Volume 47, Issue 11 - [2/2/22] The Bengal Newspaper

Inside this Issue

Single on Valentine’s Day? - Page 5

isubengal.com 2 February 2022

New Soccer Coach - Page 7

Andrea Abroad - Page 8

The Bengal.

Volume 47 Issue 11

The Independent Voice at Idaho State University Since 1910

Students Unhappy with University Bookstore Services Taylor Killpack Reporter In June of 2020, Barnes and Noble gained control of Idaho State University’s bookstore, which was previously run by Follett Corp. The switch in ownership was supposed to provide a wider selection of textbooks to students at a lower cost and more designs in apparel, but it seems that a lot of students aren’t happy with the switch. The Bengal Newspaper interviewed students around campus about their experience with the campus bookstore and found that most students were much more likely to use the campus bookstore when it was previously run by Follett Corp.

The switch in ownership was supposed to provide a larger selection of textbooks at more reasonable prices to students.

However, that isn’t what students have been seeing. “I’ve seen the cost of some items increase since Barnes and Noble took over,” graduate student Jake Shields said in an interview. The goal of bringing Barnes and Noble on campus to run the university bookstore was to make the cost of textbooks and supplies more accessible, not less affordable. The change seems to be having the opposite effect as desired.

Jake’s sentiments seem to be felt by others across campus. “They’re scamming us out of a lot more money,” Katrina Roberts, a management senior remarked.

“Books were a lot cheaper,” she said when asked what the university bookstore was like when it was previously managed

by Follett Corp. She went on to say that after the switch, she stopped buying her textbooks at the bookstore and now turns completely to outside sources.

Audrey Hernandez, a robotics engineering sophomore, remarked that she also has been prompted to turn elsewhere for textbooks since the switch.

Continued on Page 2

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The Bengal at Idaho State University

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NEWS

Jack Sherlock | News Editor Contact: bgnews@isu.edu

Students Unhappy, continued from cover “Everything’s so pricey that I just go purchase [my textbooks] somewhere else,” she said in an interview with the Bengal Newspaper.

Turning to sources outside of the campus bookstore provides its own challenges. Students have had difficulty verifying the correct edition of textbooks courses require when purchasing through third-party sources, and textbooks don’t always arrive on time.

However, students have recently been having a host of issues getting their

textbooks before classes start from the campus bookstore as well. “I had a few [textbooks] not arrive in time, and I had to cancel them,” Katrina said.

Students also expressed frustration with the university-branded designs printed on clothing and other items.

“There’s no diversity in the designs.

They’re all the same,” Lynnea Dale, a senior, said in an interview with the Bengal Newspaper. She went on to say she preferred the designs before Barnes and Noble took over control of the

bookstore.

It seems even the environment of the bookstore has changed since Barnes and Noble has taken control. “The bookstore itself looked and felt a lot better,” Katrina said of the environment when the university bookstore was run by Follett Corp. “People that work there now just don’t seem as happy.”

The shift of environment seems to have been impacting the customerservice as well. “Sometimes when I go in there, it seems like nobody is working in

[the bookstore],” MacKenzie Gustavson, a second-year student said when the Bengal Newspaper staff talked with her.

“I don’t really get a lot of help.”

The change that was meant to lower the cost of textbooks and bring more diversity to the designs offered hasn’t seemed to be effective. After talking with students around campus, it seems like they were far more likely to utilize the campus bookstore before Barnes and Noble took control.

Looking Ahead: Idaho Legislative Session 2022 Jack Sherlock News Editor After a record-long legislative session in 2021, our state legislators have been called back into work for the second half of Idaho’s 66th legislative session. Here is a recap of what has been on the docket so far, along with some things to look out for in the months to come.

All Day Kindergarten All eyes and ears are honing in on the subject of education. Statements given from Idaho Governor Brad Little, in his most recent State of the State address, emphasize this interest in education and specifically discuss the implementation of allday public kindergarten. The state of Idaho is only providing enough funding to its public institutions to host half-day kindergarten, and the decision to move to a more full-day schedule for the state’s youngest learners is seemingly bipartisan.

However, we see more of a party divide here in the state when it comes to how one goes about picking up the bill for the implementation of the full-day kindergarten schedule.

According to state officials, Idaho is projecting a $1.6 billion surplus as we tread into the end of the fiscal year this June. Officials in the minority Democratic party have really pushed the idea of using this projected surplus to fund education initiatives, including the full-day schedule for kindergarten.

The majority Republican party has not stated all too clearly how they would plan on paying for this schedule change, but the stress on local taxpayers and the strained support for schools through local district levies have been brought up as an argu-

ment to support the use of the state’s budget surplus to supplement education efforts.

According to a report done by Idaho ED News back on Jan. 7, an overwhelming majority of Idaho’s 115 public schools “regularly rely on supplemental levies” for things as pivotal and high priority as staffing in these institutions.

Ultimately, the decision to have this education initiative and others alongside it pushed through the legislature successfully is a projection that remains bipartisan, but the manner in which it is paid for is what will await the final decision.

LGBTQ+ Legislation Something else that continues to pique the interest on both sides of the aisle here in the state is the introduction of the “Add the Words” bill.

House Bill 440 highlights the goals of “Add the Words, Idaho”, an LGBTQ+ advocacy group and Political Action Committee (PAC) that aims to add the words “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” to the state’s existing human rights declaration. This PAC emphasizes the need for the rights of LGBTQ+ people to be explicitly stated, and in turn upheld, by the state of Idaho’s human rights act.

Back in 2020, Sen. Maryanne Jordan (D) introduced an “Add the Words” bill as a personal bill directly to her fellow Senators, rather than bringing it to the floor through means of committee approval first.

At the time, this was the 14th attempt to propose the “Add the Words” bill to the Idaho state legislative body.

In this current session, House Bill 440 was brought to the House floor

by Rep. John McCrostie (D) also as a personal bill. McCrostie’s bill marks the 16th attempt by our state leader-

ship to “add the words” to our state’s civil rights declaration.

Idaho Capital Sun reports that retired Senate President, “Pro Tem” Brent Hill (R) has stated this amendment would not protect fellow Idahoans from exercising their sincerely held religious beliefs. Other members of the Republican supermajority that grips the Idaho legislature seem to follow suit with this explanation and refuse to add the words.

Redistricting Another hot topic in the Idaho legislature is the voting district structure that we have now, and how likely it is to change. Following the census in 2020, redistricting, the drawing of new state legislative districts, is expected to occur. Redistricting can be used for political gain by any party in our political system through means of gerrymandering. The most recognizable example we see most often is when any majority party creates odd shaped districts designed to disperse the votes of their opposition and increase the likelihood of maintaining power in following elections.

According to article 3, section 2 of the Idaho state Constitution “Whenever there is reason to reapportion the legislature or to provide for new congressional district boundaries in the state, or both, because of a new federal census or because of a decision of a court of competent jurisdiction, a commission for reapportionment shall be formed on order of the secretary of state. The commission shall be composed of six members.

The leaders of the two largest political parties of each house of the legislature shall each designate one member and the state chairmen of the two largest political parties, determined by the vote cast for gover-

nor in the last gubernatorial election, shall each designate one member.”

The 2022 commission has not yet been assembled. You can visit https://legislature.idaho.gov/redistricting/ for more information.

Senate Turnover Idaho has a great influx of our current legislative body that either aims to retire from office or to offer up their seats to others as they move up to higher, more competitive positions. In a telephone interview conducted by The Spokesman-Review, Political science professor Jaclyn Kettler from Boise State University, who regularly weighs in on the legislative process within her local arena of politics, had something to say about the future of our legislative body. “There is a possibility there is a fair amount (of) turnover in the Senate after elections, and even in the House, where you have some districts with multiple incumbents likely to run against each other,” Kettler states when asked about the changes that this election season will likely bring for the state of Idaho.

The Bengal staff will follow the Idaho state legislative session closely and will report on important news, initiatives, and updates on all that the docket has to offer the Idaho citizenry.

If you are interested in submitting an opinion piece that highlights your feelings, concerns, advocacy, etc. for things going on in the Idaho legislature, you are more than welcome to reach out via email bgchief@isu.edu or by our contact portal on the Bengal news site.

Photo Courtesy of Wiki Commons Featured: Idaho State Capitol Building

Page 3 • 2 February 2022

The Bengal at Idaho State University

NEWS

Jack Sherlock | News Editor Contact: bgnews@isu.edu

ISU Releases Navigate App

,Gabrielle Taylor eReporter .

Idaho State University has released an r app with the help of the Education Advie sory Board that is intended to increase t student retention. The new app, called h Navigate, focuses on finding and repaire ing gaps in student support systems so e that students can get assistance before d they feel like dropping out of either a single class or college entirely. According to the Education Data Initiative, over a quarter of students who drop-out have said that their reason for dropping out is them not being able to handle the academics in college. Using predictive technology, Navigate helps professors and advisors ,see which students are likely to have issues with the classes they are taking, so they can jump in and provide extra supsport where needed. If faculty members -need a bit of help using Navigate there -are guides on ISU’s website.

EAB is a company that is committed to helping students stay in school and get the most out of their education. According to their mission statement, “EAB’s rmission is to make education smarter and our communities stronger.” Their rservices are designed to help schools, rcolleges, and universities support their estudents.

Navigate has functions that instructors can use to look at where their students -are headed and whether or not they need ,more help with their schooling. It does nthis using information collected from the students, such as enrollment data, ma,jors, transcripts, and GPA. On top of that, -it uses data provided by faculty members -about student interactions. Furthermore, yits database is updated daily.

When asked about the application, Miechelle Havens, an academic advisor at eISU’s College of Technology, said that she euses Navigate everyday. She finds it to be an incredibly useful tool to help students n and advisors communicate, as well as ac-cessing the resources that ISU offers.

- “I especially like that I can text students rand have a central location to keep notes on meetings with students,” said Havens.

- Navigate has functions for more than

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just faculty however. Some of the resources that students can access through the app include a to-do list, a schedule and a study group coordinator. In the case of a crisis, it can even be used to get an

intervention team in for a student with the simple click of a button. Additionally, Navigate also has a browser version which students can access from their desktop. Student login information is

identical to Bengalweb and Moodle.

For those who are interested in trying Navigate for themselves, it is available for free on both the App Store and Google Play.

Photo by Brandon Oram | Photo Editor

The Bengal at Idaho State University

2 February 2022 • Page 4

LIFE

Chloe Reid | Life Editor Contact: bglife@isu.edu

How to Celebrate Valentine’s Day While Single Gabrielle Taylor Reporter

by yourself or with your single friends.

1: Film Night

Although Valentine’s day is just around the corner and many people are still single. If that describes you then may I suggest some different activities to do either

Host a film night! This could be either in person or Zoom depending on whatever you and your friends feel most comfortable with. Break out a romcom or if that

just reminds you of your relationship status then shake things up with some horror. Get some snacks that you and/or your friends love and have a marathon until the sun rises.

2: Karaoke

Sometimes you just need to sing and what better way is there than karaoke? You don’t even need a karaoke machine these days, just find a YouTube video for any song you want. (Though if you do have a karaoke machine and want to use it no one is stopping you.) Go ham. This could be harder to do over Zoom with audio delays, but I’m sure that it would still be fun to try.

Pick songs for each other to spice it up, or just sing whatever you want. Have fun with it. If you are alone, just sing whatever to your heart’s content, the only thing stopping you are volume complaints from neighbors.

3: Reading Books/Book Club

Photo Courtesy of Pixabay

Not curling up with a sweetheart? Then curl up with a good book instead! If you’re looking for something a little more lowkey, then this is a solid option. Reading or even just listening to an audiobook keeps things quieter and it is something you can do as a group. You can break in between chapters and talk about the novel and that is something easily done over Zoom. Maybe pick something in the public domain so everyone can find it online for free, or try to find something that everybody has a copy of. If you go with an audiobook then you only need the one copy and you could do something else like crochet, knitting, or coloring while you listen.

4: Game Night

This is always a fun group activity.

Whether it be board games, card games or video games, there is joy to be had. Many classic board and card games now have browser based versions for you and your cohorts. For example, you can play virtual Cards-Against-Humanity at https://cardsagainstformality.io/. Jackbox is a good option for over Zoom and Among Us works really well over discord. So, you have plenty of options if you are playing with others. If you are playing alone then that may limit your ability to play board and/or card games. That is, except for solitaire, you can just go to town playing by yourself. Luckily many video games are single player however, so don’t let it get to you.

5: Bob Ross Painting Party

This is a great option if you are creative and/or just looking for a bit of fun and don’t care about the end result. Fair warning, it might also get a little messy and expensive so look out for that. All you have to do is break out the paints, brushes, canvas, and Bob Ross videos in order to have a good time. This is something great in person, over Zoom, or even by yourself. Go wild; paint as much as you like! If you’re doing this in a group setting, judge who got the closest to Bob’s painting, give them a gold star if you want, just have fun.

And if none of these ideas strikes your fancy, then at least the day after has cheap chocolate.

A Look Behind the Current Art Showcases at Idaho State

Chloe Reid Editor-in-Chief

Within recent weeks, two new art showcases have popped up within the Fine Arts building at Idaho State University’ Pocatello campus: “Paper Machine” by Caitlin Harris, and “Music Makers and Dreamers of Dreams” by Melanie Anderson.

Whether you’ve visited the showcases already, plan to visit, or just want to get an inside look, here’s a rundown of the backgrounds of both the art and the artists behind them.

Caitlin Harris: “Paper Machine”

Q: How long have you been doing art?

A: I got my MFA (Master of Fine Arts) in 2020, but I have been doing art ever since my work during undergrad, in 2008 or 2009.

Q: What first inspired you to do art?

A: I was really interested in making art accessible to others. Before I came to grad school I worked at an art studio in Portland, Oregon that allowed the community to have access to art supplies at a low cost. I liked the social change aspects of art and the ability to make a difference.

Q: What is your favorite piece that’s at the showcase and the meaning behind

it?

A: Lacklust paradox. It’s about core issues of gender expectations and women’s expression of sexuality. Women are expected to constantly bring a sweet and nurturing approach to everything. The two words on each represent two sides of a spectrum that all of us as women are on, but we are only generally accepted if we show one, the “kinder” half. The compression enacted by the sculpture represents how women are compressed to conform to one type of standard.

Q: Is this the first time your work has been showcased?

A: I did get the opportunity to show my work in galleries at Boise State University in fall 2020. I have also participated in some other shows throughout the Northwest, but this is my first solo showcase in which all the art is my own.

I was really excited to have an opportunity like this, since I got my MFA in 2020 during the Covid-19 restrictions, no one was able to come to my thesis show, which I put a lot of effort into. I’m excited that my work can once again be viewed by a general public audience.

Q: How long does an average piece take?

A: I work on my art in two stages. The first is the conception stage, where I cre-

Portrait by Melanie Anderson

ate ideas for my art. This usually takes around a few weeks to a month to process.

The making stage takes a few full days, as a lot of it involves letterpress printing and time in the print shop.

For more information on Harris’ background and work, visit her website, https://www.caitharris.com.

Melanie Anderson: “Music Makers and Dreamers of Dreams”

Melanie Anderson unfortunately passed away on June 26th, 2021. Her work is featured posthumously. The Bengal spoke with her husband, Bryan Anderson, to learn more about her story and her inspiration.

Q: How long had Melanie been doing art?

A: Mel had been doing it since her first year of college, around 1997. I’ve been doing art since my sophomore year of college.

Q: What first inspired Melanie to do art?

A: I’m not entirely sure why Mel got into it. All I remember is when someone asked her that same question, her response was “because I can’t not.” It was part of who she was. Mel inspired me to get into art as well. When we came back to school I started enrolling in art classes with her

for fun, and I realized that I did quite well with it.

Q: Is this the first time Melanie’s work has been showcased?

A: Mel had one or two pieces previously showcased, but this is the first showcase where it is entirely her own work. Since she never got her senior show, it’s been a great sense of accomplishment for me getting to see something like this.

Q: How long did an average piece take?

A: Depending on the piece, it sometimes only took a few hours, or sometimes it could take 50-60 hours throughout the course of weeks.

Q: What is your favorite piece that’s at the showcase and the meaning behind it?

A: One of my favorite pieces is an untitled one that she made during a live portrait class. She had trouble seeing depth perception, so it was a piece that she struggled with. Her professor allowed her to use a pre-taken reference for that piece instead, and it just makes me proud looking at it as I know it was something she struggled with and overcame.

“Lacklust Paradox” By Cait Harris

Page 5 • 2 February 2022

The Bengal at Idaho State University

LIFE

Chloe Reid | Life Editor Contact: bglife@isu.edu

Black History Month: Cultural Conversations at ISU Taylor Killpack

. Reporter r

This Black History Month, the Bengal y Newspaper sat down with some of the e leading cultural voices on campus to celr ebrate the diversity found within our coml munity and highlight their artistic contributions at Idaho State University. d Stephen Aifegha, one of our very own s alumni, is well-known for his bright and colorful artwork inspired by his Nigerian background. His work has been exhibited y in the Art Source Gallery in Boise, and one d of his paintings was also featured as the n cover of the 2021 issue of ISU’s Black Rock y & Sage.

It is not unusual for artists to find their calling at a young age and Aifega was no different. “I’ve been making art since my childhood… I was always good at drawing e since I was a kid, and I grew up around d people who [drew] and schools where we were taken to art exhibitions and competit tions which gave me a familiarity with the e art world at an early age,” said Aifega. He s cultivated a passion for art and has been d creating pieces ever since. d Aifega’s favorite form of art is mixed , media. He often uses newsprint and African fabrics in his art as a social come mentary. “My work reflects my roots and t culture with my Pan-African approach, a which claims to encourage and strengthen bonds of solidarity between all indigenous and diaspora ethnic groups of African der scent,” said Aifega. Diaspora refers to the p dispersion of any people from their original homeland.

During his time at ISU, Aifega participated in several projects to spread social awareness. In “The Cost of Freedom” campaign, he raised awareness for human trafficking and landed a scholarship from the Jamshaid, Rahim, and Mannan Foundation. He was further honored for the campaign at the annual Hometown Hero Award Celebration. Aifega was also a part of “Conversations that Clash,” a campaign that discussed topics people often shy away from, such as self-love and suicide.

His mixed-media art pieces have helped spread social awareness about issues that aren’t given enough attention, and he uses his platform as an artist to share his culture with the world.

Dr. Henry Evans, the Associate Director of the Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI) for Idaho State University, grew up in Pocatello and attended ISU for both his masters and doctorate degrees. He currently works hard to spread cultural diversity and inclusion through the Office of Equity and Inclusion, which recently hosted a celebration in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The celebration included speeches on King’s life and how he made a lasting

impact. The OEI also collected donations for assisted living centers in Pocatello to honor King and his legacy. The OEI plans to host more celebrations to honor other individuals and minority groups, which are always open to everyone and free to attend.

“It’s important for us to take a moment and consider how all of the experiences from all of the groups in the United States contribute to the whole. It’s important for us to try to normalize this conversation [of the black experience] as just a part of American history,” said Evans.

Part of Evans’ efforts to normalize the black experience include hosting “Crucial Riddims,” a reggae podcast at ISU’s campus radio station, KISU, 91.1 FM. When he was growing up one of his five sisters introduced him to the genre, and he loved the way the music delivered a message through lyrics.

“In some ways, reggae kind of expanded my political consciousness because… they were speaking to these international issues,” Evans said. In turn, he tries to help others expand their own political consciousness with the songs he chooses

to play on his podcast.

“I am never not aware of the fact that I’m an African American man moving through this environment…and I know that they could affect me or my loved ones,” said Evans. Increasing awareness about diverse perspectives is an important part of his work, as well as something of personal importance. He said part of his goal working in the Office of Equity and Inclusions is to ensure the experience of black people is heard.

“There is a need for folk who can translate their own experience,” Evans said.

“King’s Vision” by Stephen Aifegha

OPINION So You’ve Just Been Diagnosed with PTSD: What Now? Lesley Brey Copy Editor When you’ve been through a traumatic situation, it isn’t like the movies. Your mind doesn’t mercifully delete the memories only for them to be later unearthed by a particularly insightful therapist puffing away on a cigar. I know that I’m traumatized. Yet, that didn’t do anything to calm the flood of emotions I battled while I reread the diagnosis line for the fifth time. Yes, it’s true, I (officially) have Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, but what do I do now?

One gut response may be to immediately jump into therapy, and that isn’t a bad inclination. However, you don’t need a formal diagnosis to be a candidate for counseling. In fact, I started therapy when I was in my teens, and that was how I was eventually able to secure my diagnosis in the first place. (Protip: your insurance is more likely to pay for testing if you have a referral from a therapist first). Of course, this is also neglecting how difficult it can be to find a therapist in the first place, let alone how cost prohibitive it can be.

I’m lucky, I do have a therapist

that works well for me and that I have the financial means to afford it. The question still remains, what now? What am I supposed to do with myself as a traumatized adult going to college? By a lot of metrics, I could be considered a success. I have a handful of close friendships, I do well in my classes, I hold down steady employment, and I haven’t cried in an on-campus bathroom in more than 16 months. In a clinical sense, perhaps that would qualify me as “in recovery,” yet that term is just as nebulous as the next. I still have my bad days, days where I’m terrified to leave my house, days where my heart races in my throat for hours without any cause, days where I have to spend a lot of my energy simply reminding myself that the danger has passed.

At night, I still can’t sleep without medication.

The thing that happens when you’ve been living with trauma for over a decade, been in therapy, been on medications, the whole nine yards, is that it does get better, but it doesn’t go away. Then, when you finally receive that formal paper, impersonally written, stating that medically you are damaged goods, you find yourself contem-

plating a terrifying answer: that this may be as healed as you’re ever going to be. I mean, it is called trauma, not “mildly unpleasant memory disorder.” On some level you have to come to accept that you’re never going to work quite the same.

Ask anyone who’s broken a bone if their limb starts hurting right before it rains or ask the old lady with a pacemaker if it’s still comfortable for her to sleep on her stomach.

As you drag yourself out of the contorted jungle of trauma there are moments where it’s not hard to understand why it will never fully go away. You’ve had a whole chunk torn out of you; some scar tissue is inevitably going to help fill the gap. Yet, for those of us who had to suffer young, the issue at hand stretches beyond the scope of a battle wound. The person who had to cope with the violence wasn’t an adult, she didn’t have the tools to protect herself, she couldn’t run away. That thing that was taken belonged to that child, not me.

Now, I survive for her sake. On those horrible days, those days where everything feels like a latent threat, I try to think of her.

I remind myself that her fear

helped her to get this far, but that it has served its purpose. The danger is gone. What trauma takes is worse than what it gives; your very identity as a person is stripped from you. I can never be that little girl again, nor will I ever be able to guess what her life would have been like if she hadn’t been hurt. Instead, I will carry a childshaped hole in me for the rest of my life.

Trauma may be a life sentence, but it is better than a death sentence. It is better to have survived long enough to even be struggling with the question of how to move on, as opposed to dying before I could ever get that far. That fear, that I will never get better; I have no way of knowing if it will come true. During the journey of our lives, none of us is so privileged as to understand its ending. We look backwards with the advantages of hindsight, but the same cannot be done with the future. At best, we’re all just guessing. I wish I had a better answer than that, however, I’m only one, admittedly pretty traumatized, person. What am I going to do with myself now that I officially have PTSD? The same thing I was doing before; keep living.

The Bengal at Idaho State University

SPORTS & RECREATION

2 February 2022 • Page 6

Dimery Plewe| Sports Editor Contact: bgsports@isu.edu

Pocatello Winter Recreation Brandon Oram Photo Editor

Photo by Brandon Oram | Photo Editor

Though spring semester is well underway, winter seems to have no end in sight.

If you are one of the many people dreaming of adventure, why wait until warmer weather to get outside and enjoy all Idaho has to offer? Pocatello contains excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation, even in winter!

Pocatello provides easy access to snowshoeing, cross country (XC) skiing, downhill skiing and snowboarding. Pebble Ski Area is a quick 25 minute drive from the ISU campus and the surrounding foothills provide prime snowshoeing and XC skiing opportunities too.

Eizaak Jordan, a senior in political science, grew up enjoying winter recreational activities. Jordan is an avid outdoorsman who spends his winters snowboarding, downhill skiing, XC skiing, snowshoeing and hotspring soaking.

Locally, Jordan enjoys the East Fork Mink Creek Nordic Center for XC skiing which is affordable, accessible and has gear rental available.

Jordan advises students to use exercise in a natural space to help balance the stressors of school. “You really have this potent way to address your stress that is rewarding and fulfilling. It is one of the best ways you can really manage the stresses of school.”

Bob Ellis, who has worked with the Outdoor Adventure Center (OAC) on campus for nearly 17 years is a great resource for anything recreational. When asked what his advice is for those that are interested in trying winter activities for the first time Ellis encourages students to just go for it. “It’s never too late to have a happy childhood,” says Ellis, which is a personal motto of his.

Ellis says you can’t beat the nordic center as a great place to XC ski. If you’re looking to save some money, trekking up Scout Mountain Road leads to plenty of scenic back country to explore.

Many students are often unaware that the OAC sets up and maintains four remote yurts during the winter. These are rented out at a discounted price to ISU students. Each yurt varies in the level of

effort and experience needed to reach it, meaning that students of all backgrounds can find a trip that is both challenging and enjoyable for them. Ellis advises anyone to give themself plenty of time to get to the yurt regardless.

For a yurt trip Jordan recommends booking for two nights. “That way the effort you put into packing and getting back there is rewarded. You have time to decompress and really enjoy the space.” He recommended snowshoers be prepared but also pack light.

Jordan is also the president of ISU’s Sustainability Club, a group focused on engaging students with their local environment through education and activities. The club is hosting an explorative education day about geothermal features in Idaho on February 19. The event will begin with a talk hosted by geothermal experts speaking on hot springs and related topics followed by a soak at Lava Hot Springs. If you are interested and would like more information, you can reach out to the Sustainability Club by email at sustainableclub@isu.edu.

The Outdoor Adventure center is an incredible resource that we have as ISU students. They are always willing to ask questions and get advice. The OAC also has low priced gear rentals for anything you might need to set out on a winter adventure. The OAC is located on the first floor of the Student Union Building.

If you are looking for an excuse to try something new, the OAC has a few winter trips planned as well. February 5 and 6, they are doing an All Abilities Yurt Trip to the Mink Creek yurt. February 12th they are cross country skiing at Craters of the Moon. February 26 and 27, OAC is doing a XC skiing and snowshoeing yurt trip. On March 5, they will be XC skiing and snowshoeing in Harriman State Park. So find an open weekend and join the Outdoor Adventure Center enjoying some winter recreation!

Bengals Perform Well at Stacy Dragila Open Idaho State Athletics Submitted Content Each track and field meet for Idaho State is preparation for the Big Sky Conference Indoor Championships that are a month away in Bozeman, Montana. On Saturday, Head Coach Hillary Merkley left the Stacy Dragila Invitational pleased with the progress she is seeing in her team.

“There was a lot of good competition,” Merkley said. “It was the most competitive meet that we have had this year. We got better in almost every event area today.

I am happy with the progress and with where people are developing. We are farther along now than we were this time last year in terms of times and distances and the number of people competing at a high level.”

In the women’s triple jump Brianna Hagler finished in first place with a jump of 11.80 meters. The jump was just shy of her personal best mark of 11.82.

“That was a great performance by her,” Merkley said. “She doesn’t get to triple jump every week. She got to focus on it a little more today and get close to her PR.” Destinee Rose-Haas finished first in the weight throw with a mark of 20.44m(67’ 0.75”) Her throw is the top in the Big Sky at this point in the season. The mark is the 8th best throw in Big Sky conference history, tying with Beth Burton of Cal State Northridge from 1997.

In the 200m dash, Kodee Vining finished first with a time of 21.82 seconds.

“Kodee shows up ready to go in all of his events,” Merkley said.

Collin Dylla remained undefeated in the 800 meter run, winning the event with a time of 1:52.38. He has yet to lose in the 800m race.

“He has been running really good in every race he gets in,” Merkley said.

Owen Mitchell won the high jump with a personal best mark of 2.06 meters.

Zack Ramos finished first in the shot put with a throw of 16.77 meters. Keegan Luker finished third with a throw of 15.84 and Axel Tirado-Sanchez was fourth at 15.39.

“Zack Ramos had a PR in the shot put,” Merkley said. “He has been here a couple of years now and he is coming on strong.

There is a good group of throwers in there.”

Idaho State competes Feb. 4-5 at the Washington State Invitational.

“Early on we are shaking stuff out and getting used to things again. Early on we are maybe not 100 percent and the training is a lot harder,” Merkley said. “As the season goes we build in training in loads and towards the end we start unloading.

We want to be the fastest by conference.

This is a good meet where we get the opportunity to have a lot of people compete at home because we don’t get to travel everyone.”

Photo Courtesy of Idaho State Athletics Featured: Jordan Dayley

Page 7 • 2 February 2022

Dimery Plewe | Sports Editor Contact: bgsports@isu.edu

SPORTS & RECREATION

ISU Hires New Soccer Coach

, Dimery Plewe s Sports Editor g The last few months have brought a t lot of changes to Idaho State Athletics.

Among them the hiring of a new head s soccer coach, Dustin Downey. Athletic Director Pauline Thiros announced Downey k as the new head coach on January 3rd. In the 2021 season, the Bengals finished 9th e out of 10 in the Big Sky Conference and d took last in the Big Sky 3 of the 4 previous seasons. The hope is that the new head s coach will be able to turn the program n around and see some success in future years.

Downey has been playing soccer since e he was a young boy. He had a successs ful high school career in which he was l named part of the honorary All Ameril can Team and went through the Olympic Development Program before playing t Division 1 soccer at Western Kentucky d University. He then transferred to Northt ern Kentucky University where he helped lead them to the national semi-finals.

Downey turned to coaching after finn ishing his playing career. He began at the U high school level, but quickly was offered k a position as an assistant at Western Keno tucky. After 7 seasons he was promoted to g interim head coach.

After being asked what drew him to t Idaho State, Downey responded that the friendly people here were a huge draw. y He admired that University Athletics r has a plan and goals. He said, “Pauline , is very progressive in making updates o and changes…for her vision of what ISU y Athletics can be” He pointed out that e this could be seen in the new facilities of g Davis Field, the new training room and n even the planned renovations of Holt Arena. He also commented on the support d of the community in Pocatello. He said r this spirit goes beyond administrators r Downey noted, “[there is] a passion behind the school…there is a lot of support from the community.”For these reasons he believes that the Idaho State Soccer program can compete in the Big Sky Conference and be successful.

As far as any immediate changes to be made Coach Downey responded he is getting to know the girls and communicate

his philosophy as far as attack, defense and training mentality. This spring he plans to encompass a strong team culture. Downey said, “I want to create a healthy, competitive environment.” The new team wants to lay this strong foundation this spring, to be able to succeed in competition.

He strongly portrayed that the players are going to be the most important part of this program. In his association people will always come first. He thinks it is important that every player feels welcome and heard. Downey was also very ada-

mant that the community is part of the team. He wants his team to be a part of campus and part of Pocatello. One of the aspects he wants to bring to the field is including the community to create a bigger team of friends, family, fans, and community. He wants kids to come to the game and aspire to be a future womens soccer player at ISU. An interesting aspect in Collegiate sports is the aspect of recruiting. It can make a huge difference to a program.

Downey has experience as part of the recruiting team in his previous jobs. In the

interview Downey said the coaches are already scheduled for heavy recruiting this spring. In his experience it is important to be seen, noting that Idaho State Soccer is working to be known throughout the country. Currently the staff is working hard to bring the program up to a championship level.

Downey is excited and ambitious in his new position as the Idaho State Soccer head coach. Perhaps we will see a turnaround for our lady Bengals on the field.

Photo Courtesy of Idaho State Athletics

Konate’s Record Game: ISU Women’s Basketball Beats Northern Colorado

-Idaho State Athletics

s

The Bengal at Idaho State University

Submitted Content

Women’s basketball player, Diaba e Konate, achieved something only three a other Bengals in Idaho State University e history had Saturday afternoon as the ISU Bengals defeated the Northern Colorado Bears 68-56.

Konate, playing guard for the Bengals, a shot 90.9 percent from the floor on 10-of11 shoots. She joins the ranks of Charly t Bond in 1977, Kelly Palmer in 1985 and n Grace Kenyon in 2018 as Bengals with a 4 single-game shooting percentage of 90.9 t percent with 10 or more field goals made.

The first quarter began intensely with ” both teams trading the lead three times. e At the buzzer the Bengals took a 17-16 . lead into the second. 10 of the Bengals’ ” 17 points had been scored in the paint e and Konate went 2-of-3 from the field, recording her only missed field goal for the d remainder of the game. e Down 1 with 10 seconds left in the first half, the Bengal defense held firm, drive ing the Bears into a shot clock violation. s The Orange and Black retook the ball, . drove the court, and with a pass from .

Dora Goles to Tomekia Whitman, hit a three pointer with just 4 seconds left on e the clock. The Bengals took that confidence into the locker room with a 27-25 lead.

Starting the second half hot, Ellie Smith hit a jump shot to extend the Bengal lead to 29-25. On the ensuing Bear possession, Konate showed her speed, using her quick hands to intercept the Bear’s pass.

She ran the length of the court and laid the ball in, giving the Bengals a 31-25 lead and forcing the Bears’ coach to call a timeout.

One minute later, coming out of the break, Konate took advantage of the Bears once again, stealing the ball in about the same place and manner, driving the court and giving the Bengals an 8 point advantage at 33-25.

The Bears would try to come back in the fourth quarter, cutting the Bengal lead to only 3 points, but the Orange and Black didn’t give up. Going on a 13-4 run over the final 5 minutes of the quarter, the Bengals dominated, taking a 48-39 lead into the final period.

With 7:38 to play in the final quarter, Konate drove to the basket and laid the ball in, giving the Bengals the largest lead they would have in the game at 54-39, 15 points.

The Bears would make a run with 3:47 to go, cutting the Bengal lead to 6 after a pair of free throws, but ISU didn’t let up, pushing their lead right back to 11 after another Konate fastbreak layup. The Bengals would hold off the Bears for the re-

mainder of the game and come away with the 68-56 victory.

Konate led both teams in scoring with 25 points on 10-of-11 shooting from the field.

Estefania Ors and Whitman followed, with Ors scoring 11 points and Whitman 9. Ors is now only the second-player in ISU history to have over 1600 career points.

Whitman had one of the more complete

games for the Bengals. She also added on 10 boards, 5 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks.

The Bengal Trio of Konate, Whitman, and Montana Oltrogge combined for 10 steals in a game where the Bengals had 21 points off of 19 UNC turnovers.

The Bengals are on the road this week as they head north to take on the Montana Schools.

PhotoCourtesy of Idaho State Athletics Featured: Diaba Konate #23

The Bengal at Idaho State University

2 February 2022 • Page 8

COLUMN

Chloe Reid & Hailey Nelson | Edtors-in-Chief Contact: bgchief@isu.edu

ANDREA ABROAD: Differences When in England Andrea Diaz Reporter When traveling to another country there are many differences in ways of life that you may not normally notice. For my last semester as an undergraduate I have decided to study abroad in Plymouth, England and plan to stay here until the beginning of June. In my first week here there are significant differences in the ways of life as opposed to America.

First of all, I am staying in a dorm on campus. A difference between on-campus dorms here versus the United States is that there is more privacy and accommodations. To start, I have my own sink in my room, which has separate faucets for the hot and cold water. This is to help a possible influx of people needing the bathroom at once. Another significant difference is that all dorms give students their own room so there are no options where you have to share a room such as in the South

Complex housing at ISU. I currently have eight other roommates, which sounds like a lot, but we are split up between two floors and each floor gets their own bathroom and shower room.

The only thing we all share is the kitchen.

When it comes to the kitchen, we have a full stove and oven that we may use at any time. We also have multiple freezers and fridges to better manage food storage between us. A downside is that we do not have a shared living space therefore when we talk we just sit at the kitchen table.

In these shared spaces we are also not responsible for certain cleaning tasks. Instead, the university has cleaning employees that come in everyday and take out the trash and make sure everything is somewhat clean and then once a week a cleaning employee will do a deeper clean. We are still responsible for our own rooms, but that was something I found interesting.

Moving on, general living outside of the dorms is also fascinating. Everything

a student, or anybody living in the area needs, is right within walking distance.

There is a significantly sized shopping center known as Drake Circus that holds affordable clothes stores such as Primark, a store for bathroom supplies equipped with a pharmacy, and a full grocery store along with so many other stores within a ten minute walk.

Something that I learned is if you plan to go shopping make sure you bring your own bags and a backpack because they charge you a small fee for a bag. Also try not to buy everything at once because by the time you have a whole bunch of groceries in those bags you have to carry them back to your dorm, which can be quite the task if you’re alone. As I was shopping I saw that it was quite common for people to have small carts on wheels that zipped up to make carrying everything much easier. Also getting an early start is also wise because a lot of the shops here close around 5-7PM. During my first shopping experience here I was ID’d at the

check out for having metal silverware that included knives; even though they were only butter knives, which was a culture shock moment.

However, one of the biggest culture shocks was the fact that there is a full bar and nightclub on campus. When I settled into my dorm there was a folder containing general information and a leaflet of coupons for the on-campus bar. Located in the basement of the student union building is a club that is free to students and does many activities. Since the legal drinking age is 18 years old all the students coming to university will be able to drink, therefore there is a big difference when it comes to the drinking cultures in England versus the UK. This is all within the first week of being here, therefore there will be more discoveries I make along the way and I hope all you reading will join me for the ride.

Photo by Andrea Diaz | Reporter

Photo by Andrea Diaz | Reporter

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