College of Western Idaho (CWI) students, employees, alumni, family, and friends filled the stands for CWI’s first night with Athletic Club Boise (AC Boise) on Wednesday, Sept. 30, as the club hosted Cancun Football Club for an international friendly at Athletic Club Boise Stadium in Garden City.
Fans had plenty to cheer about as AC Boise defeated Cancun FC 3-1, scoring two goals in the second half to secure the victory.
The first CWI Night at AC Boise brought the CWI community together for professional soccer while supporting student scholarships. Nearly 200 CWI group tickets were sold, with $5 from each ticket benefiting the SCORE Big Scholarship fund.
The night also put a spotlight on CWI’s impact in the Treasure Valley. CWI Dean of Student Access, Luis Caloca, was honored as AC Boise’s Community Impact STAR, which recognizes local individuals making a difference through service and leadership. Caloca was recognized in the stadium’s signature Purple Seat, reserved for the Community Impact STAR at each home match.
A founding staff member of CWI, Caloca has spent more than two decades expanding access to education and supporting students around the Treasure Valley. His work reaches beyond CWI through his involvement with the Nampa Schools Foundation, Breaking Chains Academy of Development, Idaho Hispanic Business Association, and other community organizations.
"I was fortunate to have incredible mentors and role models; Maria Cardenas, Arnold Hernandez, Robert Todd Nelson, and Terry Blom; who guided me throughout my educational and professional journey,” Caloca said. “Their encouragement, wisdom, and honest advice helped shape who I am today. I try to honor their impact by serving organizations that support education, health, small businesses, and entrepreneurship in our community. I don't do this work for recognition, so being named Community Impact STAR is truly meaningful and deeply appreciated."
The CWI spirit continued throughout the evening as CWI Admissions connected with fans and prospective students and handed out CWI swag. At halftime, fans had another chance to show their CWI pride as T-shirts were tossed into the stands during a special giveaway.
There was even more to celebrate as CWI Psychology student, Casey Sombke, was selected as the recipient of the evening’s $1,000 SCORE Big Scholarship. Sombke was awarded the scholarship during the match, which will help support his educational journey at CWI.
Thank you to everyone who joined CWI for its first CWI Night at AC Boise and helped make the evening a success while supporting students.
CWI Night returns this fall with the Idaho Steelheads. Stay tuned for more information and details on how to purchase tickets.
