Paws for News 2021

Greetings Bengal Boosters,

What a season it has been for our women’s and men’s basketball team! The Bengal women are ranked 10th in the Mid-major top 25 poll and 1st in the Big Sky Conference. The men are ranked 5th in the Big Sky, and their scoring defense is 61.8 PPG ranked 1st in the Big Sky and 16th in the nation. Given everything that has been happening this year, our athletes remain resilient and are maintaining a fierce thirst for the competition!

Sports updates: Be sure to tune in and watch all of our games on Plato TV.

Women’s soccer kicks off on February 14, softball swings into competition February 26 and golf tees off in their first competition on March 7.

An abbreviated football season begins on February 27 when the Bengals take on the Weber State Wildcats on our own turf at Holt Arena.

You can visit isubengals.com for all schedules, results and viewing information.

I hope you will enjoy our videos this month featuring Tya Seth, a current ISU junior from the Bengal Women's Golf Team and Jason Meador, a former standout linebacker for the Bengals during the 1997-2000 seasons. Jason and his parents, Phil and Bekki Meador have been incredible supporters of the athletic department for many years.

I can't thank you enough for your continued support of the Bengal Athletic Boosters and our student-athletes. As always, we remain committed to providing scholarships and support to our athletes and thank you, the Bengal faithful, for your loyalty and investment.

Together We Roar!

Thank You to Our Generous Donors!

The generosity of our faithful donors has allowed me the opportunity to compete at a higher level while also furthering my education. This Bengal family will forever hold a special place in my heart because of the lasting memories and lifelong friendships I have made. Being a Bengal not only means to excel in academics and athletics, but to also inspire those around you. Thank you, Bengal Boosters, for supporting me through some of the best years of my life and always reminding me to act with love, faith and integrity. I am so proud and honored to call myself a Bengal.

Tya Seth, Junior, Journalism and Public Relations Major from Portland, OR

Women’s Golf

Jerry Miller, Voice of the ISU Bengals sits down with Jason Meador, a former standout linebacker for the Bengals during the 1997-2000 seasons. Jason and his parents, Phil and Bekki Meador have been incredible supporters of the athletic department for many years.

Bengal Softball Picked 5th In Big Sky Conference Poll

The Idaho State softball team has been picked to finish fifth in the conference poll released by the Big Sky Conference this morning.

Weber State was picked to finish first in the conference with35 points and five, first-place votes. Sacramento State was slotted right behind Weber State with 35 points and two first-place votes. The Hornets collected 14 victories in the shortened 2020 season for a .558 winning percentage.

Montana was selected third in the poll with 26 points. Portland State earned 20 points for a predicted fourth place finish. Rounding out the preseason poll results were Idaho State at fifth (13 points), Southern Utah at sixth (12 points), and Northern Colorado at seventh (9 points).

The 2021 season gets underway Thursday, Friday, Feb. 26 when the Bengals travel to Stockton, Ca, for the U of Pacific tournament. The Big Sky Softball Championship is scheduled for May 13-15 in Ogden, Utah at the Wildcat Softball Complex hosted by Weber State.

Softball player batting

Head Football Coach Rob Phenicie Contract Extended:

Idaho State Director of Athletics Pauline Thiros has announced that a contract extension has been finalized for Idaho State Head Football Coach Rob Phenicie that extends through January 20, 2023 at a salary of $168,875. The contract includes eight different bonus opportunities totaling a maximum of $80,500 in bonus potential in addition to the salary.

"Idaho State is pleased to continue working with Coach Phenicie to build the football program. We like the changes we are seeing over time, appreciate the great efforts of the collective staff, and believe we have the right team of coaches in place to get good outcomes academically and on the field," said Thiros.

Phenicie was the wide receivers coach in 2015-16 before being named head coach in March of 2017. In 2017, the Bengals knocked off Nevada, giving the program their first win over an FBS team in 27 tries. After combining to win four games in 2015-16, the Phenicie led Bengals won four his first year in 2017 and the following year went 6-5. It was only the fifth time since 2000 that an Idaho State football team finished with a .500 record or better.

Phenice was also instrumental in the growth of receivers Mitch Gueller and Michael Dean, who finished their careers in 2019 as two of the best receivers in program history. Gueller became the Idaho State all-time leading receiver in 2019 as he finished his career with 3,249 yards.

"I love Idaho State and what the university stands for," Phenicie said. "We have made great strides in the program on the field, in the classroom and in the community thanks to the support of Pauline Thiros and President Kevin Satterlee. There are still a lot of strides to make to continue to grow the program and I am grateful for the opportunities that lie ahead."

Women’s Basketball Estefania Ors Breaks 3 Point Record

The Idaho State women's basketball team defeated Grand Canyon University 62-54 in Phoenix Friday afternoon. The game was highlighted by Estefania Ors breaking the Idaho State all-time made three-point shot record at 103 previously held by Andrea Lightfoot. Ors who is a senior from Altura, Spain made her record-breaking three-pointer with 5:51 left in the second quarter to give the Bengals a 25-17 lead and continued to propel the Bengals throughout the game. The Bengals defeated the Antelopes 62-54.

Estefania Ors headshot

For more information and to subscribe to Paws for News Newsletter, contact Donna Hays at (208) 282-5573.