Boise State's President On Vandal-Bronco Rivalry

Bob Kustra, president of Boise State, told the Idaho Statesman today that he sees no need to play the the University of Idaho in Moscow — or in Boise — after the football teams meet for the last time this season before BSU moves to the Mountain West Conference. His reason for wanting to stay away from Moscow? “It’s a culture that is nasty, inebriated and civilly doesn’t give our fans the respect that any fan should expect when visiting an away team.”

Kustra’s comments come a day after Broncos coach Chris Petersen, when asked if BSU was willing to do a home-and-home series with Idaho, said, “Why would we go (to Moscow)? I don’t think our fans even like to go up there. Most of Idaho’s fans are in Boise anyway.”

Idaho coach Robb Akey has maintained that the 40-year rivalry should continue “the right way” — with both teams getting home games.

University of Idaho president M. Duane Nellis responded, saying “I was disappointed to learn of President Kustra’s reported remarks during his meeting with the Idaho Statesman editorial board. I’m sorry to hear that Bob feels so negatively about his visits to Moscow. Both the University of Idaho and the city of Moscow take great pride in the friendly, welcoming and warm environment that a quintessential college town like ours can uniquely provide.

“Bob is right that athletic rivalries bring out passion in people for their alma maters; I’ve seen this first-hand between national rivals like West Virginia and Pitt, or Kansas and Kansas State. And I’ve experienced this here in our own state – both positive and negative. People with passion for their institution can say and do things that they regret. It’s unfortunate that this happens and all of our institutions should work to ensure that we don’t accept this unacceptable rhetoric. Late last week, I reached out to Bob to let him know that I was personally disappointed in the student opinion piece published by our student-run newspaper. I shared that disappointment with the Argonaut editorial board as well.

“In-state rivalries are meant to be fun. Our long-time rivalry with BSU is important to the state, the economy, and the fans from both teams. We embrace and celebrate that rivalry and I very much hope it continues. It goes without saying that we value our relationship with Boise State both on the field and court and in the many ways in which our two institutions work together to serve our state and its citizens.”