DESCRIPTION:
Arbiter Media is looking for creative, curious, agile and innovative students to serve as journalists in its newsroom. Arbiter Media is a student ran, award-winning multi-platform media outlet, publishing content in print, online, on the radio and television; and has an established reputation for its multi-media storytelling and innovative environment. For 76 years, Arbiter Media (The Arbiter) has served as the Independent Voice of Students at Boise State University and is a learning laboratory for aspiring media and business professionals. We will train you and give you the tools, support and encouragement you need to succeed. Journalists at Arbiter Media collaborate with a team of 7 journalists and editors charged with covering their specified beats in the production of interactive multi-platform media packages and stand alone content for arbiteronline.com and our newspaper, The Arbiter. Duties of a journalist include covering news events, meetings, writing features, analysis and producing multi-media segments. We are looking for reporters who can and will work a variety of subjects and understand the value of community journalism. Photography, audio, video, skills and comfort with WordPress and social media such as Twitter and Facebook are a plus. We do not expect you to have experience in journalism – but we expect you to come to us with a strong sense of journalistic values (including a serious grasp of ethics, news sense, commitment to our community, decision-making, working on deadline, etc.). You will work with the rest of our team (reporters, photographers, editors, designers, etc.) from across the newsroom on long-term and rapid deadline stories. You will be taught to conceptualize, design and produce stories that are told through print and online articles, various platforms of multimedia such as video and podcasts, microsites, interactive graphics, blogs, video and other platforms of media as they emerge.

Most importantly, we are looking for students who are quick learners with a lot of ideas and energy. Infectious enthusiasm is a bonus. Workaholic, overachieving, ambitious go-getters are highly encouraged to apply. Curious, inquisitive, story tellers with no fear of learning new technology, vastly expanding their knowledge of multi-platform media and pioneering the future of journalism would be absolutely batty not to apply. Journalism (and media in general) is not a job or a hobby, it is a passion. If that makes sense to you, we look forward to receiving your application.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Proven aptitude for quick creative thinking with acute attention to detail within demanding deadlines
• An eagerness to learn – and teach
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to articulate creative ideas
• An ability to manage multiple projects and meet both short-term and long-term deadlines
• An understanding of different media platforms including, but not limited to: print and online media, podcasts, photo slideshows and other forms of multi-media
• A healthy respect for Boise State University and its community
• Curiosity – particularly around media and a desire to understand the stories it can tell as well as the constraints it imposes
• Knowledge of social media and media aggregation sites such as Digg or ReadIt
• A love for writing and story telling.
• Minimum 2.5 GPA

HOURS and COMPENSATION:
This is an UNPAID internship. Students are REQUIRED to take a three credit internship during which they will complete a minimum of 150 hours of work over the course of a semester, producing media for The Arbiter and arbiteronline.com. The Editor-in-Chief will make exceptions on the internship requirement on a case by case basis under special circumstances.

HOW TO APPLY:
Email a letter to Editor-in-Chief, Shannon Morgan, expressing your interest in the internship to jobs@arbiteronline.com. Students can also send a resume but it is not required.

JOB DUTIES:
Arbiter Media is looking for creative, curious, agile and innovative students to serve as Online Interactive Journalists and help us tell stories and improve our users’ experience on arbiteronline.com. Arbiter Media is a student ran, award-winning multiplatform media outlet, publishing content in print, online, on the radio and television; and has an established reputation for its multi-media storytelling and innovative environment. For 76 years, Arbiter Media (The Arbiter) has served as the Independent Voice of Students at Boise State University and is a learning laboratory for aspiring media and business professionals. We will train you and give you the tools, support and encouragement you need to succeed. Online Interactive Journalists at Arbiter Media serve on a team of four journalists who serve directly under the Online Editor and Online Coordinator and are charged with producing content and maximizing the potential of arbiteronline.com. You will take the lead in developing new ways to engage and interact with our audience and lead them through our stories online and in print. We do not expect you to have experience in journalism – but we expect you to come to us with a strong sense of journalistic values (including a serious grasp of ethics, news sense, commitment to our community, decision-making, working on deadline, etc.). You will work with the rest of our team (reporters, photographers, editors, designers, etc.) from across the newsroom on long-term and rapid deadline stories. We are looking for students who are comfortable with both interaction/development of social media platforms (e.g., Twitter and Facebook) to foster a relationship with our audience in the production of media. You will also be taught to produce media to publish on arbiteronline.com and in our printed edition, The Arbiter. You will be taught to conceptualize, design and produce stories that are told through print and online articles, various platforms of multi-media such as video and podcasts, microsites, interactive graphics, blogs, video and other platforms of media as they emerge. We expect all employees to be self-motivated and to learn as much as possible, through their own means.

Most importantly, we are looking for someone who is a quick learner with a lot of ideas and energy. You will need to stay on top of emerging trends and find out how the website and the organization can evolve by adopting those trends. Infectious enthusiasm is a bonus. We will train you and give you the tools you need to succeed. Workaholic, overachieving, ambitious go-getters are highly encouraged to apply. Curious, inquisitive, story tellers with no fear of learning new technology, vastly expanding their knowledge of multi-platform media and pioneering the future of journalism would be absolutely batty not to apply. Journalism (and media in general) is not a job or a hobby, it is a passion. If that makes sense to you, we look forward to receiving your application.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Proven aptitude for quick creative thinking with acute attention to detail within demanding deadlines
• An eagerness to learn – and teach
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to articulate creative ideas
• An ability to manage multiple projects and meet both short-term and long-term deadlines
• An understanding of different platforms including, but not limited to: print and online media, podcasts, photo slideshows and other forms of multi-media
• A healthy respect for Boise State University and its community
• Curiosity – particularly around media and a desire to understand the stories it can tell as well as the constraints it imposes
• Knowledge of social media and media aggregation sites such as Digg or ReadIt
• A love for writing and story telling.
• Minimum 2.5 GPA

HOURS and COMPENSATION:
This is an   Students are REQUIRED to take a three credit internship during which they will complete a minimum of 150 hours of work over the course of a semester, producing media for The Arbiter and arbiteronline.com. The Editor-in-Chief will make exceptions on the internship requirement on a case by case basis under special circumstances.

HOW TO APPLY:
Email a letter to Editor-in-Chief, Shannon Morgan, expressing your interest in the internship to jobs@arbiteronline.com. Students can also send a resume but it’s not required.

DESCRIPTION:
Arbiter Media is looking for creative, curious, agile and innovative students to serve as photojournalists in our newsroom. Arbiter Media is a student ran, award-winning, multi-platform media outlet, publishing content in print, online, on the radio and television; and has an established reputation for its multi-media storytelling and innovative environment. For 76 years, Arbiter Media (The Arbiter) has served as the Independent Voice of Students at Boise State University and is a learning laboratory for aspiring media and business professionals. We will train you and give you the tools, support and encouragement you need to succeed. Photojournalists at Arbiter Media serve on a team of 5-7 journalists charged with covering their specified beats as well as producing interactive multi-platform media packages and stand along content for arbiteronline.com and our newspaper, The Arbiter.The position is responsible for capturing and editing images for Arbiter Media, produce Soundslides (photo slide shows with audio) and collaborate with fellow journalists on creating media on a variety of platforms, including in print. Duties also include covering news events, meetings, writing features, analysis and producing multi-media segments. We will train you and give you the tools, support and encouragement you need to succeed. We are looking for students who can and will work a variety of subjects and understand the value of community journalism. Audio, video, skills and comfort with WordPress and social media such as Twitter and Facebook are a plus. A love for writing or eagerness to learn is a must. We do not expect you to have experience in journalism – but we expect you to come to us with a strong sense of journalistic values (including a serious grasp of ethics, news sense, commitment to our community, decision-making, working on deadline, etc.). You will work with the rest of our team (journalists, producers, editors, designers, etc.) from across the newsroom on long-term and rapid deadline stories. You will be taught to conceptualize, design and produce story packages that are told through print and online articles, various platforms of multi-media such as video and podcasts, microsites, interactive graphics, blogs, video and other platforms of media as they emerge. We expect all employees to be self-motivated and to learn as much as possible, through their own means.

Related posts:

1. Letters from the Editor
2. Letter from the Editor
3. Produce your own podcast show with The Arbiter

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

Kellen Moore

His name matches this year’s production. More.

The Broncos’ sophomore is the national leader in the pass efficiency and touchdowns. He has a 172.5 passer rating with 32 touchdowns to just three interceptions – five touchdowns coming against in-state rival University of Idaho. His 67.7 completion percentage and 2,558 passing yards to make his statement to voters for a run to the Heisman.

C.J. Spiller

This senior has emerged as a spectacle of diversity for the Clemson offensive attack. He has 836 yards rushing on 153 attempts and 382 yards receiving on 24 receptions; averaging 15.9 yards per reception. He has 13 combined touchdowns from both offense and special team production. He has averaged 33.94 on kickoff returns and averaged 195.5 all-purpose yards this season; third in the nation.

Tim Tebow

This senior continues to impress through his ability to lead his team to victory by example. He is a dual threat quarterback with 10 rushing touchdowns and 12 passing touchdowns through his 2009 campaign. He has 2,334 yards of total offense and only four interceptions on 198 attempts. He has completed 64.7 percent of his passes this season.

Colt McCoy

This standout from Texas has the ability to make sound decisions and leads one of the nation’s most potent offensive attacks. He adds to this threat with the ability to create time for receivers to get open. He has 19 passing touchdowns and 2,628 total yards. The downside to selling McCoy this season is he’s thrown nine interceptions, creating nearly a 2-to-1 touchdown ratio going into the final weeks before voting.

Mark Ingram

This tough running back displayed his ability to break tackles this season. His 246 rushing yards and one touchdown against Ole Miss – six 100-plus yard rushing games this season – is a key reason he continues to be a frontrunner for the Heisman. He has 10 rushing touchdown and 1,297 rushing yards this season through 10 games. He continues to impress every week and should be a favorite going into December.

Toby Gerhart

This dark horse candidate emerged as a scary rushing attack in a conference that brags multiple tough running backs. He has 19 rushing touchdowns and averages 5.3 yards per carry. He has eight 100-plus rushing games this season; two of which were over 200-yard games. His latest performance against USC – 178 rushing yards and three touchdowns – puts him as a possible upset of leaders in the race to the Heisman.

Related posts:

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   legitimate Heisman hopefuls

COURTESY/IDAHO STEELHEADS Goaltender Richard Bachman covers the net during competition at the Qwest Arena in Downtown Boise, Idaho

The transition from the collegiate level to the professional level can be a reality shock for most athletes, this however, is not the case for Steelheads goalie Richard Bachman. Bachman is a top prospect for the Dallas Stars who managed to pick up a win in his professional debut in a 3 – 2 victory over the Stockton Thunder on October 18th.

Bachman competed at the NCAA Division-I level while playing at Colorado College in Colorado Springs. In his first year of collegiate competition Bachman had an impressive year, winning 25 of 35 games with a sub-2.00 goals allowed average and .931 save percentage.

With this outstanding season, Bachman was able to collect numerous awards which included Western College Hockey Association Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year honors.

The Dallas Stars immediately noticed Bachman’s potential and made him their 4th round pick (120th overall) in the 2006 NHL Entry Level draft.

“It’s a definite step up; guys shoot harder, pass a little better and are smarter on the ice,” the 22-year-old said about the major difference between collegiate and professional competition.

Even with the increased talent of opposing players Bachman was able to show off his own skills by earning the East Coast Hockey League Goaltender of the Week honor for his outstanding performance in a three game set versus the Alaska Aces.

In the three game set Bachman accounted for two of the Steelheads wins and stopped more than 90 percent of the shots on goal.

The superior play of Bachman is no coincidence since hockey has been his passion since he was little.

“Yes, I have always loved [hockey] more then any other sport,” Bachman said. “I was really into baseball when I was a kid too.”

Bachman’s passion was sparked after watching Patrick Roy lead his team to a Stanley Cup victory while playing for the Colorado Avalanche in 1996.

Playing hockey is in Bachman’s blood and the only thing that is on his mind right now. Bachman’s response to what he would be doing if he were not playing hockey, “Hopefully I would be doing something else I love, but I have no idea because I have always only wanted to play hockey my whole life.”

Come watch Bachman and his fellow Steelheads take on the Victoria Salmon Kings this week on Friday, Nov. 20th and Saturday Nov. 21st

at the Qwest Arena in Downtown Boise.

Boise State students present your student ID at the Qwest Arena Box Office for an $11 ticket plus a voucher for a FREE small beer or Pepsi. Limit 2 per ID.

Purchase Online: Purchase tickets online at idahosteelheads.com/groups; Login: NATE, Password: NATEBSU.

Disclaimer: The preceding article was written by Nate Slonaker, a marketing student participating in the Idaho Steelheads Internship Program presented by The Arbiter. For additional information, visit IdahoSteelheads.com/boisestate.

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2. Steelheads hockey gets off to hot start
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JOSH RASMUSSEN/THE ARBITER. Freshman receiver Kirby Moore will carry a heavier load as the season progresses due to injuries the Broncos have sustained on offense.

Boise State routed Idaho last week 63-25, but at a high cost for BSU.

Senior fullback and NFL prospect, Richie Brockel, injured his foot early in the game against the Vandals. When he returned to the sidelines he was in street cloths and on crutches. The diagnosis at this time is not exactly known, but according to BSU head coach Chris Petersen, Brockel will miss the remainder of the season, ending his career at BSU.

“It means a lot because Richie brings more intangible things than he does even physically,” Petersen said of his missed captain. “He’s a physical tone setter for us on offense. He’s also the voice of reason and he’s the most mature guy that we have on the entire team.”

Brockel is the unsung leader of the offense on and off the field. Losing a player of that caliber late in the year is hard for a young team, but his presence will still be with the team wherever they go.

“He was a pretty vocal guy in the locker room and during the pre game,” freshman wide receiver Kirby Moore said. “Losing Richie is a big deal.”

Austin Pettis, who had four touchdown catches against Idaho, knows just how much Brockel meant to this team and is still trying to cope with the fact that the captain will not be in the huddle again.

“It’s a lot of leadership that we’re losing on the field, but he’s still going to be a part of this team no matter what,” Pettis said.

The Broncos must now turn to sophomore fullback, Dan Paul, from Boring, Oregon. The sophomore has played sparingly during the season and has big shoes to fill in the absence of BSU’s only starting offensive senior. Coach Petersen feels confident Paul will step up and keep the Broncos playing at a high level.

“Dan’s been making great strides all year long and I think he’s in a place where we need him to be to take that next step and really carry that flag for Richie,” Petersen said.

Another unfortunate loss came to up-and-coming freshman running back Matt Kaiserman, who broke his leg late in the Idaho game after throwing his first touchdown on a trick play to tight end Kyle Efaw. Kaiserman’s injury is a significant blow to the already beleaguered BSU backfield. The running game lost junior D.J. Harper to an ACL tear earlier in the season against Fresno State. The Broncos are now down to only two productive backs with Jeremy Avery and Doug Martin.

“Kaiser’s going to be okay down the road. It’s just such a bummer for us and for him. He’s had a hard year anyway getting going and we were just starting to get him in the mix in a bunch of different things,” Petersen said.

Sophomore receiver, Tyler Shoemaker, was also injured during the victory over rival Idaho and also left on crutches after the game. His status is questionable for this weekend’s game at Utah State. Petersen said they’re still waiting on the doctors to evaluate him before they make any decisions going forward. Kirby Moore will likely step into Shoemaker’s slot position this weekend against USU.

Related posts:

1. The Legend of Bunyan Brockel
2. Three-headed monster for Halloween?: Broncos find new depth with Kaiserman
3. Bruiser begins protecting backs instead of pursuing them

JOSH RASMUSSEN/THE ARBITER Junior linebacker Derrell Acrey celebrates following an interception against the Idaho Vandals during their annual rivalry.

The injury bug has proven to be an adversary of many college football teams late in the season. The Boise State Broncos have faired quite well considering they have played 10 of 13 games thus far. But the defense hasn’t been prone to that bug as of yet.

The linebackers

“Knock on wood,” sophomore linebacker Aaron Tevis said of injuries.

Tevis has struggled in the past with injuries and still battles through the pain persisting problems. Sharing time with freshman linebacker, J.C. Percy, has proven effective and an efficient use of young talent.

“First of all you don’t get as tired,” Tevis said. “You get a couple of breaks, a couple of series off. That helps a lot to go 100 percent in the game. And definitely helps with staying healthy. I’m definitely an injury prone guy but staying healthy this year has definitely helped me a lot.”

Tevis has 34 tackles this season with five tackles for loss. He has also stepped into the role of a hands-savvy backer. He’s recorded three interceptions this season.

Percy has 42 tackles – three of which are for loss – and one forced fumble.

To emphasize the relationship the line backers have with one another, it would be an understatement to call it competitive. The six major contributors – Percy, Tevis, Derrell Acrey, Tommy Smith, Hunter White and Daron Mackey have seen consistent action all season between the two available linebacker positions. Combined, the leading linebackers have recorded 172 tackles, seven interceptions and 15 tackles for loss for negative 48 yards this season.

The defensive line

Much like the linebackers, the defensive line has shown they are running deep with talent. The Broncos have rotated 10 guys who have contributed statistically in some way; yet another way to stay fresh on the field as the season progresses.

Often, injuries would allow for other guys to step in and showcase their talent. With the lack of injury in the initial point of contact that is the defensive line and traditional injury-prone positions of defensive tackle and defensive end, it is somewhat a curious matter why there has been so much defensive line production from so many athletes this season. But in this case, it has been due to BSU’s ability to showcase vast talent due to depth.

“We have great coaches and great athletes on the team,” junior defensive tackle Billy Winn said. “It just opens it up for other guys to play. These guys have been waiting for a long time to get on the field and have their chance to shine. It’s gonna be amazing. They’re excited to play. I just can’t wait to see them out there.”

The Broncos’ defense has stepped up in the turnover category. BSU has forced 16 turnovers during its past four games – seven coming against rival Idaho – following a two-game turnover drought against UC-Davis and Tulsa earlier this season. Much of this can be traced back to the defensive line applying pressure on quarterbacks and running backs behind the line of scrimmage.

“For a team to get to cause seven turnovers, that’s a great stride,” Winn said. “Showing the productivity of the defense. For us to get that many is a great attribute.”

Prior, the Broncos had 13 turnovers during their first four games.

Defensive backs

Though there hasn’t been an apparent showcasing of depth at defensive back as with the D-line and linebackers, sparks of production have shown through. What they haven’t displayed in depth, they make up for in talented play and progressive playmakers.

Boise State has only seen one player sit in the defensive backs corps with sophomore cornerback Jerrell Gavins filling the large shoes of senior cornerback Kyle Wilson.

Wilson has three interceptions and two pick-6’s in the past three games.

Gavins had five tackles while standing in for Wilson against UC-Davis. He has 21 tackles this season.

The defensive backs have 14 interceptions and three forced fumbles as a group this season.

Related posts:

1. Linebackers are gelling thanks to depth
2. Early season woes stand in Zabransky’s past
3. Senior core looks to lead defense

NIK BJURSTROM/THE ARBITER Freshman Liz Harden goes for a kill shot earlier in the season against Northern Arizona

When Boise State women’s volleyball coach Shawn Garus took over before the 2009 season, he wanted his team to be the most improved squad by the end of the year. As the Broncos wrap up their season, it is fair to say they have reached Garus’ goal.

After a sluggish start the Broncos have battled back into contention and are prepared to take on the Western Athletic Conference Tournament.

The Broncos can credit the work ethic and the player’s never-die attitude to this season’s resurgence. This year the Broncos continued to fight even when things weren’t going their way and the new coaching staff can take some of that credit.

“Things have been a lot more stable this year,” senior defensive specialist Kati Lewis said. “We are a lot more structured as a team.”

The Broncos could have given in and blamed new faces and a new system to their slow start at the beginning of the year. Instead, they put their time in at the gym and continued to improve every week, despite starting the season off with 11 straight losses. Although they had a conference win against San Jose State University, it wasn’t until the home win against the University of Idaho when the Broncos began to see the results of their hard work.

“Beating Idaho here was really a turning point for us,” Garus said. “We came out and played a really good match against a solid Idaho team. I think that it gave everybody the confidence that what we were doing day-in and day-out was working, and if we stuck to it, we would start winning matches.”

Following the win against Idaho, the Broncos began playing like a completely different team. They started playing better as a squad and displayed a desire to win.

“We started getting wins and dominating,” senior libero Jeanene Rose said. “We were taking people out in three games and were able to keep it up and build our confidence.”

The Broncos have been able to maintain that confidence through the rest of the season. Heading into Thursday’s rematch against the University of Idaho, Boise State is fourth in the WAC. Depending on how things play out this week, the Broncos could go into the tournament as high as a four seed, or as low as a sixth seed.

For a team that was picked to finish near the bottom of the conference at beginning of the year, a birth to the WAC Championship Tournament is a notable accomplishment. However, the Broncos – especially the seniors – don’t want to settle with what they have already accomplished.

“I don’t want our team to settle, I would rather go out with a bang,” Rose said.

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   with record-breaking start

GLENN LANDBERG/THE ARBITER There are plenty of bus stops right around campus and make it a popular option for students.

The Treasure Valley’s “ValleyRide” saw a record amount of usage in fiscal year 2009, with 1.4 million riders. This increase happened despite a national decrease in the use of public transportation due to lower gas prices and increased unemployment, according to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).

“For (ValleyRide) to be seeing a ridership increase in these economic times is definitely bucking the national trend,” Mantill Williams, spokesperson for the APTA, said.

The Boise area saw a 14.7 percent increase this past year in ridership, the busiest route being route No. 9, which runs on State Street from downtown Boise to Glenwood/Gary Lane.  The route served over 200,000 people in the last year.

“People are realizing that the bus routes can work for them,” Larry Pew, operations supervisor for ValleyRide, said.  “They’re realizing that if they can ride transit even 2-3 times a week, it’ll help them save a lot of money and help the environment, not to mention the reduced stress levels of leaving their car at home.”

The Nampa/Caldwell area saw a larger increase, at 22.3 percent.

“With the new bus stop system, people realize they can ride the bus from their neighborhood, and it’s a much cheaper form of transportation,” General manager for the Nampa, Caldwell and Intercounty service area for Valley Regional Transit, Hollie Young said.

Young also attributes the rise in ridership to an increase in the student population.

“A lot of them (riders) are out of work, so they’re going back to school,” Young said.

ValleyRide allows students from Boise State, the College of Western Idaho, and Boise School District high schools to ride the bus free of charge, with a valid school ID.

BSU senior Brett Berning uses ValleyRide frequently.

“I commute either by bike or bus practically every day,” Berning said.

He claims ValleyRide would be much more convenient if buses ran later than 6:45 p.m.

“I have to plan out my days more time efficiently because I prefer to study at the library and often stay late so riding the bus is out of the question,” Berning said.

Bus fare for a single-use is $1. Passes can also be purchased for a full day’s use, 31 days, three months, six months or one year.

Related posts:

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3. Route changes may cause headaches

JOSH RASMUSSEN/THE ARBITER - Bronco netminder Dan Beaudrea prepares to stop a break-away shot from a University of Montana forward during a home game Nov. 6. at Idaho Ice World.

Boise State University football may make national headlines, and the women’s soccer players may call themselves Western Athletic Conference Champions, but none of their accomplishments came on ice.

The BSU hockey club, however, is in full swing, taking the ice by storm and has already played 13 of its 38 games this season.

Club president and team captain Dalton Smith, and his father, Lee, claim responsibility for starting the club 3 years ago.

“A lot of these kids came up together and want to play hockey,” Lee says. “They had nowhere else to go.”

It’s no small project to start a club either. It takes more than $40,000 yearly to play a full season. Lee is no longer designated the head coach though he handled those duties for the first two seasons.

JOSH RASMUSSEN/THE ARBITER - Boise State center, team captain and club president Dalton Smith extends toward the net during a shot in a home game against the University of Montana Nov. 6. at Idaho Ice World.

“I basically dumped my American Express into the first year just to prove we were serious,” Lee says.

To make matters more difficult, head coach Ken Beaudreau, in his first year coaching the Broncos, says, “I volunteer. The parents volunteer. The team manager, the assistant coach — no one gets paid. We are self-funded.”

He adds, “We’re always looking for sponsors. We’re always looking for support.”

The Broncos play as part of the ACHA (American College Hockey Association) in division II. The Broncos may play DII, but a DII hockey team doesn’t carry the same second-tier connotation as a DII football or basketball team. Other notable ACHA DII teams include Harvard, Ohio State University, New York University, Virginia Tech University, Arizona State University and the University of Idaho.

The rules most closely compare to those of the NCAA. Players must wear a full-cage on their helmets and fighting is forbidden. That doesn’t mean fights don’t happen. The penalty is an automatic ejection with a 1-game suspension as well as a 5-minute major another member of the team must serve during the game.

Like many sports, hockey demands a great deal from its players. To keep eligibility, each student must be a full-time, degree-seeking, with a minimum of nine credits and maintain a 2.0 GPA.

“It’s definitely been taking its toll on the whole team with grades, being gone every single weekend,” Dalton says. “It’s definitely intense. I don’t think somebody could hold a full-time job, go to school and play for a team. I personally don’t think it’s possible.”

But the reward is worth it to the players, most of whom grew up playing hockey. They manage themselves like any other hockey team.

“We don’t really allow any kind of drama between the players,” Dalton says. “Everyone shows a certain amount of respect for each other.”

BSU junior and 3-year-veteran of the WHL (Western Hockey League) Aaron Roberge’s several-team, multiple-league, hockey career came to an end 3 years ago in Canada but he maintains a love for the sport. Because of a by-law disallowing players with professional experience (WHL included) to play college hockey, he is ineligible to play with the Broncos but practiced with them a few times prior to receiving the news. The ACHA is not the WHL but some things never change.

“When I stopped playing hockey, I took a good, couple years off so … ya know how it is with guys on hockey teams — everyone’s really good, close friends,” Roberge says, “and there’s good camaraderie and everyone seems to get along. You get a feeling of being on a team and being with a group of guys who like to have fun and compete together.”

While athletes are often most-known through their sports, they are still responsible for daily life.

“Everything that happens at Boise State, the club sports, the varsity sanctioned sports — all of it’s important,” Ken says, “They’re all student athletes. These are people who are putting an enormous amount of time into their game, practice, school work and trying to get a degree. To me, they’re the finest of the finest.”

Ken has been coaching for 15 years at a variety of levels in multiple leagues including Peewees, Bantam, U-18 and the Idaho Rattlers. Youth soccer and YMCA roller hockey also help account for his coaching history.

“The game is almost secondary to what we’re trying to do,” he says, “which is make better men out of them — get them ready for the world.”

Ken’s son Dan Beaudreau, also the club vice president, serves as a 6’, 220-pound goalie for the Broncos. Coaching him has been really easy according to Ken.

“I’ve coached him for so many years and so many different teams that when we’re on the ice, he’s not my son and I’m not his father. We have kind of zoned that out, because I don’t understand goalies. They’re a totally different breed than anybody else. You’ve got to let him be who he is and trust him.”

The Broncos have a 23-man roster including former Idaho Junior Steelheads forwards Kevin Costello and Tyson Barnes and former Junior Steelheads AA defenseman Blake Englund. Boise is listed as the hometown for 13 of the 23 players.

A couple of the more-experience players are Dalton and brother Cortland Smith who combined for 54 of the team’s159 points in the 2008-2009 regular season. Cortland gets credit for leading the team in both goals (12) and assists (20) last season though he was followed closely by Dalton who tallied 11 of each.

Dalton’s hockey resume includes time with the Columbus Blue Jackets Midget Major AAA, an affiliate of the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets.

Dalton says the team looks for “experienced players who are passionate about playing hockey.”

The club doesn’t only benefit players and fans. It also gives medical staff a chance to familiarize themselves with a new sport and learn its challenges. Gen Ludwig, the coordinator for injury prevention and care through Boise State says some of the most important differences are the rules and procedures. Also of educational value to new trainers are the pads and the order in which they are put on and likewise, taken off, should it be necessary during the treating and/or diagnosing of an injury.

The Broncos practice once a week on Wednesday.

The Broncos’ next home games are Friday and Saturday at Idaho Ice World at 10:00 p.m. against BYU.

To those who are new to the sport, Ken says, “Come out and learn the game. Come out with somebody who knows the game, learn it and (you) will fall in love with it when (you) see it live.”

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The Boise State Broncos fell 7-1 to No. 3 UCLA in the first round of the NCAA Soccer Tournament in Los Angeles, Calif., Friday night. After the Broncos took an early lead on a Maureen Fitzgerald goal in the 7th minute, the Bruins rallied with a dominating performance to score seven unanswered goals to advance into the second round of the tournament.

Boise State opened the scoring early with a strike in the 7th minute. A long ball was played down field to Molly Hill who drove it into the box where she played a pass to Shannon Saxton on the right side. Saxton turned and  passed it back to the top where Fitzgerald was waiting. The freshman followed by launching a high arcing shot from 16 yards out into the upper left corner for the 1-0 lead.

However that score seemed to wake the third-ranked Bruins up. UCLA countered quickly with a pair of Sydney Leroux goals in the 13th and 16th minutes, on the day she would score four goals. The first UCLA score was the result of a series of perfect one touch passes that cumulated with Leroux volleying a cross in from eight yards out into the left side of the net. The second strike was a shot from the top of the box that found the inside of the right post.

UCLA extended its advantage in the 24th minute when Lauren Cheney was rewarded with another series of solid one touch passing resulting with her scoring from 11yards out. UCLA took the 3-1 lead into the half.

The second period was all UCLA as Leroux scored two quick goals to put an end to any doubt about the final outcome.

The Broncos played hard throughout the game but UCLA’s speed and experience was to much for Boise State today. The Bruins finished the game with three goals in the first half and four in the second. Held the Broncos to one shot in the final 45 minutes and out shot Boise State 13-to-2 in shots on goal throughout the 90 minutes of action.

The loss brings an end to Boise State’s best season in history as its finishes with 13-7-4 overall mark. The bulk of this squad will return next year with 21 of the 28 players being either freshmen or sophomores.

Broncos win then drop games during opening weekend

Despite having three Broncos score in double-figures, the Boise State men’s basketball team fell to Montana, 82-95, Saturday night as the Grizzlies proved to be deadly from 3-point range.

Senior Ike Okoye led the way for the Broncos with a team-high 20 points and nine rebounds, while La’Shard Anderson had another great offensive night with 16 points and five assists.

Play was close throughout most of the first half of as senior Kurt Cunningham led the Boise State offense with 13 points in just 12 minutes of play as he found himself on the bench with two fouls early on. It wasn’t until the three minute mark that Montana went on a 15-6 run, entering the half with a 52-42 lead over the Broncos.

Things open well for the Broncos Friday night in a victory over Loyola Marymount 90-87.

While the game was close throughout, the play of junior guard La’Shard Anderson clenched the win for the Broncos as he nailed nine consecutive free throws down the stretch en route to recording a career-high 26 points. Overall, Anderson was 13-14 from the line, and 6-10 from the floor.

As a team, Boise State made 50 percent of their shots from the floor and an incredible 83.3 percent from the line, as compared to 48.5 percent from the floor and 65.0 percent from the line by LMU.

Go online for the update from Montana on BSU’s Sunday game against North Dakota.

Cross country concludes season at regional championships

The Boise State men’s cross country team completed their 2009 campaign on Saturday morning racing in the NCAA West Region Championships hosted by the University of Oregon at the Springfield Country Club in Eugene, Ore. The Bronco men finished 15th out of 26 teams while Boise State’s sole women’s competitor, freshman Shannon Porter, placed 101st out of 184 runners.

Broncos’ volleyball spit to ends home season through weekend play

The Boise State volleyball team closed-out their 2009 home schedule on Saturday evening by capturing their seventh win of the season, defeating San Jose State, 3-1, in Bronco Gym. The Broncos (7-20, 7-8 WAC) downed the Spartans 25-22, 25-12, 19-25, 25-21.

Facing a tough No. 3-ranked Hawaii team, the Boise State volleyball team fell in straight sets, 25-16, 25-14, on Thursday evening in Bronco Gym. The Broncos (6-20, 6-8 WAC) fall to a 0-21 record all-time against the Rainbow Wahine (24-2, 14-0 WAC).

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More than 75 students volunteered to serve on committees or become involved in other areas on campus.

GLENN LANDBERG /THE ARBITER

Sen. Laura Rogers spoke with students on how to improve their experience at Boise State.

“The one issue that keeps coming up repeatedly is about visitor parking on campus,” she said. “Many think a 20 minute parking area near the SUB would be a step in the right direction.”

Rogers began her day at 4:45 a.m. promoting the Hunger Bowl with weatherman Larry Gebert from KTVB, a local television station. The Idaho Foodbank, The Salvation Army and The Boise Rescue Mission work together to collect non-perishable food items every year at the Boise State- University of Idaho football game.

“This has been a busy week for me,” she said. “ I have written two bills to be introduced at the senate meeting this afternoon. One is a commendation and the other a resolution.”

Students spoke with senators about changes on campus affecting them.

Sen. Chase Johnson answered questions about the student grievance policy currently under revision. Details are available on the ASBSU Facebook page and he is asking for additional input before meeting with the academic standards committee Tuesday.

Several individuals expressed the desire for more interaction with student government.

Lucy Mercado is a first semester transfer student from Pennsylvania hoping to enter the athletic program in the spring.

“Free food is always good,” she said. “I didn’t know Boise State had a senate organization and now that I do, I would like to see more events like this.”

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