Marisa Howard to Raise Blue Chaos Flag

BOISE, Idaho – Marisa Howard, a former Boise State long distance competitor who represented the United States at the Olympics this past summer, will raise the Blue Chaos flag ahead of No. 12/14/12 Boise State's matchup against Nevada, Saturday evening.

Howard, who competed for the Broncos from 2010-15, is the first individual female to raise the Blue Chaos flag. She finished in seventh place in her heat in the 3,000-meter steeplechase in the 2024 Olympic Games, posting a time of 9:24.78.

"It is a huge honor to be selected to the Blue Chaos flag," Howard said. "It's awesome to be the first female to raise it. I hope I can inspire the next generation of athletes to keep dreaming. I had an amazing time attending and competing for Boise State. I met some of my best friends and husband here."

During her time with the Broncos, Howard was a three-time Mountain West champion and four-time all-conference runner, a two-time All-American, and the 2014 NCAA runner up in the 3000m steeplechase. Howard holds the fifth-fastest 5000-meter and second-fastest 3000m steeplechase times in Boise State's history.

Howard has competed professionally since graduating from Boise State in 2015 and currently runs for Idaho Afoot, a team of athletes trained by current Bronco head coach Pat McCurry. She has competed in two Pan American Games, winning a silver medal in 2019. She has made all five U.S. Championship steeplechase finals that she has competed in since graduation.

Following her Olympic performance, she joined Boise State as an assistant coach on the track & field and cross country program. A native of Pasco, Wash., she has spent her last 14 years living in Idaho.

"Bronco Nation is incredible!" Howard said. "They really rally behind our sports teams. We had a great send off this summer before the Olympic Games, and they continue to show up with large crowds to support our football team. After living and training here for 14 years, Boise truly feels like home."

Related Videos