The Arbiter 9.3.19 Vol. 32 Issue 3

September 3, 2019

Vol. 32 Issue 3

IN D EP EN D E NT

NAMES + PRONOUNS

INCLUDE ALL STUDENTS

ST U D E NT

$$$

V O I CE

O F

B O I SE

STAT E

S I N C E

PROJECT DREAM

DEBATING DIVERSITY:

1 9 3 3

FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS

THE IDAHO WAY

DECIDING WHAT PROGRAMS ARE WORTH STUDENTS’ MONEY

GENDER BASED VIOLENCE NEWS

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Boise State graduate Cole Cunningham crosses the finish line of a bike ride across the nation

VISIT US ONLINE:

TRANSPARENCY + VULNERABILITY

STUDENT SUCCESS OPINION

08

Rumored restaurant donations to political campaigns have sparked debate about consumption arbiteronline.com

IMPLICIT

BIAS

DACA CULTURE

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Three MBA students trekked to the base of Mt. Everest in May, utilizing their skills in a unique way @arbiteronline

SPORTS & REC

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Broncos football takes down Florida State for the first time, led by freshman QB Hank Bachmeier

@arbiteronline

@boisestatearbiter

Editor-In-Chief Logan Potter editor@stumedia.boisestate.edu

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Online Editor Emma Freitas onlineeditor@stumedia.boisestate.edu News Editor Celina Van Hyning news@stumedia.boisestate.edu News Reporter Taylor Rico-Pekerol news@stumedia.boisestate.edu Culture Editor Will Meyer culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu Culture Reporter Michelle Johnson culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu Sports Editor Delaney Brassil sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu Sports Reporter Autum Robertson sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu

The Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic was held at Ann Morrison Park, drawing in hundreds over five days.

Copy Editor Megan Mary

ON THE COVER:

Social Media Coordinator Trisha Kangas

A f te r Re p u b l i c a n s a d d re s s e d a c a l l to a c t i o n re g a r d i n g d i ve r s i t y f u n d i n g to P re s i d e n t Tro m p, s t u d e n t s a n d f a c u l t y re s p o n d to t h e q u e s t i o n of “ W h a t ’s n ex t? ” fo r t h e v a r i o u s p ro g r a m s a c ro s s campus.

C ove r d e s i g n b y M a d d i e C e g l e c k i .

Digital Content Manager Taylor Humby digitalcontent@stumedia.boisestate.edu Digital Content Producer Mackenzie Hudson Graphic Design Manager Maddie Ceglecki design@stumedia.boisestate.edu Graphic Designer Kacie Fromhart Illustrator Wyatt Wurtenberger

Distributed Tuesdays during the academic school year The Arbiter is the official independent student newspaper of Boise State University, where student editors make all content decisions and bear responsibility for those decisions. The Arbiter’s budget consists of fees paid by the student body and advertising sales. The first copy is free.

Additional copies can be purchased for $1 a piece at The Arbiter offices.

HOW TO REACH US: CONTACT US: editor@stumedia.boisestate.edu 208.426.6302 PHYSICAL LOCATION: Located on first floor of Lincoln Avenue Garage Suites MAILING ADDRESS: Student Media MS 1340 1910 W Universit y Dr. Boise, ID 83725 -1340

Logan Potter | The Arbiter

MEET DR. TROMP Boise State’s 7th president First-generation college graduate Committed to supporting students and faculty

 @MarleneTromp

“At Boise State, we are trailblazers. We change people’s lives, so they can change the world.”

— Dr. Marlene Tromp

NEWS

SEPTEMBER 3, 2019 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

ADA COUNTY ANTI-DISCRIMINATION POLICY EXPANDS INCLUSIVITY Idaho lawmakers have voted to include LGBTQIA+ protection in new policies

Celina Van Hyning | News Editor | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu

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n Aug. 21, Ada County expanded employee anti-discrimination policies to include members of the LGBTQIA+ community. The expansion had been in the works for several months before finally being passed by county commissioners.

Diana Lachiondo, one of the commissioners responsible for the policy expansion, said that there were no previous attempts to expand the anti-discrimination laws, but the county agreed that it was time to make a change.

“Ada County’s new anti-discrimination language adopted this month is the right thing to do,” Lachiondo said. “We believe each person has the absolute right to work in an environment that is safe and professional. The anti-discrimination language reflects who we are as leaders and residents of Ada County.”

Lachiondo said inclusive language in the Treasure Valley and the state is very important and that her and her team are very proud of this accomplishment.

“The Ada County Board of Commissioners includes two new commissioners who took office in January: myself and commission Chair Kendra Kenyon,” Lachiondo said. “This inclusive language has always been a priority for me, and I am pleased we made this change eight months into my term.”

With the expansion, Lachiondo hopes to encourage employers to simply focus on finding the most useful skills to contribute to the workforce.

“Attracting and developing the best talent in our workforce is critically important to the board,” Lachiondo said. “We want every person to feel confident that, when they apply for a job with Ada County or come to work here, it is because of their

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outstanding skill sets.”

The idea of focusing only on work skills and contribution to the workforce is being explored by Add the Words, an organization that is working to persuade Idaho legislators to update the Human Rights Act to include protections for people in the LGBTQIA+ community.

Chelsea Gaona-Lincoln, the chair of Add the Words, said that she is thrilled to see Idaho lawmakers take a step in the direction toward equality.

“This is another incremental step (of) bending the arc towards justice,” Gaona-Lincoln said. “(The expansion) doesn’t touch statewide issues, but it’s a step in the right direction.”

Gaona-Lincoln said it is the organization’s hope that Idaho will become a state where members of the LGBTQIA+ community can live, work and thrive.

“We are always asking lawmakers to come to the table and consider what the Idaho Human Rights Act should look like,” Gaona-Lincoln said. “We’re not going to stop. We are hoping that (lawmakers) see gay and transgender people in humanity and recognize that they are worthy of protection.”

Blake Hunter, a junior media arts major, explained that, while this expansion is only a small step towards equality, it is important that Boise State protects students from discrimination the same as the state.

“This step shouldn’t be overlooked, because the policy positions Ada County as an ally alongside the cities and the (Boise State) administration in prioritizing student’s right to safety and job security, a simple task that the state of Idaho and federal government has repeatedly and shamelessly failed to do for decades,” Hunter wrote in an email. “Hopefully, this is the beginning of more movement to prohibit discrimi-

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LGBTQIA+ individuals are now protected from discrimination in the workplace.

Taylor Humby | The Arbiter nation in other sectors, other counties and other cities outside the 13 who currently have policies protecting LGBTQIA+ folks.”

Hunter said that the anti-discrimination policy should encourage people to understand the privilege they have and join the ongoing fight for equality, especially for those who cannot fight for themselves.

“I am a straight-passing, white, thin,

queer individual who feels safe in almost all spaces I occupy, and I have enough privilege to confront people in most scenarios of harassment,” Hunter wrote.

“Many other people in my community do not have the privilege to feel safe doing that, and no one should have to defend themselves or their identities.”

STUDENT UNION REMODEL MEANS PERMANENT PRAYER SPACE FOR ALL

NEWS

Plans to include a designated prayer space on the SUB’s second floor are underway

Taylor Rico-Pekerol | News Reporter | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu

“If someone knows where to go and pray, it definitely helps scheduling their day accordingly. They do not have to look for spaces where they need to find a separate corner in a building. If there is a place, they can easily go there.”

Kamrin Latif, MSA President A permanent prayer space will mean accessibility for students practicing their faith.

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tudents from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait make up a sizable percentage of Boise State’s population. With this in mind, construction on the second floor of the Student Union Building (SUB) means that a permanent prayer space can be foreseen in the fiscal school year of 2020, according to Nicole Nimmons, the executive director of student services.

“There’s a lot of sensitivity in regards to space, in the fact that I just want to make sure that what I’ve identified right now is the correct location for this (prayer room),” Nimmons said. “It could change, because that’s what happens when we grow in different needs. But it is one of our focuses in the next year to really make that happen.”

Being intentional with their plans to remodel the second floor, Nimmons and her team have been working on the timing and placement of a permanent prayer room, expecting it to be completed by the fiscal year of 2020.

For the time being, rooms on the sec-

ond floor of the SUB have been booked months in advance so that students can have congregational prayers. Francisco Salinas, the director of student diversity and inclusion, has worked in the past to advocate for having a permanent space that students can go to when the need arises.

“A few years ago, we had a dramatic influx of new students from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait,” Salinas said. (As) students joining our campus, part of their daily activity is finding a place to pray on campus, especially with the growth of the International Student Association and the Muslim Student Association. Through membership, we noticed an uptick in the need for this kind of a space.”

The Muslim Student Association (MSA) President Muhammad Kamrin Latif has been attending Boise State for five years, growing accustomed to finding places to pray. Latif has felt supported by Nimmons and her efforts to make sure students have spaces available and the equipment needed during a congregation for free.

Taylor Humby | The Arbiter “As Muslims, you have to pray five times a day. So two to three prayers will be during school time,” Latif said. “Right now, I have seen people praying (in) whatever space they have. Probably finding space in a building where there’s a wall next to it, so they’ll just pray over there.”

The space will accommodate all religions and be a place for other non-religious students to take a step out of their busy lives and meditate. By having this space available, students will no longer have to question where they can go for undisturbed, spiritual time.

“I think whether it’s a prayer space, or a space that is designated for sort of multi-use that is sort of quiet reflective space, I think that there could be a lot of potential uses for a space designated as such,” Salinas said.

With student’s schedules, it is difficult to have time to find a place to pray. Unless it is a Friday group sermon that happens once a week, the prayer takes between five to ten minutes and is an individual activity.

“If someone knows where to go and pray, it definitely helps scheduling their day accordingly,” Latif said. “They do not have to look for spaces where they need to find a separate corner in a building. If there is a place, they can easily go there.”

To celebrate Ramadan, around 800 people came to worship and pray in the Jordan ballrooms. During a normal Friday congregation, there is between 20 and 45 students who come together to pray.

In the past, the MSA has been removed from the priority list, but the mistake was quickly fixed to accommodate their needs, according to Salinas. However, this made it difficult for some students who could not drive off campus to a mosque.

“Whenever I find time I go to the mosque, but especially during Fridays, I’ve been praying at (Boise State) for probably the last two to three years,” Latif said. “We have never faced any problem in terms of segregating us between this religious group or other religious groups. So in that sense, we never felt like we were left out.”

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NEWS

STRICT CORPORATE NICOTINE POLICIES AFFECT STUDENTS Further research into the nicotine epidemic prompts major change in big companies

Celina Van Hyning | News Editor | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu

Vape products can result in serious health risks for heavy users, which has prompted major corporations to crack down on the epidemic.

I

t is no secret that electronic cigarettes and vape products pose significant health risks to a developing mind. In fact, 25% of teens and young adults use some kind of nicotine product. Consistent use does not only lead to a higher chance of developing an addiction and brain damage, but electronic cigarettes can also lead to behavior changes and a higher risk of developing certain respiratory diseases.

Young adults are being referred to as the “guinea pigs” of the trade, since the industry that companies like JUUL have taken over is a relatively new fad. While the health risks are still being examined, lawmakers and giant corporations are preventing what they have deemed the worst before it occurs.

In April 2019, Rep. John Gannon drafted legislation that would impose a 15% tax on all vape and JUUL products in the state of Idaho.

Gannon’s intention was to prevent those of age from purchasing the harmful products which, in turn, might lower the number of young children and teens using them.

The bill was printed with a 10-2 vote, and while it did not pass during the last session,

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Gannon is hopeful it will during the next.

“Vape products are a fad in schools,” Gannon said. “My step-granddaughter is in middle school, and she says there are hundreds of students involved in vape use.”

Gannon does not want to impose a tax on vape products to cash out on the newest addiction. Instead, he wants to use the money to fund education for children and young adults about the dangers of this harmful new trend.

“This is a new trend, and we need education about what can happen with excessive use,” Gannon said. “All of these products vary in strength, nicotine content and many other things. The information about this needs to get out there.”

Because vaping is a relatively new interest among youth, Gannon said he hopes the problem will pay for the consequences as more research is conducted about the increase in use.

“Younger kids and parents need to know what’s happening,” Gannon said. “This is a low tax, and all the money from it will be used exclusively for education and outreach (about vaping).”

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Although the vape tax is not being implemented at the state level, major corporations such as Walmart and Jacksons have taken matters into their own hands.

The companies have raised the minimum age requirement to 21, and no longer stock fruity and sugary pod flavors.

Emily Gravel oversees student wellness initiatives at Boise State, and believes that the actions taken by these companies will not solve the problem, but will help reduce the use.

“It’s a step in the right direction, however, it is misleading to think 21 is a magic number where brain development is complete.” Gravel wrote in an email. “Our brain is not done developing until later 20s or even early 30s.”

Gravel explained that taking away the flavored nicotine products does not address the root of the problem, as people are still using without them.

“Teens and adolescents began to explore e-cig usage before the mass marketing of sweetened flavor, and they will continue to do so after,” Gravel wrote. “Also, I am not aware of the statistics at which these flavors were utilized by 18+ year old adults.

Taylor Humby | The Arbiter

As you can only buy these products when you are 18+, it’s hard to say how many were purchased specifically for minors and how many were purchased for legal consumers.”

Director of BroncoFit Michelle Imhels has worked with ASBSU closely to improve and maintain Boise State’s tobacco-free campus policy, and hopes to continue this work in the future.

“ASBSU proposed a change to the policy to be tobacco and vape free,” Imhels wrote in an email. “This was sent to a committee this summer, and we have created a revised policy that is now off to those who approve changes in policies at the University.”

Imhels wants the research about the dangers of vaping to continue, especially with regards to the younger generation.

“There is a ton of research out there that supports being smoke, tobacco and vape free,” Imhels wrote. “As the Director of BroncoFit, I believe this is important for the health and safety of everyone on our campus.”

NEWS

COLE CUNNINGHAM MAKES IT TO THE FINISH LINE

After 4,350 miles and 63 days, the Journey of Hope ride is complete Taylor Rico-Pekerol | News Reporter | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu

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aking up at 5 am every morning, packing up one duffel bag and riding anywhere from 75 to 115 miles a day does not sound like an average summer vacation. However, that was Cole Cunningham’s reality this summer, and it was all for The Ability Experience and the Journey of Hope ride.

Cole Cunningham is a recent Boise State graduate with a degree in marketing and an alum of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity.

Over this break, he rode 4,350 miles in 63 days and ended the ride with his 24 teammates in Washington D.C. on Aug. 10.

Once all the riders finished their morning prayer, team manager James Maloney would send the men off in groups of four every two minutes. Maloney is a Pi Kappa Phi alum, like Cunningham, and decided to manage the team throughout their summer journey.

“It is a huge accomplishment for these guys. I think (about) how much easier it is to write that English paper that you have been struggling with or that lab that has been difficult after you know that you have brought your bike across the entire country,” Maloney said. “They gain a huge level of personal confidence and they know they are capable of more.”

The route the team members would be riding were scouted out beforehand by Maloney to ensure the conditions were OK to ride. Each day, the team would end their ride at a friendship visit, where they would stop and meet people with disabilities.

“Once you get to where you’re supposed to be going, like hanging out at a friendship visit that day and seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces, that makes it all worth it,” Cunningham said. “And that’s what I realized; this is what it’s all about.”

The visits consisted of everything from karaoke and pizza parties to hanging out and playing games, according to Cunningham.

The team made sure to involve everyone and have a time they would never forget.

“Every single time we showed up to an

Cunningham raised the second highest amount of money for his page out of all three teams, raising just over $13,000.

He received the Outstanding Fundraising Award and had support from both Boise State students and the Boise community.

A local business in Boise, Kount, donated $3,300 alone to The Ability Experience.

“I’m super grateful for all of the support from Boise State and the entire Boise community,” Cunningham said. “I probably wouldn’t have been able to fundraise that much for the Ability Experience if it wasn’t for everyone.”

The final destination for all three teams was the Capitol lawn in Washington D.C., and they arrived in formations of two. Due to Cunningham’s entire team raising the most money compared to the other two teams, they were able to ride in first to the finish line.

Cunningham’s team raised $30,960 in the two months they were on the road, and it was the most money raised in the history of The Ability Experience. With the funds raised, they were able to give out 15 grants to the organizations they met with over the summer.

Cole Cunningham spent his summer biking to the Capitol in Washington D.C.

Photo courtesy of Cole Cunningham organization, someone would say, ‘You know, you guys don’t realize how much we look forward to you guys coming and hanging out with us,’” Cunningham said.

“It’s almost better than Christmas for us.”

Most of the men on the team did not know each other before the ride, but at the finish line, they were family. Chael Williams, a junior public relations major at the University of Southern Mississippi became close to Cunningham and, although riders are not supposed to ride in groups of less than three, Williams and Cunningham were able to have a ride to themselves.

“We got to have talks about faith and spirituality, as well as talks about careers,” Williams said. “(Cole) was at the stage of

life where he was about to go and start his career, and so that was pretty cool to kind of mutually ease each other’s anxieties.”

After riding 115 miles, the last thing the teammates wanted to do was get back on a bike the next day. Having a community of riders that supported each other and understood what the others were going through, however, made it worth it to Cunningham.

“I’m proud to say that I have 24 new friends from all over the country who I can reach out to if I’m ever traveling or whatnot and need somewhere to stay,” Cunningham said. “I know that I could reach out to any one of those guys and they’d be willing to help me out.”

“It was a ton of hard work and it was pretty exhausting at times, but it was definitely worth it. I don’t regret anything...”

Cole Cunningham, Boise State graduate “It was a ton of hard work and it was pretty exhausting at times, but it was definitely worth it. I don’t regret anything, and it was just an experience of a lifetime,” Cunningham said. “It was an amazing experience and something I will never forget.”

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OPINION SEPTEMBER 3, 2019 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

REPORTED RESTAURANT DONATIONS SPARK DEBATE OVER CONSUMPTION In the wake of the firestorm over political donations, does ethical consumption exist?

Zach Hill | Opinion Editor | opinion@stumedia.boisestate.edu

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f you’re anything like me, you’ve scrolled through Twitter or Facebook in the last few weeks and come across a post claiming that multiple restaurants and their owners have donated a significant amount of money to Trump’s reelection campaign.

Naturally, this post sparked a significant amount of outrage, with most people lamenting on how they were going to lose out on food options by not being able to eat at some of their favorite places. Celebrities like Chrissy Teigen were among those who decided that they would no longer eat at these restaurants, choosing to support companies that haven’t donated — or, at least, haven’t announced it.

There was only one major problem with this list; companies like Olive Garden didn’t actually make any donations, as corporations aren’t allowed to donate to political campaigns, according to the Federal Election Commission. In fact, only individual employees, owners or the organization’s political action committees can make these donations. For example, while Olive Garden itself may not make donations to campaigns, their holding company, Darden Restaurants, may use their PACs to make donations — but even along this line, the evidence that most of these holding companies are financially supporting Trump is shaky, at best.

The original post, made by Twitter user @BillyBobSanderz, alleges they accessed this information from Open Secrets, a website dedicated to responsive politics.

However, their chart for holding companies like Darden demonstrate that most of their political donations are pretty evenly distributed between parties, with slightly above 50% actually going to Democratic candidates.

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While the claim that these companies contribute to Trump financially may be false, there are certainly still questions of partisan politics that exist in this realm.

While they might not be able to donate specifically to Trump, Chick-fil-A still has the ability to donate to anti-LGBT groups, which makes it pretty easy for us to guess which candidate they support.

Lists like these, in which massive boycotts are called for, force us to ask some pretty tough questions to determine whether or not our choice brand of consumption is ethical. We spend a significant amount of time questioning whether or not we’re ethical consumers, if our purchases are helping to contribute to some good cause. The problem, however, is this places the responsibility for social ills created by corporations onto the shoulders of regular people.

So, in the world of political donations and asking whether or not corporations should be able to financially support candidates, we have to also consider whether or not corporate personhood is a concept we buy into. Last year, a guest author for the Arbiter defended this idea, discussing the implications to freedom of speech, legal responsibility, and of course, financial responsibility.

I disagree with this take — granting personhood opens the door for corporations to do things like discriminate against their employees in the name of free speech and, frankly, offer up money to who they like.

This brings the issue to a head.

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Companies aren’t specifically allowed to donate to political campaigns to give people like you and me some ability to make choices we want without being drowned out. Not supporting specific companies, however, isn’t going to do much in the long run.

In order for that to be true, ethical consumption would have to also be true.

This discussion over who supports who and how to make political statements against corporations is incredibly convoluted and difficult to condense into one article.

If we care about being able to stand up to corporations in our political process, we have to know what power they have, and how we can seize that power for ourselves.

What are you supporting when you buy from certain restaurants?

Wyatt Wurtenberger | The Arbiter

OPINION

VMAS SHOULD BE THE MODEL FOR PROGRESSIVE AWARD SHOWS

The VMAs honor trailblazing and diverse voices in music, whereas other shows fall short Will Meyer | Culture Editor | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu

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izzo posed a message of validation and self-love as part of a speech, spoken amidst a performance of the artist’s two mega hits of the year “Truth Hurts” and “Good as Hell.” The songs seek to appeal to a greater idea of acceptance and self-care.

“It’s so hard trying to love yourself in a world that doesn’t love you back, am I right?” Lizzo asked the crowd at the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) on Monday.

In truth, Lizzo’s image is largely founded upon the idea of further recognizing marginalized people, singing about body positivity in songs like ‘Tempo,’ or saying she likes boys in all their forms in “Boys.” Though Lizzo’s fame has skyrocketed in the last year, she is not the only artist to push the envelope for greater inclusion, and the VMAs did well in recognizing this trend.

Alongside Lizzo’s performance were many other performances and speeches that emphasized the importance various artists saw in different causes. Lil Nas X performed his song “Panini,” from his recent EP, and just his presence was a sight to be seen. The twenty-year-old rapper made waves this year not only for his song “Old Town Road,” which reached a record-breaking length on the Billboard Hot 100 list, but also for coming out as queer via Twitter around the same time. He is also noteworthy for incorporating country elements into his music, and infiltrating the country charts despite non-white artists rarely being recognized.

Seeing a young, black, queer man, winning awards might seem unbelievable to many, especially considering the mixed reception his coming out was given. Despite the skepticism, Lil Nas X went on to win the “Song of the Year” category at the VMAs, as well.

Perhaps the most iconic performance of the evening was given by Missy Elliott.

Elliott, who received the Video Vanguard Award, one of the most prestigious given at the awards show. Elliott, whose career

Missy Elliott was one performing artist that proved the VMAs value diverse voices. has spanned several decades, performed a mash-up of past hits such as “Pass that Dutch,” “Work It” and “Get Ur Freak On.” Her performance was important for a variety of reasons. Lizzo has spoken many times about the influence Elliott had on her, specifically seeing a black woman producing a confident and truthful image for herself. Having Lizzo, now an incredibly successful young artist herself performing on the same stage as the iconic Elliott, highlights the growth the industry has seen since Elliott was a young artist herself.

The VMAs have long been an awards

show full of great performances. This year, amidst political turmoil worse in many ways than what we have seen in recent decades, MTV chose to give people space to speak as well as perform their art. Their triumphs mean even more than the success of more privileged artists, for they have fought for their position despite the adversity the system provided for them. While other awards shows such as the Grammys, that largely feature performances without commentary, the VMAs brought a long list of performers who had an agenda and used the massive stage as a platform to be heard.

Photo courtesy of Photos Live/TNS

HAVE A COMMENT OR REBUTTAL? EMAIL US AT: OPINION@STUMEDIA.BOISESTATE.EDU

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DEBATING DIVERSITY:

DECIDING WHAT PROGRAMS ARE WORTH STUDENTS’ MONEY

EMMA FREITAS | ONLINE EDITOR ONLINEEDITOR@STUMEDIA.BOISESTATE.EDU

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rograms and events such as Black Graduation, Rainbow Graduation, Pow Wow, the campus food pantry, emergency funding for students and many more were described as unnecessary expenses for Boise State students — but not by the university.

In July, Idaho House Republicans, led

by Rep. Barbara Ehardt, wrote a letter encouraging President Marlene Tromp, who had only taken office a week prior, to cut diversity and inclusion efforts. This letter detailed numerous programs that the caucus deemed to be driving up education costs for all students at Boise State.

“Like many of my colleagues, I believe in higher education,” Ehardt wrote in the letter. “However, I don’t view the current direction of Boise State to be in the tradition of what higher education has been, or should be, in Idaho. As legislators, we will seek and support academic excellence that does not pursue social or political agendas or incur additional costs.”

“The Idaho way” was a phrase deemed

by Ehardt and others as what constituents in the state consider to be the best way to include everyone in higher education,

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and that Boise State is not headed in the direction that best fits the standard.

Many, however, are opposed to the Republicans’ sentiment about higher education and the growing needs of students.

Hailey Opperman, a sophomore pre-nursing major and first-year member of the Inclusive Excellence Student Council (IESC) at Boise State, responded to the letter with worry about the future for students who

“We’re definitely taking strides to step away from that, and let the students here know that are marginalized, that we want them to be here, we want them to be welcome. We want them to feel safe and celebrated.”

HAILEY OPPERMAN

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would be affected by a diversity and inclusion budget cut.

“It was just very transparent to see that they want to continue this path of exclusionary work and practices in our higher education institutions,” Opperman said.

“And that’s not what we’re about, that’s not the work we’re doing. And so we’re definitely taking strides to step away from that, and let the students here know that are marginalized, that we want them to be here, we want them to be welcome. We want them to feel safe and celebrated.”

Equity at the university also remains at the forefront of legislative minds. Senator Maryanne Jordan, minority caucus chair, responded to the letter from Republicans with questions about what this statement means for marginalized communities.

“I was concerned, as well as many members of my caucus, and I’m sure you saw the response that we had,” Jordan said.

“We find great value in those programs.

University experience is not always a level playing field for everyone, and programs that can help lift everyone up and help them succeed are incredibly valuable.”

Shortly after Democrats replied to the

original letter, most received a postcard depicting President Marlene Tromp and legislators as clowns in a depiction of the little-known, right-wing ideology “clown world.” For Jordan, that postcard was not a surprise due to similar mail in the past, but the discourse still served as a disappointment.

“I don’t know that I generally expected it but, honestly, it didn’t surprise me,” Jordan said. “We have people in Idaho that still don’t have protections under the Idaho Human Rights Act and this kind of public discourse is just teeming to get worse and worse all the time. Sadly, I wasn’t shocked by it, just disgusted.”

The outrage caused by both the letter and the postcard has ignited a heated conversation about the importance of diversity funding.

As outlined in the letter, the first issue that Republicans claim will drive up tuition costs is the encouragement for students with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status to apply for the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship. Francisco Salinas, director of student diversity and inclusion at Boise State, commented on why DACA students may not be speaking out against funding issues.

“You know, what happened when DACA was rescinded, is that those students who kind of came out of the shadows, I think some of them felt tricked, as though they were tricked into coming out of the shadows, and then they expose some level of vulnerability,” Salinas said.

“Our relationship with those students, and that potential student population, is now marred by distrust.”

Salinas explained that, because DACA students are eligible for the scholarship through their resident status in Idaho, they are able to apply. The attention brought to them through the letter could jeopardize that, though financial need exists for all students.

“We have to look very critically at how things are funded and what the effects are for student costs,” Salinas said. “And I know that we’re living in a time where the cost (for) students has skyrocketed. I think we need to look comprehensively at education, and not just public four-year universities, but other kinds of educational opportunities as a public good.”

Though the cost of tuition has risen steadily over recent years, Jordan argued that the cost for these diversity programs is minuscule on a large scale.

“When you look at it relatively speaking, it’s a small amount of money,” Jordan said.

“We have over 20,000 students at Boise State, talking about less than 500,000 dollars for these programs, and I think that the value that they provide can be opportunities for support and success that they give to the students more than pays for itself.”

Kennedy Binegar, a junior film and television major, voiced her concerns about barring DACA students from applying for the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship, and that the representatives did not coin the phrase “the Idaho way” with the best interests of Idahoans.

“Who are we to say that someone doesn’t deserve an education and that someone can’t be successful because of where they were born?” Binegar said.

Alyssa Wainaina, a sophomore sociology major and a member of the IESC, explained that students need to have their voices heard in order to feel empowered in higher education, and having represen-

tation plays a large part in their decision process.

“I would say a big reason why marginalized groups would choose a school would be based off the representation in staff and administration, seeing other people of color and other marginalized identities,” Wainaina said.

“I would say a big reason why marginalized groups would choose a school would be based off the representation in staff and administration, seeing other people of color and other marginalized identities.”

ALYSSA WAINAINA

A letter in response to the diversity controversy from Idaho House Democrats reiterated that “the Idaho way” was about ensuring higher education opportunities is essential to creating productive spaces for marginalized communities.

“Idahoans also value affordable access to life-long learning opportunities,” Democrats wrote. “This responsibility is shared between the legislature and Idaho’s institutions of higher learning. We are proud that our institutions are doing their part.

Idaho’s higher education institutions create

welcoming environments to serve students from diverse backgrounds who are striving for a better life and more opportunity. This is the ‘Idaho way.’”

Bella LaForte, a junior social work major, described her worry regarding rising tuition costs, but recognizes that access to higher education is essential to success.

“I think, in comparison to the rest of the world, America makes it extremely hard for people to receive a higher education,” LaForte said. “And with us being one of the more (socially) modernized countries, I don’t think that that’s fair with how our environment is set up. At this point, you need a higher education to just live here, and so not giving someone the opportunity is setting them up for failure down the line.”

Creating equal opportunities for all students attending Boise State, according to the letter from Republicans, is the main objective in cutting diversity programs they claimed were antithetical to “the Idaho way.”

There is no “one-size fits all” interpretation of “the Idaho way,” according to Salinas, and labeling students with one meaning is bound to leave some behind.

“I don’t get to define the Idaho way, but I do get to be a part of the conversation of what the Idaho way is, because I am very proud to be an Idahoan, and I have chosen to live here for a number of years, and I’ve come back to Idaho after going away,” Salinas said. “Idaho is a beautiful place with wonderful people. I think for me, what my Idaho way is, is a way that is inclusive; a way that values the humanity of each of us as individuals and a way that recognizes that we are more together than we can ever be separately.”

F E AT U R E HAILEY OPPERMAN

SOPHOMORE PRE-NURSING MAJOR

BELL A L AFORTE

JUNIOR SOCIAL WORK MAJOR

A LY S S A WA I N A I N A

“I think, in comparison to the rest of the world, America makes it extremely hard for people to receive a higher education . . . At this point you need a higher education to just live here, and so not giving someone the opportunity is setting them up for failure down the line.”

BELLA LAFORTE

SOPHOMORE SOCIOLOGY MA JOR

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C U LT U R E SEPTEMBER 3, 2019 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

VISUAL ART MEETS THE WRITTEN WORD

Campus fine arts programs seek to create well-rounded graduates Will Meyer | Culture Editor | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu

“With visual art, there’s an image right in front of you, but with poetry, you create that image. . . but it’s more visceral than tangible with poetry.”

Jacob Robarts, senior creative writing major

Jacob Robarts enters his final year in the BFA creative writing program for poetry.

Taylor Humby | The Arbiter

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hough online articles assure that millennials and Gen Zs are reading more than previous generations, it is safe to say some still prefer working with words more than others. One such person is Jacob Robarts, a senior finishing his BFA in the creative writing department, specializing in poetry.

“Poetry is a much more holistic type of writing,” Robarts said. “You have to consider how the words look on the page, how the words sound aloud and how it’s arranged. Although you get that with fiction, it’s a much more immediate experience with poetry.”

The marriage of visual and textual

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artistic expression is what drew Robarts to poetry. Although his university experience has been focused on studying visual arts, Robarts also grew up with a love for reading and writing.

“With visual art, there’s an image right in front of you, but with poetry, you create that image,” Robarts said. “So, it’s kind of like the same thing that’s happening in both instances, but it’s more visceral than tangible with poetry.”

Famous writers, such as Frank O’Hara and Mary Oliver, have been a key influence on Robarts and his pursuit for a passionate career.

“I think the first thing that drew me to (Oliver) was that she was queer, and all her

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work has to do with nature,” Robarts said.

“That’s also something that my work deals with, but her work is very plain, no frills.”

For students in the BFA program, their work and craft — much like in a visual arts program — is emphasized over a more traditionally academic experience that students get in a BA program, according to Robarts.

The creative writing program is celebrating its first anniversary this fall, and Martin Corless-Smith, co-director of the program, is excited about the direction it is going.

“We already have 80 students, and that is not counting the many students who are in upper-division creative writing classes and are still in the English department,” Corless-Smith said.

According to Corless-Smith, when the creative writing program merged with theater and film, it left the English department. Many students, however, were already partially through their degree as English students with an emphasis in creative writing. Consequently, there is a mixture of students with degrees in the creative writing department, as well as those who

have chosen to keep the old title.

Although it is clear that creative writing is popular, there is still some contention about employability and making a living after college.

“Creative writing makes you self-motivated, and encourages you to both give and take criticism about your work,” said Corless-Smith.

On a similar note, Mitch Wieland, co-founder of the MFA creative writing program at Boise State, said a creative writing degree teaches students empathy.

“Even businesses have started to put the emphasis on creativity, critical thinking and the ability to write,” Wieland said.

Boise State’s former president, Dr. Bob Kustra, was very passionate about the importance of storytelling, saying that this skill is a variety of professions, according to Wieland.

“Bob kind of thought that the narrative arts degree would be the degree of the future, because everybody uses story.

Everything is a narrative,” Wieland said.

The narrative arts track is the first of its kind in the nation, and is unique to the Creative Writing program at Boise State.

The faculty within the creative writing program, as well as the students, are using this program not only to hone their skills as writers in various mediums. The program also intends to coax those involved to think about the importance of studying an art like storytelling in a world so saturated with “hard skills” that are supposed to get you into a job, but lack a more holistic nature.

“To be a creative writing student is to immerse yourself in empathy,” Wieland said. “That’s all you’re doing when you’re writing is trying to put yourself in someone else’s shoes. I think that means you’re making yourself a better individual in the world, or in a company.”

C U LT U R E

BOISE OPENS AN ‘ISLAND’ FOR DOGS

Dog Island is now open in Ann Morrison Park, bringing a new addition to the local canine community Michelle Johnson | Culture Reporter | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu

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oise State University’s centrally located campus brings many benefits to its students. Now, there is another option for students to explore: Dog Island, the new dog play area in Ann Morrison Park.

According to the City of Boise, Dog Island includes a 5.4-acre active dog space, opportunities for dogs to swim and a fenced “shy” area for dogs who may not be as social. Anticipating the opening, the City of Boise enhanced the water quality, ensuring it was safe for the dogs to play in.

The new dog park, which cost $450,000 and was funded completely by donations, will add a new community element near the heart of Boise.

“I think it’s a great addition to the community,” said Randy Bauman, a junior

“I think it’s a great addition to the community. I would recommend this dog park to others, even if they don’t own a dog themselves.”

Randy Bauman, junior marketing major

Wagging tails of all shapes and sizes enjoyed their first sniffs at the new park.

marketing major. “I would recommend this dog park to others, even if they don’t own a dog themselves.”

Bauman said he and his Doberman pinscher have enjoyed Dog Island already, and he isn’t the only Boise State student to quickly start using the park in the small period of time it has been open.

Bella LaForte, a junior social work major, plans on going to the new dog park often. LaForte’s dog is a terrier mix and, even though she has yet to go, she is

looking forward to it.

“I’ll be living close to it, so I’ll use it for sure; it sounds fun,” LaForte said. “I really like the idea that it is an off-leash park for the dogs.”

The off-leash experience isn’t the only draw for students to bring their dogs for a play date. Ryan Kerr, a senior sociology major, takes his dog, Ellie, to the dog park quite often. Kerr got Ellie from the shelter and believes that Dog Island is in a convenient location, especially for students.

“It makes it super easy to find a place to give dogs exercise, while also being within walking distance to the campus,” Kerr said.

“It’s great for students who have dogs.”

The dog park is in its own area, separated from the main Ann Morrison Park.

This location intends to leave the option for people to enjoy the park itself, or make their way to Dog Island.

With its close proximity to campus, Dog Island can serve as more than just a place to take dogs. It’s also a place to meet new people — and their dogs.

“I saw a girl there who didn’t have her own dog, but she was there playing with and petting all the dogs around her,” Bauman said.

Mackenzie Hudson | The Arbiter

Even if someone doesn’t own a dog, it’s still a great place to go see and play with them.

“It’s a great place to watch pets have fun and hang out,” Kerr said. “Most pet owners that I’ve talked to don’t mind letting people play with their pets because that’s why they’re there anyways. It’s a great stress reliever.”

With Dog Island being within walking distance from campus, it’s a great place to take dogs or go hang out and play with other dogs. Dog Island is open year-round, rain or shine, and is free to the public.

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C U LT U R E

WHAT THREE BOISE STATE MBA STUDENTS LEARNED ON MOUNT EVEREST Students applied real-world skills to Tashi Sherpa’s Nepalese trekking business David Collie | Guest Writer | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu

Three MBA students took on two challenges in Nepal: running a business and climbing to the South Base Camp of Mt. Everest.

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or many students, reaching graduation can be quite the trek.

For Boise State MBA students Tashi Sherpa, Michael Smolucha and Micaela Smith, however, that obstacle might seem less daunting after their trek to Mount Everest’s South Base Camp at an elevation of 17,598 feet.

Although these students made their journey in May, the story began with Sherpa who, along with his siblings, founded the company “Hike With Sherpa” three years ago. Sherpa was born in Nepal, but came to Boise State for his undergraduate degree in electrical engineering. After a large earthquake hit the region in 2015, Sherpa helped organize a silent auction on campus that raised about $9,000 for relief; still, Sherpa knew this effort would only go so far.

“At the back of my head, (I) knew that money wasn’t going to last long term,” Sherpa said. “So, me and my siblings, we got together, and we thought about, ‘How can we contribute back to Nepal? How can

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we, as being here in the United States, kind of help toward sustainability?’”

Their conclusion was to utilize connections and experience — gained in part by their father’s 40 years in the business — to create a trekking company to provide a unique experience for people to become immersed in the local culture.

“We love meeting people from different culture(s) and sharing our own culture to them, so it was a perfect combination,” Sherpa said. “We are really passionate about it. I feel like I learn so much more just by traveling and engaging and immersing myself in (a) new culture, and I would want to give that experience to other people here at Boise State and all around the States.”

Smolucha, one of the students who went on the trip, met Sherpa at an orientation picnic for MBA students at the university.

Coincidentally, Smolucha’s wife, Joy, has been an Everest buff since she was a child.

With fairly limited responsibilities and no children yet, the two found themselves in

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the perfect situation to take the plunge.

On the trip, the group of 17 averaged 8-12 miles a day once in Nepal, with a total roundtrip of nearly 82 miles.

This experience also allowed Smolucha to help Sherpa by providing feedback on the business. The two are currently working on redesigning the preparation process to make things more structured and efficient.

Although Smolucha found his experience in the military to be more helpful in evaluating the business, he believes the MBA program still offered valuable skill sets.

“With a brand new company like his, I think all the tools (the MBA) provided us are the perfect thing (sic) to help build a framework,” Smolucha said.

Fellow MBA student Micaela Smith also gained the opportunity to apply her classroom skills to Sherpa’s business. According to Smith, she helped identify what made the business unique, and said that it was the personal touch.

From getting to train with Sherpa beforehand, and staying with his family

Photo courtesy of Tashi Sherpa

along the trip, Smith explained that the business offered a more personal experience than a larger corporation would have. “(Hike with Sherpa) had personal connections, and all of the money fed right back into that circle instead of paying for something like REI, where half of your money goes to REI,” Smith said. “I think that was the biggest thing for me, just being able to experience and see how different that experience would have been if we had gone through some very big corporation that didn’t have that personal, familial connection to the region.”

Along with the familial connection, the business also shares a financial connection with the region. In addition to bringing tourists into the area, Sherpa explained that they help give back to the schools, hospitals and an orphanage in the region.

“It was really fascinating seeing how you could use business as social change and really help people’s quality of life that way,” Smith said.

FALL PRE-GAME PLAYLIST Will Meyer | Culture Editor | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu

C U LT U R E

JUST A THOUGHT Where does social justice fit in the world of comedy?

Logan Potter | Editor-in-Chief | editor@stumedia.boisestate.edu

The Arbiter staff hand-picks songs designed to motivate and inspire you throughout the fall semester.

SAVE TO YOUR LIBRARY Motivation by Normani Logan Potter

3:14

Genghis Khan by Miike Snow Emma Freitas

3:32

My Type by Saweetie Celina Van Hyning

2:06

Doing Me by Ray BLK Taylor Rico-Pekerol

3:50

Aute Cuture by Rosalía Will Meyer

2:28

All for Us by Zendaya and Labrinth Michelle Johnson

3:13

Get Right Witcha by Migos Autum Robertson

4:17

Sabotage by The Beastie Boys Zach Hill

2:58

Good as Hell by Lizzo Megan Mary

2:40

Sanctuary by Joji Trisha Kangas

3:00

Otherside by Perfume Genius Taylor Humby

2:40

Good Nights by Whethan feat. Mascolo Delaney Brassil

2:45

On the Regular by Shamir Maddie Ceglecki

2:57

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tand-up specials are the one place on Netflix queues where it truly feels like anything goes.

Comedians like Bo Burnham and Anthony Jeselnik bring shock factors to the stage, speaking their minds unfiltered, whereas others like Tiffany Haddish focus more prominently on hilarious takes of life stories and current events. Regardless of their path into the comedy world, they have succeeded. Just as all stars, though, many lose their spark, and Dave Chappelle is the latest to have seemingly fallen.

There has been years of debate regarding just how far comedy can go and, in 2019, the answer is still unclear. While many comedians use their platforms for good, like the long-running Comic Relief event, some remove social justice from their image altogether. While Chappelle does work with select charity organizations, he focuses on satirical views of society as his most recognizable trait.

Unfortunately for Chappelle, his extensive repertoire of stand-up specials didn’t keep him in the spotlight through

2019. As up-and-coming comics made their way to the forefront of the stage, Chappelle seemed to fizzle out. The result is “Sticks and Stones,” Chappelle’s latest Netflix special that is grittier and more controversial than ever.

In the special, Chappelle explains his distrust for Michael Jackson’s sexual assault accusers in documentary “Finding Neverland,” made racist impressions of other people of color, critiqued cancel culture and mocked the LGBTQIA+ community. Chappelle’s tropes are tired, and they reflect a greater problem in Hollywood: fear of irrelevance.

The desire not to fade out has become too strong for many celebrities in the entertainment industry, and Chappelle is just one example of a ripple effect. In his case, however, his lack of relevance isn’t so much about him, but more about his lack of evolution with society. While the world changed, Chappelle stayed the same.

Unfortunately for his career, society isn’t willing to wait for him to catch up.

As we progress in social terms, our taste changes, too. One decade ago, audiences may not have desired such strong political tones in their entertainment but, today, it’s nearly imperative to success.

Comedy, in its most well-intentioned form, is meant to satirize our world and make people laugh, promote happiness and start conversations. “Sticks and Stones,” as well as many other comedy specials, force that conversation by seeking an angering end result; rather than laughing, the audience’s once-happy outlook becomes a resentful one. Social justice may not be the intention of comedy, but progress-focused discourse should be the result — just a thought.

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SPORTS & REC SEPTEMBER 3, 2019 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

FRESHMAN QB HANK BACHMEIER LEADS UNDERDOG BRONCOS TO WIN AT FSU

The stunning 18-point comeback included Eric Sasche setting Boise State’s single game kicking record Tommy Drorbaugh | Staff Writer | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu

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he Boise State Broncos rallied together to secure an incredible win on the road for their 2019 season opener against the Florida State Seminoles. In the beginning, it seemed everything — including the weather — was against the Broncos.

Due to Hurricane Dorian, the game was moved from a Jacksonville neutral-site field to the Seminoles’ home field, Doak Campbell Stadium, giving FSU a home field advantage. But players and fans weren’t phased by the trip, as about 1,600 Bronco fans attended the game.

“Jacksonville to Tallahassee, hotel to hotel, kids from California coming to Florida’s heat,” said junior STUD Curtis Weaver.

In the first half, the Seminoles came out on fire with three passing touchdowns, a rushing touchdown and a grand total of 358 offensive yards. The Broncos offense put together good drives, but were stopped short four times by the Florida defense, forcing field goals.

Two beacons of hope glimmered in the form of senior kicker Eric Sachse and junior running back Robert Mahone. Mahone rushed for a one-yard touchdown and Sachse drilled four field goals, keeping Boise State in the game before the half. Sachse finished with a single game school record of 5-for-5 field goals. At halftime, the score was 19-31 in favor of the Seminoles.

“Second half we said, ‘Hey, how badly do we want to find a way to win?’” said head coach Bryan Harsin.

And find a way the Broncos did. Boise State’s defense squelched FSU to 68 offensive yards and zero points in the second half. The Broncos mounted an 18-point comeback, the largest against a Power 5 team in Bronco history, to defeat the Seminoles.

“Adversity was the big word, and that’s what

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The Broncos will head into their home opener 1-0 after their stunning victory over Florida State. we used to get through this,” Weaver said.

Freshman quarterback Hank Bachmeier threw 215 passing yards and a touchdown pass to wide receiver Khalil Shakir in a seven-play 69-yard drive during the third quarter to bring the score to 26-31. Early in the fourth, Bachmeier led the Broncos on an 11-play, 60-yard drive finished

by Mahone securing another one-yard rushing touchdown. Sasche drilled another field goal late in the fourth to bring the

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final score to 36-31.

The Broncos ran a total of 108 offensive plays and had the ball for 40 minutes, compared to the Seminoles’ 62 offensive plays.

“My O-line gave me some big holes and did a good job at protecting me,” Mahone said.

Bachmeier finished the game 30 for 51 with 407 passing yards and six sacks, setting a Boise State school record for the most passing yards as a first-time starting quarterback during the FBS era. Mahone

Taylor Humby | The Arbiter

finished with 24 carries, 142 yards and two touchdowns.

“He’s tough, he can take some hits, he got right back up,” Mahone said of Bachmeier.

The Broncos are back at Albertsons Stadium on Friday, Sept. 6 at 7 p.m. to face Marshall. Boise State will have a home field advantage all through September, not going on the road until Oct. 5 to contest UNLV.

SPORTS & REC

MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY PRIORITIZES CAMARADERIE IN 2019 SEASON

Broncos named No. 1 in preseason poll, despite a lack of seniors Autum Robertson | Sports Reporter | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu

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ast season, in San Diego, Calif., the Boise State men’s cross country team took home their second Mountain West (MW) championship title in three years, led by eight powerhouse seniors. This year, the men’s team was picked to win the championship again in the MW preseason poll.

Despite their preseason accolades, the program has experienced some major changes since claiming their title in 2018.

This year, the team holds only one senior, Miler Haller, which means less experience and lack of higher status. Rather than looking at this as an obstacle, the men’s team sees it as a building block.

“It’s like anything else. You come through here and you lay the groundwork for the teams that are going to come behind you,” said head coach Corey Ihmels.

“I think that the seniors that we had last year did a really good job. Ryan Campbell was the one that was here for five years and had a great senior year for us and helped pave the way for the guys that are coming behind him.”

Teams often look past the preseason awards to focus on the season ahead, but the men are appreciative of the recognition the awards bring to the players and, more broadly, the team.

“We’re a pretty young team; to have the respect and just knowing that coaches and other teams believe that we are still the number one team, and we have the opportunity to do well this season, is really awesome,” Haller said. “I think it’s pretty cool, based off the fact that we lost people.”

With a deficiency of seniors, the question of who will stand out as a leader is brought up often.

“I think anyone on this team (is a leader), everyone brings different experience.

We have a lot of international students who are transfers who’ve experienced different things and come from different backgrounds,” Haller said. “I think listening to each other each day, we can grow as

a team; we learn from each other, whether that be running or anything else. I think running is a mental thing. Anytime you can talk to someone about how exhausting it can be, anybody (who is) a leader on this team that can provide guidance.”

The west is arguably the top region in the country for track and field and cross country. According to the NCAA D1 cross country preseason regional rankings, the Broncos men’s team is currently ranked sixth in the west, behind only one other non-Power 5 team: Portland State University.

“I think that’s a confidence booster,” said redshirt sophomore Cade Greseth. “It isn’t necessarily the ranking that we want; if we were to get sixth, that doesn’t always get us to nationals. I think that gives us something to strive for. I think it gives us the kind of motivation we need to maybe pick off a couple of those schools.”

For each of the last four years, the men’s team has finished in the top 20 for nationals. In 2018, the men finished in the top 10. Ihmels isn’t sure this team has it in them to finish in the top 10 this year, mostly because they lack experience. However, Ihmels does believes that this team is more cohesive than last season.

“I think this group is different, this group came together as a team really, really well,” Ihmels said. “I think this group has a chance to be as good a team as we’ve had in the sense of team camaraderie and togetherness, and those sorts of things. I feel like we’ve made a huge step forward.”

The Broncos men’s cross country team has undergone an abundance of changes. With change comes newfound knowledge, as well as an understanding of what strengths this team holds that teams prior did not.

“Our strength is that we have so many new people; we are able to create new bonds and create an atmosphere of teamwork and power… we’re all on the same page on what we want,” Greseth said.

“This team feels like a team and we have the cohesiveness.”

Men’s XC after winning the 2018 MW Championship.

Photo courtesy of Clay Hendricks

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SEPTEMBER 3, 2019

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SPORTS & REC

BOISE STATE WOMEN’S SOCCER SWEEPS THE AGGIES

Broncos secure their best ever start to a season since 2004 Mackenzie Hudson | Staff Writer | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu

The Broncos are now 3-0 after Friday’s victory over New Mexico State during a brutally hot day in Boise.

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n Friday, Aug. 30, a balmy day at the BOAS soccer complex, the community came together to support the Boise State women’s soccer team as they played the New Mexico St. Aggies. Three games into their season, the Broncos are currently undefeated and kept that streak by sweeping the Aggies 4-0.

Despite it being in the high 90s with no cloud coverage, Boise State came out ready for a win, but had to ease themselves into the challenge.

“I think that we came out a little slow,” said sophomore goalkeeper Sydney Smith.

“But overall, we staged it so well throughout the back, and the outside was really good. I think that my part, especially through the back, was pretty scary for me, though, but it was a good game.”

Smith saved a total of four shots on goal

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during the duration of the game. Though there were shots being taken left and right, she managed to block each one, preventing the Aggies from scoring a single goal. On the other hand, the Boise State Broncos had 25 shots on goal, and successfully made four of them in the second half.

Senior midfielder Raven Sweeney kicked in one of the four goals at the 79:53 minute mark. She stayed on her toes and followed the ball to ensure the safety of the net. “(Sweeney has) invested so much in her physical preparation,” said head coach Jim Thomas. “Now she’s capable of doing so much more out there. She’s kind of snowballing at the moment. You have one good moment as she’s backing up and more and more moments. The little things that she’s doing, like winning the ball in the air, not turning the ball over, making us connect when we’re a little bit rushed. She’s having a huge effect

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on us. We’re really excited for her.”

Along with Sweeney’s goal, three others were made in the second half. At the 67:44 mark, Raimee Sherle scored, assisted by Lillie French. With less than 20 minutes to go, Aubree Chatterton, assisted by Grace Kaufman-Fuller, scored at the 81:35 mark. Keile Hansen, with the assistance of Raimee Sherle, put in the fourth and final goal of the evening.

Aside from winning the game, Thomas touched on what needs to be worked on before their next game against Idaho State.

“We’re going to be cleaning up the back passing,” Thomas said. “It’s been a common thread throughout all of the games, that we’re not being pressed as much to go right at the start. We got a little bit more time on the ball than we think and we’re a little jumpy, so I will continue to invest in that and, obviously, prepare to score goals every week.”

Mackenzie Hudson | The Arbiter In the heat of the summer, the crowd kept their voices loud and their cheers even louder. The energy presented in the stands helped motivate the athletes on the field and kept their momentum going. The Corral, the student section in the bleachers, ensured that everybody watching the team play cheered on the Broncos and helped push them towards a win.

“It’s been a lot of fun to see everybody come out, especially in the student section,” said Chandler Thornton, a sophomore from The Corral. “There’s plenty of heckling, a lot of fun. We’re so excited for the season and whatever comes with it.

Come early, be loud and stay late.”

The next game for the Broncos will be on Sept. 6 in Pocatello against the Idaho State Tigers (0-2-1), followed by a home game the following Sunday against the Utah Utes (1-2-0) at 1 p.m.

LIBRA

SEPT 23 - OCT 22

A brush with beauty is just on the horizon for you, Libra. That might look like a breakthrough with a clarifying decision you’ve finally made or in a relationship. Open yourself up to new experiences and methods of thought.

SCORPIO

OCT 23- NOV 21 You’re about to learn something incredibly insightful. If you’re having trouble, use your skills of self-reflection to make some discoveries about how things are going for you. You need to be mindful of how to set yourself up for success first.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 22 - DEC 22

PT

23

Sag, your potential is at an all-time high this week.

You’ll be juggling all the world has to offer and feeling unphased by it all. Use this energy to your advantage and focus your talents on as many productive activities as you can. Everything will be expressing good vibes for the time being.

AU G

2

S 3

E

CAPRICORN

DEC 22 - JAN 20

Challenges from last week are lessening for you, Capricorn. A solution should be just in sight, but sometimes big change takes time. Be strategic with your moves while you work toward your goal.

Take it slow, and understand that you’re making small strides toward a very positive transformation.

AQUARIUS You have a lot on your plate right now.

Mars, Mercury and Venus will align, which is great for a detail-oriented sign. You’ll have a lot of ambition, meaningful conversation and maybe some luck in love. Take advantage of this energy, but remember to take time for yourself.

JAN 20 - FEB 17 You have some exciting things coming to you. It’s a good time to open yourself up to love, intellectual learning and overall new life lessons which will guide you toward personal growth. Use your progressive mind to set your sights on big things.

PISCES

FEB 18 - MARCH 20

Neptune is almost dead center for you, which means your beliefs are likely being challenged right now. Follow your precise intuition toward a resolution. As a fantastic judge of character, you know yourself better than anyone else.

ARIES

MARCH 20 - APR 20

After some struggles, you might be feeling the need to rebel right now. Go ahead and let loose, but make sure you stay grounded in activities which keep things balanced in your life. Try and rid yourself of negativity in any way that you can.

TAURUS

APR 20 - MAY 21

Uranus is slowly inching farther away, which means you should not wait to do something exciting. Life moves fast, and you might feel like you can’t keep up. Take time to slow down and center yourself, but don’t be afraid to take chances.

GEMINI

MAY 21 - JUN 21 Your mind is feeling a bit more utilized. Now that you have more on your plate, you’re not worried about filling your time. Connect with people and start stimulating conversations. You’ll have plenty of projects to focus on and share with others.

CANCER

JUN 21 - JULY 23 You should work on relationships, Cancer. It’s time to connect with others, but also to connect with yourself. Tap into your sensitive side and make a strong effort to bond with someone close to you as well as yourself.

LEO

JUL 23 - AUG 23

You may be feeling lost in the hustle and bustle of everything in your life. Play to your strengths, Leo, and let your leadership qualities shine. Speak up if others need help around you and be somewhat of a gentle authority figure when necessary.

TRISHA KANGAS SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

TRISHAKANGAS@BOISESTATE.EDU

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