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Independent Student voice of Boise State since 1933 Vol. 39, Issue 3

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SEPT. 25, 2026

DRINKING ON CAMPUS

LATE-GAME DOMINANCE EXTENDS BRONCO HOME-TURF WIN STREAK

Dry campus policies don't stop dorm drinking

4 DECADES OF HISTORY Communication Building facelift inspires a historical deep dive

7 'HE'S A LEGEND' Former professor showcases a lifetime of creativity

10 BOISE PRIDE Queer Idahoans were 'Louder than Fear' at this year's festival

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SEPT. 25, 2026 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Emily Carmela Nelson

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Boise State faced another early test Saturday night against South Dakota, with the Bronco secondary giving up multiple big plays to Coyote receivers, keeping the game competitive throughout. Leaning on their explosive rushing attack, however, the Broncos ultimately pulled away late to secure a 38-24 victory.

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NEWS NEWS@STUMEDIA.BOISESTATE.EDU | ARBITERONLINE.COM

DRY CAMPUS POLICIES MEET THE REALITY OF STUDENT DRINKING Aidan Mattingly | News Editor | Illustration by Mia Strand

lcohol use in Boise State residence halls may violate university policy, but students and housing staff say knowing the rules does not always stop students from drinking, leaving resident assistants and student conduct officials to balance enforcement with safety and education. Boise State’s campus crime log shows alcohol violations were reported across several residence halls during the 2025-26 school year, with some involving multiple students. During the spring semester, one January incident at Sawtooth Hall resulted in 11 alcohol violation referrals, while another at Syringa Hall resulted in eight. Brooke Greninger, a Boise State resident assistant in Taylor Hall, said students are informed about the university’s alcohol policy during a mandatory residence hall meeting. However, she said students hear little about the policy afterwards. “They know it’s the under 21 policy, and that’s not allowed in any of our buildings,” Greninger said. “But I think [residence hall meetings] are like the extent to which it’s really the only time you hear about it.” Sophomore Graphic Design student Owen Gingrich believes students understand what is and is not allowed when it comes to alcohol. Even with that understanding, he said students ultimately make their own decisions. “We all understand very clear,” Gingrich said. “Just everyone [is] grown [and will] make their [own] decisions.” Greninger said that according to university policy, RAs cannot simply search a student’s room when they suspect alcohol is present. Students can refuse requests to open doors, cabinets or refrigerators. When an RA observes a violation, they document what happened in an incident report rather than investigate the case themselves.

Those limitations can make it difficult are also asked to explain how they would for RAs to know when students are drink- make different choices in the future. ing behind closed doors. Separate from the conduct process, BoiGreinger told The Arbiter she believes se State has an amnesty policy designed to this policy “encourages you to be smart encourage students to seek help during alabout hiding [drinking],” but doesn’t nec- cohol or drug-related medical emergencies essarily discourage it. called Broncos Act. Megan Ceragioli, a recent graduate who The policy is designed to encourage stuworked in residence life during her time dents to seek help without making potenat Boise State, said she also saw alcohol tial punishment their first concern. as a familiar part of the residence hall The policy instructs students to call environment. 911 when someone shows signs of alcohol “Drinking in the residence halls has be- poisoning, including vomiting while uncome extremely normalized,” Ceragioli conscious, being unresponsive, irregular said. “Students know that RAs check the breathing or blue, cold or clammy skin. rooms, but I don’t think that necessarily Broncos Act may apply when a student stops them from drinking.” seeks help for themselves or another person Once an incident is documented, the and remains with them until help arrives. case can move beyond the residence hall. It does not apply in every circumstance, Jon Maldonado, senior student conduct process coordinator, said he reviews incident reports from across campus and determines what follow-up may be necessary. Depending on the situation, a student may meet with a residence director or another conduct official. Ryan Vilfer, associate director of Residence Life, said the university evaluates each case individually instead of assigning the same consequence for every alcohol violation. “We look at each situation on an individual basis,” Vilfer said, adding that officials consider the impact on the student, the community and whether there is a pattern of behavior. Possible sanctions include educational requirements. One of these requirements assigns students an 800-word reflection paper asking them to reevaluate their drinking habits, review the university’s alcohol policy and consider how their actions align with Boise State’s shared values. Students

SEPT. 25, 2026 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

including some cases involving driving under the influence, drug distribution or situations where authorities were already responding. Maldonado said the purpose is to prevent students from hesitating when someone may be in danger. “We want them to reach out, and we don’t want them to worry about consequences,” Maldonado said. For RAs, the challenge remains enforcing university policy when much of the behavior can happen outside their view. For student conduct officials, the process continues after an incident is reported, with consequences determined individually while policies such as Broncos Act prioritize getting students help when alcohol use becomes dangerous.

PERSONAL VEHICLE BAN IN DORMS RAISES INFRASTRUCTURE CONCERNS

NEWS

Cole McAdams | Culture Reporter | Photos by Scout Hoots

ewly placed signs plastered on bike racks and entryway doors give students in residence halls a clear message: Personal vehicles are not allowed inside Boise State buildings. This rule includes scooters, bikes, skateboards and the electronic versions of the respective vehicles. Before the rule took effect, students could store and charge their vehicles inside their dorm rooms. Much to the surprise of student-riders, however, this rule has been in effect for over a year. “We decided to use this year to educate everyone [with the new signage] because this rule isn’t new,” said Tana Monroe, associate vice president of the Department of Public Safety. “There’s especially a safety component around the batteries — which have been known to catch fire — so we want to make sure we don’t have fires in our buildings.” A mirrored incident at San Diego State University involves a lithium-ion battery exploding in a dorm earlier this year. “[Students need] access to escape in a fire, [to ensure] the walkways are clear,” Monroe said. “We can’t have a bunch of bikes in the hallway, they get left out in different areas where it makes it hard for people to walk through.” Off-campus student Carlos Torres said the policy raises concerns about where students can safely store electric vehicles. He always makes sure his electric skateboard stays out of students’ paths. “[My skateboard] is quite expensive, and I was concerned because I can’t really chain it up like a bike,” Torres said. “My bike was stolen here — even though it was locked and everything. I just have to keep my transportation on me at all times… it would be nice if they could provide a little bit more infrastructure.” Many resident assistants (RAs) returning to live in the dorms this year were shocked to find out this had been an active rule. Josephine Beck, an RA in Sawtooth Hall,

worries about how the strictly enforced rule may affect her electric scooter usage. “The university did not adequately communicate with returning students,” Beck said. “I know a lot of people rely on these vehicles… people are upset by this and they’re taking it out on the RAs because that’s their line of communication.” After recently getting a job downtown, Beck is concerned about getting to work on time due to the limited number of outdoor outlets at Sawtooth Hall. “We only have four outlets [for around 700 residents] and it’s constantly in use. I feel bad unplugging people’s stuff — I don’t know what to do,” Beck said. “It’s hard to enforce a rule that you don’t agree with.” Boise State offers outdoor wall outlets at various academic and residential buildings to charge electric vehicles. The Lincoln Avenue and Brady Street parking garages have designated Bike Barns for student vehicles, with $15 permits available through the Cycle Learning Center (CLC). Currently, only the Lincoln Avenue garage has charging outlets. The Hemingway Mobility Hub, between the Intramural Field and the Student Union Building, is the university’s newest infrastructure addition supporting electric vehicle use. This new hub will act as a “first-come, first-serve” charging and parking location. The Department of Public Safety looked at the cost of maintenance for future scooter and bike storage, and found they would need “hundreds of thousands of dollars” to complete a project, according to Monroe. “I would prefer people to not bring them [electric vehicles]...You have to have [a building] temperature controlled and secure so people can’t steal things — there’s multiple factors that don’t make it a simple solution.” In the meantime, Monroe encourages students to use bike locks to secure their property, purchasable on campus at the CLC.

Some students don’t mind the rule; Chaffee Hall resident Ben Cooper cites his comfortability with knowing that his bike is going to be safe when left outside. “I park it outside and I’ve kept it locked. I don’t worry too much about it getting stolen,” Cooper said. “Campus is so bike friendly. The very wide roads and bike lanes on each side, especially when you’re going to Albertsons or downtown — really nice.” The reinforced personal conveyance vehicle ban in university buildings shapes the future of alternative transportation on campus, changing how students store and access their vehicles. To aid students, the Boise State interactive map shows the nearest vehicle storage and charging stations. “The alternative transportation on campus is continuing to grow. Trying to make sure we have options because [car] parking is so limited — putting more bike racks out, putting more transit center spaces — that is a priority for our department,” Monroe said.

SEPT. 25, 2026 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

NEWS

SYRINGA HALL EARNS THE UNIVERSITY'S FIRST LEED CERTIFICATION THE RESIDENCE HALL’S DESIGN PRIORITIZES SUSTAINABILITY AND HEALTHIER LIVING SPACES FOR STUDENTS Phoenix Willard | Reporter | Photos by Bryce Goldinger

yringa Hall is leading the way for Many of Syringa Hall’s sustainability sustainability on campus as the features also shape how students live in the university’s first building to receive building, from energy use to air quality a Leadership in Energy Environ- and water consumption. mental Design (LEED) certification. In an effort to minimize the greenhouse The certification recognizes sustainabili- gas emissions created by vehicle traffic, the ty features incorporated into the residence residence hall includes ample bike parking, hall’s construction and operation. making it easier for residents to store and LEED projects earn points for sustain- access their bikes. able practices involving construction, maSpecific air conditioning units were choterials, water use, energy efficiency and sen to minimize energy consumption, alother environmental considerations. A lowing faculty to manage and monitor the LEED Silver certification requires 50-59 entire building from an iPad. They manpoints out of 110 points, and Syringa sits age the temperature holistically throughat 53 points. out the building. 14 out of 53 points in the “It started in the design phase, carried LEED certification process were dedicated all the way through construction, then the to a sustainable air conditioning system. building itself meets the standard,” said “The residents don’t have much control Anthony Henry, associate director of hous- over their individual rooms – but with that ing facilities. comes increased insulation on the walls, Contractors incorporated LEED re- better windows [and] better insulation on quirements early in the project, including the roof,” Henry said. sorting, documenting and minimizing Syringa Hall uses sustainable products waste throughout the construction process, to make a healthier living space by imaccording to Campus Architect Geoffrey proving air quality for students. Certain Parks. Crews recycled 824 tons of waste household items like mattresses, flooring during construction. and paint can release chemicals into the air through a process known as off-gassing, so

SEPT. 25, 2026 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

the university’s Sustainability Department Because of the costs that are associated opted for gas less products. with a LEED certification, it’s possible “By choosing products that off-gas less, that future buildings will not pursue the students are healthier,” Amy Parrish, sus- certification. tainability director, said. “We continue to try to build really high The building is fit with low-flow fixtures, quality, good buildings – we may not alusing less water indoors. ways pursue the LEED certification for “A lot of what was a success for Syringa [future] buildings though,” Parrish said, had to do with utilities, like making sure “It does cost extra money to do the LEED that we’re picking the right faucets for the certification and sometimes we choose to bathrooms to make sure that we’re not spend our money on making the building wasting water,” Parks said. better versus getting the certification.” Landscaping around Syringa was also Despite this, Parks says that most builddesigned to limit water use while preserv- ings on campus are built with sustaining outdoor gathering spaces. ability in mind. “[Grass lawns] are beautiful, but they’re “Many, if not most, if not all of our projalso water hogs – they’re also great social ects could be LEED certified, [but] there interaction spaces,” Parks said. “So one is a lot of effort and expenses to make that of the strategies at Syringa was being very happen,” Parks said. mindful of where we do put that green Vilfer and Henry hope Syringa Hall lawn for those student interactions outside.” will provide a cozy and sustainable The building’s exterior also includes sys- home to students experiencing their first tems that collect stormwater from the roof year on campus. so it can be filtered before reaching the “It really is a privilege for Boise State to nearby Boise River. call [Syringa Hall] home,” Vilfer said. “It’s “All the rainwater comes down in pipes about protecting this area for student genand goes into those open concrete-walled erations to come – they get to experience zones. In the bottom of that, there is grav- the greenbelt, our campus and fall along el and layers of material that allow that the river just like we do.” water to purify and infiltrate back into the ground.” This allows rainwater to recharge the groundwater and aquifers instead of carrying pollutants such as oils and microplastics into the Boise River. Syringa Hall’s location near the Greenbelt contributes to its sustainability goals by providing students easier access to walking and biking routes around campus and Boise. “Something that was a priority for us was building a community in a strategic location [...] it’s located next to the Albertsons Library, the Student Union Building, the greenbelt, class locations and some of our athletic facilities,” said Ryan Vilfer, associate director of residence life.

NEWS

COMMUNICATION BUILDING RENOVATIONS HIGHLIGHT DECADES OF CAMPUS HISTORY Jack McElwee | News Reporter | Photo by Bryce Goldinger | Archive photo courtesy of BSU Archives

uilt in 1942, the Communication Building remains one of Boise State’s oldest reminders of its early years. After operating as the Student Union Building, theater department and a storage building, the space has found its current life as the hub for the communication and media departments. The building recently became a part of the other various construction projects popping up around campus. Despite the visible construction, the project primarily focuses on exterior repairs aiming to limit moisture intrusion on the building and “includes work on the brick, mortar and siding, as well as some window replacements,” according to Janelle Smith, executive assistant of Campus Operations. The project is expected to be done in mid-October, and while it may look slightly different afterwards, the 80-year-old building is no stranger to facelifts. Built with support from the Works Project Administration, the building cost $28,000 and was originally designed to be a hub for Boise Junior College students. A 1942 Boise Junior College catalog describes the building as “on a convenient part of the campus” receiving support from the student body and the board of trustees as the “means of pleasant associations for students while not in classes.” “They saw this real need to have this student gathering space,” said Emily Fritchman-Mahaney, a lecturer in Boise State’s History Department. “It was really the place to be at the time.” In 1951, the building underwent its first major expansion, nearly doubling its space and adding a second-floor ballroom. An ornamental carving above the French doors at the north entrance still displays the date 1951. By 1965, Boise Junior College became a four-year institution and quickly outgrew this version of the Student Union Building.

To meet growing demand for student recreation spaces, Boise State constructed the current Student Union Building with the former being repurposed as the “Music-Drama Building” and became known as the Subal building. For the next 15 years, the building largely went unused until a massive 1984 interior renovation created classrooms and offices, turning the building into what it is today. The building opened Jan. 23, 1985, according to previous reporting by The Arbiter, and held an open house allowing students and faculty to tour the new space. After the 1985 renovation, the building was renamed the Communication Building and now houses Boise State’s Department of Communication and Media. The current exterior renovations are another chapter in the historic building’s ever-changing history.

The Square Dance club dancing in the former Student Union circa 1940

SEPT. 25, 2026 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

OPINION OPINION@STUMEDIA.BOISESTATE.EDU | ARBITERONLINE.COM

IDAHO CAN'T AFFORD TO LOSE ITS WATCHDOGS Melissa Wintrow | Contributor | Photo by Keara Antonelli

Sen. Melissa Wintrow is the Senate These cuts come months after IdaMinority Leader in the Idaho Legisla- ho Statesman journalists protested Mcture. She represents Boise’s Legislative Clatchy’s failure to invest adequately in District 19 and previously served as the the people producing Idaho journalism director of Boise State’s former Wom- and raised concerns about the company’s en’s Center. growing use of artificial intelligence. They fought for better wages and protections uring my first term in the against AI replacing journalists or reducIdaho Legislature, a news sto- ing their hours, something every worker ry stopped me in my tracks: should support. more than 1,100 sexual asThey secured those protections in their sault kits were collecting dust on shelves contract. Now, months later, McClatchy in Idaho police stations, never sent to the has eliminated much of the capacity of one State crime lab for testing. One had been of Idaho’s largest newsrooms to scrutinize there since 1990. our government. The consequences start We learned about those kits because now, not only for workers and their famijournalists requested records and dug lies, but also for everyday people trying to deeper. A later audit identified 2,538 kits keep track of their government. Stories will statewide, with at least 1,116 still sitting on go uncovered. Questions will go unasked. law enforcement shelves. Government failures will take longer to Behind every kit was a survivor who had surface if they surface at all. We’ve seen These examples show what good reportendured trauma and an invasive forensic why that matters. ing can accomplish. Independent journalexam, trusting that evidence would help InvestigateWest exposed allegations of ism uncovers problems government may bring justice. sexual abuse and failed investigations in- not see on its own and gives us the inforI still shudder to think how much lon- side Idaho’s women’s prisons, reporting mation to do better. That’s something evger those kits might have sat forgotten. that helped prompt a bipartisan legislative ery Idahoan has a stake in. That reporting forced Idaho to confront investigation. ProPublica told the story I still think about those sexual assault a failure our systems had overlooked and of two-month-old Onyxx Cooley, whose kits collecting dust on shelves. The Govsparked years of bipartisan work I led with death was investigated without an autop- ernment didn’t shine a light on that failure. stakeholders to overhaul how our State sy, a scene visit, or an interview with his Journalists did. handles sexual assault evidence. That expe- parents. That reporting helped shine a light McClatchy’s decision makes that work rience taught me firsthand why a free press on longstanding failures in Idaho’s coroner harder. Idahoans should not accept that is often called the Fourth Estate. system as lawmakers pursued reforms. quietly. Idaho can’t afford fewer watchdogs. Independent journalism serves as a vital We can’t let the fox watch the henhouse. check on government, holding those in Independent journalism provides the outThe Arbiter welcomes guest opinions power accountable and revealing where side scrutiny the public deserves. on issues relevant to the Boise State our institutions are falling short. I may be a public servant serving in the community. Submissions are subject to That’s why McClatchy’s decision to lay minority right now, but this isn’t about editing for clarity, length and style. off 10 journalists and three editors at the party politics or who holds power. EvGuest opinions represent the views of Idaho Statesman should alarm every Ida- eryone should care about having access the author and do not reflect those of hoan. In one round of cuts, the Idaho to responsible, reliable reporting on what The Arbiter. Responsibility for the accuStatesman lost about 60% of its newsroom. our government is doing and how well we racy of claims rests with the author. are doing it.

SEPT. 25, 2026 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

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FEDERAL SNAP CUTS RISK IDAHO STUDENTS' FREE LUNCH ELIGIBILITY

O P INNEI WO NS

April Campos | Opinion Editor | Illustration by Abby Herbert

here are very few memories that In schools around Idaho, a parent’s parmost students find important ticipation in SNAP automatically guaranfrom their time in school. One tees their children access to free and reof the most prominent is wait- duced lunch, which would otherwise cost ing in the lunch line with a bright yellow up to $500 annually. Now, stricter regulaschool tray. A warm slice of pizza, a carton tions and drastic budget cuts have caused of milk, and a side of fruits and vegetables, the program to lose millions of members thousands of students across Idaho stand due to immigration status, age restrictions in these lines every day. and increased paperwork. For these students, lunch time has beIn a statement provided by Boise School come a pinnacle of their day. However, District’s Food and Nutrition Services, some students’ attention lies beyond the pre-existing programs such as the Comcolorful lunch trays, to whether they can munity Eligibility Provision (CEP) are the afford the same meals as their friends. primary source providing students with elAfter months of controversial congres- igibility for free school lunch without colsional debate, President Donald Trump lecting household applications. signed The One Big Beautiful Bill in July However, not all students qualify for CEP. 2025. Among its cuts to federal welfare, the “This school year, we have 443 students bill slashes $186 billion to the Supplemen- who qualify specifically through SNAP… tal Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). We will be closely monitoring the program As a result, students all across Idaho are at as we begin planning for 2027-2028.” risk of losing access to free/reduced lunch Since its original enforcement, the law in schools at the start of the 2027-2028 has resulted in over 1.5 million children school year. losing access to SNAP nationwide accord-

ing to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. In Idaho, these 443 students are vulnerable to a reduction in free/reduced lunch resources. The same government whose job is to serve the public has dismantled a system millions of families and children rely on. There is no excuse for these budget cuts and as the clock ticks closer to the 20272028 school year, staff around Idaho are preparing for this shift and how it could affect their students. “We have students when vacation or winter break is coming up say, ‘Oh I’m going to miss school, I’m going to miss food.’” said Erika Marton, nutrition elementary manager at Roosevelt Elementary. Marton works alongside lunch staff providing children with food everyday and in her experience, free and reduced lunch programs are an essential part of their school. “There’s also children who might eat only at school and when they go home, we don’t know what’s going on.” She explains.

Data from the Food Research and Action Center found that over 73,000 children in Idaho live in food insecure households. Children aren’t clueless about their situations, and the longer our government reduces their resources, the longer families will continue to struggle with food insecurity. As West Ada School District’s director of school nutrition, Anne Brock paints a picture of how these resources benefit our communities. For her, the work schools do to provide students with resources goes beyond the classroom. “School meals are more than just a full belly. It really encompasses all of the education system, as well as health in general,” explains Brock. “I think it has a larger impact on our community than more people realize.” It’s important to note that the effects of the federal government’s actions are also falling on school districts around the state as staff grow increasingly worried for their students. It is imperative our state and federal government do the most in their power to provide safe environments for our children. Not only are they failing at this, but it is abundantly clear that providing for children is not their priority. After years of proactive battles to bring children access to resources in schools, our government has dismantled it in one bill. As a new school year approaches, the disastrous and unforeseeable consequences of SNAP cuts are going to be felt statewide. The federal misuse of funding money used to aid, feed and provide for families is rooted in a completely uneducated decision. A reduction in federal and state resources can make a difference in the way students perform in the classroom, interact with learning materials, engage with others, and even influence their test scores. Soon, the lack of food for children will be found in lunchrooms across the nation.

SEPT. 25, 2026 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

FORMER ART PROFESSOR TOUCHES BOISE COMMUNITY THROUGH RETROSPECTIVE EXHIBITION Phoenix Willard | Reporter | Photos by Keara Antonelli | Design by Makena Walker

John Killmaster, 91-year-old artist and former professor of art, touches the lives of everyone he meets through his art, his story and his humor. While Killmaster works with a variety of mediums, enameling is what he is most known for. This September, a large collection of Killmaster’s works are being featured at Idaho Art Gallery for a retrospective exhibition. “It’s an honor to be exhibiting John Killmaster,” said Nelli Garibyan, owner and curator at Idaho Art Gallery. Killmaster started his journey at Boise State in August of 1970, but his story began much earlier. At 14, Killmaster began to seriously pursue art after a trip to Thunder Bay inspired him to start watercolor painting. His work has since been exhibited internationally and displayed in places such as Australia, Germany, Japan and in a variety of museums and galleries like the Smithsonian, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and Denver Art Museum. At 35, Killmaster accepted a position at the university before receiving another offer from a university in Colorado. “I said ‘I just took a job at Boise State,’ and he said ‘the fishing is better there,’” Killmaster recalls. “So that was it — and I packed up my VW bus . . . and drove 2,000 miles from Michigan.”

After making the long trip to Boise, Killmaster made his bed in the back of his Volkswagen bus and started exploring the city. Killmaster later started Boise State’s illustration program, working with around 1,000 students through mentoring and teaching them in classes like design, printmaking and enameling. “[Teaching] was the only thing I could really do, the only thing I wanted to do and the only thing I was equipped to do,” Killmaster said. “I am an artist and nothing else.” The exhibition mainly features abstract works, representational works and enameling. Killmaster’s exhibition is available to view at Idaho Art Gallery in Meridian until the end of September. “Talking to people in the community about him is so easy because so many people know who he is,” Garibyan said. “He’s a legend, so everyone wants to hear about it.” Many paintings in the exhibition feature different nature scenes like the Owyhee Mountains, the Owyhee River and the Sawtooth Mountains. Killmaster’s nature paintings stem from his interest in preservation and utilize a range of unique techniques.

“I’m interested in pioneering, coming up with new ways of doing things — even with paint. So I use a comb a whole lot to texture the surface,” Killmaster said. His enamel pieces are the highlight of the exhibition, but he feels excited to show a range of different works that he has created throughout different periods of his life. “I’m really, really honored to be shown in this nice space … I’m just hoping people will be really excited about me coming again out of obscurity for a while,” Killmaster said. Grace Page, gallery director at Idaho Art Gallery, moved to Boise after graduating from University of Utah to pursue art where she eventually met Killmaster during the preparation leading up to his exhibition. “Once I moved here and I started getting immersed in the art world, I heard of this ephemeral being – John Killmaster, and he really is that.” Page said. “He was funny, and we got along really great. As someone who cares about the arts, I just wanted to learn more about him.” When Killmaster learned that Page had a background in the arts, he invited her to his studio with eagerness to share his knowledge and art. “He sat down in a chair and he was like, ‘ask me any question you want,’” Page said. “He was so excited to share and so excited to tell people about what he knows and what he cares about.” Page has returned weekly since, learning enameling from Killmaster. “When I met John, I didn’t know much about [enameling],” Page said. “But with enameling, it kind of breaks the door open… I love learning from people who know everything and are really passionate about something.” Alisa Looney, friend and former student of Killmaster, first met him in a freshman drawing class. “I took him every semester at Boise State,” Looney said. “He was just really kind, and easygoing and funny – it was always a joy to be in his class. The way he taught was really the important part. He

really saw something in me, and he really pushed me.” Years after graduating, Looney reached out to Killmaster in 2009 to ask him to mentor her in enameling. “I had done enameling in high school … but nothing like the type of industrial approaches he had,” Looney said. After Killmaster agreed to mentor Looney in enameling, she travelled to Boise and spent a week visiting Killmaster’s property in Middleton every day, learning his unique enameling processes. Their mentorship eventually grew into a larger project. Looney helped Killmaster create and publish “Killmaster - Art and Soul,” an illustrated biography documenting his career and work. “I was really honored that he wanted my help,” Looney said. They worked together on the book remotely between Portland and Middleton. “We would spend hours on the phone. He would be looking at his camera, looking at the images. And I would look on the computer and I would take notes. He would tell me all about how he made [the art], where he was … and who has the piece now,” Looney said. “And I felt so lucky to get to listen to all that.” The project involved reviewing roughly 8,000 pieces of art to incorporate into the biography. Looney did book design and curation while Killmaster and Christopher R. Schnoor worked together on writing the book that was eventually published on Nov. 14, 2017. Looney was elated to visit Boise to see Killmaster’s exhibition at Idaho Art Gallery. “I’ve been to other exhibitions of his and every time it’s magical because it has both his paintings and his enameling. He’s proficient and just so talented in everything he touches,” said Looney. “He’s a gem, and he is absolutely one of the most talented artists I’ve ever known . . . and the most influential [artist] in my life. I feel so blessed to have been in his orbit.”

CULTURE CULTURE@STUMEDIA.BOISESTATE.EDU | ARBITERONLINE.COM

BOISE PRIDE 2026 PROVES QUEER IDAHOANS ARE 'LOUDER THAN FEAR' Cole McAdams | Culture Reporter | Photo by Emily Carmela Nelson

dorned in bright rainbow colors ways of the park. Davis and their team and pumping techno-beats, Ann ran the Boise Trans Collective booth, Morrison Park hosts a festival providing pamphlets on transgender-aid embracing pride as a virtue for in Idaho and free stickers. As a non-profmarginalized LGBTQ+ Boiseans. The fes- it organization, the collective offers social tival’s theme, “Louder than Fear,” sends and financial support helping transgender an apparent message to the communi- individuals access HRT and gender affirmty-at-large: ing clothing. Queer Idahoans refuse to turn the “I have a lot of privilege to be able to volume down. put time and energy into doing volunteer “There’s a line from a song by the Bare work,” Davis said. “It’s my way of giving Naked Ladies that is, ‘If I hide myself back because when I was growing up, I wherever I go, am I ever really there?’” said was very low income and utilized a lot of Bert Allen, a member of the Boise Gay social services — I only went to college Men’s Chorus. “I want to experience this and got through college because of schollife to its fullest, and if I hide myself, I can’t arships. I wouldn’t be here without people do it. And neither can you.” helping me.” As a Boise-native, Allen has fought for Earlier this year, legislators passed LGBTQ+ rights through decades of advo- House Bill 752, limiting transgender cacy. While working as a typesetter for the Idahoans from entering bathrooms that Boise-based “Diversity” newspaper in the align with their gender-identity in gov1980s, he formatted Queer-focused articles ernment-owned buildings and private from various news sources and local writ- businesses. Bills targeting Idaho’s Queer ers into a monthly issue. community aren’t a 21st century-exclusive “To be at Pride in Boise, Idaho, is to issue, Davis says. stand up for who you are in the face of a “[These laws] reach back to the 1940s, lot of people who still want to believe that like the ‘Walking while Trans’ laws saying we don’t have a right to exist,” Allen said. that police could go up to you and count “It’s an act of defiance.” how many gender-conforming articles Over the weekend, local and interna- of clothing you were wearing, and if you tional performers took to the Boise Pride didn’t match it, they could arrest you.” DaMain Stage. DJ’s Joshua Emara and Black vis said. “It is literally a playbook that polVelvet lit up the crowd, musicians Chrissy iticians have written, ‘We distract them by Chlapecka and Touk brought uplifting vo- scapegoating minorities.’” cals and drag performers Trixie Mattel and At Mio Pevonka’s first-time at Boise Pattie Gonia highlighted the heart of queer Pride, they can’t help but relate this festicultural identity. val to the one in their hometown of Port“Drag is an over the top performance, land, Oregon. Portland Pride, according and people view it as sexualized,” said to Pevonka, is an extravagant party acPaisley Davis, a Boise State alumnus. “It’s cepting everyone for their gender-identity something that is really easy to target be- and sexuality. cause it’s so loud, bright and offensive.” “It was political in the sense that it was Booths from queer and non-queer orga- prideful,” Pevonka said. “There’s people acnizations and businesses lined the walk- tively protesting against us being here hav-

SEPT. 25, 2026 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

ing a good time. I was expecting it to be a little more solemn this year … but I’m actually really happy to see how positive it is.” In lew of many corporate sponsors and businesses dropping out of the festival, funding for the event has decreased in recent years. The sharp decrease has forced organizers to include ticketed cover-fees for the second-year in a row, as reported by the Idaho Press. “Despite the unfortunate mindsets people have about us as people, corporations and local businesses still came through to show how much that they do actually care,” Pevonka expressed. “The more we bring attention to ourselves regardless of what other people on the outside are say-

ing, doing, trying to do [and] funding — it doesn’t matter.” Boise Pride Festival 2026 engaged Boiseans in elevating the Idaho Queer community; a community who often feels like they’re swept-under the rug by legislation and corporations turning a blind-eye. This yearly event is an opportunity to reiterate the LGBTQ+ community’s commitment to be visible, to be “Louder than Fear.” “Fear is one of those emotions like a little mouse that hides in the corners, and to be louder than fear is to come out of the corner,” Allen said. “I need to be loud because we were not made to exist in quiet spaces. No human was made to exist under repression.”

CULTURE

BOISE TROLLEY TOURS BRINGS BIG LAUGHS TO AN UNCONVENTIONAL STAGE Landon Myers | Reporter | Photo by Zaccary Kimes

he wind blows through a trol“It’s been really interesting from a perley full of chuckling passengers formance point of view,” Sisco said. “We departing the Red Lion Hotel get a chance to socialize, and you get a bound for downtown Boise. At chance to meet people and figure out what the front of the trolley stands Greg Sisco, their story is.” a local stand up comedian, with one hand “The trolley is a different environment on a microphone and the other wrapped because everyone is there to have a party,” around the ceiling crossbar. The crowd Moore added, “You’re more like a circus shoots a heckle at Sisco as the trolley pulls ring leader herding cats through the city.” onto the road, setting the tone for the rowSisco took the first shift, managing the dy night ahead. crowd by riffing off of their heckles and “We’re trying to bring the valley together comments. At various stops, he also got off with comedy,” said Kendall Shew, owner the trolley to interact with the audience, of Shewtonio Productions and PR manag- ensuring they felt involved with the show. er for Boise Trolley Tours. “Doing comedy is a way to bring people The trolley’s confined seating allows the together,” according to Sisco, who feels the passengers to get to know one another, Boise crowd is the right one for him. “In laugh together and “build a little bit of a Boise it’s [heckling] not something that community,” according to Shew. comes up all that often and if it does it’s Shew came up with the idea of bringing usually enthusiasm.” comedians onto the trolley tours about 2 Although he identifies with the more years ago. He approached local comedians structured side of comedy, the rumblings Greg Sisco and Krystal Moore about do- of the trolley mixed with the rowdy crowd ing a historical tour with comedy. The idea often force him off script. After making instead turned into a club atmosphere and a joke about the Tesla cars and how they Shew says “we kind of discarded the histor- don’t appeal to anyone. An audience memical element.” ber pointed out a Tesla and Sisco proved his Sisco and Moore are the trolley’s main improv skills using the comment to then comedians who “take turns” performing at poke fun at the company’s consumer base. the front each touring weekend. Both co“Not everybody’s personality would be medians feel that the unique setting allows able to pivot like that,” Moore said. “Greg’s them to connect with the audience.

just really good for that sort of gener“I learned a lot about performing and al audience.” how to read a room because they’re only Moore began in comedy after she was six feet away from you,” Moore said. “You prompted to get on stage at a local Story could really kind of hone into how this Story night in Boise. joke works for this group.” “I walked in dressed very theatrically, and That close quarters comedy was on full the gal taking the ticket said, ‘You look display during Sisco’s set. Despite the numlike you have a good crime story,’” Moore ber of passengers dwindling, he didn’t miss said. “So I put my name in the hat, they let a beat, making the trolley feel twice as full me tell a 13-minute-long story and I won as when they started and just as rowdy. the slam that night.” “We all want sort of extra light brought After some encouraging words from au- into our lives in some form or another,” dience members, she felt empowered to at- said Sisco. “ Entertainment in general is a tend a local open mic. way to brighten our lives.” “I killed on that first open mic, which is The tour ends for people at many differthe worst way to start because you need to ent places. Some stay at the final bar while be humbled first,” Moore said. “And my others go all the way back to the Red Lion. second open mic was in New York, and I The comradery built on the tour, while bombed terribly.” temporary, gives Boise residents and comMoore bounced back after returning ics a chance to connect with one another to Boise where she built her audience and on an unconventional stage. confidence as a clown comic. She took that Boise Trolley Tours continues this weekstyle of comedy to the curbsides of the city end with the Slam Tours series on Sept 26. of trees during the pandemic, performing 54 shows in just a year. SEPT. 25, 2026 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

CN UE W L TSU R E

FROM IDAHO WATERS TO THE COAST OF FRANCE, CHRISTINE TURPIN CONQUERS THE ENGLISH CHANNEL Aidan Mattingly | News Editor | Photos by Aidan Mattingly | Design by Makena Walker

or more than 15 hours, Christine “Chrissy” Turpin had one job: just keep swimming. The 47-year-old Meridian resident and longtime endurance athlete completed the English Channel in 15 hours and five minutes, covering roughly 30 miles from the coast of England to the shores of Wissant, France in early August. She had already endured cold water, rough waves and repeated jellyfish stings when the French coastline drew close. Her arms were heavy, her shoulders felt like they were on fire. After spending nearly an entire day in the water, the place she had spent months trying to reach was finally in front of her. But the English Channel was not finished with her. “The currents are really strong as you get closer to France, and you have to break through the currents in order to make your landing,” Turpin said. “You think you’re close, but you’re not. You’re still hours away.” Turpin kept fighting until one stroke brought her fingertips through the sand

beneath the water. It was the moment she realized her swim was completed. “I was battling the current all the way to the end,” Turpin said. “That moment was everything. I’ll remember it for the rest of my life.” Turpin first considered crossing the Channel three years ago during a conversation with her brother and sister, who also grew up swimming. She initially thought the idea sounded crazy, but after spending the next few days researching the challenge, she couldn’t stop thinking about it. She hired a coach and began 10 months of structured training, spending hours in the pool each week to build endurance. During the winter, much of that work happened inside swimming pools, where sessions became so long that Turpin developed rashes and hives from a chlorine allergy. When spring arrived, the training moved into Idaho’s open water. Turpin started in Quinn’s Pond before progressing to Lucky Peak, Payette Lake, Arrowrock, McCall and other waters, acclimating to temperatures around 52 degrees without a wetsuit

SEPT. 25, 2026 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

and eventually completing swims lasting Her support crew traveled beside her as long as 10 hours. aboard Rowena, providing nutrition evJill Wright, who swims with Turpin ery half-hour while keeping watch over through Sawtooth Masters, a Boise-based her progress. adult swim club, became one of her regular “As bad as it got, I just kept thinking, training partners throughout the process. it’s one day. It’s just one really hard day,” Sometimes Wright swam with Turpin; Turpin said. “I had so many hard days other times, she followed from a kayak or leading up to [the English Channel] in paddleboard as her friend spent hour after those 10 months of training.” hour in the water. About six hours into the crossing, Turpin Shortly before Turpin left for England, said the wind increased to roughly 22 mph Wright woke around 5 a.m. and headed and the waves grew. Then, between two to Payette Lake, where Turpin complet- shipping lanes, she encountered a roughly ed another six-hour swim. The training five-mile stretch filled with jellyfish. taught Turpin more than how to endure Some appeared individually. Others the distance. She practiced feeding in gathered in clusters Turpin described as the water, managing fatigue and keeping being “as big as my house.” With no path her body functioning when stopping was around them, she swam through. not an option. “I got stung really bad,” Turpin said. Still, Wright knew there were limits to “The compass jellyfish were the bad ones. I preparing for the Channel from a land- hit one really bad on my face, and it stung locked state. my back and my legs as it went over the top. “There’s not anything in Idaho that I really got stung all over.” can prepare you for ocean swimming,” The jellyfish were only one part of an Wright said. environment Turpin could not control. Once Turpin entered the Channel, she Wind, waves and shifting tides can change tried not to think about the miles sepa- a Channel crossing throughout the day, rating England and France. Instead, she sometimes leaving even experienced swimreduced the entire crossing to 30-min- mers unable to reach the other side. ute increments.

CULTURE

BOISE PHOTOGRID DOCUMENTS THE CITY'S RAPID GROWTH ONE GRID AT A TIME

Phoenix Willard | Reporter | Photo courtesy of John Francis

ver the past decade, Boise’s population has exponentially increased. With new construction sites popping up on every corner, long-time residents watch the city change right before their eyes. John Francis, founder of Boise PhotoGrid and professor emeritus of art, design and visual studies, began photographing these changes in early 2025. Boise PhotoGrid is a project made up of 14 local photographers documenting Boise’s growth. Dividing the surrounding areas into 42 squares, the photographers hope to capture what the city looks like now for future generations. The group meets monthly and randomly selects a grid to shoot. At the end of the month, they get together to reTurpin's 21-mile route through the English Channel shown in red view the photos. “I’ve always wanted to put together a Amy Mazur, 63, experienced that unpre- Rowena and raised her arms as the boat group of photographers here in Boise that dictability firsthand during her own En- sounded its horn. could support each other, have each other’s glish Channel attempt in July of last year. “I couldn’t believe I was in France hearing backs,” Francis said. The Idaho open-water swimmer spent 12 people speak French,” Turpin said. “And I Francis’ photography journey began hours, 57 minutes in the water and covered had just left England 15 hours ago.” during his undergraduate degree in graphic approximately 21 miles before ending her Turpin received a medal and will receive design, when he took a photography class. attempt with about six miles remaining. a certificate for the crossing, but her favor- “It’s not necessarily something people Mazur said the changing tide meant those ite keepsake came directly from the place would consider beautiful or spectacular or final miles could have required roughly she spent months trying to reach. Follow- interesting in some way, but I find it intereight more hours of swimming. ing a Channel swimming tradition, she esting, so I take a picture of it,” Francis said. “You can’t, a human being can’t beat picked up a small brown pebble from the Jason Sievers, photographer for Boise a tide,” Mazur said. “You have to go French beach. PhotoGrid and Boise State alumnus, apprewith the tide.” “That’s my favorite thing from my swim,” That same unpredictability awaited Turpin said, “even more than my medal.” Turpin near France. After roughly 13 The English Channel may be behind her, hours, she could see the coastline, but the but Turpin is not finished chasing endurcurrent continued pushing against her as ance challenges. She plans to return to trishe tried to make landfall. Wright watched athlon racing with another major goal in from Rowena as Turpin fought toward mind: qualifying for the Ironman World shore, while Turpin tried to ignore the pain Championship in Hawaii. spreading through her shoulders. After spending years preparing to swim Eventually, her fingers touched sand. from England to France, Turpin is ready Turpin stood and heard people on shore to trade some of those hours in the water speaking French, a sound that made the for running shoes and a bike as she turns distance she had traveled suddenly feel toward the next challenge. real. She cleared the water, turned toward

ciates working with other photographers and seeing different perspectives of the city. Being assigned random grids of Boise every month allows the photographers to explore unfamiliar areas and explore them with a different perspective. “It’s humbling to see how everyone will go to the same part of town and see things [differently]. There’s rarely duplicate shots,” Sievers said. Sievers discovered his passion when he got into digital photography and camera collecting after graduation. Since the project began, Michal Temkin Martinez, photographer for Boise PhotoGrid and chair of linguistics department says new development has sprung up around Boise. “One of the squares that we did a few months into the project was close to my house,” Temkin Martinez said. “At that point it was just barren land with some piles of rocks, and now there’s houses there.” That growth is part of what inspired Francis to start the project and with 22 grids remaining, he hopes other photographers will continue the project. “The city is going to keep changing – I think it’d be great if people go back to the same places we’ve photographed before. They’ll find that there are certain things that are gone and there are new things there,” Francis said.

SEPT. 25, 2026 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

SPORTS SPORTS@STUMEDIA.BOISESTATE.EDU | ARBITERONLINE.COM

LATE-GAME DOMINANCE LIFTS BRONCOS PAST SOUTH DAKOTA Jake Zamora | Sports Editor | Photos by Keara Antonelli

he Boise State Broncos survived Boise State running back Dylan Riley to The Broncos bounced back with a 12A muffed punt and a pass interference a shaky start and narrowly set up the Coyotes in the red zone. play drive that ended with running back penalty was near-costly for the Broncos, edged out South Dakota in a The very next play, South Dakota quar- Sire Gaines punching through the trench- but the defense bore down deep in their back-and-forth battle 38-24 Sat- terback Austyn Modrzewski found wide es for a 3-yard touchdown, tying the game own territory with under two minutes to urday night at Albertsons Stadium. receiver Bryce Cohoon in the nearside cor- at 14 after the extra point. go, forcing a turnover-on-downs and reEntering the matchup fresh off a victory ner of the endzone for the touchdown. Boise State safety Travis Anderson’s sec- gaining possession for the offense to milk over Memphis the week before, the BronAfter a seven-play drive for the Broncos ond interception of the season regained the clock. cos looked to make relatively easy work of that ended in a turnover on downs and possession for the Broncos before Mad“In those situations, you kind of never FCS-level South Dakota, but the Coyotes another three-and-out for the Coyotes, sen found wide receiver Cam Bates for a rise to the occasion but always fall back gave the Broncos fits all night, particu- the Boise State offense marched 65 yards short touchdown pass to put the team in to your training,” edge rusher Max Stege larly when it came to exposing weakness- downfield with quarterback Maddux Mad- front, 21-14. said of the defense’s final stop. “When the es in Boise State’s secondary, which gave sen finding wide receiver Rasean Jones for Canaan Moore’s field goal extended stakes are at the highest, you just gotta up multiple big plays to Coyote receivers a 9-yard touchdown reception to cap off the Broncos’ lead to 10, but the Coyotes trust your training and that’s what we told throughout the game. the drive and get the Broncos on the board. trimmed the deficit when Modrzewski and each other.” “I’m proud of our team finding a way to Jones, a true freshman whose impact Boze connected for a 59-yard touchdown The crowd had little time to settle down win and we’re gonna be able to learn a lot has already been evident through three strike, the pair’s second score of the contest, before Riley took the first snap of the of lessons from this win,” head coach Spen- games, finished the night with an impres- making it a 24-21 ball game. Broncos’ next possession 83 yards to the cer Danielson said. “But we obviously got sive eight catches for 95 yards, along with A South Dakota field goal deadlocked house, providing the nail-in-the-coffin for a lot of things we have to learn from and the touchdown. the game at 24, but the next Boise State Boise State and sealing the 38-25 victory. grow from.” South Dakota answered shortly after, possession ended with a 2-yard touchdown Boise State will travel to play Western After both teams traded three-and-outs with Modrzewski hooking up with wide rush by Dylan Riley to give the Broncos Michigan this Saturday, Sept. 26. to open the game, South Dakota lineback- receiver Tysen Boze for a 5-yard touch- a 31-24 lead with just under six-and-a-half Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. er Gabriel Hardman forced a fumble from down pass, giving the Coyotes a 14-7 lead. minutes to play.

Matt Wagner's 14 yard run to the 11 yard line minutes before halftime

SEPT. 25, 2026 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

Bronco fans erupt with excitment at the end of the first half

S PNOERWT S

TAILGATE STAPLE 'BRONCO BRONCO' GETS NEW LIFE Aidan Mattingly | News Editor | Photos courtesy of Carl Augustus

or years, Troy Howell’s orange“The tailgates were lively,” Tollis said. and-blue Ford Bronco was part “There would be people stopping by just to vehicle, part Boise State tailgate hang out and check out the Bronco.” centerpiece. Howell’s Bronco reflected his personaliIt was hand-painted, covered in Boise ty as much as his fandom. State logos and colors but not particularHis nephew, Jacob Howell, remembers ly reliable. Sometimes, simply getting it to it as anything but a polished showpiece. the stadium was part of the experience. It regularly needed work and sometimes More than a decade after Howell died struggled just to make it to the tailgate lot. from pancreatic cancer in 2013, his fami“It never ran very well,” Jacob said. “It ly is rebuilding the “Bronco Bronco” from could barely make it there. It was constantthe frame up with hopes of bringing it ly breaking down, but it could make it long back to the Boise State tailgates where it enough to get to the tailgate.” became part of his legacy. Howell painted much of the Bronco For Howell’s family, restoring the Bron- himself, including Boise State logos and co gives his children and grandchildren other small details scattered throughout something tangible that connects them to the vehicle. Jacob said the imperfections the man who once drove it to games. were part of what made it memorable. Carl Augustus, Howell’s son-in-law, is That same personality carried into helping lead the restoration alongside his the stadium. wife, Cheryl Howell. During Boise State games in the late “It represents home,” Augustus said. “It’s 1990s and early 2000s, tortillas occasionthe connection that everybody who has ally became part of the crowd antics, with been a fan for a while tends to associate as fans tossing them from the stands toward just a classic part of being from the valley.” the field. Howell joined in, and Jacob reAugustus said the family plans to strip members his uncle managing to send one the Bronco down to its frame, replace all the way to midfield. major mechanical components and recSome of his strongest childhood memoreate the original paint scheme as closely ries came from attending games with Troy, as possible. his father and their friends, then spending The Bronco tradition began more than time around the tailgate before kickoff. two decades ago with Howell and his longToday, Jacob works for Boise State Athtime friends Ricky Tollis and Richie Hill. letics, giving him another connection to the Tollis already owned a Ford Bronco university his uncle spent years supporting. when he came up with the idea to decorate After Troy’s death, the Bronco eventhe vehicle, turning it into the aptly named tually left the Howell family. Over the “Bronco Bronco.” He brought the idea to next decade, it changed hands and spent One new addition will connect the Howell and Hill, eventually inspiring seven years with Boise State University be- Bronco directly to the place it once visited Howell’s own Boise State-themed Bronco. fore Cheryl located it and brought it back on Saturdays. “I called Richie and Troy and told them into the family. After Boise State replaced the blue turf that I wanted to do it with my Bronco beBy then, years of sitting had taken a at Albertsons Stadium, the family received cause I had the Bronco for several years,” toll. Augustus said the interior has been a 5-foot-by-5-foot piece. Augustus plans to Tollis said. removed, the engine is being replaced and use it as carpet in the rear of the Bronco. They arrived early for home games, cook- the electrical system still needs work. He The project has also created a way ing marinated tri-tip and spending hours estimates the cost of the full restoration for younger members of the family to with friends before kickoff. The Broncos could approach $20,000. learn about Troy. eventually became as much a part of the The family plans to preserve Troy’s origiAugustus said his 8-year-old son already gathering as the food. nal design rather than modernize it. knows the Boise State call-and-response “We’ll redo the paint job, but it’ll be the and refers to Howell as “Papa Troy.” He is exact same design,” Augustus said.

now old enough to start helping with parts of the restoration. The family hopes the finished Bronco will return to Boise State tailgates, bringing it back to the place where Troy created many of the memories tied to it. Tollis also plans to restore his own Boise Statethemed Bronco. If both projects are completed, he already knows how he wants to celebrate. “We’ll have to park them nose to nose,” Tollis said, “and start forming the tailgating tradition again.”

SEPT. 25, 2026 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

SPORTS

BOISE STATE FOOTBALL'S TRADING CARDS HIT THE SHELVES FOR A FIFTH YEAR Emilia Rose Nowinski | Sports Reporter | Photo by Bryce Goldinger

s kids across the Treasure Valley “At the end of the day, we really pride ourhunt for this year’s must-have selves on the fact that for a lot of the athBronco Nation gear, many skip letes who sign cards with us, it’s the only past the t-shirts and reach for time they’re going to sign cards,” Chief Boise State football trading cards instead. Operating Officer Mike Walsh said. “For With each pack holding fourteen cards, a lot of the athletes we even make cards for, collectors have fourteen shots at pulling it may be the only trading card that will their favorite player. ever be made of them.” This season, Jacksons Food Stores enters Only a few Broncos have earned a spot its fifth consecutive year partnering with on multiple cards. Quarterback Maddux ONIT Athletic to sell Boise State football Madsen, edge rusher Jayden Virgin-Mortrading cards. gan, wide receiver Ben Ford, offensive line“What started as an exciting idea has man Roger Carreon, linebacker Jake Ripp grown into a five-year tradition that Bron- and tight end Austin Terry have each apco fans look forward to every football sea- peared on all five Boise State football sets. son,” Cory Jackson, president of Jacksons Each pack contains 14 cards comprising Food Stores, said in a press release. 10 base cards, one parallel card and three Jacksons’ partnership with ONIT Ath- insert cards. On average, one in 10 packs letic, a Boise-based print and marketing contains an authentic player autograph, accompany, marks the longest-running full- cording to Boise State. team collegiate trading card program in Throughout the season, fans can collect the country. up to 116 base cards, a blue and orange checkerboard design numbered out of 50,

SEPT. 25, 2026 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

and four new insert designs themed as pany before shifting towards sports collectGeneral Admission, Game Day, Dynamic ibles in 2021. Shift and Hype. The trading program began in 2022, This year’s collection features 114 stu- when Boise State representatives contacted dent-athletes and two traditions cards to Jacksons with the idea to trade out Bronco commemorate the 40th Anniversary of bobbleheads, which had become increasThe Blue and the completion of the North ingly harder to manufacture post-covid, End Zone Project. Six different styles of and replace them with Bronco football autograph cards throughout the set add trading cards. varying degrees of rarity, according to The idea became a reality as ONIT serBoise State. endipitously reached out to the athletic de“We pride ourselves in being locally partment with their mirrored idea. driven and nationally relevant,” Walsh After fate pulled the three companies tosaid. “We want the quality to resonate gether by one idea, the first set of trading with someone who’s a collector and really cards were sold in 2022 at Jacksons retailloves trading cards, but we also want the ers around the Treasure Valley. team-specific, market-driven opportunity “Everything’s taken a big step up from to collect your favorite team, your favorite 2022, 2023, 2024, even 2025, “ Walsh said. athletes, that is going to resonate with the “I think the 2026 set is the best one we’ve fan base of a given university or program.” put out yet, and I’ll tell you that the 2027 ONIT’s owners, Sheridan Hodson and set will be the best one we put out.” Chad McCloud, originally began as BoiWalsh noted the pride and urgency in se-based real-estate print marketing com- creating each card with quality, since every kid who buys a pack of cards, or every athlete who sees their card for the first time, connects with Boise State through that one deck of fourteen cards. “I remember walking into the locker room and all the trading cards for that season were spread out and available for the taking,” wide receiver Cam Bates said. “I looked around, saw mine, and grabbed it. I was surprised because the card featured a picture of me from my very first fall camp. It is still in my locker to this day.” Fans can purchase the trading cards for $12.99 at most Jacksons or ExtraMile by Jacksons locations throughout the Treasure Valley. “This partnership continues to create meaningful NIL opportunities for our student-athletes while giving our fans another way to celebrate and connect with this year’s team,” Director of Athletics Jeramiah Dickey said in a press release. “These cards have become a tradition, and we encourage every Bronco fan to stop by Jacksons, pick up a pack and be part of another exciting season.”

ENTERTAINMENT CROSSWORD Answers on page 3

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DOWN 1. Bronco football cards _______ a punch 2. A circus ring leader herds these, according to Moore 4. John is a master at this technique 5. PhotoGrid founder's fancy professor title 7. Protection policy for student alcohol consumption 8. Type of carving above French Doors 9. Type of fish that goes well with peanut butter 10. Grass lawns hog this 11. What Idaho can't afford to lose

ACROSS 3. A device to transfer passengers, formally 6. Truck backdoor and pregame party 12. This bill is big and _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 13. Portland Pride was this 14. Sire Gaines punched through this

ZODIAC

SUDOKU

LIBRA

SEPT.23 — OCT. 22 Finding balance and harmony amidst the overwhelming chaos will prove worthwhile. An idealistic future with blossoming relationships awaits you.

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