Inside this Issue
Local Election Results - Page 3
isubengal.com 7 December 2021
Tau Kappa Epsilon Returns - Page 5
Football Updates - Page 7
The Bengal.
Volume 47 Issue 10
The Independent Voice at Idaho State University Since 1910
ISU Student Section Rebranded Andrea Diaz Reporter Like many universities, ISU has a student cheering section, which helps to drum up crowds and inspire a winning spirit for student athletes. As part of the university’s continued push to increase student attendance at sporting events, the student section has received a rebranding. It will now be referred to as “The Jungle,” an allusion to ISU’s school mascot, the bengal tiger. “The purpose of the rebranding was to get a reason for the students to come to games. We have students that always want to come we just have to give them a reason too,” said ISU athletics CPI, Andrew Hunt. College student sections are a big part of student life at many universities, with ESPN hosting an annual best student section award. According to statecollege.com, Penn State won the ESPN’s Student Section of the Year Award in 2019. “Why can’t we be as great as these other schools that have these unreal student sections? The rebranding was the first process in making this place great, which its main role was to get people fired up once again to be a part of the student section,” Hunt said. The rebranding process will begin with the basketball teams. The student section will be able to participate in more activities which will in turn help encourage students to come to more events. “We are going to have a student entrance before Men’s and Women’s basketball starting Nov. 22. We will be coming out to “welcome to the jungle” as well,” said Hunt. There will also be a point system for students to be more engaged. Students can earn a various amount of points by staying the whole game, making a $5 donation to the Champions fund, wearing a “THE JUNGLE” shirt or dressing up for the theme of the game, standing up the whole game, and being a part of the entrance pregame. According to the “The Jungle’s” instagram page: @thejungleofisu, students can “Earn these priority points … for every game you attend [and] it will put you in the running for post season travel, meeting the team, and other spectacular VIP advantages.” The upcoming home sports events for December will be Women’s and Men’s basketball. Men’s home basketball games will be held at Reed Gym on upper campus on Dec. 2, 4, and 18. Women’s home basketball games will be Dec. 8, 21, 30. “Students are what make college sports the best type of sports on earth. It’s our job at Idaho State to make it that way for not only the players but the community around us. We need every student that can come to the game, to come to the game. We are building something special, so why can’t we be one of the best student sections in America? I don’t see why not.”
Photo by Brandon Oram | Photo Editor
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The Bengal at Idaho State University
7 December 2021 • Page 2
NEWS
Jack Sherlock | News Editor Contact: bgnews@isu.edu
Idaho State Disability Services Spotlight: Bengal Braille ISU Marketing and Communications Submitted Content Responding to the needs of some of its blind students, the Idaho State University Office of Disability Services, under the Division of Student Affairs, has embarked on an innovative pilot program to create braille reading materials in-house, saving the university hundreds of thousands of dollars and generating income, too. Braille is a “tactile” or “by touch” writing system used by blind and visually impaired people. Generally, it is created and written on embossed paper, as ISU is producing, and braille users can also read computer screens and other electronic supports that feature braille displays. The effort started a little more than a year ago and was inspired by the delivery of an expensive braille textbook ordered by the university that arrived so late in the semester the student couldn’t use it. “After that, we just decided we’d try to produce some of our own braille,” said Karina Mason Rorris, Disability Services director. “When we started, we didn’t know a thing about it. We just figured it out.” Fast-forward to now and the office has produced more than 10 braille textbooks and converts ISU class
lecture notes to braille on a daily and weekly basis for students. What’s more, the Disability Services is producing braille products for Washington University in St. Louis, an effort that is bringing money into the office and the university --- a total of more than $200,000, thus far. “I definitely appreciate the service,” said Nicole Hill, a student who is blind from Ammon, who is a sophomore in general studies. “It is really nice to have the braille. It is right there, and it is something I can access, and it makes me feel more comfortable and prepared for my classes.” The ISU braille-producing effort was spearheaded by Rorris, Eric Hall, an administrative assistant, and Salvador Cano, a current ISU occupational therapy master’s student. They ordered the software and printers to produce braille, and then learned how to use it. “We were so proud when we produced our first raised-dot braille document, but then we sent it to a blind student who said it was ‘gibberish,’” Hall said. “We’ve come a long way since then.” Rorris, Hall and Cano are learning to read braille themselves, so they can better proofread and produce braille products.
Photo Courtesy of Idaho State University
“Creating culture change through advocacy, inclusion, and a solutions-focused mindset is at the core of what Karina and her team do,” said Lyn Redington, ISU vice president of Student Affairs. “They ensure Idaho State University is home for all of our Bengals.” The Disability Services braille team has grown and either has or does include blind students who have helped proofread and consult on producing the products, Disability Services intake specialists, consultants and science specialists to interpret graphs and illustrations to be converted into braille. A variety of ISU student employees have been or are involved with the project doing everything from converting regular text into braille, to an art student who currently creates braille images for visually impaired students. Disability Services also works closely with faculty members throughout campus. “Our ultimate goal is to eventually have an ISU Accessibility Center, where we produce braille materials and provide other accessibility services for our campus community, local community, the State of Idaho and even nationally,” Rorris said. Creating the braille documents is a tricky, intricate, and time-consuming endeavor, which is why braille educational materials cost so much. There are numerous versions of braille used to write in many different languages. For most projects, ISU converts text using English Braille-American Edition or Unified English Braille. However, ISU will use whatever version of braille is requested by the student they are creating documents for. STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) field documents are extremely difficult to reproduce because of the math formulas, multiple graphs and illustrations that must be converted to braille. For example, when completing a recent project, a math textbook chapter, Hall had to convert the text of the textbook us-
ing Unified English Braille, but then converted the math equations using braille Nemeth Code for science and math notation. Then he combined those alternating types into one document. Graphs and illustrations are also a challenge to recreate to ensure they are represented functionally in braille. “For me, I am typically an auditory learner, but for classes like chemistry or anatomy, things with a lot of visuals in them, I find braille useful, and without braille I don’t think I could have gotten the grades that have,” said Quincie Mattick, a student who is blind from Colorado Springs, Colorado, who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in health science. “I have all my exams in braille, especially for those classes, and honestly, if I didn’t have them in Braille, I probably would have had worse grades.” It isn’t just textbooks Disability Services is creating using braille. Note-takers from Disability Services will take notes from a class and those notes are converted into braille for some students—a fast-paced process with a quick turnaround time. The ISU Disability Services pilot braille program still cannot meet all of Idaho State’s braille needs in each semester. The office still contracts with vendors for some materials or for help in producing other materials. However, the program is growing and producing more materials for ISU’s visually impaired students and has great potential for the future. “We are committed to creating equal access and opportunities for those we serve! Our students are amazing and are very important to us,” Rorris said. “I would also like to add that our endeavors are not possible without the support of our amazing faculty whom we rely on to get us the materials we need in a timely manner.” *The author of this piece, Andrew Taylor, works as an advisor for The Bengal Newspaper.
Idaho State Remembers the Lasting Impact of Connie Bowen Andrea Diaz Reporter Connie Bowen, a former Idaho State University first lady whose efforts helped bring the dream of the Stephens Performing Arts Center to fruition, died Nov. 12. She was living in Boise at the time of her death. Connie’s husband, Richard, served as Idaho State’s president from 1985 to 2005. During their two decades of leadership, Connie focused her efforts on building relationships with the community.commitment, hard work, and passion of the
Bowens,” said President Kevin Satterlee. “Connie will be fondly remembered for how she worked tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to support our students. Her dedication increased the prestige of our University. ” During the Bowens’ time at Idaho State, Connie personally brought several projects to completion, including the L.E. and Thelma E. Stephens Performing Arts Center, a project that was near to her heart as a former dancer. The unique design of the Stephens Performing Arts Center was a result of Connie’s influence and dedication. When architects presented their first de-
sign, Connie asked them to try again. She believed the new building should be an inspiration to the University and the entire region. Her special touch was evident at every stage, from fundraising and interior design to the venue’s opening gala. One of Connie’s important roles as first lady was cultivating relationships. She often shared her home with legislators, dignitaries, and community members. Connie’s sense of fun could convince even the most staid guests to participate in her party games. She was known for her skilled event planning — the 2003 groundbreaking for the Rendezvous Complex re-
Photo Courtesy of Idaho State University
sembled a traditional rendezvous--complete with invitations wrapped in oil cloth, mountain men reenactments, and Shoshone-Bannock dancers. “Connie spent untold hours planning events and other special projects for the University,” said Libby Howe, who worked closely with Connie as the former Director of University Relations. “She was extremely talented and was able to find just the right touches to bring any event to life. Her countless hours of effort and dedication were all volunteered--completely out of devotion to Idaho State University. She never received a single dollar of compensation. Imagine, 20 years of devoted volunteer service, and for that, our entire Bengal family is immensely grateful.” Connie believed in the importance of celebrating the University’s history. Concerned that people would forget the significance of Swanson Arch, the entrance to the University’s first building, she implemented the tradition of March Through The Arch, where freshmen students march onto campus through the Swanson Arch, then again off campus at graduation to signify their journey out into the world. The tradition carries on today, with hundreds of students marching through Swanson Arch each year. The Bowens were awarded the Presidential Medallion during Idaho State University’s Homecoming in 2019, an award they originally created to honor others. When they received the award, Connie recalled what it meant to be Idaho State’s first lady. “It was a privilege to work alongside my husband and have the opportunity to serve the wonderful students, staff and people of this state,” Connie said. “It was their individual stories that touched our hearts and provided focus to the importance of our duties.”
Page 3 • 7 December 2021
The Bengal at Idaho State University
NEWS
Jack Sherlock | News Editor Contact: bgnews@isu.edu
Local Election Results
n Andrea Diaz g Reporter d On Nov. 30, the city of Pocatello cast d votes for mayor in a runoff election. The - two candidates were incumbent Brian e Blad and David Worley. Blad has been the e city’s mayor since 2010 and was running for reelection. David Worley was a first n time competitor. The general election on Nov. 2 included
y five candidates total. Although Brian Blad - received the most votes, he did not earn enough of a majority to avoid a runoff f election. The run-off did ultimately pan - out in his favor, with Blad receiving 6,174 k votes (55%). David Worley received 4,909 votes (44%). t For Worley, according to pocatello.us, - his main campaign platform focused on o the COVID-19 vaccine, limiting taxes for a the Pocatello citizens, and cutting back regulations. . “Pocatello needs new leadership that is - committed to protecting the freedom of , the people. Every dollar the city spends is - a dollar it had to take from the people. Ev-
Association and for 3 years as an officer. He is regionally recognized as an expert in the insulation industry, having spent 10 years training and teaching insulation companies throughout North America with a focus on energy efficiency. According to Worley’s facebook page he was born and raised in Pocatello and is a Pocatello High School Alumni. Following graduation, Worley served in the military. According to his personal website, worleyformayor.com, “David Worley is
ery dollar taken reduces the freedom that citizens have to determine for themselves y how to spend their wages.” said Worley. . On the pocatello.us website, when asked about what his top priority would s be if he were to become mayor, Worley e said, “I will call on the city council to pass r an ordinance that protects the people of s Pocatello from employment discrimination based on vaccination status. This will provide immediate relief to citizens t from all sectors of Pocatello’s economy l who are being unjustly and unconstituh tionally coerced to take a substance into their body against their will.” s For Blad, the main focus of his camr paign was the continued expansion of Po- catello, including the Northgate project, as well as finishing other projects taken g on by the city. r According to localnews8.com, “Blad d said [he] will also work to finish multiple projects in the Northgate area, and continue to improve education from the g elementary school level all the way up to r Idaho State University.” e Each candidate has ties and history o in the community. According to pocatello.us, “As Mayor, Brian continues to be e active in the community. He serves on t various boards and committees, such r as the Pocatello Development Authority, Bannock Development Corporation, and n the ISU College of Technology Advisory a Board, to name a few.” Blad is also an established businessman within the community. He has served w for 12 years on the executive board of the e non-profit Blow-in-Blanket Contractor’s
a commissioned infantry officer in the Army National Guard with [19] years of public service as a member of the armed forces, including [12] years of active duty. He is a combat veteran and has deployed three times to the Middle East, including two tours to Iraq.” Both candidates also make an effort to be a part of the community. According to pocatello.us, Blad is active in the Pedal Fest Bicycle Challenge, as well as the Pocatello Marathon and the Chamber of
Commerce Putt Putt Golf Tournament. He is currently the reigning “Dancing with the Pocatello Stars” champion and Kiwanis “Pancake Flipping” champion. Beyond that, he hosts his own television show, “Calling City Hall,” on government access television.” Worley is a father that likes to spend time with his five children and wife, Barbara. He enjoys giving back to his community through church activities.
Photo Courtesy of Idaho State University
Lauralee Zimmerly Receives Lifetime Achievement in Dance Award ISU Marketing and Communications
-Submitted Content , -
Lauralee Zimmerly, a faculty gmember in the Department of Theeatre & Dance at ISU was awarded d the Lifetime Achievement in Dance -by the Idaho Dance Education Ortganization - IDEO. The annual con. ference entitled “A Life in Dance: yLessons in Creativity, Possibility, & .Community was held at Boise State -University in October. Dr. Zimmerly d was awarded for her lifelong contrie butions to the world of dance educaftion in Idaho and beyond! IDEO is a -state affiliate to the National Dance Education Organization and is dede -icated to the art form of dance as an hessential educational component of s life-long learning.
e h h
Photo Courtesy of Idaho State University
University Names New Public Safety Officer
dISU Marketing and Communications .Submitted Content e s
After an extensive national search, Idaho State University has appointe oed Marc Pino as the new Chief Public dSafety Officer. Pino comes to Idaho s State from the University of Colorar -do Colorado Springs, where he has been serving as the Chief of Police for more than four years.
“Marc brings a wealth of experience to this role at our University,” said Dani Dunstan, Vice President for Operations and Chief of Staff. “I am confident in his ability to successfully lead our public safety team through enhanced strategic partnerships and increased campus collaboration.” Prior to being named the chief of police at UCCS, Pino served as a lieu-
tenant, sergeant, and corporal at the university. Pino first joined UCCS as a police officer in 2005. He holds both a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Master of Public Administration degree from UCCS. He also trained at the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy and has a number of certifications in areas related to risk assessment, assault response, and mental health.
“I look forward to joining the Idaho State family and the dedicated staff of the Department of Public Safety,” Pino said. “I am excited for the unique opportunities this position presents, and to meet the campus constituents I will have the honor of serving.” Pino’s first day at Idaho State will be February 1.
The Bengal at Idaho State University
7 December 2021 • Page 4
LIFE
Chloe Reid | Life Editor Contact: bglife@isu.edu
Tips from the Wellness Center for Reducing Stress About Eating During the Holidays ISU Marketting and Communications Submitted Content Content Warning: Eating Disorders Stress about healthful eating during the holidays is a common struggle. We often worry about eating “too much” or eating the “right things” in order to better our health. However, the guilt and stress we cause by thinking this way have their own negative effects on our bodies. Food is such a wonderful thing that we should be able to celebrate and enjoy without feeling guilty. Especially all the wonderful goodies that the holiday season brings. Here are a few tips to start working towards a neutral place with food.
Photo Courtesy of Pixabay
Allow yourself to eat. Give yourself permission to eat the foods that you want. If you give yourself permission, you are much more likely to recognize when you have had enough. Go ahead and have that pumpkin pie!
Recognize the labels you use around food. Know that “good” and “bad” foods do not exist. Throw out these labels and try focusing on what foods help you feel your best.
Create space for self-compassion. Finding peace with food is not a direct path, there will be ups and downs. Allow space to say “this is so hard, but I am doing my best.” Healing your relationship with food is not about perfection but progress.
THE BENGAL IS HIRING. Do you have what it takes to be on the team?.
Email bgchief@isu.edu to ask about our paid staff positions....
Honoring the Victims of Astroworld
Hailey Nelson Production Editor On Nov. 12, hundreds of people suffered injuries and ten lost their lives during a festival gone wrong. Most have heard of the nightmare that was musician Travis Scott’s Astroworld festival, but not all know the names of the victims of the crowd that night. From left to right, top to bottom, The Bengal honors these individuals:
John Hilgert, 14, was a freshman at Memorial High School in Houston, Texas. He was the youngest of all the victims to
pass away at the venue. Jacob E. Jurinek, 20, was a junior at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. HIs young cousins call him “Big Jake.”
Brianna Rodriguez, 16, was a Heights High School student in Houston, Texas. She was also a drill dancer.
Axel Acosta, 21, was a junior at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Wash., majoring in computer science.
Franco Patino, 21, was a senior in Ohio at the University of Dayton. He was majoring in mechanical engineering technology with a minor in human movement biomechanics.
Rudy Peña, 23, was called by his sister “the sweetest person, friendly, outgoing,” reports The Loredo Morning Times.
Madison Dubiski, 23, was a former student at the University of Mississippi and was originally from Cypress, Texas.
Bharti Shahani, 22, was a student at Texas A&M University. She was at her first-ever concert.
Danish Baig, 22, attended the concert with his brother, Basil Baig, who de-
scribed him as a “beautiful soul.” Allegedly, Danish died trying to save his fiancée from the crowd.
Ezra Blount, 9, was the youngest victim. He was on his father’s shoulders for part of the concert. After sustaining life-threatening injuries, he was taken to a hospital and passed on Nov. 14.
Artwork was done by article author, Hailey Nelson. Information about victims was found in an article posted by The New York Times, which can be read at https:// www.nytimes.com/article/astroworld-festival-victims.html.
Page 5 • 7 December 2021
The Bengal at Idaho State University
LIFE
Chloe Reid | Life Editor Contact: bglife@isu.edu
Tau Kappa Epsilon Returns to ISU Chloe Reid Life Editor
f After the loss of many sororities and . fraternities throughout the years, Idae ho State University will finally have one u more brotherhood rejoining campus in t the upcoming spring semester.
versity’s Kappa Sigma fraternity. “It would also make us more inclined to participate more on campus, and we want to be able to help them while they’re
Tau Kappa Epsilon, also known as TKE or “Teke”, was established in 1899 e at Illinois Wesleyan University, and has ” over 292,000 initiated members, accords ing to the fraternity’s website. However, u it wasn’t until 1949 that the fraternity joined Idaho State University, only to leave by the 1980s. After being out of Pocatello Greek life . for many years, the decision was made to t reapprove it as a club this past year, with w initiation being planned to occur in Jang uary 2022. The fraternity is hoping to reh ceive new members throughout the rush process, as they need 15 more members to make an official chapter. “I hope that everyone will be able to see that we’re really trying to put ourselves out there. We really want to bring the idea that we’re all a community and we’re all doing our best as a brotherhood,” said Sebastian Almazan, the Treasurer of Idaho State University’s Tau Kappa Epsilon. Not only does the addition of a new fraternity bring excitement to those who are interested in joining Greek life, it brings excitement to the current members of Greek life as well. “We’re most excited about additional motivation during recruiting in the spring and fall,” said Eduardo Barriga, the social media ambassador for Idaho State Uni-
starting out. It’s also great that new and returning students will have a new option for Greek life on campus.” For those interested in participating in
the Spring 2022 rush process, email the president, Noah Healy, at healnoah@isu. edu, or the advisor, Shane Hunt, at shanehunt@isu.edu.
Photo Courtesy of Idaho State University
WHICH 2021 MACY’S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE BALLOON ARE YOU? by Chloe Reid | Life Editor Sagittarius: Spongebob As a Sagittarius, you know how to let the good times roll. You crave enthusiasm, and you love to be curious about new things in life, whether it be friendships, foods or new places, just like Spongebob’s iconic fun-loving and hyperactive way of living.
Aries: Boss Baby Like Boss Baby, you’re tough, driven and direct. You know just how to get what you want, and know exactly what you want at all times. When it comes to wasting time, you steer clear. You’re also good at starting and completing projects, whether it be a massive weekly report at work, or a pom pom craft you saw on Pinterest.
Capricorn: Paw Patrol’s Chase Capricorns are known to be strong and determined. No matter what, you enjoy staying loyal to those within your circle and will always be there to offer support for whoever needs it. You’re also persistent, never letting a few bumps in the road skew you to the point of giving up, which makes you perfectly compatible with the beloved puppy police officer, Chase.
Taurus: Sinclair Dino The Sinclair Dino, having been an occasional part of Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade since 1963, is the definition of consistency. Similar to you, who finds the most comfort in stability and predictability. Once a routine has been established, you find comfort sticking to it. You’re considered dependable and stable for this mindset. Rather than tossing caution into the wind with new things and wondering if something good or bad will happen, you prefer to stick to something that you have been consistent with and know the results of. Gemini: Ada Twist, The Scientist You are known for the ability to pick up and retain knowledge quickly, as well as your intelligence on a variety of topics. Similar to Ada, you often find yourself having a childlike curiosity, and asking a variety of questions to gain additional knowledge on things. You enjoy novelty, and constantly try to pick up new things, whether it be friends, ideas or facts along the way.
Aquarius: Smokey Bear You aspire to change the world in some way. Whether that be through protests, campaigns, or simply doing what you love, you embody the phrase “power to the people”. Smokey Bear, as one of the longest national campaigns of all time, fully embodies the idea of an Aquarius, promoting change all while keeping a free spirit.
Pisces: Arrtle the Pirate Pisces are often known for their division between fantasy and reality. You typically like to wear rose colored glasses, seeing positivity in everything around you. Like Arrtle, who has been contributing to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for nearly 80 years, always with a smile on his face.
Cancer: Pillsbury Dough Boy To others, you’re seen as a big softie. Often categorized as the nurturer of the friend group, you like to provide support and encouragement to those around you. You can also be dented quite easily, however, and can also find yourself stuck feeling emotional or vulnerable quite often.
Leo: Goku As a Leo, you’re known for your loving personality. Like Goku, your heart is pure from negativity most of the time. In some cases, however, Goku also aims to be the strongest fighter, which is almost always the truth. This is similar to your ability to keep a strong ambition. Virgo: Papa Smurf Papa Smurf enjoys being goodnatured to those around him, and always wants people to do the right thing and have harmony with each other, no matter what it takes. Like yourself, whether it be in your home, in your social life, or in your work, you enjoy having organization. While it may not mean being a clean freak all the time like you’re often perceived to be, you enjoy things running smoothly, and whether that means deflating confrontations amongst friends, or keeping a tab on everything you need to do before the end of the week, you like having things all planned out.
Libra: Ronald McDonald Libras love putting energy into others. As everyone focuses on “me” a Libra will almost always focus on “we”. Like the classic McDonald’s mascot, Libras try their best to keep everyone engaged and happy at all times. Scorpio: Snoopy Being a Scorpio, you tend to keep things to yourself, creating a perception of mystery amongst others. Besides this, you’re also fiercely loyal. Snoopy is the dogembodiment of these values. Despite never saying a word, you can always count on the classic pup to follow his buddy Charlie Brown around.
The Bengal at Idaho State University
7 December 2021 • Page 6
SPORTS & RECREATION
Lesley Brey| Editor-in-Chief Contact: bgchief@isu.edu
Bengals Lose in Overtime Heartbreaker at NAU
Idaho State Athletics Submitted Content
The Idaho State women’s basketball team lost a heartbreaker in overtime 8174 to the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks Saturday afternoon in Flagstaff. The Bengals took the early lead with 6:19 to play in the first quarter going up 8-7 on the jacks from a jumper by Montana Oltrogge. The Bengals would hold onto the lead until 8:27 in the 3rd when NAU would take
a one-point lead. The Bengals immediately responded with a three-pointer by Tomekia Whitman to retake the lead at 39-37. The two teams went back and forth with the Bengals holding the slim one-point lead with 1:30 to play. After a steal by Estefania Ors that she had to pass to avoid going out of bounds, Tomekia Whitman tied up with an NAU player, and a loose ball foul was called allowing the NAU player to hit a free throw and tie the game with eight seconds to play.
The Bengals last-second attempt came up just short and the two teams went to overtime. In overtime, after going down three points, Estefania Ors hit a three to tie the game at 71-71 with two to play. The NAU Jacks hit consecutive three pointers and the Bengals were unable to close the gap. The game ended with the NAU 81-74 OT victory. The Bengals shot 24-of-67 from the field. Dora Goles led the Bengals in scoring with 20 points while also going a perfect nine of nine from the free throw line.
The Bengals lost the battle on the glass, being outrebounded by NAU 38-31. As they did against Portland State though, the Bengals doubled up the Jacks on Oboards, pulling down 12 compared to NAU’s six which led to 11 second-change Bengal points. The Bengals forced 28 turnovers by the Jacks. After a long, six game trip, the Bengals are finally back home in Reed gym on Wednesday morning at 11 am to take on Carrol College.
Photo Courtesy of Idaho State Athletics
ISU Falls to Portland State Idaho State Athletics Submitted Content The Idaho State men’s basketball team lost 63-55 to Portland State on Thursday evening in Reed Gym. The Vikings led for nearly the entire game, leading by as many as 10.
Idaho State shot 41.5 percent from the field while the Vikings shot 31.6 percent. Tarik Cool was the only Bengal in double figures with 27 points. He was 10-20 from the field and 4-7 from the three-point line. Idaho State was out rebounded 45-31. Austin Smellie had a team-high seven boards. The Bengals turned the ball over 18 times while PSU finished with 15.
Idaho State’s last lead was 6-5 three minutes into the game. Portland State led by as many as nine points in the first half and held a 32-25 halftime lead. Idaho State opened the second half on a 9-2 run to tie the game at 34 after a Cool 3-pointer with three minutes into the second half. Portland State then went on a 9-0 run of
its own to lead 43-34 with 13:21 left in the game. Idaho State got no closer than five points the rest of the way. Idaho State returns to the court to host Northern Arizona on Saturday at 6 p.m. in Reed Gym
Photo Courtesy of Idaho State Athletics
Page 7 • 7 December 2021
Lesley Brey | Editor-in-Chief Contact: bgchief@isu.edu
The Bengal at Idaho State University
SPORTS & RECREATION
Change in Football Leadership Announced Idaho State Athletics Submitted Content Rob Phenicie will not return as Idaho State University’s Head Football Coach, Athletic Director Pauline Thiros announced Saturday morning. Phenicie, on contract until January of 2023, will be reassigned to other duties for the duration of his contract or until he departs the University. He will take a short leave prior to his reassignment. The change was announced to the team prior to Saturday’s game vs. the University of Idaho. Phenicie took over the program in the late spring of 2017 after serving as an assistant for the previous two seasons and recorded 16 wins and 34 losses prior to Saturday’s game. Athletic Director Pauline Thiros said, “In his five seasons, Coach Phenicie has made Idaho State Football better. He has invested himself fully, tirelessly, in the Bengals. But, when it becomes evident you do not have the right trajectory in terms of performance on the field, it is time to make changes.” During Phenicie’s time at Idaho State he coached 45 student-athletes who earned all-conference honors. The team’s best year under Phenicie came in 2018 when the program finished 6-5 and 5-3 in Big Sky play, good for a fourth place finish. At Idaho State, Phenicie has coached some of the most prolific wide receivers in program history, including Mitch Gueller, Michael Dean, and Tanner Conner. Gueller finished his career as the all-time leading receiver in receiving yards. “I would like to thank every member of the Bengal football community who has supported our efforts over the past five years,” said Phenicie. “I feel the team has a solid foundation for future success. I step down knowing that we are leaving the program in better shape than when we took over, and we did our absolute best with the given resources. There was no quit in this team and staff. I will always be pulling for my coaching staff and players, current and past, in every aspect of their lives.” Prior to coming to Idaho State, Phenicie spent five seasons at UNLV (2010-14) and was the offensive coordinator at the University of Montana from 2003-09 where
he helped the Griz reach three FCS national title games. Before coming to Missoula, he was at Wyoming from 2000-02, serving as the Co-Offensive Coordinator, wide receiver coach, and recruiting coordinator. “I have appreciated the opportunity to work with Coach Phenicie and consider him a friend. He has cultivated a program filled with high character student-athletes who have succeeded academically, are excellent members of our campus community, and have worked very hard on the field. He cares deeply about his
players, and has enriched their lives in ways that reach beyond football. Coach will leave Idaho State with a young and talented roster, and we are so grateful for his vision in bringing some excellent players and people into our program,” said Thiros. A national search to hire a new head coach will begin immediately. Idaho State Athletics will retain Bowlsby Sports Advisors to assist with the search. Thiros added, “The work has already begun to find the right leader for Idaho State Football. Our university and com-
munity, as well as our proud alumni and constituents who love Bengal Football, deserve a competitive program. We must expect to compete well and contend in the best conference in FCS Football.” Coach David Fiefia, Assistant Head Coach, has coached the running backs and special teams. He will serve as the football liaison and maintain recruiting and player contact, and support the director of athletics with the program transition.
Photo Courtesy of Idaho State Athletics
ISU Defeated in Final Football Game of the Season Idaho State Athletics Submitted Content
The Idaho State football team lost 14-0 eto the University of Idaho on Nov. 20 afeternoon at Holt Arena.
Both of Idaho’s touchdowns came in the first quarter. The Bengal defense held Idaho to 218 yards of total offense. Darian Green led the defense with 11 tackles and Jake McGinnis finished with eight. ISU forced two turnovers with Manase Time
finishing with an interception and Jayden Dawson a fumble recovery. The Idaho State offense had 246 yards of total offense. Tanner Conner caught four passes for 81 yards. Jared Scott finished with five receptions for 41 yards
and Demonte Horton had four receptions for 42 yards. Sagan Gronauer and Hunter Hays both saw time at quarterback. Gronauer threw for 117 yards and Hays 78.
t n
Photo by Brandon Oram | Photo Editor
The Bengal at Idaho State University
7 December 2021 • Page 8
NEWS
Jack Sherlock| News Eidtor Contact: bgnews@isu.edu
Prepare to Roar Campaign Exceeds $500,000 Goal ISU Marketing and Communcations Submitted Content Thanks to the generosity of 225 alumni and friends, Idaho State Athletics’ second annual Prepare to Roar campaign was a record-setting success for the Bengals raising $592,173 in support of nutrition, medical care, academic support, facility enhancements, and more. “We are so appreciative of every donor who contributed to the campaign,” said Athletic Director Pauline Thiros. “Several of our teams hit their fundraising mark and the support we received including over three hundred thousand dollars to the Champions Fund was truly incredible.” Now in its second year, Prepare to Roar was initiated last fall during the height of the pandemic after fall sports seasons were postponed. To better align each team’s annual fundraising efforts, the inaugural campaign was launched and it raised over $275,000 for ISU Athletics in two weeks. “To say our Bengal student-athletes and coaches were inspired by the generosity during that time of uncertainty is an un-
derstatement,” said Thiros. “We found out quickly that the concentrated two-week fundraising effort was going to be our best path going forward in terms of raising support for our teams and auxiliary areas.” The 115% Prepare to Roar increase from 2020 to 2021 demonstrated the commitment and dedication of alumni and Bengal fans near and far. This year’s campaign, which took on a hybrid model, counted its Quarterback Club donors as part of the October 25 through November 5 campaign since membership needed to be secured before the first football game on September 4. In addition to the Champions Fund and each Bengal team’s fundraising club, the 2021 Prepare to Roar campaign featured the Coach Kragthorpe Scholarship Fund, new opportunities for Bengal nutrition and strength and conditioning, and several matching gift opportunities. The campaign was fueled by two early donations of $50,000 from Cole Chevrolet, Nissan, Kia and Joe and Judy Saratore. Then an anonymous alumnus moved the needle considerably with a game-changing gift of $100,000. Fundraising efforts concluded on November 5 and almost hit $600,000 after Dairy West’s Local
Letters to the Editor
Dairy Farm Families and Bill and Marina Spaulding of Boise each made $50,000 commitments. “Every single donation from twenty dollars to one hundred thousand will have a lasting impact on our student-athletes,” added Thiros. “The support we received during Prepare to Roar far exceeded our expectations and we hope to raise the bar
even higher next fall.” Idaho State Athletics will be launching its 2022 Prepare to Roar campaign in August before the 2022-23 competitive season begins. In the meantime, the campaign website will remain live for those wishing to support their favorite Bengal team.
Photo Courtesy of Idaho State University
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