Firsthand Fandom: The Full Fiesta Bowl Experience

Brandyn Thompson had one more play in him. I knew it.

Andy Dalton dropped back, seconds ticked off the clock and the Frogs were in need of a touchdown and extra point to tie -- or they would go for 2 and put the game away.

As he surveyed the field, I looked into Dalton's eyes from my seat in the end zone bleachers (Boise State's end zone, of course). He looked panicked, unsure, most likely from Kyle Wilson's snot-bubbler blindside sack earlier that left the quarterback in a heap on the University of Phoenix Stadium field.

Finally, Dalton launched a pass to the left sideline (to my right). Thompson, making my thought as prophetic as a time traveler who's already seen what happens, stuck out his hand and tipped the ball into the waiting and willing hands of nickel Winston Venable.

I went nuts. If the people around me didn't already know me, they would have been scared. But I didn't care. We had just won our second Fiesta Bowl and had beaten newfound nemesis TCU at the same time. I was on cloud nine. The entirety of Bronco Nation was on cloud nine. We were on top of the world.

The 2009 football season, and subsequent Fiesta Bowl, took place during my final year as an undergrad student at BSU. I was a proud member of the Keith Stein Blue Thunder Marching Band. Interim band director had taken the whole group to the Valley of the Sun in a convoy of 4 charter busses to support the team.

Memories of the trip to the Poinsettia Bowl in San Diego the year before were still fresh. TCU had beaten us 17-16 in a game many expected the Broncos to win. We were out for revenge, though I was skeptical of the chances of that happening.

The busses drove 16 hours, most of it through the heart of Nevada on the Extraterrestrial Highway. We stopped in Ely for some grub along the way. The sign at an Arby's restaurant read, "Broncos trample Toads. Welcome BSU band."

When we to the Phoenix area, our hotel was in a beautiful part of Scottsdale. We spent time in Tempe, Glendale, Chandler and Phoenix. It was incredible.

I sat in an outdoor pool at midnight on January 1. That did not suck at all.

It was incredibly warm. I was sweating profusely during the Fiesta Bowl parade. It was worth it.

When game day arrived, we rolled up to the stadium. If you've never seen University of Phoenix Stadium, it looks like one of those Jiffy Pop stovetop popcorn skillets with an aluminum bag that's been fully popped.

Inside, it's massive. It's an NFL stadium, after all. We walked around in the bowels of the structure. The bleachers I sat in were removable, which was important because the grass field was on a giant "tray" that could slide outside and get some sun when needed. Incredible ingenuity.

At kickoff, the stadium electric; half purple and half blue and orange.

When Thompson got his pick-6, I was confident. After the Kyle Brotzman to Kyle Efaw pass on a fake punt, I was ecstatic. When Doug Martin cartwheeled into the end zone for what became the game-winning touchdown, I went out of my mind.

You know what happened next. Game. Set. Match. Goodbye Toads.

I still smile every time I think about that trip and the game. It set Boise State apart from the rest of the non-BCS schools and firmly onto the newly-minted "power program" shelf. Being a fan and representative of the university was one of the greatest experiences of my life.

The last two seasons have been hard at Boise State. Whether it was Petersen, Prince, Kwiatowski, complacency or a combination of any or all of them, the team was down. The mystique was faltering, but not totally gone (sorry Rocky Long). Change was needed, though some of us, including me, didn't know it yet.

Change has done Boise State well. Harsin is our blue and orange knight. How fitting that he has the Broncos back in the Fiesta Bowl in his first season as the head coach, just like Petersen once did.

Win or lose, Boise State has reestablished itself as the premier "Group of 5" team, one that has stood the test of time and is far from the one-year wonders that pop up every season.

Those who are in Glendale for the game, keep all this in mind. Cheer loud, enjoy the moment and take lots of pictures. It's a bowl game, but this particular Fiesta Bowl is Boise State once again showing the nation and naysayers it is here to stay.

Go Broncos.

One year later the world hasn't ended; a look back at Petersen going purple

When I was younger, I had a favorite blanket. It was my constant companion while at home and I thought about it often while I was away. 

I had separation anxiety from my "blankie."

One day I came home from school to find blankie was missing. The devastation was severe. It was ugly. I had a crisis on my hands. I interrogated the only suspect, my mother, and she cracked. 

Blankie was gone forever, never to return. My mom had thrown the ratty thing away, and I immediately knew life was over. Permanently altered. 

Why go on? What is life without your favorite blue blanket? Oh how I longed for it. 

As time passed, I replaced the hole in my heart left by blankie with other things; sports, video games, girls, etc. Before I knew it, the blanket never crossed my mind, even accidentally.

I was over it. I had finally let go. The wounds were healed, and, you know what? My life was pretty darn good. 

As a longtime Boise State fan, Chris Petersen was my college football blankie. Strange comparison, I know, but think about it. How did you feel when he left for the purpler grass at Washington?

Like crap. I know I did. 

When Ian Johnson scored the 2-point conversion against Oklahoma in the first Fiesta Bowl and Petersen did his double fist pump celebration, the man immediately became my idol. When he left, that role model was ripped from me just like my mother removed blankie from my life.

I went through the stages of grief. That night when Huskie Athletic Director Scott Woodward flew to Boise and the news leaked that Petersen was leaving, I was in denial. No way. That guy loves Boise. He IS Bronco football. 

What were we going to do without Petersen? Life was over. We were screwed. It sucked. We were never going to win again. Rip up the blue turf and sell it to some high school in Alaska. 

But, time passed, as it always does, and the wounds began to heal. The Petersen-shaped hole in my heart was partially filled by Bryan Harsin's energetic, BAMFy attitude and confidence. 

When August rolled around and Boise State faced off against Ole Miss in Atlanta, I saw a team with energy, fight and desire. 

I saw Boise State was still Boise State, Petersen or not. The loss to Air Force had me worrying, but what transpired after that has me as giddy as a 13-year-old girl at a Justin Bieber concert. 

One year later, Petersen is no longer a concern. I wrote a piece saying I was rooting for Petersen to fail at Washington a couple of months ago, but even those feelings are now watered down. In fact, I find myself cheering for him. I discovered I still have a deep, deep respect for him and his work. 

Now he just needs to beat Oregon and we'll be even. 

Life goes on. It's actually pretty sweet. Life after Petersen hasn't been all candy canes, puppies, rainbows and gumdrops, but it's been far from the Broncopocalypse we all expected it to be.

I bleed blue. Always have and always will. So carry on, fellow Bronco fans. Who we are wasn't forged by just one man, one season or one win. We are a conglomeration of everything we've been through and experienced, including the departure of a beloved coach and role model. 

Enjoy what's left of this season. I sure will. At least we aren't on flight watch and coach Defcon alert this time around. 

Go Broncos!

Why Boise State fans openly root against Chris Petersen -- and it's not what you think

I'm trying. I really am.

I have nothing but respect and admiration for Chris Petersen and what he did and meant for Boise State. Not just football, but the entire university and town. 

But I hope he fails miserably, faster than one of those stones the aliens used to build the Egyptian pyramids sinking to the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea. 

I can't help it. 

I try to tell myself not to feel that way. My mind tells me to knock it off, to wish Petersen the best in his new endeavors at Washington. But my heart sends my brain packing faster than a weekend trip to see the in-laws gone bad.

And my disdain for Petersen is actually not directed toward him at all. It's the narrative that has been created around him that I can't stand.

Every single media member/institution outside of Boise says the Broncos are on a downward trend because Petersen WAS Boise State football. He built the program, sculpted it, molded it and built it to the top, then bailed when it had reached its peak. There is nothing left, they say.

It's not Petersen's fault, really. He did what was best for him and his family when he chose to dawn the Huskie purple. But that narrative must die. Burn its remains and salt the earth from which it was born. And in order for that thought to be silenced for good, he must fail miserably. 

Petersen's demise solidifies Boise State as a self-sustaining, successful football program. It means he didn't make Boise State, but rather Boise State helped him. It was a symbiotic relationship. 

Houston Nutt set the bar for ex-Boise State coaches. Dirk Koetter and Dan Hawkins followed suit. 

Why should Petersen be any different? Fans have dubbed it the Curse of Pokey Allen, a fitting and so far undefeated name.

The Broncos will continue to win games, it always have. That partially discredits the "Petersen made Boise State" narrative. The Huskies flaming out worse than the Hindenburg blimp seals its fate. 

History is bound to repeat itself. 

"The only writing on the wall Petersen saw was Joe Southwick's name trickling down a Hawaiian hotel balcony."

If I may, I'd like to borrow a page from Peter Griffin's book and let you know what really grinds my gears. 

Lots of things, actually. But, mainly, blanket generalizations and people who use a hope or a wish as a legitimate reason to make their claims. Doing a little research never hurt anyone. 

What's my point? I'm getting there. But first, let me set it up properly.

Naturally, as a biased fan of Boise State, I offer no apologies for my thoughts and opinions. In fact, I may cram them down your throat from time to time. 

Don't tempt me. 

As I watch the 2014 football season unfold (one I'm really enjoying, by the way), I can't help but ponder on what has happened to the Broncos in the past couple of years. 

Boise State went from BCS-busting Cinderella to washed up chump that clings to past successes faster than a Devan Demas 40-yard dash, according to clueless outsiders without a lick of knowledge or understanding. 

How quickly the Broncos were dethroned while the likes of Fresno State (lol) and Utah State (double lol) were crowned. 

Death. Taxes. Boise State winning football games. Take it to the bank. Tell your friends about it. 

It's not going to change. 

It's crucial to recognize, however, the fact that some things are indeed different. This is not the same BSU team that won a couple of Fiesta Bowls. And that's fine. As much fun as it is to cream every team we play, the aura of college football is that of challenge and emotion. Let's play on Saturday (maybe on Friday, in our case) and enjoy the ride. 

I am forever grateful for what Chris Petersen did at Boise State and for what he meant to the city and the program. That will never change. He built the indoor practice field and new facilities by the sweat of his brow for heaven's sakes.

But let's be clear, Petersen was not an infallible football god. I'm as guilty as the next person when it came to propping him up as such. It's interesting to look back and see that was not the case. Yes, Pete made mistakes. 

And with his departure came the idiot parade. It was one ridiculous argument after another as to the "true" reason for his departure. Allow me to address the one that bothers me the most. 

Petersen "saw the writing on the wall" at Boise State and left while the going was good. He saw that Boise State was on a downward trend and bailed. 

Are you serious? Are you really that naive? Such logic is as fallacious as a Jameis Winston explanation. 

Boise State's final two seasons under Petersen were far from spectacular. In fact, many aspects were downright putrid. He's as much responsible for that as he is the Fiesta Bowl years. Don't take the good and heap praise on him only to ignore or dismiss the negative in order to support your argument.

And let's not forget one of the greatest college quarterbacks in the universe played for him during the glory years. Petersen's recruiting at that position was suspect at BSU (Remember, Justin Wilcox brought Kellen Moore to Boise).

Petersen must have had a crystal ball because the only writing on the wall he saw was Joe Southwick's name trickling down a Hawaiian hotel balcony.

Or his own shortcomings at Boise State that came creeping back to haunt him.

And that's the key. A head coach is only as good as his assistants. Once Justin Wilcox, Bryan Harsin, Marcel Yates, Mike Sanford and Co. left, that was it. Their replacements under Petersen were subpar, to say the least.

Robert Prince, anyone?

With Harsin leading the way, the Broncos will continue to out-recruit its peers and win. It will be near impossible to replicate Petersen's 4-year run with Kellen Moore, but Boise State is not "slowly fading away," as some claim. Just look at the team's overall record: 399–153–2. 

Oh, and only two coaches have ever had losing records with the Broncos, and one of them wasn't even around for a full season (Houston Nutt in 1997 was 5-6 and Tom Mason was 1-9 in 1996).

Claiming Boise State is done as a successful and even dominant program is uneducated and lacking in historical perspective and knowledge. No, the Broncos aren't going anywhere, despite anyone's wishes or desires disguised as evidence.

Neither am I. 

10 minutes of fame? Since 2007, Boise State has had 4 first-round draft picks to Ole Miss' 3.

The amount of trash talk, worried tweeters and shaken confidence coming from the Ole Miss camp less than two weeks before the matchup with Boise State is a microcosm of the current state of both programs.

The feeling emanating from Oxford, Miss., is a mix of weary enthusiasm and unsupported confidence. My favorite comment came via Twitter from @TheNotoriousJON: "@JRodrigues89 but this Boise State team isn't of the same caliber that beat Georgia back in the day. To big a game for a first year coach..." https://twitter.com/TheNotoriusJON/status/501008268375105536

We can't overlook this one, either: "@Rafter17 @JRodrigues89 pretty sure Harsin is not on the level of Peterson Boise's 10 minutes of fame is up..." https://twitter.com/TheNotoriusJON/status/501030644718534656

Now, we can't put too much emphasis on the thoughts of some random tweeter with 271 followers, I did a little bit of research.

Since the 2007 Fiesta Bowl, the game that catapulted Boise State into the national spotlight, the Broncos have gone 79-13, winning four bowl games, including the 2010 Fiesta Bowl over TCU. The Rebels have a record of 42-41 with four bowl wins as well, none of which were BCS Bowls.

Now before I hear any, "But we play in the ESS EE SEE PAWWWWWWWL! The best conference in the history of the world PAAAAAAAAAAWL!!!!" Comments, let's look at success another way.

Again, since 2007:
First-round draft picks-
Boise State: 4
Ole Miss: 3

Total NFL Draft picks-
Boise State: 13
Ole Miss: 13

How about that? As Kris (@lostriver76) put it: "Pretty sure BSU's "10mins" of fame are 9 1/2mins longer than any Ole Miss has had." https://twitter.com/lostriver76/status/501040945413255168

By no means am I guaranteeing a win over Ole Miss on August 28. In fact, I've said multiple times Boise State has a lot working against it and a victory would almost be a miracle. Clearly, however, Boise State is far from an afterthought for the Rebels. And any notion, talk or claim that Boise State's 10 minutes of fame" coming from an Ole Miss fan is laughable.

If nothing else, these stats show Boise State is on par or above the success rate of many SEC teams. Win or lose in Atlanta, the Broncos have made a name for themselves, regardless of what Ole Miss fans say.

The effects of "Power-5" autonomy on the FCS

For the record, I am 100 percent in support of the NCAA allowing conferences to vote for their own autonomy. This is the best thing that could happen to college football.

After all, the person who takes their ball and goes home in a fit of anger is my absolute favorite (like BYU. If the Pac-12 won't take us, we'll go play by ourselves). If you don't like the rules, why not change them? It's a win-win for everybody!

If you can't tell, I'm joking. This stuff has me more upset than when Friends ended.

I do not claim to be any sort of expert on the business side of college athletics, but my experience as a beat writer for an FCS football team does give me some insight. Let's explore.

If your team plays in one of the "less fortunate" conferences, I'm sorry to say this: At this point, you have to be wondering if your players will even have scholarships available much longer. Without the revenue sharing from bigger conferences, each school is left to fend for themselves. Of course, their conferences will jump to the aid. But, and excuse this comparison, but a bum doesn't have much financial backing to help support a hobo.

I covered the Idaho State football team for three seasons. This "Power 5" autonomy vote even affects the FCS level. Schools in the Big Sky, as well as other FCS teams, play one or two "body bag" games a season. They earn hefty sums of money that is used to fund their entire athletic department. With the autonomy given to power FBS schools, the likelihood of these money games continuing is very, very small.

When it comes down to it, however, FCS schools are in a better position than FBS programs in non-Big 5 conferences. Sure, there will be long-term effects, but that level of football is secure. Big Sky commissioner Doug Fullerton said so on numerous occasions during meetings and press conferences I attended.

In fact, remember back in 2010 when Montana (and Montana State, as a necessity of maintaining a rivalry) considered jumping to the FBS level and joining the WAC? The Grizzlies said no and continue to be an FCS playoff stalwart.

Think about this: To date, the only football programs to move from Division 1AA (now FCS) to Division 1A (now FBS) and have success are Boise State and to a lesser degree Nevada. That's it. The rest have done nothing note-worthy, including Idaho.

Getting back on track, Montana's decision to stay put was incredibly smart. It will be even harder to succeed at the FBS level without membership in a "Power-5" conference.

Will the non-power conferences return to an FCS-type of membership? Will they accept the change or fight back to be included? Will conferences support their teams or will it be a fend-for-yourself deal?

Regarding Boise State, the Broncos have the national notoriety, money and ability to stay close to on par with the "Power-5." Who knows how long they can keep it up or if an invite to join the "elite" will ever come.

Seriously consider this: Would it be the worst thing in the world to accept defeat (if it comes to that) and join a stable conference, albeit at a lower, less money-driven level? Seriously. Consider the options.

Perspective is like a Sour Patch kid; sour and sweet

With just 41 days left until Boise State takes the Harsin show on the road and faces Ole' Miss. in the Peach State, I can't help but look back at what we experienced during the 2013 college football season.

There were moments of glory (winning at Utah State), but there were plenty of cringe-worthy and agonizing horrors (San Diego State, BYU -- the worst one, in my opinion). The Broncos finished with a disappointing 8-5 record, the season culminating with a loss to Oregon State in the Hawaii Bowl. Oh, and our head coach left. There's that, too.

Let's not forget our starting quarterback jacked up his ankle on the first play of the game against the Wolfpack of Nevada and then he (allegedly) urinated off a balcony in Hawaii and was sent home.

Yeah. I'd take a mulligan on a lot of those moments if I could.

As painful as it was to go through all that, and watch Chris Petersen sneak his way out of town for purple-er (not a word, I know) pastures, it could have been worse. Let us embrace the motto that our blue and orange-clad savior Bryan Harsin has supplied and forget about last season. It's time to attack the future. Seriously. Let's maul, maim, harm, injure, upend, tackle, mangle and otherwise pee on (too early?) the future.

But first, let's take a step back and gain some healthy and important perspective.

After the pineapple-scented dust had settled (in Hawaii, after all), Boise State was 8-5. Looking at the season from a somewhat historical view, take this into account:

- The last time the Broncos lost won eight or less games was in 2001 (8-4)
- There were 17 teams at the FBS level with eight wins in 2013.
- 33 teams had nine wins or more
- 68 teams had seven wins or less
- Idaho has not won eight games in a season since 1998 (finished 9-3)
-Furthermore, the Vandals have had just 12 seasons of eight or more wins since 1954, and that's only because they played seven-game seasons before that

So, relax Bronco Nation. The sky is not falling. Far from it, actually. Time will tell whether or not Harsin can continue the winning tradition at Boise State, and the pieces are there to make it happen.

I added an Urban Dictionary definition of the term "University of Idaho"

Read it straight from the website here. (There was already a really good one posted). Mine is still being reviewed before it will be posted, but I went ahead and pasted it here for your pleasure. Enjoy!

University of Idaho

Forever the little brother of its fellow school on The Palouse and its in-state "rival" down south, the University of Idaho is used to playing second fiddle. So it comes as no surprise that after being passed by that same in-state college in every academic and athletic spectrum, the butt-hurt pouring from the University of Idaho is at an all-time high.

Despite its self-appointed title as "the Harvard of the West," there are zero nationally-ranked graduate programs or nationally-prominent faculty members to be found. Better known for its rampant drinking and alcoholism among its student population, the University of Idaho is more a waste of mommy and daddy's money that it is an actual establishment of higher learning.

The school's location, Moscow, Idaho, is a cold, bitter wasteland where only Neo-Nazi skinheads and right-wing nut jobs are comfortable and welcome (Larry Craig, Sarah Palin are graduates). The only bright spot is leaving.

The University of Idaho football team is only competitive against Division II programs, making its losses to them that much more humiliating. Then again, the school is used to that feeling as it plays in an over-sized bathroom stall known as the Kibbie Dome. Not only is losing as natural as breathing to the Vandals, the football team also gets banned from postseason play (not that they would ever qualify anyway) due to poor academic progress reports. To rub salt in the wound, its in-state rival is ranked in the top 3 nationally for average GPA among its football team.

Despite the Vandals' pathetic attempts to remain athletically relevant, its in-state rival has surpassed it by light years. Instead of admitting the ship has sailed, the University of Idaho leadership persists on "saving face" and whores out its football program for money games and, most recently, the Sun Belt Conference.

Example:

"I used to love Cher, but she's pulling a University of Idaho and just needs to call it quits."

"My friend has everything. I'm so jealous of him, call me University of Idaho."

Dog days of summer got you down? Make sure to keep things Blue

We are smack-dab in the middle of the dog days of summer. I hate it.

Actually, the World Cup has distracted me from the football-less (that's American football, mind you) doldrums of my least favorite time of year. Under normal circumstances, only my Fiesta Bowl DVD collection could get me through it.

Some people have season depression where the cold, dark winter forces them into a sad shell. I'm the opposite. Summer makes me mad because I prefer the cold, and there's no football. Zero. Zip Zilch. None in sight.

I'd rather slit my wrists and do push-ups in salt water than watch baseball.

But, like any good die-hards, I rely on my fellow members of Bronco Nation to keep me and well. This offseason has been the most eventful and exciting in recent memory. Bryan Harsin has injected new life into what had become a complacent fan base. Every time a, "Go Broncos!" tweet from him shows up on my Twitter timeline, the adrenaline starts pumping and the anticipation is high.

It is my sincere hope that this excitement continues into the fall and is amplified on The Blue by a group of pissed off Broncos, upset at how last year unfolded.

So it is desired, so it shall be.

At least I hope so. See, that's the great part about being a fan. The optimism reigns in full force, regardless of how unfounded it is. It's what gives Dallas Cowboys fans undying hope of success as Tony Romo continues to do what Tony Romo does. It's what allows Idaho State Bengal fans to show up at Holt Arena every Saturday, waving their flags in the air and expecting a victory from their team. It may not happen, but the eternal flame of optimism continues to burn, even at the darkest times.

As Boise State embarks on a new era of football -- and we as fans go along with it -- there is more hope than ever before. Images of Jay Ajayi mowing down defenders then cart-wheeling his way past another toward the end zone occupy my mind as I wait for Aug. 28 to roll around.

Then I see incoming recruits like offensive lineman Troy Bacon full embracing what it means to be a Boise State Bronco (check out his Twitter timeline to find out what I'm talking about). There is so much more to The Blue than just great football. This has me excited about the future. This fuels my fire of optimism as much as what will take place on the gridiron.

Let's keep it going, Bronco Nation. We need each other as much as we need football. Can the season start now, please?

My own World (Cup)

There are few, if any, better husbands in existence than yours truly. Why you may ask? Simple.

Four years ago this month my wife and I were on the verge of welcoming our first child into this world. Our son, Sawyer, was born at 11:14 p.m. on June 29, 2010. We checked into the hospital early that morning to begin the process of inducing Meagan.

Being the outstanding spouse that I am, I forced my wife to watch the knockout stage games of the World Cup in South Africa that were taking place that day while she was in labor.

Hey, you can't blame me. It only happens every four years! She understood...

All jokes aside, the month of June every fourth year truly is a special time for me. The memories that come flooding back are sometimes overwhelming and emotional, and I don't want to forget them.

The first morning home from the hospital, Sawyer being just 2 days old at the time, I was up nice and early, snuggling my little bundle of joy on the couch as we watched the World Cup. The event transformed into more than just sports for me. At that moment it became something I would always have with him.

As the World Cup in Brazil kicked off Thursday, I grabbed Sawyer, sat down on the couch and shared a quick snuggle with my now 4-year-old wiggly and energetic boy. He may not understand what those few seconds meant to me -- or what this soccer event signifies -- but I sure did.

My love for soccer began in 2006 while I was serving a Spanish-speaking LDS mission in San Bernardino, Calif. The excitement and emotion from the mainly Mexican people I served with was contagious. I caught on to the nuances and pageantry of the game as I watched match after match and saw Italy win the whole thing, beating France in penalties.

Fast forward four years and I was finally able to share my love for the greatest sporting event in the world, first with my wife and then with my newborn son.

Now in our second World Cup as a family, I love the significance it has for us. Well, at least for me and the wonderful feelings and thoughts it brings back. I can't help but smile.

(Note: I picked Argentina to win the World Cup, beating Germany in the final. Feel free to harass me when my prediction inevitably goes wrong.)

My story: The life and times of a former small-town sports journalist

Stepping out of my car, I quickly tightened my maroon and blue-striped tie up against my neck to the point if almost choking myself, made sure my shirt was tucked in evenly and advanced toward the door.

The brisk, January eastern Idaho wind made me shiver. I looked up and saw Jay Heater for the first time, a man who would become my boss in a matter of weeks.

"Go ahead and leave the tie in the car," Jay said, half joking. "We're pretty casual around here."

That anecdote was my first encounter with the newspaper business. I met Jay Heater in January of 2011. He, then the sports editor for the Idaho State Journal, was looking for a full-time desk person who would have opportunities to write as needed. I applied and Jay contacted me and wanted to do an interview.

I made the drive from Wendell, Idaho, to frigid Pocatello that day in January, with my wife and 8-month-old son in tow. Jay's first comments to me were just what I wanted to hear. What's better than a job that lets you wear shorts and a T-shirt everyday? Oh, and watching sports while doing it?

It wasn't as much of an interview with Jay as it was us discussing the logistics of when I would start and what was expected of me. I was eager to get to work.

I had grandiose plans of taking the world by storm, starting with Pocatello. I wanted to be wined and dined in press boxes and watch football. What I had in mind was taking over Stewart Mandel's job at Sports Illustrated someday. My goals were lofty.

When I finally started at the Journal on February 8, 2011, I was sent out to cover a high school boys basketball game. My "limited writing opportunities" turned into almost daily game coverage and writing.

I was a sports journalist. My dream was coming true.

My first opinion piece was about the Boise State football team getting screwed over by the NCAA because of "Couchgate." I found out later that mentioning the Broncos in Idaho State Bengal territory was a no-no; a jealousy-filled no-no, but a no-no nonetheless.

Six months later -- me being pretty green still -- Jay left for a job in California. I found myself in a great, albeit inexperienced position to take over. I had worked hard to learn the computer system and graphic design program as well as how to be a journalist.

I was ready.

In a matter of days I was named interim sports editor and a few months later the interim tag was removed. I was in hog heaven. Could this really be happening to me? I was eager to dig in.

Reality then set in. My work load doubled and I had to deal with angry readers and the business side of the business. It didn't help that we were down a person for almost a year before we could get a permanent solution on board.

I faced a very steep learning curve, but I adjusted and began to feel better in my new skin many months later.

That casual, wear-shorts-and-T-shirts feeling was gone. It was a grind. I embraced it and pushed forward. I loved a lot of what I did, but that grind wears on you. There's no way to avoid it. Some people manage it differently than others.

Fast forward a couple of years and I am no longer working for a newspaper. But, it was as much my choice as it was that of the business.

Here's why: My family.

You see, we added another child to the fold in October of 2012 and I wanted nothing more than to spend every waking second with my beautiful wife and two incredible, loving kids.

But that cut into my career, a profession that expects more than 40 hours a week. Try 50 or 60 during slow season. Oh, and you generally don't get paid for that extra time.

I tried to find a balance. It was difficult. Every time I would leave the house I could hear my kids crying and yelling, "Daddy!" Try going through that on Christmas Day. Yeah, it sucks.

And I kept having to leave earlier and earlier in the day and staying later and later into the night. A journalist is always on the clock. Your schedule is not set. It's constantly fluctuating and growing. It's like drinking from a hose that's on full blast.

The truth is I loved my daily interactions with the people I got to meet. I loved crafting game stories into living, breathing works of word art. I loved telling people's stories. I loved taking the ISU football beat and making it my own. I loved getting my hands dirty and pissing people off in order to write and create investigative pieces. I won awards for my writing. I was good at it.

But I hated the bureaucratic, red tape-laced politics of navigating a newsroom, especially under a boss looking to save his own butt at the expense of others. But, most of all, I hated not seeing my family. Fifteen-hour Saturdays will do that to you.

The truth is I eventually began sacrificing time at work to be with my family. I made a choice. I had seen too many people lose their families because journalism became their life. It wasn't going to happen to me.

And in the end, it cost me my job. A younger, hungrier person who was willing to work those extra, money-less hours took over.

The truth is I hung on too long. My wife and I wanted to make a change, but we weren't sure where to go or how to get out. The fun-loving days of working with Jay Heater were gone.

The truth is the newspaper business chewed me up and spit me back out. It wasn't for me. My family is for me. That is what's important.

Maybe I wasn't cut out for the newspaper business. On the other hand, maybe the newspaper business wasn't cut out for me.

Fortunately I was able to find a writing gig on the side thanks to
Kevin Hiatt at BroncoCountry.com. It's the fun part of being a sports journalist with none of the politics. It's the shorts-and-T-shirt portion.

I made a choice: My wife and kids mean more to me than reaching a Sports Illustrated-level goal. It might not be as glamorous, but it's certainly more fulfilling.

So there's the truth. My life is a product of the choices I make and the people I choose to be around. My quality of life depends on what I deem as the most crucial parts of it.

And, right now, life is good.

It's not me Pocatello, it's you: A fond farewell to the Gate City

As I sit in my office on my very last night in a building I've spent over three years in, I can't help but let my mind wander.

Tomorrow morning (Saturday) my family and I pack up everything we own to leave Pocatello for good. It's very much bittersweet in that we will leave behind relationships, routines and familiarity behind us. But at the same time, this is what is best for us.

As I have said, my time with the Idaho State Journal abruptly came to an end when I was moved to a different position in the office. It was abundantly clear at that point that it was time to advance to the next phase of my life. My wife and I had been talking about it for a while, but the change forced our hand.

I certainly have bitter feelings toward the situation, but it was exactly what I needed. My anger has been washed away and replaced by excitement and nervousness. There is no room in my heart for bitterness.

Back to the mind wandering thing. I have met so many incredible people and had the opportunity to do some cool things as a sports writer. I think about all the coaches who I became close with — Tony Green at Highland, Vinnie Benavidez at Pocatello and Pauline Thiros at Century, just to name a few — are people I will stay in contact with for years to come.

Then there are the players. I got really close with a lot of them. Some that come to mind immediately are Kyler Manu at Highland (Boise State football commit), Malek Harwell at Century, Mikayla Kanawyer at Highland and Andy Burtenshaw at Pocatello. There are many, many others. The point is these athletes and coaches became a part of my life, people I looked forward to talking to after their games. That experience and those people will be sorely missed.

All good things must come to an end, right? That's something I absolutely believe in. I'm also a believer in new beginnings. Sometimes when God closes a door He opens one the size of a house. That's how I feel now. With a house purchase underway and jobs lined up for my wife and I (I start Monday, actually), life could not be sweeter.

Thanks to all who were part of my journey in Pocatello. I will sincerely miss you. If you're ever in the Twin Falls area, hit me up. I'll buy you a Mountain Dew and we can catch up!

I used to work for Albertsons, that makes me part owner of the stadium, right?

I mean, I practically ran the place while I was there.

As Twitter, Facebook and the Boise media have been all over Wednesday, the Boise State football-playing facility formerly knows as Bronco Stadium will now be known as Albertsons Stadium.

To be honest, I actually like it. Joe Albertson is from Boise and he started a national grocery chain that still has its offices in the City of Trees.

Even more exciting is Albertsons paying $12.5 million over 15 years is a great sign. It wasn't that long ago that the company was struggling financially, even being sold to Cerberus Capital Management in 2006. The 2013 merger with Safeway stabilized the business and Albertsons is thriving.

Hence the hefty cash payment(s) to Boise State to hold naming rights of the stadium with its iconic Blue Turf.

Albertsons now has its name on BSU's library — a place I spent many hours "studying" and "researching" — and the stadium.

I would have been upset if it had been branded by some random, non-local entity. Taco Bell Arena is bad enough. I couldn't handle Carl's Jr. Stadium or Wendy's Coliseum.

Boise State got it right by going with a Boise company that has given so much to the community. From education to football, Albertsons deserves one of the highest spots in Treasure Valley lore. Having the name and logo on the former Bronco Stadium is a great start.

A rendering of Albertsons Stadium, the new name for Boise State's football stadium. The school will add Albertsons signage before the 2014 football season. COURTESY BOISE STATE

Read more here: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2014/05/21/3195133/its-albertsons-stadium.html?sp=/99/104/#storylink=cpy

The end is (thankfully) near

As I finish up my work Saturday night (early Sunday morning, really), it dawns on me that I have less than two weeks left at the Idaho State Journal.

Way less than two weeks. And I couldn't be happier.

I will work my regular four days next week, but then I am off the Las Vegas with my wife and kids to see my mother. (Note: She doesn't care about me anymore. She wants to see her grandchildren!) My vacation comes at an opportune time as I am super anxious to leave this newspaper and move on to the next chapter of my life.

It also means I only have to work one day of my last week.

The closer I get to the end the more trunky I become. May 30th cannot get here fast enough. Well, except for the days when I get to be on vacation. They can take their sweet time.

Anyway, this is a short post, but it comes with a lovely picture of my family. It's a little old, but the cuteness factor of my children is clearly visible — it's equally obvious they get their looks from their mother.

Did a blind squirrel just find a nut?

Quicker than cleaning your laminate wood floor with a Swiffer, the NCAA made the most correct decision in the history of the world.

One day after Boise State applied for a waiver to help homeless incoming recruit Antoine Turner, the hypocrites did something no one expected: They said, "OK."

As of Wednesday, May 14, Boise State University are immediately able to get Turner out of dirty hotels and his girlfriend's car and into a more comfortable, cockroach-less abode. You know, something like the Holiday Inn Express by the Boise Airport.

Finally, humanity is found in the largest collegiate athletics governing body. Finally, a logical, understanding and compassionate decision. I'm not sure what's more surprising, the fact that the NCAA actually made a good choice, or how fast it was completed.

There must be a shortage of red tape at their Indianapolis offices.

So, my question to you is; did a blind squirrel find a nut or is the NCAA actually trying to turn over a new leaf?

Antoine Turner (Photo from KTVB)

In which I make a comparison of biblical proportions: The folks at the NCAA are the new Pharisees and Sadducees

Time to let you in on a little secret: If I wasn't a sports writer or teaching, I would be doing something with religion. The historical combined with the theological are very interesting to me.

Bet ya' didn't know that about me!

Luckily, I can combine all the things that I enjoy right now. It's my blog and I'll do it if I want to.

Anyway, this weekend, Jay Tust of KTVB produced one of the finest stories I have ever read. It was, of course, his story on incoming Boise State junior college recruit Antoine Turner. Reading his background and that he's currently homeless until the NCAA says he can arrive on campus made me upset. It brought back bitter, angry memories of BSU's Couchgate and other such injustices.

Frankly, it pissed me off.

Miami gets off easy after a rogue booster provided cash, drugs, hookers and who knows what else to student-athletes who already have more than enough, but Turner can't get any sort of help from Boise State until a time approved by the NCAA.

And the NCAA has its student-athletes' best interests in mind. Right. And letting a 20-year-old live in a car while there are ample resources to remedy the situation just reeks of being charitable, intelligent and is clearly in his "best interest." Give him a place to stay.

As long as it's not on a couch, right?

The blatant and unashamed hypocrisy are palpable. Has there ever been a group of people in the history if the world more two-faced, phony or pretentious than the NCAA?

Here's where my interest in religious history comes into play.

In the New Testament (in the Bible), a group of people called the Pharisees and the Sadducees were in charge of the Jewish people at the time Jesus Christ was on the earth. Quick background info. here; the Pharisees and Sadducees were a political party/social movement that was originally tasked with keeping the Law of Moses, which is a very strict set of guidelines for the Jews.

What became the calling card for the Pharisees and Sadducees made sure the Law of Moses was followed. But they did it in a way that spawned a common saying: They keep the letter of the law and ignore the spirit of the law. Meaning, the strict rules of the Law of Moses were to be followed regardless. Any emotion, logic or sense is taken out of the process. Meanwhile, they do what they want, be it in accordance with or against the established laws.

You know, kind of like the NCAA. Let's make it up as we go and hope no one notices.

The Pharisees and Sadducees taught about God, but did not love God (read the Book of Matthew, chapter 23). The NCAA teaches amateurism, but makes bank off the images and success of the amateurs.

The Pharisees and Sadducees tithed spices and regulated how many steps a person can take on the Sabbath Day (seriously), but did it all in a one-size-fits-all approach and ignored the crucial points of the Law of Moses, such as mercy, love and justice. The NCAA penalizes schools when a player/prospect receives an "impermissible" hamburger, sleeps on a couch, hitches a ride to the store, is given a piece of gum or a handful of sunflower seeds, all while truly needy student-athletes live on the street or in a car.

The Pharisees and Sadducees feigned the appearance of being clean, wholesome and endearing while in reality they were selfish, ungrateful and into some really freaky, sexual things. The NCAA fakes its love for "maintaining an appropriate balance of values" (see president Mark Emmert's speech regarding the unprecedented Penn State sanctions) in regards to student-athletes while at the same time Cam Newton and Johnny Manziel escape real punishment because of loopholes.

The Pharisees and Sadducees stoned and killed people who they saw as unfit to be in their presence. The NCAA uses people like Big 10 commissioner Jim Delaney as a spokesperson, and they demean, belittle and dismiss anyone who calls into question the fallibility of the NCAA legislation in a laughing, you're-not-worth-my-time-or-energy manner.

Basically, it all comes down to the Pharisees and Sadducees and the NCAA being a bunch of lying hypocrites who don't want to escape the status quo for fear of losing their lofty status.

Just in case you need more reason to strongly dislike the NCAA, read this wonderful piece by Sports On Earth's Patrick Hruby called "The NCAA's Theatre Of The Absurd."

Care to share your own ideas? Feel free.

Details on the Glorfields' next adventure

As I announced last week, my days at the Idaho State Journal are numbered.

A combination of things led me to realize it was time for a change in scenery, career and life. It was a tough decision as I thoroughly enjoyed the relationships I built and the friends I made. Fortunately I am still able to write -- one of my true passions -- as the kind folks at BroncoCountry.com have brought me on as a contributor.

I cannot wait to leave Pocatello in my dust. Our next adventure brings us to Twin Falls. My wife Meagan and I have wanted to live in Twin for a while now. Here family is there and mine is in Boise -- much closer than Poky. Plus, the heart of Bronco Nation is within reach. This has me excited.

I will be working for T-Mobile at the Twin Falls store while Meagan will be teaching geometry at her alma mater, Wendell High School.

I am planning on taking the ABCTE, a test for people in the business world to earn their teaching certificates according to the experiences earned in their respective professions. I minored in Spanish in college (Boise State, duh!) and will receive teaching degrees in English/writing and Spanish.

I look forward to teaching, hopefully coaching and eventually earning my administration degree.

But, I will need to study and prepare for the ABCTE. Wish me luck!

I'm stoked for what life is bringing my family. We have some great opportunities in Twin Falls and it's up to us to make them happen.

And, best of all, I will be able to attend Boise State sporting events once again! I can't wait to bring my 3-(almost 4-)year-old son Sawyer to his first Bronco home game. He's excited as well.

So, Bronco Nation, I look forward to being a bigger part of the Bleed Blue movement. I hope to meet most, if not all of you, at some point.

The Glorfield family is Attacking the Future. Get out of our way.

The NFL Draft is over — here's what stood out to me

Once again, Boise State has its presence known in the NFL Draft.

DeMarcus Lawrence went to Dallas in the second round, a perfect fit scheme-wise for the outside linebacker/defensive end. He is literally the second coming of DeMarcus Ware, who recently left the Cowboys for Denver.

As long as Lawrence continues to work hard, stays out of trouble (not sure how much some curfew suspensions troubled NFL teams) and gets some consistent coaching, he will be a huge piece, if not a star, for a long time in Dallas.

It was great to see a pair of other Broncos make it the League as well. Center Matt Paradis went to Denver in the sixth round and tackle Charles Leno went to Chicago in the seventh.

Interesting note: Boise State has had four consecutive left tackles drafted in to the NFL, dating back to Daryn Colledge in 2006 (Ryan Clady, Nate Potter, Leno).

Even more interesting note: Paradis seemed a long shot to make it to the NFL back in high school. He played at Council, a tiny town in the central western part of Idaho. They play eight-man football there. He walked on at Boise State. When his named was called Saturday, his immediately became one of the coolest in the entire draft.

Receivers Geraldo Boldewijn (Atlanta Falcons) and Aaron Burks (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and defensive tackle Ricky Tjong-A-Tjoe (San Diego Chargers) were all signed as undrafted free agents. Quarterback Joe Southwick will be at the Oakland Raiders rookie mini-camp next week, but has not signed with a team yet.

In the non-Boise State thought department, we have, "What's wrong with Texas?!"

The 2014 NFL Draft was tangible evidence of the decay and stagnant state of the Longhorn program under Mack Brown. This is why many boosters, donors and rich people heavily involved in Texas football wanted him out of there.

They got their wish, but it was one year too late, appearantly.

However, let me add one huge disclaimer. Jackson Jeffcoat, the All-American defensive end did not go drafted. This is a huge oversight by every single team and general manager in the league. Jeffcoat has the talent and the pedigree to be a big-time player.

Seattle signed Jeffcoat as an UDFA and got a huge steal. Expect him to make the team and contribute.

The Michael Sam story is cool as he will become the first ever openly gay NFL player after the St. Louis Rams drafted the Missouri defensive lineman.

All this crossed my mind at some point over the last three days. What did I miss?

Share your thoughts!

Thoughts on student-athletes seeking payment

At the forefront of the minds of everyone who calls themselves college sports fans — and those who play said sports — is a question: Should student-athletes be paid?

The outside perception is that these players get benefits, experiences and privileges that other students do not. These benefits include free trips, including air fare, hotels and meals with their teammates during away games.

They also receive free clothes, and, the big one of course, a free education. Meanwhile, the rest of us are left to pile up student-loan debts and find our own way to live through the college years.

Athletes feel they’re being taken advantage of as universities make large dollar amounts off their image, and they are left out when that money-colored pie gets cut up and shared.

I believe most people get their point. You may or may not agree with it, but the idea is clear and understandable.

Think about it. Would you like your boss to pay you with trips, clothes, etc. and no cash? How would you pay for anything other than the most basic of living expenses?

Clearly this isn't an infallible example. Student-athletes are not employees (yet at least. The Northwestern football team is working on that). But the point remains the same.

Here’s my solution, and it involves a choice: An athlete can have tuition, books and housing paid for, along with the free trips, clothes and hotel stays athletes get for games. You know, just like it is now. Or they can pick a cash equivalent (made in payments) and they can pay for everything themselves, including their own airfare to away games.

Those who pick the second option much purchase the team-approved clothing (travel outfits, etc.) and pay to fly with those who chose No. 1. If they don't/can't, they won't play. Think about the financial and life lessons this will teach.

Easier said than done, I understand. But the principle this choice teaches is valuable and is more than equitable.

Clearly there is plenty more to be discussed on this matter. I simply offer these thoughts as my two cents and to generate discussion.

Thoughts?