The Front Row with MARK NELKE Sept. 18, 2011

One of Gene Bleymaier's most memorable moves in his 29-year tenure as athletic director at Boise State was his decision in 1986 to replace the green AstroTurf at Bronco Stadium with blue turf.

A quarter century later, the blue turf remains a Boise State icon. People made fun of Bleymaier and BSU over the years for the decision, but it gave Boise at least something to be known for, while the school was trying to find its way athletically.

Nowadays, the Broncos are known for being among the nation's elite in football. They don't need "the blue," but they dare not get rid of it, as their fandom has fallen in love with it.

Last year, Eastern Washington made the bold move of replacing its natural-grass football field with red artificial turf.

YES, RED.

Eastern took a lot of grief nationally - would the sun cause the red field to fade to pink eventually? - but, like Boise, the move gave the Eagles something to be known for in a region where EWU is often considered an afterthought after Washington State, Gonzaga and even Idaho.

But last year, in its first year on its new red turf, Eastern won the Football Championship Subdivision national title. This year, starting to become known more for its football, the Eagles nearly upset the Washington Huskies in Seattle.

Last week, as Bleymaier reflected on his time at BSU in an interview with The Idaho Statesman newspaper of Boise after being fired last month by school president Bob Kustra, he was asked for his reaction to EWU's field.

"I thought it was ugly," Bleymaier said.

Really, Gene? Rather than dissing the idea, why not be flattered? It's not like they were taking any attention away from you. Unlike some, I have no problem with "the blue" - it served its purpose until the school could be known for its football team. Gutsy move that served you, Boise and Boise State well.

And I hope “the red” stays in Cheney forever. I was hoping EWU would call it “The Red Carpet,” but they went for a more aggressive “The Inferno.” Kinda like when the Charlestown Chiefs smashed in the side of the team bus on Slap Shot because they wanted to “make it look mean.”

Consider this: Imagine the reaction if Idaho decided to roll out a black-and-gold football field in the Kibbie Dome one of these years?

On U.S. 95, just north of Hayden Avenue, there is a road sign which says it is 11 miles to Athol, 36 miles to Sandpoint and 9 miles to Silverwood Theme Park.

Nearly 2 miles later, just before the Alpine Store, another road sign says it is still 11 miles to Athol and still 36 miles to Sandpoint, but only 7 more miles to Silverwood.

So, if sometimes that drive up to Sandpoint seems like it takes forever, now you know why.

Mark Nelke is sports editor of The Press. He can be reached at 664-8176, Ext. 2019, or via email at [email protected].