NIK BJURSTROM/THE ARBITER Hosy Nasimi, president of the muslim student association, gives Kazuko Mihara a Henna tattoo during the start of Islamic awareness week.

The central theme of the night was the focus on the Hajj, a pilgrimage required of Muslims, and is considered the last of the five pillars of Islam. The Five Pillars of Islam are laws that guide followers in worship. The other four are  Shahadah (the profession of faith), Salat (Prayers recited five times daily), Zakah (giving to the poor) and Sawm (fasting during the month of Ramadan).

The Pilgrimage eventually convenes on Mecca, the holiest city in all of Islam. In Mecca is the Ka’Bah, a building thought to be built by Abraham, the man who contributed with the founding of Islam.

Although Muslims can take part in a pilgrimage to Mecca, anytime of the year, the Hajj only happens between the seventh and 13th days during the 12th month of the Islamic year. The Islamic Year follows the lunar calendar, unlike most religions that follow the solar calendar. The Hajj falls on different days every year as a result.

Ahmed Oteafy, a member of the Muslim Student Association, used a presentation to show the message that Hajj brings to believers of Islam, as well as including facts about the religion of Islam.

Islam is the second largest religion, just behind Christianity, with more than 1.57 Billion people professing faith, and is arguably the fastest growing religion in the world, according to the Web site, Adherents.com

As Christianity follows the teachings of Jesus, Islam follows the words of the Prophet Muhammed. Of the top five countries with Muslim populations, only one, fifth ranked Egypt, is located in the Middle East. The other most populous Muslim countries, ranked one through four, are Indonesia, Pakistan, India and Bangladesh, respectively.

The night also featured interactive booths where guests could visit and learn about many different aspects of Islam. Topics covered ranged from classical architecture, to the cuisine of the Islamic world, to Henna tattoos for women.

According to Oteafy, for the approximately 40 people in attendance, the reactions  were very positive.

“I’ve found a lot of appreciation for the amount of work that the students have done to make this event happen,” Oteafy said. “Especially the amount of research they have put into it.”

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COURTESY/MCT Meth is one of the cheapest and easiest drugs to make with just items that can be found at hardware stores and drug stores.

Methamphetamine, more commonly known as meth, ice, crank or speed has become one of Idaho’s most popular drugs. The Idaho Meth Project ranks Idaho fourth in the country for meth use by 12- to 17-year-olds and 18- to 25-year-olds. Idaho ranks seventh for lifetime meth use by high school students. Over 12 million Americans have tried meth and it has more than 26 million users world wide with figures growing everyday.

Meth is one of the cheapest drugs to make; it requires only synthetic ingredients, ones that can be easily found at the local pharmacy and hardware store. It can be snorted, smoked, injected or swallowed. One hit, about a fourth of a gram, costs as little as $25. Cocaine video, “The Most Dangerous Drug”  states that meth is three and a half times more powerful than cocaine and the typical hit can keep the user high anywhere from six to 12 hours.

Users often describe their high as euphoric. Chris, a current BSU student and recovering meth user described his feelings while on meth as an invincible high – he asked that we not use his last name.

“I felt invincible, like nothing could hurt me. I’ve never felt as high,” he said.

An article in PBS’s Frontline explained that the pleasure sensation is caused by the release of dopamine in the brain. Normally our brains work on a reward system, when we do something that causes  pleasure, e.g. exercise, ride a roller coaster or even have sex, dopamine is released. When one achieves orgasm our dopamine level rise from 100 units to 200 units. A meth user will see his or her dopamine level increase from the base level to 1250 units. The human body is not made to handle the massive increase and over time, long term use causes damage.

Along with impairing cognitive function and memory, meth actually changes the user’s brain chemistry. Over time it destroys the dopamine receptors as well as severely damages the wiring in the brain’s pleasure centers. Thus making impossible for chronic users to feel pleasure at all, which is why the user requires more and more meth to maintain the same high each time. Studies have shown that with over a year of sobriety, dopamine receptors can be regrown and some of the wiring repaired, but memory loss and motor skills show little or no improvement, and impaired cognitive ability seem to be permanent.

Although the affects of meth can be quite intoxicating, the side effects show a darker side. Users report feeling anxious, paranoid and aggressive. There are also many reported instances where, while high on the drug, users will literally scratch and rip their skin because they have the feeling of bugs crawling over them. Due, in part to the fact that while high on the drug, the user exhibits an increase in aggression, they are more likely to commit a crime.

According to the Idaho Meth Project, during 2007, more than 70 percent of federal drug offenses in Idaho involved methamphetamine. As early as 2005, Idaho had the highest increase in arrests due to methamphetamine, up 90 percent from the prior year. Over 52 percent of Idaho inmates directly attribute meth use to their incarceration. In Idaho’s county jail, 89 percent of female offenders say that they have a problem with meth. Of that pool of users, 73 percent say that meth is their drug of choice.

Interestingly enough, methamphetamine is a DEA Schedule II drug, meaning it has medicinal properties i.e. a medical use for the treatment of narcolepsy, attention deficit disorders and obesity. Marijuana is listed as a Schedule I drug, classified as having no medical purpose.

Recovering methamphetamine addicts and chronic users have a 3 percent success rate, meaning 97 percent have a relapse. Idaho’s share of meth treatment in the U.S is 2.6 times higher than its relative share of the U.S. population. It’s not just that meth wreaks havoc on the entire body but it sucks users in like no other drug. Attaining sobriety from meth is possibly one of the hardest things imaginable.

“You honestly have no idea how hard it was to get where I am today, becoming sober was the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” Chris said. “I just got so depressed and the first month was hell. I got sent to a treatment facility in Oregon and they made sure that I didn’t have any access to any sort of drug.” I didn’t know how addicted I was until I stopped. I mean I would wake up some nights sweating and hyperventilating cause my body just craved it. For the first month I was so tired but I couldn’t sleep.”

To get more information or get help, contact RADAR Network Center 1910 University Drive Boise, Idaho 208-426-347; the Idaho Meth Project, or the Idaho Care line (dial 2-1-1)

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Mixed emotions have been surfacing on campus over whether or not the policy is valuable. While talking with one of the managers at the Rec Center, it was made clear that part of our tuition is used to pay for the machines.

Since student money goes into buying the equipment, why not preserve the $400,000 dollars worth of machines? In order to do so, T-shirts must be worn on the cardio and strength equipment.

I know what you’re thinking, how can a T-shirt help to preserve the machines? When a person works out, they release body salts which can get into the upholstery and deteriorate the seats. However, what if one is wearing shorts? Don’t people sweat all over their body? If that is the case, then pants should be included in the policy.

ZACH GANSCHOW/THE ARBITER Inside the REC center, this man pauses for a breath, or possibly reflection on the requirement of his biceps to remain sleeved.

Hopefully, as college students and as grown adults, germs spread easily and when you’re done working out on a machine, take the time to wipe it down. There is nothing more gross than going to get on a machine that someone else was just on and see his or her sweat marks. Not only is it unsanitary but it shows a lack of respect toward not only the staff, but to others who want to use the machine.

Another big issue for the Rec Center is the fact that when wearing a T-shirt, you are allowed to bunch up the sleeves to make it into a tank top. Doesn’t that defeat the whole purpose of the policy? What good is bunching up your sleeves going to do? The answer I got was the extra clothing underneath the arm is better as an absorbent versus a regular tank top. So if you want to look at it on the flip side, by bunching your sleeves, you’re wearing what you wanted to wear in the first place, a simple tank top.

Something to think about here is guys playing basketball without T-shirts. Isn’t that unsanitary? Technically, not so much. You see, when they sweat, it all goes on the floor, which is cleaned daily so there isn’t direct contact. I tend to disagree, basketball is more or less physical, so when one is trying to block a ball or  steal it, contact with the other player happens. Therefore, sweat gets on your hands and arms, hence germs can spread. If there is going to a T-shirt policy, it should apply to the entire gym not just sections.

In additional to sanitary needs, the want of a non-intimating environment is one which will promote healthy lifestyles, not just beautiful physiques.

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GLENN LANDBERG/THE ARBITER

According to Boise State’s Student Code of Conduct, states, “A violation may include, but is not limited to, possession, consumption, or distribution of alcoholic beverages. This is prohibited in University-owned, leased or operated facilities and on campus grounds unless otherwise allowed by University policy.”

There are exceptions to this rule. The University Housing Handbook states, “21+ students living in designated 21+ housing units must follow state and federal laws regarding alcohol use, as well as University policy.”

These “designated 21+ housing units” include University apartments and University Suites B, where student living in residences solely occupied by students 21-years-of-age or older can indulge in responsible alcohol consumption.

Also, people are allowed to partake in the parking lot of the stadium during tailgating events, as well as in the Steuckle Sky Center.

The University’s ambiguous alcohol policies have some students wondering: is BSU a dry campus or a wet campus?

“It would be nice to be able to buy beer at football games or other school functions,” Sophomore Jenny Lee said.  “It’s weird that alcohol is allowed some places and not others.”

The lack of defined exceptions to the alcohol policy was noticed by the Boise State Alcohol Policy and Practices Task Force done by the University Health, Wellness and Counseling Services.  The task force recommends policies that “proactively manage and control alcohol consumption during special events” and points out that what is considered a “special event” isn’t clear.

“Boise State is neither a wet nor a dry campus,” Jennifer Summers, from BSU’s Health, Wellness and Counseling Services, said.

According to Summers, any exceptions to Boise State’s alcohol policy must go through the University’s Alcohol Beverage Permit Process.  The process’ policy statement reads, “This policy provides requirements under which exceptions to the prohibition of alcoholic beverages on campus grounds will be made for Boise State University. This policy allows the President or the President’s designee to grant a permit for possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages only as permitted by and in compliance with this policy.”

Applications for an alcohol beverage permit should be submitted by an event organizer, and must include a description of the activity taking place, its area or location, and the period of time at which the event will occur.  Also, the serving of alcohol must accompany the serving of food and non-alcoholic beverages, according to the policy.

“Our mission is to promote responsible behavior around alcohol use including awareness, education, and compliance of campus policy, state and federal laws,” Summers said.  “College students have the misconception that their fellow students drink much more than they actually do and the perceived alcohol norms of one’s social group can influence individual group members’ drinking decisions. Without exposure to the more normative levels of alcohol consumption of other groups, students may be unable to evaluate their own levels of drinking objectively.”
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I have never been the type of person to compromise my warmth but for those of you who are, please stop. Whatever the reason you are out there freezing half to death, it’s not worth it. If you are trying to pick up a guy, chances are, your one-night stand isn’t going to be quality to start with but you can pretty much guarantee he’s not quality if he goes home with your half-naked freezing self. It’s just for sex and you are the billboard that is saying, “FREE FREE.” It’s not that I think all girls that wear mini skirts and tank tops in the winter are sluts, but come on people…Really?

My co-worker had a client come in this week and she had an outfit on that just looked awesome. It also fit into the “day to night” look. It was a black mock turtle neck, long sleeved sweater dress that was just above the knee with a pair of tall black heeled boots. Although all black is sometimes boring, this was not. It was perfect for the office and could have transitioned to an outfit for a night out on the town. This outfit was a perfect example of what to wear in the chilly temperatures; she was warm and totally stylish. In the even colder temps, add tights and a warm wool trench coat and you are set. Doesn’t that seem so much better than standing on “bar row” shivering at 2 a.m. on a Saturday/Sunday morning?

Unfortunately there are also atrocious outfits that keep you warm. I was sitting at a local establishment enjoying a frosty Stella this week when a friend of mine nudged me and said “is that a banana clip?” – yes friends, it was. Although this weeks column is not about hair, that’s where it started. She was a gift that just kept on giving for someone like me who writes a column like this. Her grown out black-root highlighted hair was cinched in a banana clip that I think she stole from me in 1986. She was caped in an over-sized black button down shirt and black and white pin-striped bell bottom pants that dragged on the floor when she walked.

Then there were the shoes! I don’t even have words to describe the black suede wedge monstrosities. I am only to assume from experience that she was a server somewhere out for an after shift cocktail. However, if she came up to my table at a restaurant, I would have to second guess the managements standards. Was she warm? I am sure of it. Did she look put together? Uh, no. A few minor adjustments, don’t wear you dad’s oxford, get your hair done and please for the love of all that is good, lose the banana clip.

What you wear reflects how you feel about yourself and how people perceive you. So unless you are sick, you have no excuse. Some readers may think that I am a judgmental #@!$%. Well folks, we all are! So, if you don’t want to end up as a “don’t” in this column, please dress warm, smart and stylish this fall and winter.

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“The students entering the thesis phase of their BFA sign up for my class, Art 410—Professional Practices in Art,” said professor Kirsten Furlong. “The students also work in the Visual Arts Center to learn the process of curating and organizing an exhibition.”

Furlong, who is also the director of the Visual Art Center Galleries, espoused a large part of the class was spent on selecting a three faculty committee from the Art Department for each student, who oversee and help the students create the body of work shown during the thesis exhibition. The same committee evaluates the student’s work for the final portion of the thesis project.

Another part of the experience of the professional practices in Art class is the students’ designing of public relations or PR, and planning of the opening reception for the thesis exhibition. They also learn to do the installation of their own work according to professional gallery practices.

The 11 students involved in both the class and the exhibition cover a variety of mediums and motifs in their work. The mediums on display range from large-scale installations, printmaking, illustration, and painting. The themes address motifs from history, to community, to identity.

“The title (”Resound”) does not relate specifically to the ideas in the artwork,” said Furlong. “But it speaks more to the goal of the work having resonance with the audiences that will see it.”

One of the artists on display is Jean You. A native of China, You moved to Boise five years ago and is a graphic design major.

“Art should be like the music that everyone needs it, everyone appreciates it, and everyone understands it,” You said. “I see painting and drawing as an intelligent device of communication.”

You’s paintings thematically compare at times by setting traditionally unalike objects side by side. In a facial portrait the nose may be metamorphosed into the trunk of an elephant, or a baby may be set beside a set of tossed dice. The communication of You’s art is done in vibrant colors, contrasting real figures or objects from everyday life against unreal backgrounds.

“I draw intuitively but think formally,” You said. “I started drawing before painting. I usually had a set idea before the creative process.”

You also works on the unique medium of duct tape on canvas.

“I use duck tapes as one of the mediums to in contrast of the characteristics of oil paints. Also introducing new materials onto the traditional canvas is a way to express that we are living in a postmodern society.”

In the exhibition You will have on display on painting and eight print studies of the same painting in the show.

Another artist who will be on display during the exhibition is Marissa “Nobody” (a pseudonym). Nobody has recently been working in the mediums of music, fabrics, and community collaboration.

“I’m very drawn to sewing and printmaking because of the intricacies to the many processes,” Nobody said. “It’s similar to how people work or don’t work together, they’re all very surprising and mysterious.”

A native of Brunswick, Ohio a suburb outside of Cleveland, Nobody grew up sneaking out of her parent’s house to visit the plethora of cultural activities in Cleveland.

“By thirteen, I could sneak out of the house with some skill,” Nobody said. “I spent most of my time immersing myself in the many diverse cultures, the historic Tremont Art District, and the underground music scene. Cleveland was really where I grew up or started to anyway.”

Her hunt for diversity is most visible in the artists she sees as most influential. Few artists speak about spending hours hunting for under-represented artists. Though she said it is difficult to be highly influenced by the work, it helps her to maintain perspective that art is not just what is in a museum.

For information check out the Visual Art Center’s Web site, http://artdept.boisestate.edu/VAC.

“Resound,” the BFA thesis exhibition will open to the public on Saturday Nov. 14 and runs through Dec. 8. The Visual Art Center galleries are located in Liberal Arts Building, room 170, and the Hemingway Western Studies Building, room 110. The galleries are open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

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Marissa Nobody

The Arbiter: Where are you from?

Nobody: I grew up in Brunswick Ohio, a small suburb on the outskirts of Cleveland. I really only slept there. While gray, Cleveland is a very large and exciting city, so much more than “Brunstucky.” By 13, I could sneak out of the house with some skill and spent most of my time immersing myself in the many diverse cultures, the historic Tremont Art District, and the underground music scene. Cleveland was really where I “grew” up, or started to anyway.

The Arbiter: How did you get your start as an artist?

Nobody: My whole family is creative in many ways; most of them don’t use it in the artistic sense anymore. I’m strongly convinced that being the youngest of four and being close to my sisters and brother helped me to become an artist. We were always making movies, writing poems, choreographing dances, and even building large wooden structures in the backyard. We were always asking “why?” And, “why not?” My Mother would rarely respond, “Because I said so.” and was very inventive with her answers. She’s very open and carefree. Singing and writing came along first for me. I’ve just recently realized I was forgetting something and now have been including music with my visual work. There’s an incredible amount of discovery and invention that is still very much a part of my process of being an artist that is directly linked to being a child.

The Arbiter: What medium do you use for your art?

Nobody: Currently I’m working with fabric, music, and community collaboration. I’m very drawn to sewing and printmaking because of the intricacies to the many processes, it’s similar to how people work or don’t work together, they’re all very surprising and mysterious. Being open to what I’m trying to figure out and what art needs from me is a constant process of acceptance. It’s important to know what works for you with whatever you do and being a “medium” focused artist really kept me from being fully honest with my work.

The Arbiter: What are your influences? (Family, famous artists, etc)

Nobody: I’m always looking at art from those I feel are underrepresented, the kind of artists you have to dig for hours to find a single image that represents their work. It’s difficult to be heavily influenced by them though because of the lack of documentation and history. It helps me to maintain the perspective that art doesn’t just exist in museums or because someone deems it so, art is so much bigger than that. My absolute favorites are the puppet maker -Scott Radke, and the printmaker – Koichi Yamamoto. Music is also a great influence in my work from the joyous and sorrowful blues to operas such as Lucia di Lammermoor, Jack White is prolific, Nina Simone my all time favorite, and around the way to some good ole Mr. Tom Waits and Woody Guthry.

Jean You

The Arbiter: What is your background?

You: My name is Jean You, I am originally from China. I moved to Boise with my family five years ago. I am a graphic design major student, and painting and drawing is my life long passion as an artist. I will be graduating next May.

The Arbiter: What is your preferred medium?

You: Medium include oil, acrylic, duck tapes and printmaking. I have one 48 inch by 60 inch large painting and eight more print studies of the painting in the show.

The Arbiter: What is your creative process?

You: I draw intuitively but think formally. I started drawing before painting. I usually had a set idea before the creative process, so my drawings are usually more precise and confident than sketches. I use duck tapes as one of the medium to in contrast of the characteristics of oil paints. Also introducing new materials onto the traditional canvas is a way to express that we are living in a postmodern society. To communicate with the idea of innovation and modernity.

The Arbiter: What do you think art is?

You: Art should be like the music that everyone needs it, everyone appreciates it, and everyone understands it.

Jake Rowe

The Arbiter: Where are you from?

Rowe: I was born and raised in Boise, minus four years attending TVCC and University of Hawaii at Manoa.

The Arbiter: How did you get your start as an artist?

Rowe: My start as an artist began in Junior High, West Junior High. I realized I had a talent and a love for drawing and my teacher, Mrs. Grooms, really encouraged me to continue taking formal classes and I haven’t stopped since.

The Arbiter: What are you influences? (Family, famous artists, etc)

Rowe: The influences of my art are first and foremost my Christian faith as well as artists like Norman Rockwell, Rembrandt, Rubens and Warhol.

The Arbiter: What do you hope to do one you graduate?

Rowe: I hope to find a job at a local Jr. High/High School inspiring others who have a love of art to continue their education and practice and see where it takes them.

Gwen Downs

The Arbiter: How did you get your start as an artist?

Downs: There is a lot of family members who like to draw, paint, or craft works for other members of the family as gifts. It was just natural for me to see of this and want to become an artist too.

The Arbiter: What medium do you use for your art?

Downs: I use all kinds of medium in my art; I really love the challenge of a new material when I get my hands on it. As for what I used for my show, I focused on the use of charcoal for the vast majority of my work but I experimented a bit with other materials also.

The Arbiter: What are you influences? (Family, famous artists, etc)

Downs: Family, friends, pets, my church, artist of all levels, life in general; they all have their place as my influence. My family was a big influence that made me more artistic growing up but what influences my work often are the things I see and touch from day to day in my life.

The Arbiter: What has studying at BSU done for your art?

Downs: The obvious should be that it has allowed me to improve on my skills where I was lacking but it has also given me opportunities to practice with new materials that gave me a good challenge to work on and push what I was good at to new levels.

The Arbiter: What do you hope to do once you graduate?

Downs: I want to become an art teacher so that I can inspire the next generation of artist that may enroll at BSU too someday.

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COURTESY/MCT CAMPUS Broncos’ cornerback Kyle Wilson deflects a pass to Vandals receiver Max Komar during their 2007 meeting at Bronco Stadium. Both players will meet for the last time this weekend at Bronco Stadium for the annual in-state rivalry game

This week marks the most exciting Boise State (9-0, 4-0 Western Athletic Conference) vs. University of Idaho (7-3, 4-2 WAC) football match-up in recent history. The last time the Vandals played close to the Broncos was 2003 at Moscow, Idaho where the Vandals held the Broncos to just 24 points, losing by just two touchdowns, 24-10. The last time the Vandals beat the Broncos was 1998 at Bronco Stadium in an overtime showdown, 35-36.

Vandals’ head coach Robb Akey started the week with a comment during the weekly WAC teleconference that may have given the Broncos a little more inspiration for rivalry week.

“I want to be the least popular individual with all the WAC administrators after we get done on Saturday,” Akey said. “Because if we take care of business then there’s not going to be a BCS bowl for the Boise State and no BCS money coming to the conference.”

Since the Vandals have found a groove and knack for the comeback, the fans – as well as the Broncos – have something more than what has shown to be a disappointing rivalry over the past few years to look forward to.

“I always think it adds a little more to it when both teams are in bowl situations and are having a lot of success. It will just add to it and it will be pretty cool,” BSU sophomore quarterback Kellen Moore said.

The Broncos have noticed a stronger showing of Vandal fans coming out of the woodwork with the recent success. The display of black and gold pride has become more common with their recent success.

“You actually start to see more Vandals fans coming out now,” Broncos’ junior wide receiver Austin Pettis said. “I didn’t know that a lot of my friends were a little bit Vandals fans…A couple more coming out and rooting for the Vandals this weekend. We’ll see. It’s always fun when you’ve got people going against you.”

Never downplayed for the Broncos

Even with the Broncos dominating the rivalry, it is never overlooked on the calendar. BSU athletes get up for the game every year, noticing a different feel and excitement that might not otherwise show during other opponents.

“They always play us tough,” Moore said of past contests. “Now I think that everyone else will be aware that they’re going to give us their best shot. They’ll be playing well.”

Moore and the rest of the BSU squad noticed in past meetings that there is a mystique about rivalry week that makes each team put its best foot forward. Broncos’ junior safety Jeron Johnson has taken notice to the recent boom from up north.

“It’s always exciting when you play in a rivalry game,” Johnson said. “I don’t care if they haven’t won a game in thirty years. If they were to come in here on a rivalry day, they’re going to give us their best shot. It just adds a little bit to it that they’re way better than what I’ve seen since I’ve been here the past four years. So it’s going to be a good game.”

Broncos following the rivalry

Some of the Broncos are a little more aware due to being close to or residents of the state. Head coach Chris Petersen heard of the rivalry being just as driven – if not more so – than the annual “Civil War,” in Oregon between the Ducks and the Beavers of Oregon State during his time with the UO program.

Local product from Meridian Tyler Shoemaker, BSU sophomore wide receiver, grew up around the rivalry.

“For as long as I can remember it’s been a big game…Idaho every year is a big game,” Shoemaker said. “It’s good to have that background to see the rivalry that’s grown.”

Moore was fortunate enough to have former Bronco Dan Gore as a neighbor and heard about the rivalry before coming the Boise. Prosser is just 175 miles from Moscow, making the rivalry geographically noticeable.

Looking back – scores from past contests

2008 – Moscow – Broncos 45 Vandals 10

2007 – Boise – Broncos 58 Vandals 14

2006 – Moscow – Broncos 42 Vandals 26

2005 – Boise – Broncos 70 Vandals 35

2004 – Boise – Broncos 65 Vandals 7

2003 – Moscow – Broncos 24 Vandals 10

2002 – Boise – Broncos 38 Vandals 10

2001 – Pullman, Wash. – Broncos 45 Vandals 13

2000 – Boise – Broncos 66 Vandals 24

1999 – Pullman, Wash. – Broncos 45 Vandals 14

1998 – Boise – Broncos 35 Vandals 36 (OT)

1997 – Moscow – Broncos 30 Vandals 23

1996 – Boise – Broncos 19 Vandals 64

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NIK BJUSTROM/THE ARBITER Broncos' senior Tasha Harris battles for the ball on the floor during their exhibition game against LCSC Sunday afternoon. Harris recorded three assists, three steals and 7-points for the Broncos

During their 2008-09 campaign the Broncos had to do without their two senior leaders; guard Tasha Harris and forward Jessica (Thompson) Van Hoogen.

Van Hoogen fell to injury before the season opener and Harris ended hers season early just four games into the season.

But there appeared a sense of relief with the two as the final buzzer sounded. They seemed glad to be back to work for BSU and head coach Gordy Presnell.

They are back and able to produce. But old ties are out the door. There are 11 players on this season’s roster besides Harris and Van Hoogen. Seven have yet to play a full season with the senior standouts.

Both are feeling healthy again and back to full form. By watching them both on Sunday, it was difficult to see a step lost. Each was able to create plays for the Broncos and get up and physical with their opponents. They still carry themselves with the same finesse and flare fans would expect from the dynamic duo.

“It was fun. I just had a lot of fun,” Van Hoogen said. “I’m just blessed to be able to play on the court again. I’m excited.”

Each joked about pushing themselves and feeling it later, forced to sooth it with a frigid ice bath. Neither Harris nor Van Hoogen are strangers to physical pain caused by old injuries.

“I don’t think during the game we changed our style. I think afterwards we think about it and we regret it,” Harris laughed. “I don’t think it affected us during the game. I think that we’re just focused on what we have to do out there.”

Candid as the two are, they continue to progress and learn from their new teammates. Coming back after difficult recoveries is never an easy endeavor for an athlete.

“I’ve done it before. It’s always hard coming back,” Harris said about returning to competition. “It’s so much easier when you have teammates who can take the pressure off of you and you can kind of work your way back in. It feels pretty good.”

That should not be a problem for the Broncos this season. While Harris and Van Hoogen sat observing last year, their fellow Broncos were busy getting time on the court and much need experience.

Learning their roles

Five players – Heather Pilcher, Melissa Rima, Janie Bos, Rebecca Kepilino and Stacie Gross – averaged 15.4 minutes per game combined for a much-needed boost in experience prior to this season. The development should help those who contributed to last season’s shared fifth place finish in the Western Athletic Conference.

“I definitely feel that this is a team and a program for roles,” Harris said “…We really haven’t gotten our roles from our coach yet but I think as we get those and put those together, we just have to know that each person is important no matter what their role is. As long as we stay in it together I think we should be pretty good and keep improving.”

The Broncos look to Friday as their season opener against Western Oregon. The coaches and media each picked the Broncos to finish third this season behind favorites Louisiana Tech and Fresno State. Pressing for improvement is a major focus for the Broncos early on in the season next to getting a feel for the team.

“We have a lot of big, hard competition that we’re going to face,” Van Hoogen said. “We’re all going to have to get better. We need to get better as a team. We need to get better individually. So I’m looking forward to seeing how we do with that kind of competition.”

BSU tips of against Western Oregon at Taco Bell Arena Friday, Nov. 13, at 7:00 p.m.

Related posts:

1. BSU work Warriors during exhibition game
2. Harris reaches milestone in win
3. Harris named ESPN All-District

Columnist Fawn Caveney

What now, is a question I find myself pondering this last week?  I received notification from the Financial Aid office that my aid will be on hold until I write an appeal letter to explain why I have so many credits.  Those of you who have followed my column know that I am a returning older student with a history of other universities and thus other transfer credits.  As I shared last week I just recently found out that I have taken 12 to 15 more credits than I needed to at BSU, due to a misread on my transcripts regarding an Associates degree already completed and not recognized.

I do understand that most certainly the government cannot continue to pour out aid to a student who is just going to school for fun and wants to take classes forever.  Thus I do appreciate the rule and its necessary role in making sure that the students who are really serious and on track receive aid.  However I would be lying if I said I was not frustrated by this latest inquiry. A challenge I guess to prove that I can stick with and really choose to have the faith that all will work out perfectly.

I am presently on track to graduate the Spring of 2011.  Joyfully I was recently accepted into the Block 1 Secondary Ed. program through the English teaching emphasis.  I anxiously await my school placement and really look forward to being in the schools for the next three semesters.

Upon reading the financial aid letter I found my heart dropping to the floor and fear showing its crazy head.  Without the aid I am done. To come so far and get so close only to see it flash before my eyes is a bit disconcerting.  After having time to think and read the appeal information I am hopeful that I have a strong case and will be approved to continue on.

Being a single mom with two children adds a little weight to this latest development.  I would be lying if I said I didn’t think about how I would support them and myself if the rug got completely pulled out from under us.

What now…?  I guess I have no choice but to formulate the best appeal I can and cross my fingers.  I most certainly cannot cry over spilt milk in regard to the wasted credits taken due to an error in transcript assessment, or student loans equated to those extra credits, or the fact that I did not ask more people when I felt the advice I received was in error.  Nope, all I can do is put one foot in front of the other and trust.

I do ask though, if anyone out there has faced this situation, I would greatly appreciate any suggestions, advice and help.  In addition I write this in hopes of saving someone the shock I have been jolted with.  There is so much to figure out on this journey of being a college student no matter what age or life experience.  Quality advice is key to navigating this adventure, along with asking questions and seriously being an active participant.  I guess one could say make sure to read the small print.

Related posts:

1. Financial Aid Myths … Get the Facts!
2. Undergraduates earn graduate credits
3. Financial Aid office explains FAFSA components