NORTHWEST NOTES: Sept. 17, 2020

Boise State athletics to

implement cost-cutting measures

BOISE – As a result of budget challenges due to the postponement of the 2020 fall season, Boise State Athletics is implementing furloughs and compensation reductions for all staff with an annual salary of more than $40,000, the department announced Wednesday.

The measures will result in a savings of roughly $1.8 million for the department.

The department’s head coaches, executive team and employees making more than $100,000 will face annualized salary decreases ranging from 8-15 percent, whereas furloughs for the remainder of affected staff will range from four weeks to 12 weeks. Some furloughed members of the department will be temporarily reassigned on campus based on University needs.

Head coaches will make the determination for assistant coaches, and where applicable, operations directors and strength staff, as to whether to furlough or implement salary reductions.

“As we’ve seen throughout the country, these are decisions that most, if not all, athletic departments are facing as a result of this pandemic,” Boise State Athletic Director Curt Apsey said. “Our staff is what makes Boise State so incredibly special and I feel for everyone who has to make these sacrifices. But in order to sustain a championship-caliber program going forward, these reductions are necessary.”

In an email to campus on Tuesday, Dr. Marlene Tromp, President, outlined the array of challenges facing Boise State due to COVID and noted that cost-saving measures across the university are necessary and forthcoming.

“I’m grateful for the resiliency and thoughtfulness of our staff in this difficult time,” Tromp said. “We have one of the premier athletic programs in the country, and we will focus on rebounding in a way that brings the Broncos charging back.”

Idaho State athletes appeal

federal court decision

Two female athletes who joined a lawsuit in defense of Idaho’s Fairness in Women’s Sports Act have appealed a federal district court decision that temporarily halts enforcement of the newly enacted law and forces female athletes to compete against males who identify as female while the lawsuit proceeds. Attorneys with Alliance Defending Freedom filed the notice of appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit on Wednesday.

ADF represents the two collegiate athletes, who run track and cross-country at Idaho State in Pocatello. The two women, Madison Kenyon and Mary Kate Marshall, are long-time athletes, well familiar with the difference in strength and speed between comparably gifted and trained male and female athletes.