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. Additional copies can be picked up for free at The Arbiter offices.
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
ON THE COVER:
In September 2024, Boise State celebrated 50 years of its beloved mascot, Buster Bronco. This means in half a century, countless students have taken on the role of anonymously embodying the spirit of Boise State. Boise State alumni share their stories of becoming Buster.
The Trump administration scheduled a grant freeze for Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, that would cut trillions of dollars in funding for research in higher education, non-profits, tribal nations and more. Despite the recension of the memo and the blocking of the freeze the following day, many organizations are still experiencing a freeze on funding and are uncertain of how to proceed.
Effects on the indigenous community in Idaho
Yamni Chandler, a member of the Intertribal Native Council at Boise State shared some of the conversations Shoshone Bannock tribe members have been having regarding the federal
“Right now there’s … the coalition of large tribes, and they established [it] in about 2011, and our tribe is a part of that coalition,” Chandler said. “But they recently sent out a resolution arguing that tribes should be excluded right from that federal fee freeze. A lot of the tribal leaders have been making trips to Washington to go speak on behalf [and] to argue this and to express the importance of this federal funding because we’re a tribal government, so a lot of our federal programs — all that is federally funded.”
Chandler described his conversation with Jessica James, a Haskell Board of Regions member and Shoshone Bannock Tribal member who teaches at Haskell University — an Indigenous tribal school in Kansas that has been greatly impacted
“There has been a lot of direct impact with the federal freeze and federal workers being fired,” Chandler said. “Because a lot of staff, faculty, they’ve all been fired — so they’ve been dealing with sizing issues, and there’s a lot of classes that can’t be taught, a lot of activities being
Chandler followed up via email and spoke on the importance of federally funded educational
“If there was a potential withhold of funding for our education department we would lose that [Shoshone Bannock] scholarship.
That scholarship promotes our native students to explore and get their education. It also promotes students to maintain good grades, as there are case workers that regularly check up each semester of college,” Chandler said.
“This type of stuff is specifically important to indigenous communities, because there is a stereotype that says we can’t go to college. Back then people doubted indigenous people and were nothing more than a bunch of savages because of our cultural practices,” Chandler said.
“To our communities, college seemed to be a rather out of reach idea. Now as past generations have fought to break that idea, and create new opportunities. We see that taking effect, as more indigenous people are attending college,” Chandler said. “Even a lot of our older generations are pursuing college (my grandma is attending college). This is one of the reasons why we will fight hard to protect these programs, as our older generations did for us. This is how we continue to stay resilient as indigenous people!”
Environmental research at Boise State
“My research team lost over $1.5 million in research funding from The USDA,” Jennifer Pierce, a professor in the Geoscience department said. “That funding was specifically to help promote healthy soils.”
Pierce explained that two PhD-certified soil scientists and one student soil technician lost their funding immediately. About a year and a half of planning and research had gone into the project before the freeze.
“We’re no longer able to help farmers in the entire Western U.S. The scope of this project was the entire western U.S. and Hawaii and Alaska — we’re no longer able to help those producers measure soil
health,” Pierce said. “And [help farmers] better understand how improved soil health through storage of soil carbon can help them economically because healthier soils are more productive soils.”
A portion of the funding the research team received would have gone directly to the farmers to compensate for the soil samples the scientists collected.
Pierce described the feelings of uncertainty the scientists on the research team were feeling after funding was pulled.
“They are scared. We are barely putting together a paycheck for them,” Pierce said. “I don’t know if my student is going to be able to pay rent. Not only have they lost all this time in this really important project, but they’re just really scrambling to make ends meet.”
Idaho nonprofits
Jodi Peterson-Stigers, executive director of Interfaith Sanctuary, a nonprofit that provides barrier-free housing in the Boise community, explained that while Interfaith is not federally funded the freeze greatly affects additional resources the shelter provides.
“There was some concern about our hotel shelter, which is a partnership with the city of Boise, historically, that has been funded through all different kinds of government funds,” Peterson said. “We worry mostly about our partners who are able to deliver resources and services to our guests based on their funding. Head Start is a perfect example, and what was going to happen with food stamps and things like that. All the services that we provide to lift people up, many of those are possible because of federal funding.”
Read the full article online at arbiteronline.com
Governor Little responds to concerns of fire management staffing
Kaeden Lincoln | News Reporter | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu | Photo by Kaeden Lincoln
“Believe me, the firefighters are going to be there,”
Idaho Governor Brad Little told a crowd of reporters at a Feb. 25 press conference in response to a question about federal government layoffs including Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service workers involved with firefighting. Melissa Davlin, a producer at Idaho Public Television and the president of the Idaho Press Club, posed the question.
Little claimed that while some issues are “around the fringe, around the edges that are probably going to be looked at,” the public safety aspect of firefighting is going to be fine.
“We’ve already talked to workers, though, who were directly involved with fire supply chain issues and clearing out the forests, who said that they were already laid off,” said a skeptical Davlin.
“We’ll be fine,” replied Little.
At the same press conference, The Arbiter asked Little for his thoughts about wildfire management in the coming
wildfire season and the Governor had a number of things to say.
“We had a big fire season for the state of Idaho and we spent, it looks like, $50 million. The federal [United States] Forest Service alone, not the [Bureau of Land Management], spent over $300 million in Idaho,” said Little.
Little lauded U.S. Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-Montana), a former firefighter co-sponsoring a bill in the U.S. Senate alongside U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California) that would establish a National Wildland Fire Service (NWFS).
The bill has seen positive reception from groups like the Grassroots Wildland Firefighters advocacy group, who enthusiastically endorsed the bill in a Feb. 11 newsletter.
“We have worked behind the scenes for years developing a framework for a NWFS to the benefit of the wildland fire workforce and the American taxpayers. We are the ideal subject matter experts for what this should look like, and the timing is right to release our proposal,” said the newsletter.
The referred-to proposal opens as follows:
“It is past time to establish a National Wildland Fire Service and remove federal wildland firefighting responsibilities from the five separate land management agencies (US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Indian Affairs)
The new agency should be a comprehensive wildland fire management agency directly under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and should be run by experienced wildland fire practitioners and managers.”
At the press conference, Little also spoke about increasing the use of technology for early warning systems like camera lookouts, weather detection and satellite imaging.
“Right now in the [Idaho] Department of Lands, we’re talking about [how] we used to have manned lookouts scattered around the state. Now, we’re putting in cameras. I’m quite certain the next level will be satellite detection then also weather detection,” said Little.
Camera lookouts, satellite-based thermal imaging and weather detection have all been in use for a number of years already, National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) spokesperson Rebeca Paterson, told The Arbiter on a phone call. Paterson’s overview of early warning systems largely matched the Governor’s, but provided more detail.
“Something used for early detection quite a lot is weather data, especially about lightning strikes,” said Paterson.
NIFC uses a large network of Remote Automatic Weather Systems, or RAWS. Those systems will detect air quality changes, temperature changes and wind speed changes, said Paterson.
Paterson said NIFC also uses a network of camera lookouts called the Alert Camera Network. An online map of the camera system is available on NIFC’s website, nifc.maps.arcgis.com.
“All of these systems are constantly evolving … something like RAWS has been in place for a long time, there’s a lot of machines in the field but we’re constantly proliferating it more,” said Paterson. “But all those tools are used for info on fires that have already been reported.”
Little explained that fire management involves organizations being “all-in”, expressing that putting out fires is most effective through including the voices of Forest Service firefighters, BLM firefighters and local fire departments.
“It needs to be all-in, and that’s actually a part of shared stewardship, [a mission of] the Forest Service. It says that all landowners have a say,” said Little. Little also spoke about the process of deciding how to fight wildfires — like whether or not to fully suppress a fire. He also referred to the Great Fire of 1910, which burned three million acres in two days.
“Where’s the line about where you do full suppression? Whether the line on the map or the line on the calendar … if a lightning strike hits at Sulphur Creek in the middle of the wilderness area on Sept. 15, I’m not very worried about it.
“But if it hits there and you’ve had a dry summer in the middle of the wilderness area in May and the fire starts to get big, that’s what happened in 1910, was that [multiple, early] fires started and they got together.
“So we’re going to have lots of discussion about that,” said Little, ending his statement.
Of all the developments Little mentioned in regards to wildland firefighting, the most novel was likely Sen. Sheehy and Sen. Padilla’s NWFS bill, which, if passed, would be a dramatic rearrangement of the United States’ approach to fighting wildfires. To some, like the Grassroots Wildland Firefighters, it would be a change for the better.
Boise State‘s new program trains educators to identify dyslexia
According to data from Idaho Education Recovery, over 60% of Idaho students are performing below the expected reading level for their grade.
In addition, Idaho also ranks 38th
Since 2022, Idaho’s legislature has passed house bills requiring Idaho’s state department of education to provide a statewide screening measure to identify students with characteristics of dyslexia.
The program is a one-credit course that follows Idaho law mandating teachers and administrators, K-8, requiring to earn at least one credit of “professional development identifying characteristics of dyslexia.”
Cort explained one of the strategies used to help students with dyslexia is structured literacy, which teaches students explicitly the code of written language, aimed to help students decode and encode words for reading and spelling.
Cort, who’s been an educator for 30 years, discussed the importance of training for dyslexia in education, explaining the lack of such training in the past prevented teachers like herself from recognizing dyslexia in students.
Sherry Disbuke, assistant dean for Teacher Education in the College of Education, highlighted the significance of this program in impacting secondary teachers and secondary students.
“If they’re not able to read the textbooks, if they’re not able to read the articles or the materials their instructors are giving them, they’re not going to be able to show what they know in that content area and learn appropriately,” Disbuke said.
Disbuke added it’s important for administrators and principals to be informed as well.
“Making sure that they understand how critical explicit literacy instruction is, teaching that structured literacy, teaching foundational literacy concepts are so that they go into the classroom to observe their teachers, they can understand what they’re looking for in instruction in structured literacy approach,” Disbuke said.
Carissa Schlachter, Boise State University alum and fifth-grade teacher at Riverstone International School, is among the many educators who received the training program while at Boise State.
Schlachter says with her class size, around 20 fifth-grade students, allows her to implement various intervention strategies such as a team teaching model. With three teachers, Schlachter says this allows for more one-on-one support during work time.
“It’s kind of interesting, because our position in this school, and especially in this class, we are really at a benefit with three adults and 20 kids to be able to have those interventions with those students more often than not,” Schlachter said.
In addition, Schlachter mentions she uses technology tools like “Diffit” to adjust articles to different reading levels, ensuring students are still informed by the content but at their own reading ability.
Schlachter shared her experience as a student teacher for Riverstone International School during the pandemic, explaining how the COVID19 pandemic and the shift to online learning had an impact on younger students’ learning development.
“Especially in that kindergarten, first grade, second grade, when those kids were in those grades during COVID, we saw that’s where they really get a lot of their foundational literacy skills,” Schlachter said. “They weren’t getting the same quality and that’s not due to the lack of teachers, it was just the whole situation the whole world was in.”
Going forward, Schlachter says she hopes to see rural schools and Title I schools benefit from additional teacher training to help support students with dyslexia.
“I think that would be like my one thing to put out, that would be really cool and something that I think Idaho needs in general,” Schlachter said. “Obviously, all students need support and all teachers need training, but I think that’s where the big need is in the state.”
Idaho Commerce helps Idaho businesses create a global footprint
Despite Idaho’s comparatively lower population, local businesses thrive
Idaho is the 38th most populated state and the 14th largest in America by area. Despite its relatively low population, Idaho has been ranked as one of the fastest-growing states in income rates and the third-best state for starting a small business, according to KTVB.
All of this has contributed to Idaho’s rapid 4.2% GDP (total gross domestic product) growth in 2023, bringing its GDP to $94.1 billion, with 3.4% coming from the state’s exports. With such growth and opportunity, the Idaho State Government’s commercial division, the Idaho Department of Commerce (Idaho Commerce) plays a critical role in helping expand the state’s economy, allowing businesses to grow and establish a global footprint.
According to Tina Salisbury, Idaho Commerce’s business development manager, the department aims to create a business-friendly environment that fosters job growth, supports existing companies, strengthens communities and promotes Idaho both nationally and internationally.
Idaho Commerce was created on March 15, 1955, by the Idaho Legislature with the goal to develop and promote the state’s resources and industries and promote tourism to and within the state.
Jack Marr, a Boise State professor of International Business, emphasized the department’s vital role.
“Small and medium-sized businesses that don’t have the resources or information about expanding their business can use free or subsidized services offered by Idaho Commerce,” Marr said.
One key program operated by Idaho Commerce is the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant, partially funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
“The purpose of the STEP Grant is to increase the number of small businesses that export, increase the value of exports, and increase the number of small businesses exploring significant new trade opportunities,” Salisbury said.
A portion of the grant is allocated to cover the cost of services like international market research and matchmaking provided by the U.S. Commercial Services (USCS), the international trade branch of the Federal Department of Commerce. The two agencies maintain a strong working relationship, co-located within the Joe R. Williams building in Boise.
Hank Ebert, a former employee of Idaho Commerce says, “the close working relationship between Idaho Commerce and the Federal Department of Commerce pays dividends, educating businesses on opportunities and advocating for international trade support”
The Idaho District Export Council (IDEC) is another valuable resource for Idaho businesses. IDEC is a statewide board of public and commercial sector experts that offers SMEs advocacy, education and export consultancy.
Their mission is to complement the export promotion efforts of the U.S. Commercial Service by counseling businesses on the exporting process and conducting international trade education.
“The IDEC is a fantastic resource that helps SMEs by connecting them to opportunities, ensuring they’re prepared, and helping promote Idaho exports to the world,” Marr said.
Another asset Idaho Commerce offers to help SMEs navigate international business opportunities is its three international trade offices located in Mexico, Taiwan and Japan. These offices offer critical support to busi -
nesses seeking to expand into Latin American and Asian markets.
These trade offices have local market knowledge, an extensive network of local businesses and services that could offer potential partnerships with Idaho businesses looking to enter their respective markets. Services at these trade offices include market research, regulatory guidance, matchmaking and logistics support, which help reduce barriers for SMEs entering new markets.
“Idaho’s trade office managers provide unmatched expertise and knowledge of international markets to assist Idaho businesses in exploring international business opportunities” Salisbury said.
Idaho Commerce’s contribution to the growth of Idaho-based companies has increased the state’s international recognition. According to Idaho Commerce’s website, since 2003, Idaho’s exports have grown by 70%, from $2 billion to $3.4 billion in 2020. With the help of Idaho Commerce, Idaho’s businesses export to a total of 153 different countries around the world.
“The worst thing an SME can do while exporting their product is going to a new market without proper preparation,” Marr advised. “The support provided by Idaho Commerce can connect you with contacts and free resources to ensure success.”
For more information, visit Idaho Commerce’s official website. https:// commerce.idaho.gov
OPINION
March 6, 2025 |
Recognizing March as Endometriosis Awareness Month
Julianna Kelsey | Opinion Editor | opinion@stumedia.boisestate.edu | Graphics by Naomi Brown
One in 10 women suffer from endometriosis — that’s over 190 million people worldwide and almost 1500 people at Boise State University.
Despite its prevalence, endometriosis is very misunderstood.
Endometriosis causes uterine tissue to grow outside the uterus, spreading outside of the uterus into the pelvic region and nearby organs. It’s an extremely painful, life-altering condition.
March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, a time for those with the condition to share their stories and educate others on the realities of the chronic disease.
Mikayla Thamm, an endometriosis advocate and owner of Oleka Swimwear uses her business to support women’s health research, inspired by her own endometriosis experience.
“I woke up one day with excruciating pain, and I knew it wasn’t normal,” Thamm said. “I went to the doctor, and they found an ovarian cyst the size of a grapefruit caused by endometriosis.”
“I had to get surgery,” Thamm said. “Afterward I researched it and found that there’s very little funding for endometriosis research. I realized that I needed to make a difference.”
Thamm launched Oleka Swimwear in September 2024, selling swimwear made of hormone-friendly materials and donat-
women’s health research. Through social media, she spreads awareness about endometriosis and other women’s health issues.
“There are so many women that don’t even know that they suffer from this, and their doctors are telling them that it’s normal to have excruciating pain,” Thamm said. “Sorry, but no, it’s not normal.”
Many women with endometriosis report that their healthcare providers, especially male doctors, don’t take them seriously or believe the severity of their pain.
On average, it takes ten years from their first appointment for women with endometriosis to get a diagnosis, according to the Yale School of Medicine.
“A lot of people don’t believe that we’re in as much pain as we say we’re in,” said Avery Preston, a social media endometriosis advocate.
Preston uses TikTok and Instagram to spread awareness about endometriosis on her accounts @endometriosisisave. She shares her own stories about her stage four endometriosis, inadequate care and medical mistreatment to shed light on the condition.
Preston also shares advice on how to manage symptoms, including while in school. She was diagnosed with endometriosis as a junior in college, and the condition made it difficult for her to attend class and focus on schoolwork.
“It definitely was harder to complete my studies after my symptoms became so severe,” Preston said. “Prior to my endometriosis surgery, I was instructed to take medication, but it made my symptoms much worse. This interfered with my ability to get my work done at school.”
Preston credits much of her academic success to the accommodations she received.
“I reached out to the disability center at my college and asked about accommodations,” Preston said. “I was lucky because getting them was fairly easy. They allowed me to leave class early, do class from home or take bathroom breaks as needed.”
“I truly don’t believe I would have been able to finish my bachelor’s degree without those accommodations,” Preston said.
At Boise State, students with endometriosis can receive accommodations through the Educational Access Center which ensures that campus is accessible for students with disabilities.
“Every accommodation for students is individualized to them,” said Elyse Taylor, a senior access coordinator at the Educational Access Center.
Access coordinators talk to students about how their disabilities are impacting them to determine if accommodations are a good fit for them. They explore their needs and find the right way to implement the accommodations in their classes.
“I have several students with endometriosis which impacts their classes,” Taylor said. “That’s the very definition of a disability: a diagnosis that impacts major life activities. Education is definitely a major life activty.”
To receive accommodations, students need documentation from a doctor confirming their diagnosis. However, the Educational Access Center recognizes the difficulty of diagnosing endometriosis and also accepts documentation of a suspected diagnosis.
“The fact that they’re working with a medical provider would be the supportive documentation we need,” Taylor said.
“We’re not going to stand in the way of access for students who need it.”
People with endometriosis shouldn’t be afraid to seek the support they need. It’s common for those with the condition to convince themselves that their pain is normal, even though it’s not.
“If something feels wrong, there’s probably something wrong,” Thamm said. “Don’t let a doctor tell you that it’s all in your head. Be your own advocate. We need to give women the confidence to stick up for themselves.”
Women’s health is often seen as an uncomfortable topic of conversation, but it shouldn’t be.
Endometriosis Awareness Month is the perfect time for education and for women with the condition to share their experiences.
“The power of sharing our stories is that it lets people know that they’re not crazy and they’re not making this up,” Thamm said.
Read the full article online at arbiteronline.com
The magic of comfort shows: Why you love to rewatch your favorite series
Julianna Kelsey | Opinion Editor | opinion@stumedia.boisestate.edu | Graphics by Naomi Brown
When some people feel stressed, they decide to go to a cozy little town in Connecticut called Stars Hollow where they sip coffee at Luke’s Diner, shop at Kim’s Antiques and buy groceries at Doose’s Market. While there, they work at the Dragonfly Inn with Lorelai and go to classes at Yale University with Rory.
This place and these people aren’t real, but they feel real to many people. It’s the fictional world of “Gilmore Girls”. It’s a comfort show that is loved by many.
A “comfort show” is a television series that people enjoy rewatching for the feelings of nostalgia and happiness it brings them.
When people watch “Gilmore Girls”, they often fall in love with the characters, the setting and the cozy, nostalgic feelings it brings. Each episode feels like a fall day in the early 2000s, when life seemed simpler.
“When we are in times of uncertainty — and right now in our country, there’s a lot of uncertainty — we don’t feel safe,” Dr. Mary Pritchard, professor and associate chair of the Department of Psychological Science said. “We seek things that are comforting and familiar because they give us a safe haven.”
Whatever your comfort show is, you probably enjoy it because it serves as a distraction from your daily life.
“Part of it is emotional escapism,” Pritchard said. “You’re returning to a time that felt safer, and it’s somebody else’s reality. It may have been our reality in the past, but it’s not what’s happening right now. Returning mentally to a time when we did feel safer or more certain can be very comforting.”
Comfort shows can also connect to our own past. They can remind us of loved
ones and happy memories, bringing back those positive emotions.
“My comfort show is ‘Supernatural,’” sophomore Graci Huffman said. “I got super into it during the pandemic with my sister. I like to re-watch it, because it reminds me of my relationship with my sister, and it makes me feel happy and comforted.”
Those reminders of family, friends and positive memories can come from other kinds of media, too.
“Music can be the same way, right?” Pritchard said. “If you grew up listening to 80s music because that’s what your parents listened to, it can be really comforting. TV shows from our childhood can make us feel connected to the memories and people from back then.”
On the other hand, some people enjoy shows that remind them of harder times in their life because they show how much they’ve grown.
“My comfort show is a little embarrassing,” sophomore Benina Cinac said. “It’s ‘13 Reasons Why’. I watched it when I was younger and during that time, I felt like I had nothing to do, and I felt very alone in that time period. Now that I’m in a good spot in my life, I like to revisit
that and be like, ‘Wow, I’ve come a long way.’”
This isn’t uncommon. For many, comfort shows don’t always have a lighthearted tone like “Gilmore Girls.” Sometimes watching intense, dramatic shows make them feel like their own lives aren’t as bad as they thought — they could always be worse, like the lives of the characters on screen.
“There’s two kinds of social comparison,” Pritchard said. “There’s upward social comparison, where we compare ourselves to someone that we feel like is doing better than we are. There’s also downward social comparison, and I think this is where most comforting TV shows fit in. You’re comparing yourself to someone you feel like is worse off than you are.”
While escaping in comforting media can be a positive way to get through challenging times, there should always be a healthy balance.
“Emotional coping is great, and when we’re going through uncertainty, dealing with those emotions is really important, but it doesn’t solve the problem,” Pritchard said. “Sometimes you can’t solve the problem, and the only thing that you
can do is called ‘emotion focused coping.’ It’s when the only thing you can do is deal with the emotions by finding things that are comforting.
“But if you’re using that comfort show to avoid writing a paper that’s due tomorrow, that isn’t helpful, because that episode isn’t going to write the paper for you,” Pritchard said. “This is when you need ‘problem focused coping’ — doing something to actually fix the problem. In situations where we have control and can fix the problem, you’re better off doing that. If you just get lost in your emotions and don’t write the paper, now you’ve got a bigger problem.”
It’s easy to lose track of time while binge-watching a show. We’ve all been there: watching a show we love and saying to ourselves “just one more episode”, until it’s 3 a.m. and we realize we should have gone to bed hours ago.
That’s why balance is crucial. Escaping in a show is much more fun than doing homework, going to class or washing the dishes. However, those tasks are important, and it’s better to unwind with an episode or two after you’ve gotten everything else done.
“We’re in uncertain times. If you have a favorite TV show, watch it, but just don’t let it interfere with your life,” Pritchard said. “It can be a great escape, but we also have to deal with the things that are actually happening in our world right now, as much as we may not want to deal with them. Balance is always important. Do the things that you love and that make you feel okay, and at the end of the day, also, you’ve got to write the paper.”
Take care of your responsibilities and prioritize what really matters. However, if watching your comfort show makes you happy, then you can and should make the time for it. It might help you get through a long day if you know that an episode of “Gilmore Girls” is waiting for you.
‘THE ABSOLUTE HEART AND SOUL OF BRONCO NATION’:
TELLING
THE STORIES OF FORMER BUSTER BRONCOS
Emily Carmela Nelson | Culture Reporter | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu | Grahics by Kelsey Mason
You simply cannot be a Boise State Bronco fan without knowing and loving our beloved mascot, Buster Bronco. He’s everywhere — from high fiving you at the tailgate to posing on posters plastered on the walls of the Student Union Building.
But have you ever wondered who’s behind the suit? The Arbiter spoke with four Boise State alumni who had the honor of donning the Buster Bron
As a freshman, Tom Pyle spontaneously struck up a conversation with Buster Bronco at a basketball game that forever changed the course of his time at Boise State University.
“Buster just walked up to my friend group and sat behind me and started messing around, playing with my hat or whatever. And then, I don’t know why, but I just asked — ‘Hey, Buster, could I try out to be Buster?’ It was just the first question that popped up
— thanks to a 14-0 run by former Bronco, Max Rice.
He also notes other memorable events, such as handing out condoms to students at the Student Union Building with University Health Services and trick-or-treating with a local family — dressed up as Mr. Incredible, of course.
Since Buster Bronco’s student athlete role falls under the Spirit Squad, Pyle spent a significant amount of time developing close relationships with the Spirit Squad cheer team, Mane LineD ancers and the Blue Thunder Marching Band.
“Even before I was Buster, I already had a good chunk of friends who were in the marching band,” Pyle said. “I had a little bit of drumming experi ence, so they sometimes would let me hop on the drum kit to play the fight song and jam out with them.”
During his junior year, Pyle was “going ham” on the bass drum during Seven Nation Army when the unthink able happened.
“I guess I hit it so hard that I kind of tore a hole through the drum. I totally broke it. I was like, ‘Oh no, this is my first time ever touching a bass drum and now the band is going to charge me 100 bucks or something like that.’ To my surprise, they were super cool about it. All the band members loved it and thought it was the most hilarious thing,” Pyle said. “I had people thinking ‘Why is Buster on the bass drum?’ And then all of a sudden, they're like, ‘Why did Buster just break the bass drum?’”
Tom Pyle is currently enrolled in Southwest Airlines Destination 225
program in Denton, Texas, where he is working towards becoming a full-time pilot over the next two years.
In flight training, soon-to-be pilots create their own call signs for one another. Pyle’s pilot classmates warmly refer to him as “General Buster”, carrying the legacy he left at Boise State into the skies.
Sierra Sandison’s Top Ten Scholar speech began with a reveal that had been bubbling up for over three years.
“The highlight of my time at Boise State has remained top secret until this week: As you now know, I have spent the past several years crawling into a sweaty horse costume for the honor of being Bronco Nation’s best friend: Buster Bronco,” she said. “While I was trying to reconcile my hyper-feminine, girly side with my identity as an engineer, Buster showed me that deep-down, I also had this class-clown, jock energy side to me that I had never allowed myself to express. I can’t even describe how magical it is to put on a costume and suddenly be best friends with everyone in an entire football stadium.”
The thought of becoming a mascot first entered Sandison’s head as a high schooler when her private Christian school’s administration told her that
learning how to behave as Buster — it was literally the opposite of my modeling training,” Sandison said. “Being a pageant girl, you’re supposed to be perfect and proper all the time. Being Buster, there’s not really that many rules. You get to play pranks and do whatever the hell you want. They were both very eye opening, polar opposite experiences.”
At the same time that Sandison was Buster, she was also a mechanical engineering intern with It’s Alive Labs, an animatronic toy company. There, she and her coworkers created many of the props Buster still uses today, including the infamous iPhone he uses to lightup the stadium alongside fans.
Sierra Sandison is now continuing her engineering work as a design engineer for Trademark, a specialty multidisciplinary design studio based in Boise, Idaho.
“Buster is the absolute heart and soul of Bronco Nation,” Uasike said. “Boise quickly became my home away from home. I was just a kid from Arizona that went to Boise State specifically for Bronco Nation and the atmosphere that they brought.”
Navey Uasike started mascotting at an early age as a member of her elementary school’s student council. When deciding which college to attend, Uasike wasn’t weighing the factors that most prospective students do. She was thinking about which mascot character felt like the best fit for her.
Buster and his blue turf hit the mark.
Uasike notes that mascotting always came easy to her. Her passion is evident in every single way she talks about it.
“It lit a fire under me,” Sandison said. “Flash forward a few years later, I was at Boise State and saw a poster that said ‘Audition for Buster Bronco’. I didn’t want to show up for auditions and get told again that girls aren’t allowed to be a mascot so I did a bunch of research — talking to all my friends and the student body council, asking things like ‘Do you know any -
After finding out that girls really could try out to become Buster, Sandison ended up acing her audition, which consisted of a mile run, push ups and a home-choreographed dance skit to “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X. Graduating as a Top Ten Scholar and nailing her Buster Bronco tryout aren’tSandison’s only accomplishments — she’s been breaking barriers since
Sandison was crowned Miss Idaho 2014 and is known for creating the #ShowMeYourPump movement after openly wearing her insulin pump on the Miss America stage. The campaign inspired thousands of people with diabetes to share pictures of their insulin
“The funny thing is that I went from being Miss Idaho and in pageants to
Navey Uasike
2015 - 2016
2018 - 2021
an equipment manager for the Spirit Squad.
“[Other Buster Broncos and I] had a lot of fun with our cover stories, but it did make it hard sometimes, becauseBusters don’t typically get any type of recognition. In a way, you want to get credit for all the amazing work you’re doing and all the hard work you’re putting in, but you have to be anonymous,” Uasike said. “It was surreal to represent the university in that way and maintain the character of Buster. He’s like the cool jock on campus, the cool type of ladies guy.”
When Uasike graduated, she revealed her “secret identity” of Buster Bronco via social media. By that point, she notes that the majority of her friends had “put two and two together”.
“I kind of have just always loved it,” Uasike said. “I love the idea of being able to use dance and being a character to make people smile and make people laugh. It was a way for me to include everybody.”
In 2019, Uasike had the opportunity to sing “Friends in Low Places” as Buster alongside Garth Brooks during his iconic blue turf show, the first major concert event hosted at the Albert -
“That was such a special experience for me,” Uasike said.
“Leading up to that point, I had kind of always been the backup [Buster], there was always somebody in front of me through seniority. With Garth, I was on stage in front of thousands and thousands of people. It was such a cool moment and thing to be a part of — it felt like my dreams were coming true. Like, I am
Keeping moments huge like this to herself was difficult but made for a fun reveal, Uasike
In order to maintain anonymity, Uasike would tell her curious classmates and dorm suitemates that she was
Navey Uasike is set to graduate in June of 2025 with her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from A.T. Still University in Mesa, Arizona. She hopes to be working in hand therapy by the end of 2025.
To be Buster Bronco, one must embody the spirit, energy and heart of Boise State.
From Pyle’s spontaneity, Sandison’s innovation, Uasike’s dedication and Wilder’s resilience — each individual who has taken on the role of Buster has left a lasting impact on our university.
As these alumni continue to shine in their lives both professionally and personally, their stories remain as living proof that once you’re a part of Bronco Nation, you never truly leave it.
Read the full story, including an
CULTURE
Student Union’s ‘Crafternoon’ provides students with space to play
Does the daily routine of college have you blue? Take a fifteen minute break at the next Crafternoon
Emily Carmela Nelson | Culture Reporter | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu
|
Photo by Emily Carmela Nelson
Rochelle Criswell, the associate director of the Student Union Building (SUB), has been hosting Crafternoon events at the SUB’s Games Center Lounge for almost three years.
The idea is simple — provide students with some much needed rest and relaxation along with an opportunity to try something new amidst their packed class schedules.
“This is an event any student can participate in. I try to plan it so that students can stop by at any window of time they have available,” Criswell said. “Crafts make a great fifteen minute break during your day.”
“When I’m looking for crafts,” Criswell continued, “I look for things students may have never done before that could spark interest in a new hobby — or maybe even something they’ve seen that they haven’t had the opportunity to try. Students are busy and likely don’t have time in their schedule to stop at a craft store, so this gives them the opportunity to try something that might connect with them.”
Crafternoon events are held the first and third Thursday of each month, with every event being themed with a new craft. Criswell explains that she comes up with ideas for the various craft options by researching trends on TikTok and Pinterest, as well as outsourcing student opinion.
At the most recent Crafternoon, students were invited to make friendship charm bracelets.
Unity Halcomb, a freshman studying Radiology, has attended almost all of the Crafternoons since she began
attending Boise State in the fall. As an out-of-state student, the monthly events have played a significant role in providing her opportunities to make friends and try things in a new environment.
Halcomb came to the event with a few close friends to make matching charm bracelets for themselves.
“Especially since it’s free, you can just come here and relax to do things with friends or even yourself — it’s super open,” Halcomb said. “[Crafternoon] gets people out and talking to other people. We go to almost all of the events here.”
Kayla Brunton, an Elementary Education major, found out about Crafternoon via the monthly “Toilet Talk” flyers hung throughout campus. This was Brunton’s first time as a “crafternooner” and she attended the event with her friend Jaymie Helm, a Kinesiology major.
“I think it’s awesome,” Brunton said. “We met through BSU — and we’re both here, so we might as well come and hang out here together. Things like this provide opportunities for that.”
“It’s been really lowkey and chill,” Helm said. “You can just come here and decompress.”
The next Crafternoon will be held on March 6, 2025, and the craft will be button making. Students can find out about future Crafternoons and similar activities via the Student Union’s Campus Groups page.
“My favorite part [of hosting these events] is seeing all of the students that come in here because these events reach such a broad audience,” Criswell said. “Sitting in here and seeing the friendships that are made and students helping each other — that’s really fun and special. It creates this really cool sense of community.”
‘Tina — The Tina Turner Musical’ is ‘Simply the Best’ Jayna Elise is positively electric in her portrayal of musical icon Tina Turner
Olivia Brandon | News Editor | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu | Photo courtesty of Daniel Boud
“Tina - The Tina Turner Musical” is not your average jukebox musical. The show is a love letter to prominent 70s musician Tina Turner (played by Jayna Elise) and the incredible impact she had on her fans and the music industry.
The show opens by depicting Tina’s painful childhood, from her time living with her grandmother (Deidre Lang) to her move back to St. Louis, Missouri, to live with her mother Zelma Bullock (Elaina Walton) and sister Alline Bullock (Mya Bryant).
Her first night in town, Turner finds herself at Club Manhattan, where she encounters her future husband, Ike Turner (Sterling BakerMcClarry), and dazzles the crowd with her vocals.
Enraged at how late her daughters return home, Zelma begins to reprimand Turner until none other than Ike Turner shows up at the door. Ike praises Turner’s talent, asking Zelma’s permission to take her out touring and insinuating that Zelma will get a cut of the profits.
The next scene quickly cuts to a recording studio featuring Turner and her backup singers/dancers, The Ikettes, rehearsing. Up until this point in the show, Turner has used her real name, Anna Mae, but is forcibly told by Ike to change it to something with more star quality: Tina.
This scene gives the first glimpse into Ike’s abusive treatment of Tina and, by contrast, the sweet and gentle love she shared with the bands’ saxophonist, Raymond Hill (Maurice Alpharicio). The pair sing a love-filled rendition of “Let’s Stay Together” following a conversation in which Turner attempts to end the relationship.
Eventually, Ike asks Tina to marry him — explaining that they might as well, as the public already views them as an item.
Ike becomes more and more aggressive toward Turner, building up to the scene in which it is revealed that she is pregnant with Raymond’s child.
The next several years go by in a blur, set to the soundtrack of “I Want
To Take You Higher”. Turner gives birth to two children during this time while she is exploited and overworked by Ike, not receiving a dime of the money she has made through performing and recording.
After the Ikettes leave the group due to Ike’s behavior and fail to persuade Turner to leave as well, they teach her the Buddhist chant “nam myoho renge kyo” which roughly translates to “devotion to the Mystic Law of the Lotus Sutra”, something Turner returns to in moments she seeks strength.
Rhonda Graam (Kristen Daniels), the tour manager, also insists on Turner leaving and ultimately stays in order to support her. Ike and Turner meet producer Phil Spector, who works with Turner to record “River Deep Mountain High” — one of the most vocally powerful numbers in the show. Spector is uninterested in Ike, much to his chagrin, and instead focuses on Turner and her talent.
Turner reaches her breaking point with Ike after he attempts to harm her child, Craig, and threatens to leave. Ike sings a tearful rendition of “Be Tender with Me Baby”, attempting to manipulate Turner into staying.
Following this number, Turner has an overdose and is rushed to the hospital — but not even minutes later is on stage again performing “Proud Mary”. While this is an incredible performance, it clearly illustrates to the audience the extreme lack of care Turner was experiencing while touring.
Act I ends with Turner leaving Ike after he is incredibly violent towards her, checking into a hotel and explaining that while she doesn’t have any money, she always makes good on her promises and will pay them back.
Act II opens with Turner penniless and living in Vegas after Ike has claimed ownership of her entire discography. Turner sings “Private Dancer,” a song about a woman relying on exploiting her body to survive.
“You keep your mind on the money/ Keeping your eyes on the wall,” she sings.
Turner and Graam drop off a demo at Capitol Records, where they encounter music producer Roger Davies. Davies, with his thick Australian accent and sunny disposition, is completely in awe at the opportunity to meet Turner.
After watching an energy-packed performance of “Disco Inferno”, complete with disco ball-esque lights that flash through the theater, Davies becomes Turner’s new manager.
After flying to London to work with Davies and Erwin Bach (Steven Sawan), an endearingly dorky man with a thick German accent, Turner gets discouraged when she realizes she and Davies don’t have the same artistic direction.
“I Can’t Stand The Rain” is sung while Turner walks through the crowded London streets, missing her family and life back home.
The song “Tonight” features Turner seeing visions of her younger self and her grandmother, which give her the strength she needs to continue pursuing her musical career. After an incredible showcase, Davies’ recording studio is still unconvinced, giving excuse after excuse until, finally, the real reason comes out: Turner is an “older” black woman.
Davies quits, telling Turner it’ll just be the two of them and that he’ll back her one hundred percent.
Read the full version online at arbiteronline.com
CULTURE
Storyfort: A harbor for emerging and established writers
Rylee Amick | Staff Writer | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu | Illustration by Naomi Brown
As spring rolls around, Boise, Idaho anticipates Treefort Music Festival — an annual five day event showcasing the art of musicians, writers, dancers, filmmakers and more, all within the margins of downtown Boise.
Storyfort, the primarily free and all ages literary sector of Treefort, awaits its 12th year of operation, under fiction writer and Director, Sam Berman.
Starting at a small storefront space on Main Street, Storyforts’ humble origins date back to 2013 with writer, former BSU educator and Storyfort Co-Founder Christian Winn with the help of numerous local businesses.
Since its inception in 2013, Storyfort has hosted a variety of writers, making it a priority to offer opportunities for anyone and everyone to share their sto-
Storyforts’ selection process mirrors Treeforts: Although there are headliners, the festival itself is geared towards highlighting the works of young artists who are enthusiastic to interact and perform with established artists.
“They’re people with their first book out, or their first book under contract, or working on their second book. There’s a few exceptions to that, certainly,” said Berman. “I’d like to kind of harbor the next generation of writers.”
Berman mentioned that Storyfort aims to host those who have published work within the last year, taking care to consider books that haven’t breached Boise’s literary awareness yet. Berman emphasized difficulties since, “there are more good, talented, even local writers than there are spots.”
Berman also noted how Storyfort simultaneously works to put Boise on the radar for book touring.
“I have to lead with what work is moving me — and what work is moving people I trust, honestly,” Berman said. “I want this to be a stop the same way Portland, [Oregon] and Seattle, [Washington] are on people’s book tours.”
Berman’s background with readings in larger cities such as Los Angeles and New York City forged an appreciation for concision that is reflected in Storyforts’ setup. He explained how the approach of having short, quick successions of readings is to diversify the experience and heighten its impact on audience members.
“It feels like going to see a band play in a half hour time slot,” Berman said. “Especially in terms of reading, distillation is important, so someone
Perhaps most importantly, however, is Storyfort’s culture of writer-audience interaction, which fosters a fertile ground for making connections on professional, intellectual and friendly levels. Those whowant to see a writer have the opportunity to ask questions, a feature built into the schedule.
“Honestly, years before I had ever published a story, having a professional writer go ‘You’re gonna be pretty good, you seem smart, you’ll figure it out,’ is kind of invaluable to young writers,” said Berman. “I just want young people to come, be around the writers.”
Coming to Storyfort gives local writers an opportunity to rub shoulders with those who have walked their paths before. Artists and non-artists need community, and Storyfort works to foster that. Berman explained that simply dedicating one night to a small group of writers and friends can be just as impactful as the presently-perceived literary milestones of scenes past. If changing the world and reinstating the importance of art are too large-scale or lofty of ideals, then we might as well change our Thursday nights, even if it’s only for six writing
More information on Storyfort’s schedule can be found on their website:
“Art is amorphic and changes … [If] they took away all the pens, art would still be made in some form or fashion,” Berman said. “I don’t get to decide how the world is, but I do get to decide the way my brain is interpreting things.”
An exploration of guilt and restraint in times of distress
Megan Nolan’s “Ordinary Human Failings” through the lens of past and present
Emily Gordon | Culture Editor | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu | Photo by Emily Gordon
Irish writer Megan Nolan’s novel “Ordinary Human Failings” offers a harrowing account of a fictional crime. The main protagonist and speaker throughout the novel is burgeoning reporter Tom Hargreaves who stumbles upon a sensational story.
Three-year-old Mia Enright, child of a well-revered local couple, goes missing and the main suspect is none other than a 10-year-old Lucy Green.
The novel delves deep into the ongoing persecution of Irish families, nearly forcing the readers to look further into the dense history of Irish individuals alongside the Green family, who now have no other choice but to face their own history.
It is important to note that while the novel details dark tragedies that now plague the city of London, Nolan beautifully details the realities of characters trapped by circumstance. The novel is not a graphic depiction of fear and violence, but rather entwines tragedy with real life “Ordinary People”.
Carmel, the mother of the alleged child killer, unveils the familial life that happened before the birth of Lucy. What began as an unwanted pregnancy resulted in Carmel mothering Lucy without the help of Lucy’s father.
The truth of this novel does not lie in what truly happens to little Mia Enright, but instead what secrets come to life when a family system is disrupted.
Nolan is careful to not explicitly explain what tragedies unfolded among the Green family but instead weaves memories and conversations to unveil the “rot” that manifests into generations of trauma.
The beauty of Nolan’s writing is the clear restraint that haunts both the characters and the reader, there are no quick answers within the novel but rather a deep unraveling. The novel nearly forces readers to look within their very own past and begs the question; “ Can you ever outrun your past?”
With lines as raw as “I’d rather I was never alone, that’s the God’s honest truth. I’ve been afraid to be alone since the day I was born, and it’s all I ever am”, it is nearly impossible to not encounter those deep feelings often hidden away in everyday situations.
While the novel is a bit of a true crime murder mystery, it is not nearly as provocative as an Ann Rice novel. It instead offers a poignant reminder that humans are at the very base of all stories, even the outwardly sensationalized news headlines that haunt the screens of every news broadcast.
The idea of loss and the near impossibility of life after loss exudes from the pages of this novel with an eerie humanness, Nolan writes “The grief was so bitter and consuming that it left no space to consider anything else, an extended version of the way in which a terrible hangover gives you permission to ignore the day’s responsibilities, because they have become functionally impossible.”
Megan Nolan, the author of “Ordinary Human Failings”, will be attending Storyfort. Offering an exciting opportunity for fans and writers alike to hear from the author herself and a chance to listen closely to the advice and work of such an introspective voice.
SPORTS & REC
March 6, 2025 | ARBITERONLINE.COM
Pearson Carmichael: The future of Boise State Men’s Basketball
After being put in the starting lineup for the first time against the No. 1 team in the Mountain West Conference, the University of New Mexico, Pearson Carmichael has made a name for himself.
From kicking off the basketball season as a redshirt freshman to knocking down 21 points in his first game as a starter, Carmichael continues to defy all odds. Carmichael made his collegiate debut on Jan. 7, 2025, against the University
of Las Vegas, Nevada (UNLV), playing 18 minutes and scoring eight points.
“It’s a crazy feeling that I can’t describe,” Carmichael said. “Redshirting is what the coaches wanted me to do, and whatever the team needs me to do, I’ll do it. But being able to now start and help this team win is huge. It’s a big dream of mine, for sure.”
Carmichael, better known by his teammates as “Peanut”, could be just what the Broncos needed to help pave the way to March Madness.
His mom nicknamed him “Peanut” because he was born with a small head, shaped like a peanut, and the name has stuck ever since.
The Bend, Oregon native was introduced to the sport while he was in the second grade and was raised by two parents who played collegiate basketball.
Carmichael’s dad, Eric, coached him for the first seven years he played, up until he joined his high school team.
“My whole life he’s [Eric] taught me everything, on and off the court,” Carmichael said. “I’m super grateful to have him in my life and I’d say he’s my biggest role model.”
“Peanut” was a star point guard at Summit High School alongside his older brother, Hogan, who played starting center.
Hogan went on to play football at Carroll College in Montana while Pearson continued to lead his high school basketball team in scoring.
Carmichael was named the Oregon High School Basketball Player of the Year for the 2023-2024 season on MaxPreps after leading his team to the Class 5A state championship, the school’s first title.
The 6 foot 7 inch shooting guard committed to Boise State in November of his senior year.
“My travel coach and I made it our goal to come to Boise State, because I love the coaching staff and the culture here,” Carmichael said. “He passed away a year before Boise State offered me to come here so it just felt right … because that was our goal. When I took my visit here, I just fell in love with it.”
Although Carmichael has been number 11 his whole life, he chose to play for the Broncos with
six to start his own legacy because the number has never been worn before at Boise State.
Since the Broncos Head Coach Leon Rice pulled his redshirt, Carmichael has played in 14 games and has started in the past four.
“We’ve had a lot of belief in him, and that’s why we pulled the redshirt,” said Rice in a postgame press conference. “I saw him get better and tougher with the ball. There was a progression … he’s one of those guys that scores easily and that’s what we’ve been missing.”
After starting for the first time on Feb. 19, Carmichael became the first freshman to score over 20 points in a game since Tyson Degenhart in the 2021-2022 season.
Following that game, Carmichael earned Mountain West Men’s Basketball Freshman of the Week.
In a postgame press conference, Carmichael’s teammates described him as a player with “swag” and “aura” because they rarely see him nervous.
“I definitely have nerves but I don’t really show them as much,” Carmichael said. “Once I step on the court that kind of goes away and I unlock that swagger that I’ve always played with.”
After proving himself on and off the court, Carmichael stands as the missing piece the Broncos needed to turn this season around.
Next up, the Broncos will play in their last home game at 8 p.m. on March 7 against Colorado State University.
Bracket building for dummies
Tips for creating a March Madness bracket with no prior knowledge of basketball
The odds of creating a perfect March Madness bracket (if each game had 50/50 odds) is one in 9,223,372,036,854,775,808.
Despite these almost impossible odds, it’s still fun to compete in bracket pools and potentially win prizes doing so.
If you have never filled out a bracket before or simply need a new strategy in
filling out your bracket, then this article is for you. This is bracket making 101. Picking your National Champion
The first step to creating your bracket is to pick your winner. The best strategy in picking your winner is to first slim down the lower seeds. Of the 39 total tourna-
ments, 25 of the winners have been a #1 seed, five of them have been a #2 seed and four have been a #3 seed. So of those 12 teams, trust your gut and go with it!
If you are wanting to take more of a risk, just know this: There have only been five champions that have ever been seeded lower than a #3. If you really have a feeling about a team, just know that the odds are stacked against you.
Round of 64
With your champion already chosen, now it is time for the most difficult part of the entire bracket: The first round. When making your selections here, choosing the lower seed (For example, taking #1 over #16) is always the safest route, but not always the best route. There are a lot of upsets that happen every year that no one can predict.
In this section of your bracket, there are a lot of matchups that have roughly 50/50 odds. These matchups are the #8 vs. #9 matchups, the #7 vs. #10 matchups and the #6 vs. #11 matchups.
The lower the seed, the less likely an upset will happen, but there are still some cases in which they do. Though it isn’t as likely as some of the other matchups, choosing one #12 seed and one #13 can prove to be a success and set you apart from other brackets.
In the #1, #2 and #3 seeds first round matchups, there is very little chance that the lower seed will lose the first round. Choosing all of these teams to advance is
smart because they rarely lose, but keep in mind: Anything can happen. Even a #1 seed can lose in the first round.
Round of 32
Onto your next round and matchups are becoming more and more difficult to choose from. The lower seeds of your tournament are still alive, but are in more danger than before.
The best strategy here, based on the statistics of previous tournaments, would be to choose one of your #1 seeds to lose in this matchup. The best way to make this decision is to look at matchups and see which of the #1 seeds are facing a larger public school. Though there is no data or statistics tied to this tactic, the bigger schools seem to have a higher chance of upset (North Carolina, Arkansas, Kansas, etc.)
Keep one thing in mind as well: In the past 10 tournaments, a #10+ seed has advanced to the next round 20 times, and there has been at least one per year, so here is where you can potentially predict the next big Cinderella team.
Remaining games
This is where chaos ensues. The rest of these matchups take zero skill, zero strategy and all luck. In the remaining portion of the bracket, you can have zero upsets, all upsets, or a mix of both — but this aspect is pure luck.
What Next?
On March 16, 2025, at 4 p.m. MST, March Madness brackets will be finalized and you will be able to create and predict your bracket. May the odds be in your favor!
What the reigning Mountain West Champion’s next season could look like
AHeisman Trophy runner up, the #4 seed in the College Football Playoffs and the 2024 Mountain West Champions: The Boise State Broncos 2024-25 season was historic.
This season was unforgettable for the Broncos.
After going 11-1 in their regular season, with their only loss to Big Ten Champions, the University of Oregon, the Broncos were nearly untouchable.
Recently announced: Boise State’s 2025-2026 season schedule, where the Broncos will try and pick up where they left off.
Here are predictions for the upcoming season:
Aug. 28, @ University of South Florida (USF):
The USF Bulls are coming off of a 7-6 season, including a close win in the Hawaii Bowl against Boise State rival, San Jose State University. The Bulls had quarterback struggles throughout the year, not having a set starter. Because of this, USF may struggle in the 2025-2026 season.
Predicted final score: 31-10, Boise State University wins.
Sept. 6, vs. Eastern Washington University:
The Eagles from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), Eastern Washington University, are losing their best player to the NFL draft. On top of that, they already faced struggles throughout their 2024 season, despite their star wide receiver, Efton Chism III. The 4-8 Eagles finished sixth in the Big Sky Conference and will be the Broncos home opener.
Predicted final score: 42-14, Boise State University wins.
Sept. 20, @ Air Force University:
The Air Force Falcons struggled in the Mountain West Conference in 2024, finishing the season with a 5-7 record.
Running a “Triple Option” offensive scheme is difficult to pull off, and the experienced Broncos team will likely be able to sniff out the Falcons trickery.
Predicted final score: 31-17, Boise State University wins.
Sept. 27, vs. Appalachian State University:
A young football program that joined the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) in 2014, the Appalachian State Mountaineers can be a sneaky team. In their 11 seasons in the FBS, the Mountaineers have been invited to eight
bowl games and have won seven of them. Though they are coming off of a down year, never count out the Mountaineers to pull off an upset.
Predicted final score: 35-21, Boise State University wins.
Oct. 4, @ Notre Dame University: In 2024, the Fighting Irish held the #7 seed in the College Football Playoffs, winning three playoff games. Though they lost in the National Championship and are losing a lot of their star players to the NFL, playing against Notre Dame in their home territory is never an easy task.
Predicted final score: 31-21, Notre Dame University wins.
Oct. 11, vs. New Mexico University:
The New Mexico Lobos ended their 2024 season with a 5-7 record. Though they are in need of a bounce-back season, the Lobos may have a rocky start having to play away games against the University of Michigan, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and Boise State — all within a matter of six weeks.
Predicted final score: 35-21, Boise State University wins.
Oct. 18, vs. University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV):
A rematch of the 2024 Mountain West Championship: The Broncos will square off against the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels yet again. The Broncos beat UNLV in both of their matchups in the 2024 season, and are favored to win in their third matchup in less than a year.
Predicted final score: 27-17, Boise State University wins.
Oct. 25, @ University of Nevada:
The Nevada Wolfpack were last place in the Mountain West Conference in the 2024 season, having a 3-10 record. Though they will have home field advantage against the Broncos, it will not be enough.
Predicted final score: 45-7, Boise State University wins.
Nov. 1, vs. Fresno State University: Fresno State is coming off of a down year from a usually competitive football program. The Bulldogs finished the season 6-7 and are looking to turn things around, though it will be without one of their running backs, Malik Sherrod, who joined the Broncos in the transfer portal.
Predicted final score: 38-24, Boise State University wins.
Nov. 15, @ San Diego State University (SDSU):
Similar to Fresno State, the SDSU Aztecs are coming off of an abnormal down year, going 3-9 in the 2024-2025 season. However, there is hope for the Aztecs, being led by a previous true freshman quarterback who now has a year under his belt.
Predicted final score: 38-21, Boise State University wins.
Nov. 22, vs. Colorado State University: The Colorado State Rams are no joke. Led by star quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi, the Rams have the offensive firepower to stun the Broncos at Albertsons Stadium.
Predicted final score: 41-38, Colorado State University wins.
Nov. 29, @ Utah State University: The Broncos embarrassed the Utah State Aggies in the 2024 season, winning their matchup 62-30. Even with star running back Ashton Jeanty sitting out the second half. The Aggies aren’t only coming off of a bad season, but they are losing their best player, Jalen Royals, to the NFL.
Predicted final score: 38-10, Boise State University wins.
Dec. 5, Mountain West Championship against Colorado State Lightning will not strike twice for the Rams. The Broncos could not only win the Mountain West Championship, but embarrass Colorado State in the process.
Predicted final score: 42-14, Boise State University wins with a season record of 11-2.
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