The Arbiter Vol. 36 Issue 4 10.5.23

October 5, 2023

Vol. 36, Issue 4

I NDEP END E N T

STUD E N T

VO I C E

O F

B O I SE

STATE

S I N C E

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DOWN BUT NOT OUT: HERE’S WHERE BRONCO FOOTBALL STANDS MIDWAY THROUGH THE SEASON NEWS

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With the removal of the presidential primary, Idaho lawmakers attempted to call a special session

VISIT US ONLINE:

OPINION

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The expression of female rage in the media has been a welcomed outlet for women who have felt unheard

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CULTURE

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Flipside musician profile: L.A. Musician George Clanton brings vaporwave music to Idaho @arbiteronline

SPORTS & REC

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Sophia Romero is trying to build her own legacy in the NCAA with Boise State softball

@arbiteronline

@arbiteronline

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Editor-In-Chief Hanalei Potempa editor@stumedia.boisestate.edu Online Editor Adam Bridges onlineeditor@stumedia.boisestate.edu News Editor Kiryn Willett news@stumedia.boisestate.edu News Reporter Kaylie Hilliker news@stumedia.boisestate.edu News Reporter Joel Hroma news@stumedia.boisestate.edu Culture Editor Emily Gordon culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu Culture Reporter Olivia Brandon culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu Sports & Rec Editor Marlei Soderquist sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu Sports & Rec Reporter Alec Simeone sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu Opinion Editor Ella Van Leuven opinion@stumedia.boisestate.edu Copy Editor Kelly Ann Asker copy@stumedia.boisestate.edu Social Media Coordinator Naomi Priddy Digital Content Manager Taya Thornton digitalcontent@stumedia.boisestate.edu

ON THE COVER:

Boise State football got themselves into a similar situation as last year.

The team is dealing with many issues heading into conference play including another quar terback controversy, a stagnant offense and a weak secondar y.

HOW TO REACH US:

Graphic Design Manager Sasha White design@stumedia.boisestate.edu

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

Graphic Designer Kelsey Mason

MISSION:

Digital Content Producer Niamh Brennan

Illustrator Sydney Smith Distributed every few weeks during the academic school year and online daily, The Arbiter is the official independent student newspaper of Boise State University, where student editors make all content decisions and bear responsibility for those decisions. The Arbiter’s budget consists of fees paid by the student body and advertising sales. The first copy is free. Additional copies can be purchased for $1 a piece at The Arbiter offices.

Photo from past weekend's Flipside Fest

Photo by Niamh Brennan

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

*Valid 10/5 - 10/9. Excludes sale/clearance, gift cards, tickets, food and beverage, and consignment items.

NEWS

OCTOBER 5, 2023 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

Boise State research leaders take quantum computing to the next level

The future of nanoscience technology is here at Boise State Kaylie Hilliker | News Repor ter | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu

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rom humble beginnings of one small room in the RUCH Engineering Building, to now expansive multi-million dollar laboratories in the Micron Center for Material Research building, the world-class materials research at Boise State University “exists no where else in the world” as Dr. Ryan Pensack, qDNA’s Ultrafast Laser Spectroscopy Team Lead told the Arbiter.

In the last six years, the Nanoscale Materials and Device group has developed its facilities in leaps and bounds. Researchers Bernie Yurke, Will Huges, Jeunghoon Lee and Elton Graugnard since 2000 have advanced the research progress.

Now, the Nanoscale Materials and Device Group branched off into research areas and fields of study to include nanophotonics, gate oxide studies, multi-dielectric dand diagram programs, magnetic shape memory alloys, 3-D tech for advanced sensor systems and DNA nanotechnology.

Under the DNA nanotechnology field, a research group has been established — the Quantum DNA Research Group (qDNA).

The collaboration of five science and engineering teams, one management team with over 30 faculty, staff and students ranging 10 academic disciplines resulted in what the university is known for: Innovation.

Dr. Ryan D. Pensack was hired on as the lead for qDNA’s Ultrafast Laser Spectroscopy Team after his position from 20152017 as a postdoctoral research associate in the research group of Prof. Gregory Scholes at Princeton University.

From 2012-2015, he was a postdoctoral fellow in Scholes’ group at the University of Toronto. Alongside Pensack, Dr. Paul H. Davis led the tour exhibiting the achievements of the research team.

“The collaboration I’d say is unique,

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it sets us up to be competitive nationally and internationally actually,” said Pensack during The Arbiter’s tour of the laboratories, led by both Pensack and Dr. Paul H. Davis.

Funding from the Department of Energy, Idaho National Laboratory, Laboratory Directed Research and Development, Office of Naval Research and other supporters provided the equipment the teams work with. In 2021, the Department of Energy granted the qDNA Team $5 million to further their efforts into phase II of attempting quantum entanglement.

For those unfamiliar with the term, quantum entanglement is a phenomenon when two particles become strongly dependent on one another and the physical states of those particles cannot be recognized as separate from the other. Dr. Pensack and Dr. Davis use the metaphor of a spinning coin to create a visual for quantum entanglement.

Dr. Paul Davis serves as the surface science lab manager, co-lead and co-director on the Ultrafast Spectroscopy Team.

“When it’s spinning, it’s neither heads nor tails, and that’s what the cubit is — a superposition state, both heads and tails,” Davis said.

Later, Pensack explained this through a demonstration with coins. When spun, the blue side and the orange side of the coin are continually moving. Davis explained how the number of revolutions of a coin (particle) relates to the speed of the spinning, and the speed of the spinning relates to the strength of coupling. The length of a spinning coin or particle is referred to as its “lifetime”.

The excited state of these particles give off energy as a resource, which can be a tool for development in quantum mechan-

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Ultrafast Spectroscopy Team Stark Spectrometer. ics; therefore, quantum computing.

“In quantum information science we think about a third state which is actually a combination of the two: it’s the spinning coin heads or tails, blue or orange,” Pensack said.

On Sept. 20, Nanoscale Materials and Device Group published the High-sensitivity electronic Stark spectrometer featuring a laser-driven light source in the Review of Scientific Instruments. The Stark spectrometer was engineered by the Ultrafast Spectroscopy Team. Spectrometers are used to measure wavelengths of light in relation to matter.

“The spectrometer measures the property of pigments that enables them to interact such that we can realize entanglement,” Pensack said.

Dr. Katelyn Duncan, a postdoctoral research fellow, and Dr. Johnathan Huff, a graduate research assistant, offered their insight on the instrument, mentioning that the entire setup is custom made and

Photo by Niamh Brennen

built according to Duncan. She alongside Pensack and Huff finalized measurements together.

Huff walked The Arbiter through the samples they utilized on the instrument, such as dye solutions, and the process of how the Stark Spectrometer works.

The work the qDNA team has done has received national recognition. Two of the team’s technical manuscripts were featured in National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI), the National Nanotechnology Initiative Supplement to the President’s 2023 Budget submitted to Congress March 8, 2022. The team has submitted over 30 technical manuscripts and academic articles, in 2023 the dDNA published 12 articles so far.

“We are all very passionate about what we do,” Pensack said. “While our main mission is this notion of room temperature quantum computing, there will be spinoffs of what we do. The new knowledge we create could be used to help serve society.”

ASBSU fails to pass code of ethics and bills during first session

NEWS

Due to constitutional challenges ASBSU’s code of ethics was not passed until the third joint session Kir yn Willet t | News Editor | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu

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he Associated Students of Boise State (ASBSU) failed to pass their code of ethics for the first two weeks of joint sessions due to constitutional challenges brought forth by senior psychology major and Honors College academic senator Ethan LaHaug.

The code of ethics is used to instruct the branches of ASBSU on proper procedure and impacts the senate and assembly’s ability to pass legislation. According to LaHaug, the new code contradicted the new constitution and left out descriptions of some positions in student government.

“I found areas that would violate

Members of ASBSU walking on campus.

the constitution that governs ASBSU .... And then the other big thing was that there are some student leadership positions that are not included in his code,” LaHaug said. “And so not only can we not fill those positions, but if even if we did ...there’d be no job expectations and nothing to hold them accountable to if they are not doing their job.”

According to LaHaug, the new code falsely gave the executive branch the power to create and pass bills and confirm appointed officials, which are powers that belong to the legislative branch and the senate.

LaHaug had 20 separate objections to the new code of ethics.

“We can’t resolve questions about disputes over the code or constitution. But even if we pass the code that we were presented today, we still wouldn’t be able to do that because it didn’t address that problem,” LaHaug said. “So it’s kind of like a losing situation where this code didn’t address it.”

Over the summer, ASBSU operated on the code from the previous year, but new constitutional changes made the old code incompatible with the new constitution. According to Nathan Hoang, the associate vice president of ethics affairs, not passing the code hindered the joint assembly’s ability to function.

“But without the code, we can’t implement any legislation. It’s quite difficult for us to function just in any way. Because the code governs how we meet for how long we meet, and how a meeting goes,” Hoang said. “And it’s the same for the executive, the same for the funding board.

It’s just a very all encompassing thing. And so it’s without code and just kind of operating in the dark.”

Hoang met with LaHaug and did not find constitutional violations.

Hoang stated that even if there were sections that contradicted the constitution, the constitution always supersedes codes and ASBSU would still be able to function.

According to Hoang, failing to pass the new code has already impacted students.

“We’ve already suffered negative consequences for having only our old code to try to operate under.

For example, recently, the American Sign Language Association wanted $450 to fund food for eight different events, but under old code you can’t fund more than four events,” Hoang said. “But if it had been $450 for one event, then that would be perfectly fine. And so it was just very sad to have to trot that out for them when there really wasn’t any good reason except an outdated regulation.”

According to Hoang, if the code had been passed before the club put in their request, the request could have been granted. The new code of ethics was passed in the third session, allowing for the first piece of legislation to be passed.

Isaac Celedon brought forward a bill to create a mini Freak Alley on campus. The resolution passed and the project will move forward.

Photo by Taya Thornton OCTOBER 5, 2023

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NEWS

Idaho lawmakers attempted to reinstate presidential primary

Idaho will likely hold caucuses for nominating presidential candidates Joel Hroma | News Repor ter | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu

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With the removal of the state presidential primary, Idaho lawmakers attempted to call a special session to reinstate the primary, but ended up missing the deadline.

Due to a technical error, House Bill 138 removed the presidential primary in the state of Idaho. The bill redefined a primary election and did not include rules for a presidential primary.

“The purpose behind House Bill 138 was to consolidate our primary elections, saving state dollars, and also making it a little bit easier on voters so they would only have to come out to the polls once,” said assistant Democratic Leader, Rep. Lauren Necochea., Democrat from Boise.

To initially amend the issue, a bill known as a “trailer bill” was proposed that would reinstate the presidential primary, but this bill died in committee after a series of state Republican party officials testified in opposition to the bill. The officials that testified include chairwoman of the Idaho Republican Party Dorothy Moon and Idaho Republican Committee secretary Maria Nate. Moon said in her testimony the party was “not consulted regarding this legislation”.

With the help of house Democrats, a petition drafted by Rep. Lance Clow, Republican from Twin Falls, calling for the repeal of House Bill 138 reached the 60% of members needed to move forward.

“Republicans are deadlocked amongst themselves between dueling petitions for a May versus a March primary, and it is increasingly likely that there will be no primary at all if they cannot reach agreement,” said a press release sent Sept. 25, from House Minority Leader, Rep. Ilana Rubel, Democrat from Boise.

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One of these petitions was led by Sen. Scott Herndon, Republican from Sagle, that is for “considering legislation that pertains to Idaho’s presidential primary election,” according to the petition by Herndon.

“Our only option for a special session that would actually change anything for 2024 for the Republicans is to restore a March presidential primary,” Herndon said.

Senate Pro Tem Chuck Winder also sent a petition around congress which reached the 60% threshold in the senate.

The Winder petition states that “in the event, a political party was unable to find adequate locations and to certify adequate funds… The secretary of State would then be required to hold a presidential primary during the May primary.”

“He did get 60% in the senate but he will not get 60% in the house. The house does not support that version at all,” Herndon said. “That is effectively dead in the water right now.”

Herndon went on to say that Winder is “intransigent on that point” in reference to a March presidential primary.

When asked about the preference for a March primary instead of a May primary, Herndon said, “Effectively by May, if you look back in history over the last 30 years, the presidential nominees for either major party are most often settled by the time of the third Tuesday of May.” “The Idaho GOP’s position remains resolute: the only conceivable scenario in which a presidential primary could take place is through the repeal of House Bill 138, thereby reinstating the presidential primary to March of 2024,” said Dorothy Moon, the Idaho GOP chairwoman in an emailed statement to The Arbiter.

Moon remained opposed to the call-

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Republican presidential candidates inside the shape of Idaho.

Graphic by Sasha White ing of a special session for the purpose of reinstating a presidential primary in May. “Pursuing a special session with the intention of organizing a May presidential primary will needlessly expend taxpayer resources, knowing that it will not result in the Idaho GOP conducting a may presidential primary,” Moon said.

On the other side of the aisle, Democrats are also seeking to amend the removal of the presidential primary.

The Idaho Democratic Party voted unanimously in June of 2023 to call the Idaho Legislature to reinstate the presidential primary.

“We supported the move to May for the reasons of saving funds, but we’re willing to compromise if it means voters can vote,” Necochea said.

A caucus requires voters to meet at a designated time and location to vote

for who they want to represent the party in the upcoming elections.

“It is very hard for many Idahoans to participate in a caucus. Service members, for example, if they’re deployed, they have no way of participating in a caucus because there’s no form of absentee voting in a caucus,” Necochea said.

In a press release sent April 18, from the Idaho Democratic Party, the party made a statement on the importance of the primary for voters of every party.

“The way to ensure Idaho voters of every party have their say in our presidential nomination process is to hold a special legislative session and reinstate the presidential primary election” the press release stated. .

The failure to meet for a special legislative session will lead to both parties holding a caucus next year.

The impacts of the actor and writer strikes on Idaho’s film industry

NEWS

Actors and writers have reached a tentative agreement with studios: here’s an overview of the strikes Kir yn Willet t | News Editor | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu

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he Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and The Writers Guild of America (WGA) have reportedly reached deals and made progress in negotiation with major film companies in regards to the ongoing strikes concerning actors and screenwriters pay and rights.

The strikes have brought the film industry to a halt in many places, including Idaho, with the exception of a few independent productions.

According to Elizabeth Findley, producer and owner of Findley Productions, the strikes also shut down film competitions that local producers use to break into the

industry.

“For people like me that aren’t in the mainstream industry yet, a lot of the programs are inactive right now, like writing, directing programs and script contests,” Finley said. “So it’s really hard, like a lot of these things that would give us a foot in the door like … and as long as it’s, in effect, like we’re not going to have these programs available to us.”

Two of the main causes behind the actor strikes are the use of A.I. in film and streaming rates for actors.

Before streaming, actors would receive residuals — checks for everytime shows were aired or re-run, but the same pay system does not currently exist for streaming.

Illustration of people on strike outside of a Netflix corporate building.

Some studios have proposed using A.I. scans of background actors which allows them to only pay actors once. They can then use A.I. to place the actors face or body into the background of a scene, allowing studios to avoid hiring and paying more extras. Studios are also in talks of starting to use A.I. to help write scripts, eliminating the need to pay screenwriters.

“What the unions are fighting for is really important in our industry because it enables actors to get paid what they need to get paid, what they deserve to get paid, especially from the streaming services. And the same goes with the writers as well,” Steph Cullen, founder and CEO of OMG Studios said.

Cullen believes it is impossible for A.I. to produce the same quality of work as writers.

“I’m also a writer and writing comes from the heart. Writing comes from experience, and A.I. can only take what you’ve given it and so it’s not going to produce a real experience,” Cullen said.

David Kepner, a 2017 Boise State graduate and current strike captain, has been organizing SAG-AFTRA strikes outside the Netflix building in Los Angeles, California.

“We want transparency and we want better healthcare. I think only about 12.7% of actors now qualify for healthcare in the SAG-AFTRA union because there’s a minimum right now that all actors have to make up to a certain point, I think like $26,000 to qualify for health care,” Kepner said. “And so the fact that the minimums are so low that the actors can’t even get there, and that streaming residuals are basically absent… all these actors and writers are being exploited for their work.”

According to Kepner, the cooperation between WGA and SAG-AFTRA has been key to reaching a tentative agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) on pay and A.I regulations. WGA reached a deal with AMPTP and will vote on the ratification in October, while SAG-AFTRA entered a new round of negotiations on Monday, Oct. 2.

“The WGA deal is very impressive as it addresses fundamental necessities like minimum wage hikes, AI oversight, and streaming incentives. It’s worth noting that the original offer from AMPTP to WGA was $86 million, yet they amazingly won almost three times that amount with a new total value of $233 million,” Kepner said. “This will be extremely fundamental for SAG-AFTRA as they start new rounds of negotiations on Monday.”

Illustration by Sydney Smith OCTOBER 5, 2023

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OPINION OCTOBER 5, 2023 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

The influencer pandemic: Gen-Z’s most sought-after job title

Being an influencer has become more and more desirable, but is this a realistic career path for Gen-Z? Ella Van Leuven | Opinion Editor | opinion@stumedia.boisestate.edu

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he majority of young people today don’t aspire to be a teacher, doctor, chef or writer. Instead, being an influencer has become one of the most desired career paths for Gen-Z, a job title that didn’t even exist 15 years ago. As content creation becomes more and more popular, it is critical to consider whether this is truly a stable or realistic way to make a living.

A 2020 study conducted by Morning Consult in the United States indicated that 54% of 13-38-year-olds wanted to become an influencer. In the decades since the internet was popularized and people began making their living through content creation, the idea of becoming an influencer has increased drastically in popularity and seems very attainable for the average person.

The concept of influencers began in the 2000s with the beginning of YouTube and the individuals who got their start on the platform. Content creators like PewDiePie, David Dobrik and Shane Dawson gained enormous followings and showed people it was possible to make a living on the internet, paving the way for the world of content creation today.

As social media grew in popularity, influencers began to rise on other platforms like Instagram and eventually TikTok. The COVID-19 lockdown and the simultaneous rise in TikTok’s usage had an especially unique influence on the content creation industry. Forbes discusses how the pandemic not only forced people to work online, it drastically increased how much of their personal time they spent on the internet.

It became clear to many people – especially younger generations – that making

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money as a content creator was far more attainable than they had realized, and there are many deeply appealing factors of being an influencer.

For people who dread working a 9–5, who don’t want to pay for 4+ years of school to earn a degree they may or may not use, or who simply want to profit off of the things they already enjoy doing, being an influencer may seem like the ideal career. Making videos, getting followers and being offered brand deals sounds much more appealing to many people than a typical corporate job.

As attractive as this industry may appear, there are many difficult aspects of being a content creator that people don’t see at first glance. While social media users may see the “overnight success” of creators like Charli D’Amelio and Alix Earle and try to replicate that, the reality of becoming an influencer isn’t as simple as making a viral video and watching the money roll in.

While becoming an influencer may seem like an “easy” way to make money, it’s often a difficult process to begin to make any kind of profit. A study from The Tilt reported that the average content creator doesn’t earn their first dollar for over six months, and it often takes around a year and a half to reach a steady income an individual can live off of.

Making a living from being a content creator requires regular posting of engaging content, maintaining an active following and attaining a certain amount of luck to have your content initially boosted. With 35 million new posts every day on TikTok alone, it can be incredibly difficult for new creators to get their foot in the door and start getting consistent views.

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Even once a content creator has built a following and eventually starts making money, they have joined an industry where income can fluctuate greatly.

Unlike other jobs that are more stable, influencers’ income can vary greatly based on their relevance, what brands may or may not choose to work with them and whether or not their followers stay inter-

ested and active.

While social media is populated by people who seem to have made it as an influencer, it isn’t the “easy” career path that it might appear to be. Becoming a full-time content creator is a difficult process that requires intense dedication and time, not just a simple way to avoid a stereotypical office job.

Graphic of a content creator in a social media post.

Graphic by Sasha White

OPINION

Female fury: representing female rage in modern media

The “female rage” trend on social media has led many people to consider what the term means Ella Van Leuven | Opinion Editor | opinion@stumedia.boisestate.edu

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n a world where women have long been silenced and told they’re “overly emotional”, the expression of female rage in the media has been a welcomed outlet for many of the women who have so often felt suppressed and unheard.

Female rage, or feminine rage, has recently been majorly referenced and discussed in popular culture and through social media trends (particularly on TikTok). The concept of female rage isn’t new; women have been justifiably furious with their circumstances and constant suppression for thousands of years.

An article from Her Campus defines female rage as “an ancestral and inherited response to the struggles, oppressions, and wrongdoings that women have been subjected to”. Many women today have the power and resources to express the fury that many generations of women have felt, and these intense emotions have been depicted in media, particularly movies and albums, throughout recent decades.

P**sy Whipped “P**sy Whipped” (1999) was the first full-length album from the iconic punk band Bikini Kill. The group itself is largely credited for the beginning of the “Riot Grrrl” movement, a subculture that “emerged from the punk rock scene during the third-wave feminist movement in the early 1990s, uniting women and girls against capitalist and patriarchal cultural ideologies”.

“P**sy Whipped” explores themes like sexual harassment, gender inequality, the patriarchy and the overall anger that women everywhere experience. The album title itself takes a generally derogatory term and reclaims it in the name of women’s empowerment. Bikini Kill’s music urges women to rebel against oppressive societal norms and take control of their narratives.

Lady Bird

Directed by Greta Gerwig, “Lady Bird” (2017) portrays a nuanced version of the female rage often depicted in media. The titular character, played by Saoirse Ronan, is a teenage girl living in Sacramento and attending a private Catholic high school.

Although “Lady Bird” doesn’t feature the violence or destructive anger most associate with female rage, the film addresses the internal turmoil that nearly every woman experiences during adolescence, especially those who grew up in a religious setting. Lady Bird’s complicated relationship with her mother, her restlessness in her hometown – which she has deemed “the Midwest of California” – and her search for identity and individuality are just a few factors of the film that illustrate the complexity of young female emotions.

When the Pawn…

“When the Pawn…” (1999) is an album by Fiona Apple that explores female rage along with the other complex emotions that women feel and are often pushed to suppress. Songs on the album like “Limp”, “A Mistake” and “Get Gone” can be empowering for women who relate to the themes of anger and resilience that are displayed, particularly those who have suffered at the hands of men.

Throughout her time in the music industry, Apple has refused to conform to industry standards, creating a name for herself as a deeply independent and uncompromising artist. She has time and time again expressed the broad spectrum of feelings that women experience, such as frustration, defiance and empowerment through her music.

Jennifer’s Body “Jennifer’s Body” (2009), directed by Karyn Kusama, explores how feminine rage might play out should the supernatural be added to the equation. Starring Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried, the horror-comedy follows Jennifer (Fox), a high school girl who returns from a boy

A woman overcome with anger in a television show.

Illustration by Sydney Smith band’s afterparty with some very strange appetites, and her childhood best friend Needy (Seyfried), who watches as the horrors unfold in their small town.

The film opens with Needy’s iconic line, “hell is a teenage girl”. Although the female rage depicted in the film may be considered exaggerated and somewhat satirical, the film deeply evaluates the true agony of being a girl in high school. Aside from the horrors that the men of Devil’s Kettle are subjected to, many women can relate to the pain of male objectification, strained friendships and jealousy.

Gone Girl The film “Gone Girl” (2014), based on the novel of the same title by Gillian Flynn, truly embodies the phrase “hell hath no fury like a woman scorned”. The story is told from two perspectives: Amy Dunne (Rosamund Pike), who has gone missing, and her husband Nick (Ben Affleck), who is working to find his wife and absolve himself of the blame their town has placed upon him.

Over the course of the film, Amy’s dark sides are revealed as viewers see how she exacts revenge on the people who have wronged her in various ways. Though Amy may not be the protagonist she initially seems, her “cool girl” monologue strikes a chord with many women who have changed themselves to please a man, and Amy’s masterful externalization of her anger gives voice to the emotional depth that women were not given for so long in the media.

Women have been expressing their deep-seated rage through various media types throughout history and will continue to do so in the future. In a culture where femininity should be embraced and women should have the power to express the depth of their emotions, creating and consuming media that represents the extent of our anger with the subpar treatment of the women who came before us can be incredibly healing and empowering.

OCTOBER 5, 2023

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DOWN BUT NOT OUT: HERE’S WHERE BRONCO FOOTBALL STANDS MIDWAY THROUGH THE SEASON ALEC SIMEONE | SPORTS & REC REPORTER | SPORTS@STUMEDIA.BOISESTATE.EDU PHOTOS BY TAYA THORNTON AND NIAMH BRENNAN | GRAPHICS BY SASHA WHITE

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he Boise State football team got themselves into a hole early on in the 2023 season with hopes for another Mountain West championship appearance on the line.

They show signs of life all over the field, but have yet to put together a consistent and complete performance against formidable opponents.

Here’s the story of the 2023 season so far: OFFENSE The Broncos’ offense is perhaps the biggest disappointment at this point in the season (besides their record).

First year offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan and sophomore quarterback, Taylen Green had a whole offseason to get acquainted and implement a “taylored to Taylen”, offensive scheme.

Despite this, the offense just isn’t clicking.

Five weeks into the season, the offense has scored 28.6 points and 420.4 yards per game which is middle of the road compared to the rest of the nation. On top of this, the team seems to have a mid-season quarterback battle heading into conference play for the second consecutive season.

This quarterback controversy comes after both Green and redshirt freshman Maddux Madsen both had opportunities to lead the offense against the University of Memphis..

Whether it be bringing Hamdan down to the field to call plays, or putting Madsen in the game when the Broncos need to throw the ball, it seems that Boise State is desperate for a solution to right the ship on the offensive side of the ball.

The Broncos also haven’t had a receiver with 1,000+ yards since since Khalil Shakir in 2021. Although sophomore wide receiver Eric McAlister recently emerged as a primary target in the passing game, the only player on track to record 1,000+ receiving yards is listed as a running back (Ashton Jeanty).

When all is said and done however, Jeanty has been the only reliable playmaker on offense since week one.

DEFENSE It’s difficult to fairly judge Boise State’s defense. Nationally, they’re a bottom performing unit in yards per game (433.6) and points per game (31.6), but they’re middle of the pack in the Mountain West.

The stats don’t tell the full story, however. They’ve given up a season total of 10 points through the first quarter of each game.

The Bronco defense plays well throughout the first three quarters of the game, but struggles to close out in the final minutes.

The Broncos have been outscored in the fourth quarter in three games, two of which resulted in a loss.

They have also allowed two game-deciding drives within the last five minutes of regulation. Additionally, San Diego State almost pulled off a two-score comeback but Ashton Jeanty sealed the win for Boise State after covering up an onside kick.

Overall the defense seems to have improved week by week. They need to come up with more turnovers and get off the field in the second half consistently if they want to finish the season with 10 wins.

WEEK 1 The University of Washington hit Boise State with cold water in the season opener.

It was predicted that the Huskies would give the Broncos’ secondary a tough time, and they did.

Boise State bit off more than the defensive back squad was ready to chew.

Heisman candidate Michael Penix Jr. gashed the Bronco defense with 450 yards and five touchdowns through the air.

On the flipside, Boise State’s offense showed signs of life throughout the game, but couldn’t match the explosiveness of the Huskies, which has been a theme of the season for that side of the ball.

One silver lining was the forced emergence of Jeanty as the primary running back for the team as senior Geroge Holani went down with a knee injury in the first quarter.

Since then, Jeanty has been the bell cow back and Holani has been absent from every game so far this season.

WEEK 2 The University of Central Florida Knights came to Albertsons Stadium for the Broncos’ home opener, and subsequently handed them their most heartbreaking loss of the season so far.

Aside from the handful of miraculous turnovers from both teams early in the match, this game was boring to watch until the final few minutes.

Up 10-9 in a scoreless third quarter, Green came out of the game with leg cramps and in went freshman quarterback Madux, “Maddogg”, Madsen.

He gave a shaky but determined first performance as he led the offense to what was nearly a game winning drive, until the Knights came right back and kicked their fourth and final field goal as time expired to clutch a 18-16 victory.

WEEK 3 In Boise State’s first victory of the season, they bullied a Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) school off the blue turf in the ugliest way imaginable.

The University of North Dakota (UND) never really hung around, but they did test the Broncos, especially

with turnovers.

Jeanty had his worst game of the season with 73 all-purpose yards while coughing the ball up twice. With Green’s interception on the night, the Broncos tallied three turnovers to UND’s two.

One key player that emerged from the game was McAlister.

His performance marked the first designated receiver to notch over 100 yards with two touchdowns, one from Green and one from Madsen.

WEEK 4 San Diego State University (SDSU) hosted the Broncos in the first MWC game of the season for either team.

As per the standard this year, Boise State allowed the Aztecs to get off to a hot start, featuring two 40+ yard returns on special teams and a 7 point lead.

Following that, the Broncos settled in and put up 17 in the second quarter and held on to the end, in a 34-31 victory in San Diego.

The game is the first and only true benchmark we have to analyze the Broncos strength in the MWC this year.

SDSU is 2-4 this season, most recently losing to Air Force 49-10.

The score may not show it, but the Broncos really had their way with the Aztecs for most of the game until SDSU’s offense tried to put together a miraculous scoring drive to onside kick to field goal combination. The attempt was stopped short at the onside kick phase of the plan thanks to Jeanty.

WEEK 5 Boise State’s loss to the University of Memphis marks the end of non-conference play and the beginning of the MWC campaign.

The match also marks the beginning of yet another season of uncertainty at the quarterback position.

Green didn’t have a bad game, but he definitely didn’t have a good one.

When it came down to a pair of mustscore drives in the fourth quarter, the Broncos called on, “Maddogg” Madsen to get them into the endzone both times.

When your backup quarterback out-

scores the starter two touchdowns to none, people are going to start asking questions.

“We’ll look at what’s best for our team and we’ll move forward,” head coach Andy Avalos said when asked if Taylen Green is still the starting quarterback. “I’m not going to make that decision right now. We’re going to go back and watch film and we’re going to evaluate…”

Whether or not Green really is in the hot seat, the Broncos are 0-3 in non-conference play, and cannot remain stagnant while expecting to win the Mountain West.

GOING FORWARD As it stands, the Broncos are no longer the favorites to win or even appear in the MWC championship game.

That wishful thinking belongs to the Air Force Academy and No. 24 Fresno State University.

With that said, the power isn’t completely out of Boise State’s hands. The team must win out for the rest of the season, and that includes beating the two aforementioned schools.

The Fresno State does not play the Air Force this year. This means that the Broncos can lose to the Bulldogs, but must beat the Falcons in order to have a chance at the championship game.

It’s no secret that the Broncos are struggling this season, and their current situation is similar to what they found themselves in last last season.

Last year, just as conference play was upon them, they fired their offensive coordinator, had a freshman quarterback take the reins of the offense and won out in the MWC, earning an appearance in the championship game.

THE BLUEPRINT In order to turn this season around, the Broncos have to figure out how to push the ball down field on offense.

This week against San Jose State, that responsibility will be split between Green and Madsen.

“You look at what Taylen’s done in conference and his

athleticism and the plays he’s been able to make, that’s not something we’re just ready to say ‘hey we’re letting that part of the game drop’…,’” Hamdan said to the media. “You’re in second and long situations or you’re in third and longer situations. Right now Maddux has the better feel in drop back pass type situations.”

On the defensive side of the ball, defensive coordinator Spencer Danielson said that they are improving, but they haven’t played as consistently as he knows they can. “[Memphis] was in the red zone three times, they got three touchdowns…,” Danielson said to the media. “Holding teams to three points or less is a huge part of playing elite defense.”

With JL Skinner and Scott Matlock gone to the NFL, key players like nickelback Seyi Oladipo and sack leader Ahmed Hassanein have to step up for the Broncos big for the chance to even continue playing after the regular season.

Overall I think the team this year has a ceiling of an 8-4 record, (likely dropping a game to Fresno State) with a possibility of a Mountain West Championship and mid tier bowl game appearance.

C U LT U R E OCTOBER 5, 2023 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

“Dumb Money”: From rags to riches, all by investing in GameStop

How one man made people to invest in GameStop, saving the company and making himself millions Kelly Ann Asker | Copy Editor | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu

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uring the COVID-19 pandemic, between 2020 and 2021, GameStop went through a stock market boom that turned the tables on Wall Street and the 1% of billionaires who controlled it.

Keith Gill, an average Joe from Massachusetts, grew immense popularity on his Youtube channel as “Roaring Kitty”, where he posted videos discussing his opinions on the stock market and progression reports on his GameStop stock, but always making sure to say his actions were not recommendations.

GameStop, a company that sells new and used video games and computer supplies, experienced a severe stock decline leading up to the pandemic due to struggles competing with other companies in their industry and people short-selling their shares. According to NerdWallet, “Short selling is when a trader borrows shares and sells them in the hope that the price will fall after, so they can buy them back for cheaper.”

However, thanks to Keith Gill and everyday people just like him, GameStop’s luck quickly turned around.

Based on a true story, “Dumb Money” stars Paul Dano as Keith Gill, Shailene Woodley as Caroline Gill and Seth Rogan as Gabe Plotkin. The film follows Keith (Dano) as he invests his life savings into the plummeting stock of GameStop.

The film kicks off when Keith makes a Reddit post under the subreddit, “r/wallstreetbets” showing his screenshot of his $53,000 investment into GameStop. In addition, Keith made a YouTube video claiming the stock was undervalued and laid out his reasoning as to why this was

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a stock to invest in.

The more people that saw his content, the more people that bought GameStop stock and the more valuable the stock became, until finally it took Keith’s $53,000 and turned it into over $30 million.

Right off the bat, we’re introduced to a stellar cast and a fun soundtrack.

Watching Paul Dano run around a track while Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s song, “WAP” played in the background was not something I expected, but was something I greatly enjoyed.

Throughout the film, we meet an abundance of A-List actors, including America Ferrera, Pete Davidson, Nick Offerman, Sebastian Stan and Anthony Ramos. The cast in this movie is unmatched. Paul Dano’s performance as Keith Gill was beyond exceptional. He didn’t just portray Keith, he was Keith.

Every scene felt real, all dialogue was delivered to perfection and you could feel his passion through the screen.

In “Dumb Money”, Pete Davidson and Paul Dano play brothers Keven and Keith, respectively. This unlikely pairing had me skeptical at first, but their chemistry on screen was undeniable. They bickered and bonded, and there was a palpable presence of brotherly love all throughout the film.

As for Pete Davidson, every time he appeared on the screen the audience was guaranteed to burst out laughing. His short quips, like calling Ken Griffin (Offerman) a “Disney channel villain”, added so much dimension to his character, and it was clear from audience reactions alone that his humor hit every time.

Davidson seems to play the same character in every film he’s in — a pothead

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who can’t get his life together — but he plays the character so well and brings such a personal touch to his role that you can’t help but love him.

As someone with absolutely no knowledge of the stock market and its inner workings, it took some time for me to develop an understanding of what was so significant about Keith Gill and his actions and why big time Wall Street executives like Ken Griffin (Nick Offerman) and Gabe Plotkin (Seth Rogan) were so bent out of shape over it.

However, “Dumb Money” provided information in such a natural and unforced way that even I, a Wall Street novice, was learning about the stock market and becoming more and more knowledgeable about the film’s subject matter.

The entirety of the film takes place during the COVID-19 pandemic, meaning masks, essential workers and zoom calls are very prevalent throughout the movie. As someone who usually turns away from films that try to pull in current events, “Dumb Money” wove in themes of the pandemic so effortlessly that it didn’t seem like a try-hard attempt to be relevant, but instead came across as a very real representation of a unique period in our lives.

The storyline in “Dumb Money” follows multiple characters as they invest in GameStop and follow Roaring Kitty’s content.

Jennifer Campbell (America Ferrera) is a nurse and single mom of two, and she is the first person other than Keith that we see invest her savings into GameStop.

America Ferrera is a powerhouse in every role she plays, and her character in “Dumb Money” was no exception.

Actor Paul Dano in his role as Keith Gill in new movie Dumb Money.

Photo courtesy of Toronto International Film Festival Since the movie is based on real current events, real news footage, TikTok videos and Reddit posts are all used to further the storyline and show just how impactful Roaring Kitty’s stock market content became.

Although the storyline of “Dumb Money” would not have traditionally interested me, thanks to Monday Mystery Movie, I was able to watch an incredibly well made and entertaining film that has quickly joined my list of top favorite movies.

“Dumb Money” is effortlessly funny, thrilling, fascinating and insanely real.

It’s a movie you can’t help but love with characters you can’t help but root for.

It does everything right — the casting, the screenplay, the soundtrack and the editing all come together to create an unforgettable film.

C U LT U R E

George Clanton brings vaporwave music to Flipside

Vaporwave: a microgenre of electronica and punk that captivates audiences Emily Gordon | Culture Editor | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu

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he second annual “Flipside Fest” came to Garden City this year showcasing dozens of talented artists such as The Regrettes, The Walkmen and George Clanton.

George Clanton, a Los Angeles based musician, stopped here in Idaho during his nationwide tour. Flipside was just one of Clanton’s 35 shows throughout the duration of his tour.

Clanton shared his early beginnings with music, he says “I was interested in music like any child is it’s just funny to kind of like look back on it and think, maybe that mattered or something.”

Clanton’s music can’t necessarily be tied down to a singular genre. His music is considered the early beginnings of “vaporwave” music.

“I was interested in music like any child is, it’s just funny to kind of like look back on it and think, maybe that mattered or something.”

- George Clanton

George Clanton on stage at Flipside.

Photo by Niamh Brennan

“Making music is kind of like throwing paint on a canvas until an image sort of presents itself,” Clanton said. “It’s like seeing something abstract. And then that’s how my songs are created.”

Clanton created his own independent record label “100% Electronica”. The label represents a multitude of artists such as Clanton himself, Death’s Dynamic Shroud, Equip, Neggy Gemmy, Windows 96 and more.

Clantons latest album, “Ooh Rap | Ya”, released July 28 featured nine songs.

His top song “I Been Young” gathering just over 1.4 millions streams since the time of its release.

Clanton’s last full album release was in 2018, with intermittent loose singles and a collaborative album with Nick Hexum, lead musician of 311.

“My creative process is purely internal,” Clanton said. “Instead of becoming inspired by the process itself.”

Clanton shared his experience in the music industry and the passion it takes to overcome the tiring environment that is the music scene.

“You have to be very strong willed to not get burnt out and give up,” Clanton said. “I just didn’t feel like I had any other options so I just kept making music. And then eventually, it worked out for me.”

Clanton performed on the Flipside stage, accumulating fans of all ages.

Viewers gathered tightly around the stage barriers in anticipation of Clantons performance.

Viewers sang along loudly and danced together as Clanton captivated the crowd, his digital effects in the background perfectly in sync with his lyrics.

Clanton performs with great animation and jokes with the audience in between sets.

It is no surprise that Clanton’s performance gathered one of the largest crowds among Flipside events, his unique music style and way of performing gathers the attention of both returning fans and those just hearing ‘vaporwave’ style music for the first time.

“My creative process is purely internal, instead of becoming inspired by the process itself.”

- George Clanton

OCTOBER 5, 2023

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C U LT U R E

Zach Bryans newest EP “Boys of Faith” proves he’s not done yet

Bryan solidifies his stance as one of the mpst influential artists of this generation with a surprise EP Emily Gordon | Culture Editor | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu

Album cover for Zach Bryan’s EP, Boys of Faith.

Z

ach Bryan did it again. Bryan released his newest EP “Boys of Faith” abruptly on Sept. 22.

The EP, released just weeks after his self-titled album “Zach Bryan”,was met with raving reviews. His top song from the album “I Remember Everything (feat. Kacey Muskgraves)” has already collected 68 million streams on Spotify in less than a month.

“Boys of Faith” is a collection of 5 songs, featuring tracks with folk artists Noah Kahan and Bon Iver.

While the EP is only 16 minutes long, listeners can’t help but feel Bryan’s lyrics wholly and wish for more.

The EP starts with “Nine Ball”, featuring a folksy americana harmonica intro and bluesy bass riff that sets up the emotional tone for the rest of the song. The song explores the faith and

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Photo courtesy of Ben Kaye

encouragement his father bestowed upon him, betting on his son to be a successful man.

The song’s chorus goes “My father was a betting man / But I got myself a steady hand / He’s sitting in the corner with a six pack of Corona / Betting that his son will win again”.

Bryan’s humble beginnings often reveal itself within his lyrics — a Navymen from Oklahoma working on his shot to share his lyrics with the world, fully supported and admired by his father.

Bryan teased fans on Sept. 18, with excerpts of collaborations with Noah Kahan and Bon Iver. This collaboration was met with hints of criticism by fans who fear Bryan’s newest releases are straying from his original country music style.

“Sarah’s Place (feat. Noah Kahan)”

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still highlights Bryans original folk and country roots. The song is heavily supported by percussion and acoustic guitar often found in Bryan’s previous songs.

The song’s chorus goes, “Don’t come back lover, I’m proud you’re under the skyline / We always knew you were the better half of our good times”.

Noah Kahan and Zach Bryan are known for their uncanny ability to portray complex emotions through their lyrics.. “Sarah’s Place” explores the feelings of moving on from a past love and still admiring them from afar.

The collaboration of the two up and coming folk artists of this generation created a captivating song. Kahan and Bryan’s rough voices singing these vulnerable lyrics creates an odd feeling in listeners, a feeling that every human can relate to and proves that not all love songs are pretty and delicate.

The third song, named after the album, “Boys of Faith (feat. Bon Iver)” explores the feelings of brotherhood and companionship. The song opens with a slow bass riff and the audio of a dog barking, creating a sense of nostalgia within the first few seconds of the song.

The first pre-chorus of the song goes; “You said I gave your heart somethin’ to believe in / ‘Cause boys like us fade away / But you stuck around when I was down / And I’ll owe you all my days”.

Bon Iver’s lead singer, Justin Vernon and Zach Bryan’s voices harmonize to produce an overwhelming sense of gratitude regarding close friends and the vulnerability of loving someone.

Vernon’s higher pitched voice matched with Bryan’s harsher voice is audibly captivating. Vernon’s typical use of softer synths and whispered lyr-

ics is still highlighted within the song, only mashed with Bryan’s southern style.

The fourth song on the EP, “Deep Satin”, is more true to Bryan’s traditional style. With the implementation of trumpets and persistent drum beats, Bryan emphasizes the feelings of a painful breakup and the feelings of spite and sorrow that often follow.

The song’s chorus goes; “When you see the lights, when you hear the rain / There ain’t a chance you’re thinkin’ of me”.

Bryan begins the song softly, with the softer and poetic lyrics fans associate with his music. Though the song quickly advances to Bryan nearly shouting the lyrics, only emphasizing the raw lyrics he’s sharing.

The final song of the album, “Pain, Sweet, Pain”, initially returns back to Bryan’s thoughtful and tender music style. The song then uses a fast drumming beat and fiddle, creating a sense of urgency to his lyrics that detail the feelings of being tired and the sadness that comes with leaving home.

The first verse of the song ends with “We’ve lost so much faith through time, can’t remember them / How looking at the stars in the valley tend to lend a man hope / Have you wishing all the highways from this point on lead home”.

The song leaves a pit in the listeners chest as Bryan perfectly depicts the feelings of growing up and leaving home, only to wonder if you got lost along your way.

Bryan has rapidly earned his spot as one of the most influential songwriters of this generation, creating songs that not only sound good, but also highlight the uncomfortable and complex feelings that landmark the human experience.

C U LT U R E

Idaho Latinx communities must be recognized beyond Hispanic Heritage Month

The legacy of Hispanic culture and history has been forgotten in education settings in Idaho Kaylie Hiliker | News Repor ter | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu

Hispanic cultural elements inside the shape of Idaho. Illustration by Kelsey Mason

A

time to celebrate culture, honor tradition and reflect on the Latino’s community history of struggles, victories and stories is what Hispanic Heritage Month is about.

Hispanic Heritage Month extends from Sept. 15, through Oct. 15. Idaho’s population of Latinos makes up 13% of the state. The Hispanic Profile Data Book for Idaho for 2021 preface states, “The growth of Hispanics in Idaho continues to outpace any other population group in the state.”

The report shows that 24% of Idaho’s population growth over the last decade is attributed to the Hispanic community, is responsible for 31% of K-12 school enrollment growth in the last five years, and has boosted 31% in employment growth in the entire state.

This year, the Idaho Commission on Hispanic affairs held an event on Sept. 15 at the State Capitol to officiate the start of the celebration of Hispanic heritage for

the month. On Sept. 23, the Idaho State Museum hosted a community day event called ¡Fiesta! that was free to the public and swept up attendees in expressions of hispanic culture from performances to food vendors.

Uplifting the widespread Idaho Hispanic community through city events is a good gesture to make, but there are deeper problems in the cultural and historical representation of Hispanics in the gem state through education.

Josie Althen, a freshman elementary education major, is a member of the Organización de Estudiantes Latino-Americanos (OELA).

“Idaho as a whole needs to be educated about Hispanic culture,” Althen said. “I remember not knowing at all that Mexico was involved in the creation of America until High School, which is a scary thing, because we start learning about the creation of America in literally the third grade.”

Mónica Esquivel, a sophomore study-

ing graphic design, is the marketing and promotions officer from OELA. She explained her own experience regarding hispanic education in Idaho as well.

“It would be nice to be something more than a footnote. Because sometimes we don’t even make it into the history lesson,” Esquivel said.

Mayahuel Godinez-Gonzalez, a freshman majoring in computer system engineering, is a new member of OELA. “It’s just like a brief history lesson. When I finally heard about other countries or even Mexico, I just went to the textbook to read more about it even if it wasn’t my homework assignment,” Godinez-Gonzalez said. “I wanted to know more, so I asked my parents about it. It’s interesting how much a person doesn’t know about it, because they are not teaching it.”

OELA’s mission statement states that as a campus club their goal is to, “increase higher education opportunities within the Latinx student population” and “promote cultural awareness.”

Jimena Cisneros, a junior studying human resources and president of the club, seeks to continue the work the club has done since 2012, engaging with potential Latino high school students to encourage them to pursue higher education.

OELA puts on other welcome events, holds weekly meetings and collaborates with other campus clubs like the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers and the Multicultural Greek Council to foster relationships and celebrate shared diversity and identity.

Project Dream for Tomorrow (DFT) is the keystone event OELA focuses on.

“In years past we brought high school students, minority Hispanic background students… here on campus to resources… these students, we got them from Nampa, Caldwell, even all the way in Idaho Falls,” Cisneros said.

The entire event is based on volunteer week, and is completely free to partici-

pants. DFT guides students on how to file their FAFSA, apply for scholarships and connect students with resources like College Assistance Migrant Program and TRIO Rising Scholars Program.

The office of Boise State Admissions, various funding efforts and OELA collaborate together to make DFT happen year after year. Next year in April, DFT will be hosted by OELA again at Boise State.

“When I found out what OELA does specifically, it really resonated with me….I know how big education is for our community and the things it can do.”

Esquive said.

“My priority is always OELA because that was the first place on campus where I felt like I belonged as a sophomore here,” Esquivel said.

Ivan Castillo-Teran migrated to the States when he was 19, graduated from Boise State with his GED, and by his own work, determination and intelligence, made his way up in Circuit City Stores to becoming a sales manager of a multi-billion dollar company.

Castillo-Teranco founded the Idaho Latino Scholarship Foundation through local leadership supported Latino Fest, is a commissioner for the Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs and served as a Board Chairman for the Idaho Hispanic Chamber. He is vice president of the CWI Foundation and is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Idaho Hispanic Foundation. His achievements and contributions to the Treasure Valley and the Hispanic community is immeasurable.

“I’ve always thought that maybe I might not be able to change the whole world but if I change my surroundings, my world changes,” Castillo-Teran said.

The legacy of Hispanic culture and history has been forgotten in education settings. Change is possible, but only when Idaho can fully recognize, respect and honor the tradition of the Latinx community.

OCTOBER 5, 2023

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S PORTS & REC OCTOBER 5, 2023 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

How Boise State Softball’s Sophia Romero hopes to pave her own way

Making her own mark: Sophia Romero commits to BSU Softball Caresse Basaraba | Staf f Writer | spor ts@stumedia.boisestate.edu

O

ne of the most highly sought after softball players in California, Sophia Romero, chose to take her talents to Boise State University.

Romero, who signed with the Broncos last November, was one of six in the class of 2027 that softball head coach Justin Shults welcomed to his softball program.

Though Romero has paved her way in the realm of softball, there is no denying the undoubtable success that has stemmed from the Romero lineage.

Romero’s two eldest sisters, Sydney Romero and Sierra Romero, had tremendous All-American caliber softball careers at University of Oklahoma and Michigan, respectively. To this day, both play professional softball in the Athletes Unlimited League.

Their brother, Mikey Romero, was also drafted 27th overall by the Boston Red Sox. Their father, Mike Romero, also played collegiately at San Diego State.

Although recognizing the success her family has, Sophia is well on her way to making a name for herself.

“I wouldn’t necessarily call it [a known last name] pressure. I believe it was a privilege,” Romero said. “It was something I had full control of yet I also knew that my work ethic and all I did would have to be with 110% intent no matter my last name or siblings. I knew I had to work for what I want and who I want to be.”

Undoubtedly, there are pros and cons to growing up in what felt like large shoes to fill. Romero remained open-minded and grateful of her situation, despite facing occasional hardships.

“It was definitely a learning experience, one where I matured at a very young

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age,” Romero said. “I was able to fight battles that no one saw. Having such a successful family was a blessing in so many ways. From learning tips to getting that extra push, to even just having so much love for the game were aspects I am truly lucky to have.”

Romero is already making large leaps in her softball career, as committing to a NCAA Division-I school is an accomplishment in itself.

“My recruiting process was definitely an adventure, one I’d never take back in a heartbeat,” Romero said. “At times it was stressful but I knew that it’s a part of the journey and all I had to do was trust the process and have faith.”

Romero owns a career .491 batting average with 20 RBI and a .517 on-base percentage.

“We are so excited Sophia chose to be a Bronco,” Shults said to Bronco Athletics media. “She is an exceptionally dynamic athlete, who hits with power from the left side.”

Romero’s softball journey began at a young age playing in the competitive Golden State. Besides playing at Vista Murrieta High School in southern California, she was also a part of the respected travel-ball organization, Batbusters.

“My time spent with the Batbusters was one I was lucky to have. Surrounded by the best of the best along with nothing but support from teammates, families and coaches was something you won’t find elsewhere,” Romero said.

“Michael Stith and Tim Shockey were my biggest supporters through it all … they’ve taught me and continue to teach others the game and how to be a great player to where you can be successful.”

Rather than letting her high-profile

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Boise State softball player #99 Sophia Romero throwing the ball.

Photo courtesy of Boise State Softball last name insinuate pressure into her game, Romero had a positive outlook on her unique family impact.

“Growing up within my softball and baseball oriented family was truly a blessing,” Romero said. “At my younger age, around eight to ten, it was stressful with supporters of my family having such high expectations for the youngest of the family.”

Romero is coming to the Bronco program at a fantastic time.

The Blue and Orange were crowned the 2022 regular season Mountain West Champions, marking the second title in program history, previously coming in 2018.

“The Broncos’ success last year was amazing to watch,” Romero said. “It is something anyone would love to watch, especially this year. Entering this program that’s performing so highly is truly an honor. It’s something that I am truly ready for. We are ready to take on any obstacle that may come our way and we are ready to compete at any cost.”

The Broncos will be back in action this fall as they are slated to play Northwest Nazarene University and Idaho State University on Saturday, Sept. 30 at home in Dona Larsen Park starting at 11 a.m.

Boise State will then host College of Idaho at noon on Sunday, Oct. 8. They will hit the road to travel to Eugene, Oregon to face Western Washington University and University of Oregon on Saturday, Oct. 15. On Sunday, they will play Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon.

Fall ball will wrap up on Friday, Oct. 20 as the Broncos face NNU once more, this time on the Nighthawks’ home field.

“I’m looking forward to working and competing with this new team,” Romero said. “Our team chemistry is one of a kind and is something that anyone would be lucky to have and experience.

I’m ready to grow with this team and get to our best potential.”

The Broncos will start their regular season this spring.

SPORTS & REC

Controversial Loss: University of Memphis takes down Boise State 35-32

Ashton Jeanty has an unbelievable performance, yet the Broncos fall short and fall to 2-3 on the season Marlei Soderquist | Spor ts & Rec. Editor | spor ts@stumedia.boisestate.edu

Boise State football player #13 Chase Penry.

T

he University of Memphis takes down Boise State University 35-32 in the last non-conference game for the

Broncos.

Bronco running back Ashton Jeanty came up big, yet again, for the Broncos and accounted for four touchdowns … if you will … each and every touchdown that Boise State had on the match-up.

There was no doubt that the star-studded running back was going to see some early action in the game and that he did.

The Tigers defense had no response for Jeanty, as he racked up two touchdowns in just the first half.

The Broncos offense looked a bit different in today’s matchup — the utilization of starting quarterback Taylen

Photo by Niamh Brennan

Green for the designated running plays and backup redshirt freshman Maddux Madsen taking control on some of the passing plays.

With a convincing start and a 17-0 Bronco lead, the ferocious offense that is the University of Memphis was not going to go into the half down by 17.

With the Broncos defense returning to its original state, missing tackles and not halting explosive plays, Tigers quarterback, Sam Henigan, took advantage and made his offense come alive. In just 5 minutes, the Tigers put up 14 points to close out the half.

Heading into the half, the Broncos held a shaky 17-14 lead.

Jambres Dubar and Jeanty, were met head on with the Tigers defense that

flipped a switch during halftime and came out crushing the Broncos running plays.

On a controversial fourth and one play call, the Bronco elected to not utilize one of the nations best running backs in Jeanty, but rather try for a field goal. A decision that most likely cost the Broncos the entire game.

An absolute momentum and game changing play by the Tigers special teams as they blocked the Broncos field goal attempt and returned it all the way home to tally 21 unanswered points and create a 21-17 lead.

The Broncos had a hard time coming back from the blocked field goal and went the whole third quarter with no points.

Memphis wide receiver, Koby Drake, made an absolutely wild catch, which led to a wide open 59 yard reception touchdown by Demeer Blankumsee to extend the Tiger lead to 28-17.

With 28 unanswered points, Broncos elected to have Madsen put back in to shake things up for the Bronco offense, which proved to be incredibly beneficial.

Jeanty found the endzone on a 15 yard throw by Madsen, Madsen was then able to connect with Stefan Cobbs for the two-point conversion and to keep the Blue and Orange hopes alive while trailing just 28-25.

Tigers hurried down the field to get into incredible field position that led to a game altering call.

After what looked like a goal line fumble by the Tigers, a heavily controversial touchdown call ruled in favor of Memphis to lock down a ten point lead against the Broncos.

With just two minutes left in the game and trailing 35-25, the Broncos gave the reins to none other than the redshirt freshman quarterback.

Madsen led the Broncos down the field to notch a Jeanty touchdown for yet

another glimmer of hope for the Boise State squad.

With an unsuccessful on-field kick, the Broncos waved the white flag and fell to the Tigers 35-32.

The Broncos didn’t have many highlights in this game, but if there had to be one, it would be “Maddog” Madsen.

In one of his biggest games of his career Madsen had 175 yards, a 79% completion rate, two touchdowns and no interceptions.

There is no questioning why the end of the game drives were put in the hands of Madsen.

Despite the dominant performance by Jeanty, the Tigers defense was impeccable. After coming off an outstanding 205 yard game against San Diego State, Jeanty was held to 135 total yards (82 rushing and 53 receiving) however accounted for all of the Bronco touchdowns (4).

In the Memphis and Boise State preview, one of the biggest keys to winning this matchup was simultaneous production by both Jeanty and Eric McAlister … that didn’t happen.

The wide receiver options for Boise State were sparse and non-existent for the most part with the majority of the offensive focus being on the running game.

Though the Broncos have many areas in which they can expand and improve upon, the season is kicking into high gear quickly as the remaining Mountain West Conference matchups are just around the corner.

The Broncos falls to 2-3 on the season while still retaining a 1-0 record in Mountain West play.

The team will return to Mountain West play, hosting San Jose State on Oct. 7, for homecoming and parents weekend.

OCTOBER 5, 2023

| ARBITERONLINE.COM

17

SPORTS & REC

Men’s Rugby is back in action with its youngest team in years

Have the stars aligned for the Men’s rugby club to get to the national championship tournament?

Alec Simeone | Spor ts & Rec. Repor ter | spor ts@stumedia.boisestate.edu

O

n Sept. 30, the Boise State men’s rugby club will be back on the pitch to kick off their regular season campaign.

The men’s team is coming off a strong showing last season, finishing 6-0 in the regular season and outscoring their opponents 339-63.

The team also made an appearance in the 2023 Rhino Bowl, where they came up short in a 31-0 loss to the University of Notre Dame.

Starting fresh this year, the club’s focus is on a national title despite the team being as young as ever.

Senior marketing major Brandon Besler said that they’re only returning about five to six players and have upwards of 20 newcomers.

“I’d say our biggest challenge right now is getting that team chemistry up with all the new people,” Besler said. “I think it’s going good so far. Last weekend after our game we stayed in Utah and went to a professional rugby game ... It’s going good.”

Senior construction management major Brody Cast is one of the few returning veterans and finds himself in a new role as club president.

Though keeping rugby in focus during the offseason can be difficult, Cast believes the team puts tons of effort into improving and staying in shape.

“The biggest challenge is that everyone’s in California, we lose so many people over the summer,” Cast said. “Our biggest benefit this offseason was that we had a lot of guys working together even in California … We did a good job sticking with it this year.”

Maintaining that chemistry and working together to be elite athletes is tough for the rugby team, as it is for many club sports.

“It’s definitely harder to be a club sport.

We have to pay our own way, we have to find time to practice through the school,

18

OCTOBER 5, 2023

whereas football, if they want to add a practice, it happens,” Cast said. “For us it’s something where we only get the field on campus for two days a week so we have to outsource another practice, and then we have to lift outside of that because we don’t really have any good lifting times available for us.”

The team commits hours every week to training, lifting and practicing just to earn an invitation to a national tournament.

For years now, the team has consistently forged a path to appear in a national championship, but last year, the team had to decline their invitation.

There’s no greater challenge the club faces than that of finances. In 2022, the team had to decline their invitation to the tournament simply because they ran out of funds to travel.

This year, however, looks very promising for Bronco rugby. The 2024 tournament is in Boulder, Colorado so making an appearance just comes down to the will and the performance of the team on the field.

With a championship tournament appearance in mind, the team is doubling down on their preparation.

Last year they held practice twice a week, whereas this year they’ve bumped it up to four times a week, plus game days on Saturdays.

“It’s a five day a week commitment,” Besler said. “A lot of us have school and then jobs as well … it’s just more opportunity to get better and improve.”

The team is coming off of a preseason scrimmage where they faced the University of Utah and lost 22-52.

Cast said that the match was meant to be a warm up game, however. They played a lot of freshmen who’ve never seen college minutes, and he said that it went well.

Looking forward into the season, Boise State men’s rugby was scheduled to face

| ARBITERONLINE.COM

the College of Idaho, however due to personnel issues/shortages, the match was forfeited.

This gives the team a 1-0 start by default, but their real first match will be at home vs. Western Oregon University.

“We just have to be prepared and be ready. We don’t think that they’ll be up to the level of the Utah’s and stuff we just played,” Besler said. “We just take what we learn from those games and apply it and hopefully go out there and get a win.”

Two games from then, the Broncos face off again at home vs. the University of Oregon in what’s become a rivalry match.

Boise State rugby players in action.

Last year the matchup was the team’s lowest scoring game and resulted in an 14-10 victory for Boise State.

“Last year we won on a last second defensive stand,” Besler said. “It was a really close game and things got heated between our teams so that’s definitely the game we got circled on our schedule.”

Just as in any other Bronco sport, Boise State has no love for the Ducks.

This year’s season is much longer, extending out to March 2024, meaning there will be plenty of games for the young team to get in stride and make a run for the national title.

Photo by Mackenzie Hudson

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