September 24, 2019
Vol. 32 Issue 6
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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ONLINE DATING IS MAINTAINING ITS RELEVANCE, BUT WHO IS REALLY ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE SCREEN?
PG 10 NEWS
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Students push for a weighted grading scale, an initiative that would increase the GPA value of an A+
VISIT US ONLINE:
OPINION
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The city of Boise is missing the mark with minimum wage, and it’s time the funds match the growth arbiteronline.com
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CULTURE With the 3D program, students have the opportunity to tailor a degree to their diverse interests @arbiteronline
SPORTS & REC
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Golf has been added to the growing list of club sports, with its founding members ready for their first 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.
Taylor Humby, Student Media’s digital content manager, gifted President Marlene Tromp artwork during his Boise State Instagram takeover. Mackenzie Hudson | The Arbiter
ON THE COVER:
In the age of digital dating, transparenc y is the first step to safet y. Avid users and crime exper t s discuss the cost s and benefit s of swiping right, as well as finding out who the person behind the profile may be. Cover design by Wyatt Wur tenberger, Maddie Ceglecki and Taylor Humby.
HOW TO REACH US: CONTACT US: editor@stumedia.boisestate.edu 208.426.6302 PHYSICAL LOCATION: Located on first floor of Lincoln Avenue Garage Suites
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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
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EVENTS DOCUMENTARY FILM SCREENING
STUDENT UNION SPEC
SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS VOLLEYBALL
SEPTEMBER 25, 6:30 PM
Presented by the Family of Woman Film Festival, “On Her Shoulders” follows the life of a woman who survived the 2014 genocide of Yazidis in Northern Iraq. This event is free to the public.
RUFUS DU SOL IN CONCERT
OUTLAW FIELD
SEPTEMBER 26, 7:30 PM The alternative dance group from Australia is continuing their North American tour in Boise at the Idaho Botanical Garden. Bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy this outdoor event.
Boise State (8-3) hosted the annual Boise State Classic last weekend, and swept both Idaho State and UC Irvine in three sets. Check out our full game coverage on arbiteronline.com.
SOCCER WOMEN’S SOCCER
POET DOUGLAS KEARNEY HEMINGWAY WESTERN STUDIES CENTER SEPTEMBER 27, 7:30 PM
Boise State’s MFA in Creative Writing hosts poet Douglas Kearney, author of six books, including the award-winning “Buck Studies.”
The Broncos bumped their record up to 8-1 following their 3-1 win over North Dakota, and their solid 4-0 defeat of Southern Utah. Soccer will start conference play on Friday, Sept. 27 at UNR.
FOOTBALL
BOISE STATE WOMEN’S SOFTBALL DONA LARSON PARK SEPTEMBER 27, 10 AM Cheer on the Broncos’ softball team in their two games against Salt Lake Community College. First game will start at 10:00 a.m. and second game begins at 12:30 p.m.
The undefeated Broncos have moved up to No. 16 in the AP Top 25 Poll after their 30-19 defeat of conference opponent Air Force. Read our full game review on page 17.
NEWS
SEPTEMBER 24, 2019 | ARBITERONLINE.COM
STUDENT LEADERS CLEAN UP RIVER AFTER BOISE FLOATING SEASON SILC and the Outdoor Program teamed up to create lasting effects on Boise community Karsyn Preble | Staff Writer | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu
Melinda Jean Stafford, Assistant Director of the Student Involvement and Leadership Program, shed light on the influence that Boise State student leaders have. “These projects help to build a strong connection between Boise State and the city of Boise,” Stafford wrote in an email.
The river rafting clean up brought in over 30 gallons of trash from the river banks.
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very summer, over 125,000 Boise residents make their way down the Boise River in rafts, tubes, kayaks and more. However, what may seem like a fun activity has produced a major issue for the waterway. Months worth of trash and debris polluted the river up until last Saturday, Sept. 21. In order to combat the pollution problem, the Student Involvement and Leadership Center (SILC) teamed with the Outdoor Program to organize a river cleanup. The trip began Saturday morning at Barber Park, where 15 students joined the Outdoor Program river navigators to learn about the importance of river ecology. Jordan Frank, coordinator of the Outdoor Program, said it is of vital importance that Boise protects the river ecology and practices good stewardship on the river. “The opportunity to recreate the river system in general is unlike any other state in the country,” Frank said. “There’s more
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rivers, there’s more whitewater, there’s more places to be on the river than anywhere else.” After a brief discussion about the significance of the project and the best practices for cleaning up, the team set out in rafts. Equipped with gloves, garbage grabbing tools and buckets, they made their way down the river, collecting as much litter as possible. When asked about the importance of implementing environmental projects on campus, Frank discussed creating a community that gives students the opportunity to explore the outdoors. “I think it has allowed students to know that there is a place to start,” Frank said. “When you see the outdoors in general, you see the magazines, you see the big accomplishments, [it is] just kind of intimidating, right? But [at] the Outdoor Program, there’s no experience necessary. We will teach you all the fundamentals, we want to educate, we want to build that up
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Photo courtesy of Melinda Jean Stafford so that you feel empowered and you feel confident to go out and do it yourself.” Ian Pickens, an environmental studies major and student leader with SILC, explained that the river cleanup is not just a weekend activity. “It’s more than just floating the river. It’s about doing a service for the community, and then thinking about what we’re doing, what impact it’s having and then how students can apply that to other aspects in their life and their major,” Pickens said. By getting involved in the community, students are able to gain new perspectives and draw connections to other parts of their lives. Pickens also discussed how getting involved in service opportunities helps him and many other students in their career paths. “For me, it’s about finding what I want to do after school, because on campus you learn a lot of information, but I think that volunteering actually helps you apply that,” Pickens said.
“We, as a campus, are more than just a university. We are part of a greater community and it’s valuable to see students want to make a difference in that community.” Melinda Jean Stafford, assistant director of SILC “We, as a campus, are more than just a university. We are part of a greater community and it’s valuable to see students want to make a difference in that community.” The river cleanup, which is one of the many local service projects organized by the SILC, did more than just impact the students involved. It created positive outcomes for the entire city of Boise. “Students who get involved in service projects like this are able to become more active citizens within their local community,” Stafford wrote. “Students who are active citizens have a better understanding of the role they play in positive social change and care about the issues that affect their community.”
NEWS
ROAD CONSTRUCTION SLOWS DOWN STUDENT COMMUTE
The ongoing construction of Boise public roads is having a serious effect on student schedules Ashley Clark | Staff Writer | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu
Construction projects in Boise can sometimes take months to complete, causing serious delays in student schedules. Taylor Humby | The Arbiter
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onnor Franklin, a freshman studying business and psychology, spent the very first morning of his college career stuck in traffic. Even after leaving his home in Meridian over an hour before his 9 a.m. class started, Franklin was still 15 minutes late. Franklin attributes his tardiness that morning to the construction project at Cloverdale and Franklin Road. According to Dave Rader, a senior project manager with Ada County Highway District (ACHD), the main goal of the Cloverdale project was to reopen the overpass which had previously been deemed unsafe for travel. The Cloverdale Road overpass was officially closed in June of 2018, following a devastating crash involving seven vehicles and resulted in four fatalities. “The road was expanded essentially from three lanes to five, so it allows for more efficient travel for vehicles,” Rader said. “Also,
that segment of Cloverdale was lacking continuous bike and pedestrian facilities.” Now that the project is coming to an end, Rader said he hopes the new accommodations will be of benefit to those traveling the segment on foot, by bicycle
“I work five minutes away from my house and I have to leave 20 minutes before just to get to work on time.” Connor Franklin, freshman business and psychology major
or any other means. Franklin does not believe that ACHD is working to repair the roads, but rather to preserve them. “I think it’s just maintenance,” Franklin said. Franklin’s first day of school only added to his frustration of having to orchestrate his daily morning routine in accordance to the heavy traffic congestion that builds up on the one-lane overpass. “(It’s) not just because of school, but because of work as well,” Franklin said. “I work five minutes away from my house and I have to leave 20 minutes before just to get to work on time.” Franklin also voiced the need for better signage or some other way that he could be warned about what to expect from the Cloverdale project and any other construction zones that might affect him in the future. “We have a lot of different ways that we notify the public about upcoming
and current work,” Natalie Shaver, public information specialist at ACHD, said. “We notify people and businesses that live near and around an area where we are doing a construction project. We send letters to homeowners giving them details on what is happening (and) when that will be happening.” But as Franklin would prove, not everyone receives these letters. “We also have (this information) on our website, which is a great thing for people who might not live in the area, but they might be driving through it a lot,” Shaver said. “We have Roadwork In The Area, or RITA. There is an interactive map, and then there’s a list and it tells you what the project is and how long you should expect that work to be happening.” Shaver explained that RITA’s digital interface, or even social media, would be the best place for Boise State students to reference when planning their commutes. “We also use social media (in) all forms,” Shaver said. “We typically do post the big ones on our Facebook page, and we use Nextdoor, as well.” Rader offered reassurance that the construction will ultimately be worth the inconvenience. “With this (Cloverdale) project, you know, the roadway is open to a higher capacity,” Rader said. “It can officially move more vehicles. So I would imagine that would have a positive impact on (student’s) commute time.” Rader’s analysis not only applies to the work being done at the Cloverdale overpass, but for all other construction and roadwork projects happening in the greater Boise area. The goal of ACHD and ITD is to upgrade and expand upon the roadway to allow for better commute times and to ultimately improve the safety of our streets.
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NEWS
PROPOSED CITY ORDINANCE COULD PUT CAP ON RENTAL APPLICATION FEE
A new proposal would prevent landlords from charging applicants more than $30 to apply Marcos Guadarrama | Staff Writer | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu
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s the city of Boise continues to grow and housing vacancies have decreased, a new proposal brought forth within the city council could stop unnecessary additional fees put forth by landlords to potential renters. The proposed city ordinance that
money. After moving in, the couple fell victim to the out of state developers that had purchased the complex. “[The developers] jacked up the rent, and in an effort to save money they wanted to move into a smaller unit in the same complex,” Sanchez said. “The complex wanted to charge her another $100 application fee.” Currently there are no restrictions on how much a landlord can charge an applicant for an application fee, and there is very little transparency on what the money is being used for. At Boise State, a growing number of student renters have very little knowledge of what their rental application fees are covering. Alberto Conti, a junior anthropology major, explained the lack of transparency in application fee uses does concern him. “It’s one of those things where they say you have to pay for an application fee, and they don’t really tell you where it’s going,” Conti said.“It sucked because there was no guarantee I would get the apartment.” Conti believes that the ordinance could be very benIf passed, the city ordinance will produce more transparency from landlords and rental companies. eficial. Kacie Fromhart | The Arbiter “I think this ordinance
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would cap rental application fees to $30 and penalize those who don’t follow the ordinance was brought forward by councilwoman Lisa Sanchez. Sanchez explained how an old neighbor and her husband moved into an apartment after moving out of the house they had previously been renting in an effort to save
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would be a great idea,” Conti said. “A lot of these landlords make you pay a significant amount of money with no guarantee of getting the place.” While most people are able to get an apartment, some students are asked to pay and aren’t as lucky. Enjal Parajuli, a master’s student living in university apartments, said landlords seem to have the application fee system in favor of themselves rather than the applicants. “They insist on students applying, sending in an application fee while providing little transparency about when there will be an availability of units,” Parajuli said. “I’ve known students who apply and send in their application and fees and don’t end up getting a call back until two or three semesters later after they have already found a place. This is inhumane and lacks transparency.” The ordinance would fine anyone who violates this rule with a $100 infraction fee, and anything after that would be a misdemeanor.
“We want people to get housing, and if they are not able to, we don’t want them being bled dry in the process.” Councilwoman Lisa Sanchez “Ideally what we want is for people to be treated with dignity and respect,” Sanchez said. “We want people to get housing, and if they are not able to, we don’t want them being bled dry in the process.” The ordinance will be presented at another work session in the city council, and will be brought forth to a public hearing in October.
NEWS
ASBSU BEGINS CONVERSATION ABOUT CURRENT GRADING SCALE
Students express concern about the weight of an A+ on transcripts Taylor Rico-Pekerol | News Reporter | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu
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oise State uses a 4.0 grading scale, meaning that the highest Grade Point Average (GPA) a student can have is a 4.0. In many high schools, students have a weighted GPA and can achieve more than a 4.0 by taking college level classes or receiving an A+ in a class. The current grading scale for Boise State was implemented in the fall of 2006, according to Mandy Nelson, the interim registrar. “We are on a 4.0 grading scale. If we made an A+ the start of the 4.0, that would make an A worth 3.7 (instead of the current 4.0), an A- would be worth 3.3 (instead of the current 3.7), etc.,” Nelson wrote. “This would essentially lower the GPA of all students.” Dehra McFaddan, the secretary of academic affairs for the Associated Students of Boise State University (ASBSU), was approached by two students with concerns regarding the current grading scale. Three students went to ASBSU to see if a change to the weight of an A+ could be changed to balance out an A-. McFaddan met with Tony Roark, the interim provost, to discuss whether changes could be implemented and how to begin the process. “Grades are already weighted, so I don’t get the difference,” McFaddan said. “We talked about what ideas we would propose for that and then he offered to go to Faculty Senate and propose a presentation.” Through this project, McFaddan hopes to make an A+ equal to 4.33. This will only affect a person’s grade if they have a grade below an A. If a student has an A- or a B+, the 4.33 will then balance out to an A. “When you think about it, people have scholarships and other activities like sororities where you need that grade point average to stay up,” said Allison Montgomery, a sophomore criminal justice
“When you think about it, people have scholarships and other activities like sororities where you need that grade point average to stay up.” -
provost office can’t say they have to.” A policy changes around academic freedom would need to go into effect if the grading scale were to be changed, according to McFaddan. There is no explicit definition for academic freedom at Boise State, and McFaddan is working to make it understandable to students and faculty. “Because it’s so undefined, it’s so confusing to try to understand and facilitate
conversations on,” McFaddan said. “I don’t know if creating those pillars was well received or an idea that can actually be put into place.” McFaddan hopes to meet with the Faculty Senate soon, but there are preset agendas for presentations and it may need to be pushed to second semester.
Allison Montgomery, sophomore criminal justice major
major. “That little change is just enough to make or break my scholarship. Those changes do matter in the long run.” By having an A+ raise a person’s GPA, Montgomery believes students will work harder in class. If the grading scale change is implemented, student’s previous grades will not be changed, according to Nelson. Kayla Burrel, a senior kinesiology and pre-physical therapy major, believes an A+ should equal more than an A. She received an A+ in her ASL class but earned an A- in her Chemistry 111 class. “I worked really hard to get even an Ain the chemistry class and I worked hard to get that A+ in my ASL class,” Burrel said. “Yet, my GPA suffered because of a minus, and I got nothing for the plus.” Boise State professors have academic freedom to decide how they want to customize their grading scale. Academic freedom is a professor’s privilege to express their grading policy without risk of official administrative interference or professional disadvantage. “A policy change will be needed because (student’s) professors have the right to academic freedom,” McFaddan said. “Some professors might not even use an A+ and they’re not required to; even the
Current grading scales do not give students extra points towards their grade point average (GPA) for an A+. Wyatt Wurtenberger | The Arbiter SEPTEMBER 24, 2019
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OPINION SEPTEMBER 24, 2019 | ARBITERONLINE.COM
ARAMARK HAS QUESTIONABLE TIES TO ICE DETENTION CENTERS AND PRISONS
We’ve already discussed ethical consumption, but now it’s time to apply it Zach Hill | Opinion Editor | opinion@stumedia.boisestate.edu
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couple of weeks ago, I wrote an article regarding campaign donations to Trump from restaurant holding companies. Ethical consumption is a difficult conversation; we want to support companies that support our interests, and in some cases, our personhood. On college campuses, our choices are significantly more limited. If you have ever been to anything put on by event services, you’ve likely had food catered to you by Aramark, the university’s food services company. Their food trucks can be seen driving all around the Boise area, delivering to various events. However, even with limited choices, being aware of corporate action is still an important civic duty we have. Aramark in particular has a number of questionable ties that should be investigated further, including deep connections to the prison-industrial complex that require our attention. Aramark has long been reported as a dangerous supplier of food in prisons. In one notorious case from 2014 in the state of Michigan, Aramark had their contract with Bellamy Creek correctional facility terminated after maggots were found in slicers, and over 30 inmates had been given foodborne illnesses. However, this wasn’t the end of the story. Aramark was brought in because the corrections facility figured they could cut costs on their food spending. However, this ended up having an impact on food quality, as well. It is reported that, at that time, Aramark was spending only $1.29 per meal, and only paying their employees $11.00 an hour to work in substandard conditions. Aramark’s actions in for-profit prisons are horrific, and food service companies in prisons are generating around $4 billion in
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revenue per year. Companies like Aramark are actively profiting off the degradation of prisoners — an unethical and illegal action for which they should be held responsible. Even more distressing is Aramark’s relationship with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). ICE as an organization is controversial for a number of reasons, but Aramark profiting off of the detainment of children is abhorrent. While the exact details of the contract Aramark has with ICE are unknown, their connection is confirmed. Aramark is the food supplier for the border detention centers, creating not only dangerous conditions for children to be in given the above story, but promoting their detention, as well. The prison industrial complex is a multi-faceted, complex issue that can be hard to grapple with, especially in a small space like an opinion column. Aramark having a hand in fueling the profitable motive of these private prisons
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forces us to consider the ramifications of continuing to support them. Making choices is extremely difficult in a capitalist society; most choices we make aren’t going to be ethical. That’s just the
Aramark has a wide range of places they profit from; should Boise State be one?
Wyatt Wurtenberger | The Arbiter
OPINION
THE CITY OF BOISE NEEDS TO RAISE THE MINIMUM WAGE Cost of living is going up, and wages should reflect the city’s growth Zach Hill | Opinion Editor | opinion@stumedia.boisestate.edu
Boise’s minimum wage doesn’t reflect the rising cost of living, making it hard for people to sustain a high quality of life.
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et’s clear something up — the movement for higher wages didn’t come about because people wanted a free ride. It started because it is nearly impossible to pay for the cost of living in most parts of the country. Back in January, the Idaho House of Representatives finally decided to do something about it. A bill was proposed that would increase Idaho’s minimum wage to $12 an hour by 2021. The bill is a massive step forward — the cost of living in Idaho went up by 2.5% last year alone. Boise is becoming increasingly comparable to Portland in many ways. While Portland is greater in size by about 400,000 people, cost of living is roughly the same. However, Portland’s wages are significantly better than Boise’s. Earlier this year, they increased their
minimum wage by another 50 cents. Portland has done their part to match cost of living increases with wage increases, as well. The job market in the area has grown by almost a percent every year, increasing economic growth in that time frame, as well. Boise is far overdue for changes of the same nature, falling behind in the minimum wage department compared to the rest of the country. 26 states over the last five years have increased their minimum wages, with massive benefits to their economies. Seattle was one of the first cities to rectify this issue with their minimum wage increase to $15 an hour, a move largely praised in academic studies. Boise needs to follow suit of these other cities, ensuring that workers are able to
afford the cost of living as it continues to go up. This is important for reasons other than just cost of living, though. For workers who also attend college, the cost of tuition is an important issue to target. Tuition increased at all of Idaho’s public universities last year, making it harder for working students to also pay for college classes. Last week, I wrote an article discussing the student debt crisis, which directly feeds into this issue. Taking out loans for some might be a viable option if they are able to earn a six figure salary right out of the gate. But others have to rely either on scholarships or what they make at work, putting most people into a double bind of not having enough money to put themselves through school or working a dead-end job that
Photo by Alden Skeie on Unsplash doesn’t pay the bills. The lack of sympathy for people having to work minimum wage jobs, struggling to get by and unable to get out from underneath the burden of their bills is appalling. It is time that the state of Idaho take matters into their own hands, and help the struggling middle class in the state.
HAVE A COMMENT OR REBUTTAL? EMAIL US AT: OPINION@STUMEDIA.BOISESTATE.EDU
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F E AT U R E
TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE
THE POTENTIAL DANGERS OF SWIPING RIGHT CELINA VAN HYNING | NEWS EDITOR | NEWS@STUMEDIA.BOISESTATE.EDU
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hen Kate Fry, a junior elementary education major, signed onto Tinder for the first time, she had no idea that her future spouse was just a right swipe away. Shortly after a night spent hiking Table Rock and roasting marshmallows, Fry deleted the app and settled into a relationship with the man who, one day, would be her husband. Before her virtual romance blossomed, Fry had numerous encounters with Tinder dates that were less than ideal. Many of them put her in a situation where she felt things could have ended badly had she not taken the proper precautions. “I’ve had a few odd interactions after using these dating apps,” Fry wrote in an email. “Not too long ago, I was at work and this guy kept following me around asking if he knew me and if I was on Tinder, which I hadn’t used in over three years. So that, I would say, kinda shows some of the creepy side[s] of dating apps.” Online dating apps are a staple on a single person’s phone. Apps like Tinder, Bumble and Hinge — which calls itself the “dating app designed to be deleted” — are used every day by singles hoping to connect with people in their area. While these apps can be used to help those hoping to find love, many dangers are associated with putting oneself out there. “The worst experience I’ve had with a dating app was one where my date tried to meet me in a parking lot so we could go to
our date from there, and [a] cop showed up because of the location,” Fry wrote. “I had no idea but, apparently, we were trespassing, and my date never said anything about it.” Despite her suspicious encounter, Fry explained that she always brought the proper means of protection and took the appropriate precautions to ensure her safety.
“When I was regularly using apps like Bumble and Tinder, I would always make sure to contact (my date) through Snapchat where it’s harder to fake your identity, and/or meet them in a public place for our date,” Fry wrote. “I am also a firm believer in self-defense, so I would bring my personal protection devices with me every time.” Risks versus rewards There are numerous possible risks and rewards associated with a right swipe or “super like.” Fry recognizes these possibilities and explained how dating apps can be both beneficial and harmful. “On one hand, like in my case, it allows for people to connect [with someone we] might not have connected under any other circumstances,” Fry wrote. “On the other, it reduces our ability to interact socially in person. I think it reduces our courage as well and can lead to dangerous situations in the worst cases.” Reducing one’s ability to interact with others in person is the least of Officer Brek Orton’s worries. Orton works with the Boise State University and special operations units, and explained that college students’ excitement to meet new people may prevent them from seeing the potential danger in doing so. “There’s so many different avenues in 2019 to meet somebody, as opposed to just going out to the bar or in the grocery store or whatever people did 30 years ago,” Orton said. “Now it’s really easy, because you can get a Tinder profile or a Bumble profile, you can meet on Facebook or Instagram or Snapchat or a number of other different apps.” Orton explained that the culture of dating apps, specifically Tinder, can place students in situations that were never intended from the initial conversation. “Tinder is geared more towards physical relationships,” Orton said. “So you have to be really careful when you meet somebody on Tinder to make sure that they know your intent on the date, so they don’t take advantage of the fact that you’re looking for sex or an immediate hookup.” Orton is not the first to notice a relationship between using Tinder and
casual hookups. In a 2017 study conducted by Gilla K. Shapiro and colleagues, research found a direct correlation between nonconsensual sex and a high number of sexual partners. Real worst-case scenario According to Orton, photo extortion is one of the most common ways online exploiters manipulate their victims. However, another form of manipulation is also present in the Treasure Valley, and the consequences are dire. In addition to the possibility of unwanted physical contact or sexual assault, Orton said there is always a type of scam that users need to be aware of in order to maintain their livelihood, as well as their security. “There’s always new ways to victimize people,” Orton said. “The suspect will tell them that they should send a video of themselves naked or something. Come to find out, the supermodel they thought they were sending it to ends up being someone with a camera or someone overseas that then records that video of them doing really embarrassing things to themselves. Then they’ll extort them for money.” Jennifer Zielinski is the executive director of the Idaho Anti-Trafficking Coalition, an organization working with community members to provide awareness, education and services and safety to victims of human trafficking. In her years with the coalition, she has seen that traffickers commonly use dating apps to target potential victims. “There is absolutely no way for anybody to determine who’s on the other side of that communication,” Zielinski said. “So it is automatically a risk factor to interact or communicate through dating apps.” Zielinski has dealt with victims who have ties to colleges in Idaho, but not Boise State specifically. The majority of the victims she has dealt with had one thing in common: the medium in which they were trafficked. “We surveillance the majority of the dating apps that we have identified as risky landing pages,” Zielinski said. “And so by surveilling them, we pay close attention to
the interactions. We’ve actually assisted in rescuing individuals, or at least identifying them, and then handing that information over to law enforcement so they can get involved. We’ve experienced it firsthand and it really is significant.” Violent Crimes Detective Mike Miraglia has dealt with victims from the ages 11 to 50, and more than half of those cases were a result of meeting up with an online entity. However, he cautioned those participating in online dating, especially students, to beware of what they may be contributing to. Miraglia said that in his experience, online dating profiles that have little information and are soliciting sex from other users have been linked to trafficking upon further investigation. “Males or females who are on those sites looking to hookup might actually be victimizing somebody and not know it,” Miraglia said. “We know that [traffickers and victims] post on those different hookup sites; it’s one of the media they use. If you look at the statistics nationally, figure out how many people within our population are being trafficked versus how many are simply doing it, there’s going to be a percentage who are being trafficked. You might be the unlucky person to actually go and meet them.” A study conducted by Thorn, an advocacy group working to end child sex trafficking, supports Miraglia’s claim. According to the report, 38% of trafficking victims in 2004 had been solicited from an online platform; in 2019, that number increased to 75%. Because of the danger students can be put in as a result of using these apps, Miraglia believes that students are better off sticking to the old-fashioned methods of dating. “There’s a sense that the anonymity, the distance and the fact you work your way through a keyboard is safe,” Miraglia said. “But realistically, it’s actually not because you’re not getting any real information to make a good decision. You’re getting notes, no better information than if I create a science fiction novel and pretended that this whole world I created exists.”
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C U LT U R E SEPTEMBER 24, 2019 | ARBITERONLINE.COM
THE CABIN EXPANDS TO BECOME THE HOME TO NEW VOICES Various local writers and students recognize the importance of this non-profit organization Blake Hunter | Staff Writer | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu
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eing able to have the chance to expand my horizons and feel like I mattered in my community was wonderful,” said Heidi Kraay, writing teacher at the Cabin. “And it’s been like that ever since.” The Cabin was established in 1940 as the state forester’s cabin off of Capitol Boulevard in the heart of Boise, and transferred ownership to a group of local writers in 1995. Approaching a 25-year anniversary in 2020, The Cabin has become a premier Boise nonprofit writing center, promoting local writers from published professionals to third graders, and inviting world-renowned authors to become part of Boise’s impressive literary scene. Boise State is one of The Cabin’s biggest supporters. For the past three years, the university has gifted $15,000 annually, sponsoring series like Readings and Conversations and Ghosts and Projectors. The Boise State Honors College contacted The Cabin to partner for an upcoming Readings and Conversations series event with their Distinguished Lecture Series. The event, scheduled for Oct. 7, will bring writer Ta-Nehisi Coates to the Morrison Center. The Cabin’s executive director, Kurt Zwolfer, expressed his excitement to continue strengthening the bond between Boise State and The Cabin because of the unique learning opportunities that hosting writers like Coates brings to Boise. “Ta-Nehisi is really an important voice for both students and members of the community to hear, and it was just kind of the perfect union,” Zwolfer said. Megan Williams, The Cabin’s development and communications manager, started Ghosts and Projectors as a less formal reading series to give multiple artists the
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The non-profit writing center provides resources for local creatives. Taylor Humby | The Arbiter chance to read their work. Their focus on providing more writers with a platform has given Boise State students exposure to the local writing community. “Ghosts and Projectors...focuses on experimental and emerging writers, mostly poets,” Williams said. “Because of that, we have a lot of students at those events.” The Cabin also works on the ground in local schools and juvenile detention facilities. Teaching-writers like Kraay hold residencies for a semester or year, working with students from elementary to high school ages. Zwolfer said the juvenile detention facilities program is one of The Cabin’s most rewarding initiatives.
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“With the juvenile detention centers, we get students who sometimes approach our teachers afterwards, and say that our program was the first time they’ve been engaged in an academic pursuit,” Zwolfer said. “Maybe it’s the first time they’ve actually been heard.” With the Adirondack-style architecture and the Boise River rushing past the building only 50 feet away, The Cabin feels like it belongs in the mountains, or at least in a different time. But The Cabin is part of a growing and dynamic city, and politics can come with that. Risë Collins is a third-degree-seeking BFA Creative Writing student at Boise
State who has worked as an actor and as a political and clinical social worker. As a black woman, Collins appreciates the inclusion of the stories of Native Americans, Latinx people, Asians and, particularly, African-American women. “Idaho is known for potatoes and hate groups and, recently, for strong anti-diversity initiatives,” Collins said. “The Cabin is in a key position to push back against that reputation. The Cabin is positioned to help expand the canon by including voices that have long been ignored in the American narrative.” Zwolfer agreed with Collins, recognizing that difficult work is ahead of the organization. “We feel one of the most important jobs with this organization is to provoke challenging conversations and discussions in the community,” Zwolfer said. Tomas Baiza, director of Boise State’s Advising and Academic Support Center, can testify to The Cabin’s work in building a community of writers. Baiza recently published a piece in the nonprofit’s annual anthology, and both Baiza and his daughter have attended the establishment’s workshops. “The Cabin’s programs have helped to normalize the idea for her that reading and writing aren’t simply means to an end, but can be the point,” Baiza said. “I credit The Cabin with playing a role in helping her to think like a writer.” The Cabin hopes to show more curious writers how their passion can become a practice. By continuing to grow throughout Boise and Boise State, the organization aims to provoke critical conversation and to encourage the use of writing as a tool to unify people and celebrate the art.
C U LT U R E
POP CULTURE CLUBS GOTTA CATCH ‘EM ALL
Members describe the importance of exploring the spaces where nerdy niches flourish Ben Harris | Staff Writer | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu
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n an average Friday night on campus, the Student Union Building is much quieter than during its daytime counterpart. The hustle and bustle of campus life slows down, leaving the occasional late-night procrastinator, study group or club meeting. One of the regular club meetings on campus is the Pokémon Club, a group of students who take two hours out of their Friday night to partake in battle or trade cards. Keegan Provo, senior GIMM major and president of the club, could not find an organization that he was interested in and thus created his own. “I looked at all the clubs on campus and didn’t really find one that I wanted to join,” Provo said. “So I found some friends and we decided to make the Pokémon Club.”
The Pokémon Club is just one of many pop culture clubs that meet on campus, and each club has its own unique origin. Some clubs are created by a group of friends who share a common interest, others meet in order to reach a common goal. The university’s resident Quidditch club, based on the sport from the Harry Potter series, was founded for both of these reasons. After the club took a year-long hiatus, Francisco Rogel Perez, junior political science major and club president, wants the club to be a wholesome community rather than one just focused on winning. “When I think of the club, it used to be a place where people could go to hang out and be a part of a wholesome, good community,” Perez said. “I started the club back up with that all in mind.” While keeping the competitive edge is
important for a team like The Abraxans, it’s also important for each member to feel accepted and comfortable in the club. According to Perez, being yourself is key to creating a comfortable space for everyone. “We don’t get embarrassed, what you see is what you get,” Perez said. “For many of us, this is the first club we are in and we’re actually enjoying it.” For many students, pop culture clubs can be a safe space to fully explore one’s interests free of judgment. The Jedi Academy Association (JAA), a club that practices light-saber choreography on campus, strives to be an inclusive and positive space for all students. Makena Pooley, club president studying communication and theatre arts, believes people should be able to express themselves without judgment. “You can act like a Jedi or a Sith, peo-
ple are just drawn to that,” Pooley said. “They can pretend, but not be shamed for pretending.” During practice, students at the JAA are not pulling any punches. While the lightsabers themselves aren’t real, each strike, dodge and kick are done with force. The club can involve intense physical activity, but Pooley strives to lead the group with an inclusive mindset. “Even if you’re not super physically fit, or you can’t move super well, we’ll still get you involved in the club and out there performing and doing something,” Pooley said. “Anyone can do anything if you work at it.” Clubs surrounding pop culture play an important role in the campus community. The ability to gather around a common interest with a group can provide students with support during their time at Boise State.
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C U LT U R E
TRIPLE DISCIPLINE OFFERS A NON-TRADITIONAL WAY TO EARN A DEGREE The 3D program allows students to create a customized major based on their career desires and interest Michelle Johnson | Culture Reporter | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu
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ith 91 undergraduate programs to choose from at Boise State University, many options are readily available for students when deciding what degree they want to earn. Even so, there are students who remain undecided, have multiple interests or have decided their current major is not right for them. In 2017, a new program was introduced to campus to help those who want to create a more customized major: the triple discipline (3D) program. The 3D program allows students to put together three minors that will constitute as one major when they graduate and operates within the interdisciplinary studies program. Bree Mead was the advisor who started the triple discipline program. “It was an idea from the dean’s office of the College of Arts and Sciences,” Mead said. “They wanted to be able to allow students to customize their own unique degree, without going through the graduate level of expectations of the traditional version of this major.” Certain guidelines are set to make the program most beneficial for students, however. When picking three minors, students must create a plan showing how the minors will create a solid degree for their future. “We call it triple discipline because it’s comprised of three disciplines; it can include both minors and certificates,” Mead said. “Students will work with advisors to create that combination of three that will best work for them.” Olivia Aleman, a senior 3D major, enrolled in the program when she was a sophomore. Aleman was formerly a psychology major, but knew she wanted to incorporate other areas of study, such as art, into her degree. “I went to my advisor, who transferred me to Bree Mead and introduced me to this program,” Aleman said. “My three minors are psychology, art and family studies.
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Students are engineering their own degrees with the triple discipline program. Bree had told me I needed to formulate this presentation on how I will use these three minors to make sure this is beneficial for my future and the right path for me.” The 3D program includes benefits to students that may not feel would pertain to them if they were on the traditional major path. These benefits may include creating a more personal degree and inspiring them to think outside the box. “I feel more motivated in my major because I created this myself,” Aleman said. “I think that’s the biggest benefit that this program offers.” Abbey Turpin, a junior 3D major, is starting her first semester in the program. With a goal of attending Bastyr University for naturopathic medicine, the 3D program stood out to Turpin as the best way to earn the type of degree she needed from Boise State. “Bastyr doesn’t require a particular major, they just require you to hit a certain amount of prerequisites to get into the medical program,” Turpin said. “My three
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disciplines will be communication, chemistry or dance, and then I already have a Spanish certificate that will count as one of the three disciplines.” Mead discussed how the program enables students to start thinking about their future and what type of degree will benefit them the most. Allowing students to create their own major also intends to encourage students to feel more in control of their education.
“It allows students to increase their intentionality with their studies and start forward thinking about life after graduation.” Bree Mead, triple discipline advisor
Kacie Fromhart | The Arbiter “Since students are picking the three disciplines, they are aware of every single class they will be taking and, therefore, they know why they’re taking it,” Mead said. “It allows students to increase their intentionality with their studies and start forward thinking about life after graduation.” With the 3D program rapidly growing, Mead offered some advice for those considering the path of their degree and wondering if it’s right for them. “Students who are interested should do research prior to meeting with an advisor, so that way when they come to do triple discipline, they have done the research as much as they can, allowing them to have an idea of what they want to do post-graduation,” Mead said. “From there, they can construct the degree that’s going to get them the skills they need.” For more information regarding the triple discipline program, contact the Center for Advising and Student Success.
C U LT U R E
BUSY AS A BEE: ROOFTOP TEAM WORKS ROUTINELY TO TEND TO HIVES
Making honey and wax are out-of-the-box tasks that connect students from all majors Will Meyer | Culture Editor | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu
A diverse group of students, known as the Bee Team, comes together to tend to a rooftop beekeeping experience on campus.
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common response to bees is to flinch or jump in the opposite direction. A small group of Boise State students, however, elects to be in their presence on a regular basis. Addie Higgins, a senior studying electrical engineering who currently serves as the president of the Bee Team, explained that she initially joined the group to meet people outside of her major. “We have very few people in Boise our age who have experience in beekeeping, so it’s very new to everyone across the board,” Higgins said. “I’m very split between humanities and STEM classes, so I just needed something that wasn’t class to do.” The team’s primary concern is giving students education and resources to learn about the importance of beekeeping. Their second vocation, particularly of the officers, is taking care of the honeybees themselves, according to Higgins. “They’re our primary method of learning, and our primary educational resource,” Higgins said. “Along with that, we
do make products that give students the opportunity to harvest honey and wax, use those to create products and then market and sell them in the bookstore.” Animal husbandry is on the top of the Bee Team’s priority list, and certain elements of ensuring the safety and survival of the colony can be very complicated. “Lately, the varroa mite is a really common parasite in bees, so our main concern as beekeepers these days is counting how many mites they have and then treating them if they need it,” Higgins said. Because bees are such social animals and colonies regularly interact with one another, it is virtually impossible to avoid the dangerous mites, according to Higgins. Because of this, keeping up with regular hive inspections is very important. Carson Thompson, a sophomore studying computer science who works as a hive manager, explained that officers ensure optimal environmental factors to help the colony thrive. “I do a lot of research into what’s best
for the hives,” Thompson said. “There are different treatments that are good for different parts of the year.” Thompson’s role also entails educating the public. This ranges from showing people through the hive inspection process to generally explaining what the bees’ lives look like. “Honeybees do pollinate things, but they’re not the primary pollinators in a region,” Thompson said. Honeybees may not be experiencing the force of the insect population’s collapse as widely thought. However, the fact that humans interact and rely on them so much makes honeybees’ work a great way to raise awareness about the problems other insects face with the changing climate and overuse of pesticides. “If you’re really looking to optimize your impact on the environment for insects, creating gardens for native pollinators and planting native species of plants that support native pollinator populations are really what’s best for supporting the envi-
Taylor Humby | The Arbiter ronment,” Thompson said. The multifaceted work the officers of the Bee Team take on requires them to think not only of the tiny bodies buzzing around the roof of the Student Union Building, but also that they gain as much information as possible to help the Boise State community understand the process bees go through in making the products so many love. Rachel Lindsey, a senior environmental studies major who works as an assistant hive manager, said that officers are continually learning more about how to be better beekeepers alongside the other members. “We’re not experts, so our job is to learn as much as we can so we can help everyone else learn as much as they can about bees and beekeeping,” Lindsey said. “We do a lot of the hands-on care, because that’s something that’s hard for regular members. I think that’s one of our most important roles, is making people feel comfortable actually doing beekeeping.”
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SPORTS & REC SEPTEMBER 24, 2019 | ARBITERONLINE.COM
WOMEN’S ULTIMATE FRISBEE TEAM LEARNS FROM SPIRIT OF THE GAME Ultimate frisbee club builds trust, makes connections through the sport Paul Gourley | Staff Writer | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu
The Broncos are heading into their sixth season as a recognized club sport.
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ctive students on Boise State’s campus choose to play club sports for an array of reasons. For the women of the Boise State ultimate frisbee team, playing a club sport provides a trusting family environment that eases the transition from high school to college. “What brought me here is not only the exercise, but also the family aspect,” said senior Katie Care. “I played frisbee in high school, but when transferring to Boise State, I was a little nervous. Eventually, I was able to ease my transition by connecting with people on campus through frisbee.”
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For others, the sport provides a way to represent the university and share knowledge. “What I like about club sports is connecting with people from all different majors,” said second-year, senior ultimate player Sabrina Turner. “Being able to have a similar goal while also having different ideas and perspectives of the sport has been awesome. We also get to represent [Boise State] which gives us a fire under our legs.” The team is diverse in its frisbee experience, ranging from players with 10-plus years of experience, like junior captain Emma Thoennes, to players such as Turner, who picked up the sport just last spring.
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Mackenzie Hudson | The Arbiter The mix of novice and experienced players adds to the inclusivity and mindset of the sport; Currently, there are roughly 20 members on the ultimate team with hope for even more to join. Ultimate frisbee is unique in the fact that no referees or officials are present on the field to determine the impact of a play or game. Instead, the sport uses a mantra known as “Spirit of the Game,” which allows the sport to maintain its sportsmanship with adherence to the agreed-upon rules. The lessons learned from Spirit of the Game vary for each individual player. “There’s a lot more of staying honest
with yourself,” Thoennes said. “I think what Spirit of the Game does is help us create bonds within the sport, because we all want to support each other. When we go to tournaments, we hang out with girls from other teams and form friendships.” Making friends and playing frisbee tournaments around the northwest comes with sacrifice. For the Broncos, that sacrifice is often related to academics. “Homework and school is the biggest sacrifice,” Thoennes said. “The season can be tough during the spring when we’re playing a bunch of tournaments. Every couple of weekends, we sacrifice our Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We leave Friday morning and get back late Sunday night. It’s a hard sacrifice, but all of the girls make it worth that sacrifice. It’s easy to cram homework earlier in the week to make it happen.” The Broncos’ ultimate team is preparing to embark on its sixth season as a recognized club sport. With its first two seasons ending poorly, the last three have shown promise; the club is still in search of its first win at the regional tournament. “The original goal when creating the team was to make it to regionals,” Thoennes said. “We’ve made it the past two seasons, but haven’t won any games due to our region being super competitive — Oregon and Washington being the leaders. Our goal is to go to regionals and win just one game to show that we are progressing as a team while becoming more competitive each year.” For those wanting to get involved with the women’s ultimate team, practices are Mondays from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m. and Thursdays from 8:15 to 10 p.m. in Caven-Williams Sports Complex.
BRONCOS DEFEAT AIR FORCE 30-19
Boise State remains undefeated after conference opener Autum Robertson | Sports Reporter | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu
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n front of a nearly sold out and loud crowd of 36,498, the Broncos defeated their rival and Mountain West opponent the Air Force Falcons 30-19. “I’ve been fortunate to be here for a lot of years and be a part of some really big games,” said head coach Bryan Harsin. “That was one of those games, man, it gives you chills when you see the crowd like that, and you have that type of energy for a team that we really knew was going to be a challenge.” The Broncos went into the second half tied with Air Force 10-10, but time possession was a different story. Air Force controlled the clock; they were on the field for 20:18 minutes while the Broncos’ offense only saw the field for 9:42 minutes. Similar to Colgate and Colorado, the Broncos struggled to stop Air Force’s triple option. Air Force rushed for 152 total yards in the first half and only passed for eight yards. The Broncos relied on the pass for the second week in a row; they passed for 155 total yards and only had 21 rushing yards at the conclusion of the first half. Air Force received the ball to start the second half. Quarterback Isaiah Sanders hit receiver Geraud Sanders for a 19-yard pass completion. At this point, Air Force had already more than doubled their passing yards in the first half. Air Force was the first to score in the second half with a 31-yard field goal. Air Force is the only team to score on the Broncos in the second half all season. After a Bronco punt and Air Force’s field goal, the Broncos took the lead with 34 seconds left in the third quarter. Hank Bachmeier connected with John Bates for a 28-yard touchdown pass. This put the Broncos ahead 17-13. When the Broncos’ defense desperately needed to stop the Air Force’s run, they did, and in a big way. The Falcons went for fourthand-one at the Broncos’ 48. David Moa and Santana Lui stuffed fullback Taven Birdow, and the Broncos took over inside the 50.
SPORTS & REC
HOT TAKES Autum Robertson | Sports Reporter | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu
T Mackenzie Hudson | The Arbiter “I think the main thing for us is keeping the points off the board, I think we did a good job a couple of times of holding them two field goals, blocking the extra point on the fourth-down stop,” said Kekaula Kaniho. “I think we did a good job of that, but just [need to start] finishing better.” This play led to a 10-yard touchdown run by running back Robert Mahone and a blocked extra point thanks to Air Force’s Lakota Wills. The Broncos’ defense was quick to get the ball back — Kaniho intercepted the ball and ran it back for a 50-yard return. Kaniho’s interception aided Mahone’s second 10-yard touchdown of the night, which was also the Broncos’ last score in their victory at home before their bye week. To top off a sweet victory against a longtime rival, the Broncos were able to block Air Force’s extra point on the final score of the game. In a game that started with Air Force completely dominating the clock, things evened out in the second half. The Broncos possessed the ball for 25:48 and Air Force had possession for 34:12. The Broncos finished with 95 rushing yards and 260 passing yards, a huge shift from the first half. “It’s just been great for us to go out there and play, especially in front of the home crowd, and we just got to keep building on that chemistry,” Mahone said. “We’re going to keep going out there and giving our best for each other.”
he Broncos are 4-0 and only getting better every week, and if you’re a fan, you should be excited about their 30-19 win over Air Force. Mountain West conference play opened with a rivalry game (Boise vs. Air Force) with plenty of expectations, and the game lived up to them all. The Broncos were firing on all cylinders... well, except special teams. The trajectory of the game would have played out a lot differently if it wasn’t for poor field positions and punts. Here are my hot takes from Boise State’s conference opener. Boise State is a second half team Air Force completely controlled the clock during the first half, and the Broncos didn’t even possess half the amount of time as Air Force. This was partially because Boise State’s defense couldn’t stop Air Force’s triple option. The Broncos and Falcons went into the half tied 10-10, but their stats were very different. Boise State relied heavily on the pass, while Air Force relied on the run. Despite their first half performances, this Boise State team and their coaches have figured it out. They are able to go into the half, make adjustments and come out looking like a completely different team. Boise State’s defense allowed only nine more points; prior to facing Air Force, Boise State had held every team scoreless in the second half. The offense made some serious adjustments too. Before the half, the Broncos’ run yards totaled 21 rushing yards. They finished with 95 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. This has been consistent all season and it’s been remarkable to watch, but with the Mountain West being so competitive, this needs to change.
Special teams kept the game close Boise State’s special teams failed, mostly in punting and kicking. “If we gotta tear it all apart and start over, we’ll do that,” said Broncos’ head coach Bryan Harsin. Harsin is clearly not pleased with how special teams has been playing. The Broncos’ special team has had good performances. I’m just saying, that definitely didn’t happen when Air Force came to town. Short punts and a missed extra point gave Air Force an advantage that this already dominant team didn’t need. The Broncos desperately need to find a way to fix their special team errors if they want to stay undefeated. Boise State looks like the best team in the Mountain West The Boise State vs. Air Force rivalry was a big game for a couple of reasons. Air Force was looking like one of the most dominant Mountain West teams after their big win over Colorado. Now, Boise State stands alone at the top. The Broncos are the only undefeated team left in the Mountain West. They went into Doak Campbell stadium and won, and have only improved since then. Their defense is scary good, they have allowed only Air Force to score in the second half and they hold the FBS active sack leader in Curtis Weaver. The Broncos’ offense is also a top Mountain West contender. What I find to be most impressive about their offense is their leader, true freshman quarterback Hank Bachmeier. Bachmeier threw for 263 yards and two touchdowns against the Falcons. He is resilient and can hold his own in the pocket, and Bachmeier is the young leader that this offense needed after the departure of Brett Rypien. As of right now, the Broncos control their fate in Mountain West.
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SPORTS & REC
PASSIONATE GOLFERS CREATE NEW CLUB SPORT AT BOISE STATE
Club golf offers a new opportunity for all students Dawson Danner | Staff Writer | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu
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arson Inglin, a sophomore finance and accounting major, brought a fascinating idea to Club Sports Coordinator Jared Cox’s desk; as a result, golf has officially been added to the campus’s growing roster of club sports. The golf team is the 21st club sports team at the university, with Inglin officially taking over as the club golf team president. Originally from Sumner, Wash., Inglin came to Boise State his freshman year in hopes of continuing to play the sport he has loved for years. “I always wanted to continue my golf career in college,” Inglin said. “So it was always an idea for me to try and start up a club golf team at Boise State.” In addition to Inglin, there are a total of five other students that have joined the team, including junior history major Cameron Tafoya. After recovering from an injury he sustained while playing for the club baseball team, Tafoya wanted to dive into another game he holds a strong passion for. “I wanted to join the club golf team because I wanted to continue playing a sport competitively until I am done with college,” Tafoya said. “If Carson needs any help, I am very interested in becoming the team’s vice president.” Senior Brandon Hazel is another member of the current six-man roster. Hazel, a senior business administration major, is still deciding whether or not he will fully commit to playing. “I am hoping to compete in at least one tournament and get my golf game in tiptop shape,” Hazel said. “I am hoping I will be able to continue to pursue my passion for golf.” Inglin has planned tournaments for the team to play in its first official season, with competitions scheduled for this fall and the upcoming spring. The Boise State club golf team plans to join the West region — including Utah,
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Team members Carson Inglin and Cameron Tafoya are looking forward to the club’s inaugural season. Mackenzie Hudson | The Arbiter
Utah State, BYU and Utah Valley — in the National Collegiate Club Golf Association. Inglin recently set up a tournament with Utah and Utah State for sometime in October, with the location still to be determined. Inglin announced that it will cost $175 per semester to be a member of the team. These dues will cover apparel and uniforms, hotels and transportation to tournaments.
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Currently searching for more players to join, Inglin is opening up the team to any student interested at Boise State. Inglin has created a club golf team page through OrgSync, with no tryouts and a co-ed team. “I want the golf club to be a welcoming type of environment,” Inglin said. “No matter the skill level of future players, I need their help putting club golf on the map at Boise State.”
With all the toughest tasks now behind him, Inglin is very excited to see what this season has in store for the team. “I am really looking forward to this upcoming season,” Inglin said. “Not only will club golf be a new club sport, [but] it will also be a new opportunity for students at Boise State.”
SCORPIO
OCT 23- NOV 21 Your life has been very eventful, but possibly a bit overwhelming as of late. However, this week, things are going to slow down a bit and you need it. Use this time to catch up on some things which may have been on the back burner for you.
SAGITTARIUS NOV 22 - DEC 22
Now is all about perseverance for you, Sag. Jupiter is lingering, which is great for your luck and potential. Challenges are coming and going, but you’re probably sensing that things are constantly testing you and that can be extremely taxing. Really try to focus on your optimistic side.
CAPRICORN
DEC 22 - JAN 20
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Last week, Cap, you were thinking about your accomplishments and possibly trying on a new point of view. Don’t feel bad about dwelling on positive things that are happening in your life or even mentally, through personal growth. This week, celebrate the fact that you are evolving.
PT
BE
AQUARIUS
E
M
R
JAN 20 - FEB 17
23
- OC
TOBER 22
This week, you’ve got Venus centering things out for you, Libra. With Libra season just starting, you’re likely feeling excited about what’s to come in the following weeks for you and you’re not wrong. Venus will lead you to a place of harmony and something romantic will pique your interest this week. Go for it. Now is your time.
You’re mainly focusing on managing all that’s on your plate. Take some time to congratulate yourself on everything you’re currently balancing. You might have also been starting to think about substantial changes you might want to latch on to.
PISCES
FEB 18 - MARCH 20
Some huge concepts are sticking in your mind. Use your imaginative and creative nature to find a healthy way to expend that energy. Otherwise, you might find yourself feeling weighed down by some daunting thoughts and plentiful options in your life.
ARIES
MARCH 20 - APR 20
You might be feeling a bit out of control this week, Aries, which is not usually in your nature. Take a look at the entire picture of what’s happening for you right now. Tackle what’s on your plate by playing to your strength of organization.
TAURUS
APR 20 - MAY 21
Stay with the idea of change and updating a practice or routine in your life, Taurus. Something happening in your life right now needs an honest makeover or revamping. Focus some energy on anything which will freshen your outlook on life.
GEMINI
MAY 21 - JUN 21 The moon has gone, Gemini, which means it’s time to focus back on your relationships. Being that you have a communicative nature, you’re probably feeling like you worked through some personal issues last week and you’d like a second opinion.
CANCER
JUN 21 - JULY 23 Keep up your tenacity this week. You’re making moves towards those long term goals you want and you’ll achieve them as long as you stay focused. This burden is weighing heavily on you right now. You might need an emotional recharge.
LEO
JUL 23 - AUG 23
Hopefully you’re feeling triumphant after being extra independent last week. Ride those good vibe waves through by setting yourself up for future success. This way, if you start to feel stagnant in any way, you’ll have a goal on the horizon.
VIRGO
AUG 23 - SEPT 23
The moon is telling you to focus your efforts on yourself, Virgo. Use your drive and determination to navigate which activities are pushing you in a productive direction. Be truly mindful of what makes you feel fulfilled versus overly anxious and lacking in energy.
TRISHA KANGAS
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR TRISHAKANGAS@BOISESTATE.EDU
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