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Independent Student voice of Boise State since 1933 Vol. 39, Issue 5

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OCT. 22, 2026

COMMUNITY STANDS TOGETHER A year after the Wilder raid, Idahoans march

5 VOTER GUIDE

Voters face four ballot measures on Election Day

MEET BOURBON, BOISE STATE’S NEW TEE DOG

6 PARANORMAL BOISE Ghost stories and grim histories haunt the City of Trees

12 ‘THE BAR’S BEEN RAISED’ Roster shakeup brings new identity to the Broncos

16 VISIT US ONLINE:

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OCT. 22, 2026 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Emily Carmela Nelson

editor@stumedia.boisestate.edu

ON THE COVER: From fetching birds at hunting competitions to retrieving bats at Boise Hawks, Bourbon has prepared for The Blue all her life. As roaring crowds fuel the tee dog’s debut, four small paws follow in Blitz’s footsteps.

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NEWS NEWS@STUMEDIA.BOISESTATE.EDU | ARBITERONLINE.COM

WHAT STUDENTS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE RED ZONE Hailey Danner | News Reporter | Photo Illustration by Keara Antonelli

he beginning of fall semester brings new classes, events, parties and social groups for Boise State students. It’s also a period known as the “Red Zone,” when the risk of sexual assault can be higher on college campuses. Danielle Berish, Boise State’s chief compliance officer, said the university considers the Red Zone to be from move-in weekend through around Halloween. As of Oct. 20, the university has issued two notifications regarding campus sexual assault over this academic year. “National research has identified that there’s a higher risk of sexual assault on college campuses during this time,” Berish said. “There’s a lot of social interactions and freedoms that, especially for first time students, that they’ve never encountered and that can be really tricky to navigate.” However, a student’s social environment or lack of experience on campus does not make them responsible if they experience sexual assault, according to Berish. “Ultimately, the only person responsible is the person who perpetuates it,” Berish said. Jillian Kelley, a licensed clinical social worker and student support advocacy specialist in the Dean of Students Office, said although the Red Zone generally refers to the first six to ten weeks of the fall semester, sexual assault prevention and education should continue year-round. “In my professional opinion, I think that talking about assault in the context of the red zone right now, and then not talking about it as much the rest of the year, actually does students a disservice,” Kelley said. Instead of solely focusing on ways individual students can protect themselves, Kelley said prevention also involves students “looking out for each other.”

Boise State offers several resources to with a confidential resource. Kelley and “Consent can be withheld any time, and students who experience forms of violence. Counseling Services help students discuss if it’s not a definite yes, it’s probably a no,” The Office of Compliance and Ethics what happened and learn what options are Obaitek said. support and resource coordinator works available without automatically starting If a student notices something is differwith students who have experienced any the reporting process. ent with a friend, Obaitek said checking in types of harm. Support can include safe“They are in the driver’s seat; they get to can also be important. ty planning, housing or parking changes, control what happens,” Kelley said. “If things are off with a friend, it’s helpacademic accommodations and connectBoise State Counseling Services offers ful to check in. And if you’re worried, it’s ing students with the right resources. No individual and crisis counseling as well. always okay to send a care report. Even if contact orders is another support strategy Students have the opportunity to walk it ends up being nothing, we’d rather overstudents can receive which prohibits any into the clinic during business hours for report than underreport on anything that’s direct contact with another individual. counseling without having to schedule an concerning,” Obaitek said. Berish said reporting something to the appointment. Students who are interested in getting inTitle IX office doesn’t automatically mean Students can also submit a CARE re- volved on campus can contact Boise State’s a student has to go through a formal pro- port for themselves or someone else which Office of Compliance and Ethics, Berish cess against another person. can be done anonymously while con- said. The office can connect them with the “We have a lot of students that report to necting them with the appropriate cam- right person based on their interests. us that only end up using our support and pus resources. “I would love to see more students want resources, and that’s great because that’s Boise State counselor Ericka Obaitek to engage in things like bystander interwhat we’re here for,” Berish said. also said students should also understand vention training and other primary prevenStudents who are unsure whether to for- that consent can change at any point. tion education classes, where we can really mally report an experience can first speak see a culture shift,” Berish said.

Students walking in the Quad on Tuesday, Sept. 29. The university considers the Red Zone the period between move-in and Halloween.

OCT. 22, 2026 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

NEWS MARCH COMMEMORATES ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF WILDER ICE RAID Vivian Navarro Cortes | Culture Editor | Photo by Bryce Goldinger

he Boise community gathered at Ann Morrison Park on Oct. 18 to commemorate those affected by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid in Wilder, Idaho, one year ago. The march, organized by local organizations such as SOMOS Idaho and the American Civil Liberties Union of Idaho (ACLU), came a year after federal immigration officers conducted an operation at La Catedral Arena, a popular horse racetrack in Wilder. Dania Tolentino, an organizer with SOMOS Idaho, said the march to the Capitol reflects the organization’s ongoing efforts to emphasize community support and collective resilience. “Our goal has always been to show that joy is resistance,” said Tolentino. “That, regardless of what happens to us as a community, we will always empower each other. We will always uplift each other.” Tolentino mentioned that the planning of this event was a collective effort from various Latino and immigrant-supportive organizations, including the ACLU of Idaho, PODER Idaho and the Idaho Organization of Resource Councils. The collaboration united multiple community members to raise awareness of the Wilder ICE raid, show support for those that were affected and the importance of standing in solidarity with Idaho’s immigrant community. Various artists helped with the construction of ‘Lucas,” a giant puppet that is representative of a fictional eight-year-old boy whose life had been forever altered after the effects of Wilder. Lucas’ giant fists represent him as a “luchador.” A fighter. Volunteers helped make signs, and many spokespeople assisted with outreach leading up to the event. As the first U.S.-born citizen in her family, Tolentino has been involved in immigration advocacy since age 14. Her experiences have influenced her to speak up for those who can’t out of fear or exploitation.

Activists march down the Boise River Greenbelt raising signs on Sunday, Oct. 18.

“I genuinely don’t think Idaho would be the state that it claims to be without immigrants,” said Tolentino. “So I hope people can hear our message and understand that.” Rebecca de Leon, communications director for the ACLU of Idaho, said that the organization sent volunteers and legal representatives to Wilder immediately after receiving reports from friends and family members about the raid. De Leon emphasized that the ACLU’s presence was not intended to interfere with official operations. Rather, they were there to observe the situation, document what occurred and inform people of their rights. The effects of the raid have continued to impact local communities. According to de Leon, the ACLU of Idaho had received numerous reports of witnesses and children from the day of the occurrence had been experiencing sleep disturbances and other deep signs of distress.

“It is important to us that we mark the one-year anniversary because we are still seeing the ripple effects of the trauma that happened in Wilder to this day,” said de Leon. The ACLU has raised concerns regarding the treatment of individuals during and after the operation, including the detention of children and U.S. citizens. Many individuals were denied food and water and had their hands zip tied, according to personal accounts of individuals that were affected on the day of the incident shared with the ACLU. Nathaniel Hoffman, a participant in the march, said he attended the event to demonstrate support for the Latino and immigrant communities that are still being affected by the raid. Hoffman emphasized that the march is more than just a commemoration of the event, but also an opportunity to raise awareness about immigration enforcement practices.

“Everybody in America should know what happened in Wilder, Idaho,” said Hoffman. “Raising awareness, engaging the community and also to support the people that were impacted by this.” Hoffman also expressed that the march is a powerful reminder of the role immigrants play in America. “I believe that the vast majority of Idaho already understand that immigration is part of the DNA of this country,” said Hoffman. “And this march just reinforces that.” Organizers hope to continue to build on the solidarity expressed on the day of the march by continuing to support Idaho’s immigrant communities, and those affected by the Wilder raid, through legal guidance, advocacy and public education. The hope is that Idahoans use this march as encouragement to remain engaged with immigrant communities.

OCT. 22, 2026 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

VOTER GUIDE

VOTERS FACE FOUR STATEWIDE MEASURES IN NOVEMBER.

HERE’S WHAT TO KNOW

Emily Carmela Nelson | Editor-in-Chief | Photo by Keara Antonelli, Design by Makena Walker

WHERE AND WHEN CAN I VOTE? Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Voters can check their assigned polling location through the Idaho Secretary of State’s website. Ada County offers early voting and in-person absentee ballot drop-offs at designated locations through Friday, Oct. 30. Voters who wish to vote by mail must request an absentee ballot from their county clerk by 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 23, and completed ballots must be received by the clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day. The deadline to preregister for the general election is Friday, Oct. 23. Eligible voters who miss the deadline can register and vote in person on Election Day if they meet the eligibility requirements and provide the required documentation.

WHAT STATEWIDE MEASURES ARE ON THE BALLOT? Idaho voters will consider two proposed constitutional amendments, one statutory initiative and one nonbinding advisory question.

On Tuesday, Nov. 3, voters will decide on four statewide ballot measures addressing controlled substances, reproductive rights, the state’s official language and the designation of an official state gun. The Arbiter’s voter guide explains how to cast a ballot and breaks down each measure, including arguments from supporters and opponents.

HOW TO VOTE IN IDAHO

ID, tribal identification card or an Idaho concealed weapons license. Voters registering in-person must also provide proof of residence. Accepted documents include a lease, utility bill, insurance document, bank statement, paycheck or proof of enrollment at an Idaho school or university. An Idaho driver’s license or identification card with a current address WHAT IDENTIFICATION DO I NEED? can satisfy both requirements. Idaho voters must provide a form of Student IDs are no longer accepted as photo identification. Accepted photo ID valid photo identification under Idaho’s includes an Idaho driver’s license or iden- current voting requirements. tification card, U.S. passport, federal photo WHO CAN VOTE? Voters must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day and Idaho residents for at least 30 days before the election. Out-of-state students who meet these requirements may register in Idaho but cannot vote in more than one state’s election.

OCT. 22, 2026 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 4 HJR 4 would amend the Idaho Constitution to give the Legislature exclusive authority to legalize marijuana, narcotics and other psychoactive substances. The amendment would remove citizens’ ability to initiate state statutes that legalize these substances. A YES vote supports giving the Legislature exclusive authority over legalization. A NO vote opposes the amendment and preserves citizens’ ability to propose legalization measures through ballot initiatives. Supporters argue drug legalization decisions should go through the legislative process rather than be presented on the ballot.They say the amendment would ensure careful consideration of policies that affect public safety and families.

VOTER GUIDE

Opponents argue the amendment would take political power away from Idaho voters. They say citizens are capable of making informed decisions through ballot initiatives and that the Legislature already has the power to amend or repeal laws passed by voters. HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 6 HJR 6 would amend the Idaho Constitution to designate English as the official state language. It would generally require state and local government proceedings, public documents and public instruction to be conducted in English, but would allow languages other than English to be used when required by federal law. A YES vote supports adding English as the official language to the Idaho Constitution. A NO vote rejects the amendment, leaving the existing state statute designating English as the official language in place. Supporters argue the amendment could encourage people to learn English, strengthen shared identity and reduce government spending on communications in other languages. They also maintain that federally required language assistance would remain available. Opponents say the amendment is unnecessary because Idaho law already designates English as the official language. They argue the constitutional language could complicate foreign-language instruction in public schools and make non-English speakers feel unwelcome in their communities. PROPOSITION 1 Proposition 1 would establish statutory rights to reproductive freedom and privacy, including abortion before fetal viability and after viability in medical emergencies. It would also address contraception, fertility treatment, prenatal and postpartum care, and legal protections for health care

providers and others involved in exercising the proposed rights. A YES vote supports establishing the proposed reproductive rights and related protections. A NO vote leaves current Idaho law in place, including existing abortion restrictions and exceptions Supporters, represented by Idahoans United for Women & Families, argue the measure would allow patients and doctors to make decisions during medical emergencies without fear of criminal prosecution. They say Idaho’s current abortion restrictions can delay necessary care when a pregnancy threatens a patient’s health. Supporters also argue the measure would protect access to contraception and fertility treatments, including in vitro fertilization. Opponents, represented by the Idaho Family Policy Center, Idaho Chooses Life, Right to Life Idaho, Too Extreme for Idaho and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Boise, argue the measure could permit abortions later in pregnancy and weaken existing patient safeguards. They dispute the measure’s definition of fetal viability and say its broader definition of “health care provider” could allow people other than physicians to perform abortions. They also argue the measure could undermine parental involvement in minors’ abortion decisions.

FOR THE FULL BALLOT LANGUAGE, COMPLETE ARGUMENTS FOR AND AGAINST EACH MEASURE AND ADDITIONAL VOTING INFORMATION, VISIT THE ONLINE VERSION OF THE ARBITER’S 2026 VOTER GUIDE AT ARBITERONLINE.COM.

HOUSE BILL 932 HB 932 asks voters which firearm should be designated as Idaho’s official state gun. The six options are the Winchester Model 1894, Winchester Model 1873, Colt Single Action Army “Peacemaker,” M1 Garand, Colt M1911 and Remington Model 700. The question is advisory and nonbinding. The vote itself would not designate an official state gun, meaning the Legislature would need to take action during a future legislative session.

OCT. 22, 2026 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

OPINION OPINION@STUMEDIA.BOISESTATE.EDU | ARBITERONLINE.COM

DISSOLUTION OF SUSTAINABILITY COUNCIL REMOVES STUDENT VOICES April Campos | Opinion Editor | Design by Bella Murillo

n the depths of Boise State University, versity it reaffirmed their voices on camamidst a loss in sustainability efforts, pus as a community and as advocates was a secret group was formed. Rather diminishing. than adorning themselves in mysteri“I do feel like there is places to hold the ous cloaks, the group wore civilian cloth- university accountable, the sustainability ing, armed with an ambitious mission to office takes a lot of student requests and create centralized decision making struc- the I know that professors are open to talk,” tures to further advance the university’s explained Vice President of the Environefforts towards sustainability. mental Club, Charlotte Konko. “As an Formed under President Marlene Tromp environmental study student and as a club in 2020, the Sustainability Governance member, I’m not sure exactly where to go Council (SGC) was made up of multiple past the sustainability office.” committees representing categories in While students may still have avenues to AASHE (Association for the Advancement speak with members of The Sustainabiliof Sustainability in Higher Education) ty Office, Konko explained she feels these STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assess- concerns aren’t addressed or taken seriously. ment & Rating System), a framework that After the reorganization of the council, measures universities across the country the Office of Sustainability absorbed $1 and their ability to increase eco-friendly million dollars earned by the council that “The last few meetings that we had, there efforts on campus. was placed into an Energy Efficiency Fund According to the Sustainability Action according to Janelle Smith, a campus oper- was some participation, but not a lot and people were very unclear of how to get inPlan in 2023, the group was responsible ations spokesperson. for decreasing fuel consumption goals, deThis pool of money is used to finance volved,” explained Amy Parrish, sustainveloping a strategic plan of incorporating different projects on campus such as ability director at the university. “They sustainability and setting up the universi- HVAC upgrades, water conservation, LED kickstarted some great sustainability inity for a goal of carbon neutrality by 2050 lighting and much more. Rather than act- tiatives on campus and then this office was alongside the city of Boise’s existing plan. ing like a one-time investment, the fund created and this office is kind of taken over At the start of 2023, the council slowly is used as an up-front payment which is from that grassroots effort.” Dr. Stephanie Capaldo, previous memdissolved when the university reorganized then replenished by money used in utility ber of the council and faculty at the univerthe group into the Office of Sustainability. or one-time expenses. Now, three years later, the university’s An individual previously on the Sustain- sity shared the value of the program in an current 10 year master plan has no men- ability Governance Council told The Ar- emailed statement to The Arbiter. “I’m in the humanities, but I was able tion of any carbon plans, and the previous biter they had no recollection of how this Sustainability Action Plan made in 2023 is money was used or where it went after the to collaborate with the treasury controller, not anywhere on the Office of Sustainabil- integration. The university’s lack of trans- librarians, faculty from COBE and staff ity’s website. parency with the fund resulted in confu- from Material Sciences,” Dr. Capaldo said. “The experience was a genuine practice in Without a watchful eye and shared col- sion for many members of the council. laboration, we have already dropped longThe council was made up of over 80 shared governance… The collaborative term quantifiable plans for the university. students, faculty, researchers, graduate stu- framework modeled the ways sustainabilThe integration of the Sustainability dents and community members. The loss of ity projects are intended to function.” Without the sustainability council, curGovernance Council into a new depart- this group exemplified for many members ment might have been a simple change, the lack of interest in reaching a shared rent students and community members but for students and members interested vision of community driven sustainability. now lack proper voices and communiin making quantifiable change at the uni-

OCT. 22, 2026 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

cation channels with the Office of Sustainability. “We don’t always see what’s going on behind the scenes,” President of the Environmental Club, Zoe Fragkias said. “Student voices can absolutely have a place… opportunities for sharing your thoughts aren’t well advertised and aren’t made known.” Ruby Jensen, an active member in the club, shared a similar perspective. “I could definitely bring stuff up, but I’m not sure how active they would be in receiving it or working actively towards any of the things that I’d bring up.” As a leading player in Boise’s landscape, fueling student and communal engagement is necessary. Removing collaborative frameworks, quantifiable goals and lack of financial transparency creates an atmosphere opposed to progression, pushing students three steps back in the process. If Boise State expects continuous student and campus improvement, they must start leading by example.

O P INNEI WO NS

BOISE STATE RECEIVES A ‘D’ IN FREE SPEECH, BUT STUDENTS SAY OTHERWISE Ellie Peterson | Staff Writer | Photo by Bryce Goldinger

arlier this year, Boise State received a D rating in free speech by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), a non-partisan organization seeking to protect the First Amendment rights of American citizens. This rating places Boise State at 59 out of 261 U.S. public universities nationally. The survey listed several statistics, including that 47% of Boise State students have self-censored themselves at least once or twice a month. 70% of students think it is acceptable to shout down speakers to prevent them from speaking on campus and 32% of students say that using violence to hinder a speaker is acceptable in rare cases. While the results of FIRE’s ranking seem concerning up front, digging deeper into the data reveals that the results may be an inaccurate representation of the free speech climate on Boise State’s campus. To determine college free speech rankings, FIRE uses three broad categories to collect their data: policy, behavior and survey scores. According to FIRE data analyst, Chapin Lenthall-Cleary, the organization looks into the policies of different universities to see if there are any speech codes in place that prevent students from saying what they want to say, as well as university behaviors such as whether colleges have cancelled a speaker or expelled a student regarding something they have said. FIRE also surveys students at each school to determine if they feel comfortable expressing their opinions on campus and whether they feel supported by their college administration regarding First Amendment rights. “The idea behind those questions is to sort of capture a fairly broad range of free speech topics that are relevant by combining a bunch of questions, getting [an] overall sense of the school climate,” Lenthall-Cleary said. However, looking further into FIRE’s data analysis on Boise State found that a

lot of the questions asked on the survey were very subjective, and most did not actually have to do with free speech at all. According to Charlie Varland, associate Dean of Students, the university does not have a policy that restricts or prohibits students from saying what they want to say. “The university is committed to supporting the rights of free speech and the broadest expression of views on campus. The First Amendment forbids public entities, including universities, from restricting or regulating expression because of its message or ideas,” said Varland. The Dean of Students seeks to protect Boise State students and their First Amendment rights on campus and has distributed flyers with free speech information to incoming students for the past two years. The university also tolerates all kinds of speech, even speech that is considered offensive, and has not prohibited any sort of speaker from talking on campus. “The university is a marketplace of ideas. I encourage students to have open and cu-

rious minds and to engage in healthy and respectful debate, whether in classrooms, residence halls, student government, clubs, on the Quad and in all of our shared spaces,” Varland said. The university seeks to uphold its students’ First Amendment rights, allowing them to use their voices and solidify their own beliefs without the fear of indoctrination. “I feel like they let us advocate pretty well for what we want and talk about our opinions if we have them. I feel like they don’t stop us if we are passionate about something,” said student Ellie Suhm. Another student, Sarah Fiore, said that her classroom environments on campus provide an open space for students to share their opinions and make more connections with each other. The university also allows students the freedom to participate in any political activity on campus and allows open gatherings for a variety of student political organizations including Turning Point USA,

Young Democrats, and Young Democratic Socialists of America. Allowing all kinds of political beliefs on campus exposes students to multiple perspectives, enhancing their critical thinking skills and creating more well-rounded citizens. “I think it’s very extremely important to hold space for civil discourse,” said Caleb Perkins, a member of the Boise State Turning Point USA chapter. “No one should hate me because of my political views, and I shouldn’t hate someone because of their political views. I think a variety of different political experiences, the views in America, is what makes us who we are.” Despite receiving a D rating in free speech, Boise State seems to uphold and protect First Amendment values on its campus. Students are the future leaders of this nation and should never feel afraid to make their voices heard and college is designed to expose students to all kinds of ideas and shape their critical thinking. Free speech is a privilege students should not take for granted.

The southeast side of campus photographed from Lincoln Parking Garage on Saturday, Oct. 17.

OCT. 22, 2026 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

MEET BOURBON, BOISE STATE’S NEW TEE DOG Aidan Mattingly | News Editor | Photos by Keara Antonelli Design by Makena Walker, Bella Murillo

Long before Boise State’s tee dog, Bourbon, began running across The Blue, she was an energetic puppy with a future in hunting. Her owner, Tasmyn Green, brought her home when she was approximately 12 weeks old and characterizes Bourbon as outgoing, energetic and eager to learn. Bourbon’s name was inspired by Knob Creek bourbon, which Green described as smooth and strong. As she grew older, Bourbon began participating in waterfowl and upland hunting, where trained dogs retrieve birds such as ducks, geese and pheasants for hunters. Bourbon eventually earned titles through her retrieving work. “A good balance between mental and physical activity was important, and then teaching rest as well,” Green said. “She’s from a working line of labs.” Bourbon’s connection to local sports began well before her Boise State debut.

Her father, Cowboy Kohl, previously worked at Boise Hawks games, and Green recalled bringing Bourbon to the ballpark as a puppy to watch him. “When she was a puppy, I used to take her down to the Hawks games when Cowboy Kohl was running,” Green said. “Our goal was always one day be the tee dog and the bat dog. It’s super exciting for us to be able to have that privilege to carry the torch.” While Bourbon’s hunting training has taught her to remain calm and attentive, Green said she also has a wild side, occasionally letting out loud screams. “Sometimes she’ll scream like a pterodactyl. So instead of just barking like crazy, she does a pterodactyl scream,” Green said. “It’s pretty funny.” After years of retrieving birds across long distances during hunting competitions and field trials, Bourbon is learning to apply those skills in a different environment, one

filled with thousands of cheering fans, football players and unfamiliar distractions. When Bourbon ran onto The Blue for her first game as Boise State’s new tee dog, retrieving a football tee suddenly wasn’t always as simple as it looked. The 7-year-old Labrador retriever occasionally ran toward the tee, only to stop and sit down, leaving fans wondering why she wasn’t picking it up. “We did a ton of practices. We were doing two a week for an entire month leading up to the first game, and she had no problem,” said Ayla Garner, Bourbon’s trainer and handler at Positive Pets. “But she’s trained when she goes out and she can’t find it, she’ll turn and sit.” Garner also trained Blitz, Boise State’s longtime tee dog and Bourbon’s brother, preparing Bourbon to fill her brother’s pawprints. Bourbon attended Blitz’s final two regular-season games to become familiar with the atmosphere, even challenging Blitz in a 40-yard dash. She also participated in Boise Hawks’ baseball games over the summer, where smaller crowds, music and cheering helped introduce her to performing in front of spectators. Even with that preparation, the stadium cannon presented an unexpected distraction. Garner said Bourbon’s hunting experience made her particularly attentive to loud sounds resembling gunfire. Another training challenge arose when the team switched to green tees this season to accommodate the kickers’ preferences. Dogs perceive colors differently than humans, making the green tees difficult for Bourbon to distinguish, especially from a far distance. “Sometimes people might think that she’s a retriever, so we can just go out there, kind of point her in the right direction and let her go, but there really is a lot of prep work that does go into it,” Garner said. After years of experience, Blitz had become so familiar with the routine that Garner rarely needed to provide extensive direction. Bourbon, however, requires more precise guidance from Garner.

“She follows my body language so closely that if, from the sideline, I’m a quarter inch off, she ends up 10 yards away from where she’s supposed to be once she goes out at a distance,” Garner said. That sensitivity has forced Garner to become more deliberate about how she stands and directs Bourbon from the sidelines. Rather than expecting Bourbon to follow Blitz’s routine, the training team at Positive Pets has worked to understand how she responds to instructions. During her debut, Garner recalled Bourbon missing her first two opportunities before successfully retrieving the third tee. “After that run, I saw a big, almost like an aha moment with her, where she was like, ‘Oh, that was awesome,’” Garner said. “Like getting to go out there, pick it up, run right back. The crowd cheering on all of it, I think was super a pivotal moment for her.” The successful attempt gave the team an early indication that Bourbon was beginning to understand her new responsibilities. While Bourbon has begun making her mark at Boise State, fans are still adjusting to seeing a new dog take over Blitz’s role. For Boise State senior Elliot Ramsey, who attended the game with friends, the unexpected moments were part of the fun. “We just thought it was kind of funny and cute because she hasn’t had the experience. That was her first game,” Ramsey said. Ramsey said he was initially uncertain about replacing a dog that has brought him joy over the years, but Ramsey understands it was time to pass the torch. “For a long time, I knew Blitz as the game day dog at Boise State, so I wasn’t quite sure about Bourbon,” Ramsey said. “I think that having the game day dog like Bourbon at Boise State just helps bring fans together. It brings this sense of community and unity within the [student section].” As Bourbon continues learning the ropes, she is finding her own way to carry on a family tradition, one football tee at a time.

CULTURE CULTURE@STUMEDIA.BOISESTATE.EDU | ARBITERONLINE.COM

THREE PLACES TO UNCOVER BOISE’S HAUNTED HISTORY THIS FALL Vivian Navarro Cortes | Culture Editor | Design by Abby Herbert

s the leaves turn crisp, the wind begins to howl and nights grow longer, Boise’s ghosts come out to play — or at least, their haunting stories do. Between the whispers that are said to echo empty cell blocks, the creaking walls that harbor a part of Boise’s most gruesome history and a university building that is rumored to be inhabited by a ghost or two, the City of Trees has its fair share of spooky secrets. Whether you are looking to encounter your first paranormal experience or uncover the dark secrets behind Boise’s darkest history, these three locations offer a glimpse into the city’s haunted lore this fall. Old Idaho State Penitentiary With crumbling cell blocks and rumors of unexplained whispers, the Old Idaho State Penitentiary has become Boise’s most popular destination for paranormal enthusiasts. “Boise doesn’t have a whole lot of other things like this,” said Jacey Brain, business The solitary confinement cell blocks are Haunted Murder (“Chop-chop”) House operations specialist and visitor services reported as the site’s most unsettling loca- on Linden Street coordinator for the Idaho State Historical tions. Having harbored some of Idaho’s Behind what started as an innocent famSociety. “Because people have developed worst criminals, the cells carry a history ily home lies a dark history straight out of such an interest in those things, true crime that continues to draw visitors who are a horror film. Known as the “Chop-chop and haunted places, we built several of our hoping to catch a glimpse of something House,” the infamous property is rumored programs around that interest.” unexplainable. to foster paranormal activity following For the past 15 years, the penitentiary Among the list of Idaho’s worst monsters, the gruesome murder of Idahoan Preston hosts paranormal investigations through convicted murderer Raymond Snowden Murr in 1987. Big River Paranormal, a regional para- spent some time within solitary confineThe incident fueled immense fascination normal investigative group. These inves- ment before his attempted 1957 execution. among the locals intrigued by the paranortigations are open to the public several Snowden is said to continue roaming the mal. Numerous reports of chilling climate times throughout the year, but tickets sell torn walls of his maximum security cell. and eerie sensations follow those who go out quickly. “He is a Boise dark legend. People go near the home. Although property owner, If you are lucky enough to snatch your- to death row and that’s who they read James Howell, denies many paranormal self a spot, visitors have reported feeling about,” said Brain. “It is a dark chapter in rumors surrounding the house, previous touches, hearing whispers and one inves- Boise history.” tenants have reported eerie encounters, intigator even recalls feeling someone run The Old Idaho State Penitentiary opens cluding unexplained shadows and unsettheir hands through her hair and whisper, its doors year-round for those that are tling noises. “Ohh, pretty,” according to Brain. brave enough to step inside.

OCT. 22, 2026 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

James Swain, the home’s caretaker, expressed that although he hasn’t personally experienced any paranormal activity while residing on the property, he witnessed some chilling reports. “One lady came by with her husband,” said Swain. “They showed me an old picture where there was a shadow up (in the upstairs window) While there isn’t much to prove the existence of Preston Murr’s spirit residing in the home, Swain understands why places like the Linden Street Murder house excite paranormal enthusiasts. When asked why some became so fascinated with the home, Swain explains, “So they can believe, you know? That there is an afterlife.”

CULTURE CAMPUS EXHIBITION FEATURES HANDMADE ART

The property remains closed to the public, but you can still drive by 805 W Linden Phoenix Willard | Reporter | Photo by Scout Hoots Street if you dare. hrough Oct. 28, Boise State’s harmony and prosperity,” Claassen said. “I “She’s talking about how truth needs to Boise State’s “Haunted” Communicaown Blue Galleries walls are wanted these seals to be more about conflict come through. She says, ‘the truth must tion Building decorated with drawings curated and uncertainty.” dazzle gradually, or every man be blind,’” For many Boise State students, the Comfrom local and New York-based Katrina Kopeloff, an assistant professor Snodgrass said. “The Norwegian word for munication Building has become a familiar artists in collaboration with New York’s of illustration, created an interactive sketchqueer is skeiv, which [also means] slant — place to work and study. However, rumor DRAW Project for the Language of the book titled “I Started a Garden.” Kopeloff like you’ve hung a painting on the wall and has it that this building might be home to Hand exhibition. bound the sketchbook herself to tell a story it’s a little bit askew.” something other worldly. “The exhibition centers on drawing as an and invites visitors to flip through the pages. Snodgrass approaches her works from the Before its conversion into the Commuessential practice for visual artists,” Gallery Kopeloff began the project by visiting perspective of a creative storyteller, explornication Building, the building previously Director Kirsten Furlong said. different locations in Boise, including the ing gender and sexuality. served as the university’s Student Union Language of the Hand features handBoise Zoo and her own garden. She experi“My work is primarily drawing-based. I Building. A young woman named Dinah, made art, including drawings, collages and mented with new methods of book binding explore that in a more expansive sense bewho allegedly died within the building’s sculptures. and ended up with a sketchbook that tells a cause my piece that’s in the exhibition is walls after being rejected by a date at a The exhibition features drawings with no story of mortality through animals. three-dimensional,” Snodgrass said. The dance, and some say she still roams the halls. specific theme from 63 artists and a larg“I like [drawing] animals a lot,” Kopeloff piece uses the more traditional drawing Mackenzie White, an equipment room er collaborative piece titled “Still Utopia/ said. “My work is narrative in the sense that method of mark making on a paper surface; employee and senior, claims to have her Broken Links.” [they] all have a character and kind of focus however, it is displayed like a sculpture. own paranormal encounter after hours. Artists were instructed to create a draw- on the world that they’re in.” The exhibition is available to view TuesWhile working late one night, White ing on an 11-by-14-inch piece of paper that Astri Snodgrass, an associate professor of days through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. heard what sounded like footsteps followed extended to one or more sides of the paper, drawing and painting, explores her own rethrough Oct. 28. by a series of knocks coming from the upcreating a connected pathway between diflationship with language and the language stairs computer lab. The catch? That section ferent pieces. of her grandparents who immigrated to the of the building is closed off. Planning for the exhibition began in U.S. from Norway through a paper sculp“It knocked a few times, and then it just 2023 and included a collaborative curation ture titled “Tell It Slant,” inspired by an stopped,” said White. “It was 11 p.m. and process between Furlong and Brian NovatEmily Dickinson poem of the same name. I knew it was time to go home after that.” ny, a curator with The DRAW Project. The Although there is no official documentation from the university’s archives that exhibition’s title was inspired by James Casproves Dinah’s existence, White believes tle, a deaf and mute Boise artist who passed that the urban legend has persisted all away in 1977. “The idea of Language of the Hand came these years because of its deep connection from [Castle] because it really was the way to campus life. Media students spend earthat he communicated with the world,” ly mornings and late nights within the Furlong said. building, making paranormal reports hit Garth Claassen, a retired art history and closer to home. drawing professor at the College of Idaho, “We’re always here,” White said. “We are has five mixed media pieces featured in always hearing stories about other people the exhibition. [‘s experiences], and some of us have experi“I did a series of paintings that were kind enced things ourselves.” of tongue-in-cheek versions of the Great What some may view as another ordiSeal of Idaho,” Claassen said. “I wanted to nary university building, for the students revisit it but I didn’t want to do it exactly that work after hours, a knock in the night the same way I had done it.” can send shivers down even the bravest He used the original classically painted Bronco’s spine pieces and created pieces utilizing imagWhether it’s a low whisper behind a prises of varying scales to tell a different story on wall, a shadowy figure looking at you about the seal. from the window frame or a knock echo“A great seal or emblem of that kind is ing through an empty hall, the scariest part meant to convey a consensus about who A photo of “Heavy Weather” by Garth Claassen taken on Monday, Oct. 19. This work is mixed media isn’t what we are able to see, but what we we are as Idahoans. It’s meant to be about on duralar, and displayed in the “Language of the Hand” art exhibition at Boise State. can’t explain.

OCT. 22, 2026 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

CULTURE

FIND ‘TREASURE TROVES OF JUNK’ WHILE PLOGGING ON CAMPUS Landon Myers | Reporter | Photo by Zaccary Kimes

n a warm October morning in front of Albertsons Stadium, a cart sits holding vests, trash bags and orange trash pickers. Volunteers gather and grab equipment as they spread out across campus in search of left-behind litter through plogging — the Swedish art of combining exercise and beautifying the community. The activity allows participants to get easy exercise while helping maintain the campus grounds, and isn’t mutually exclusive to organized plogging events. When you walk or jog to class and pick up some trash along the way, congratulations — you’re plogging too. “We’re getting the campus community to get moving, get out there and we also lessen the burden on landscape services crew,” said Jennifer Ellis, sustainability manager at the Office of Sustainability. “...I just want to help foster more environmental stewardship on campus.”

Plogging at the university began with The turnout for plogging is still a little Boise Plogs 2025, an event organized by low, according to Ellis, partly because the Boise Nice in the spring that invited Ida- campus community is getting acclimated hoans to plog in teams throughout the to the new school year. However, previous Treasure Valley. Boise State formed a team plogging events have attracted as many of over 30 volunteers called the Trash Bust- as 20 volunteers to participate and plog ers to participate in the competition. around campus. The Trash Busters took home an award Pratiksha Lama, Volunteer and Involvefrom the event after collecting the most ment Coordinator at OOS, began plogtrash of any team during the week. They ging in September after stumbling upon also won the most unusual item award the opportunity while looking for volfor finding a shopping cart along the river, unteer work. among the various plastic bottles, discard“That feeling of accomplishment, and ed wrappers and thrown out receipts. spending your time in a more meaningful Since Boise Plogs, the Office of Sustain- way, it really gives you a boost, and that has ability (OOS) continues to host plogging been really good and helpful,” said Lama. events on campus at least once or twice Lama is not alone when it comes to gaina month, with volunteers registering ing a sense of enjoyment from plogging. through Campus Groups. Kimberli Reynolds and Michael Broyles “It’s a simple way to further the office’s are two more experienced volunteers who sustainability mission,” said Ellis. “We’re appreciate how plogging allows them to trying to cultivate a campus that is envi- beautify the campus while being outside. ronmentally responsible.”

Kimberli Reynolds and Michael Broyles participate in plogging on the Boise River Greenbelt on Monday, Oct. 5.

OCT. 22, 2026 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

“I thought it was a good idea. So I decided to sign up and take an hour of the day to help clean up a bit. We’re on the river, and it’s working hours. It’s the best time to kind of help out,” said Broyles. “Oh, it’s great! I mean, treasure troves of junk,” Reynolds added. Plogging is not only happening at Boise State and through Boise Nice. Similar events are also organized by community groups, like Rivers United hosting an event in April for Earth Week. However, the Swedish-born activity brings the community together to do more than just making the community greener. “Something that’s important that we’re doing while we’re plogging is that we’re connecting socially. We’re having a shared experience. We’re beautifying the campus, which instills pride,” Ellis said. Volunteers can partake in that shared experience, as campus plogging continues in front of Albertsons Stadium on Nov. 2 from noon until 1 p.m.

C U LNTEUWR ES

‘CONNECTING TO SOMETHING REAL’ OUTDOOR PROGRAM TAKES ADVANTAGE OF IDAHO’S NATURE Cole McAdams | Culture Reporter | Design by Makena Walker

he ease of adventure to Boi- “Their job role is to get people excited about se’s natural thrill-spots and the outdoors and connect folks to nature.” relaxation rituals is one of the Another trip takes students to Boise’s city’s proudest boasts. Cam- Black Cliffs near Lucky Peak. Trip leadpus Recreation’s Outdoor Program en- ers specifically trained in climbing help ables Boise State students to enjoy Idaho’s both pro climbers and newbies enjoy natural beauty. their experience. “I wasn’t really outdoorsy when I came Madi Mulick, a student trip leader who to college,” said junior Sara Hollist, one of joined the team over the summer, is a certithe Outdoor Program trip managers. “The fied lead climber, a type of climbing where program showed me this whole new world you descend from a mountain and clip into of getting out into nature. It helps reset the cliff’s edge from time to time. your perspective, ground you and build After transferring to Boise State last senew skills.” mester, Mulick initially found it hard to fit Hollist, in her third year with the Out- into her new social surroundings — that door Program, joined the team during her was until she trekked Machu Picchu over freshman orientation. Her experience with spring break. the program has taken her all over Idaho, “I was walking by myself, and it was the allowing her to appreciate the local out- first time that I was like, ‘I feel good right doors and share that with fellow students. now, and I really like doing this,’ … [do“I don’t really know college without the ing] things that I wouldn’t picture myself Outdoor Program,” Hollist said. “I’ve had growing up — really confidence-building,” people before tell me they’ve never seen Mulick said. stars or they’ve never gone camping — it’s Starting this semester, a long-advocated so sweet to see them find these new skills.” addition to the program benefits students As the air gets nippier, opportunities who need what Mulick calls “mindful supto relax at Idaho’s famous hot springs are port.” Students referred to Nature RX trips provided through trips like backpacking by a Boise State Health Services profesto the Moon Dipper Hot Springs. Along sional can receive counselor support while the Payette River, students stay the night reconnecting with nature. and take one last dip as they head back to “I led a backpacking trip a couple weeks society the next morning. ago, and at a couple points we did some “You are carrying all the gear in the of the activities from a Nature RX packet,” backpack, and you’re reaching places you Mulick said. “That one was not [a Nature couldn’t because we’re going deep into the RX trip], but I brought it into the moment backcountry,” Hollist said. “Instead of go- because it was such a good idea — everying to really popular hot springs, we can body has their own flair.” actually backpack into some remote places.” Located an hour outside Boise, the Student trip leaders have free reign over Bruneau Sand Dunes Stargazing trip contheir plans; the locations, the activities sists of sledding and a visit to the park’s oband the gear needed are solely up to them. servatory. Easy access to close-by natural Once they’re ready, all they need to add is landmarks like the Dunes are frequented that ‘stoke’ feeling, a mix of excitement, cu- by the Outdoor Program, adding a unique riosity and eagerness, according to Hollist. flavor to the trips. “[Trip leaders] are the facilitators, an “There’s so much to see and explore,” organizer, a ‘stoke’ bringer,” Hollist said. Hollist said. “When I grew up in Idaho, some of these places I’ve never heard of.

They’re right next door — Idaho is truly an underrated place.” “I love how accessible everything is here in the outdoors,” said Mulick, a Seattle native. “Nobody [on these trips] are on their phones, and I remember one of my participants was like, ‘I need to spend more time outside — it’s so peaceful.’” The Outdoor Program plans frequent events, with events for the rest of the semester involving a bouldering excursion in Swan Falls, a visit to the Craters of the Moon volcanic fields and four-day excursions to the Oregon coast and Utah national parks.

All trips, except for the Nature RX expeditions, require a flat fee dependent on the program’s funding. Fees go towards relieving the cost of gas, food and gear the trip leaders and students utilize. “We’re here for the beautiful piece of paper, but the college experience is about connecting and growing. I don’t think anything does that quite the same way being outdoors does,” Hollist said. “You learn a lot about yourself — being in nature — because you’re connecting to something real.”

OCT. 22, 2026 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

SPORTS SPORTS@STUMEDIA.BOISESTATE.EDU | ARBITERONLINE.COM

MEN’S BASKETBALL EMBRACES CHANGE AHEAD OF FIRST PAC-12 SEASON Colton Worwood | Staff Writer | Photo by Scout Hoots

rebuilt roster, coaching staff changes and a new offensive philosophy have the Broncos preparing to play faster and more aggressively as they enter their first season in the Pac-12. “Our team is definitely no superstar really,” Assistant Coach Max Rice said. “Just a bunch of guys who are willing to play hard and play together.” Boise State finished last season 20-12 overall and 12-8 in Mountain West play before losing to San Jose State in the conference tournament’s opening round. The Broncos look to make the NCAA Tournament for the first time since the 2023-24 season, but much of last year’s production is gone. The Broncos lost four double-digit scorers while adding transfers to a roster with uncertainty about who will replace that production. The coaching staff also underwent a significant overhaul. Longtime assistant Tim Duryea retired after eight seasons, while Rice, a former Bronco guard, returned as an assistant coach after two seasons playing professionally overseas. Boise State also added Will Voigt as the associate head coach and offensive coordinator, after leaving as BYU’s assistant head coach last year and an NBA assistant with the Spurs. “Our offense is gonna look a lot different from what we did when I was here,” Rice said. “I think the fans really appreciate just getting up and down, watching us score more points, and it’ll be a more exciting brand of basketball than what they’re used to.” Rather than relying heavily on coaches calling plays, Rice said the Broncos will run a professional-style offense that

gives players more opportunities to make “You build a strong culture, so when notched consecutive double-doubles with reads themselves. adversity does come, you stand together,” strong performances on the boards. Re“We’re looking to play faster offensive- Few said. “You don’t separate and everyone turning guard Neto also made a statement ly, and then defensively, we’re trying to goes their own way.” against Washington, scoring 29 points change some things to be more disruptive The Broncos will face familiar Moun- on a perfect seven-for-seven shooting and force more turnovers,” Few said. “Last tain West opponents alongside Pac-12 pro- from the field. year, one of our weak points was forcing grams including Gonzaga, Oregon State The Broncos will face Bismarck State for turnovers, so this year we’re trying to kind and Washington State. their final exhibition match on Oct. 29 of flip that and be more aggressive and “We know the bar’s been raised,” Few said. with the regular season beginning Nov. 4 pressure more.” The Broncos are still determining their when the Broncos take on West Coast BapThat new identity will depend heavily on scoring hierarchy, while injuries during the tist College at home. transfers joining a roster that lost much of summer have prevented the entire roster As the season approaches, Boise State its offensive output. from consistently working together. will find out how its new style translates Guard Damari Wheeler-Thomas arrives “How do we respond to adversity? Who to the court and where the Broncos fit in a after three seasons at North Dakota State, splinters, who doesn’t, who stays strong, new conference. where he averaged 14.5 points per game who emerges?” Few said. last season and helped the Bison win the Boise State opened its exhibition slate Summit League regular season and tour- with back-to-back wins, defeating Idaho nament championships. 82-72 on Oct. 10 and Washington 109-91 “I’d be… one, a leader in general. Then on Oct. 17. two, one of the primary ball handlers and Four Broncos scored double-digits scorers,” Wheeler-Thomas said. “Whatever against Idaho, while newcomer Butka the team needs me to do to help us win.” Wheeler-Thomas is joined by fellow transfers Dovydas Butka and Jerquarius Stanback, who earned SWAC Defensive Player of the Year honors last season at Alabama State. The Broncos also return several players. Carmichael enters his third season after averaging 7.9 points and 3.1 rebounds last season, prepared for a larger offensive role. “This offseason, I’ve taken bigger steps in my offensive game, trying to fill those roles,” Carmichael said. Few also identified Julian Bowie, Spencer Ahrens and Aginaldo Neto as potential contributors, but Boise State has yet to establish where its offense will come from. “We’re still trying to feel it out, kind of the pecking order of all of it,” Few said. With so many newcomers, Boise State has spent the offseason creating a cohesive Boise State forward Spencer Ahrens scores in a tense exhibition game against Idaho State on Saturteam before entering a new conference. day, Oct. 10.

OCT. 22, 2026 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

SPORTS

‘HE’S THE BEST BACK IN THE COUNTRY’ DYLAN ‘THE JET’ RILEY TOPS NATION’S RUSHING LEADERS THROUGH SIX GAMES Jake Zamora | Sports Editor | Photo by Bryce Goldinger

or the second time in three years, a Boise State running back has made his mark among the nation’s leading rushers. In 2024, Ashton Jeanty led the nation in rushing at the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) level, the highest level of NCAA Division I football, finishing the season with 2,601 yards, just 27 short of Barry Sanders’ single-season FBS record. He finished runner-up for the Heisman Trophy before being selected sixth overall by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2025 NFL Draft. This year, junior tailback Dylan Riley has rushed for 835 yards through six games, the fourth-most in the entire FBS. Before the Broncos’ Week 7 bye, Riley led the nation. The catalyst of a Boise State offense that has helped the Broncos win five straight games after a seven-point season-opening loss to the then-No. 2 Oregon Ducks, Riley is currently averaging 6.6 yards per carry and has scored six rushing touchdowns on 127 carries. The five-game winning streak has Boise State ranked as the No. 23 team in the country in the most recent AP Poll. Tight end Matt Wagner’s comments following Boise State’s blowout victory over Western Michigan on Sept. 26 echoed a sentiment shared throughout Bronco Nation. “I think he’s the best back in the country,” Wagner said. “He’s phenomenal in every way… He’s a huge explosive piece for us and teams have to respect him no matter what situation we’re in, and seeing him make the plays he does is huge for our offense.” At 5-foot-10, 203 pounds, Riley’s impact and production have been instrumental in the Broncos’ success since he stepped foot on campus in 2024. Working behind Jeanty on the depth chart, the then-true freshman posted 135 rushing yards and four total touchdowns, including a kickoff-return score. He added a total of 237 yards on kickoff returns.

After stepping into a bigger role in 2025, Riley broke the 1,000-yard mark, finishing with 1,125 rushing yards and 12 total touchdowns, while splitting carries with fellow Inland Empire, California native Sire Gaines. Prepared for another heavy workload in 2026, Riley gained 11 pounds of muscle during the offseason. Like Jeanty before him, Riley is earning as much praise for his character and work ethic as he is for his success on the field. Head coach Spencer Danielson said his value extends beyond the highlight-reel plays, pointing to his willingness to embrace the less-glamorous responsibilities that contribute to the team’s success. “He shows up and just goes to work… It’s not just the flash plays, he makes the hard block in protection, he runs down on kickoff, he’s our kickoff-returner, he’s doing all the team things too,” Danielson said. Riley attended Rancho Verde High School in Moreno Valley, California and was a three-star recruit in the 2024 class. He rushed for 2,059 yards and 29 touchdowns as a senior and earned All-CIF honors in 2021 and 2022. A dual-sport athlete with blazing speed, he placed seventh in the 100 meters at the 2023 CIF Southern Section D-II track and field finals. Just five miles down the road, Gaines was building his own reputation as a sought-after running back prospect at Orange Vista High School in nearby Perris. Riley committed to Boise State in October 2023 with Gaines following suit two months later. Long before they became college teammates, Riley and Gaines played on the same youth team, the Moval Falcons. Today, the pair of childhood teammates form arguably the best backfield in all of college football, a synergy rooted in years of playing together. “It’s definitely crazy, that’s not something I really thought about,” Riley said when asked about playing alongside his

Riley charges down the field towards the South Endzone during their game on Saturday, Sept. 13.

former youth teammate in college. “As a kid, we just going out, we having fun, we friends… High school, we started playing each other… [Gaines] ended up [committing to Boise State], and I’m just like, ‘hey, now we finna be on the same team, this finna be crazy’” The duo’s dynamic play was on full display Oct. 10 against Fresno State, combining for 334 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns, two by Riley and one by Gaines, on 44 total touches. After the game, when asked what the Milk Can rivalry victory over the Bulldogs meant to him and the team, Riley’s response spoke volumes about his character and the brotherhood he shares with Gaines and the rest of his teammates. “We really came out here playing for each other, not because we hate another

team, but we play for each other,” Riley said. “That really shows the difference between hate and love.” That sense of brotherhood has been a defining part of Boise State football’s identity for decades, and continues to fuel the Broncos’ 2026 season. At 5-1 and ranked No. 21 nationally, Boise State is firmly in the mix for a College Football Playoff berth as the Group of Six representative. With Riley continuing to lead the way offensively, the Broncos have the pieces to make a postseason run. Following a bye week, Boise State will return to action Oct. 24 against Washington State in Pullman, where Riley and the Broncos look to keep their playoff hopes alive.

OCT. 22, 2026 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

SPORTS

SHAPE UP WITH THE REC CENTER’S HEALTH FOCUSED CLASSES Emilia Rose Nowinski | Sports Reporter | Photos by Keara Antonelli

f you’re trying to get in shape before the holidays, the Recreation Center provides free classes for full-time students, aimed toward individual fitness goals. Undergraduate tuition automatically covers Recreation Center memberships for students enrolled in at least 11 credit semesters over the academic year or a minimum of six credits in the summer. Full-time graduate students also receive this benefit when they take no less than nine credits in a semester or at least six in the summer. The Recreation Center, or Rec, offers nine classes guided by students certified through the American Council on Exercise (ACE). Each session guides participants through a warmup, conditioning segment and cool down, which is modified on a class-to-class basis. Fitness and Wellness Coordinator Zac Cintron noted the two main goals for the Rec and its fitness classes. “The health aspect is important, but it’s not the most important,” Cintron said. “What’s most important for the instructors and for us is the connection, community building.”

Workouts typically use more equipment than most classes, including free weights and suspension trainers. While some may dislike typical workouts loaded with assortments of gear, a dynamic, easy-to-follow choreography class provides another option. The Pulse: Dance and Sweat class teaches a variety of dance styles. From salsa to hip-hop to reggae, instructors focus on increasing heart rates, building endurance and boosting energy.

such as dumbbells, sand bags, and body bars, according to the Rec Center’s website. Two classes are comparable to mat Pilates as they increase attendees’ difficulty through endurance and strength. Power Pilates give functional strength training mixed with Pilates-inspired movements. The key difference is the emphasis on muscular endurance and sustained increased heart rate through a low-impact workout. Alternatively, TRX Sculpt is known to build functional strength through the use Focusing on Balance & Mobility? of cable resistance. Instructors provide mat Pilates classes Students use precise Pilates movements for participants who hope for a lower-in- to target core, posture and stability, maktensity workout. ing a full-body impact, according to Focusing on mobility, the class varies the Rec Center. between instructors while common goals Instructors encourage Rec members to include enhancing body awareness, flexi- attend a class regardless of their ability. bility and control. “The fitness classes are here to engage Specific muscle groups are targeted, of- people in a sense of community,” Garman ten starting with legs, moving to arms and said. “We offer all these classes because finishing with core to ensure all muscle everybody’s different…whether that’s groups are impacted. cardio and strength, or mind and body, Rec yoga classes target similar it’s all here.” muscle groups. Students can sign up for Rec fitInstructors aim to increase core strength, ness classes on Boise State’s Recreation balance and flexibility through 45 minutes Center website. of yoga techniques. Students can partake in Barre classes for a low-intensity, high-repetition exercise. Ranging from traditional to abstract, participants can expect to use light one-tofive-pound weights and the ballet bar. Grace Anderson, a classically trained ballet dancer and three-year Rec instructor, describes the class as beginning very simple and exploring more complicated techniques as it progresses. She notes the hope for attendees in her class. “Everyone in my Barre class gets to have their ballet moment,” Anderson said.

Want to Improve Cardio? Cycle classes, hosted in dark rooms filled with mirrors and LED lights, are designed to mix strength and endurance. Participants can expect a variety of changes in resistance, pace and weights, according to Kiana Garman, a student instructor who teaches five days a week. “As an instructor, it’s fun to get to know people,” Garman said. “I tend to remember how people were on the bike when they first started…I see how much stronger everybody gets.” For those who prefer to not be confined by a bike, the Rec also offers high-intensity interval training, or HIIT. Hope to Gain Strength? HIIT classes are designed to create a Students looking for a full-body workout high-energy cardio and muscular endur- can explore a total body strength session. ance workout. Participants will use various equipment

OCT. 22, 2026 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

ENTERTAINMENT CROSSWORD Answers on page 3

ACROSS 2. Haunts the halls of the Comms building 5. Kopeloff likes to draw these a lot 8. What was raised for Men’s Basketball 10. This drink makes for a fun name 11. Residents of the Gem State 13. Idaho’s hot springs are great when the air gets _ _ _ _ _ _

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1. Hard blocks and _____ are the Jet’s specialties 3. Exercise combining pilates with pallet 4. Plogging originates from this country 6. Boise State is full of these 7. Cast yours on or before Nov. 3 9. Lucas and Nacho Libre have this in common 12. The Sustainability Governance Council created a plan of

SUDOKU

7 12

8 9

2 2

6 3

7 What has four letters, sometimes has nine, and never has five

1 3

7 2

2 6

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

3 5

8 8

1 2

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