The Arbiter 10.31.17 Vol 30 Issue 12

OCTOBER 31, 2017

VOL. 30 ISSUE 12 I N D E P E N D E N T

Football player kicked off team Page 4

S T U D E N T

V O I C E

O F

B O I S E

The witches’ feast Page 10

S T A T E

S I N C E

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Campus slackers Page 15

EVENTS

Events this week Homecoming Week Oct. 30 - Nov. 4 | Events across campus all throughout the week

Check out some of the week’s Bronco-inspired events for homecoming like the Homecoming Parade or campus decoration activities! For a full list of events go to homecoming.boisestate.edu Bronco Feud Oct. 31 | Student Union Building, Dining Area | 7 pm - 9 pm

Bring your team and challenge others’ knowledge of Boise State Trivia! This event is part of the Homecoming Cup competition, however other teams are still welcome to participate!

Men’s Basketball vs. College of Idaho Nov. 2 | Taco Bell Arena | Game starts at 7pm

Cheer on the Men’s Basketball team as they take on C of I! Homecoming Parade Nov. 4 | University Dr. | 2 pm

Want to check out your fellow Broncos’ Homecoming spirit? Watch the parade from any point along University Dr. between Brady St. and Denver St. Homecoming Game, Boise State vs.

Nevada Nov. 4 | Albertsons Stadium | Kickoff time TBD

Come support the Broncos in this year’s Homecoming Game! For current information on kickoff time and event details go to broncosports.com

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OCTOBER 31, 2017

INSIDE

OCTOBER 31, 2017

Photo of the week Editor-In-Chief Brandon Rasmussen editor@stumedia.boisestate.edu

Online Editor Taylor Munson onlineeditor@stumedia.boisestate.edu Opinion Editor Jacob Palmer opinion@stumedia.boisestate.edu News Editor Jordan Erb news@stumedia.boisestate.edu News Reporter Ximena Bustillo news@stumedia.boisestate.edu Culture Editor Shannon Brennan culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu Culture Reporter Logan Potter culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu Sports Editor Daniel Gardner sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu Sports Reporter Peter Huguenin sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu Hey, we won an award! The Arbiter took seventh place at the Best of Show competition in the Newspaper Four-year Weekly category at the ACP conference in Dallas, Texas. Photo by Taylor Munson.

Copy Editors Evan Fishburn Harbor Neher

Visit us on social media The Arbiter @arbiteronline

Digital Content Manager Axel Quartarone digitalcontent@stumedia.boisestate.edu

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Graphic Designers Nabil Rahman Olivia Tocher

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Contact us The Arbiter is located at 1910 University Dr., Mail Stop 1340 Phone: (208) 426-6300 Website: www.arbiteronline.com

Boise State’s men’s basketball team faces off against Fresno state earlier this year. Basketball season is about to start up again at Boise State, starting with a practice scrimmage in the Bronco Gym. Cover designed by Nabil Rahman.

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

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NEWS

OCTOBER 31, 2017

Football player removed from team after alleged assault

The alleged assault left fellow student severely injured MaryAnn Fernandez | Staff Writer | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu Jace Richter has been dismissed from the Boise State football team as of Oct. 20, according to Joe Nickell, director of media relations for the athletic department.

Richter allegedly assaulted fellow freshman Ben Taylor on Oct. 8, leaving Taylor with severe medical injuries.

According to recent allegations in a KTVB article, Richter’s lawyer, Michael Bartlett, tells a different story of what happened during the incident.

Bartlett hired a private investigator to get witness statements of what happened that morning. According to the investigator, all of the witnesses stated Taylor “appeared to be aggressive and angry before the beating and they were concerned for their female friend he was visiting.”

According to the witness’ statements, Richter and two females had knocked on the door to check up on the situation.

The statements claim Taylor initiated the confrontation.

David Claiborne, Taylor’s attorney, had

a response to these allegations: “Ben Taylor denies instigating or initiating any physical fight with Jace Richter. Any suggestion that he brought the fight upon himself, or that he engaged in conduct that justified the action of Jace Richter, is nonsense,” Claiborne said. “It is Jace Richter that is under investigation by the police and university. There is no investigation by the university or the police in which Ben Taylor is the target. That should provide some indication as to the credibility of accounts that Jace Richter was defending himself or others.”

According to the 2016 Boise State annual security report, there is a contract between Boise Police and the Department of Public Safety. Any criminal reports are publicly shared and reported. As specified by the Boise State’s crime log, the university’s and BPD investigation lists the disposition of the battery case as still open and ongoing.

On Oct. 13, Claiborne electronically

filed a complaint and demand for a jury trial within the Fourth Judicial District of Ada County. Civil proceedings begin once a party files a complaint within the appropriate judicial district.

Claiborne said in the complaint, “As a direct, proximate and foreseeable result of Richter’s conduct as referenced above, Taylor has suffered, and continues to suffer, substantial personal injuries including damages for medical treatment, expected damages for prospective medical treatment, loss of enjoyment of life, pain and suffering. Taylor claims the damage exceeds the District Court’s jurisdictional threshold of $10,000, which is greater than the jurisdictional limits in the Magistrate Court.”

“Since our initial press release, a civil suit for battery was filed by Taylor against Richter. To-date, Richter has not appeared in the civil proceeding, either personally or through an attorney,” Claiborne said.

“Richter is not yet required to appear in

the civil suit. He will have 21 days from when he is served with process, which has not yet been done.”

According to Claiborne, Taylor still requires ongoing medical care for his severe injuries.

“He continues to undergo concussion treatment. He has broken bones (left arm, nose) that will be able to heal with rest, time and limited mobility,” Claiborne said. “No surgeries are expected at this time. The arm break is being treated as any normal fracture would-with a cast that is removable for bathing. He has severe bruising to the face, neck, side and back of head, and it will heal naturally over time.

He continues to receive pain management care.”

According to Claiborne, Taylor has resumed his academic studies at Boise State and will be not conducting interviews at this time.

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WE BELIEVE in the home team.

NEWS

OCTOBER 31, 2017

Storm drains snubbed, flooding follows

Failure to clear storm drains led to last year’s winter flooding, might cause more trouble

Alyza Lovenguth | Staff Writer | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu

Last winter, the Boise State campus narrowly avoided flooding. This winter may not be any better, due to possible blockages in storm drains. Photo by Student Media stock image.

Flooding on campus is a familiar inconvenience. Between the water main break on Oct. 2 and the narrowly missed flooding from the Boise River last spring, flooding is always a possibility on the Boise State campus.

An obstruction in the storm drain pipes hindered drainage of the extensive flooding caused by the break in the water main on Oct. 2, according to Rob Littrell, emergency operations plan manager. It’s presumed that the obstruction may be from a construction filter that had gone into the drain, but it’s still unknown what exactly was obstructing the pipes.

“This last incident–the University Drive flood–was aggravated by a couple of our storm drains being blocked up because of water quality filters that are required for construction and somehow got into (the pipes),” Littrell said. “We don’t know what was obstructing it, but there was something in the pipes that was obstructing the water from draining.”

Currently, according to Roy Miller, as-

sociate director of facilities operations and maintenance, it’s speculated that landscape material and debris, such as bark, leaves and even mud collected by the University Drive flood may cause our storm drains to be less efficient.

“There may be a need for new construction because the last flood event possibly plugged up storm drains with landscape material,” Miller said.

Although we have storm drains on campus, they are not owned by Boise State.

Rather, they are owned by Ada County Highway District (ACHD). Miller speculates the University and Lincoln storm drain has not received any maintenance since it has been placed in the ground.

Littrell acknowledged the storm drains more than likely need to be worked on, but said any construction or maintenance can only be made and funded by ACHD. “We know that they probably need to be worked on, but it’s the funding, and they’re not ours,” Littrell said. “Ada County Highway District has to get the funding

and make the improvements.”

Overall, Miller states the six major storm drains on campus “work just fine” and most complaints are restricted to the University and Lincoln storm drain. According to Miller, the University and Lincoln storm drain collects Boise State rain and flood water in addition to water collected south of Boise State; this includes all storm drains down University Drive that collect water south of campus in addition to water on campus.

“The (University and Lincoln) storm drain acts as a funnel. That one drain accommodates for the water south of us,” Miller said. “It may flood, but it’s only for a short period of time.”

Water collected south of Boise State is collected through storm drain pipes that travel north–flowing through campus–and then these drains open into the Boise River, according to Miller. The University and Lincoln drain collects a portion of this water, which is the primary reason for any University and Lincoln flooding.

In case of any future flooding, Littrell directed faculty, students and staff to go to the Emergency Management and Continuity Planning website and look at the Immediate Actions for Emergencies on Campus Checklists. By clicking on the flooding link, individuals can make themselves aware of what to do and who to call during a flood situation.

“We have an emergency operation plan for any hazard on campus,” Littrell said.

“Whether it’s flooding, hazardous materials, gas leak or power outage, we use the same protocols where we activate the emergency operations center and we bring in the right people across the campus. It’s all going to be related to how we can keep this campus running.”

According to Miller, a meeting between Boise State faculty and the ACHD is in the works, which would increase communication and possible construction involving the storm drains on campus.

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NEWS

OCTOBER 31, 2017

Flu season is back: Here are some things you should know Health services nurse and nursing student discuss the flu vaccination Kate Johnston | Staff Writer | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu

Health Services provide flu shots during any operating hours this fall. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Creative Commons

It’s that time of year again, when the flu begins to travel from student to student on campus. Luckily, Boise State Health Services—located on the second floor of the Norco building—offers flu shots. All that is needed to get one is a University ID card and insurance card.

According to Julia Beard, a nurse with Boise State Health Services, the earlier you get the flu shot, the earlier you can avoid getting sick. October is the recommended month to get vaccinated. Getting the flu shot early also means you won’t have to miss class and get behind because of being sick with the flu. The vaccines last about six months, which will carry you to March.

Beard mentioned people often think they can get the flu from the flu shot, and

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that after getting vaccinated they report feeling sick. Sophomore nursing major

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You don’t get the flu from the flu shot. The vaccine is made up of three to four flu viruses that were heavy the previous year.

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- Julie Beard, Health Services nurse Emily Souers experienced this.

“I got the shot last Friday and a couple

days later I felt a little sluggish and had lost my voice,” Souers said. “It got a little worse with a cough and worsening headache, but then I got lots of sleep and started to feel a lot better.”

People may have cold-like symptoms 24 to 48 hours after getting the flu shot, but that is the body mounting an immune response, according to Beard.

“You don’t get the flu from the flu shot,” Beard said. “The vaccine is made up of three to four flu viruses that were heavy the previous year.”

Some students might avoid getting their flu shot because of time or fear of the needle. However, according to Beard and Souers, the vaccine process is quick and easy.

“It was really easy to get. All I had to do was tell the front desk that I needed my flu shot, and I was in and out in less than 20 minutes,” Souers said.

Another reason students might avoid getting their flu shot is cost. However, getting a shot from Health Services at Boise State can actually save money.

“Most insurance companies will cover the vaccine 100 percent,” Beard said.

“And in the cases where they don’t, our cash price is only $27. That is cheaper compared to other clinics that price their vaccines at $30-$35.”

Health Services is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is closed on Saturday and Sunday.

NEWS

OCTOBER 31, 2017

Having trouble with parking? This might help

Two new parking garages to be built downtown Kate Johnston | Staff Writer | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu

A projected design of one of two new parking garages to be built in Downtown Boise. Each should be built and functional within four months. Photo courtesy of CCDC.

Parking in Boise can be a daily hassle, especially for those who work or live downtown. But there is some good news–two new parking garages are under construction in Downtown Boise. These garages are expected to be completed within the next four months.

These new garages will provide 800 to 900 spaces that will be open to visitors, the public and monthly parkers. Currently, there are six parking garages downtown, totaling 2,567 public parking spaces. These spaces are managed through the Downtown Public Parking System. This system accommodates approximately 1,000,000 visitors yearly who come to Boise for work, shopping, appointments and more.

“We plan to have these two new locations built within the next four months.

One will be on 11th and Front Street, and the other one on 5th and Broadway,” said Max Clark, parking and facilities director for Capital City Development Corp (CCDC).

CCDC is also partnering with Boise State University and the City of Boise to pay for university shuttle services.

This service will have two bus routes.

The shuttle will pick up on Edgar Street by the interstate and will go along Vista Avenue. The ride fare is free and will only take about 20 minutes to get downtown.

Because of cheap fees and convenience, the new garages and shuttle services will be beneficial for Boise State students and the people of Boise.

The price of parking is another important factor, especially for college students.

There will be hourly rates, daily rates and monthly rates for each garage. Payments can be made either in the garage or online, depending on the length of time you park in the garage.

“There are two aspects to the cost of parking–visitors and monthly parkers.

Visitor parking is $3 an hour, and for monthly parkers it is $15 per day. If we made them free, then they would be full.

And then people with meetings or appointments wouldn’t get spots,” Clark said.

Matt Edmond, a colleague of Max Clark, proposed a survey to 748 people in Boise regarding parking garages. He found that there was a willingness to trade increased rates for increased parking and there was a willingness to trade convenience for price.

“The survey found a mere 748 people placed in four different categories: current monthly pass holders, waitlisters to get parking passes, others who pay and hourly users. We’re looking at some rate balance– affordability, availability, convenience,” Edmond said.

The hope for these new garages is to increase availability but not overbuild.

CCDC wants more access for the people but doesn’t want there to be spaces not being used. CCDC encourages the people of Boise to embrace ride transportations and urge students to carpool with friends and coworkers to save money and parking spaces.

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OPINION

OCTOBER 31, 2017

For students who go above and beyond, advisers should, too

Personal relationships should fuel university advising

Jordan Erb | News Editor | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu

problems,” Ohrablo said.

Initiating proactive advising shows students their advisors care. It demonstrates an active engagement in that student’s life and can help provide the counseling students need at every step of their academic career.

“Academic advisors are in the unique position to assist students throughout their entire academic career, from admission

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If a productive relationship is forged, the advisor can become an integral part of the student’s experience.

Proactive advising techniques may have beneficial outcomes for students and advisors alike.

Photo by Taylor Lippman.

In my multimedia class a few weeks ago, a Boise State faculty member came into our room to discuss with us a program he was starting at Boise State. He was collecting stories from University students, asking them to detail their time here. His goal seemed simple: to understand the student experience in hopes of improving it.

He wanted to know the good, the bad and the ugly about student life. When describing what the bad and ugly might be, he brought up academic advising.

The comment wasn’t intended to criticize university advisors, he claimed. The groans and mumbles from my classmates suggested something else–maybe advising services should be criticized.

To be fair, I don’t believe all advising needs criticism. In fact, I’ve had an overwhelmingly positive experience with my advisors. The secret behind that success is a relationship of mutual respect and professionalism, with some degree of closeness tying it all together. A healthy connection with an academic advisor has the potential to make noticeable improvements in a

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student’s life.

Why closeness matters to students Having someone advocating for student success is critical. This is particularly true when the university floodgates open, and students are drowning in options.

To mitigate that stress, Sue Ohrablo, an adjunct professor at Valencia College in Florida, advocated for a more engaging advisory role in student life. Her argument is founded on the basic idea that more interaction between student and advisor results in better outcomes. This theory is known as proactive advising.

Proactive advising includes reaching out to students more times during the year than is required. This means sending emails to check in, providing information specific to student interest and developing a mentor-mentee relationship.

“Proactive advising initiatives are aimed at all students with the objective of demonstrating concern and care for students, strategically providing them information and helping them to avoid

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-Sue Ohrablo, adjunct professor at Valencia College through graduation,” Ohrablo said. “If a productive relationship is forged, the advisor can become an integral part of the student’s experience, and can provide support and direction for students on an ongoing basis.”

Students have a lot to balance, and single-handedly planning their academics should not be one of them. On the other hand, it goes without saying that advisors have their own set of struggles to deal with. As such, proactive advising efforts should benefit them as well.

Why closeness matters to advisors By reaching out to students periodically throughout the year, rather than strictly on set appointment dates, advisors have the opportunity to minimize their workload.

Keeping up with their students puts an end to frantic enrollment advising sessions, freeing up their own time in the process.

“Initially, advisors may balk at the idea of proactive outreach and advising. With increasing student caseloads, advisors are challenged with keeping up with incoming

inquiries, walk-ins, and appointments,” Ohrablo said. “Finding the time to proactively outreach to students may seem impossible and counterproductive. After all, we need to assist the students who have sought our help. However, proactive advising can be a method of workload management.”

George D. Kuh of the Center for Postsecondary Research at Indiana University Bloomington stated that effective advisor-student relationships can improve both student and campus life.

According to Kuh, student success and advising go hand-in-hand. Further, he claims knowing their students well and striving for meaningful interactions can directly impact that success.

“Many advisors go to unusual lengths to learn as much as they can about their students– where they are from, their aspirations and talents and when and where they need help,” Kuh said.

That level of closeness will allow advisors to periodically get in touch with their students, reducing the need for lengthy, stressful meetings at the beginnings and ends of semesters.

Why good advising is important According to Kuh, advisors play a critical role in the lives of their students.

Being that they are some of the first people students interact with on campus and are there to assist them until they graduate, they should remain engaged.

Staying proactive in building and maintaining relationships with students will help advisors mitigate student stress, while decreasing their own workload. Student engagement, academic planning, decision making, problem resolution, retention and a sense of belonging are all outcomes that may emerge from a proactive advising approach. Establishing closeness between mentor and mentee may have illustrious effects on the student’s academic career.

OCTOBER 31, 2017

Students should use experiential learning to find their passion and career

OPINION

Experiential learning offers several benefits to students looknig for their calling

Addie Glick | Guest Author | opinion@stumedia.boisestate.edu The workforce is changing faster than ever. In a competitive climate, a college degree is not always enough to guarantee a job. Employers look for experience, the pressure is on for me and all students to seek experiences that will make us stand out among other candidates. Despite this, there are two major problems I face.

First, the call for experience is frustrating amidst a full-time school schedule and for many entry-level jobs, the experience requirement requires experience. How do I begin? How can I find the career I’m most passionate about? Like many students, I started school with a vague idea of what I want to do based on my interests and changed my major several times trying to figure it out. It can feel like a perpetual guessing game.

Here is what I have learned: Experiential learning is a tool rather than a burden.

Students should participate in experiential learning because it allows us to find our passion and get careers. Although there are many experiential learning opportunities on campus, as a Service-Learning

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Service-Learning classes allow students to apply their skills and knowledge wthin a relevant community need and potential career setting.

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intern I have witnessed first-hand how Service-Learning helps students find their passion and career. Service-Learning classes allow students to apply their skills and knowledge within a relevant community need and potential career setting.

Finding your major As a busy student, I understand the stigma surrounding experiential learning as a burden. I have had several peers tell me how the extra hours are stressful. I chal-

lenge students to see experiential learning as an opportunity rather than a burden because it allows us to find our passion, helping us narrow our interests, make crucial career decisions and get careers.

As an English writing major, I was thinking about becoming a grant writer.

After having the opportunity to experience writing a grant for a Service-Learning class, I realized that style of writing isn’t for me.

Now I can progress in my major by taking different writing classes better aligned with the style of writing I am passionate about. I met a student last winter named McKenna Hardee, who also made a crucial career decision from her Service-Learning experience. After working with children at Morley Nelson Community Center last fall, she was inspired to change her major from Social Work to Elementary Education.

“Service-Learning had such a substantial effect on me and (was) one of the most important decisions for my future,” Hardee said.

Employment opportunities Students who take initiative in experiential learning are sometimes offered jobs.

Madeline Zavrsnick, a senior majoring in health sciences, was employed at The Good Samaritan Home this fall after her Service-Learning experience there last fall.

Through experience she found her passion for working with the elderly population and decided to add an emphasis in gerontology, the study of aging, to her degree.

“Working here actually changed my life.

I absolutely love the staff members and residents,” Zavrsnick said. “I love telling people to do Service-Learning because that is exactly what I got my job through, I have my career and I’m two months away from graduation... it’s absolutely amazing!”

Madeline took initiative to seek experiences, and in doing so she found her passion and was offered a career before graduation.

Boise State graduate students work on a space rover using a radar system designed by a Boise State professor. Photo courtesy of Boise State Facebook page.

Experiential learning at Boise State The thought of graduation is bittersweet whether you are a freshman or a senior, and the pressure of finding a career can be daunting. Luckily, our campus provides ample experiential learning opportunities allowing students to find their passion, make crucial career decisions and find a career. President Kustra announced a new initiative in his State of the University Address this year that will “focus on boosting the success of our students beyond the major and long after they receive their diploma.”

I wondered how I could take initiative to be successful after graduation, and now I know how experiential learning helps prepare students for life after graduation. I can find my passion by testing the knowledge learned in class in a real-world setting and put it on my resume to stand out among other candidates for a career.

Students should participate in experien-

tial learning, whether it is a Service-Learning class, an internship, study abroad, volunteer work, you name it. Even if students don’t find their passion, they can make a crucial career decision and it still counts as experience that is valuable to employers. The experiences we gain in college, whether reinforcing a passion or deterring us from a field forever, contribute to the wealth of experiences that get us careers in the end.

Got a comment, thought, opinion or rebuttal?

Send a letter to the editor at opinion@stumedia.boisestate.edu

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FEATURE

OCTOBER 31, 2017

Boise witches to gather on Oct. 31

Shop owner on Broadway Ave. prepares for annual ritual to celebrate “Samhein” Blake Simoney | Guest Writer | editor@stumedia.boisestate.edu

Bell’s Grove is a place where anyone, witches and non-witches alike, can go to seek supplies, spiritual guidance or friendship. Photo courtesy of Bella’s Grove’s Facebook Page.

The Witches will feast on Tuesday, Oct. 31. There are more than enough table settings, some chairs curiously left vacant.

They sit down to devour the fruits of their labor in complete silence. That silence is broken five minutes later by the coming of their deceased companions, who have risen from the dead to take their places at the empty table settings.

This ritual is a yearly tradition for the Treasure Valley Witches, a community of about 500 people from Ada County who practice various types of witchcraft. The epicenter of their community is Bella’s Grove, a small shop on Broadway Avenue.

The occasion for this ritual is called Samhein (pronounced “saw-ween”), the witch’s new year celebration, based on the cycle of the moon. The holiday will take place on Oct. 31 this year, as a day of remembering and honoring the past.

“Speaking to the dead is easy. We do it all the time,” said Woventear Bell, the

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owner of Bella’s Grove. “It’s just easier this time of year.”

Another witch, Erin Wojcik, chimed in “But after that, we have fun!”

“We usually go out to Arrowrock Dam and do a big bonfire by the river,” said Bell. “We drink and dance. All of it’s about celebration.”

“And tons of food,” added Wojcik. “We cel-e-brate. We like our food.”

This holiday doesn’t involve barbequed children as a dish, although Suzi Conover, another witch, did joke about that.

While they acknowledge their stereotypes through humor, Bell and the others suggested it reveals hidden issues.

For some, the similarities between the witch’s holiday of Samhein and the more modern holiday of Halloween teeter on the edge of appropriation, which proves controversial for some of the Treasure Valley Witches, but not for others.

Bell said Halloween practices were

derived from the original pagan celebration of Samhein, but she doesn’t have any disdain for the common culture surrounding the night of trick-or-treating. She even puts up some typical Halloween decorations at Bella’s Grove. “(Samhein is) the last harvest, the time

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Samhein is the last harvest, the time to celebrate the equinox. Halloween is the celebration of kids going to get candy. That’s all.

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- Woventear Bell, owner of Bell’s Grove to celebrate the equinox,” Bell said. “Halloween is the celebration of kids going to

get candy. That’s all.”

While the distinction is simple for Bell, Conover, a volunteer for the shop, feels more disdain for Halloween.

“I don’t celebrate Halloween,” Conover said. “I think it’s offensive to my ancestors.”

They continued to say the Treasure Valley Witches are often viewed in a negative light and do experience some backlash from the general public.

“There are a ton of people that still don’t know what (witchcraft) is and still believe that it’s bad,” said Bell. “People don’t want to learn, they just blindly associate.”

Bell believes that people associate witchcraft with devil-worshipping, a false connection.

“It’s just fear. Once you don’t know what something is, you automatically assume it to be bad,” Bell said.

Some witches expect matters to become problematic and act proactively.

FEATURE

OCTOBER 31, 2017

“There are people who are afraid to (identify as a witch) for fear of getting fired , fear of getting stoned or anything like that,” said Bell. “We have a couple of people that are in high places. One works for the state department, one for the DMV, so their anonymity is important.”

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Anybody is safe to come here. If you wish to come here and seek solace or spiritual guidance or a cup of tea, that’s what we’re here for.

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- Woventear Bell, owner of Bell’s Grove Living in a culture that often rejects them, the Treasure Valley Witches cherish their community, and Bella’s Grove is much more than just a store. Jovial witches make their way in and out of the back room to greet friends and chat. They pick at the pretzels and almonds on the table in the office, giving hugs when they enter. In the low-ceilinged shop, others enter and exchange laughs while the scent of fragrant incense hangs in the air.

Their lighthearted community is led

by Bell, and there are some rules: anyone who disrespects another, commits violence, abuses substances or participates in any criminal activities is not tolerated.

“I wouldn’t say all 500 of us, but maybe 100 to 200 of us, are really close-knit. We take care of it,” said Bell. “Anybody is safe to come here. If you wish to come here and seek solace or spiritual guidance or a cup of tea, that’s what we’re here for.”

Although they are both witches, Bell and Conover practice different traditions, or witchcraft styles. As a shaman witch, Bell doesn’t work with spirits, but with en-

Bella’s Grove is located on Broadway Avenue, a road that intersects with Boise State’s University Lane. Photo by Taylor Humby.

ergies. Conover’s tradition as a Celtic witch means that she follows a goddess.

The Treasure Valley Witches community contains numerous traditions like these, with nearly every member practicing their own distinct tradition. For that reason, not every member of the community identifies as a witch, as they say it’s a term misrepresented in common Halloween culture.

As explained by Bell, paganism is an umbrella term that extends to anyone who hold beliefs unrelated to Christianity.

Witches are pagans who practice some form of changing the energies around them. Wicca is a religion composed of witch’s structured practices.

Although Conover and Bell are pagans and witches, they do not practice the Wiccan religion. The diversity of their community comes from each person’s personal mix of those factors. They said the journey into paganism or witchcraft is changing.

“It sounds like Harry Potter crap, but it’s an awakening. We just had a lady come in this morning and she was putting together

the pieces of her life and she was like, ‘I’m at home!’” said Conover, bumping the table with her fists.

Both Conover and Bell have practiced witchcraft since they were young adults and talked solemnly about the role it played in their lives.

“I was raised southern Baptist and I sought it out as a way to upset my mother,” said Conover. “I’m not kidding.

It fit perfectly for me. I fell into it; being rambunctious, I found what I needed.”

“Some people never find it, which is the problem,” said Bell. “We’re lucky we found our path.”

Bell’s path into witchcraft started at 19, when her father’s company moved him and the family to Nepal. After that, she travelled across Asia, learning about Eastern traditions, implementing what she learned in her own life.

“I became a practicer of the craft during that time,” she said. “I got spices and herbs and mixtures and Chinese shit and all kinds of shit when I travelled.”

She came back to the United States in 2005, after nearly 40 years of travelling the world, but her travels didn’t end there. She lived in Arizona for some time, where her shaman mentor gave her the name “Woventear” during an empowering shamanistic journey in the desert.

“Woventear means that I weave all the tears in the universe,” said Bell.

Although people may not like what Bell does, she said she believes in herself.

Whether she speaks for the entire community is uncertain, but it is certainly a goal she holds for them.

While there will be many witches around Halloween this year, real witches don’t carry broomsticks and wear pointy hats. “(Witchcraft) is all about healing, whether it be emotional or physical, or maybe somebody wants to heal the Earth,” Bell said. “It’s all about keeping in tune with Earth and the universe and keeping the balance and harmony.”

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NOTES

OCTOBER 31, 2017

In your corner

What our best friends have to teach us about care

Sienna George | Staff Writer, ASBSU President | asbsupresident@boisestate.edu

Last week we discussed the notion of care in college relationships. My column touched on the difficulty of navigating the new landscape of the “hook-up culture” and what it all means for us as human beings who seek love and compassion from others.

This week I’m not going to spend anytime talking about the pretty person you made out with over the weekend or the boy you hooked up with, but instead I’m going to spend time focusing on someone who really knows and appreciates you–for every mental breakdown they’ve watched you undergo and every obstacle they’ve witnessed you overcome. Your best friend.

Synonymous with a cheering fan, a study partner, late night snacker, sleepover buddy and sometimes even therapist, these are the people who understand you, comfort you, provide warmth and safety

when it seems even the world can’t provide it. I think a discussion of care starts here.

“

Perhaps care isn’t as hard as we make it out to be and that most feelings aren’t as complicated as we think.

”

That the standards for both taking care of each other and taking care of ourselves can begin in these most meaningful and important relationships.

Perhaps if we could learn care in the realm of our most critical relationships we’d learn care for ourselves and for those beyond just our closest, inner circle of friends. If we can learn honesty and open-

ness, vulnerability and courage in telling our best friends how we truly feel; if we can learn admittance, acceptance, grace, patience and forgiveness when we make mistakes; if we can learn to say “I just have nothing left to give right now” and “it’s okay, I understand,” and truly mean it; if we can learn how to communicate expectations, create space for one another to show-up how they need to in any given moment; how to set boundaries without feelings or remorse, guilt or shame in our best, most true relationships--could it really be true that it’s impossible to employ these same principles with ourselves and in relationships beyond those we have with our best friends?

Perhaps care isn’t as hard as we make it out to be and that most feelings, days, tasks and relationships aren’t as complicated as we think. We’re just not honest.

And I have to believe that’s the beginning of learning how to care: to be fully honest with those you love and for them to be fully honest in their response.

However, this practice in honesty must begin with ourselves. Honesty is not an outward practice; it is inward. We cheat on exams simply for the reason we know somewhere deep inside we’re not being honest about how much we studied, how confident we feel, etc., and its no different when it comes to caring. We have to be really honest about how we feel about our lives, our relationships, our wants and needs, before we can share them with another person. So maybe our best friends have simply taught us what it would be like to be our own best friends, and maybe that is where we all need to start when it comes to learning how to take care of one another.

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CULTURE

OCTOBER 31, 2017

Boise State’s best kept secret

NASA research team shoots for the stars

Logan Potter | Culture Reporter | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu

The Micro-G NExT team works diligently and collaboratively to create their leak repair system design to be proposed to NASA. Photo by Taylor Humby.

NASA is most commonly recognized for its work to discover new life within Earth’s solar system. Its research teams are tasked with fine tuning the details to make that mission, at least mechanically, possible.

One of those research teams resides here at Boise State University.

Microgravity University is NASA’s group of undergraduate research teams with branches all over the United States. Boise State’s group is part of the Microgravity Neutral Buoyancy Experimental Design Team (Micro-G NExT). Its goal is to design solutions for a space exploration challenge using creativity and engineering.

These solutions are chosen by the Micro-G NExT team from a list of challenges provided by NASA. This year, the team chose to take on the challenge of designing a leak repair system to be used for the outside of the International Space Station.

Once each team chooses a challenge,

the Team Leader has to draft a proposal, submit the proposal and wait one month to hear back on whether their design idea has been accepted.

After being accepted, the team builds their prototype, and a flight team is sent to Houston, Texas to test their design in a simulation of the International Space Station, also known as the Neutral Buoyancy Lab (NBL).

“

(The group is) really fun, and it is so exciting to see the team get an acceptance (to Houston).

”

- Olivia Maryon, freshman

Boise State’s team has sent flight teams to Houston with accepted designs every year for the past nine years, making them one of the most successful design teams since the beginning of the program.

The Team Leader, Marcus Marosvari, a junior Mechanical Engineering major, believes Micro-G NExT is more than just a research team.

“Coming into college, (I was) looking for a way to apply myself. (The group) promotes networking, and I’ve met many new professors and students since I joined,” Marosvari said.

While this may not be everyone’s experience, the members said they believe the group is unique on Boise State’s campus.

Group members believe the work Micro-G NExT does is bigger than just this university. The final product is generated with the intention to possibly be used by NASA sometime in the future. With one

business major in the mix, members aren’t required to strive for an engineering career to participate.

“We accept everyone, so if anyone wants to join next year, feel free,” said sophomore material science engineering major Olivia Maryon. “(The group is) really fun, and it is so exciting to see the team get an acceptance.”

Formation of the team begins in late August, but they don’t have long to prepare for the mission set before them. The deadline is Nov. 1 to submit a worthy proposal, and team members put their thinking caps on for months to keep up with ever-changing designs in order to choose the perfect fit for their challenge. The team only meets twice a week as a whole, but they also work outside of the classroom environment. For Microgravity University, no day of the week is off limits, meaning students meet in small groups constantly to work out details of their design for the NASA proposal.

In three words, Marosvari describes the group as “curious, imaginative and passionate,” while Maryon opts for terms like “supportive, enthusiastic, and ambitious.”

With ever-changing challenges—last year’s design was a module to remove core samples from asteroids—the research team must be adaptive to new challenges and environments.

Microgravity University may be a lesser known group on our campus, but it has a national backing that has been talked about within the nation for decades.

The group meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Engineering Room 313, you can watch the magic (or mechanics) unfold. Visiting students might find this to be the group for them next year.

“There’s never a dull moment, and (it’s rewarding) to know that the thing we are doing, the thing we are building, is something that might actually be used in the future,” Olivia Maryon said.

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CULTURE

OCTOBER 31, 2017

Boise State Slackers balance work and play

Boise State slacklining club soaks up the last bits of sun this fall Shannon Brennan | Culture Editor | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu

For some students at Boise State, slacking means more than procrastinating assignments in favor of sleeping in and watching TV. For members of Slackers at Boise State, a club formed four years ago, slacking means gracefully gliding across a long, flat piece of webbing stretched between two anchored points, often trees, having fun and making friends.

A fairly new sport, slacklining was born in the early 1980s in the Yosemite Valley when two climbers, Adam Grosowsky and Jeff Ellington, took a piece of webbing used for climbing and secured it between two trees. Similar to rope walking, this bouncier alternative has taken off worldwide as people walk further, hold yoga poses longer and perfect cooler tricks on the line every day.

The small community at Boise State mirrors this larger movement as the club improves their own skills on the line, while building community and interacting with new club members as well as curious passing students.

The description on their Orgsync page states club members are “building friendships and community” while “promoting balance in all aspects of our lives.”

There are currently a total of 33 Slackers and the more active club members are a pretty tight knit group. When asked why he took up slacklining, biology major Jared Guerra didn’t hesitate to give an answer.

“For me it’s the fact that when you’re on the line, if you’re going to perform well, you really have to relax and kind of just let everything go for a little bit. It’s really great for relaxing,” Guerra said.

While watching these lighthearted students laugh and chat while getting some much needed fresh air, it’s not hard to see that this stress-relieving technique works. The Slackers can be often be found hanging out next to the Student Union Building while perfecting tricks and maneuvering across the line. These students joke around and try new things each time

14

they meet up.

Despite the fun they have, the Slackers are more than just a group of college kids goofing around outside. The sport can be difficult to get the hang of, and club members encourage newcomers to just keep trying in order to improve.

“It’s a little harder to get that initial balance, but once you find that initial balance it’s really easy to keep progressing,” Guerra said.

Most club members were simply students passing by the club’s set up outside the SUB before being enticed to join in on the fun by the smiles, chill music and eye-catching tricks taking place among the trees.

Cody Barnes, an engineering and applied mathematics major, has been slacklining for the past four months.

Barnes voiced that, “progressing—getting over the fear of trying something new,” was the biggest challenge he has experienced while slacklining.

Walking across the wobbly webbing may have seemed daunting at first, but Barnes said it has not stopped him from improving and getting more confident in his skills. Barnes suggested that curious students should check out slacklining videos on Youtube to inspire learning within the sport.

“It’s an addicting sport once people try,” Barnes said.

New slacker and computer science major, Tamoy Fuller said she and her friends “basically just kind of walked by and said ‘that looks pretty cool.’ People were doing flips and stuff so we came over and we’ve been coming back, hanging out, trying.”

The Slackers said newcomers are welcome to the crew, and talents within the club range from flipping on the line to barely standing up long enough to take a step. Club members encourage students of all ages and disciplines to stop by and step onto the line to try something new.

Slacker Jared Guerra relaxes while balanced on the line. Photo by Axel Quartarone.

CULTURE

OCTOBER 31, 2017

Gear up for winter in Boise

Students survival guide to a bronco winter.

Hannah Schliep | Staff Writer | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu

The cold won’t stop Boise State students from getting outside this winter to enjoy the inevitable snow. Photo by Axel Quartarone.

Winter is beautiful in Boise, trees are decorated in frost, Bogus Basin opens their doors to snow bunnies and students cross their fingers for possible snow days on the horizon. As November approaches, students cozy up in their flannel shirts, puffy jackets and grab their favorite warm beverage.

Winter is just around the corner, so here are some tips and tricks from a Boise native and former students who have experienced multiple Idaho winters.

Some things to be aware of: It’s cold. Don’t underestimate winter time in Boise. If you are parked outside, expect to wake up to defrost your car, scrape your windows and shiver until your car warms up.

University Television Production’s Weatherman, Brad Sloan advises students to start prepping now for the first snowfall, which will take place in mid November.

According to the Farmer’s Almanac, this winter may be similar to last year, but may not be record setting. Sloan recommends all Boise State students get updates every week on Boise State Newsline on YouTube, to be prepared for what’s to come.

California natives in Boise were eager to give advice to students, coming from warmer states.

Becca Sagardia advises new students from California not to underestimate the power of vitamin D. She suggests taking vitamin D supplements early, and investing in a Happy Lamp, saying “mine saved me during my first winter, and helped me

stay active.”

Boise State alumni Greg Hart and Nate Lowry recommend new students purchase waterproof boots and long comfy socks, stating they are “a game changer.” They also added for late nights—especially when home game kickoff is after 7 p.m.—to bring a blanket and buy a real jacket(a sweatshirt doesn’t count).

Some things to take advantage of: Boise State has a wonderful shuttle system running from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Save some time walking to classes, or slipping on snow and take advantage of this free service. The Blue on campus shuttle will take you everywhere you may need to go on campus. The Orange Downtown shuttle will swing downtown for all of

your entertainment needs, stopping right outside the new Boise State Computer Science building. By downloading the Ride Tracker app on your smartphone, you can always track the shuttle’s location and time.

Bogus Basin offers discounted season passes for all students for unlimited skiing and boarding. They are also offering a social season pass deal, created for students on a budget. If you gather five or more full-time students, and buy season passes together, you can get a pass for $149.

Make sure to be prepared for this upcoming winter, buy your jackets and boots, and perhaps invest in a space heater. Take advantage of all of the opportunities you have as a Boise State Student, and have fun experiencing a true Boise winter.

15

SPORTS & REC

OCTOBER 31, 2017

Men’s basketball season preview

Boise State men’s basketball team gets season started with scrimmage match

Abigail Pennecard | Staff Writer | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu Fans packed Bronco Gym Saturday night to get a preview of the 2017-18 men’s basketball team. The scrimmage consisted of three short back-to-back games where players switched teams each game. Players had a chance to show fans skills they had been working on during the off-season, giving them a show of dunks and even a buzzer beater.

“

I’ve had 61 starting line-ups in seven years. Whatever happens in November is going to be different by February, that’s guarenteed.

”

- Leon Rice, men’s basketball head coach The Broncos ended the 2016-17 season with their fifth straight season winning at least 20 games. Their record was 20-12 overall and 12-6 in the conference. After a heartbreaking loss against Illinois in the second round of the National Invitation Tournament, the Broncos are back and ready for the upcoming competition.

While the team has lost a few key players from previous seasons. like Nick Duncan, James Reid and Paris Austin, returning for the Broncos is Chandler Hutchinson, Justinian Jessup and Alex Hobbs.

“These guys are ready to not have to go against each other everyday. Basketball season is here, and it’s time to compete,” said head coach Leon Rice. “It’s always good to put these guys in front of the fans, let them play a little bit. Just to let them get their first game jitters out and get a little more comfortable in front of people.”

Going into his eighth season with the Broncos, Rice has taken the team to its first two NCAA tournaments in school history, while being the only head coach

16

in school history who has had six 20 win seasons. With Rice, don’t expect to see the same starting line-up all season.

“I’ve had 61 starting line-ups in seven years. Whatever happens in November is going to be different by February, that’s guaranteed,” Rice said.

Redshirt senior, Lexus Williams, a transfer guard from Chicago, Illinois, believes the scrimmage helped the team.

“I think today went well. I think we settled down a little bit, calmed down. I think everything went really well,” Williams said.

Chandler Hutchinson, senior guard from Mission Viejo, California, is one of the Broncos on the NBA radar. After withdrawing from the draft to finish his senior season with the Broncos, Hutchinson went out with a bang Saturday night, hitting a buzzer beater to win the third and final scrimmage of the night. Teammate, Williams, had high praise for Hutchinson.

“He’s been working really hard. He’s NBA talent. I think that he’s a first round pick. You’re going to see him do a lot more than that,” Williams said.

As of Oct. 23. ESPN named Hutchinson the seventh ranked senior in the 2018 graduating class. Averaging almost 18 points and eight rebounds per game last season, Hutchinson is a name Bronco fans can expect to be hearing a lot.

“The coaching staff thinks we’re ready and we think we’re ready. We’re just excited, I’m excited to get out there in Taco Bell Arena for the first time,” Williams said.

The Broncos will face the College of Idaho Yotes Thursday, Nov. 2, at 7 p.m. to kick off their season, and to start the conference off, will play Eastern Oregon Friday, Nov. 10, at 8 p.m. Both will be held at Taco Bell Arena.

Justinian Jessup playing against New Mexico. Photo by Alec Foege.

Paris Austin shooting the ball. Photo by Alec Foege.

OCTOBER 31, 2017

The decision: Who is Boise State’s quarterback?

SPORTS & REC

The Rypien vs. Cozart debacle

Joshua Arace | Staff Writer | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu Throughout the majority of the Boise State football season, there has been one big question among Bronco fans: Who should be Boise State’s starting QB? The team has embraced a two quarterback system this season, rotating between junior Brett Rypien and senior Montell Cozart, trying to utilize each quarterback’s strengths. “(Montell Cozart) has a package of plays, Brett (Rypien) has a package of plays and really we have a package of plays for everyone out there,” said head coach Bryan Harsin.

“

Montell Cozart has a package of plays, Brett Rypien has a package of plays and really we have a package of plays for everyone out there.

”

- Bryan Harsin, Boise State Football head coach This season, Rypien has thrown for 1,082 yards on 155 pass attempts, with a pass completion rate of 63.2 percent.

During this time, Rypien has thrown for five touchdowns and three interceptions.

Cozart has thrown for 669 yards on 78 pass attempts while completing 66.7 percent of passes. Cozart has made an impact on the field with nine passing touchdowns to go with his one interception. Cozart also affects the running game as the second leading rusher with 275 yards and four touchdowns.

Seven games into the season, it is time for coach Harsin to pick a QB and stick with him for the remainder of the season.

Brett Rypien has been the starting quarterback for the Broncos in each of the last three seasons. Rypien’s past leadership gave

him the starting job to begin the season.

He led the team to a 9-4 record in 2015 and a 10-3 season in 2016, where the team ranked as high as No. 13 in the nation.

Rypien has the experience in the Boise State offense.

However, it’s hard not to see a drop-off in his play this season when looking at Rypien’s touchdown to interception rate compared to last season, when he posted an impressive 24 touchdowns to just 8 interceptions. The most concerning drop-off is his yards per attempt, as he averaged 9.3 last season and is at just 6.4 this season.

Rypien is settling for smaller gains and not making many of his throws down field.

The regression of the offensive line has clearly affected the quality of Rypien’s play.

At this point last season, the offensive line had given up just 9 sacks, but this year they have already given up 19. While that may seem like a small number, it excludes the fact that the offense has attempted fewer passes so far this year – attempting 233– than they had this same time last year with 262 attempts. This reveals a much more startling stat, as in 2016 the offensive line allowed a sack just once every 26 pass attempts, while this season the number has been cut in half, allowing a sack once every 12 pass attempts.

Though he has led the team to wins against BYU, San Diego State, Wyoming and Utah State recently, Rypien has only recently looked comfortable in the pocket, which is where he typically does most of his damage. His discomfort is evident, as this season Rypien has had a tendency to stare down targets and quickly get rid of the ball. It has also shown in who he’s been targeting, as a high percentage of his passes have been to receivers running short routes, settling for short and safe throws for minimal gains.

Rypien’s counterpart, Montell Cozart, is a redshirt senior, transferring to Boise State after having played for The Univeristy of Kansas from 2013-2016. Cozart has

Cozart and Rypien both playing the role of Boise State Quarter Back. Photo by Axel Quartarone.

done an excellent job when rotating in for Rypien, who suffered a concussion early in the year. Cozart has averaged 8.6 yards per attempt this season.

“

Cozart gets yards even when most wouldn’t. He knows how to tuck and run on a broken play, and it’s exciting to see.

”

- Michael Eppel, Boise State student While Rypien is considered to have the better talent as a pure passer, Cozart excels in an area where Rypien does not, as a runner. Cozart has often been called

upon to run the football, averaging 4.2 yards per rushing attempt. His mobility is also helpful as a passer, because with a struggling offensive line, it allows him to escape the pocket when under duress and create more time to throw the ball down field, in situations where Rypien may not be able to. Cozart’s mobility has made him a very popular player amongst the student fanbase. “(Cozart) gets yards even when most wouldn’t,” said Boise State student Michael Eppel. “He knows how to tuck and run on a broken play, and it’s exciting to see.”

Quarterbacks tend to have trouble getting into a rhythm when they are constantly rotating out of the game, always looking over their shoulder to see if they are being replaced. It is time for Harsin to make the final judgment and stick with it.

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SPORTS & REC

OCTOBER 31, 2017

A glimpse into Boise State’s cross country team

Boise State travels to Madison, Wisconsin for Nuttycomb Invite

Addison DeHaven | Staff Writer | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu

their respective race distances, eight and six thousand meters. Following the run, we do some light sprints and stretches, readying our bodies for a grueling race.

Killing time the day before the meet can be one of the toughest parts of the weekend. People spend the day a) doing homework, b) pretending to do homework or c) watching hotel TV. Some find it difficult to do homework the day before, citing the excitement and anxiousness of the race too distracting to get anything accomplished.

Others are able to get quite a bit done, using the homework as a distraction.

“I get a lot done on the road,” said junior Miler Haller. “Homework keeps me from getting too worked up about what’s to come.”

We now meet as a group to go over the It is important is eating something familiar to the stomach, something that will digest Addison DeHaven races along the course. Photo by Axel Quartarone and Taylor Humby.

Boise State cross country loaded up a set of vans at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 11, to begin the long haul to Madison, Wisconsin for the Nuttycomb Invite, the most competitive meet of the year outside of the NCAA Championships.

The Nuttycomb Invite, hosted by the University of Wisconsin, signifies the midpoint of the cross country season and the final regular season test for the Broncos. Boise State finished fourth and 21st in the highly competitive fields of the women’s and men’s teams, respectively. The travels—documented below by a current Boise State Cross Country student-athlete—highlights the routines of some of the athletes when traveling to meets.

Traveling to meets is routine, with only the destination changing. Traveling to Madison requires only a short flight to Denver followed by another quick one to Madison. We arrive in Madison late Wednesday night, where we immediately head to the hotel to get some rest. It is a

18

common belief in the running community that two nights before the race is the most important night of sleep, so everyone is anxious to get some sleep. Lights are out by 10:30 p.m, and everyone is (likely) asleep by 11 p.m.

At 10:30 a.m. on Thursday morning, we load up again in rental minivans to head to the Thomas Zimmer Championship Cross Country Course, site of the 2018 National Championships. The day before a meet is the most relaxing one. Everyone gets up as they feel, meeting in the lobby for a light breakfast before heading to the course for a short run. Going to the site of the race can be both calming and nerve-wracking, depending on who you ask.

“Personally, I find going to the course and running around to have a calming effect,” said senior Mike Vennard. “Seeing where we’re running helps me visualize the race the next day and focus on the task at hand.”

The guys and girls run the course and

“

I don’t get as nervous as I do excited. The hours before the race are just a complete blur, though; at the time it feels like it takes forever to just get the race underway.

”

- Mike Vennard, senior runner well since the race is less than 12 hours away.

At 8 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 14, a few members of the men’s team are up and out the door for a short, slow jog. The “shakeout” run, as it is referred to, helps get the blood flowing and the body awake.

Breakfast is light, a combination of fruit, yogurt, bagels, really whatever is at the continental breakfast.

The following hours leading up to the race drag on, with a mix of excitement and nervousness filling the air.

“I don’t get as nervous as I do excited,” Vennard said. “The hours before the race are just a complete blur, though; at the time it feels like it takes forever to just get the race underway.”

The girls race first and compete well, finishing fourth in the 33-team field.

Sophomore Allie Ostrander led the team, finishing 9th, despite falling midway through the race.

“I thought the girls competed well,” said head coach Corey Ihmels. “They didn’t run their best race but were able to hang on and run tough.”

The men are up next and have a very tough day, finishing 21st in the 35-team field. Led by Haller in 63rd, who also fell midway through the race, we faded in the latter half of the race.

“My legs just felt dead,” Vennard said. “I just couldn’t get moving like I wanted to.”

Post-race, the disappointment is evident on the faces of everyone. Flying all the way to Wisconsin and running worse than expected can be a difficult experience to describe. A lot of focus and energy is put into the sport, miles upon miles are ran and not running to our best potential can be a tough pill to swallow.

Rain begins to pour on the way home, complementing the mood of the team.

“It’s really tough going out and running like that,” Haller said. “But we got to keep our heads up and look forward, a lot of season left to go.”

At 10 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 14, the Broncos land in Boise ready to be done for the day. The race still lingers in the heads of us all, but the focus is now solely on the Mountain West Championships, set to be held in Albuquerque, New Mexico in two weeks.

For now, though, the Broncos head to bed. Practice resumes the next morning with another long run. There’s always another race to prepare for.

BUCKING AROUND

OCTOBER 31, 2017

Puzzle 1 (Very hard, difficulty rating 0.78)

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9 9

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3 7 6

Generated by http://www.opensky.ca/sudoku on Mon Aug 28 19:17:16 2017 GMT. Enjoy!

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PHOTO Š JOHN WEBSTER