Trophies, plaques and memorabilia fill the main lobby of Boise State’s Bleymaier Football Center, reminding every player and coach stepping into the building of the rich history the program carries and the standard they are expected to meet.
Deeper into the facility is a room unassuming in appearance, but rich in purpose: the equipment room.
The equipment room serves as the hub for what is a cornerstone of every football program: the equipment staff. Fans often see part of the staff’s work on game days, like when the Broncos take the field sporting a different eye-catching uniform combo every week. However, what fans don’t get to see is the behind-the-scenes, hands-on work that goes into suiting up each and every Bronco week in and week out.
When asked about the most rewarding parts of his job, Associate Director of Athletic Equipment Operations Dale Holste pointed out the relationships he’s built with players and coaches in his almost 30 years with the team.
“The most rewarding part is just getting to know the kids,” Holste said. “Just getting to know the players and their culture and who they are — it’s pretty cool. Obviously, the coaches too, getting to know them and knowing some of the ins and outs of them is a part I really enjoy.”
Holste spent his college years working in arena football as well as completing an internship with the then-Washington Redskins. After college, he was an equipment manager for Division II Colorado Mesa. He later served the same position at Fort Hays State, a fellow Division II school, while also serving as an administrative assistant. Holste arrived at Boise State in 1996 and has been the associate director of athletic equipment operations ever since.
The strong relationships Holste has with both current and former players and coaches are a testament to the countless hours he and the rest of his staff spend working with the team.
Holste explained the work week for the equipment staff begins on Sundays, finishing up laundry from the previous day’s game. During the rest of the week’s morning practices, the staff works closely with the team, with student managers assigned to specific position groups assisting players with any issues they might face with their gear.
Whether it be tightening a screw in a player’s helmet or ensuring their jersey is firmly in place with double-sided tape, the behind-the-scenes work of the equipment staff is essential to keeping the team running smoothly.
In the days leading up to away games, the staff is responsible for loading all of the equipment trunks into the team’s truck, sending it off with experienced drivers. Holste noted the truck drivers have been with the team since 2005, so the team knows their equipment is in safe, capable hands.
However, their work isn’t simply maintenance. The equipment staff is responsible for bringing some of college football’s most eye-catching uniforms to life. Whether it be the helmet, jersey, pants or cleats, Boise State football players have no shortage of options when it comes to looking good on game day. During weeks when special helmets are worn, graduate assistant Mason Becker is in charge of making sure each decal is placed with precision.
“Thousands”, Holste responded when asked the total number of Boise State football uniform combinations.
“If you want to change the decal or the facemask just on the blue helmet alone, we can go chrome decal with the blue mask, silver mask, blue jersey, white pants, you can go [with] so many different combinations, it’s crazy,” Holste said.
Behind the eye-catching looks, it’s the people who do the work beyond the public eye that make it all possible. For Equipment Manager Kellen Jolley, his role goes further than simply doing his job. The close-knit culture of the staff and the opportunity to stay around football after his own playing career make the job gratifying.
“It’s been an unbelievable experience,” Jolley said. “A lot of us were former high school athletes, so for us, it’s our way to stay around it … we have an awesome group, which makes it a lot better. It doesn’t feel like work.”
