POCATELLO, Idaho — Idaho State Athletics is proud to introduce Phil and Bekki Meador as recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award in the 2026 Idaho State Athletics Hall of Fame class. For nearly half a century, the Meadors have stood among the most dedicated and impactful supporters in the history of Bengal Athletics, giving generously of their time, resources, and energy to advance the mission of Idaho State University athletics in ways that have touched every corner of the program.
Phil and Bekki have been Idahoans their entire lives, but Pocatello was a choice. In 1977, at just 23 years old, Phil moved to Pocatello and became the youngest Toyota dealer in America, with Bekki serving alongside him as comptroller and office manager. Together they built Phil Meador Toyota into the number one auto dealership in the Northwest as recognized by Time Magazine. Though Phil is a graduate of the University of Idaho, the couple chose Idaho State as their university home, and have never looked back. Their connection to Bengal Athletics began in earnest in 1979 when they joined the ISU Athletic Booster program. Bekki became president of the Booster Club in 1987, and together they were in the stands when the Bengal football team won the 1981 National 1-AA Football Championship.
The Meadors' contributions to ISU Athletics have been broad, sustained, and deeply personal. Their dealership has long served as the venue for the annual Bengal Auction, one of the cornerstones of athletic fundraising at ISU. They have provided vehicles to coaching staffs for decades, serving as the longest-standing provider of dealer courtesy cars to the department. Their fundraisers, hosted at both their home and dealership, have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Bengal athletic programs across all sports, men's and women's alike. The Meadors also provided part-time employment to numerous ISU student-athletes over the years, including Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Jared Allen. The Meador Family Football Scholarship endowment continues to provide long-term support and opportunity for Bengal football student-athletes. Their son Jason was a four-year starter for ISU Football and continues the family tradition of giving back to the university.
Beyond their financial contributions, the Meadors have been active participants in the life of Bengal Athletics. They have supported sports clubs behind virtually every Bengal team, played a leadership role in the "Prepare to Roar" campaign, and served as advocates and superfans whose presence and passion have helped set the tone for Bengal pride in the Pocatello community. Their influence has helped shape the experience of countless student-athletes and contributed to building the foundation on which Bengal Athletics stands today.
Director of Athletics Pauline Thiros had this to say on the inductees:
"For more than 45 years, Phil and Bekki have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to Idaho State University. Their philanthropy has been extraordinary, but their involvement has never been limited to financial support alone. They have been actively engaged as advocates, volunteers, and superfans of Bengal Athletics. It is no exaggeration to say that Bengal Athletics has been shaped by the Meadors' decades of support, leadership, and belief in its mission. Their influence has enhanced the experience of countless student-athletes and has helped establish a strong foundation for future success."
Director of Athletics Pauline Thiros
Phil Meador also offered his own reflection on what Idaho State means to him and Bekki:
"You can contribute to a university because you are an alum, love your alma mater, and are expected to... or you can choose to adopt your university and contribute because it means the world to you and the community you call home. ISU is family, and Bekki and I are absolutely honored to be a part of such a phenomenal group of Hall of Famers.... thank you from the bottom of our hearts."
Phil Meador
