maybe didn’t even know you needed.
CANCER
JUN 21 - JULY 23 Feeling free from a clouded mind this week, Cancer, you’re likely a lot less stressed in the short term. Focus on keeping it this way for an extended period of time. Options are opening up for you right now which may cause your mind to wander.
LEO
JUL 23 - AUG 23
Work on feeling comfortable with yourself this week, Leo. Although you love to be social, remembering why you’re great by yourself is equally important. Do something with, or for, yourself this week which you might not normally do.
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