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VARSITY B MOMENTS: Pages 6-7 Inside this issue: 1 Student-Athlete Graduation 2 Matt Bauscher Going Dutch 2 Women’s Alumni Soccer 3 Tom Scott – Proudly Watching the Footprint Grow INTERVIEW WITH: 10 Abe Jackson 11 Cheron Moyle Wittman 12 Joe Fuson SPRING 2011 VOLUME 5, ISSUE 3 The Varsity B Spring 2011 newsletter is also offered as an electronic document. We plan to print some copies for the Varsity B members who do not have email. We believe that this format will actually better serve the membership as we can add more information without incurring significant printing costs. Let us know what you think by sending an email to: [email protected] You can also post a comment on the Varsity B Facebook page. ON MAY 13th, the Bronco Athletic Department proudly honored 41 graduating student-athletes as they left their mark on Boise State University and entered a world full of opportuni- ties. The group of graduates embodied a stellar list of achievements during their time at Boise State, from appearances at NCAA championships to recogni- tion for national scholastic awards. By far, this was one of the most impres- sive graduating classes. Some graduates were the first from their family to earn a college diploma. Others were parents who impressively balanced school, sport, and family to finally see the day they would walk in their cap and gown. A few graduates came from foreign countries to attend Boise State. Every single graduate had a special story to tell about how their experience as a Bronco had forever changed their life and shaped their outlook on the world. This spring’s graduation reception also marked the first installment of special awards recognizing achievements among the 2011 graduating class. The Academic Excellence award, presented to Robbie Richards (Men’s Golf) and Mallory Dziawura (Gymnastics), was based upon the highest cumulative grade point average of all the graduates. The Lyle Smith Athletic Excellence Award recognized Adam Hall (Wrestling) Student-athlete graduation rate remains key to Boise State’s success… By Ashlee Anderson, Director of Student-Athlete Development Recipients of the Lyle Smith Athletic Excellence Award Adam Hall and Shannon Saxton are congratulated by Lyle Smith and Athletic Director Gene Bleymaier – Continued on next page

VARSITY B MOMENTS: Student-athlete graduation rate remains … · 2019. 7. 25. · own 44. With 86,587 mostly hostile fans in his ear, Kellen Moore coolly guided Boise State down

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Page 1: VARSITY B MOMENTS: Student-athlete graduation rate remains … · 2019. 7. 25. · own 44. With 86,587 mostly hostile fans in his ear, Kellen Moore coolly guided Boise State down

VARSITY B MOMENTS:Pages 6-7

Inside this issue: 1 Student-Athlete Graduation

2 Matt Bauscher Going Dutch

2 Women’s Alumni Soccer

3 Tom Scott – Proudly Watching the Footprint Grow

INTERVIEW WITH:

10 Abe Jackson

11 Cheron Moyle Wittman

12 Joe Fuson

S P R I N G 2 0 1 1 V O L U M E 5 , I S S U E 3

The Varsity B Spring 2011 newsletter is also offered as an electronic document. We plan to print some copies for the Varsity B members who do not have email. We believe that this format will actually better serve the membership as we can add more information without incurring significant printing costs.

Let us know what you think by sending an email to: [email protected]

You can also post a comment on the Varsity B Facebook page.

ON MAY 13th, the Bronco Athletic Department proudly honored 41 graduating student-athletes as they left their mark on Boise State University and entered a world full of opportuni-ties. The group of graduates embodied a stellar list of achievements during their time at Boise State, from appearances at NCAA championships to recogni-tion for national scholastic awards. By far, this was one of the most impres-sive graduating classes. Some graduates were the first from their family to earn a college diploma. Others were parents who impressively balanced school, sport, and family to finally see the day they would walk in their cap and gown. A few

graduates came from foreign countries to attend Boise State. Every single graduate had a special story to tell about how their experience as a Bronco had forever changed their life and shaped their outlook on the world.

This spring’s graduation reception also marked the first installment of special awards recognizing achievements among the 2011 graduating class. The Academic Excellence award, presented to Robbie Richards (Men’s Golf ) and Mallory Dziawura (Gymnastics), was based upon the highest cumulative grade point average of all the graduates. The Lyle Smith Athletic Excellence Award recognized Adam Hall (Wrestling)

Student-athlete graduation rate remains key to Boise State’s success…By Ashlee Anderson, Director of Student-Athlete Development

Recipients of the Lyle Smith Athletic Excellence Award Adam Hall and Shannon Saxton are congratulated by Lyle Smith and Athletic Director Gene Bleymaier

– Continued on next page

Page 2: VARSITY B MOMENTS: Student-athlete graduation rate remains … · 2019. 7. 25. · own 44. With 86,587 mostly hostile fans in his ear, Kellen Moore coolly guided Boise State down

and Shannon Saxton (Soccer) for their numerous athletic achievements, confer-ence and national honors, and team contributions. We were especially pleased to have Coach Lyle Smith present to assist with bestowing this award. Michel Bourgeau presented the Honorary Captain Award on behalf of the Varsity B Club. The graduating seniors had the opportunity to vote for the male and female who they felt best represented

their class. The Class of 2011 chose Adam Hall (Wrestling) and Hannah Redmon (Gymnastics) as the inaugural Varsity B Honorary Captain Award recipients.

I am pleased to continue exploring venues for Varsity B and BroncoLIFE to partner with the intent of bettering the student-athlete experience and opportuni-ties for our student-athletes, both while active in their sport and beyond gradu-ation. BroncoLIFE (Lives Invested For

Excellence) aims to provide education, programs, and services that will help Bronco student-athletes maximize the opportuni-ties they have to become successful students, athletes, and members of the community.

Our hope, which aligns with the Varsity B Club initiatives, is that student-athletes will realize their potential during their time at Boise State and continue to be involved with Bronco Athletics, whether two years or two decades out from receiving their diploma.

– Go Broncos!

SPRING 2011, VOL. 5, ISSUE 3 PAGE 2

Over 40 student-athletes were recognized at the Spring reception.

The Varsity B Honorary Captain award recipients Hannah Redmon and Adam Hall were thrilled to be joining the ranks of the Varsity B

Bronco Life Skills Director of Student-Athlete Development Ashlee Anderson helps prepare the graduating student-athletes for life beyond athletics.

Page 3: VARSITY B MOMENTS: Student-athlete graduation rate remains … · 2019. 7. 25. · own 44. With 86,587 mostly hostile fans in his ear, Kellen Moore coolly guided Boise State down

SPRING 2011, VOL. 5, ISSUE 3 PAGE 3

Proudly watching the footprint grow

Bookends—with national champions on one end and greatness on the other Boise State’s win in the MAACO Bowl wrapped up a 30-year segment of Bronco football history in a most interesting way. You have it starting with one of the school’s most successful teams, the 1980 Division I-AA national championship squad. That group began its landmark campaign with a stunning 28-7 upset of Utah in Salt Lake City. And it culminates in 2010 with what numbers tell us is the best team ever to wear the blue and orange—one that finished with a 26-3 thumping of the Utes in Las Vegas. The 30th anniversary of the 1980 team was overshadowed during the fall by the current Broncos’ amazing run in the Top 5, but no one who was around three decades ago can forget the feeling when Boise State won that title game in Sacramento. The Bronco program then, like now, had been craving respect. And it was earned through a thrilling 31-29 win over Eastern Kentucky at the Camellia Bowl, Boise State’s first-ever appearance on national TV. How fitting it would have been had the cards fallen the right way this season to enable the Broncos to do the unthinkable and make the BCS Championship Game. But does the fact that Boise State didn’t end up being part of a BCS bowl preclude the Broncos’ 2010 team from being declared the school’s best ever? Well, no. The evidence starts with margin of victory. Of all the great teams the Broncos have put forth since this Golden Era began in 1999, the 2010 squad had the highest scoring margin—by far—winning by an average of 32.3 points. The 12-1 team in 2002 was a distant second at 27.1 points a game. For more fuel, we go to some school records. This was Boise State’s best season ever in total offense—the average of 521 yards per game broke the 36-year-old standard of 517. The Broncos also set a school record for pass efficiency with a rating of 180. And on defense, they registered a record 49 sacks. The defense’s average allowance was 255 yards, the best mark in 40 years. The Thanksgiving weekend loss to Nevada shouldn’t shroud the true nature of this team. Memories always rule the day, though, and both teams have storied drives that have stood—and will stand—the test of time. For the 1980 squad it came in the final game. Trailing 29-24 with 55 seconds left, Joe Aliotti marched the Broncos 80 yards—chewing up most of the drive with passes to Kipp Bedard—and hitting Duane Dlouhy with the famous winning TD on 4th-and-10. The national championship trophy set the standard for everything that has happened in Bronco football since. For the 2010 group, the drive for the ages was on Opening Night. Virginia Tech led Boise State 30-26 when the Broncos got the ball with 1:47 left. A 25-yard punt return by Mitch Burroughs had set them up at their own 44. With 86,587 mostly hostile fans in his ear, Kellen Moore coolly guided Boise State down the field in five plays, hitting Austin Pettis with the dramatic winning touchdown from 13 yards out with 1:09 to spare. Two teams from two entirely different eras, 30 years apart. But both with distinct places in Bronco history.

STEVEN MUSE has a unique perspec-tive on the evolution of the Boise State athletic program, on several levels. As a star Bronco track and field athlete, he helped the Broncos win their first Big Sky outdoor championship in 1989, taking titles in both the shot and discuss. His view comes from the inside out.

Muse has watched the Boise State athletic program mature over the last quarter century. “They collaborate at a higher degree between all the different sports,” says Muse. “They operate as a cohesive unit.” Muse, needless to say, has enjoyed observing the stunning success of Bronco football over the last decade-plus. “There’s pride in seeing a team from the state succeed at the national level.” But you couldn’t have the Broncos of now without the Broncos of then.

Muse was recommended to BSU track and field coach Ed Jacoby by Carl Lewis’ father, Bill, who was Muse’s high school coach. Muse qualified for his first NCAA Championships in 1986; then

in 1987 he placed second at the NCAA meet in the discus and sixth in the shot put. Muse won a total of six indoor and outdoor Big Sky individual titles. His school discus record of 198 feet, two inches stood for 13 years—until it was broken by future Olympian Jarred Rome in 2000.

Muse’s fondest memory at Boise State? “Spending time with Ed Jacoby and learning how to be a better athlete—and a better man,” says Muse. “Ed is a very consistent human being. He always has a successful end result in mind. He can see it—and the athlete often can’t.” Jacoby molded what has become Muse’s philosophy of life. “The man you are is a compilation of the things you do and the things you say,”

says Muse. “The richness of your personal relationships is a result of how much time and energy you invest in individuals.”

Muse is one of the countless athletes who came to Boise State from far, far away (New Jersey in his case)—and elected to stay in Idaho. He has been with Idaho Power for 21 years and is currently Customer Relations Manager for the Southeast region, based in Pocatello. “Best place I could ever dream about working.”

Which brings us to another perspective: the Bronco Nation influence in Eastern Idaho. “I see a lot of blue and orange over here,” says Muse. “There’s just a ground-swell of support because Boise State is representing Idaho well.”

Steve Muse competed at Boise State from 1984 to 1988 and was inducted to the Boise State Hall of Fame in 1996 in a class that included Coach Ed Jacoby.

Coach Ed Jacoby left his mark on many track & Field student-athletes at Boise State.

Page 4: VARSITY B MOMENTS: Student-athlete graduation rate remains … · 2019. 7. 25. · own 44. With 86,587 mostly hostile fans in his ear, Kellen Moore coolly guided Boise State down

SPRING 2011, VOL. 5, ISSUE 3 PAGE 4

GRIDIRONSOCIAL

Second Annual Football Alumni Social hosted by the Varsity B Club and the Bronco football department took place on Friday April 15th. Over

330 former Bronco football alums attended and had a great time. Next year’s Gridiron Social is set for Friday night before

the Blue- Orange Spring Football game.

– SEE YOU ON THE BLUE!

1. Al Gardner (1941) enjoyed covering 70 years of Bronco football with Coach Pete.

2. Members (Wally Gerhauser, George Donaldson, and Jim Pulliam) of the 1950 Boise JC football Little Rose Bowl team catch up on old times

3. Running backs coach Keith Bhonapha and Super Bowl champion Korey Hall enjoyed the second annual Gridiron Social.

4. Former Bronco head trainer Gary Craner enjoyed his encounter with Kevan O’Hara.

5. David Shields, Vinnie Perretta, Ian Smart and Pete Cavender had a great time.

6. Bill Butler and Tony Parks still laugh about the 8-1 season they had together in 1953.

7.Former Bronco head coach Skip Hall (1987-1992) and Coach Lyle Smith.

8. Dane Oldham, Scott Huff, Ryan Dinwiddie and Matt Navest

1 2

3 4

5 6

7 8

Page 5: VARSITY B MOMENTS: Student-athlete graduation rate remains … · 2019. 7. 25. · own 44. With 86,587 mostly hostile fans in his ear, Kellen Moore coolly guided Boise State down

SPRING 2011, VOL. 5, ISSUE 3 PAGE 5

MATT BAUSCHER the former standout guard for the Broncos from 2004 to 2008, left Boise State in 2008 on a high note with a WAC confer-ence basketball championship and an NCAA tournament appearance. Matt has never let up on the gas pedal since he left Boise State after earning his degree in Social Sciences and Public Affairs in 2007.

Bauscher searched all over the world for the opportunity to continue to play basketball and he found it in the small

European country of Holland. Bauscher’s competitiveness on the basketball court allowed him to progress and become a starting member of the Gas Terra Flames which are based in Groningen (100 miles north of Amsterdam). In his first year with the Flames (2009-2010 season), Bauscher led the team in assists per game and averaged 11 points per game. Bausher was able to team up with former Bronco standout Jason Ellis who helped the Flames win the Dutch national championship in 2010. In their second season together Bauscher and Ellis look to repeat as champions.

Matt has taken full advantage of the opportunity to play professional basket-ball in Europe and doesn’t know when he will stop playing or at least has no plans at this time. He has been touring many different countries like Russia, Turkey, Greece, Italy, Sweden and Spain.

Bauscher and Ellis represent Boise State well in the Netherlands. Some of the Gas Terra fans routinely show up at games wearing Boise State shirts to help make their favorite players feel more at home and may even break out into a “Boise” - “State”

impromptu cheer. Ellis and Bauscher still love teasing each other about their time at Boise State. They both know for sure that when their playing days are up, they plan to set up camp and lay more roots in Idaho.

– Go Broncos!

Matt Bauscher is having a super Dutch experienceBy Michel Bourgeau, Varsity B Club

Bronco Soccer Continues to Build a Solid TraditionBy Jessica Hobdey Perretta, soccer 2004-2007

WITH THE HELP of the Boise State Soccer coaching staff and the Varsity B, alumni members from the Boise State women’s soccer team were able to reunite in Boise for the annual shoot-out! This year was packed with a variety of events including a suite for the Blue & Orange Spring game, a mixer at the Reef, and of course our scrimmage versus the current Boise State soccer team.

Varsity B Club came up big for the soccer alumni this year with a suite for the spring game. It was a great time to catch up with former players in the presence of our beloved Blue Field. The night before the big game current alums all gathered at the Reef in attempt to plan “survival strategies” for the up and coming game. (We are older and stiffer but just as competitive, which is a dangerous combination).

Much to our liking the game was set up

for 7v7 only using half of the regula-tion field, which all of the alum gave big thumbs up for! Two twenty-minute halves were played against the current team and the alums were able to hold their own, then they faced off against each other while head coach Steve Lucas played keeper. A

post-game potluck was held in the bubbles with lots of good food, family, and friends. A fun filled weekend and a great time to get to know the current players and catch up with the coaches as well. I can say with certainty the alums are all suffering from soreness weeks later, whether they will admit it or not is a different story.

– Go Broncos!

Matt Bauscher’s ball handling skills and play making talent have been key to the Gas Terra Flames’ success.

Jason Ellis was a fierce rebounder at Boise State and has continued to be a dominant force with the Gas Terra Flames in Holland.

Jessica Perreta always enjoys getting together for some fun and games with her former soccer teammates.

Page 6: VARSITY B MOMENTS: Student-athlete graduation rate remains … · 2019. 7. 25. · own 44. With 86,587 mostly hostile fans in his ear, Kellen Moore coolly guided Boise State down

The Varsity B’s mission is to encourage and promote the heritage, traditions, and success of Boise State student-athletes and Boise State athletics for all Broncos; to honor the

legacy, and preserve the qualities that represent being a Boise State Bronco.

PAGE 6SPRING 2011, VOL. 5, ISSUE 3

Marla Curtis Henricks (1981-1985) loved being back in the Pavilion

(Taco Bell Arena) for the Idaho game.

Carl Powell (1977-1979) was the Varsity B honorary captain for the San Jose State game.

Former Bronco basketball star Brian King was glad to be

the Varsity B honorary captain. It was another thrilling win

over Idaho.

Three sport star, Elaine Clegg (1973-78) came out to Taco Bell Arena to be the Varsity

B honorary captain for the Fresno State game.

Bryan Defares (2000-2004) was thrilled to be the Varsity

B honorary captain for the Fresno State game. Bryan’s

daughter Amayah was captivated with Buster Bronco.

Photo taken by Robert “Ole Coot” McDonagh.

Page 7: VARSITY B MOMENTS: Student-athlete graduation rate remains … · 2019. 7. 25. · own 44. With 86,587 mostly hostile fans in his ear, Kellen Moore coolly guided Boise State down

Head cheer coach Julie Stevens was sad to see cheerleader Wes Boggan graduate to the Varsity B.

The Varsity B table at the Boise State auction. Boo Heffner, Coach Lyle

Smith, Kim Metcalf, Gary Craner, Michel Bourgeau, Jerry Mahoney and

Lenny Chow.

SPRING 2011, VOL. 5, ISSUE 3

Send your photos and info to: Michel Bourgeau, Varsity B Club Coordinator

Varsity B Club • 1910 University Dr., Boise, ID 83725-1020 [email protected] 208-426-5440

Coming off one of the best Bronco wrestling seasons ever, head coach Greg Randall says

farewell to eight seniors.

PAGE 7

Former gymnast Karie Kunkler Arnold puts the

deadly headlock on former Bronco wrestler Ben

Coronado. Karie and Ben were recognized as

the Varsity B honorary captains for the Beauty

and the Beast event at the Taco Bell Arena.

Current women’s basketball coach Gordy Presnell catches up with former Bronco women’s basketball coach Tricia Stevens Lamb at the Boise State Auction.

Coach Lyle Smith celebrated his 95th birthday on March 17th at the Varsity B Corral in the Stueckle Sky Center.

Coach Pete always enjoys visiting Coach Smith

and his wife Eleanor. Happy Birthday Coach!

Page 8: VARSITY B MOMENTS: Student-athlete graduation rate remains … · 2019. 7. 25. · own 44. With 86,587 mostly hostile fans in his ear, Kellen Moore coolly guided Boise State down

SPRING 2011, VOL. 5, ISSUE 3 PAGE 8

Varsity BEndowment FundsGet Added Boost!By Michel Bourgeau,Varsity B Coordinator

THANKS TO THE VARSITY B club membership, we are pleased to provide additional funds for these very important causes. These endowment funds were established to support three key areas that impact Boise State student-athletes as they make their way through our athletic program.

Join the many other former Broncos who have donated by helping these very important programs. These programs have such a wide reach and a tremendous impact on the Bronco student-athletes during their time at Boise State University.

SPORTS MEDICINE ENDOWMENTHead trainer Marc Paul knew that he had big shoes to fill after

Gary Craner retired from Boise State in June 2008. Paul has met many former Broncos who are excited to help him and his team be successful.

STRENGTH CENTER ENDOWMENT –FEDRIZZI STRENGTH CENTER

Head Strength Coach Tim Socha has made a big impact in helping our student-athletes stay injury free and be fully prepared for their competition. The Fedrizzi Strength Center is always buzzing with activity with the sounds of weight plates clanging amidst the loud encouragement from Coach Socha’s staff.

BroncoLIFE ENDOWMENTThe purpose of the BroncoLIFE program is to provide oppor-

tunities that will encourage personal investment and enhance the quality of the student-athlete experience here at Boise State University. Program director Ashlee Anderson is hard at work helping our student-athletes get the most out of their time at Boise State as well as helping them prepare for life after college athletic competition. Plans are in place to help graduating student-athletes with resume preparation, interview skills, and networking opportu-nities with Varsity B members.

If you would like to donate to the Varsity B endowment funds, please go to the Varsity B web site – www.varsityb.com and select the “Athletes Helping Athletes” button on the main page.

– Go Broncos!

DONATION CAN ALSO BE MAILED TO:Varsity B Club1910 University DrBoise, ID 83725-1020ATT: Varsity B Endowment Funds(Please specify which fund or funds you would like to support).

Page 9: VARSITY B MOMENTS: Student-athlete graduation rate remains … · 2019. 7. 25. · own 44. With 86,587 mostly hostile fans in his ear, Kellen Moore coolly guided Boise State down

SPRING 2011, VOL. 5, ISSUE 3 PAGE 9

JOHN KAUINANA passed away on May 5th, 2011. “Big John”, as many affectionately knew him, had been having some challenges with his health, but never let this bother him and continuously was a pleasure to be around. Big John was recognized as one of the Varsity B honorary captains last fall for the Hawai’i game. Both he and David Hughes enjoyed another great day on the BLUE.

John Kauinana (1964) retired in 2001, leaving an impressive legacy at Mililani High School in Hawaii. John, who played for Coach Lyle Smith in 1964, helped the Boise Junior College Broncos

to an 8-2 record while playing tackle. An injury forced John to miss the 1965 season, but Coach Smith felt so strongly about

the big Kauinana, that he found him a job and asked him to help as an assistant coach. The 1965 season was another success for the Broncos with a 9-2 record and a fifth Potato Bowl appearance.

During a tailgate party in the parking lot prior to the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl in December 2009, Big John wanted to impress upon me that Coach Lyle

Smith has always been an important role model for him.– Go Broncos!

Big John Kauinana leaves the Bronco Family with a Heavy HeartBy Michel Bourgeau, Varsity B Coordinator

A proud John Kauinana (right) was honored as the Varsity B honorary captain for the Hawai’i game in 2010 along with David Hughes. Big John’s last visit to Bronco Stadium.

GOLF ANYONE??? The annual Varsity B – Gus Urresti golf scramble has been a long standing tradition to reunite and help the Broncos.

Where: Warm Springs Golf CourseWhen: Friday September 30th, 2011

• 11:30 AM - Registration and Chorizo Lunch• 12:30 PM – Shot Gun Start• 5:30 PM – Post Tournament Social and Awards

Teams of Five – Best Ball

Football Saturday, October 1 — Nevada vs. Boise State12:30 PM @ Bronco Stadium

Make sure to reserve early to avoid disappointment.Email: [email protected]

GREAT TIME is ALWAYS HAD!

Page 10: VARSITY B MOMENTS: Student-athlete graduation rate remains … · 2019. 7. 25. · own 44. With 86,587 mostly hostile fans in his ear, Kellen Moore coolly guided Boise State down

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE VARSITY B CLUB? I think the Varsity B Club is a great way for former student athletes to keep up to date on what is happening with other former players and also keep tabs on things that are going on athletically at BSU.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A BOISE STATE BRONCO? For a kid that was raised in Boise, went to a local elementary school, junior high, and high school it means that I was part of some-thing that I had been involved with my entire life. I knew what it was like going to BSU basketball games and seeing the college players and how I looked up to them. I feel proud that I was able to stay in Boise and become one of the players that I used to watch and look up to. Seeing how the university and the athletic programs have grown it makes me even that much more proud to say that I was a BRONCO, I played for Boise State University!!!!!!!!!!

THE VARSITY B is sad to report that former Bronco great Fred Miklancic who played at Boise Junior College in 1953 and 1954 passed away on April 21, 2011.

Fred who played for Coach Lyle Smith was an all conference fullback helping the Broncos to consecutive Intermountain Collegiate Athletic Conference Championships in 1953 and

1954. The 1953 Bronco team posted an overall record of 8-1, with the 1954 squad finishing the year with an overall mark of 9-1-1.

Following his two year career at Boise Junior College, Miklancic trans-ferred to the University of Oregon where he was a two year starter. Miklancic was inducted to the Boise State athletic Hall of Fame in 1990.

Boise State Hall of Fame Inductee Frederick Miklancic

BOISE JUNIOR COLLEGE FOOTBALL 1953-1954

SPRING 2011, VOL. 5, ISSUE 3 PAGE 10

Interview with…ABE JACKSON BASKETBALL 1999-2002

HOMETOWN: (where did you grow up and where do you live?) Grew up in Boise, ID. Currently live in Boise.

DEGREES: Communications degree.

FAMILY: Father George, Mother Jeanette, Brother Ben.

JOB: Radio Broadcaster for Boise State Men’s Basketball Games.

FONDEST MEMORY AS A STUDENT: Last day of school when I knew I had graduated.

FONDEST MEMORY AS A BOISE STATE STUDENT-ATHLETE: The Big West tournament my Freshman year 1998-99, and making nine 3-pointers to set the single game record against Gonzaga my Junior year 2000-01.

FAVORITE PLACE ON CAMPUS: Taco Bell Arena. “Pavilion”.

THOUGHTS ON COACHES: Boise State has always been a place that takes maybe not the most highly recruited kids and turns them into competitors. That’s how I was, not recruited heavily but my coaches got me to play at my full potential and squeezed every last ounce of talent out of me.

HOW HAS THE UNIVERSITY AND ATHLETICS CHANGED SINCE YOU LEFT? There have been dramatic changes everywhere at the University especially in the student enrollment, but the most obvious ones to me are how the athletic programs have exploded. Additions to the football stadium, new basketball locker rooms, and also the addition of more sports teams, women’s soccer, softball, swimming and diving.

LIFE AFTER BOISE STATE? I played one year of professional basketball in France after BSU. I came back to Boise and started working. I bought my first house in October of 2009.

WHAT STANDS OUT THE MOST ABOUT BOISE STATE? For me it would how Boise State has become a nationally recognizable university.

WHAT OTHER SPORTS DO YOU MOST ENJOY WATCHING? I enjoy pretty much any sports that are on TV College football and basketball are my favorites, and I don’t think there is a better sporting event than the NCAA March Madness.

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SPRING 2011, VOL. 5, ISSUE 3 PAGE 11

Interview with…CHERON MOYLE WITTMAN BASKETBALL 1980-1984

HOMETOWN: (where did you grow up and where do you live?) I grew up on Bainbridge Island, just a thirty minute ferry ride from Seattle. I currently live in Milton, which is also near Seattle.

DEGREES: BSU: BS Radiologic Technology . University of Washington: Physician Assistant Certificate.

FAMILY: I married BSU graduate and wrestler, Harold Wittman (1981-1982). We have two grown kids (Connor and Brynn), and a daughter-in-law Kristin.

JOB: Physician Assistant, Internal Medicine.

FONDEST MEMORY AS A STUDENT: My fondest memory at BSU was meeting the student-athlete to whom I have now been married for 27 years.

FONDEST MEMORY AS A BOISE STATE STUDENT-ATHLETE: I have wonderful memories of my teammates and the endless hours we spent together in the gym, traveling to competition and in our daily routines.

FAVORITE PLACE ON CAMPUS: My favorite part of campus was the Boise River. The trails and parks are such a nice extension. Please note I did not enjoy these trails during the dreaded preseason training runs!

THOUGHTS ON COACHES: Nobody does fundamentals like Coach Connie Thorngren.

HOW HAS THE UNIVERSITY AND ATHLETICS CHANGED SINCE YOU LEFT? BSU has grown tremen-dously, but has retained a nice sense of familiarity. Our athletics have a long history of success, and it is great to see the recognition the university has now achieved.

LIFE AFTER BOISE STATE? I remained in Boise and worked at St. Luke’s Hospital for two years after graduation, then returned closer to my hometown to raise my family.

WHAT STANDS OUT THE MOST ABOUT BOISE STATE? Boise State provides a strong sense of community.

WHAT OTHER SPORTS DO YOU MOST ENJOY WATCHING? I continue to follow basketball and football.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE VARSITY B CLUB? Varsity B Club is a great program, I love the concept. It has helped me reconnect with a big part of my college experience and many former athletes.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A BOISE STATE BRONCO? I have a strong sense of pride as a Bronco. I enjoy running into other alumni in the Seattle area and feeling that instant sense of common ground.

ATHLETES helping ATHLETESBASKETBALL LOCKERS

Sponsor a locker in the new Arguinchona Basketball ComplexFOOTBALL LOCKERS

Sponsor a locker in the new football complex

To reserve your locker contact: Michel Bourgeau, Development Officer, Boise State Athletics [email protected] (208) 426-5440

Page 12: VARSITY B MOMENTS: Student-athlete graduation rate remains … · 2019. 7. 25. · own 44. With 86,587 mostly hostile fans in his ear, Kellen Moore coolly guided Boise State down

SPRING 2011, VOL. 5, ISSUE 3 PAGE 12

Interview with…JOE FUSON WRESTLING 1980-1984

HOMETOWN: (where did you grow up and where do you live?) I grew up in Portland, OR and now live in Boise, ID.

DEGREES: Physical Education.

FAMILY: Wife Shanna and no children.

JOB: I have been working for the Boise State athletic department for the last 11 years as Equipment Manager - Boas Tennis & Soccer Center.

FONDEST MEMORY AS A STUDENT: Getting my commission in the Army in 1985 at the Look Out Room in the Student Union Building on the Boise State campus.

FONDEST MEMORY AS A BOISE STATE STUDENT-ATHLETE: Wrestling varsity as a freshman in 3

weight divisions, and placing 4th in conference as a rookie in 1980.

FAVORITE PLACE ON CAMPUS: The old BSU wrestling room in auxil-iary gym. Many great memories!

THOUGHTS ON COACHES: Coach Mike Young is the foundation to Bronco Wrestling. NO Brick has been set without resting on the base that he created. Bronco Wrestling is now the power house of the west coast, greatly due to the hard work and many sacri-fices of Coach Young. The Boise State wrestling coaches today have great programs that are run on shoe string budgets. These coaches know how to stretch the money they have.

HOW HAS THE UNIVERSITY AND ATHLETICS CHANGED SINCE YOU LEFT? The college has exploded since I came here in 1980. So many new buildings and new sport programs and facilities.

LIFE AFTER BOISE STATE? I never really left. I have been on campus in one capacity or another for most my life. Absolutely the best place to be in Idaho.

WHAT STANDS OUT THE MOST ABOUT BOISE STATE? Blue collar all the way! This is where most blue collar families can afford to send their kids.

There has always been a hardness in our student body that the school up north can never match (white collar kids).

WHAT OTHER SPORTS DO YOU MOST ENJOY WATCHING? Racquetball club rocks!!!!!!!!! and football is good too. :) Soccer, lacrosse, tennis, Volleyball, gymnastics.. they all are enjoy-able to watch.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE VARSITY B CLUB? Great way to reconnect and network!

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A BOISE STATE BRONCO? It is part of who I am. Once a bronco, always a bronco. Forever a bronco...Go Broncos!

Varsity B Club now offers BOISE STATE letterman jackets… Have you lost your jacket? Has it somehow shrunkover the years?THE VARSITY B club, thanks to a part-nership with Idaho Sporting Goods, is now offering official Boise State letterman jackets. Boise Junior College, Boise College, Boise State College and Boise State University letters are available. To get more information, please access the Varsity B web site at www.varsityb.com and select “Varsity B Gear”.

Former Bronco tennis star and current Bronco women’s tennis coach Beck Roghaar (2001-2005) sports a Boise State College letter jacket. – Looking Good Beck!

Former Boise Junior College football alum Stan Moore (1961) is very happy with his new jacket.