1st Story Assignment
The student perspective - has Boise State football gone overboard?
500 words
Don't forget:
Headline
Deck
Byline
Dateline
Lead
Bridge
Body
IP/5W/H
Tagline
Due end of week 3/11:59 PM Friday - post to blog.
Interview two students in class.
Q & A period during week 3 as you complete the story.
Scott Thornton
ReplyDeleteTHE STUDENT PERSPECTIVE – HAS BOISE STATE FOOTBALL GONE OVERBOARD?
Some people believe that Boise State University has put too much emphasis on football instead of some of its other accomplishments
By SCOTT THORNTON, Student reporter
BOISE, Idaho – Students at Boise State University are starting to express their ideas more vocally on whether Boise State has put too much emphasis on its football program and not enough on their academics. Some feel they have and some feel they have not.
What will you decide on whether or not there is too much emphasis?
Whenever you see an advertisement for Boise State University, a lot of what you see has to do with the football program. Most people may not have ever heard of Boise State until they heard of Bronco football, but is that really what the university wants to be known for.
Football is a national sport that almost everyone can recognize. Every Saturday across the country there are stadiums full of people cheering on their favorite teams and booing their most disliked teams.
Everywhere you look in Boise it seems as though all the posters and billboards about Boise State having something to do with the football team. Whether it be the new uniforms they have or their upcoming big game or just an ad in general it is about football.
Ebo Makinde, a Junior Journalism major from Phoenix, Arizona said, “I don’t think it has gone overboard, I feel it helps bring people and students to Boise State and the Boise area. I wouldn’t have known of Boise State or come to this school if it wasn’t for Boise State football playing in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl. It brought light and knowledge about the school to the world.”
“The football program helps advance the exposure of the school as well,” Makinde, a football player at Boise State said, “It at least peaks peoples interest and allows them to know that the school is here. You see the commercials on TV during our games and opens ideas.”
The school does a good job showing off its academic successes as well even though it may be with thanks to the football team being on national TV. Every time you see Boise State on ESPN TV or any other channel they run a fair amount of commercials that advertise the school as a whole.
Nadine Russell, a Senior Mass Communication/Journalism major from Salt Lake City, Utah said, “I feel that it has gone overboard a little bit, there are other areas of the universities success like the Morrison Center and all of the plays and cultural events that it holds. But on the other side their definitely be the interest there is in the school without the football team. I feel they are cutting the legs off the other programs of the university like dance and research.”
“Advertising could help change the perception of the school. There is a lot of successful research going on right now that a lot of people don’t know about.” Russell, a thrower on the women’s track and field team said. “We could do a better job of promoting on campus events off campus to help show the different interest groups that we have at the school.”
So what do you think? Is it talked about too much? You may have heard the expression of not putting all of your eggs in one basket. Is this what Boise State is doing with the football program? What happens when it doesn’t succeed at the level it is now? What will they use to bring you to school?
Is Boise State University Only Focused On Football?
ReplyDeleteBSU students give their opinion on the big question, “Has BSU football gone overboard?”
By SYDNEY GILL
Class reporter
BOISE, Idaho- Many of the great colleges throughout the U.S. are well-known for something and after Boise State University has been said to be known only for their football team, two BSU students gave their opinions on this topic.
Some colleges are known for their academics, their great campus, or possibly their sports. With the national recognition that Boise State University is getting because of the football team, many people have started to voice their opinions on how BSU football has become the main focus of Boise State University.
Colleges want to be put on the map as a great college that everyone wants to attend, but are certain colleges being put on the map for the wrong reason? Many believe that BSU football is the main focus of the college and that little attention is being given to academics. Some believe this is good for the college. Megan Reece, a senior at BSU, said that she doesn’t think that BSU football has gone overboard. She believes that every good college has a good sports team and that it is great that we are getting national recognition.
John Lloyd, a sophomore at BSU, was asked why he thinks that BSU football is such a big focus. He said that we have one of the best teams in the country. Football at BSU is a big social event and can bond the student body together.
One reason that some students have decided to attend Boise State University is because of the football team. When asked what they thought about this, Reece and Lloyd both had different responses to this question. Reece thinks that it is great that they come here for that reason. On the other side, Lloyd says that if that is why they are coming then they don’t have their priorities straight. He came to college to get an education.
Because of Boise State football, the college has grown tremendously. It seems that after the first win at the Fiesta Bowl, Boise State was put on the map and the amount of students attending started to grow. Did students think that BSU could have been well known for anything other than football? Lloyd said probably not. He thinks “one of the main reasons BSU was put on the map was because of the blue turf.”
Since the focus of Boise State right now seems to be on football, Lloyd and Reece were asked if they ever thought BSU football would fade and the college could be known for something else. Lloyd said probably not. He said that college football is #1 in America. Reece didn’t think so either.
It is hard to predict what Boise State would be known for if not football. After getting responses from two BSU students, it seems that they believe BSU football is shaping the college and that they don’t see it changing anytime soon. Maybe it is good that the college has gained national recognition for something, even if it is football.
Sydney Gill covers news on Boise State University. She can be contacted at sydneygill@u.boisestate.edu.
Kelly Sweeney
ReplyDeleteBoise State Football: Overboard?
Money, Money, Money
By: Kelly Sweeney
Reporter
Location: Boise, Idaho
Boise States Football team brings in over 8 million dollars to Boise State last year, not including bowl money.
Students do not feel that Boise States Football team has gone overboard.
Many students who are not a part of the Boise State athletic department do not feel that the team has gone overboard. Boise State student Megan Reece, a junior from Kuna Idaho said that, “any good college should have a good sports program.” This native from Idaho has seen what other schools have got from having good sports programs.
Reece said, “not only has the football program brought more people into Idaho, but it has brought more people from other states wanting to come to Boise State.”
She also feels that because Boise States football team is so great, they give other students who are athletic hope for playing at the collegiate level.
Sophomore, John Lloyd from Boise, Idaho, also a native from Idaho said that, “because the football team has done so well, the publicity for the school is better than it has ever been before.” “People from Idaho want the publicity to keep going because we don’t want to lose money.”
Do you think it is fair to say that Boise States football program brings in the most money for the university? Well, Reece said, “yes! It definitely brings in the most for the university.”
Others may ask well, does the amount of money it costs from a student to come here over ride the amount made by the athletic teams? Well, last Year Boise State made over 17 million dollars from the Fiesta Bowl Game alone, not including home games from the Broncos. Boise State’s
Student Lloyd, said the same thing, “Yes, we as a university have made over 8 million dollars alone just from the football teams home games, including ticket costs, vending, and apparel sold during the games and for the games.”
Some people feel that because of the national rankings, Boise State has become a nationally noticed school throughout the United States. “We are giving the small named schools hope for their school to become national,” Reece said.
The more media the Broncos get nationally the more income Boise State will receive. Many students from around the nation want to come to this unfamiliar school, Boise State. The cost of out-of-state tuition is three times the amount for an in-state-tuition.
Some natives to Idaho feel that students only want to come to watch the football team and athletic events, not to study and get a degree.
Others say that people do not really know how much money Boise State is really making because of the coaches paychecks for example. Coach Chris Petersen makes over a million dollars a year. Where is that money coming from? And the rest of the staff as well.
Only Bronco Nation will let you know if they feel Boise State is going overboard, and if you ask them they say NO!
Consumed by Football? What students are saying.
ReplyDeleteVillain or victor will depend on how administration reins the beast.
By Kristine Dukes
BOISE - Is football the Godzilla that is stomping on everything in its path at Boise State University? Does the fire it breaths and the programs it overpowers get lost in the shadow of this beast?
While Godzilla was crashing through Tokyo the eyes of the world were on him, for better or worse.
When asking students what they think about the football madness at BSU, Jaycy Skeen, a senior majoring in communications and public relations said, “Football is definitely over-hyped. School should be about getting an education and paving the way for your future.” Joe Ross, a junior majoring in communications and journalism simply states, “Football has put Idaho and BSU on the map!”
Ross, who is originally from Philadelphia, has parents who attended Penn State, a school proudly and admittedly built by Joe Patnero and his football program. Ross sees football as a powerful vehicle that is drawing students and business to the Boise community. He says “It’s the backbone of the University; the living breathing ego that gives us esteem and pride. In a down economy where there isn’t much to celebrate it’s given us a reason to hold our heads high.”
Skeen, on the other hand, says one of the reasons why she isn’t a fan is that people are a bit one track minded. “You can’t go anywhere without hearing about it” adding, “Not everyone is a die hard.” There are other events happening in the world, more important conversations to be having.” Shaking her head with a wistful smile she observes aloud “there is something inherently wrong with our value system when a football coach has one of the highest salaries in the state. “
Skeen and Ross both acknowledge that sports programs and football in particular carry a certain “status.” Playing the sport or being in the posse of a sports personality, gives you some “cred” on campus. It’s been an attention getter across the nation as Boise State keeps winning football games. However, I’m reminded that as big and powerful as Godzilla was his reign only lasted so long.
In the momentum of all the attention that BSU football is getting right now, let’s hope that the tag line promoted by Coach Pete and the administration to “Innovate at Boise State” is being heard. At the same time this “monster” reigns, let’s prepare to bring some of the other starring programs into the light. The colleges of business, communication, engineering and nursing may have supporting roles right now but eventually Godzilla died or was at least subdued. (He did come back for a few sequels didn’t he?) Which of these quietly growing supporting players will be the next in the spotlight?
BSU has every possibility of providing the world its next high tech gurus, billion dollar authors, Medal of Honor recipients, Pulitzer Prize winners and yes, I think its okay to admit, world class professional athletes. While the spotlight is glaring on BSU, the powers that be have the ultimate challenge not to be blinded by the football team’s glory and be farsighted enough to take the momentum and strengthen the school as a whole. Future generations of students depend on choices we make now. Godzilla was loved and hated; so too with football. We may never reach consensus. For now though, we need to make good the moments we are in.
Kristine is a student reporter at Boise State University. She can be reached for comment or correction at kristinedukes@u.boisestate.edu
IS BOISE STATE OUT OFCONTROL?
ReplyDeleteStudents say no!
By: Hunter White
273 Student
BOISE, Idaho - Boise State’s football popularity has sky rocketed the last several years. With their two key Fiesta Bowl victories and a surprise post game proposal, we want to know what the Boise State students have to say about that.
Do they live up to the hype, or is Boise State football out of control?
Less is more so they say, but would winning less for the Broncos mean more attention for the university? The students speak out on the Broncos success; let’s hear what they have to say about the football program.
Amy Sperline -a junior at BSU who is majoring in mass communication- was asked her opinion on the Boise state program and she replied “I think it is great. I think it brings a lot of attention to the school and it adds to the whole college experience.” She had nothing but good things to say about the program in itself and also stated that she makes every home game and when the Broncos are on the road she has people over to watch the games. It is support like this that makes college football fun.
Where is this popularity coming from, is it the success on the field or the overall program and how they carry themselves? Ms. Sperline knows several guys on the team and was quick to point out that they are great guys, and a lot of fun to hangout with. “They are good guys, and all the ones I am friends with are really nice.” Successful and polite, quite a combination, sounds like Coach Pete is doing a good job off the field as well.
Every good college program is looked at on how they carry themselves off the field as well. There are a lot of successful teams across the country, but what separates the good teams from the great might not be settled on the playing field.
Nichole Stallings an English literature and creative writing major that is in her junior year here at Boise State, is all a big supporter of Boise state football. She was asked whether Boise State football is out of control or not and she replied, “No I don’t, I think that when a team does well and earns a place in people’s hearts, that they deserve to be recognized.”
Nichole was also asked to talk about certain run in with football players around campus. “All the Football players that I have met seem to conduct themselves in a proper manner, aren’t cocky and are polite,” Ms. Stallings stated.
It makes it more fun to watch a football program that you know is not out of control, as you have heard from the students, they are doing a good job and Coach Pete is keeping it under control. Now all we need is another Fiesta Bowl Victory.
Hunter White can be reached at hunterwhite@u.boisestate.edu
Is Boise State football out of control?
ReplyDeleteStudents have mixed feelings
By SHEA MCCLELLIN
273 Student
BOISE, Idaho- Boise State football has shaped the way people think about the university. Whether people like it or not, the football program has help the university become recognized nationally.
Have university officials let the football program get out of hand?
Some students believe academics is just an afterthought of the football program, which it just might be, but is that what this university needs? Kyle Shirley, Communications major and senior at Boise State believes so.
“Boise State football is really entertaining, and it helps the school generate revenue, which is always a good for any school,” Shirley stated. When asked if he believes if the football program is out of control, Shirley answered, “Not really, Boise State football has a lot of good fan support around the area and everybody enjoys the success the program has.”
Since the first Fiesta Bowl victory in 2007, Boise State football has been a household name, only losing two games in the past four years and being ranked in the top 15 for the last three years. With more attention that comes to Boise State, there also come more people that hate how successful the football team is becoming.
“A majority of the attention that comes to Boise State is generated by the nation wanting to see us fail, nobody wants a small school to beat up the big programs,” Shirley stated. Is that why we don’t get respect, because we’re a small school or because the academic program isn’t the greatest?
Regan Shumway, a Communications major and a junior at Boise State thinks football players are a bad representation of academics at Boise State. “I feel like football players get privileged at Boise State, teachers either really like them or they hate them there is no in between.”
Shumaway stated. “I like that the football brings in revenue so we can build more parking garages and things like that, but I hate that the athletes get to select classes first because I can’t get into classes I need sometimes.”
Shumway, along with a lot of students at the University believe that Boise State football is getting out of control. “Yes the football program is getting out of control. The whole town loves them and business even close on game day.
Yeah, Texas, USC and Ohio State have a lot more fan base than Boise State does, but they a lot have a lot more people that live in those towns,” Shumway said. If the football team is such a big problem why are more and more students choosing Boise State over other colleges?
The bottom line is that if the football team wasn’t the team they are today, the university wouldn’t be as popular. After the football teams first Fiesta Bowl victory in 2007, enrollment for the fall semester increased by almost 2,000 students. Now if people still don’t believe that the Football program has help the university get its name then what has? Well that’s up to you to decide and for me to figure out.
Shea McClellin can be reached at sheacclellin@hotmail.com
Is Boise State Football out of control? The student perspective!
ReplyDeleteBy Aaron Nelson
Speaking to Boise state students
helped get and insight to see if the football program
is going overboard.
Boise, Idaho - The craze for Boise State football is reaching a critical point. The positive and negative outcomes of football are starting to take its toll on the university and the city of Boise.
Will the true fans and students of Boise State stand behind their team when the losses eventually come?
This question has been on the mind of students for awhile but no one was willing to ask this question. It is a very sensitive question but it needs to be addressed. Threw some interviews of current students we may be able to get some insight the thoughts and ideas of the student body.
I went out to the campus of Boise State to try to interview some Bronco students. I wanted to see what a current student thinks about the football team, and its affect to the city of Boise. Holly Amtter a communications major in her senior year was the first student I interviewed I asked her some very basic questions.
First question was “are you a football fan, and a fan of Boise State football. “Yes I am, more collage than professional”. So we have established that Holly is a fan of football, and has a bit of knowledge about the sport. So my following question is the impact of the football program good or bad for the community and the university?
Holly replied “it depends what side you are on” “good for the most part it brings more people to the city and national exposure”. “But bad because all the money made by the team is used just for athletics, and very little is used for the university as a whole”.
The second student I interviewed was Michele Sneed a communications major in her senior year. I asked her if she was a football fan. “On yes I am a fan of college football, not NFL, college is more athletic, younger, and more fun to watch”. “I have been to more than 20 Bronco games so yeah I love the Broncos”.
My second question was the impact of the football team good or bad? “ I would say that and impact has a good and bad side, good in the sense that the university gets its name out there, bad that people care more about the athletics than academics”.
Michele gave me some good answers so I decided to ask her a third question. Do you feel that Boise fans will stay when the team starts to lose? “Not many fans will stay, we have a lot of band wagoner’s. “When Brotzmen missed that kick against Nevada, he got so much hatred and hurtful things sent and said to him”. “If you are a fan you are there for the glory and the hurt”.
Aaron Nelson. Covering Bronco sports news.
Can be reached at Aaronnelson4@u.boisestate.edu
Is Boise State Spending getting out of control?
ReplyDeleteStudents are questioning the need for a hundred million dollar stadium expansion.
By: Katie Flores
273 Reporter
Boise Idaho- Boise State University has received millions of dollars from the success of the football team. This has caused an increase in popularity as well as an increase in revenue generated to the university.
Students are saying the expansion of the stadium is not needed and ridiculous.
The BSU football team has brought in millions of dollars but some are questioning whether it’s being put to good use. Most students are in agreement that a new stadium is not needed.
“What happens in a couple of years if our football team is no longer successful and we have a million dollar stadium?” Kyle a senior said. The expansion is expected to cost upwards of 100 million dollars and the stadium would seat 53,000.
With players like Titus young, Austin Pettis, and Jeremy Avery graduating this past December can we expect a strong team like we had in the past? Boise State is known for going after talented player who with time and the proper coaching can become top notch players but with valuable players leaving our team can we justify a 100 million dollar stadium at this time.
Some students believe not. “Look at our communication building its old and falling apart. It could use some updating. ” Kyle said. The Communication building is among the older buildings on campus and at one point was used as the Student Union building. Shouldn’t we look into updating existing building that are used frequently then our stadium?
The first step of this process is to move the track to an offsite location and lower the current field. Boise state athletic director, Gene Bleymaier, has mentioned in several interviews that the stadium expansion can be done in six phases allowing the school to raise the money over time.
While football is a very big part of campus life it’s not all that Boise State has to offer. “Whenever I go home to California all people ask me about is the football” James Snyder a junior in the communication department said. Boise State has so much more to offer then just football. This January Boise State was named one of seven new CUDA research centers worldwide for leadership in parallel computing.
Along those same lines last year one of our research teams was selected to take part in NASA’s Microgravity University. An honor that only 13 of universities were granted.
So Boise state let’s not just be proud of the football team. Let’s be proud of all that we do. Go Broncos!
Katie Flores can be reached at Katieflores@u.boisestate.edu or 208-426-1000
Is Boise State Football Out of Control?
ReplyDeleteCostly expansion leaves students fearful
By: James Snyder
273 Reporter
Boise, Idaho- With cost of the looming expansion Bronco Stadium will soon undergo; some students point at the Boise State football program and the out of control budget as the culprit.
With college sports outlets abuzz over the Bronco’s somewhat recent success, and with Boise State moving to the Mountain West conference this coming year, it is time to expand the stadium nearly 20,000 seats.
The recent budget cuts between the 2009 and 2010 school year has left the student body with raised tuition, but little in the way of classroom improvements. The project will cost an estimated $100 million for the university, money never seen by the students or faculty within the classroom.
Katie Flores, a senior within the university communications department, said “Look at the condition of the Communication building and other older buildings on campus,” when referring to the lack of budget within the classroom. Run down structures litter the campus yet the funding remains football driven with a revamped stadium in toe.
Recent research into the amount of money Boise State receives from the state per student holds shocking results. Though the University is the largest in the state of Idaho, it receives the least government funding per full-time student in comparison to the other main Universities in the state. Acknowledgment of this fact however, has not had an effect on the budget Boise State still reserves for the football program each year.
When asked about the benefits brought to campus Jarrod Driskell, a junior mass communications major at the university, could identify little other than higher attendance and an increase in national notoriety. Such little change hardly warrants the level of support the program receives from the schools budget.
In addition to the budget, a heightened status follows the football program around much like celebrities. “I was in a class with Kellen Moore (Boise State Quarterback) a few years back,” says Flores “and he told a story about wearing a hat around the mall in order to avoid being noticed.”
The program within only a few years has transformed from a relatively unknown school to a superpower in the world of college sports. The rise is a bit in its infancy as well due to the recent move to the Mountain West conference. The coming season should prove to only bolster the team’s popularity and hype.
It seems that between the expansion of the stadium and a rise in notoriety the facilities and programs on campus could see trouble in the eyes of some students. The coming months will be crucial in the future of both Boise State Football and the Universities financial dependence on each other.
James Snyder can be reached at dukesnyder1@u.boisestate.edu or (208)426-1000
Is Boise State football out of control?
ReplyDeleteThe student perspective!
By Jarrod Driskell
273 Reporter
Boise, Idaho—Some speculation has aroused on the Boise State campus as to whether the football program has gotten out of control in recent years due to their national ranking and continued success.
The question on students’ minds: are academics taking a backseat to the sport?
The Arbiter went out in search of the student perspective to see what the campus actually thought of the Boise State football program and how it relates with their education.
Regan Shumway, a junior and Communication major, finds watching the football team fun and exciting and likes the national recognition it is getting, which in turn brings in money to the university. But when it comes to football players and academics, she thinks they receive several perks that non-athletes don’t receive.
“I don’t mind it until it interferes with my education” Shumway said. She believes the football players get earlier registration dates than everyone else, which she said was the reason why she couldn’t get into one of the classes she wanted in a previous semester.
Shumway also thinks the academics are taking a backseat to the football program—for athletes—and that they don’t have to try as hard in their studies. She stressed her concern about President Kustra’s priorities. “President Kustra is more concerned about football instead of the horrible math department.”
When asked where Shumway saw Boise State football in the future, she said “The city has enough interest to keep the sport alive, but it won’t reach the top. Coach Petersen will leave eventually.”
Another perspective is that of James Snyder, who is a junior and Mass Communication major. He is kind of split down the middle on the issue. “In one sense, it’s good for BSU. It brings in money and students, but the money could be spent other ways” he said.
As for academics taking a backseat to football, Snyder said, “a little bit. Where the money is going could be more evenly distributed.” He sees the Boise State football team becoming more successful in the future. “The program will be bigger and better and beneficial to the campus. Coach Pete will stay for at least two more years.”
Whether Boise State football is really out of control or not comes down to personal beliefs. It’s all about how one looks at the situation. There are always going to be those who feel that the football players get everything handed to them on a platter. Then there are those who think that the players work hard on the field and in the classroom and that eligibility on the team requires good academic standing.
It’s a picket fence issue that has no clear answer and appears to remain unanswered for many more years to come. For now, it is best just to support the team and be proud of its accomplishments.
Jarrod Driskell is a student at Boise State and enrolled in Reporting and News Writing. He can be reached at jarroddriskell@u.boisestate.edu
Students weigh in on the Boise State Football program
ReplyDeleteLooks like the blue is bringing in the green
By MICHELE SNEED
Student Reporter
Boise, Idaho- The football team’s winning record in recent years has shown to give students mixed feelings across campus; two students give their opinions on whether it has gotten out of control.
As a student of Boise State, is the attention surrounding the football team is good or bad for the University?
Senior communication major, Emily Alexander is a fan of Boise State Football. Coming from a small town, she enjoys the entertainment of the game. Friends from home comment about the blue turf and Alexander thinks “it’s cool that people recognize that far away.”
Emily respects the time and dedication that it takes for the players to practice and be students as well. Overall, Alexander thinks that the attention isn’t bad because it’s getting our schools name out there.
Aaron Nelson, a Junior studying Mass Communications is a big sports fan. He likes the national exposure that the success of the football team has brought to the school.
“It’s been good for the university already by giving us exposure and money,” Nelson continues. “Other positives surrounding the exposure is that the student body is given some excitement to rally around and the community has a chance to get together and have a good time.”
As for the future, Nelson says that there could be a time that the attention could become too much. “It’s all everyone cares about because we’re so good. But when we lose who will stay a true fan?”
Michele Sneed can be reached at (208) 426-1000 or michelesneed@u.boisestate.edu
Boise State Football: Out of Control or Spotlight Receiver
ReplyDeleteStudents have differing views regarding BSU football hype.
By KYLE BLACKHURST
273 Reporter
BOISE, Idaho – Boise State Bronco Football has become a national hero with breathtaking wins and crushing victories. But is all that spotlight detract from the academic programs at BSU?
It could be hard to believe that not all students support Bronco Football in its entirety and believe that students come to BSU just for the athletic programs.
Joe Ross, a junior at BSU, is an avid BSU football fan. When asked how many games he attended this year, he went to around half of the home games. However, he did not attend the bowl game.
It may be hard to believe, but some students haven’t even been into a BSU game. Jacy Skeen, a senior at BSU, said that she has never been to a Boise State football game. The closest she’s been to a game is the tailgate party before the game.
College is about academics not about football. When Joe was asked what he thinks draws more attention to the university, academics and student life or football, his response was this: “Probably football because people know about BSU football. They don’t really know about anything else going on in the university. If you’re local, you know it’s a commuter school and you know more dynamics of the university.”
The senior, Jacy Skeen, was asked the same question and her response was the same, but different. She also believes that Boise State football draws the attention to BSU. Contrary to Joe, she believes that more students are choosing to come to BSU because of football, not for an academic career.
With a big football program such as the Boise State Bronco’s, there comes a difficult question with that. Does the football hype take away from the academics?
There are differing views surrounding this. The first view of this would be no. The football program might over-shadow academics, but the school’s purpose is the same as any other school – to learn.
The second view of football drawing away from academics would be a yes. A lot of people, athletes and non-athletes alike, want to go to a school that has a big time sports tradition that the media follows. Jacy Skeen had this to say: “The media is going to have more to do with a school with a good sports program compared to a good math program.”
Students at BSU have differing views on the football program and they money they receive. They either think that it’s a good idea or a bad idea.
Joe Ross believes that the football team is a good idea. Without a big program like The Boise State Bronco’s, the university wouldn’t be bringing in as much money. Without money they can’t build new buildings and programs that will convince students that BSU is the school for them.
Jacy Skeen, on the other hand, doesn’t feel like the football program is a good idea. When asked about it, she said, “No, because most of the money stays within the athletic program.”
Students and locals have many differing views on the Boise State Bronco football program. They either think that it is a good idea that rakes money into the school and builds enrollment. Or they think that the football team draws away from academics too much and that it is just enticing people to attend BSU for only a good football program. Ask yourself; is Boise State football too much hype? Or a school program expander?
Kyle Blackhurst can be reached at 208-426-1000 or kyleblackhurst@u.boisestate.edu
Is Boise State Football out of control?
ReplyDeleteStudents give true opinion
By Kyle Shirley
273 Student
Boise, Idaho – Big wins for BSU Football program has signaled mass attention nationwide and spurred some serious controversy over the teams current play schedule. How has this success affected the attending students of Boise State University?
According to many students they are ecstatic about the football teams success with hopeful, positive attitudes and feel that the strengthening of the team’s roster each year, combined with the talents of coach Pete could not only make BSU a potential force of contention, but a much needed boost in the schools finances.
Regardless of the big name Boise State has made for itself, many of the students feel it won’t have any direct impact on their future other than physical growth of the Campus and possible prestige. However, by continuing to strengthen the BSU program, most are hopeful that school notariaty will increase. After conducting multiple interviews with Boise State Students, all agree that Boise State football is an enjoyable program and exciting team to watch, regardless of attending the school.
Many feel that much of the media response that depicts the Bronco Nation as crazed fans is mainly due to their “Cinderella Story” that is so rare these days in college sports. “Boise State is the center of controversy on ESPN and other sports casting shows simply due to the BCS rankings and oppressive, biased schedules that determine who is in the big bowl games” according to Jarrod. “If it weren’t for the public out-cry of changing the current system, Boise State would most likely get 0 coverage by the media.”
It seems the general consensus of the Boise State Students is that News Outlets, Media coverage, Sports channels and other schools perception as BSU being a threat is the leading source of exposure. Ever since the Fiesta Bowl, the nation took notice of Boise State for their talent and abilities as a football team. Ever since then, every flaw in a game has been critically exposed where as the triumphs are neglected.
ESPN and other Sports casters almost prefer to see Boise State struggle as a team and capitalize on the teams short-falls. Needless to say, the general consensus from the interviewees suggested that “People who despise Boise State Football are the ones who are out of control, not the students or the members of the Bronco Nation.” At the local level, it would seem that most Bronco Fans are simply enjoying the teams’ ability to play harder schedules which make for more exciting games.
“Winning much stronger recruits is the key to blowing competition out of the water and Coach Pete’s program is doing just that.” According to Shea McClellin. This rise in schedule toughness was just what Boise State needed to help fund the new school renovations taking place.
Kyle Shirley can be contacted at kyleshirley@u.boisestate.edu
Is Boise State Football out of control? The Student perspective!
ReplyDeleteMany students at Boise State enjoy going to the football games, but this does not mean that they
By: Regan Shumway
273 reporter
BOISE, Idaho---For the students at Boise State, the answer to the question “is Boise State football out of control” has been an ongoing debate, with many different opinions.
The student’s biggest concern: Are academics taking a backseat to the sport?
A stroll around the Boise State campus helped find the answers to these questions, from the student perspective.
Jarrod Driskell, a junior at Boise State who is majoring in Mass Communication, enjoys going to the games and watching them on TV. “Because BSU has always been the underdog, I like watching them beat good teams that no one thought we stood a chance against.” This seemed to be the consensus on campus, but does that mean they think the program is not out of control?
For some students, such as senior Communication major Shea McClellin, “the program is not out of control at all, especially when compared to other schools such as USC and Texas.”
Driskell, however, thinks that the program is slightly out of control because pressure is being put on these student athletes as if they were a professional athlete. “It is important to remember that these guys are not getting paid.”
Other students, such as senior Criminal Justice major Amanda Jiron, think that the program is “definitely out of control.” Jiron goes on to say that, “the athletes feel a sense of entitlement on campus, and the entire city is obsessed with the program. I would like to be able to drive down Broadway on a game day in less than 30 minutes.”
As far as taking a backseat to academics, Driskell says that he does not think the university as a whole is taking a back seat to academics, but for the student athletes it does. “The football players are often more concerned with upcoming football games than class projects. They know that between the other students and understanding professors, they will get the help they need to get passing grades.”
Many students thought that the program is a good thing for the university and the city of Boise. According to McClellin “More people are recognizing the school, so as long as we continue to do well in academics, sometime in the near future we can become a prestigious school like Stanford.”
As far as concerns with Coach Pete leaving the program, the campus as a whole agreed that they thought he would be around for many years to come, leading Boise State to many more great seasons.
Regan Shumway is a student at Boise State and enrolled in Reporting and News Writing. She can be reached at reganshumway@u.boisestate.edu.
Football team attracting too many to Boise State?
ReplyDeleteStudents seem to not mind
By: Jacy Skeen
273 Reporter
Boise, Idaho – With the all-time state record for highest enrollment, Boise State University comes in first place: 19,993 students. What does BSU have that other Idaho universities seem to be lacking?
How about the two time Tostitos bowl champions.
With the student to faculty ratio at 21:1, one has to wonder if the academics at Boise State are being put on the back burner and the football team at the forefront. Has football gone out of control in Boise?
It seems you cannot go anywhere on campus, or our in the community, without being reminded of the football team, to the bags, hats, and sweaters worn on a daily basis by the student body and faculty, articles in the Arbiter, even the desktop picture on the campus computers are of a football player.
When does being a fan go too far and hinder your own and others ability to learn? Time after time students are turned away at the beginning of the semester due to the class already being at the max capacity, and struggle to find others that fit into their schedule.
Is the idolization of the football team attracting in too many students for the wrong reasons?
Kyle Blackhurst, a sophomore studying mass communication and journalism, says there has been no impact on his ability to learn and still believes he is getting a good education.
Blackhurst came to Boise State on a marching band scholarship. He contemplated attending the University of Idaho but then realized that they take the marching band to bowl games, something that would be hard to achieve at the U of I given their football teams track record.
Blackhurst will not be a member of the band again next year for a reason not mentioned, but says that the players are portrayed as heroes.
Kristine Dukes, a senior getting a degree in general studies with a communication minor and certificate in public relations, believes that if football is what is drawing people to the campus so be it, it is no big deal.
Dukes came to Boise State after a speech she heard Coach Pete give. It was a “Get Motivated” seminar at the Idaho Center, “I rode the wave of energy to campus.”
For Dukes the football teams’ success has had a positive effect on academics for her, due to the money that the team brings in. Blackhurst agrees “that is money we wouldn’t have and it brings in different resources.”
Campus is expanding, with new buildings in the process and some still just ideas. On campus the consensus seems to be that it can only be for the better, and students are excited to see what the future holds, not only for the academic side and classes offered, but for the football team as well.
Jacy Skeen can be reached at 426-1000 or jacyskeen@u.boisestate.edu
BSU Football: Scapegoat? Or out of control?
ReplyDeleteWith a vast increase of support from fans, it comes into question whether BSU football is taking advantage of their popularity and beginning to spin out of control.
By Nichole Stallings
273 Reporter
Boise, Idaho— When asked if Boise State Football is out of control, students at BSU gave similar answers: “No.” However, quickly following that answer, students were eager to express their anger about other issues at BSU, using football as a scapegoat.
From the student’s perspective, if BSU football is bringing in a large sum of money for the school, why are the current students being punished financially because of its growth?
Students, both traditional and nontraditional, travel to attend BSU from all over the country. A major factor attracting the attention of future and current students is the popularity of the BSU football team.
Student, and football player Hunter White states that since he began attending Boise State University, “We’re [BSU football] definitely under more spotlight—mostly positive. More success means more popularity to the country.” More popularity with a school sport brings many students to Boise in the first place, as it did Hunter. He recalls that Boise is “a good college town and good support—that’s what sold me to come here.”
Football may be catching the attention of perspective students at BSU, but what is keeping them here? Many current students at BSU feel as though the football team is receiving special treatment and that funding is not being distributed equally into other departments of the school.
Shantel Darrah, a junior majoring in Communications at BSU, says that “I do believe that the focus is on football instead of academics.” She says that “the football team deserves the support they are receiving. By being a good team, they have earned the support.”
However, she feels as though the profits from the team are not being equally distributed. When asked if she knew of any improvements have been made to her particular field of study through aid of BSU football, she said that “I feel like it only helping build the new residential hall and the new business building.”
Other students, who wished to remain anonymous, voiced their opinions on the subject agreeing with Shantel. They felt that “There are other successful teams here that are good too and get overlooked. Our cheerleading and gymnastics teams are examples. Did you know our wrestling team is in the top 10?”
Another student claimed that BSU football is “fun, but we rely on it too much. I think the reason tuition is going up next year is only because we didn’t make it to the rose bowl.”
Students blame the football team for not contributing to their academic programs, but when confronted with their personal knowledge of where the football funds actually go, not one student could answer in confidence. They also had no idea as to where tuition money is distributed as well.
Students recognize that there are problems surrounding BSU, but further research into why or how these problems are being solved goes unlooked. The popular excuse is to blame BSU football so what is overdone here?
Nichole Stallings can be reached at 426-1000 or nicholestallings@u.boisestate.edu
By: Amy Sperline
ReplyDelete273 Reporter
BOISE- Idaho- Boise State football has been building a notorious reputation for itself and the university since the 2007 Fiesta Bowl win over Oklahoma. However, some students may question the orange and blue haze hovering over academics.
Is the importance of academics being tackled by the mighty bronco football team?
Students amongst campus have mixed feelings about the expanding football bubble that seems to have engulfed Boise State. Although Idaho may not be one of the die-hard football states like Texas, most love what the football team brings to the state of potatoes capital.
Ever since the win against Oklahoma at the 2007 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, the broncos have been continually on the rise. Having one of the longest winning streaks in college football the nation was bound to begin paying attention to Boise State, but not without controversy.
Nearly all students are supportive, as you can see numerous flashes of orange and blue walking through campus at any given time. Although, that support may not be completely dedicated to the football team, but the academics and extracurricular that often may take a back seat to Bronco Nation.
Shantel Darrah, a junior communication major said, “It can be fun, but sometimes people can lose focus on what BSU is really about.” Her concerns were that Boise State is losing focus of academics and all other aspects of the university outside of football.
However, with the overwhelming amount of tickets sold, head counts at home and away games prove that not all students question what the football team has brought to the table for Boise State University. The popularity of the football team has ultimately put Boise State University on the map.
Whether it be the ‘smurf turf’, being one of the elite college football teams or the infamous marriage proposal by alumni football player Ian Johnson after the 2007 Fiesta Bowl, it is hard to deny the impact the football team has had on Boise and the nation.
Hunter White, a junior at BSU, commented on the impact it has on the student body, “I think it’s a positive impact on the majority of the student body. A lot of students enjoy attending sporting events, especially if the teams are of high success. Obviously, there are going to be students that feel athletes are just jocks and they won’t be supportive, but you can’t please everyone.”
In any case, it is hard to deny the positive impact the football team and power of Bronco Nation has on the student body, university and community. It brings a small town feel with sense of pride and unity to a growing city and university within.
Amy Sperline can be reached at 426-1000 or amysperline@u.boisestate.edu
Students think this is just the beginning for Bronco Nation
ReplyDeleteAlthough many people are sick of all the Bronco football hype, many students think the attention is a positive for Boise and its community
By SARA CRAY
Student Reporter
BOISE, Idaho - When walking onto the famous blue turf campus, it’s hard not to think about or hear the term “football”. Pictures of football players pop-up on the computer lab screens, as opposed to other sports or activities, and students, also professors, are constantly talking about the coming game, the coming season, or revisiting games which have already occurred (aka the Nevada game which involved Kyle Brotzman’s infamous kicks).
Has Boise State gone overboard, though, with the football madness? Students think otherwise.
Whitney Holm, a senior at Boise State with a Communications major and a minor is Psychology, is a regular viewer of the BSU football games, but admits that she didn’t even start watching football until she found the Broncos. A Boise native, she thinks the attention the city is getting from the football team is a definite positive, in more ways than one. “We have a Coach store now!” said Holm excitedly, “Boise is becoming more diverse and we’re getting a lot more buildings.”
Although the success of the Broncos has gotten a lot of publicity for Boise, many citizens question why there isn’t more focus put into other sports or academics. “More people enjoy football,” said Holm. Although this statement could be debated, it’s a known fact that Super Bowl XLIV, which occurred February 8, 2010, was the most watched television program in history. So who’s to say that not everyone likes football? Sure with a literal sense of the word “everyone” this statement is false, but it’s definitely true to say that America loves their football, especially Boiseans. “Football has the biggest appeal,” said David Lowenthal, another BSU student, who is currently a junior. Also born in Boise, Lowenthal is a regular watcher of the games, although his attention starts to fade as the season goes on.
Although the benefits from Bronco Nation can be debated, a consensus aligns amongst the students. “Economically, Boise has benefited a lot from their success. However, there is a lot riding on that success,” said Lowenthal. Obviously economic sources will start to diminish if BSU keeps losing, but that is highly unlikely to happen. It was inevitable that the Broncos lose a game eventually and now that it finally happened, students feel that Bronco Nation is only going to grow stronger. This community gets a lot of money through football and the Broncos are one of the main reasons why Boise is finally getting recognition.
Even though some citizens hate the idea that their turtle-shell of a city is growing in size and population, more attention to the city is most definitely a positive aspect when it comes to the economic benefits. “It’s too late to turn back now,” said Lowenthal. Boise has become such a strong-knit community due to the Bronco Nation fever and will continue to grow. Although the questions do arise about whether there is a healthy balance between academics and sports at the school, it is a no-brainer when determining the impact the Broncos have had on our little community.
Sara Cray is a student reporter for Boise State University and can be contacted at saracray@u.boisestate.edu.
The Bronco nation: are we students or athletes?
ReplyDeleteWhat does it mean to bleed blue and orange?
By EMILY ALEXANDER
273 reporter
BOISE, Idaho – Boise State has become a nationally recognized University in the past decade. Regardless of geographical location, Boise State is associated with a powerhouse football program and the infamous blue turf.
Boise’s community demonstrates the true meaning of the sentiment, “I bleed blue and orange.”
Senior Communication major, Michele Sneed, had many positive comments regarding Boise State’s football program.
Q: Do you like football?
SNEED: Yes! I do enjoy watching football, I must say though I find college football far more exciting than the NFL.
Q: Do you feel that Boise State’s football team (and its players) is deserving of the attention it receives?
SNEED: I do. I know a few of the guys on the team; they are genuinely great people and very nice. I think of the dedication it must take to be successful both on and off the field…it’s really quite an accomplishment. These young men spend their days attending 5AM practices, followed by a full day of classes, and afternoon practices, not to mention the countless team meetings required of them.
Q: How do you feel about the focus of Boise State University being a football program, rather than its academic situation?
SNEED: Of course I would like to see more support for academics; it would be great to have a higher, more positive, focus placed on research and academic life at the university. However, at this time, the football program has generated a great deal of funding for the university, not to mention boosted attendance.
Should a football program be a deciding factor in an individual’s choice of colleges? An overwhelming number of students can attribute their decision to attend Boise State, in part, to the success of the football team.
However, not every student can say this for his or her decision, nor are they keen on the placement of athletics over academia. Boise State Senior, English Communication major Holly Matter expresses her concern for academic life taking a metaphorical ‘back-seat’ to athletics.
“I don’t question whether or not Boise State’s team and its players deserve the attention, or support, they receive from the college and the community, I do however, question whether they deserve the funding.”
Holly is a single mother and says she cannot afford to purchase a ticket for her son, thus she has not had an opportunity to attend a BSU game.
Aware that the university receives recognition based greatly on publicity surrounding our football team, Holly says “the team can be a great asset for the university, but I hope that there can be a balance between athletics and academics in the future.”
Having a successful football program has put Boise State ‘on the map.’ A winning tradition has given its students, faculty, and fans something to be excited about and a season to look forward to each fall.
Emily Alexander can be reached at emilyalexander@u.boisestate.edu, or by phone at (208) 426-1000.
Is There Too Much Emphasis on the Blue Turf Action?
ReplyDeleteStudents give opinions on their school’s football team
By WHITNEY HOLM
Student
BOISE – Students think that Boise State University has a fantastic football team, but are unsure if the money earned from this attraction is spent wisely on the school.
How can Boise State University help other programs besides football?
The amount of money spent on Boise State football has increased as our football team improves. Does Coach Pete need to be making that high of a salary? Some students disagree with the amount of money that he does make, but since it’s for the good of the school, the feel it can be overlooked.
Sara Cray, a senior and English major at Boise State University said that she agrees with Coach Pete’s salary because he does his job to the full extent, “He does the research on plays.”
Larisa Gavrilyuk, a junior and English major at Boise State University said, “I don’t think he should make that much money, but the advertising helps our school.”
Students also take issue with the football player students. The two woman interviewed believe that football players receive special treatment in classes with grades and attendance.
The Boise State University fan base and funds have increased over the last few years from its football success, but should they be dispersing the money to other departments than just football?
There was a 5 million dollar donation made for the expansion for the football stadium in November 2010. But there are numerous other improvements at the university that seem to be overlooked.
The football stadium was just expanded a few months prior to this donation. Could the money have been spent on a different expansion and remodel for the school?
Maybe the problem isn’t the amount of money being put into the football team, but the donations from the public as well.
The Communication department could use more buildings for equipment and classes. Since Communication is a common choice in degrees for football players, people might think that funds should be used to improve it.
A popular topic that has come up in the past with Boise State University is the controversy of alcohol sales at the stadium. Sara Cray and Larisa Gayrilyuk believe that alcohol sales would be a good think because it would be more money towards improving different departments at the school.
A lot of students enjoy being spectators at the footballs games. Full-time students are allowed one free ticket. Part-time students must purchase a ticket for $32.00.
The women interviewed in this article both believe that it is unfair for a part-time student to pay for their ticket. They stated that everyone should get a free ticket if they pay tuition to Boise State University.
Boise State is charging their own students to be supportive of their team so shouldn’t they be giving the students more than just entertainment in return?
It seems unclear whether or not Boise State University will ever be known for anything other then the big wins of the Fiesta Bowls of 2007 and 2010.
The Boise community might have to wait for Boise State University to decide what its next best step for a student is, better education or better entertainment.
Whitney Holm is a student in Boise State University’s Journalism class and can be reached at whitney.holm@u.boisestate.edu.
A Prominent Football Presence in Idaho
ReplyDeleteBoise State University students speak out about
how the Broncos may be helping the College
with future enrollment numbers.
By Megan Reece
Staff reporter
In light of Boise States recent rise to National status in college football, I asked two students what they thought about academics, football, and how the balance played out between the two sides. Does college football work to bring the University publicity, and higher enrollment numbers? How is this good for the State of Idaho as a whole?
I talked first to a student named Kelly Sweeney, who is a Junior at Boise State. Kelly is originally from Pleasanton California, and plays softball for Boise State. She’s seen firsthand how the players are treated, what new gear they get, and the expenses the University pays in order to have their players travel to games. Expenses like hotel and food costs on the road for the whole team. She said small schools like Boise State need sports programs that can put them on the map at National level. This boosts enrollment numbers at the University, and brings a small city into view. Kelly says when schools do well in the sports arena; it means more hope.
Walking around campus I see a new sports complex built in the last five years, additions to the original football arena rising into the night, all lit up on game day. The college has increased parking around the complex too. It makes sense that when the Broncos are doing well, more people will buy tickets to games. A sense of local pride for their hometown team winning at the National level is invigorating for locals. We’ve all seen the cars all over the area waving the Broncos blue and orange flag, or team magnets stuck on the sides of proud fans vehicles. It’s a local way of showing pride for their team, and also for the State of Idaho where we live.
I then talked to Sydney Gill, a Communications, and Public Relations major at BSU. She said she enjoys sports broadcasts, and believes they bring in more recognition for our sports teams. She’s not sure about the numbers or budget, but believes that academics should be more important than the sports programs. “I’m coming here to get an education,” she said.
How important is the College’s sports program to its financial success? We know that when the Broncos get recognition in the papers, and on television, the University is also in the backdrop. This may mean more opportunities for expansion made available to the University, and our community, simply by participating in a game. Football allows the rest of the world to see our States name on the backs of player’s jerseys. Those players represent Boise State University, and the State of Idaho. When the team does well there is controversy in the media, that brings on a here say action and speculation about what our team can really do- what Idaho can really do.
Megan Reece covers stories for 273blogspot in Boise Idaho. She can be reached at http://bsu273.blogspot.com/2011/01/week-3-1st-story-assignment-lab.html
WHAT SHOULD BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY’S FOCUS BE ON FOR THE NEW UPCOMING ACADEMIC YEAR?
ReplyDeleteStudents have opposing views about the football team, causing tension between faculty and students.
By John Lloyd- Class Reporter
BOISE, Idaho – Students have mixed opinions about the focus of popularity of Boise State University.
Should Boise State University focus more on academics or more on their outstanding football program?
“Boise State University is known for their outstanding athletics, so why not push the issue further?” said Kelly Sweeney, a softball student athlete for Boise State University’s women’s softball team.
The national attention that Boise State University has received from their football team is all in a positive way. The reason people have heard about Boise State is due to their football team and their “Smurf Turf” which is the only division 1 football program to have an unnatural colored turf.
Has Boise State gone overboard with their national attention to their football team?
Sydney Gill, a junior communications major at Boise State University, said that Boise State has gone a little too far overboard. Miss Gill would like to see Boise State University offer coach Chris Petersen less money, offer more classes, and offer more clubs and other social developments.
However, Kelly Sweeney said. “Boise State’s football team has earned every right to achieve this great popularity.” She continued, “Why shouldn’t we celebrate a top 10 football team in this community?” She does not think Boise State has gone overboard with their football program.
So from a community stand point, should Boise celebrate the success of their football team?
It’s something to be proud of, something that has grown nationally, and it is what Boise is known for. Boise State’s football program has opened many doors to normal students, student-athletes, and alumni support.
As a community, people should support the success of a local area school. Our football program has built a lot of scholastic buildings including the Norco building, environmental research building, and the ongoing building of the new Business building.
Students of the university should support every sport equally, but football is the most televised, most watched, and creates the greatest revenue of any sport. Boise State’s basketball team has a negative revenue every year based on coach’s salaries, promotions, and the recruiting budget; football creates roughly two million dollars a year for non-BCS conferences and thirty-one million dollars for BCS conference winners.
Success creates the best revenue and Boise State University’s football team has created the most for the community based on their success in both Fiesta Bowls and this year’s Las Vegas Bowl against Utah.
Leaving the WAC (Western Athletic Conference) for the Mountain West Conference will benefit Boise State in every sport they play in. However, Boise State will lose a game to University of Idaho on their schedule. Losing University of Idaho on Boise’s schedule will hurt local fans because people in the Boise area are not all Boise State fans, they like University of Idaho as well.
The Mountain West Conference has better teams in every sport and better locations for travelling for local Boise State fans. How do you think we got into the Mountain West Conference? The simple answer is the football team.
Boise State’s football team should be celebrated by our community as well as every other sport. Sports bring everyone together as a community and that’s what the city of Boise needs.
John Lloyd covers many topics for Boise State University and can be contacted by his email address: johnlloyd2@u.boisestate.edu
It’s not all about the turf and the tackles
ReplyDeleteBoise State students speak their mind about the football madness
Stephanie Casanova
Student Reporter
Boise, Idaho -- Boise State University is recognized for their top 25 nationally ranked football team, but this recognition, to some, neglects other components of the university. As the football program continues to expand, students share their thoughts on the matter.
Boise State’s football team brings in millions of dollars every year, but does this mean the athletic department should continue to be promoted while the rest of Boise State’s departments go unnoticed?
There are many factors that play into a school’s athletic department and its effects on the rest of the school. Finances come into play, as well as promotion, and recognition.
With regards to the investment in a bigger and better stadium, Sophomore Lauren Hooker from Boise, Idaho says it’s “definitely a pro considering most games are sold out. We’re not using all of our funds; we have millions of dollars in reserves. The football program is paying for itself and other programs.”
She believes we should keep our football program on the spotlight because more people can connect to it. “It’s hard to find someone not watching the game, whereas in a science quiz bowl we’d have a lot less viewers,” says Lauren Hooker.
Mass Communication major Jessica Adamson, also a Sophomore from Boise, Idaho seems to think otherwise. “We do have a great football team, I’m not discounting their talent and hard work,” she says, “but it has to be frustrating to be on the volleyball team, make it to finals, and no one know about it.”
Jessica Adamson believes that though Boise State’s football team brings in a good amount of the school’s money, giving it all back to the football program is a waste. “Honestly, do they need new Nike uniforms for every game, or the big skybox? It’s because of the university that they’re making that money so it makes sense to give back to the reason why they’re there,” said Jessica Adamson.
As in most other schools, Boise State’s talented football players are drafted and given full scholarships. “I think they deserve scholarships,” Lauren said, “Coach Pete makes sure they get good grades and are responsible.”
With all the madness of football, other departments at Boise State are almost ignored. Jessica Adamson believes we should include other things in our spotlight. “Many people don’t know this but we have a really good music department,” she said, “If you want to make the school better you have to focus on other things, not just football.”
The debate will continue as to whether Boise State football has gone overboard, and apparently not everyone will be pleased with what happens next with the program.
Stephanie Casanova covers news at Boise State University. She can be reached at stephaniecasanova@u.boisestate.edu
STUDENTS OF BOISE STATE SPEAK AGAINST THE NON-SUPPORTERS OF BRONCO FOOTBALL
ReplyDeleteThe athletic department in Boise State brings in a lot of money, but some say the university should focus more on academics.
By Larisa Gavrilyuk
BOISE, Idaho - As the football season this coming fall will approach we will see the BLUE and ORANGE more and more. But has Boise State football gone overboard?
Because of Boise State football, BSU is a nationally known university.
That’s great you might say! Well although its great entertainment through out our fall semester some might oppose to that. Non-fans of the Bronco’s have been negative towards the school. Many exclaim that the university should be known for its academics, not athletics. Many students disagree and are proud of the team.
Whitney Holm, Communication major, a senior at BSU said that the football has not gone overboard. Although she does not attend the games she does watch them. On TV at a local bar, usually. Holm also said that there should be a healthy balance between the athletics and academics.
As a student you need to have a healthy balance between academics and entertainment. You can’t just always be tied to your books. Entertainment is a part of life. While entertaining our fans, football brings in a lot of money to the school. The kind of advertising this brought would have never been done without football. The enrollment has been up because we have gone national with our games.
Coach Pete gets paid a lot. The non-supporters say. Well let’s look at it this way. If there were no coach Pete. Would the school have gone countrywide? When asked another student, David Lowenthal a junior, majoring in Communication, about Coach Pete’s income, Lowenthal said: “No, his salary is tied to bring people in.” The school would be struggling to pay that much if not more to an advertising company. Advertising is a hard and tricky business. Being on ESPN, does the trick.
When asked Lowenthal if Boise State football has gone overboard? He said that it is beyond our control. The team does play great football. The coach does his job right. So why are there so many angry people? BSU has great academic programs as well. The English, Language of Arts, programs is one of the largest in the state of Idaho. Yet no one seems to know that. While academics do matter. They would not have put the university on the same scale as football has done.
There will always be people on two sides of the story. Some will hate. The others will love. As Lowenthal, has put it, it is beyond our control. We can sit and criticize . Be mad at the university. At football. At the president of BSU. Even be mad that that coach makes millions a year. You will not be able to change that. Because Bronco football has been great. We are known throughout the country. Students want to go here.
The school has been able to expand. In the past few years many building have been added on campus. Like the ILC (Interactive Learning Center). The SUB extension. The addition to the stadium. We are growing. Because of that growth our academics will also benefit.
Larisa Gavrilyuk is a student at BSU’s Journalism class and can be contacted at Larisagavrilyuk@u.boisestate.edu
Boise State Football: Tired of it yet?
ReplyDeleteStudents speak out about the amount of exposure given to the BSU football team.
By Ebenezer Makinde Class Reporter
BOISE – Students at Boise State University are speaking out about the amount of exposure the football program has received as of late locally, and nationally.
With opinions at an all-time high, the debate of “How much is too much?” is beginning to heat up and heat up fast.
Since the 2007 Fiesta Bowl, in which Boise State pulled off a miraculous upset of the Oklahoma Sooners, more money, advertising, and exposure has been given to the program than ever before.
Students of all ages around the BSU campus have sounded off in bunches, stating their agreements, or disagreements about the money and time that is given to the football program, such as a 100 million dollar expansion of the facilities, which will begin being built next year.
Sam Alderman, a sophomore track and field athlete and mass communications major from Richland, Washington, gave her opinion on the subject.
Sam so far has been impressed with Boise State University and enjoys watching football games at BSU. She believes strongly that the amount of attention the team has gotten has not gone overboard. Sam also said that it is a great way to get the attention of international students, who may catch a BSU commercial or two from the seven ESPN televised games the Broncos receive annually in 2010.
As for complaints, there were few. “Right now, I believe we should continue to promote Boise State football, but I would definitely like to see academics improve as well.” Sam said.
Scott Thornton, a junior here at Boise State University, is from Kuna, Idaho and is a communication major as well. Scott loves sports, and believes it is a plus that BSU football does well because those that do research the university may find some interest in it.
Scott does believe that academics are important. Scott said that “In some situations, advertising could be targeted differently by major products and smaller products to get academics across.”
When looking at the statistics and the amount of money that is made by the football team, it is hard to say they have gone overboard with its exposure. The fact that Boise does not have any major professional teams means the Broncos will automatically be in the spotlight whether it is for good or bad.
Those people that don’t follow the football team here at Boise State either are not into sports at all, or may feel like they have more important things to worry about besides who wins on Saturdays.
Boise State football earned more than a million dollars for the program and the university in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl, and has the opportunity to cash in heavily every year it makes it to a BCS bowl game, allowing for the revamping and building of the University as a whole.
Ebenezer Makinde covers news at Boise State University. He can be reached at ebenezermakinde@u.boisestate.edu
Is it Bronco Spirit or a Message to Administration?
ReplyDeleteHow Some Students Feel About Bronco Football
By JOE ROSS
273 Reporter
BOISE, Idaho – Boise State football has painted the City of Boise blue and orange in the past decade. The Broncos 38-2 record in the last three years has flooded the Boise State University campus with the blue and orange crush.
In fact, some students believe that the football program overshadows the academic goals of the University.
Weekday games, pep rallies, and on campus promotions conflict with the direction of the school in the eyes of some students. Some feel that the overall student mentality is more focused on the next football game or tailgaiting rather than their studies.
One could make the argument that the University should support the Football program the way it does because it is one of the main reasons students come to Boise State. The football program generates much of the University's revenue. The football team allows the school to earn BCS money, bowl money, and concession money. But, perhaps the most important aspect of the Football program is the apparel. Blue and orange merchandise is popular by demand because of the football team. Apparel is requested all over the country because of the football powerhouse that is Boise State. Last year Boise State became a Nike Elite school for Football, a small group that only includes a few teams. With winning comes more attention. Fans buy WAC Championship and Fiesta Bowl merchandise.
Some also feel that the Boise media is partially football dominated. General Studies student Kristine Dukes stated, "whenever a successful sports team is in a small community you will see media domination." Boise would qualify as a small sports community as it is home to only 3 minor league sports teams and Boise State athletics. Even ESPN covers much of the Broncos success with game broadcasts and game highlights. For the first this season Boise State was home to ESPN's College Gameday during the Oregon State game. That coverage sparked the campus with student interest. Overnight camping turned in to lights camera action on the Blue for College Football's premiere TV showcase.
With the exception of some students, the majority of the school feels the football program is justified for all the attention it receives. As long as Chris Petersen and the Broncos have successful football seasons, the Treasure Valley will be dominated with Bronco Pride. The University will be painted Orange and Blue, and maybe some day everyone will just get used to it.
Joe Ross can be contacted at joeross@u.boisestate.edu
Boise State Students Have Mixed Feelings About Footbal Team's Success
ReplyDeleteWhile students are happy with the Bronco’s success and publicity, they also lament that the recent tuition increases have not been as welcome
By David Lowenthal
Student reporter
BOISE, Idaho—As the new semester kicks off and classes begin, Boise State students are beginning to find that they’re new found fame as a school with a high-stakes football team is not all face paint and tailgating. Tuition increases have skyrocketed in proportion to the record enrollment that has mainly been attributed to the winning Broncos.
Sara Cray, a BSU senior and English major, believes that the "Bronco nation" (as partisan BSU students and supporters call it) craze that has swept the campus and city has perhaps gone a bit too far. "It has definitely put the vibe off in the last couple years," she says when talking about the culture of the Boise State students towards those from other campuses.
The attitude turns much more exhaustive, however, when the topic shifts from school pride to school checks. Many like Cray spot the double edged sword that comes with a university's rising national status. "I think the upside of the football team's success is also a big downside too," she says.
Tuition rates have been rising exponentially in recent years, which has enabled a large financial crunch when combined with a sluggish economy and record high unemployment among young people.
Students of all ages, flocking to higher education in the hopes of a more productive and higher standard of living, are finding themselves deep in the red and it remains to be seen if the campus population will become restless towards a, some would say, bloated athletics budget whose head coach grosses a million dollars a year.
This fact does not seem to phase many of the university's attendees who do not see any connection between the team's victorious profile and their own dwindling savings accounts. So for now, BSU students remain more loyal to the blue and orange than to the green.
David Lowenthal covers student issues at Boise State University. He can be reached at davidlowenthal@u.boisestate.edu
Bronco fans remain positive about football team success
ReplyDeleteRise in fame leads to rise in tuition
By Lauren Hooker
Reporter
BOISE, IDAHO ---Increases in tuition have been linked to an increase in enrollment associated with the newfound popularity of Boise State University. Since the Bronco’s Fiesta Bowl victory in 2007, Boise State’s name has been on people’s lips.
Not all Boise State students are in upheaval about the national attention that the Bronco football team has been receiving; most students are on the fence about the situation, because it bears both positive and negative impacts.
“The financial part is a big issue,” sophomore Stephanie Casanova, a communication/English major said. “The fact that there aren’t many scholarships because they’re going to the athletes makes it harder for regular students.”
Financial issues aren’t the only things weighing on student’s minds. On any regular day at Boise State, parking is a horrific. But on game days, parking difficulties are multiplied.
“I have to search for places to park on game days,” said junior English major Lindsey Hileman. “I have a Brady pass, and they don’t like it when I park in there. I paid good money for that pass!”
In fact, the Parking and Transportation Department sets restrictions on General, Reserved, and Parking Garage permits on game days. These regulations are emailed to student’s BroncoMail addresses.
Parking nightmares, overexcited fans and higher tuition rates are minor nuisances in the larger scheme of things.
“It makes the entire school known,” Casanova said. “It creates a school spirit---a unity---something that we can all relate to.”
The national spotlight that has been placed on the team has also highlighted the school, putting Boise State’s name on the map.
“I actually like because it makes the school known,” said Casanova, who is from Tucson, Ariz. “When I first came here, nobody knew what it was. But when I go back now, everyone knows.”
The football program has also brought an increase in funds to Boise State, which leads to higher quality staff.
“I definitely think football has helped, financially speaking,” said Hileman. “I came here in 2001, and had few Ph.D professors; it seemed in the first two and a half years, I had a lot of graduate students and community professors. I feel that now the professors are more desirable.”
However, not all Boise State students want to be known simply for their football team. There are plenty of other respectable attributes at Boise State that are worth noting.
“I love the culture, and the fact that there are so many diverse students here,” said Casanova.
But for others, football is the essence of culture at Boise State. Without it, many wouldn’t have known the Boise even existed.
“The football is kinda the reason I came here,” said Casanova.
Between tailgating, going to games and simply representing the team, the feeling of school spirit and unity is enough to bring a large community of people together. Regardless of wins or losses, Bronco Nation is in it to support their team, no matter what.
BSU Football is too much for the eyes of students
ReplyDeleteStudents give their opinion on Boise State football and the shadow it casts over the rest of the university.
By: Nadine Russell
Student Reporter
BOISE --- Late Monday night students meet for class on Boise campus to discuss journalism and football.
After 24 straight wins it is hard not to take notice of BSU football. The loss this last season to Nevada had everyone asking do the Broncos have what it takes to go to a national championship. But is that all Boise State has to offer? Are there other areas of the university that need to be given recognition on the same scale the football team is given recognition? Students of the university say yes. When asked, students gave their opinions on whether the football program has overshadowed other successes taking place at the university. Sam Alderman a Sophomore Mass Comm Journalism major from Richland, WA said “I think the football team casts a shadow over other athletic teams because they get more publicity than other sports. This school focuses more on upcoming sports events as opposed to other events going on around the campus and community like the theatre and music departments.” Scott Thornton a Junior Communications major from Kuna, ID said, “I think the football program does overshadow the other success of the school. I can’t remember specifics but there has been science recognition on campus as well as mentioning of club sports successes in the Arbiter but the school as a whole focuses mainly on the football team.”
Which raises the question, how can Boise State best represent themselves as a university? Alderman said, “The focus should be on the quality of education. The public needs to see the value students put into their learning at this university. I feel like other universities like ASU and UCLA respect our athletics but not so much our academics because Boise State doesn’t paint the best picture of its academics. The advertisement that airs during the televised football games needs to be redone because it makes our academics look mediocre.” Thornton also gave his responses saying, “Boise State needs to show more commercials with other successes happening at the school, people need to see science labs and other athletic teams getting more publicity.” “Boise State has more to offer than just football. Fans have been talking about putting BSU in the Pac-10 bull all the schools in that conference are accredited research institutions so Boise State takes a step back to them in that regard.”
While the football program has put Boise State on the map, students support the program but think recognition of academics is important if BSU wants to be taken seriously as an institution. Students of Boise State feel that the school has more to offer than great football. It has culture, art, research, science and community awareness.
Nadine Russell can be contacted at NadineRussell@u.boisestate.edu
I e-mailed to Dr. White but forgot to post....
ReplyDeleteThe heart of Bronco Nation
Students sound off about their team and its fans.
By Lindsey Hileman
Reporter
BOISE, Idaho— Home games at Boise State University definitely draw a crowd but those numbers don’t necessarily represent student support of the football program at BSU.
“I feel like every time we win a game, my tuition goes up,” said sophomore Jessica Adamson. Though she admitted she was only half serious, she did feel like there was a connection between the popularity of the football program and how much the university thinks it is worth.
Adamson is also inconvenienced by game-day traffic at her nearby off-campus apartment. For hours before and after the games it’s difficult to get around the streets surrounding the campus. To add to the hassle, many students have to give up their parking spots to give priority to the athletic passes when the Broncos play at home.
Boise State football hasn’t always had this much support and a recent loss for the Broncos proved just how fair-weather the fans can be. Because of the Bronco’s amazing record over the last several years, more and more fans come out to see the local legends play. Some of the most diehard fans have sported shirts declaring “I was a Bronco before it was cool to be a Bronco.”
However, after a loss to Nevada in November many “fans” turned their back on the team and one player was singled as the brunt of the outrage. Determined not to let a few bad apples spoil the bunch, many fans went out of their way to show extra support in the Broncos’ time of need. A Facebook page was created to show support to BSU’s kicker, who was the target of death threats just days before. And the fans that did show up to the next home game really turned up the volume for their team and especially the brave kicker.
Performance on the field isn’t the only expectation for a college football player. Some players’ performance as students is another source of discontent for the classmates of players. Often, students avoid partnering up with players on group assignments for fear they will be stuck doing all the work. One student offered some inside knowledge of exactly how studious one former player was or wasn’t, rather. The ex-girlfriend of a BSU football player was not at all surprised to learn her former beau was suspended for academic performance.
None of the students interviewed had attended a game this past season but it is clear that Bronco games affect everyone in the Boise State Community.
Lindsey Hileman is a Boise State student majoring in English with a minor in communications. She can be reached at LindseyHileman@u.boisestate.edu.