MAACO BOWLLas Vegas 2011

FALL 2011
VARSITY B MOMENTS:
Pages 6-7
Inside this issue:
1MAACO Bowl Las Vegas
2011
2 Student-Athlete Graduation
4Tom Scott –Remembering
The Silver Fox
5-7 Varsity B Moments
8 Gus Urresti Golf Scramble
10 Broncos Giving Thanks
11 2011 Basketball Reunion
INTERVIEW WITH:
3 Kauhi Hookano
9 Greg and Dona Jo Sabala
The Varsity B Fall 2011 newsletter is
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.
MAACO BOWL Las Vegas 2011
By Michel Bourgeau, Varsity B Coordinator
IT WAS LIKE DÉJÀ VU all over again.
They say: “What happens in Vegas, stays
in Vegas.” It was hard to keep it quiet
this time around with such a great class
of senior football student-athletes representing our university.
The word is out, and you can ask
the Arizona State football team…they
didn’t really have a chance. The Broncos
played the 20th MAACO Bowl with
the attitude of an upset, caged animal.
Senior running back Doug Martin ran the
opening kickoff in for a Bronco score and
the rest of the MAACO Bowl game was
a perfect way to close the books on the
2011 season.
Many Varsity B members made the
trek to Las Vegas in support of the Bronco
football team. It was a great way to show
support for such a tremendous group of
student-athletes, while having an epic
time in Vegas.
The social hosted by the Varsity B
Club at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
was well attended, and those who were
there enjoyed meeting new Boise State
athletic director, Mark Coyle. Coyle was
not scheduled to start until January 5th,
2012, but he felt that it was important to
meet with some of the alumni studentathletes attending the MAACO.
We hope to see more of you in 2012!
– It is a great time to be Bronco!
New Boise State
athletic director Mark
Coyle meets up with
Varsity B members
Jason Payne, Keith
Walk-Green and Vince
Watson at the Varsity B
social in Las Vegas.
See next page for more MAACO Bowl images.
MAACO Bowl Fun – Las Vegas
Old guard wishes the young gun well. From left to right, Varsity B coordinator Michel Bourgeau (80-83),
Tom Spadafore (79-80), David Hughes (77-80), and Doug Scott (76-79) wish current Bronco player Dillon
Lukehart (son of former Bronco Dan Lukehart) good luck at Maaco Bowl Las Vegas.
Bronco cheerleaders pose for the
loud and proud Varsity B section at
Sam Boyd Stadium.
Jason Payne (93-97) center in blue shirt, hosted the
Varsity B tailgate at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas.
December 2011 Graduation—Welcome to the Varsity B!
Standing: Vicente Joli, JC Percy, Cedric Febis, Billy Winn, Jarrell Root, Amanda Remy, Darlene Nwagbuo, Paige Orcutt, Alexandria Bell, Kelsey Lang, Breanne Whitlock, Stacie Gross,
Nadine Russell, Mele Vaisima, Andrea Thiltgen, Kelly Forrester, Bryan Johnson Seated: Travis Stanaway, Aaron Tevis, Hunter White, Matt Wilson, Chuck Hayes, Brad Elkin, Tyler Jackson,
Thomas Byrd Front: George Iloka
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PAGE 2
Catching up with…
KAUHI
HOOKANO
FOOTBALL 1973-1976
community and the people of Boise
were there for me which made all the
difference. To this day I say I have two
places I call home; Hawaii, the place of
my birth and Idaho, the place where I
became who I am today.
FONDEST MEMORY AS A BOISE
STATE STUDENT-ATHLETE: The
camaraderie and brotherhood that is
forged in the trenches.
FAVORITE PLACE ON CAMPUS: The
lobby of the old Student Union, and the
3rd floor of the Library.
HOMETOWN: (where did you grow up
and where do you live?) Born & raised
in Pakala, Kauai, US Territory of Hawaii
1954. I currently live in Costa Mesa, CA.
DEGREES: BBA, with a minor in
Finance & Real Estate.
FAMILY: Divorced, 3 kids; Mahealani
24/F, Lei Mokihana 18/F, Pili 15/M
JOB: CEO/GM, Morning Sun Shirt
Co. established 1981, www.msshirt.com
FONDEST MEMORY AS A
STUDENT: As a freshman, the winter of
’72 was the coldest ever and the longest
6-months of my life. The student
THOUGHTS ON COACHES:
Tony Knap, Lyle Smith & Chuck
Banker: Coaches who saw something
and gave me a chance. Each one of those
mentors had an impact on my life and
continue to influence my personal and
professional judgments to this day.
HOW HAS THE UNIVERSITY AND
ATHLETICS CHANGED SINCE YOU
LEFT? Physically it’s a whole different
world from when I was a studentathlete. The growth and changes are
remarkable and one can only be proud
to have been part of the foundation that
is this success story.
LIFE
AFTER
BOISE
STATE?
Life is
good. I’ve
been able
to scratch
out a
comfortable
lifestyle
with what
I do. Can’t
say that
what I
learned at
Boise State
prepared
me for
the path my life has taken, but I can
definitely attribute my determination to
succeed in the business world to those
days in the trenches as a student athlete.
WHAT STANDS OUT THE MOST
ABOUT BOISE STATE? The people
and culture of the school, along with
the surrounding community of Treasure
Valley.
WHAT OTHER SPORTS DO YOU
MOST ENJOY WATCHING? Not a
major sports buff.
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON
THE VARSITY B CLUB? I think it
has been a fantastic organization; the
Varsity B club has come a long ways. It
has allowed those of us who live outside
of Idaho or even just away from Boise
to maintain relations with the school,
rekindle contact with old friends and
continue to experience the Bronco Pride.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A
BOISE STATE BRONCO? Once a
Bronco, always a Bronco and we bleed
Blue & Orange!
Winners of the Varsity B honorary captain award which were voted by the members of the graduation class.
The male and female student-athlete graduates who best represent the spirit of Bronco Athletics were Jarrell
Root, football (left) and Mele Vaisima, track & field (right).
FALL 2011
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PAGE 3
Remembering The Silver Fox
LYLE SMITH knew what he was doing—
Broncos had one of the top aerial attacks in
Division II. Knap knew what Nevada (then
not only on the field, but behind a desk.
Nevada-Reno) was thinking when the Wolf
Smith, the “grandfather of Bronco football,”
Pack came into Bronco Stadium in 1972.
had retired from coaching after the 1967
What did the Broncos do? They ran the
season. He was the new athletic director
ball. Then they ran some more. At the end
for the school that had morphed from Boise
of the balmy October night, Boise State had
Junior College to Boise College to Boise
rushed for 516 yards in a 56-19 pasting of
State College. He needed a coach to lead
the Pack!
the Broncos into the four-year era. Smith
That was not a one-time occurrence.
chose Tony Knap, a respected offensive
In 1973, Montana came to town while the
mind he had known for 30 years. Knap
Broncos were again racking up big numbers
had led Utah State to a 25-14-1 record
in the passing game, as Jim McMillan and
in four seasons (1963-66)
before taking a job with the
B.C. Lions in the Canadian
Football League.
Knap had to reinvent the
program with a new Boise
State identity in 1968. The
Broncos had about 15 or
20 players who, in effect,
transferred from Boise Junior
College to play four-year
football. Knap pieced them
together with a wave of
newcomers to craft an 8-2
record in that first season,
with the signature win coming
against the first Big Sky
Conference school that agreed
to play the Broncos in Boise,
Idaho State.
By 1970, Knap’s highTony Knap with Steve Svitak (left) and Doug Woolsey (right) in 1969
scoring offense had fostered
Ron Autele split time at quarterback the
an energized new fan base conference entry
way they did the season before. Knap must
into the Big Sky, and the current Bronco
have read the Grizzlies’ minds, too, because
Stadium opened with ambitious plans for
the Broncos shocked them with 521 yards
the future of the program (although no one
on the ground. The 55-7 victory that night
could have envisioned what it has become).
clinched the first of Boise State’s three
Knap led Boise State into its first postseason
straight Big Sky championships. Those
game in 1971, when the Broncos rallied
ambushes on Montana and Nevada remain
past Chico State 32-28 at the Camellia
the top two team rushing performances in
Bowl in Sacramento.
Bronco history.
Nothing symbolized Knap’s “Silver Fox”
Still, the era was stamped with Knap’s
nickname more than a couple games at
innovative pass-first offense that was way
the height of his tenure. In 1972, Knap’s
ahead of its time. In 1974, Boise State
pass-happy offense was well-established. The
FALL 2011
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averaged 334.5 passing yards, a record that
Bookends—with national champions on one end a
stood until Ryan
Dinwiddie’s senior year 29
the other
years later. And
Boisethe
State’sBroncos
win in the MAACOamassed
Bowl wrapped up516.9
a 30-year segment of Bron
interesting way. You have it starting with one of the school’s most successful
championship
squad. in
That 1974—that
group began its landmark campaign with
yards a game innational
total
offense
in Salt Lake City. And it culminates in 2010 with what numbers tell us is the b
orange—one that finished with a 26-3 thumping of the Utes in Las Vegas
mark lasted 36andyears,
until last season.
The 30 anniversary of the 1980 team was overshadowed during the fall by th
Knap went 71-19-1
entertaining
run in the Topduring
5, but no one his
who was
around three decades ago can forget th
won that title game in Sacramento. The Bronco program then, like now, had b
was
earned
through
a
thrilling
31-29
win
over Eastern Kentucky at the Camell
eight seasons ateverBoise
State.
appearance on national TV.
It was withHowgreat
sadness
wefallen the right way this season t
fitting it would
have beenthat
had the cards
unthinkable and make the BCS Championship Game. But does the fact that B
marked the passing
ofbowlKnap
inBroncos’
September
part of a BCS
preclude the
2010 team from being declared the
The evidence starts with margin of victory. Of all the great teams the Broncos
GoldenHere’s
Era began ina
1999,
the 2010I’ve
squad had
the highest scoring margin—b
at the age of 96.
story
heard
of 32.3 points. The 12-1 team in 2002 was a distant second at 27.1 points a g
many times, first
when
therecords.
stadium
For more
fuel, we goItowas
some school
This was Boise State’s best se
average of 521 yards per game broke the 36-year-old standard of 517. The B
record for passKnap
efficiency with
a rating
of 180. And on defense, they registere
announcer in 1977.
had
returned
defense’s average allowance was 255 yards, the best mark in 40 years. The
Nevada shouldn’t
the true nature
this team.
to Bronco Stadium
thatshroud
season
forofthe
first
Memories always rule the day, though, and both teams have storied drives tha
time
as
head
coach
stand—the test of time. For the 1980 squad it came in the final game. Trailin
Joe Aliotti marched the Broncos 80 yards—chewing up most of the drive with
hitting Duane Dlouhyat
withUNLV,
the famous winning
TD on
4 -and-10. The nationa
and
his
standard for everything that has happened in Bronco football since.
Rebels
were
being
For the 2010 group, the drive for the ages was on Opening Night. Virginia Te
the Broncos got the ball with 1:47 left. A 25-yard punt return by Mitch Burroug
old
own 44. With 86,587routed
mostly hostileby
fans inhis
his ear,
Kellen Moore coolly guide
five plays, hitting Austin Pettis with the dramatic winning touchdown from 13 y
team,
45-14.
“Late
Two teams from two entirely different eras, 30 years apart. But both with disti
in the game with the
Broncos’ big lead,
Tony was behind
his players’ bench,
quietly limping back
and forth on the
track,” one Boise
State fan recalls.
“The stadium was
quiet. My seats
were in Section 7
behind the UNLV
bench and we had a
big-voice fan in our
section. Big voice
fan: ‘Hey Tony.’
Tony stopped, looked up. Big voice fan:
‘We still love you.’ Everyone in Section 7
stood up and let out a loud affirmation.”.
th
th
To make a memorial gift to the Tony
Knap endowed scholarship, please send
your donations to:
Varsity B Club,
1910 University Dr
Boise, ID 83725-1020
ATT: Tony Knap Scholarship
PAGE 4
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.
Root and Kyle Efaw
Capital HS standouts Jarrel
Bronco seniors and former
tball coach Steve
and long time Capital HS foo
ham it up with Former Bronco
.
B football alumni BBQ
Vogel (center) at the Varsity
Former B
ro
with curr nco all time grea
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t quarte
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at the Va
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ach Lyle Smith.
FALL 2011
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PAGE 5
Varsity B honorary ca
ptains Mark Williams
and Jim Rogers thank
Urresti for being a ke
Rich
y Varsity B sponsor.
Stewart pose with
s Greg Erickson and Gordon
Varsity B honorary captain
e.
introduced at the Nevada gam
Buster Bronco prior to being
Bronco soccer alum, Libby
Johnson, was recognized bef
ore the start of the
New Mexico game on Homeco
ming weekend – Way to go
Libby!
Homecoming
Varsity B capt
ain and former
Rhonda Spragu
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PAGE 6
Giacomazzo had a great
ey, Dave Williams and Dave
Former Broncos Rolly Wools
game.
time tailgating at the UNLV
Former Bronco wres
tler Joe Fuson (left)
and his band Street
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Send your photos and info to:
an
Paul Coffm
Michel Bourgeau, Varsity B Club Coordinator
Varsity B Club • 1910 University Dr., Boise, ID 83725-1020
[email protected] 208-426-5440
FALL 2011
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PAGE 7
2011 Varsity B Gus Urresti Golf Scramble
THIS FALL the Varsity B could not resist scheduling the annual Varsity B Gus Urresti golf
scramble on the eve of the rematch with Nevada. The weather was more agreeable in the
beginning of October rather than the traditional homecoming weekend, which was October
22nd. The Gus Urresti Golf Scramble was another success with over $15,000 raised for
scholarships.
With over 140 participants, lots of chorizos and inspiring pre-game speeches by Coach
Lyle Smith and Coach Pete, the field of golfers did their best to push the rules and mulligans
to the limit. It was the perfect weekend; many prizes were won, and more importantly the
Broncos took care of the Wolfpack, leaving no question that a Bronco is definitely higher on
the food chain.
Be sure to make a point of participating in the 2012 Varsity B Gus Urresti Golf scramble.
Former Bronco, Rich Urresti, chairman of the Varsity B Gus Urresti golf scramble, will make
sure you have a memorable day! – Go Broncos!
Bart Hendricks, Dayton Hendricks and Jeff Edwards
made a Blue and Orange fashion statement.
The pre-tournament social was
well attended. Coach Lyle Smith
never misses a chance to meet
up with former Broncos.
Abe Kealoha, Rocky Lima and Steve Fisher had a fabulous time.
FALL 2011
Gus Urresti golf scramble chairman Rich Urresti congratulates third-place team
members Ryan Wynterswyk, Darrin Lyle and Tim Brady on winning the coveted
“Chinstrap award”.
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PAGE 8
Catching up with…
GREG AND
DONA JO SABALA
GREG SABALA – FOOTBALL 1990-1993
DONA JO (STILLWAUGH) SABALA –
MANE LINE 1990-1993
Dance Competition with the Mane Line
Dancers. Also, all the great friends that
I made.
Greg–Just being with the guys.
Meetings, work outs and living together
made it seem as if I had 100 brothers.
BSU is an extended family.
FAVORITE PLACE ON CAMPUS:
Had a Newfoundland dog - Kujo.
Enjoyed walks through campus and to
the river.
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.
HOMETOWN: (where did you grow up
and where do you live?)
Dona Jo – Boise, ID (Meridian High
School 1990 Grad)
Greg – Meridian, ID (Meridian High
School 1989 Grad)
HOW HAS THE UNIVERSITY AND
ATHLETICS CHANGED SINCE YOU
LEFT? Greg–Football is as an entirely
different level. They currently expect to
win against any competitor. It makes me
proud to say I played in the past.
LIFE AFTER BOISE STATE? We
were married in 1998 and still reside in
Meridian. We enjoy activities with our
two boys and still make going to the
BSU football games a part of our lives.
Camping and fishing as a family are two
of our favorite activities.
WHAT STANDS OUT THE MOST
ABOUT BOISE STATE? The growth
of the university and athletics programs
is amazing to see in our short time since
graduation.
WHAT OTHER SPORTS DO YOU
MOST ENJOY WATCHING? Basketball.
That is our youngest son’s favorite BSU
activity.
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON
THE VARSITY B CLUB? We appreciate what the Varsity B Club does for
athletes of the past. It makes us feel
more attached to the athletics of today
and the university.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A
BOISE STATE BRONCO? We are
proud of what we accomplished in the
past but are astounded to see the new
heights they have taken the programs.
We know there are a lot of demands on a
student athletes and are amazed to see the high
standards in both academics and athletics.
We currently live in Meridian, ID
DEGREES: Dona Jo – Bachelor of
Business Administration.
Greg – Bachelor of Arts
- Communication.
FAMILY: 2 boys – Brennen, 10 &
Donavon, 8.
JOB: Dona Jo–Works for Air Van (The
Official Mover of the Broncos) - 21
years.
Greg – Vice President of National
Brokerage – 14 years.
FONDEST MEMORY AS A
STUDENT: Greg & DJ–Graduation.
Completing the goal of graduating.
FONDEST MEMORY AS A BOISE
STATE STUDENT-ATHLETE: DJ–
1993, taking First Place in the NCAA
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PAGE 9
Broncos Giving Thanks
By Matt Strohfus (Football 1998-2002)
IN THE SPIRIT of the holiday season, this past Thanksgiving the Varsity B
Bart Hendricks and Matt Strohfus worked as a team to make to make
Broncos Giving Thanks a success.
wanted to help the needy families that have supported the former and current
student athletes throughout the years. With this concept in mind, “Broncos
Giving Thanks” was born. The concept was simple but the impact was
immense.
In conjunction with donations, volunteers, the Salvation Army, and
student athlete participation the Varsity B invited and received 40 families
to the women’s basketball game at Taco Bell Arena on the Sunday before
Thanksgiving. They were able to receive a pre-game meal, enjoy the game,
and then following the BSU win, each family was given a basket of everything
they needed to cook a turkey dinner for their family later that week. The
basket, which became known as “Turkeys Bleed Blue and Orange”, included
a turkey, the baking pan, stuffing, green beans, potatoes, and a pumpkin pie.
During this event we were able to feed over 300 people and it could
not have been done without the help of our current student athletes. Our
Gymnastics team was a great help in passing out the baskets to the families
and our Women’s Basketball team did a tremendous job in greeting and
signing autographs for the families after the game. Needless to say, there were
smiles all around!
The Varsity B would like to thank all of those that participated and we look
forward to putting on more events like this in the future!
PS From Michel Bourgeau, Varsity B Coordinator.
“A special ‘Thanks!’ to Matt Strohfus for spearheading this effort and coordinating all the donations and volunteers. Matt’s efforts are what
makes it a privilege to be a Bronco!”
Turkey basket assembly line was very productive – Thanks Ladies!
From left to right: Midan Urresti, Debbie Despot, Lisa Stoehr, Sharon Fontanella, Heather Strohfus, and Pam Strohfus.
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PAGE 10
Bronco hall of famers Roberto Bergersen and Ron Austin pose with former Bronco
basketball coach Bus Connor (center).
Men’s Basketball Reunion
COACH LEON RICE likes to get the
season started on the right foot. Rice
called for a basketball alumni reunion
for the 2011 homecoming weekend. It
was another good call by Rice, as the
Bronco alumni showed up to see the
fiery Bronco basketball scrimmage,
tour the new Arguinchona Basketball
Complex, and re-connect with old
teammates.
Boise State hall of famers Ron Austin
(1968-1972) and Roberto Bergersen
(1996-1999) were on hand along with
many other basketball alums who
were excited for Coach Rice’s second
season. The meet and greet social at The
Jim Rogers (66-68), Mike Sanor (86-88), Clint Hordemann (97-00) study an old
media guide with Coach Leon Rice.
Huddle Sports Grill in downtown Boise
was well attended. Former coach Bus
Connor enjoyed seeing the old timers
like Dan Bofenkamp and Bart Chaffee.
The state of the art Arguinchona
Basketball Complex showed how
far Bronco basketball has come. The
Bronco basketball alumni got to attend
a closed pre-season scrimmage and saw a
team full of hustle, and no-quit attitude.
That afternoon many of the basketball
alumni enjoyed some tailgating hosted
by Kenny and Suz Bolton, and the Boise
State vs. Air Force football game under a
beautiful Boise sky.
– Go Broncos!
Former Bronco point guards Anthony Thomas (04-09) and
Mike Hazel (81-85) enjoyed sharing war stories.
After a spirited
scrimmage the varsity
squad poses with the
Varsity B squad.
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PAGE 11
ATHLETES helping ATHLETES
BRONCO FOOTBALL COMPLEX will break ground in 2012. Football alumni are encouraged to leave a
lasting legacy by sponsoring a locker in the new state of the art football locker room. ­– Go Broncos!
To reserve your locker contact: Michel Bourgeau, Development Officer, Boise State Athletics [email protected] (208) 426-5440
FALL 2011
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