Independent Student voice of Boise State since 1933 Vol. 39, Issue 4
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OCT. 8, 2026
SOCIAL IMPACT CHALLENGE
NEW RECYCLING INITIATIVE TURNS THE BLUE TURF GREEN
Students tackle local issues
4 DIRE DORM CONDITIONS University prioritizes upgrades over upkeep
8 CAMPUS CHEF Executive Chef Roland impacts Boise State, one bite at a time
12 FIVE GAMES IN A look into the highs, lows and playoff hopes of Bronco football
16 VISIT US ONLINE:
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After each home football game, a group of student volunteers dedicate their evenings to picking up trash around the stadium, placing them into their respective bins. Event organizers tell The Arbiter the program helps students feel connected through beautifying their campus.
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NEWS NEWS@STUMEDIA.BOISESTATE.EDU | ARBITERONLINE.COM
STUDENTS TACKLE COMMUNITY ISSUES THROUGH SOCIAL IMPACT CHALLENGE THE SEVEN-WEEK PROGRAM ASKS STUDENTS TO PITCH SOLUTIONS AND CONTINUE IDEAS BEYOND THE COMPETITION Hailey Danner | News Reporter | Design by Makena Walker
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he university’s 2026 Social Impact challenge is bringing students together for seven weeks to develop solutions to real-world community problems. Launched in early September, the Social Impact Challenge is an annual pitch competition where students can team up or work independently to address community problems. Instead of pitching their own ideas, students are given a list of local issues such as housing shortages, food insecurity, healthcare and mental health, and are then challenged to develop solutions. Mike Stefancic, director of student success for the public service unit, said the challenge is not just about creating a business, but developing solutions students can use in the community. “This is our fourth year, and we’ve evolved it into an entry point for students to tackle real community challenges-not just business models,” Stefancic said. The winning project can receive up to $3,000 with $1,500 awarded initially and another $1,500 available after the project meets milestones. The prize money is funded by the Student Philanthropy Board and the Office of Community Engagement. Beyond the funding, Stefancic said students can receive coaching and mentorship through Venture College’s incubator program and may have the opportunity to pitch at the Idaho Entrepreneurship Challenge. Even though there’s only one winner, ideas of other participants still continue to grow. “There’s one official winner, but many students keep-going and some projects get picked up by nonprofits or continue with new partners,” Stefancic said.
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Colby Bond, a political science student with an emphasis in American government and public policy, participated in the challenge last year and continued working with his community partner even after his project did not win. His team proposed an AI tool designed to connect nonprofits with similar missions and needs to help organizations coordinate resources. For Bond, connecting with organizations outside the university was one of the most valuable parts of participating in the event. “Being able to connect with community partners is a huge deal,” Bond said. He said the challenge also gave him opportunities to test his ability to problem-solve and understand how communities function. Throughout the seven weeks, students work through design thinking, meet with
mentors and community partners, research In Boise, challenge participants have their issues, consider funding and eventu- worked with many organizations, includally build a pitch, according to Boise State. ing NAMI, The Idaho Foodbank, the Stefancic said the challenge connects campus food pantry, Full Circle Health, students with community partners to bet- Idaho Partners for Good as well as colleges ter understand the problems they are try- within Boise State that provide commuing to solve. nity support. “During the seven weeks, we meet once Bond first learned about the challenge a week on Fridays. [The students] en- through an email and initially planned to gage with communities, and see differ- participate for course credit. He ultimately ent perspectives. At the end, they pitch did not end up taking the course for credit, for five minutes in front of an audience,” but said the experience led to mentorship Stefancic said. and more opportunities with Idaho PartAccording to the Social Impact Chal- ners for Good. lenge’s judging criteria, students’ solutions “I firmly believe that we, as the youth, are evaluated on feasibility, sustainability, can fix these problems through coorditheir understanding of the community nation, through engagement,” Bond said. and systems involved and their potential “The more we step up, the more that we impact in Idaho. show we’re capable. I believe that we can find these solutions.”
STUDENT UNION RENOVATIONS RESHAPE DINING AND STUDY SPACES
NEWS
Sofia Davis | Reporter | Photos by Keara Antonelli
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tudents returning for fall semester Rochelle Criswell, assistant director of were met with major changes to the Student Union, emphasizes the new dining areas in the Student Union design is also focused on windows and Building. The areas surrounding lighting. In the retail dining room, the the restaurants have been almost complete- windows are larger with blue accents to ly renovated, with changes to paint, mate- draw attention to the outside world. The rials, walkways and seating arrangements. design team also incorporated wood eleThe retail dining room and Bronco ments to bring in a connection to nature. Lounge were created for students to eat “Nature is restorative. It has very restorand study directly after obtaining their ative properties, so the ability to bring the Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, Subway, su- outside in, without actually doing that, is shi or smoothies, according to Student beneficial,” Delong said. Union officials. Sophomore Anya Nayebi, who works at Brent Delong, director of the Student the Student Union information desk, said Union said many of the design decisions the biggest question she’s been receiving were made with functionality in mind. from students is about the lack of TVs now Many seating areas previously designed to in the dining areas. accommodate four people are now smaller “I kind of wish there was more orange banquettes that seat two students. and blue, because it is Boise State,” sophoThe amount of available seating re- more Jackson Sands said of the renovations, mained largely the same, though the de- “But it is still a better, more chill vibe.” sign team did place a few larger tables to Accents of orange and blue will continue encourage students to form study groups to be added into the space over the next and build community. few weeks, according to Chriswell. “Things were just wearing out from the “The far wall on the end of the retail dinhigh utilization of that space, ” Delong ing space is in the process of design, so that said, “Given the visibility of that space will bring in some of that ‘Boise State’ [col[Bronco Lounge], having it be on brand oring],” said Chriswell. and student centered is important to the Another common student complaint is a overall viability of the Student Union.” lack of outlets in certain areas of the retail
dining room. This too will be remedied “It’s more open, more room to study. It shortly, as lines of power and more outlets looks clean, it looks new, so it’s a good spot are set to be added into all areas of that to hang out and get food,” junior Zach space, allowing students to study for longer Jackson said. periods of time. Construction will continue over the “I’m missing the outlets in these booth next few weeks, with more outlets, lights areas, and I do miss the TVs as well,” said and paint being added as finishing touches graduate Andrew O’Brien. to the spaces. Though some students have questions “We haven’t received all our furniture yet, and complaints about the space, the over- so the students will continue to see change all consensus was that the space is lighter, in that space,” says Criswell. safer and more functional.
Ellie Johnson and Cici Orizoitti enjoying the new SUB cafeteria.
New window seating in the SUB.
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NEWS
CITY TAKES 'POSITIVE STEP' WITH DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION ENVELOPES Landon Myers | Reporter | Design by Zaccary Kimes
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new program aims to strength- the interaction might look a little different One of Leviton’s concerns with the proen communication between first or I need a little bit of extra time.’” gram is in regards to the broadness of ofresponders and those with disThe department said it received “a lot of ficer training and if law enforcement has abilities through the use of re- really good feedback” about the envelopes, a firm understanding of what the envequestable blue envelopes. according to Williams. From Sept. 12 to lope means. The Blue Envelope Program is a volun- Sept. 21, nearly 200 envelopes were disHowever, according to Williams, offitary initiative launched in collaboration tributed or requested. Within the first few cers are “well trained in how to respond between the City of Boise and the Boise Po- days, BPD saw over 80 email requests. to people’s cues for additional support.” lice Department (BPD) in early September. “We’re also trying to educate both police However, Leviton believes interactions beEach envelope holds a copy of the user’s officers and first responders around disabil- tween officers and people with disabilities license, registration and insurance. Partici- ity issues, so that it’s again a safer interac- must start before a tense traffic stop. pants can also indicate their disability and tion for everyone,” said Grush-Dale. “We all get to know each other better in preferred communication methods, such Mel Leviton, executive director of the non-stress environments. Not when there as an interpreter or a mobility aid, on the Idaho State Independent Living Council, is already a problem,” said Leviton. “I don’t outside of the envelope. It also provides shares that same sentiment about offi- think [traffic stops] are a good time for space for the individual’s name and emer- cer education. law enforcement or the general public or gency contact information. “People with disabilities are just as indi- anyone with disabilities to figure out who’s However the program is intended for vidual as anybody else. So what works for going to help them.” more than just the participants, according one person may not work for another perAn example of a non-stress environment, to Jen Grush-Dale, a member of the City son,” Leviton said. Williams said, is the annual All Abilities of Boise’s Cross Disability Task Force. “It’s not just about the driver. It can also be about the passengers,” Grush-Dale said. “If you have a deaf child in the car, they’re not going to hear [first responders] say, ‘You got to get out of the car now.’ Somebody needs to go to that child and help get them out of the car.” The task force is made up of a group of individuals with various disabilities who advise the city on parking, construction and events to ensure Boise is accessible. Anyone can request a blue envelope at several locations, including City Hall, an Ada County driver’s license office or online through the City of Boise Accessibility Program. The envelopes are not currently available at DMVs at this time. With the initiative already being piloted in 30 other states, BPD introduced the Blue Envelope Program after consulting the city’s Cross Disabilities Task Force to see if it was a “good fit” for Ada County. “Officers are expecting people to need to gather [license and registration] anyway when they get pulled over,” Haley Williams, BPD spokesperson, said. “They could give the blue envelope to the officer as a way to say, ‘Hey, I am hard of hearing, to indicate
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Welcome event in Ann Morrison Park which allows for face to face interactions between officers and individuals with disabilities. While Leviton has concerns, she believes in the program due to the disability community’s involvement. “When there’s a sincere effort to provide more information for safety, I think that’s definitely a positive step,” Leviton said. Individuals living outside Ada County can also request and receive blue envelopes, although only officers in the county have received training on how to recognize and use them. “We really just want people to feel understood and know that we’re taking the time to communicate with them in a way that works for them,” Williams said.
NEWS
PROPOSED DATA CENTER ON PUBLIC LAND RAISES ENERGY CONCERNS
BOISE RECEIVES HIGHEST GRADE FOR COLLEGE TOWN DRINKING WATER PURITY
Aidan Mattingly | News Editor | Design by Abby Herbert
Jack McElwee | News Reporter | Design by Makena Walker
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proposed data center south of tensive planning by Idaho Power to ensure oise is home to the cleanest wa“It’s a requirement by the EPA to disinfect Boise could build millions of we could serve the project safely and reliter out of college towns in a na- the water prior to human consumption,” square feet on federal public land ably without shifting costs to our existing tional survey. Chiaramonte said. “It’s our job to ensure and raises questions about elec- customers,” Berg wrote in a statement to Culligan Water analyzed pub- that this water is safe to drink, safe to do tricity demand, wildlife and the resources The Arbiter. licly available water quality data from col- whatever you want to once it’s delivered to needed to support another major technoloThe project’s location also raises ques- lege towns in all fifty states. Through an the system.” gy project in the Treasure Valley. tions about wildlife and existing uses of the A to F scale, Boise is one of four cities to Chiaramonte said filtration helps kill Rhea Data, a subsidiary of Nevada-based surrounding public land. receive an A+. cryptosporidium and giardia which are Arevia Power, proposed a roughly 4 milThe proposed site is near Blacks Creek Albuquerque, New Mexico, Blacksburg, parasites potentially fatal to infants and lion-square-foot data center near Blacks Reservoir and the Blacks Creek Bird Re- Virginia, and Durham, New Hampshire the elderly. Creek Reservoir and Interstate 84. The serve, an area used by numerous bird and were the only other cities to receive the surIn winter, Veolia delivers 20 million to project remains in the early stages of the wildlife species. vey’s highest score. The scores were based 25 million gallons of water per day, but Bureau of Land Management’s review pro“The Idaho High Desert can look kind of off the amounts of lead and forever chemi- that number balloons to 95 million gallons cess and has not been approved. barren, but it’s full of life, both flora and cals found in the water. during the summer. The proposal comes as the Treasure fauna,” Young said. Private company Veolia provides much Wyatt encouraged Boise residents to Valley experiences increased development Young said noise, construction, wa- of Boise’s drinking water supply and op- conserve water during the hotter months. from technology companies, including ter use and electricity demand should be erates several treatment facilities across “We just encourage, as people are conMeta’s data center in Kuna and Micron’s examined as part of the federal environ- Boise, Eagle and Meridian. Other major suming it, to be deliberate about who expansion in Boise. mental review. cities such as Chicago, New York and Los you’re consuming,” Wyatt said. “We live in “Any project like this on our public lands The project still faces a lengthy approval Angeles all receive their water from the the high desert environment. We need to should be really carefully analyzed,” Lisa process. BLM’s Four Rivers Field Office is city instead. be really mindful of how much we use and Young, director of the Sierra Club’s Idaho evaluating the application and potential efMadeline Wyatt, Veolia’s communica- how we use it.” Chapter said. “Especially a data center of fects on wildlife, recreation and other uses tions, community relations and conservaFrom river to faucets, the processes the this scale and the resources that it’s going of the surrounding land. tion manager, attributed Boise’s high letter water goes through all contribute to Boise’s to require from our communities, it’s realJarod Blades, field manager for BLM’s grade to the naturally pure water of the A+ water ranking. ly alarming.” Four Rivers Field Office, has said the agen- Boise River. How Rhea would receive enough elec- cy expects to issue a notice of intent around “In this section of the river, we’re very tricity to operate remains one of the major the end of 2026, formally beginning the fortunate to have really good water qualquestions surrounding the proposal. Pre- environmental review process and creating ity throughout the year,” Wyatt said. liminary plans include on-site natural gas opportunities for public input. “That really helps the treatability through generation, with proposals to connect the this plant.” project to Idaho Power. About 30% of Boise’s drinking water Young said the potential demand should comes from the Boise River, while the othbe considered alongside other large elecer 70% comes from wells. tricity users entering the region. When water enters Veolia’s plant, it un“We’re kind of already in this place with dergoes several stages of treatment to enexisting demands from these other big tech sure the water is rid of contaminants, sedifacilities,” Young said. “To add another ment, and harmful bacteria. one would put us over the edge.” Water travels through a filtration system Idaho Power Communications Specialthat removes leaves and other debris. It ist, Sven Berg,said the proposal is still too then passes through a large tank filled with preliminary to determine what infrastrucgrains of a material called anthracite to reture upgrades would be necessary. Rhea is move any sediment. Finally, a small dose not currently included in Idaho Power’s of chlorine is injected to kill any germs or system load forecast. bacteria that may have survived the process. “Any project of this size and scope would Veolia production supervisor Mark Chirequire review and approval by the Idaho aramonte said adding a small dose of chloPublic Utilities Commission, as well as ex- Proposed location of Rhea data center shown rine is necessary. in red
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OPINION OPINION@STUMEDIA.BOISESTATE.EDU | ARBITERONLINE.COM
FUTURE BED SHORTAGE HIGHLIGHTS NEED TO PRIORITIZE EXISTING HOUSING April Campos | Opinion Editor | Design by Bella Murillo
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reating a second degree burn The university’s new plan to expand as well as possible mold. We are constantdemands the utmost care and housing requires Boise State to pay atten- ly checking in to make sure that if there’s attention. The way that you tion and prioritize current residential con- something wrong we can address it soon.” treat the wound determines its cerns with the quality and maintenance of Anguiano-Cisneros says. healing time and potential long lasting existing dorms before the university begins Students should not have to stay in unrisk of infection. Prioritizing healthy tis- planning toward the future. The lack of safe or unsanitary conditions. As of 2026 sue expansion before proper cleaning can working air conditioning in Kieser, proper fire sprinkler systems in Chaffee Hall, for result in greater damage and long-term shower drains in Chaffee and broken vac- example, are only available in one wing of complications. uums in Syringa raise concerns about the the building according to Boise State’s AnComparably, on-campus housing de- priorities of future housing construction. nual Security and Fire Safety Report. mands continual renovations to continue Joanna Anguiano-Cisneros, a resident There is no reason that basic safety measerving college students. Ignoring student assistant at Towers and a representative sures such as fire prevention is not found concerns by creating superficial efforts to for the Associated Students of Boise State in “A” wing especially when flammable mask these problems effectively places a University (ASBSU), says that it’s not out items such as microwaves, dryers and open band-aid on top of a burn wound. of the ordinary for residents to express con- cords are present and part of everyday The university’s 10 year master plan is set cerns with dorm qualities. student use. to be complete by 2034 with new renew“When it’s move-in time, a lot of conJazlyne Martinez, a first year student als and renovations coming to classrooms, cerns are air conditioning, lack of hot water living in Chaffee Hall, says she’s noticed student dormitories and buildings. The plan was made after the university identified space deficits as the university continues to grow exponentially in the next 10 years. With a massive expected increase in first year students, the university has reported a shortfall of 750 beds by 2033. Campus Operations is now facing problems addressing the shortfall of beds due to space deficits, financial constraints and infrastructure restriction. Associate Vice President for Campus Operations, Drew Alexander, explained that the possibility of adding to existing dormitories or building new locations are concepts that the university would be open to consider in the future once other constraints are addressed. “The driver for us in the plan is to be as pragmatic as we can,” Alexander explains. “We felt it was important to have that in the concepts, just to keep it as an open conversation. But it would not be something that would happen independent of a broader strategy…”
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a lack of attention to maintenance in her dorm this semester. “The sinks get gross, to the point where they clog up,” Martinez said. “[The university] put a lot of money into making new halls but not enough money ensuring that parts of old buildings are standard and safe.” Martinez explained that cleaning in the women’s restroom was sparse and some issues take a long time before they are properly addressed. Right next door, Keiser has also been experiencing difficulties. When students arrived on move-in day, they were informed that air-conditioning units in the hallways, kitchen, lobby and common room areas were not working.
OPINION
Residents have still yet to receive any updates about fixing this problem. As temperatures moved close to the triple digits in August, residents like Carly Bonser had to find other ways to beat the heat. “It wasn’t great walking in from class and having it be hotter inside than outside,” Bonser said. “I have bought three fans to put in my room…I’ve had to move to different areas of my dorm or the hallways to cool down.” The university cannot expect anybody paying thousands of dollars every year to live in these conditions. Traditional on-campus dormitories have not been the only student resident locations experiencing maintenance issues. Resident at University Square Garnet apartments, Brooke Brown, told The Arbiter about an incident in which the toilet in her room started to rapidly overflow. “We were having to take a bowl and scoop the water out of the toilet and into the bathtub,” she said. Brown and her roommate made multiple calls to the resident assistants before they finally went to check their room. According to her, maintenance for their toilet was never received and they had to figure out how to stop the flooding toilet alone. “I’m spending so much on housing but they couldn’t even do the bare minimum.” Brown said. Drew Alexander explained that maintenance done in traditional dormitories every couple of years to ensure the quality of housing stays the same. “We’re currently doing some modernization work in a number of facilities. I know there’s new galvanized piping, for example, going into Chaffee Hall,” Alexander said. “A lot of renewal and upgrades that you see at housing facilities are for fit and finish type things.” The issues highlighted by students are not isolated incidents. It’s clear that fit and finish renovations have not been enough. It’s hard to believe that any member of faculty at Boise State would be comfortable living in places without fire sprinklers, working air conditioning, clogging shower
GUEST OPINION: MEEMAW PAID A NICKEL, I PAID A KIDNEY
drains or flooding toilets so why must students endure these conditions? Upkeep must be more frequent and students should have access to quicker Ethan Jensen | Contributor maintenance. Until the university starts Ethan Jensen is a junior studying interto pay attention to pending student needs, national business. we cannot expect better qualities in new e’ve all had that charming dorms or additional wings. talk with Meemaw and Gampa over Thanksgiving, where their responses can be predictably simplified to one of three answers: “Back when I was in college…, Your generation has no work ethic,” and my personal favorite, “Just get another job.” All three repeat until you’re praying for Uncle Louis to either drop dead or say something radically political just to stop talking about your college struggles, so help you God. But there’s something your roadblocks to a healthy inheritance have failed to notice over their many years of economic boom: the economy has changed. Back in 1932, when Boise State first opened its doors, a semester’s tuition here cost $60, the modern equivalent of $1,467. For a year, that’s roughly $2,934 in today’s dollars. Today, annual in-state tuition and fees are around $9,789. Essentially, tuition has risen approximately 234% beyond inflation for in-state students alone. And despite what your twice divorced, high school dropout dad tells you, college does matter. Graduates with a bachelor’s degree earn substantially more than those with only a high school diploma. Those same individuals also experience greater socioeconomic security, marital and family stability and overall happier, healthier life. On a national scale, those advantages are associated with lower poverty, lower crime and a healthier economy. So why is something so beneficial to both the individual and society so inaccessible and unaffordable to the average Joe? I mean, we could just stop spending on Starbucks and Fortnite V-Bucks, but even if we listened to that sprightly advice from someone who bought their now-two-million-dollar house for five apples, a baseball card and whatever the hell an ottoman is,
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the math still wouldn’t work no matter how many crayons you used. And quite frankly, we shouldn’t need to live on rice and chicken just to have a healthy, educated and fruitful life. College shouldn’t only be for the kids of rich people and no one should be in a lifetime of debt for something as simple as a good education. Now, this is a problem. How are we somehow quaking at the mere idea of the government providing for its citizens because someone cries “socialism” yet we have no issue giving housing, healthcare and education benefits to our military? We get that education is a hallmark of a thriving country, but apparently to get a dime I need to spend two tours to help Scrooge McDuck get a Benjamin. Higher education is necessary to a thriving society. Its benefits can make citizens wealthier, healthier and more stable, and those benefits don’t end with the person holding the diploma. So perhaps instead of asking students why they can’t afford college, we should start asking why we’ve made something so valuable so difficult to afford in the first place.
The Arbiter welcomes guest opinions on issues relevant to the Boise State community. Submissions are subject to editing for clarity, length and style. Guest opinions must be 430 words or less. Guest opinions represent the views of the author and do not reflect those of The Arbiter. Responsibility for the accuracy of claims rests with the author. To submit, email opinion@stumedia. boisestate.edu
OCT. 8, 2026 | ARBITERONLINE.COM
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FROM PITCHES TO PARTNERSHIPS, BOISE ENTREPRENEUR WEEK MARKS 10 YEARS OF GROWTH Aidan Mattingly | News Editor | Photos by Aidan Mattingly
Ten years after Boise entrepreneurs first gathered for what was then called Boise Startup Week, the event now known as Entrepreneur Week has grown from a place for founders to pitch ideas into a weeklong gathering connecting entrepreneurs, students, investors and business leaders. The event consists of competitions, workshops and networking opportunities. The 2026 event marks its 10th anniversary with 80 events across 15 tracks, which group workshops, panels and competitions into specific areas of entrepreneurship, such as technology, art and business growth. There are over 100 speakers and more than $100,000 in cash prizes across six pitch competitions. In only five years, the event has brought more than 15,000 attendees and awarded nearly $1.2 million in early stage capital to Idaho startups. This year’s schedule divided the week by different stages and areas of entrepreneurship. Tuesday focused on founders and local entrepreneurs, Wednesday shifted toward technology and innovation and Thursday centered on capital and scaling businesses, ending with Friday’s focus on youth entrepreneurship. Cory Ramsay, owner of Pasidia Farms, said Entrepreneur Week offered him a chance to put his business in front of investors and business leaders who could help it grow. Ramsay operates a USDA certified organic mushroom farm in Boise producing functional mushroom tinctures. He participated in Tuesday’s Military Pitch Competition, one of several competitions held throughout the week.
“Most businesses fail after like six months, right? We’re almost two years old,” Ramsay said. “We’re still here. We’re doing it and being taken more seriously too.” Pasidia Farms sells through Amazon and several Treasure Valley retailers, but Ramsay hopes to eventually move into larger stores. Beyond potential prize money, getting his product in front of the right people was one of the benefits of participating. “Most businesses fail after like six months, right? So we’re almost two years old,” Ramsay said. “We’re still here. We’re doing it. We’re growing.” More than one pitch competition The week’s largest contest, the Main Pitch Competition, began well before Entrepreneur Week. Six finalists advanced from a record 43 applicants following a semifinal round in August and will compete for a $50,000 grand prize. Additional awards attached to the Main Pitch Competition include two $5,000 sponsored awards and a $1,000 health-focused award. An Audience Choice Award was also added this year. However, the money awarded throughout Entrepreneur Week does not come from one competition or go to one winner. Other competitions target entrepreneurs at different stages or in different industries. The Military Pitch Competition offered $10,000 in total funding to veteran and military-connected entrepreneurs. Wednesday’s Trailmix competition put seven Idaho food and beverage companies against one another for $25,000 in total prizes. Its grand-prize winner receives $20,000 and an opportunity to place products on shelves at the Broadway Albertsons and Boise Co-op.
Boise Pitch Night gives early-stage “Honestly, it’s overwhelming,” Van Sant find the same community for those interThe week closed Friday with a focus founders another opportunity to pitch said. “It’s a lot to take on a business, and ested in sports. on high school entrepreneurs. The Youth before an audience, while the Youth Inno- to think through all the steps from not just “I really felt like there was no one track Track included a founder keynote, civic vation Challenge will award $3,000 to its coming up with the idea, but then validat- for people that came out of my industry, so entrepreneurship panel and the Youth Inwinning high school team and $1,000 to ing the idea.” I wanted to fill that gap,” Barber said. novation Challenge, which offered $3,000 the team’s school. Video submissions for The Junction was created to bring Boise The track approached sports entrepre- to aspiring high school entrepreneurs and the challenge are due Nov. 13. State’s previously scattered entrepreneur- neurship from several perspectives, includ- $1,000 to their schools. For Ramsay, competing was one part ship programs into one place, giving stu- ing business owners in sports, Boise State Van Sant said college can be an ideal of a larger week built around getting en- dents a clearer path for developing an idea. staff working with athletes and student-ath- time for students to explore entrepreneurtrepreneurs into the same spaces as people This year, Boise State’s involvement also letes navigating new NIL opportunities. ship because they have fewer risks and acwith resources, experience and potential helped Entrepreneur Week move into a Those conversations have become more cess to support. connections. new industry. relevant as NIL opportunities give college “You’re going to have the least amount of “Networking is a good way to bypass [reSports gets its own track athletes greater responsibility for managing risk at that time,” Van Sant said. “We have tail middlemen], and get your product in The changing business of college athlet- their brands and finances. Willie Wright, these services here and these programs and front of the right people,” Ramsay said. ics became part of Entrepreneur Week for assistant director of student-athlete devel- the community.” Boise State’s role expands the first time with the introduction of the opment for BroncoLife, said Boise State For students who eventually want to Boise State sponsors Entrepreneur Week, Sports Track. Boise State sponsored the provides athletes with financial education, turn an idea into a business, Van Sant said with faculty, students and university pro- track, with university athletics staff and career preparation and personal branding. college gives them an opportunity to start grams participating in events through- student-athletes participating in panels “Being able to work on that brand earlier, building those connections before they enout the week. and discussions about the business side of so once [student athletes] get to the next ter the workforce. “There are community leaders, there’s college sports. level, whether [they’re] playing sports or “This is the time to take advantage of all CEOs, there’s entrepreneurs, lots of netSessions explored athlete branding, whatever that looks like for [them], [they] the resources around you,” Van Sant said. working opportunities,” said Cara Van name, image and likeness (NIL) opportu- can keep the ball rolling,” Wright said. The week is expected to return for its Sant, director of Boise State’s Venture Col- nities, financial education, career developBarber said she hopes the track eventual- 11th year in 2027, though dates for the lege. She pointed to the week’s networking ment and entrepreneurship. Topics such as ly helps connect Boise’s existing sports and next Boise Entrepreneur Week have not yet hour as one opportunity for students to in- NIL allow student-athletes to earn profit entrepreneurial communities. been announced. troduce themselves and make connections. from sponsorships, endorsements and their “The vision that we created for the sports Those connections can continue after personal brand. track is to be a nationwide model for sports Entrepreneur Week through programs inGianna Barber, a Boise State graduate entrepreneurship,” Barber said. cluding Venture College and The Junction, student who helped organize the track, helping students and other entrepreneurs said the idea came from a gap she noticed develop ideas into businesses. while attending Entrepreneur Week herself. Van Sant describes The Junction as a “Honestly, at first it was a very big pas“front door to community,” connecting en- sion project of mine,” Barber said. “I trepreneurs with mentorship, pitch coach- am someone who loves sports, wants to ing, business incubators and help with test- work in sports one day, either college or ing their ideas. professional.” She said one of the largest barriers for Previous programming created space for students is figuring out what comes after startups, small businesses, technology and the original idea. other industries, but Barber struggled to
CULTURE CULTURE@STUMEDIA.BOISESTATE.EDU | ARBITERONLINE.COM
CHEF ROLAND CRUZ IMPACTS BOISE STATE ONE BITE AT A TIME Savannah Rae Sanchez | Reporter | Illustration by Mia Strand
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eet the chef behind Boise State Dining: Senior Campus Executive Chef Roland Cruz, who has worked at Boise State University for 10 years. Whether you’ve seen Cruz’s face recently at the Boise State football game, at Buster’s Kitchen or Southfork, he creates a welcoming environment for students and fellow kitchen employees. From washing dishes to restaurant management, Cruz moved onto training roles before eventually landing a job at Boise State. “I’ve been doing restaurants all my life, a little over 35 years now,” Cruz said. “I started washing dishes somewhere and one day one of the cooks didn’t show up. That was kind of the basic progression of it.” His father, Roland Cruz Sr., served in the Air Force, causing his family to move around between military bases. Whenever his parents made friends at the base, they invited them over to try food. Cruz mentioned that many of those friends had never been to Guam or experienced its food before, sparking his interest in cooking. “All the stuff that they were getting was new. That was really where I started to get interested in cooking,” Cruz said. By four or five years old, Cruz even helped his dad light the gas grill at home and make rice. His mom, Lourdes “Lou” Cruz, also became an essential part of his career and still implements that in the way he reminds students of home with his food. “She had a stroke, and so she couldn’t move the left side of her body, and so at that point she was always the cook for us, and then I just slid right into that,” he said. Recreating the flavors his mother made for him as a child gave him the motivation to help students to cook for themselves.
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“A lot of students are here [from] out of town. Their first time away from home. With the teaching kitchens, I try to teach them to lose that intimidation,” Cruz explained. He creates a safe environment in teaching students how to do simple tasks such as cutting an onion which he did last year during the first teaching kitchen. However, beyond cooking and teaching basic skills, Cruz sees food as a way to reconnect people with memories of home. “They’re all kind of intertwined. When somebody eats something and they’re like, ‘Oh wow, I haven’t had that in a long time,’or ‘Man, I didn’t know that you could make that,’ [it means a lot to me].” Cruz said. Two international members from the Korean Club complimented him for the food that he made, which they described as tasting similar to their mom’s food. Cruz’s kids even critique a variety of dishes he makes, offering their opinions on the food he puts in front of them and creating shared moments of joy. “Lately the thing that they would do is they would come home and they would try to guess what it is from the front door,” he said. For Chef Appreciation Week, Cruz made a Filipino dish inspired by his home-country, Guam, that reminded him of a memory of concrete houses with tin roofs and typhoons strong enough to blow the roofs off. When typhoons would hit, Cruz’s family would go to his aunt’s house because she lived with a concrete roof over her head. Using the outside kitchen with a propane tank brought the group of 15 to 20 people awaiting the storm a dish called braised chicken that Roland remembers to this day.
Laughter filled his aunt’s home, and his family would play cards and enjoy the food in front of them. He makes his own version of the dish that he calls “burnt meat,” with a sweet flavor and an Asian twist. “But I do it in an hour and a half, and I love it,” Cruz said. “I eat it, and it’s something my mom always made, and
everybody always commented on, and it’s my favorite.” The central theme of food surrounds human connection, from the braised chicken that inspired him in Guam to recreate to braised “burnt meat” to teaching students the proper way to cut an onion. Individuals in his life taught him, and now he impacts all with his dishes and guidance in cooking.
CULTURE
THE BLUE TURF TURNS GREEN AS RECYCLING INITIATIVE SWEEPS THE STADIUM Cole McAdams | Culture Reporter | Photos by Scout Hoots
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wo cans stand in front of you: going and taking stuff out of the trash a blue bin and a green bin. A and putting it in the recycling — that was common misconception is that pretty cool.” the green bin is for recycling, acAfter the game ended, students spread cording to Jennifer Ellis, the environmen- out across Albertsons Stadium with gloves, tal compliance and sustainability manager trash bags and trash pickers provided by for the Office of Sustainability. the Office of Sustainability, breaking a To dissipate recycling misconceptions, sweat as they flexed their recycling prowess. Boise State’s newest program calls on stu“Everyone filed out and then we went row dent volunteers to go green, use blue bins after row, just beer cans and water bottles and recycle at home football games. Two everywhere on the floor,” Wolf said. “We departments, the Office of Sustainability started picking up cans, dumping out liqand the Division of Finance and Oper- uids and we got through one section of the ations, work together to bring the Green stadium after two and a half hours.” Games program to life. Turning a university past-time into a “Green Games gives Boise State students chance for change, Ellis said student voland community members a hands-on unteers seeing firsthand the amount of way to support sustainability at football cans and bottles left by thousands of peers games,” Ellis said. and community members is crucial to During the Broncos’ football game teaching basic waste management. against Memphis, student volunteers were “[Football games are] a visible opportubehind the scenes sorting through trash nity to practice those principles,” Ellis said. and spotting recyclable materials at the “We know that large events can generate a Bronco Bash event put on by the Alumni significant amount of waste, and we want and Friends Center. to better understand what is happening in “People don’t know, ‘What do I recycle? those environments to identify opportuniWhat do I throw in the trash?’,” said En- ties to improve our processes.” vironmental Science major Chandler Wolf, During a students’ volunteer time, waste a Green Games volunteer. “We were just is emptied of any contents and thrown away
into bags. Volunteers dump the bag and The Office of Sustainability’s mighty commingle the recyclables in the dumpster, team of two, Ellis and Sustainability Dilearning the various rules on how various rector Amy Parrish, couldn’t pull this off recyclables are repurposed once it’s sent to without student volunteers. Over the four a Material Recovery Facility. basketball-focused Green Games starting “In the realm of possibilities in the world, earlier this year, 43 students volunteered. everything is recyclable,” Ellis stated. “... “I genuinely like cleaning up the envirecycling is localized — if you can’t af- ronment,” Wolf emphasized. “Going forford to collect, sort or sell it, then it’s not ward, I’m definitely going to be self-aware recyclable.” about [recycling], to do my part for the The program encourages the community environment.” to be proactive in understanding small-gesStudents can volunteer for the Green tures of throwing a coffee cup or cardboard Games at every home football game, box in the right bin. with start-times and meet-up locations “[Students] want to beautify their cam- varying depending by game. To register, pus. It’s a circular feeling and effect,” Ellis students must use Campus Groups to resaid. “They really like to see the weight of serve their spot. the items that we’ve collected before we “Every opportunity we can put waste in put them properly in the dumpster — they the right place… is always important,” Ellove seeing that number.” lis said. That’s a plus for Boise State and it’s a plus for the City of Boise.”
Student volunteers pick up discarded trash left behind in lower-bowl seats after the Sept. 12, 2026 Memphis football game.
Student volunteers empty and recycle plastic bottles and cans left behind after the Sept. 12, 2026 Memphis football game.
OCT. 8, 2026 | ARBITERONLINE.COM
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10 BOISE-AREA EVENTS TO GET YOU IN THE HALLOWEEN SPIRIT Phoenix Willard | Reporter | Illustration by Mia Strand
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he City of Trees is painted yel- Fast pass and “skip-the-line” tickets are low and orange as pumpkin available at higher prices. spice stocks the shelves and creepy crawlies make their way Boo at the Zoo out of the shadows. As autumn approaches, Animal lovers should make their way to Boise has plenty of fall-themed and Hal- Zoo Boise for Boo at the Zoo, a fun halloween events right around the corner. loween themed event on Oct. 24-25 from From haunted houses to harvest fests, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Only a short walk from here are ten autumnal events to mark on campus, this event features trick or treat your calendar. stations, costume contests, face painting and vendors.Typical zoo admission prices Lowe’s Family Farmstead apply, with tickets available for $15. Lowe’s Family Farmstead in Kuna is the place to go for fall festivities. A 30-minute JUMP-or-treat drive from campus, the farmstead features At JUMP Park in downtown Boise, cosa pumpkin patch, corn maze and a wide va- tumes are encouraged as you explore the riety of food options for a packed evening halloween-themed inflatable forest. This of autumnal adventures. With 178 acres to free event is on Oct. 24 from 5 p.m. - 8 explore, you can easily spend an entire eve- p.m., and local nonprofit organizations ning at the farmstead without running out will be stationed around the forest, offerof things to do. There are over 55 different ing treats to all who attend. varieties of pumpkins and gourds available pre-picked, or you can venture into the The Shrining pumpkin patch to pick your own. Lowe’s On Halloween, Shrine Social Club in Family Farmstead is open through Oct. 31, downtown Boise opens their doors at 5 with ticket pricing ranging from $21.99 to p.m. for their fourth annual Halloween $24.99 and discounted options available party. The event features a variety of peron weekdays. formances with Liverpool band, Big Sis, headlining. Along with live music, the Haunted World Shrine offers flash tattoos and plans to host If you’re looking to spend your night a costume contest. Tickets for this all-ages somewhere a little spookier, Haunted event are $26.20. World is the spot for you. Idaho’s largest indoor and outdoor haunted attraction is Spooky Movie Night a 30-minute drive from campus and ofMark your calendars movie lovers for fers over 40 acres of activities to explore. a showing of the Halloween classic, The As you make your way through Gristle’s Nightmare Before Christmas, on Oct. 9 at Forest, you’ll encounter frightening scenes dusk. The movie is free to attend and open in the Blood Gulch Bayou, Circus Bizza- to all ages, with attendees encouraged to ro, Earl’s Saw Shop and more. For those bring snacks, blankets and lawn chairs. It wanting a more typical haunted house ex- is located at Bernie Fisher Park in Kuna, a perience, there is also a haunted hotel asy- 30-minute drive from campus. lum-themed attraction that takes around 15 minutes to walk through. Haunted Fright Nights World is open through October 31. WeekThe Old Idaho Penitentiary opens their day tickets are available for $33, Friday doors on Oct. 30 for all ages and Oct. 31 tickets are available for $36 and Saturday for audiences 18 and up. There will be tickets are available for $40, with a dis- food trucks, live performances and phocounted price of $36 on Halloween night. to ops. History lovers can enjoy hallow-
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een-themed history performances and Idaho’s only haunted cell house. Tickets are $30 and tours of the historic prison are available as add-ons throughout the night.
spotting scarecrows, visitors are encouraged to explore the gardens to experience seasonal blooms. QR codes will be posted around the gardens so visitors can vote for their favorite scarecrow. The Botanical Gardens offer $13 student tickets and free admission to Botanical Gardens members.
Pumpkin Palooza Just over 20 minutes from campus, Pumpkin Palooza is open through Oct. 31. With an admission fee of $5, Pumpkin Idaho Horror 48-Hour Film Festival Palooza has a variety of attractions like Teams of Idaho filmmakers were chaltractor rides, axe throwing, a petting zoo, lenged to write, pre-produce, cast, shoot a mechanical bull and carnival games. The and edit a short horror film in 48 hours. attractions take 1-3 tickets, with each tick- On Oct. 17 at 4 p.m., the completed films et priced at $1 and discounted prices are will be screened at The Egyptian Theater available for purchasing 20 or 50 tickets. with tickets available for $11.10. 10 awards are given out after the film screening, inScarecrow Stroll cluding best actress/actor, best scream and Only a 15-minute drive from cam- best costume. Audience members will also pus, the Boise Botanical Gardens display have the chance to vote for the Audience hand-crafted scarecrows designed by lo- Choice award. cal artists up through Nov. 2. Along with
ASL CLUB ENCOURAGES STUDENTS TO FIND COMMUNITY THROUGH SIGN
CULTURE
Vivian Navarro Cortes | Culture Editor | Design by Makena Walker
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nowing how to sign is never a That support can be offered in various fort is what mattered, and this has stuck requirement to be able to walk ways. Holdeman mentioned that deep with her until this day. into an American Sign Lan- thought goes into curating and planning “It’s just a big support group that just guage (ASL) Club meeting at events that are suitable and appropriate for encourages each other to learn and grow,” Boise State. In fact, Evelyn Cornwell, vice the community they are advocating for. Cornwell said. president of the ASL Club, is thrilled and “We might do like an escape room enHoldeman had said the club’s impact ready to welcome those without any sign tirely in ASL,” Holdeman explained. “And has extended beyond campus for her. language experience at all. then we’re debriefing afterwards about, Last December, the ASL Club partic“We encourage people who know noth- if a deaf person was doing this escape ipated in “Signing Santa,” a community ing to come to this club because all of our room, how is it accessible and how is it not event where deaf and hard-of-hearing students are so excited and so passionate accessible?” children could communicate with a Santa about the language that they just want to Other events are less structured. The who knew ASL. share what they’ve learned,” said Corn- club has run events where students can “It was something I hadn’t thought about well. “We’re trying to build a community play video games, decorate cookies for before taking ASL or being exposed to that is curious and wants to learn about Valentine’s Day or even play bingo while the Deaf community,” Holdeman said. something that is so incredibly wonderful learning a bit of ASL. “Some kids have never gotten the chance to that is not really taught about in mainCasual events such as a bingo night pro- talk to Santa.” stream schools.” vide students the chance to immerse themHoldeman mentioned one child in parKatelyn Holdeman, president of the selves in the language and culture regard- ticular stuck with her. ASL Club, said that the club works along- less of their skill level. Although the child seemed closed off side Boise State’s ASL program by allowing At one bingo night, a student approached and withdrawn at first so Holdeman began students the opportunity to practice their Cornwell after the event and began sign- by asking him his favorite color. He told skills outside the classroom. ing with her. The student was able to tell her it was green and from there, he began Students who are enrolled in Boise Cornwell that she was deaf and learning to open up with her. State’s ASL courses are required to com- sign language for the first time. “Seeing that connection of just bridging plete at least five hours of practice outside “‘This was so much fun,’” Cornwell said, the gap between languages and really being of regular lab times each semester. The recalling what the student told her. “‘I ap- able to communicate with people,” HoldASL Club events can count towards those preciate how accessible you guys are and eman said. “Just bringing a little joy to hours, providing students a place to prac- just how open you are to everybody on all someone’s day — that just melts my heart.” tice while being able to interact with others. different levels.’” The club officers hope interactions such “We’re supporting the ASL program that The student apologized for signing slow- as these can bring visibility to Deaf comwe have at Boise State,” Holdeman said. ly, but Cornwell reassured her that her ef- munity on campus.
Cornwell mentioned that she asks many students to list how many deaf celebrities they can name. Most, she said, can’t think of more than one. “Our goal is to provide visibility to Deaf culture and the Deaf community,” Cornwell said. “Not only are we acting as kind of a voice for them, but we are acting as an educative tool for students who are already learning about it or who are just curious about it.” Holdeman hopes the club continues to strengthen its relationship with Boise’s larger Deaf community and make learning ASL more accessible to those that are curious about it. For the club’s officers, that begins with curating the space where people can feel comfortable walking into one of their events with curiosity and willingness to learn. Williams emphasizes that curiosity has evolved into an appreciation for the community he has come to know deeply each semester. “Every semester that I’ve gone through them, I’ve just started to love, over time, more and more of the Deaf culture,” Williams said. “It’s a phenomenal culture to learn.”
OCT. 8, 2026 | ARBITERONLINE.COM
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SPORTS SPORTS@STUMEDIA.BOISESTATE.EDU | ARBITERONLINE.COM
FIVE GAMES IN, BOISE STATE FOOTBALL HAS ITS EYES ON ANOTHER PLAYOFF RUN Jake Zamora | Sports Editor | Photos by Keara Antonelli, Scout Hoots and Bryce Goldinger
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ive games into the 2026 season, Dakota 38-24, Western Michigan 32-7 Madsen has looked increasingly com- “He’s phenomenal in every way… He’s a Boise State has put itself in a fa- and Utah State 37-18. fortable in his final season with the Broncos. huge, explosive beast for us and teams miliar position. The team’s most notable defensive perThe fifth year signal-caller has thrown have to respect him no matter what situAfter opening the season with formance came against Western Michigan, for more than 1,000 yards without com- ation we’re in.” a seven-point loss to then-No. 2 Oregon, holding them to just 223 yards of total of- mitting a turnover, giving Boise State True freshman receiver Rasean Jones has Boise State has rattled off four straight vic- fense and one touchdown. consistency and security at the quarter- also emerged as one of Madsen’s top targets. tories, including two statement wins over The defense followed with six sacks back position. The former Rocky Mountain High fellow Group of Six playoff contenders against Utah State, and a pick-six from Against Utah State, Madsen complet- School all-state athlete leads Boise State in Memphis and Western Michigan. linebacker Jake Ripp. ed 17 of 21 passes for 244 yards and two receiving yards with 359, quickly establishWith the first month of the season in Up to this point, the Broncos have touchdowns while adding 42 yards on ing himself as a reliable big-play threat. the rearview mirror, the Broncos have es- proved to be a multi-faceted team. the ground. “He’s the most poised human being I’ve tablished themselves as the strongest team Quarterback Maddux Madsen and runMeanwhile, Riley leads the nation with ever met,” Madsen said of Jones after the in the Pac-12 and are the clear frontrun- ning back Dylan Riley have led the offense, 685 rushing yards through five games, loss to Oregon. “His personality, he’s going ners for the G6 bid in the College Football while the defense has continued to find after a productive freshman and sopho- to continue to go work, work, work, and Playoff after landing at No. 23 in the week ways to create turnovers and make big stops. more campaign. that’s why he has success.” six AP Poll. That balance could prove to be one of the His 138-yard performance against Westteam’s biggest strengths down the stretch. ern Michigan and 93-yard, two-touch- The bad: The good: down outing against Utah State have Despite four straight wins, Boise State is Boise State responded to its season-open- The offense: shown exactly what the Broncos hoped far from a perfect football team. ing loss with four straight wins. Through five games, Boise State’s offen- they would get out of their backfield enterThe Bronco defense has surrendered 14 After falling 34-27 to Oregon, Boise sive attack has largely run through its vet- ing this season. plays of 40 or more yards through five State took down Memphis 38-20, South eran quarterback and explosive tailback. “I think Dylan, he’s the best back in the games while allowing 20.6 points and country,” tight end Matt Wagner said. 372.6 yards per game.
Maddux Madsen talks to his offense before the game against South Dakota on Saturday, Sept. 19 2026. Photo by Bryce Goldinger
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Boise State tight end Matt Wagner pushes through Utah State defenders to make a touchdown at 20 seconds left in the first quarter of the Oct. 3, 2026 home game. Photo by Scout Hoots
SPORTS
Boise State defensive back Sherrod Smith breaks away from Utah State defense in the Homecoming game on Oct. 3, 2026. Photo by Scout Hoots
Dylan Riley makes a run in the game vs. South Dakota at home on Sept 20, 2026. Photo by Keara Antonelli
The Broncos have struggled with defen- of three scores through the air the BronDespite the on-paper results, head coach sive consistency against both the run and cos gave up. Spencer Danielson’s focus is still on the pass, and have been prone to giving up The Coyotes finished with 243 pass- team’s continued growth. If the offense continues to be explosive explosive plays and allowing inferior oppo- ing yards, showing Boise State’s vul“Every week is a new week, every day is a behind Madsen and Riley, and the defense nents to sustain drives. nerability when opposing offenses find new day,” Danielson said. “I’m hyper-para- continues to create pressure and avoid “[The big plays] are on me,” defensive space downfield. noid of ‘where are we growing to?’ If better mental mistakes, the Broncos have a lecoordinator Erik Chinander said after the Utah State running back Javen Jacobs, is possible, good is not enough.” gitimate shot at a second College Football South Dakota game. “As we go through on the other hand, rushed for 139 yards The College Football Playoff format Playoff run in three years. as a defensive staff, [we’re] looking at ev- against the Broncos, another reminder that guarantees a berth to the highest-ranked A win in Fresno would give Boise State erything from who’s in the lineup, where Boise State has failed to consistently shut Group of Six team, putting the Broncos another quality road victory and boosts they’re at in the lineup, how can we help down teams they’re expected to handle. in the driver’s seat and in control of their the Broncos’ resumé to remain ahead of them schematically, how can we help them Although, the Broncos’ six sacks against own destiny. other Group of Six contenders. technique-wise… Whether it’s schemed up the Aggies showed flashes of the disruptive However, there’s still work to be done. Boise State has already proven it can perfectly or it’s not getting communicated, defense Boise State needs. Boise State’s remaining schedule in- compete with some of the best Power Four that’s my job to help put them in a betcludes road games against Fresno State, teams in the country. But for now, they’ll ter situation.” The Playoff Picture: Washington State and Colorado State, as need to take care of business and win out South Dakota exposed some holes in The Broncos are the team-to-beat in well as home matchups against Texas State, in order to secure their playoff spot. Boise State’s secondary, scoring 24 points the Group of Six, the six FBS conferences Oregon State and San Diego State. The season is far from over, but Boise and connecting on multiple big plays, in- outside the Power Four (SEC, Big Ten, The next test comes this weekend against State is in the exact position it needs to be. cluding a 59-yard touchdown pass, one ACC, Big 12). the Fresno State Bulldogs, who also enters The Broncos will face Fresno State on the matchup at 4-1. the road this Saturday, Oct. 10. OCT. 8, 2026 | ARBITERONLINE.COM
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ATHLETICS RESTORES DEPARTMENT RUBBISH INTO RARE COLLECTIBLES Emilia Rose Nowinski | Sports Reporter | Design by Zaccary Kimes
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orty-year-old football turf, outdated banners and well-worn lockers and stools may sound like junk, but Boise State is turning their trash into treasure. The athletic department’s recent partnership with CollectU creates opportunities for fans to purchase rare items, building a business on Bronco Nation’s nostalgia. “To turn retired equipment and materials into one-of-a-kind collectibles, we’re giving our fans a chance to own a piece of our story while generating more resources to support our student-athletes,” Athletic Director Jeramiah Dickey said in a press release. CollectU’s goal to turn stadium and arena renovations into once-in-a-lifetime collectibles preserves history, excites fans and supports sustainability, while raising funds for future projects. Boise State foreshadowed the partnership in 2019 when replacing the sixth rendition of The Blue. The department sold square-foot sized pieces of the turf for about $40 to $50, according to Senior Associate Dean of External Affairs, Chris Kutz. In 2025, Roberto Bergerson, an as- now used as offices, was covered in blue hanging up and everything is tied into hung around Albertsons Stadium, a true sistant basketball coach for the Broncos, carpet and brown cardboard storage boxes The Blue and innovation … Everything testament to Boise State’s innovation. heard about the opportunity from a Col- at the time. that we are doing appeals to the blue collar “It was a team effort,” Nyce said. “ObvilectU partner he met in his “basketball “I kicked up the carpet and I was like and the pride in that … We’re a unified ously, we’ve never done anything like this.” playing days.” ‘what is this?’ Sharman said. “It was wet approach to the brand.” Buck’s Bags actively works to manufac“Berto connected with our administra- and moldy, it was kind of used up.” The bags made from old stadium banners ture the first line of products as plans betion,” said Matthew Sterling, associate athAs the department casually noted it as were especially unique to the project’s sus- tween Boise State and CollectU continue letic director for merchandise and brand the last remaining piece of original blue tainability. While Sterling and the athletic to grow. The team plans to expand its coloperations. “We started having conversa- turf Gene Bleymaier installed in 1986, department saw it as outdated junk, Shar- lection this fall and CollectU encourages tions and explored what it could look like Sharman knew he struck gold. man saw opportunities for fans to connect. fans to share what products would be inand away it went.” CollectU created shadowboxes, display “We thought ‘cool, we’re just replacing teresting to add to their collection. Founder of CollectU Jay Sharman’s low- cases deep enough to showcase items, fill- the banner like we always do,’” Sterling “One thing that’s been great about them risk, high-reward business strategy was ap- ing them with sections cut from the orig- said. “Didn’t think anything of it, and he [CollectU] is they are trying to integrate pealing to Boise State’s forward-thinking inal turf to sell for $300. The case’s back- saw it and saw an opportunity.” with our storytelling to create products mentality which prompted the founder ground is lined with an iconic photo of In 2026, Sharman began executing the or launch products around timelines that to fly from Chicago to tour the facilities. Albertsons Stadium signed by Bleymaier, idea with Buck’s Bags, a Boise-based com- mirror our storytelling,” Sterling said. “As There, he began pointing out various items alongside text sharing the story of The Blue. pany the Broncos have been collaborating the season goes on, we’ll see some new as possibilities for profit. Garman noted the unified approach be- with since 1992. things come out from them that tie into Near the end of the tour, Sharman tween Boise State and CollectU’s blue colTo create drawstring and duffel bags, what we’re doing.” paused in a former indoor racket-ball lar mentality. Buck’s Bags athletic sales manager Steve court located in Albertsons Stadium, op“It’s amazing the branding,” Sharman Nyce blended his typical fabrics with posite the Stueckle Sky Center. The room, said. “I love how the campus has banners unique portions of banners that previously
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ENTERTAINMENT CROSSWORD Answers on page 3
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